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The Way of the Master
The Way of the Master gives light to an almost forgotten biblical key that has the power to unlock the door of the human heart. This is the proven and effective way of making the gospel make sense to the unsaved. It is so rooted in the Scriptures, once you see it, you will forever wonder how you could have missed it. It is the biblical principle of bypassing the intellect (the place of argument) and speaking directly to the conscience (the place of the knowledge of right and wrong) – the way Jesus did.
It’s anecdotal, loaded with commentary and remarks that are more conversational than academic. It’s an easy read with a hard message that has already changed the face of sharing faith.
It’s anecdotal, loaded with commentary and remarks that are more conversational than academic. It’s an easy read with a hard message that has already changed the face of sharing faith.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2004
211 people are currently reading
1212 people want to read
About the author
Kirk Cameron
52 books118 followersKirk Thomas Cameron is an American actor, director, and Christian evangelist. Kirk is best known as the lovable teen heartthrob Mike Seaver, of the award winning series Growing Pains. He entertained audiences worldwide as the charming troublemaker. He is also known to many Christians as "Buck Williams" from the Left Behind films -- based on the NY Times runaway best selling novels by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.
But much more noteworthy than his acting career was his conversion to Christianity. Kirk was not raised in a church-going home and describes himself as a devout atheist from a very young age. By the age of 14 he was so convinced there was no God that he laughed at those who thought there was. But that all changed one afternoon as he sat in his sports car pondering the first Gospel message he had ever heard. You can hear Kirk's testimony in his own words here: http://www.wayofthemaster.com/mp3/Kir...
Kirk continues to be actively involved in quality family entertainment and travels throughout the country, making the most of every opportunity to further the Gospel. He speaks in schools, churches and at community events. He is also a producer and host of The Way of the Master television series and radio program..
Kirk and his wife Chelsea have six children and live in southern California.
But much more noteworthy than his acting career was his conversion to Christianity. Kirk was not raised in a church-going home and describes himself as a devout atheist from a very young age. By the age of 14 he was so convinced there was no God that he laughed at those who thought there was. But that all changed one afternoon as he sat in his sports car pondering the first Gospel message he had ever heard. You can hear Kirk's testimony in his own words here: http://www.wayofthemaster.com/mp3/Kir...
Kirk continues to be actively involved in quality family entertainment and travels throughout the country, making the most of every opportunity to further the Gospel. He speaks in schools, churches and at community events. He is also a producer and host of The Way of the Master television series and radio program..
Kirk and his wife Chelsea have six children and live in southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 28, 2012
The Way of the Master. I recommend this particular book of Comfort!
Ray Comfort, with helpful comments by Kirk Cameron, takes head on the "Easy Believism" movement that has been distorting the Gospel. (See my own book review of John Bevere's Driven By Eternity for related subject matter).
Comfort and Cameron want Christians to use God's Law - properly. No more of the "Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life..." stuff. No! Though they don't state it as such, it's back to the Biblically Reformed "use of the Ten Commandments to convict the sinner of his sins before you show him the grace of God!"
The Way of the Master is very helpful in showing the reader how easy it is to use the Law in this convicting endeavour. "Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever looked lustfully at a woman? Have you ever stole?" etc. etc. The person you are talking to will inevitably admit to these sins. Then comes the mention of Hell as God's just punishment. Only after this comes Substitutionary Atonement whereby Christ pays what you owe God.
Of course if you read the book you'll see that Comfort and Cameron do a far better job than I'm doing here to help get the Church back on track with the Gospel.
Indirectly, one is reminded of Reformed Christianity's threefold use of the Law as stated by Louis Berkhof 1873-1957. (In their book Comfort and Cameron are concerned only with the 2nd use of Law stated in the following):
"1. A usus politicus or civilus. The Law serves the purpose of restraining sin and promoting righteousness. Considered from this point of view, the Law presupposes sin and is necessary on account of sin. It serves the purpose of God's common grace in the world at large. This means that from this point of view it cannot be regarded as a means of grace in the techinical sense of the word.
2. A usus elenchticus or pedagogicus. In this capacity the Law serves the purpose of bringing the man under conviction of sin, and of making him conscious of his inability to met the demands of the Law. In that way the Law becomes his tutor to lead him unto Christ, and thus becomes subservient to God's gracious purpose of redemption.
