Saturday, October 9, 2010

The Dynamics of a New Birth

Many diagrams exist that illustrate the process of a lost person coming to faith in Jesus Christ and becoming His devoted disciple. The following diagram follows a -12 to a +4 linear scale of a person being completely closed to Christ to becoming a reproducing disciple-maker. A diagram like this can help us identify where a lost person is and how to get them closer step-by-step to receiving the Savior and joining the Kingdom.

Level -12: No God framework. God is confirming His existence. Our task is Prayer

Level -11: Experience of Emptiness. God is confirming His existence. Our task is Presence.

Level -10: God framework. God is Revealing Himself. Our task is Presence.

Level -9: Vague awareness of and belief in God. God is Revealing Himself. Our task is Presence.

Level -8: Wondering if God can be known. God is Revealing Himself. Our task is Preparation.

Level -7: Awareness of Jesus. God is Guiding the person closer. Our task is Preparation.

Level -6: Interested in Jesus. God is Guiding the person closer. Our task is Preparation.

Level -5: Experience of Christian Love. God is Guiding the person closer. Our task is Proclamation.

Level -4: Aware of the basic facts of the Gospel. God is Convicting them of sin. Our task is Proclamation.

Level -3: Aware of personal need. God is Convicting of them of sin. Our task is Proclamation.

Level -2: Grasp the implications of the Gospel. God is Convicting them of sin. Our task is Power.

Level -1: Challenged to respond personally. God is Converting them to salvation. Our task is Power.

Level 0: Repentance and faith. God is Converting them to salvation. Our task is Power.

Level 1: Holy Spirit and baptism. God is Transforming their lives. Our task is Encouragement.

Level 2: Functioning member of local church. God is Empowering them. Our task is Encouragement.

Level 3: Continuing growth in character, lifestyle and service. God is Empowering them. Our task is Encouragement.

Level 4: Part of team leadership. God is Empowering them. Our task is Support.

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