Systematic Evangelism Pt 3: Breaking through the barriers.

The 3 barriers to the Gospel are the last piece of the evangelism system my friend James shared with me. (Of course he didn’t call it a system, I do, but’s that what a Marine On Own Program does – makes things my own…) Anyway, I actually started this series by typing this third post from the back of a 46 flying down to New River on Friday. I then remembered the other 2 parts that James told me about, and I definitely needed to post those first in order to set this one up, so here it goes!

The first of the 3 barriers is the “Intellectual Barrier.” For those who are stopped by this one, the Gospel doesn’t make sense… Why would a perfect God become a sinless Man to go through temptation, suffer, and die on a cross to save them from a hell they don’t even believe exists. They want hard factual proof and faith seems to lack logic.
The second is the “Emotional Barrier,” which affects those who experienced a church break-up or unfaithfulness from one who claimed to be a Christian. They find it difficult to place trust in a God-Man because they don’t feel like they can trust any man; much less a religious idea that they have seen fail before.
Finally, there exists a Volitional Barrier: the Barrier of the Will. Those who have this barrier won’t believe because it would mean sacrificing what THEY choose. They’ve made up their mind, and they’re strong willed enough to stick to it, regardless of reason or feelings.

These are some pretty strong barriers, even greater than the ones that keep would-be criminals out of top secret government compounds! Some people have just one barrier, and some have all three. Those who wish to present the Good News to them must realize these hindrances to the message… Remembering the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:18.

I pray that as you come against them, the Holy Spirit will give you wisdom to patiently wait as He dismantles them to allow the Gospel to get through.

Peace,
Adam