3. A usus didacticus or normativus. This is the so-called tertius usus legis, the third use of the law. The Law is a rule of life for believers, reminding them of their duties and leading them in the way of life and salvation. This third use of the Law is denied by Antinomians."
It's my prayer that in all the good work that Comfort and Cameron are doing they won't forget to also tell people the 1st and 3rd uses of God's Law! Well done guys!
Ray Comfort, with helpful comments by Kirk Cameron, takes head on the "Easy Believism" movement that has been distorting the Gospel. (See my own book review of John Bevere's Driven By Eternity for related subject matter).
Comfort and Cameron want Christians to use God's Law - properly. No more of the "Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life..." stuff. No! Though they don't state it as such, it's back to the Biblically Reformed "use of the Ten Commandments to convict the sinner of his sins before you show him the grace of God!"
The Way of the Master is very helpful in showing the reader how easy it is to use the Law in this convicting endeavour. "Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever looked lustfully at a woman? Have you ever stole?" etc. etc. The person you are talking to will inevitably admit to these sins. Then comes the mention of Hell as God's just punishment. Only after this comes Substitutionary Atonement whereby Christ pays what you owe God.
Of course if you read the book you'll see that Comfort and Cameron do a far better job than I'm doing here to help get the Church back on track with the Gospel.
Indirectly, one is reminded of Reformed Christianity's threefold use of the Law as stated by Louis Berkhof 1873-1957. (In their book Comfort and Cameron are concerned only with the 2nd use of Law stated in the following):
"1. A usus politicus or civilus. The Law serves the purpose of restraining sin and promoting righteousness. Considered from this point of view, the Law presupposes sin and is necessary on account of sin. It serves the purpose of God's common grace in the world at large. This means that from this point of view it cannot be regarded as a means of grace in the techinical sense of the word.
2. A usus elenchticus or pedagogicus. In this capacity the Law serves the purpose of bringing the man under conviction of sin, and of making him conscious of his inability to met the demands of the Law. In that way the Law becomes his tutor to lead him unto Christ, and thus becomes subservient to God's gracious purpose of redemption.
3. A usus didacticus or normativus. This is the so-called tertius usus legis, the third use of the law. The Law is a rule of life for believers, reminding them of their duties and leading them in the way of life and salvation. This third use of the Law is denied by Antinomians."
It's my prayer that in all the good work that Comfort and Cameron are doing they won't forget to also tell people the 1st and 3rd uses of God's Law! Well done guys!
August 3, 2011
Quite honestly a must read for every Christian. It will change the way you view the significance of the Gospel message. It will change you as only God can.
July 12, 2010
falsehood. I am frightened that impressionable believers will read this book and question their salvation and that of others as well as put themselves back under the shroud of legalism. This is wrong. Granted, I didn't finish it, but when I got to about page 80 and Comfort implies that you'll know false converts because they sometimes act selfishly, I realized that he was saying that most of us, then, including myself, are going to hell when I was actually under the impression that I accepted Christ and he then began a good work in me back when I was was 13. The fact that I wasn't perfect then and, even though I have grown in obedience in response to his grace, am not perfect now, should thus convince me that I never actually repented of my sins? Please. Daily I seek to lay it all down and take up my cross and follow Him. The fact that I'm not yet entirely perfected and still stand perfect in my Jesus is just one of the great and mysterious wonders of dwelling in Christ. Don't let Comfort call you to question your salvation. Even if you didn't quite know what you were getting into (I didn't) when you got saved, you'll know as Christ reveals Himself and His sacrifice to you as well as the magnitude of what He saved you from. There is tremendous rejoicing to be done, and THAT rejoicing, that mysterious joy and peace that pass all understand, is the witness the world needs to see. Trust me, they've heard how they're going to hell. Fred Phelps and Jerry Falwell have done that for us. It's time for us to be real, now. Come on, we're better than this. What about LOVE?
March 3, 2012
The subject matter: This impressive and inspiring book teaches how to accurately and biblically witness to the unsaved. The Master at witnessing was, of course, Jesus Christ. This book stresses the use of the Ten Commandments while sharing the gospel message, leaving the conviction work to the Holy Spirit and the choice in the sinner's life.
