The Fifth Threshold: Following | The Five Thresholds #6

Our great joy is to see our friends cross the fifth threshold into the Kingdom when they put their faith in Jesus for the first time.

Jesus describes faith in two parables: the discovery of a great treasure and the “pearl of great price.” These stories teach us that it is costly and joyful to believe in Jesus. The first man’s search was unintentional and the second man’s was more intentional.
As a friend of someone in the fifth threshold, we must new believers understand the cost of following Jesus. Christians must shift from being “us-centered” to being “Jesus-centered.” He becomes the core of our being and he gets a say in every facet of our lives – this is not always easy for people to understand, even for long-time believers!
Part of helping new believers is to welcome them into Christian community and to invest in them as they grow in Jesus. It’s not wise to assume they’re doing just fine because they’re new believers.

Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
What are examples of people who have come to faith in Jesus unintentionally? What about intentionally? Explain.
What are some of the challenges of switching from a “me-centered” to a “Jesus-centered” lifestyle? What are some practical examples of what this change looked like in your own life? Explain.
What do you think of the idea of throwing a “faith party” for a new believer? Explain.
What are some ways you could welcome a new believer into Christian community? Explain.
When you became a believer, were you welcomed into Christian community? Explain.
Did people invest in you when you became a believer? Explain.
What are some ways you could help invest in a new believer? Explain.
Did you personally or have you seen others face great challenges when they first came to faith? Explain.
Write a personal action step based on this conversation.