Communicating Your Faith in a Style That Fits You!

Session 5

Helping Friends Cross the Lineof Faith

Our Premise“God isn’t afraid of honest doubt from

those who are trying to discover the truth about Him. In fact, He warmly invites any

and all who have sincere questions to come, to seek, and to ask, because He wants to help them clear up the haze.”

3 Common Barriers to Belief

1. Misperceptions“If you commit your life to following

Jesus Christ, you can take your freedom, your individuality, your sense of adventure, and any hopes you have for fulfillment in this life, and kiss them all goodbye.”

3 Common Barriers to Belief

1. Misperceptions a. poor examples b. bad teaching c. natural fears

3 Common Barriers to Belief

2. Intellectual Roadblocks“If we fail to come through with a rational response, we risk becoming just another excuse for that person to disbelieve.”Walter Martin

3 Common Barriers to BeliefI Peter 3:15But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

2. Intellectual Roadblocks a. The historical accuracy of the Bible b. The rationality of our faith c. The problem of evil d. Christianity vs. Science

3 Common Barriers to Belief

3. Moral Misgivings Until a person is willing to admit his sin and let God change that area of his life, he will keep finding every excuse in the book to write off Christianity.

3 Common Barriers to Belief

Breaking the Barriers

A Prayer

Mark 9:24

A Promise

Jeremiah 29:13

Recommended Reading

Chapters 13–15

Session 1 - Review

3 Stories – 3 LessonsThe story of the lost sheep; the lost coin and the prodigal son.

1. Something of great value was missing.2. That which was missing was important enough to warrant an all-out search.3. Retrieval results in rejoicing.

Session 1 - Review

The BenefitsAdventurePurposeFulfillmentSpiritual GrowthSpiritual ConfidenceEnduring InvestmentThe Honor of Being God’s Agent

The CostsTime and EnergyReading and StudyMoneyRisk of embarassment or rejectionIt complicates your life!

Session 2 - Review

God’s Formula for Impacting the World

“HP + CP + CC = MI”

Session 2 - Review

God’s Formula for Impacting the World

High Potency (Salt) Close Proximity (Salt)+ Clear Communication (Light) Maximum Impact

Session 2 - Review

The Call to Authenticity

The Call to Compassion

The Call to Sacrifice

Session 3 - Review

4 Barriers to Relationships1.Biblical Issues2.Spiritual Danger3.Risk of Reputation4.Personal Discomfort (These are common to any activity!)

Session 3 - Review

Six Styles of Evangelism•Peter’s Direct Approach•Paul’s Intellectual Approach•The Blind Man’s Testimonial Approach•Matthew’s Interpersonal Approach•The Samaritan Woman’s Invitational Approach•Tabitha’s Service Approach

Session 4 - Review

Four Points to Ponder1.God – He is loving, holy and just.2.Us – We blew it; sin brings death and separation from God.3.Christ – He died as our substitute and offers forgiveness as a gift.4.YOU – A decision is required. We must personally accept Him as Savior and Lord.

Session 4 - Review

Four Illustrations

1.The Bridge Illustration2.The Spiritual Equation3.The Airplane Illustration4.The DO or DONE Illustration

Communicating Your Faith in a Style That Fits You!