What I especially liked: I've seen the television programs by the same title, but the book was much more helpful. What I found most useful as teaching tools were Ray Comfort's many metaphors and analogies, not only as tools to use when witnessing to the unsaved, but for the Christian who struggles to see the importance of the Law in witnessing.
How my life is changed: I read this book over several months. I would have read it faster, but each chapter was so full of gripping and convicting truth that I had to keep putting it down to meditate on the concepts. I was already an evangelist to strangers and friends, but this book transformed my whole outlook even more. After reading each chapter, I couldn't wait to share the lessons with others in an evangelism class I attend.
My advice to you: If you are a Christian, then you're called to share the gospel message. To learn how to witness the way Jesus did it, I urge you to buy this book. You'll add The Way of the Master to your library as I have done.
What I especially liked: I've seen the television programs by the same title, but the book was much more helpful. What I found most useful as teaching tools were Ray Comfort's many metaphors and analogies, not only as tools to use when witnessing to the unsaved, but for the Christian who struggles to see the importance of the Law in witnessing.
How my life is changed: I read this book over several months. I would have read it faster, but each chapter was so full of gripping and convicting truth that I had to keep putting it down to meditate on the concepts. I was already an evangelist to strangers and friends, but this book transformed my whole outlook even more. After reading each chapter, I couldn't wait to share the lessons with others in an evangelism class I attend.
My advice to you: If you are a Christian, then you're called to share the gospel message. To learn how to witness the way Jesus did it, I urge you to buy this book. You'll add The Way of the Master to your library as I have done.
September 4, 2009
This book was so amazing. I have never heard the salvation message delivered this way before. it was so powerful. I had no idea there were so many false converts in christianity simply because they didn't know the way true way to heaven. It gives you so much insight into God, and what he expects from us. i felt so convicted, and at the same time so full of love for him. I see my sins in a new light, and will be forever changed by this book. God is amazing, and his forgiveness is there when we are ready to turn from our sins. I want to hang the ten commandments in my house, so that I am daily reminded of how to live.
March 3, 2014
No no no no no. This is an instruction book from the foundation of the abuse of Holy Scripture. It corrupts the Gospel with formulaic, legalistic, dogmatic praise. It was a struggle to complete this material for my seminary course list. Though it is regarded as necessary material by many, I find it turgid and rather "American".
August 28, 2010
After initially hearing Kirk Cameron's presentation of "Hell's Best Kept Secret," I eventually read this book & was changed by it; I heartily recommend it!
June 19, 2012
This was the most powerful and convicting book of evangelism that I have ever read.
This book should be read by every person on the planet.
This book should be read by every person on the planet.
July 29, 2021
Wow.
I read this book to learn how to communicate the gospel better but I came away understanding the gospel far better than I ever have done before.
Praise God for His Law and how it drives us to Christ.
I can’t recommend this book enough. Read it!
I read this book to learn how to communicate the gospel better but I came away understanding the gospel far better than I ever have done before.
Praise God for His Law and how it drives us to Christ.
I can’t recommend this book enough. Read it!
Read
November 15, 2011The Way of the Master is a short book about how to be an effective evangelist. Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort take their readers through numerous of steps to show this. For example, Cameron and Comfort uses the "speak directly to the conscious" method; first they would use an ice breaker to start a conversation, "Hello, do you mind playing a game.....do you consider yourself a good person?...have you ever lied before?..well what would you call someone that lies?" By going through these steps the listener or player of "the game" would soon come to find out that we all have sinned and the only way to have a realtionship with God is through Christ Jesus. The reason I liked this short book was because it came with an DVD and that triggered an idea for me. Since I write poetry then, I could make a cd to go with the book as well so they could hear the meaning behind the poem or the passion. Some people or visual so maybe I could create a DVD of myself saying the poem with different effects.
October 4, 2009
If you ever had a question about how to what the Bible said about how to witness to an unbeliever, this is the book. This book comes with a cd. This book will change the way you witness!!!
February 28, 2012
Best book I ever read. A read eye opener
May 5, 2017
Ray Comfort is a conservative Christian, author and evangelist who is well known for the television series that bears the same name as this book. Kirk Cameron is a Christian actor and contributor to the book as well as a close friend and working partner to Ray.
