Barriers to Jesus
It is crystal clear from the Bible that Jesus is the One we will all eventually worship and appear before whether we want to or not. One day we will all bow down before Him (Philippians 2:9-11). We will also appear before Him and give an account of our lives (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11-15).
Since all this is true and undeniable, what keeps people from believing in Him and following Him now? What are the barriers to Jesus?
First, there is a sin barrier. This is a problem we all have. The principle of sin is what keeps us from making correct decisions from time-to-time. It also leads us to make incorrect decisions.
It could also be a communication barrier. Many people have not heard how bad the bad news is, so they do not and cannot appreciate the good news of the gospel. This communication barrier, in some cases is a simple language barrier.
There can also be an ethnic barrier. People are reared with different beliefs, customs, and social views. Because of their ethnicity, they may be unwilling to give the gospel a fair hearing.
Sometimes it may be a physical barrier. People who have hearing difficulties or are physically challenged may not be able to get to places where the gospel is taught and explained. However, in our day there are many ways to overcome this barrier.
For some people there is a cultural barrier. This is a broad area. Culture is the sum total of our values, thoughts, attitudes, knowledge, actions, assumptions, symbols, traditions, habits, language, rules (spoken & unspoken), laws, preferences, beliefs, morals, and assumptions that people know automatically or intuitively. Wow! That’s a lot of stuff to work through. If we assume everyone thinks the same way we do, that can be a barrier to Jesus and how the gospel is explained.
There can also be a relationship barrier or a personality clash. Some people are naturally friendly and good at explaining truth. If the gospel has never been clearly explained to you, how about giving me a call. I would love to help if I can.
Environmental barriers can also be very real. Our chief enemy and his minions will do everything they can do to keep a person from hearing the good news of the gospel.
It can also be something as simple as a tradition barrier. Traditions are the mold that shape our beliefs. People have different faith traditions. Anything that is outside of their faith tradition is rejected outright. Only those with ears to hear can receive and believe the gospel when the message being delivered is different compared to their comfortable faith tradition.
If you are a person who does not like going to church or you have questions or you have never heard the gospel clearly explained, let’s chat. I will not twist your arm but I do promise to answer the questions you have.
