5 Broad Categories:
1. the Logical Barrier/Obstacle
2. the Emotional Barrier/Obstacle
3. the Behavioral Barrier/Obstacle
4. the Cultural Barrier/Obstacle
5. the Spiritual Barrier/Obstacle

5 Broad Questions:
1. “How do you know...?”
2. “What if someone fails me...again?”
3. “What will others think?”
4. “What will I have to give up?”
5. “Is it really that important?”

Some barriers keep people away from Jesus; some keep us from growing deeper in our relationship to Jesus

“Many people are kept from exploring faith in Jesus by misconceptions about what Christianity truly teaches. Some believe they must become morally perfect before coming to church...others are convinced that faith is simply a set of rules or rituals. There are those who see Christianity as exclusive or intolerant, or who misunderstand the nature of grace—believing that salvation is earned rather than received as a gift.”
-BibleAnalysis.org

the Spiritual Barrier/Obstacle
“is it really that important?”
-ignorance
-doubt
-unbelief
-feeling of worthlessness
-constant guilt
-pride and self-reliance
-spiritual warfare
-homogenized religion
-lack of spiritual discipline/distance

Statistically, on a scale of 1-10, how near is the average person to saving faith?
1964, 8 out of 10
2025, 3 out of 10

Ignorance:
“...unless we gain knowledge of God’s Word, we cannot develop our faith...’faith grows as it is fed’.”
-R. Herbert

Doubt:
“We may believe that God is and that He can perform something, but we are not sure He will do it for us...wavering between belief and unbelief...unstable”
-R. Herbert

Unbelief:
“...the Bible shows that we must begin to trust and believe, and then God adds to our faith.”
-R. Herbert

Feeling of Worthlessness:
“Our inability to believe that we deserve love and are worthy of belonging is one of the biggest hindrances disconnecting us from God.” -Frank Elizalde

Constant Guilt:
“Quite often, when we do something against Christian values, we are left clouded with guilt and shame...the path to repentance, too, becomes difficult”
-Frank Elizalde

Pride and Self-Reliance:
“Pride and self-reliance can hinder faith by placing trust in oneself rather than in God...acknowledging one’s dependence on God is essential for a vibrant faith”
-BibleHub.com

Spiritual Warfare:
“Sometimes it is hard to truly comprehend a threat that comes from things that are unseen...However, God warns us that the threat of spiritual warfare is very real and to arm ourselves with what He has given us.”
-Rebecca Mashburn

Homogenized Religion:
“False teachings pose a significant threat to faith, as they can lead believers astray from the truth of the Gospel...believers are urged to test the spirits and hold fast to sound doctrine.”
-BibleHub.com

Distance/Lack of Spiritual Discipline:
“Neglecting spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship can weaken faith”
-BibleHub.com

“Clarifying the heart of the Gospel—that Jesus welcomes everyone regardless of their past, and offers transformation through relationship [with Him], not rule-following—can break down these walls [barriers]”
-BibleAnalysis.org

“Our personal struggles with spirituality may be difficult to deal with, but knowing God’s unconditional love is always with you can help you overcome these inner wars”
-Frank Elizalde