This book outlines a method of bearing witness and soul-winning that takes it's pattern from the words of Jesus as found in the Christian bible. The authors explain how to use the method described, it's function and purpose and how to avoid stumbling blocks and pitfalls.
The method and it's exposition help to lead to a greater understanding of the body of Christ and the church and why some attempts to modify, mollify, change and soften the truths of the bible have proven ineffectual when it comes to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.
This book outlines a method of bearing witness and soul-winning that takes it's pattern from the words of Jesus as found in the Christian bible. The authors explain how to use the method described, it's function and purpose and how to avoid stumbling blocks and pitfalls.
The method and it's exposition help to lead to a greater understanding of the body of Christ and the church and why some attempts to modify, mollify, change and soften the truths of the bible have proven ineffectual when it comes to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.
November 22, 2020
Wow, what a read. Insightful and a blessing. Too often I put my comfort zone ahead of someone's soul and how selfish is that? Thankful for the straightforward and honest look at evangelism.
February 19, 2025
A wonderful book of Faith in God
July 10, 2016
Candace Cameron Bure mentions this book in her convocation address at Liberty University (which I saw on youtube), so I decided to check it out. I am really glad I did, because I enjoyed it and greatly appreciate the message. The main theme is the issue of today's evangelists focusing only on God's grace but neglecting to stress the importance of the LAW, i.e., Joel Osteen and most megachurches. Ray Comfort does a great job of writing in a simple, convincing, heartfelt style and his sincerity and concern for all people and their eternal souls really comes through here. There was so much I loved about this book, and his illustration of the story of Lazarus and the rich man was inspired. I will say that I am glad he didn't dwell on the evolution vs. "creationism" issue, because we disagree on that. I look forward to reading more from Ray Comfort! Highly recommended!
November 23, 2019
I would recommend this book to every single person! By the time I got to the end I was both full of blessing at the concept of being driven to the grace of God (though the reality of my own sin was not new to me), and convicted that I have slowly migrated toward the "God is love" as primary "gospel." The truths in this book are life-changing!
January 9, 2009
At a different time in my spiritual walk, Comfort's book may not have earned 5 stars. But in my current state of fighting complecancy, His challenge to replace the thinking of "What Would Jesus Do?" and replace it with "What Did Jesus Do?" was what I needed.
September 22, 2018
More of a movement than a book really. These glasses are the corrective lenses that any follower of Christ in the western world must wear, if they have been blinded by the myopia of modern faith. Just read it!
July 24, 2009
This is another great book by Ray. I recommend all Christians to read this. One Christian read it and it for to fearful for them to continue to read.
July 21, 2010
Want to know how to evangelize? READ THIS BOOK.
September 15, 2011
Wonderful informative eye opening book!
August 29, 2012
A must read for all those that call themselves Christians.
October 26, 2010
One of the best books on evangelism I have ever read.
September 30, 2022
Ray Comfort identifies a vital omission from much of the contemporary church, the importance of God’s Law. Preaching God’s grace makes no sense if there is no preaching of God’s Law. Evangelism should include Law and bring people to an awakening of their lawlessness and, thus, need for the salvation by grace God offers through Jesus. Especially when preaching to the non-believer, there is a necessary work in Law that we must do before introducing people to grace. Comfort also correctly identifies a significant cause for casual Christianity in the contemporary church, a lack of law preaching.
The book, however, goes off the rails in many ways. The evangelism “formula” expounded by Comfort is formulaic, often a sign of weakness in the theological foundation. While God’s Law does need to be front and center until people are awakened to their sin, it doesn’t need to be presented in Comfort’s style and formation. We should give the Gospel contextually (not forgetting that Law is part of the Gospel). Kirk Cameron’s “commentary” was often off-putting and usually redundant. It should be eliminated from the text. Finally, the biblical exegesis of passages like the rich man and Lazarus were bizarre and seemed intentionally twisted to make Comfort’s point. I cannot recommend the book because of his erroneous biblical work.
