2. Just Looking … Barriers to Belief

3. Just Looking … BerlinBethlehem

4. These “ barriers ” are suggested from the presupposition that the Christian message is true! Alternatively, you could argue that the one barrier to belief is that it is not a credible option. Intellectual footnote

5. Just Looking … Rational barriers Emotional barriers Spiritual barriers

6. Just Looking …

7. Rational barriers Unhelpful teaching to unlearn? Rules instead of relationship Judgement instead of Good News Achievement instead of grace Perfect health & prosperity Read first hand at least one Gospel

8. Just Looking … Rational barriers Unresolved questions? Reliability of Bible records? Problem of suffering? Many paths to One God? Questions about the miraculous? Make a conscious priority to find answers Some emotional issues hide behind rational disguises!

9. Just Looking … Rational barriers Unresolved questions?

10. Just Looking … Emotional barriers Past experience makes trusting difficult? Inadequate childhood father Defence systems to stop anyone getting “ in ” Broken promises by significant people Drive to succeed (fear of failure) “ Failed ” by God (> anger?) Wounded by Christians (or Church leader)

11. Just Looking … Emotional barriers Medical issues Depression (can ’ t “ feel ” God) Other medical factors eg Thyroid May need healing in order to be able to receive

12. Just Looking … Spiritual barriers Difficulties rooted in our own sin? Pride (good enough – don ’ t need to repent) Attachment to sin wrong-doing that we won ’ t say goodbye to Unforgiveness (unwilling / unable to forgive) Mistaking an encounter for a relationship Declare, seek, receive forgiveness

13. Just Looking … Spiritual barriers Difficulties rooted in spiritual warfare? Demonic strategy Occult involvement own, or possibly parents Involvement in some other cults or religions resulting in “ open skylights ” May need help in order to be able to receive Presupposition: there are real spiritual forces hostile to God

14. Just Looking … Einstein ’ s definition of insanity: doing the same thing again and again, and expecting a different result

15. Recognise your predicament Recognise God ’ s answer in Jesus Accept His solution Receive the Holy Spirit Live relating to God