I Once Was Lost: What Postmodern Skeptics Taught Us About Their Path to Jesus

I heard of this book from Dr. Del Tackett, in his video series, The Engagement Project, and wanted to check it out. I have just started reading it but it is an easy and interesting read, with true accounts of how skeptics of Christianity eventually embraced Jesus.

Allow me to start with respected reviewer who have read the book and made comment."What's in the secret sauce? It took two decades of lab work to find out, but two campus ministers working two different kitchens have picked up the five pivotal 'thresholds' that usher postmodernism into faith. This will be high on my list of the most important books on evangelism published so far in the twenty-first century." (Leonard Sweet, Drew Theological School)That means two authors has done research on how today's POST-MODERNISM culture response to God's Gospel. They never worked together. When they meet, they shared testimonies about what happened. They were shocked about similar experience from two different places and that was amazing work of Kingdom of God in bringing those Post Modernism skeptics to Christ.The book has been divided into following chapters:PATH TO JESUS:STEP ONE: Trusting a ChristianSTEP TWO: Becoming CuriousSTEP THREE: Opening Up to ChangeSTEP FOUR: Seeking After GodSTEP FIVE: Entering the KingdomBEYOND THE STEPS: Living in the KingdomCONCLUSION: Servant EvangelismNotice first step is to TRUST a Christian. WOW... how does that work to have Post modernism skeptics and non-Christians TRUST a Christian? On page 30, it says "Christa doesn't trust Christians because she was once told she's going straight to hell. Julie was invited to a church outing but felt like an outsider the entire time." Those stories tell us how they did not trust Christian at first place. That is why the book is a great resource on how to make Post-Modern Skeptics trust Christian. This is OUR challenge, NOT THEM. If we can't get them to trust us as Christians, then WE HAVE FAILED.In my opinion, I think Step Three is BIGGEST CHALLENGE for Christians. Which is Opening Up to Change. Common sense about Christianity is all about changing our life style from old life of sinful nature to new life of fruit of spirit.From I understand from the book is that lots of Skeptics and Non-Christians are not willing to change. If Non-Christians do not see changes in life style of Christians then how will you expect them to change? The report is that they have been observing that Christians do not change even after receiving Jesus Christ as personal savior. I do realize myself I have similar experience, when I first became Christian JUST BECAUSE I did not want to go to hell, I did not change myself. Why should they expect to change their sinful lifestyle if I don't change myself first.Therefore, the step to bring those Non-Christians and Skeptics to Christ is to let them see OUR CHANGE, not them. Therefore change starts with ME, NOT THEM.Hence, what I have been noticing, but being HONEST from bottom of my heart is... I notice: Modernist people's theme is: CHANGE THEM NOW and no change in my own life. Post Modernist people's theme based on this book is: CHANGE ME FIRST then make friends with non-Christians and Skeptics and spend time with them like loving neighbors as yourself.Sigh, For that reason, I wish I had that experience when I was college student back in 1985 but I can't call Michael J Fox for consultant on how to build up a time machine just to change the past for today. Oh well.

For so many of us, sharing our faith is a frustrating exercise. We have the best of intentions, but end up being jerks for Jesus. We avoid non-Christians like the plague for a while. Then some one or some thing convinces us that we really ought to evangelize. So we gear up with self-righteous, fire and brimstone fear of hell for the next round.And we wonder why Christians have a reputation for being judgmental, close-minded and angry. Why would anyone else want to be a Christian when we make it look so uncomfortable?If this sounds familiar to you, you are going to love "I Once Was Lost". Get ready to be amazed at how easy sharing Jesus can be. It's a freeing, wonderful book full of insights and practical applications. Not a how-to book on evangelism. More like a how-come what we have been doing hasn't been working. And biblical, helpful ways to see the whole process of coming to Jesus differently than you ever have before.Emphasizing relationship over religion and loving over lecturing; this book will give you the confidence to share what you love about Jesus and let Him handle the rest. A very special book that every Christian ought to read.

This book is a "must read" for all Christians! It gives insight into the natural progression most people experience as they move from pre-believer to follower of Christ. This knowledge will help you understand the readiness of your non-Christian friends to engage in discussions about faith in Jesus as you do life together. I wish I had known this information years ago when I first started facilitating The Alpha Course. I have incorporated the five thresholds taught in this book into the training of our Alpha small group hosts and helpers!

I found this book useful in thinking through the journey many people take in becoming Christians. The authors lay out 5 stages with some descriptions about each one taking up the majority of the book. The first stages are insightful and the last stages are compelling. One concern with the book is it's bent towards event Christianity. Event Christianity (having more events to invite non-Christians to) misconstrues the incarnational aspect of the gospel however, it does have a time and place. The only other concern I have is that the book seems to reinforce a view of culture and work that is too low instead of celebrating people in the workplace for the long haul. Overall a good book that I would recommend to anyone trying to understand evangelizing the lost.

Excellent book! I highly reccommend it to anyone who is looking for a deeper understanding of the mindset of a not-yet-believer. There are five mental/spiritual thresholds a not-yet-believer must cross before accepting Christ as their Savior. For example, the first threshold is Trust. If a not-yet-believer does not trust a Christian, they are less likely to respond positively to the Gospel message. This book equips you to think like nonbelievers so that you can best learn how to love and help the lost to know Christ!

the authors have made a very good work at targetting the way postmodern people progress in their pilgrimage toward Jesus. A very useful tool for all campus minister or every active christian.

Good

I am going through this book as I mentor an intern. Very well written and an ideal companion for evangelism mentoring conversations.