The book, however, goes off the rails in many ways. The evangelism “formula” expounded by Comfort is formulaic, often a sign of weakness in the theological foundation. While God’s Law does need to be front and center until people are awakened to their sin, it doesn’t need to be presented in Comfort’s style and formation. We should give the Gospel contextually (not forgetting that Law is part of the Gospel). Kirk Cameron’s “commentary” was often off-putting and usually redundant. It should be eliminated from the text. Finally, the biblical exegesis of passages like the rich man and Lazarus were bizarre and seemed intentionally twisted to make Comfort’s point. I cannot recommend the book because of his erroneous biblical work.
December 10, 2021
An excellent and convicting book that exhorts Christians to participate in the regular discipline of evangelism. Ray Comfort doesn't mince words regarding our responsibility to share the gospel with the lost, and shares stories and advice that can help you be more effective in evangelizing to friends, family, or strangers.
I appreciate Comfort's approach because it starts in the right place: with God's righteous and holy standard. Before we share the good news, the bad news needs to be presented first. How can someone be saved if he/she is not convinced that he/she needs saving?
I personally have grown in my ability and confidence to share the gospel as a result of reading this book. I have adapted much of the approach that Ray promotes in this book in my own encounters.
I appreciate Comfort's approach because it starts in the right place: with God's righteous and holy standard. Before we share the good news, the bad news needs to be presented first. How can someone be saved if he/she is not convinced that he/she needs saving?
I personally have grown in my ability and confidence to share the gospel as a result of reading this book. I have adapted much of the approach that Ray promotes in this book in my own encounters.
November 14, 2019
This book has really transformed my understanding of the Gospel. Even though I bought the book to gain a greater understanding in sharing the gospel, I actually confronted myself with these truths. Ray Comfort really provokes the soul, and in my own experience, shines a harsh but much needed light on our souls. I believed I was saved two years ago, on a late-September night. I still do, but when I looked at the Law, I questioned myself. In the end, I rededicated my life to Christ. As Ray talks about in the final chapter, what matters is "the present"!
April 14, 2023
So many answered questions
This book, i would highly encourage evangelists to read. It explains a great tactic that universally will stand on its own against Atheists, cults, and non believers alike. i really enjoyed the stories in this book. The authors use of analogies are brilliant and on point. It really helps you get a fuller grasp of the seriousness of the Gospel. "giving the Gospel before you have revealed the heart of the sinner is like a doctor providing you a cure before explaining you have a disease"
great lessons and great takeaways.
This book, i would highly encourage evangelists to read. It explains a great tactic that universally will stand on its own against Atheists, cults, and non believers alike. i really enjoyed the stories in this book. The authors use of analogies are brilliant and on point. It really helps you get a fuller grasp of the seriousness of the Gospel. "giving the Gospel before you have revealed the heart of the sinner is like a doctor providing you a cure before explaining you have a disease"
great lessons and great takeaways.
June 23, 2025
Evangelism That Works
Ray's book can wake up the Laodician church mentioned in Revelation 3. It will separate the tares from the wheat and challenge you to question whether or not you are truly "in the faith". It will challenge you to give up "pew sitting" and give you the information you need to follow in the steps that Jesus and the apostles walked. It will teach you how they used the Law to reach those destined for an eternity of suffering away from the presence of God. If this book doesn't make you weep for the lost, you, too, need to be "born again".
Ray's book can wake up the Laodician church mentioned in Revelation 3. It will separate the tares from the wheat and challenge you to question whether or not you are truly "in the faith". It will challenge you to give up "pew sitting" and give you the information you need to follow in the steps that Jesus and the apostles walked. It will teach you how they used the Law to reach those destined for an eternity of suffering away from the presence of God. If this book doesn't make you weep for the lost, you, too, need to be "born again".
October 28, 2023
A must read!
This is a must read for unbelievers, new Christians, Christians who have been in the faith for some time, and pretty much everyone under the sun.
Ray Comfort separates the popular but harmful evangelism that is used today from the way Jesus evangelised in his ministry. Instead of the misconstrued teachings of Christianity as a philosophy for serenity, Ray shows that the Christian faith is essential for life on earth and in eternity.
This is a must read for unbelievers, new Christians, Christians who have been in the faith for some time, and pretty much everyone under the sun.
Ray Comfort separates the popular but harmful evangelism that is used today from the way Jesus evangelised in his ministry. Instead of the misconstrued teachings of Christianity as a philosophy for serenity, Ray shows that the Christian faith is essential for life on earth and in eternity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews