1. Obstacles to GOD’s Grace
Name
Lay Person

2. Obstacles to GOD’s Grace
Definition of GOD’s Grace
An everlasting, loving relationship with a forgiving GOD (…even when we don’t deserve it)
It is free!
What the expression “Good News” is all about
Grace is free but we mess it up and create roadblocks when left to ourselves. These roadblocks are called “Obstacles to Grace”

3. Obstacles to GOD’s Grace
People Us
Not accepting GOD’s gift
Refusing to make amends
Active rebellion
Failure to make any choice at all
Looking for the easy road (Christianity has never been easy)

4. Obstacles to GOD’s Grace
People Us
Not accepting GOD’s gift
Refusing to make amends
Active rebellion
Failure to make any choice at all
Looking for the easy road (Christianity has never been easy)
Others
Uncaring
Will try to destroy what you have
Friends will try to “bring you back” to where you were
Christian brothers not walking the walk

5. Obstacles to GOD’s Grace
Surprise: You might find your life getting tougher as you learn to follow Christ!
(…now the devil really has a reason to hunt you down)
He will use people to try to bring you down
…and, to test your willingness to forgive

6. Obstacles to GOD’s Grace
Don’t give up when the road gets tough
Stay involved and active in your faith.
Reach out and build relationships with your “new family”
What happens when you encounter “false” Christians?
Mechanical Mike
Pious Pete
Harry the Hypocrite

7. Obstacles to GOD’s Grace
Don’t give up when the road gets tough
Stay involved and active in your faith.
Reach out and build relationships with your “new family”
The Christian Community isn’t always healthy but we do have the world’s greatest Physician

8. Obstacles to GOD’s Grace
Places
Somewhere you will find trouble
Drugs/alcohol
Gambling
Negative behavior
Putting yourself in places of great temptation will test any Christian
Let others notice the change in you
Be prepared for negative reactions
Be ready to help when someone asks questions

9. Obstacles to GOD’s Grace
Things
Pornography & sex
Gambling
Gossiping
Drugs & alcohol
Racism
Peer pressure
Gang activity

10. Obstacles to GOD’s Grace
To Get Rid of Old Habits is Very Hard
Without the 3rd leg (Christian Action) our stool can not stand
Need to replace old habits with new habits of faith
This is a choice all of us can consciously make

11. Obstacles to GOD’s Grace
To Get Rid of Old Habits is Very Hard
Without the 3rd leg (Christian Action) our stool can not stand
Need to replace old habits with new habits of faith
This is a choice all of us can consciously make
Being a Christian is a label; Being Christian is a life-style choice

12. Obstacles to GOD’s Grace
The weekend is almost over,
but your journey is just beginning.
How can you establish a lifestyle of new choices?