Sermon Nuggets Fri. Jan 2
Theme- Doubts
Verses- John 20:28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.
31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
(NIV)
Doubts Replaced
I am thinking the opposite of doubt is belief or trust. The opposite of refusing to do something is obedience and obeying in spite of doubts. For Thomas there was a complete commitment.
He knew Jesus to be “My Lord.” He was back in the presence of Jesus whom he loved. Jesus was more than the son of God He was personal to Thomas. He was a personal Lord. He wanted Jesus to be his master. He referred to Jesus as “My God”. He worshiped Jesus for who He was God incarnate- God in the flesh. Jehovah Witnesses try to say this was an expression of surprise we too often hear when people use God’s name in vain. “Oh, My God”. They do not believe Jesus was God. Yet Jesus now was Thomas’ object of complete worship and devotion. Other things didn’t make much difference. He didn’t ask about details. He made a commitment.
Jesus responded, “Because you have seen me you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” He replaced doubt with belief. He believed Jesus. Jesus showed that people are accepted by believing, not by seeing. Those who do not see will be especially blessed. Thomas experience was no different than yours or mine, only he saw Jesus with his eyes. Both he and you must believe in Him. Both he and you have hope and happiness. It isn’t sight that is important it is faith.
I am glad that a skeptic refused to believe without evidence. I am glad this is recorded in the Bible. But for many Thomas’ testimony is no different than what the other disciples were to Thomas. Just because others had seen Him and believed wasn’t good enough for him. He needed to see for himself. Jesus isn’t any more alive after Thomas saw Him than before. Jesus isn’t any more alive now if you see Him or you do not.
As we see in other parts of the Bible, it doesn’t take much faith to believe that God is God when a person is healed. But it does take a great deal of faith to believe and trust Him completed when we don’t’ get healed. Men like to praise those as having great faith when miracles occur in their lives. They like to point to people as having more faith because of healing or because of a miracle. But that is not the case. It is in faith that we are assured of blessing. For the purpose of Christ signs were to convince them that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Do you believe that? Then don’t worry about the signs. Pray for healing, pray for miracles but don’t confuse what God chooses to do with faith or lack of it. There are incidents in the Bible when faith was the avenue for great works and other illustrations when people experienced God’s miracles even when they had no faith. For that isn’t what is important in God’s eyes. What will convince people to trust Him as Lord and God?
The rich man who died thought his brothers would believe if he could resurrect Lazarus from the dead and pay them a visit. "'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'
"He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'" Luke 16:30-31
The Gospels are not just biographies of Jesus. It isn’t important just to know about His life on earth. But the Gospels are to give us a revelation of Jesus as Messiah. The purpose of these writings are not historical primarily, although they pass the historical tests repeated. The purpose is that we might believe in the one whom God has sent to be savior of our souls. It is to reveal Himself. It is to call us for a personal response.
To believe in Jesus is just the beginning not the end of the story. It is helpful to remember Thomas when you have doubts. Don’t be troubled with doubting. Doubting can be health to encourage more Bible reading and meditation. Jesus didn’t’ rebuke John the Baptist when his disciple came to Jesus and asked Johns’ question. “Are you really the one?” What did Jesus tell them? God tell John the blind see, the lame walk, the sins are forgiven.” Then He praised John the Baptist. He met him for reassurance and He reassured Thomas. Wait and let Christ reassure your doubts. Be a seeker. Not like one who throws in the towel like Judas. Let time pass. But like Thomas be with people. Pray and spend time with them and ask the questions with an openness to change.
When a person handles doubts properly his faith will be strengthened. Many a great saint can testify that they have had a similar experience, a period of questioning that is later followed by a renewed and deeper faith. That was Thomas’ experience. He met the lord. Look at eh fats to encourage faith, and also the confession of them to Christ. Then trust. Even when you doubt trust and the eyes of faith will show your Jesus who wants to be your savior, friend and God.
These are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ and that believing you might have life in His name.
Pastor Dale
Friday, January 2, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Doubts Examined John 20:26-28
Sermon nuggets Thurs Jan 1 (Happy New Year)
Theme Doubts
Verses- John 20:26-28 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Doubts Examined.
After Thomas refused to believe in the resurrection regardless of what his friends said and saw, Jesus confronts doubts by appearing once again in this upper room. This time Thomas sees for himself. One comes to saving and active faith ultimately not based on what other people say or do, but based on their own meeting with Jesus.
Stephen Board, wrote for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship on doubts and discussed doubts of emotions, doubts of ignorance, and doubts of the will.
An emotional doubt stems not from facts, but how we feel about something. Our convictions cause us to look at the facts differently than “objective” people.
I have often been with husbands and wives who perceive reality differently based on their emotions. I keep telling myself not to come to my conclusions on a matter until I have heard both sides of the story. People see life differently from their emotional experiences. I saw this happening with the political campaign. Facts are believed or doubted based on which candidate or party one favors. That would be emotional doubting.
But there is also a doubt of ignorance. From time to time I get emails (It used to be letters) to sign a petition to halt a bill from legislature which is trying to pull religious programming from the air waves and media. It started circulating over 30 years ago with Madeline Murray O’Hare accused of fighting the FCC. It was shown to be a hoax. Using different names, this hoax crops up about every 5 years. It costs a fair amount of time and money to take these petitions and dispense with them.
Because I encouraged the church attenders to sign the petition and discovered it to be a hoax I don’t do announce or pass on petitions unless I have checked the source. Fortunately with the internet I can check out the validity more quicly, but when something seems fishy it usually is. Even emails that say they have been verified by Snopes.com aren’t. Ignorance of the facts perpetuates doubts.
Politicians are masters at trying to circulate misinformation, half information, and out right lies. I have never been more upset than this year because I had checked out many of the stories of the claims candidates make toward one another. So many political ads were misleading. What does one do with new information?
Years ago one lady at Stanchfield was so convinced a particular company secretly funding abortions. She was very angry at me for not publicizing this in church. I wrote a letter to the company and showed her how it was a hoax and false information. She refused to believe the corporation was telling the truth. One member accepted that new information and stopped encouraging people to sign a boycott of goods from this company. But this other lady moved from an emotional doubt to a doubt prompted by her will. She refused to look at the evidence. Stephen Board also talked about doubts of the will. This is just the plain desire to want to believe something to not believe thing. One doubts based on their refusal to look at evidence.
Jesus came into the room and locked the doors and his first words were again, “Peace” He came for peace to ease their fears and doubts. He is real. For Thomas the confrontation of emotional doubts were eased when he was with people again. But the confrontation of meeting Jesus confronted the doubts of ignorance.
I find if frustrating to discuss with someone who objects to Christianity by looking at evidence that points to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As soon as one question is answered he has more. I learned that questions move from doubts of ignorance to doubts of the will. One refuses to believe because to accept some facts means they would have to change their thinking or admit they were wrong. People do not like to admit they were wrong.
Jesus knew the heart of Thomas. Even when Jesus was not in the room, He knew his doubts. But when Thomas was confronted with the risen Lord he changed his will and bowed down and gave a confession of faith and recommitment. His was a response that is one of the greatest that can be given. “my Lord and my God.” His doubts were confronted and He was willing to admit his was wrong. He realized a whole new purpose in living and in dying when by his will he submitted himself to the living Lord. He believed.
Pastor Dale
Theme Doubts
Verses- John 20:26-28 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Doubts Examined.
After Thomas refused to believe in the resurrection regardless of what his friends said and saw, Jesus confronts doubts by appearing once again in this upper room. This time Thomas sees for himself. One comes to saving and active faith ultimately not based on what other people say or do, but based on their own meeting with Jesus.
Stephen Board, wrote for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship on doubts and discussed doubts of emotions, doubts of ignorance, and doubts of the will.
An emotional doubt stems not from facts, but how we feel about something. Our convictions cause us to look at the facts differently than “objective” people.
I have often been with husbands and wives who perceive reality differently based on their emotions. I keep telling myself not to come to my conclusions on a matter until I have heard both sides of the story. People see life differently from their emotional experiences. I saw this happening with the political campaign. Facts are believed or doubted based on which candidate or party one favors. That would be emotional doubting.
But there is also a doubt of ignorance. From time to time I get emails (It used to be letters) to sign a petition to halt a bill from legislature which is trying to pull religious programming from the air waves and media. It started circulating over 30 years ago with Madeline Murray O’Hare accused of fighting the FCC. It was shown to be a hoax. Using different names, this hoax crops up about every 5 years. It costs a fair amount of time and money to take these petitions and dispense with them.
Because I encouraged the church attenders to sign the petition and discovered it to be a hoax I don’t do announce or pass on petitions unless I have checked the source. Fortunately with the internet I can check out the validity more quicly, but when something seems fishy it usually is. Even emails that say they have been verified by Snopes.com aren’t. Ignorance of the facts perpetuates doubts.
Politicians are masters at trying to circulate misinformation, half information, and out right lies. I have never been more upset than this year because I had checked out many of the stories of the claims candidates make toward one another. So many political ads were misleading. What does one do with new information?
Years ago one lady at Stanchfield was so convinced a particular company secretly funding abortions. She was very angry at me for not publicizing this in church. I wrote a letter to the company and showed her how it was a hoax and false information. She refused to believe the corporation was telling the truth. One member accepted that new information and stopped encouraging people to sign a boycott of goods from this company. But this other lady moved from an emotional doubt to a doubt prompted by her will. She refused to look at the evidence. Stephen Board also talked about doubts of the will. This is just the plain desire to want to believe something to not believe thing. One doubts based on their refusal to look at evidence.
Jesus came into the room and locked the doors and his first words were again, “Peace” He came for peace to ease their fears and doubts. He is real. For Thomas the confrontation of emotional doubts were eased when he was with people again. But the confrontation of meeting Jesus confronted the doubts of ignorance.
I find if frustrating to discuss with someone who objects to Christianity by looking at evidence that points to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As soon as one question is answered he has more. I learned that questions move from doubts of ignorance to doubts of the will. One refuses to believe because to accept some facts means they would have to change their thinking or admit they were wrong. People do not like to admit they were wrong.
Jesus knew the heart of Thomas. Even when Jesus was not in the room, He knew his doubts. But when Thomas was confronted with the risen Lord he changed his will and bowed down and gave a confession of faith and recommitment. His was a response that is one of the greatest that can be given. “my Lord and my God.” His doubts were confronted and He was willing to admit his was wrong. He realized a whole new purpose in living and in dying when by his will he submitted himself to the living Lord. He believed.
Pastor Dale
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Doubts Confronted- John 20:26-27
Sermon nuggets Weds Dec 31
Theme- Doubts
Verses- John 20:26-27 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"
27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Doubts Confronted-
A problem with confronting doubts is the tendency to believe what we first were taught. Some studies says when we hear a lie it takes up to 5 times to hear the truth before we actually change our minds. First impressions do make a difference. But when we know a truth how much more difficult to accept another truth. Death ends life. To accept a resurrection from someone who died is a big adjustment.
Jesus is confronting Thomas with his personal appearance. His doubts must be faced with another truth.
But before that Thomas heard many testimonies of the miracle by those who were his friends. When people respond to Christ because of others it is never as strong a faith as when someone has a personal meeting with Jesus. In the first instance people are responding to ideas and testimony. Those become important steps to bring us to meeting the Lord. However, if that is all we base our faith on then doubts arise more quickly. We need a personal encounter with Christ. But rebellion may keep us from wanting to heed the Holy Spirit’s conviction on our hearts.
When we disbelieve something it is difficult to change one’s mind. You must be shown to be wrong. Most beliefs hinge not so much on the facts as on pride. It is difficult to admit personal change of opinions. Yet, there is no one who can accept Christ without first coming to the very point of humility saying “I was wrong”, "I have sinned”, "I need help". Sin keeps people in their doubts even when confronted with truth because it is as one who says, “Don’t confuse me with the fact, my mind is made up.”
Likewise, there are doubt that come from our emotions more than reason. Emotional doubt is just a feeling we have. Something in us doesn’t make sense. Someone might doubt because of hypocrisy in the church. This has nothing to do with the claims of Jesus only the emotions we have about others. Such a person needs a different perspective. They need to think through the real issues and not judge Jesus by those who claim to believe in Him.
I find doubts of emotion to come into play with the loss of a loved one. It is grief that keeps some people from trusting in Jesus because they are hurt when a loved one leaves them. Life didn’t happen hey way they wanted it to happen. Surprisingly to me, it has nothing to do with the facts. All people die. I would think someone who has died past their 80s would be more understandable. The resentments against God, church, pastors and faith are just as strong for some who lost a grandparent or an older parent. They don’t like death and so blame God. It is especially hard to lose a child in death by illness, or worse by violence.
When some doubt God or the Bible it might be helpful to evaluate what else is going on in their life that is keeping them from the real issues about Jesus. Satan uses lots of lies to keep us from faith. But we also need to look within to see what is going on in our own hearts-Pride? Sin? Selfishness? Grief? Anger? Loneliness? Lust? Looking at the facts doesn’t always change the emotions. “Lord, change me” is one of the hardest prayers to give to face our doubts as well as our lives when we know we are not in the will of the Lord.
That is an important prayer also as we face a New Year.
Pastor Dale.
Theme- Doubts
Verses- John 20:26-27 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"
27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Doubts Confronted-
A problem with confronting doubts is the tendency to believe what we first were taught. Some studies says when we hear a lie it takes up to 5 times to hear the truth before we actually change our minds. First impressions do make a difference. But when we know a truth how much more difficult to accept another truth. Death ends life. To accept a resurrection from someone who died is a big adjustment.
Jesus is confronting Thomas with his personal appearance. His doubts must be faced with another truth.
But before that Thomas heard many testimonies of the miracle by those who were his friends. When people respond to Christ because of others it is never as strong a faith as when someone has a personal meeting with Jesus. In the first instance people are responding to ideas and testimony. Those become important steps to bring us to meeting the Lord. However, if that is all we base our faith on then doubts arise more quickly. We need a personal encounter with Christ. But rebellion may keep us from wanting to heed the Holy Spirit’s conviction on our hearts.
When we disbelieve something it is difficult to change one’s mind. You must be shown to be wrong. Most beliefs hinge not so much on the facts as on pride. It is difficult to admit personal change of opinions. Yet, there is no one who can accept Christ without first coming to the very point of humility saying “I was wrong”, "I have sinned”, "I need help". Sin keeps people in their doubts even when confronted with truth because it is as one who says, “Don’t confuse me with the fact, my mind is made up.”
Likewise, there are doubt that come from our emotions more than reason. Emotional doubt is just a feeling we have. Something in us doesn’t make sense. Someone might doubt because of hypocrisy in the church. This has nothing to do with the claims of Jesus only the emotions we have about others. Such a person needs a different perspective. They need to think through the real issues and not judge Jesus by those who claim to believe in Him.
I find doubts of emotion to come into play with the loss of a loved one. It is grief that keeps some people from trusting in Jesus because they are hurt when a loved one leaves them. Life didn’t happen hey way they wanted it to happen. Surprisingly to me, it has nothing to do with the facts. All people die. I would think someone who has died past their 80s would be more understandable. The resentments against God, church, pastors and faith are just as strong for some who lost a grandparent or an older parent. They don’t like death and so blame God. It is especially hard to lose a child in death by illness, or worse by violence.
When some doubt God or the Bible it might be helpful to evaluate what else is going on in their life that is keeping them from the real issues about Jesus. Satan uses lots of lies to keep us from faith. But we also need to look within to see what is going on in our own hearts-Pride? Sin? Selfishness? Grief? Anger? Loneliness? Lust? Looking at the facts doesn’t always change the emotions. “Lord, change me” is one of the hardest prayers to give to face our doubts as well as our lives when we know we are not in the will of the Lord.
That is an important prayer also as we face a New Year.
Pastor Dale.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Doubts Expressed John 20:24-25
Sermon Nuggets Tues Dec 30
Theme- Doubt
Verses- John 20: 24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
Doubts Expressed
Sometimes people are harder on Thomas than I think he deserves. You might remember that Thomas was a questioner. Thomas was especially chosen by Jesus because he had a function to perform with the personality given to him by God. I am glad he was quizzical and asked questions. He wasn’t afraid to speak up.
When I was a student in college I was too shy to ask questions of the professor. There were things I didn’t understand or doubted. I didn’t want the class to think I was the only one not getting it. I thought if nobody else had a question I must be the only one. I didn’t want to appear dumb. Every now and again someone would ask the question I had. I am glad he did. I was off the hook as to what others thought about me when I kept my silence. But I learned from others asking the question.
I am glad Thomas was the one asking questions that has be raised ever since the resurrection. When Jesus told their earlier, “I am going to prepare a place for you and I will come again to receive you unto myself” Thomas asked “But we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” If it wasn’t for Thomas we might never have those glorious words from our Lord, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.”
We cannot fault Thomas on his commitment. When Jesus was going to Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead, Thomas was so convinced he would be killed he said, “Let us go too, and die with him.”
Perhaps that is why he was so dejected at the crucifixion. He trusted so much in the Messiah that died he was devastated. He believed and now was wrong. He was discouraged for all he believe in he thought was false. The Kingdom had not come. Israel did not have Jesus as King. That day of crucifixion was a day Thomas’ doubts got the best of him. He wasn’t going to be fooled again.
I think it is interesting that all the others grieved together in the upper room. They had contact with one another. Jesus appeared to them all except Thomas who was not there. We are not told the reason for his absence but doubts can have a way of closing ourselves off from others. No longer being with this friends for support can move him to further doubt.
When someone faces suffering alone their burdens can be almost unbearable. When someone shares their burden it is lighter. Just to talk with another who tries to understand helps. He may not be able to solve our problems, but things do not look quite so dark when someone else cares.
C.S. Lewis said that he was plagued with doubts while away form home and in hotel rooms or foreign towns by himself. It is exceedingly difficult to maintain a viewpoint when you are isolated from others who share it. It is true that the hardest part of temptation for Christians is holding their faith when they are thinking they are alone. The encouragement of others who pray and read and worship helps us grow and become stronger in our faith. The Lord designed us for fellowship.
When Thomas did join his friends they were so excited to tell him of the miracle of the resurrection. They had seen the Lord alive! NO. Thomas could not believe that. They tried to explain they saw Him with their own eyes. For Thomas it was too much to swallow. Eye witnesses of 10 men and one woman would not change his mind. He was further alienating himself from his friends by implying that they were mistaken. He refused to accept their testimony.
Our society is full of skeptics and doubters that say what is real is only what is experienced personally. They live a narrow life. I have been encourage with the faith of others, as well as the testimony of the word. I might question some of the facts but when enough people I trust tell of their experience I am willing to consider that as an option of truth.
But Thomas demands proof. What he cannot see, touch or hear he will no longer believe. The naturalist takes that view when it comes to the supernatural. Scientists who do experiments that are repeatable and observable make conclusions based on empirical data. But how do you measure love, or commitment? There are evidences of the non material one must take into account. To conclude there is no God based on outside observation is narrowing the criteria of acceptance of data. Our scientific tools are limited in what they can measure.
Thomas had seen the miracles and witnessed changed lives, but the circumstance of the dead coming back to life was more than he could accept. I would have a hard time believing since it hardly happens today unless it is within minutes of someone being declared clinically dead. It is not part of our experience. Thomas was honest with his feelings and thoughts. He was a man of integrity, not wanting to convince others, but not wanting to be convinced of anything he didn’t personally experience. He could express his doubts and conclude in error that it was impossible for Jesus to rise from the dead.
Most times what others believe really makes no difference if we believe or not. But the resurrection of Jesus Christ is pivotal to trusting Him for all eternity and having hope after death.
Pastor Dale
Theme- Doubt
Verses- John 20: 24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
Doubts Expressed
Sometimes people are harder on Thomas than I think he deserves. You might remember that Thomas was a questioner. Thomas was especially chosen by Jesus because he had a function to perform with the personality given to him by God. I am glad he was quizzical and asked questions. He wasn’t afraid to speak up.
When I was a student in college I was too shy to ask questions of the professor. There were things I didn’t understand or doubted. I didn’t want the class to think I was the only one not getting it. I thought if nobody else had a question I must be the only one. I didn’t want to appear dumb. Every now and again someone would ask the question I had. I am glad he did. I was off the hook as to what others thought about me when I kept my silence. But I learned from others asking the question.
I am glad Thomas was the one asking questions that has be raised ever since the resurrection. When Jesus told their earlier, “I am going to prepare a place for you and I will come again to receive you unto myself” Thomas asked “But we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” If it wasn’t for Thomas we might never have those glorious words from our Lord, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.”
We cannot fault Thomas on his commitment. When Jesus was going to Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead, Thomas was so convinced he would be killed he said, “Let us go too, and die with him.”
Perhaps that is why he was so dejected at the crucifixion. He trusted so much in the Messiah that died he was devastated. He believed and now was wrong. He was discouraged for all he believe in he thought was false. The Kingdom had not come. Israel did not have Jesus as King. That day of crucifixion was a day Thomas’ doubts got the best of him. He wasn’t going to be fooled again.
I think it is interesting that all the others grieved together in the upper room. They had contact with one another. Jesus appeared to them all except Thomas who was not there. We are not told the reason for his absence but doubts can have a way of closing ourselves off from others. No longer being with this friends for support can move him to further doubt.
When someone faces suffering alone their burdens can be almost unbearable. When someone shares their burden it is lighter. Just to talk with another who tries to understand helps. He may not be able to solve our problems, but things do not look quite so dark when someone else cares.
C.S. Lewis said that he was plagued with doubts while away form home and in hotel rooms or foreign towns by himself. It is exceedingly difficult to maintain a viewpoint when you are isolated from others who share it. It is true that the hardest part of temptation for Christians is holding their faith when they are thinking they are alone. The encouragement of others who pray and read and worship helps us grow and become stronger in our faith. The Lord designed us for fellowship.
When Thomas did join his friends they were so excited to tell him of the miracle of the resurrection. They had seen the Lord alive! NO. Thomas could not believe that. They tried to explain they saw Him with their own eyes. For Thomas it was too much to swallow. Eye witnesses of 10 men and one woman would not change his mind. He was further alienating himself from his friends by implying that they were mistaken. He refused to accept their testimony.
Our society is full of skeptics and doubters that say what is real is only what is experienced personally. They live a narrow life. I have been encourage with the faith of others, as well as the testimony of the word. I might question some of the facts but when enough people I trust tell of their experience I am willing to consider that as an option of truth.
But Thomas demands proof. What he cannot see, touch or hear he will no longer believe. The naturalist takes that view when it comes to the supernatural. Scientists who do experiments that are repeatable and observable make conclusions based on empirical data. But how do you measure love, or commitment? There are evidences of the non material one must take into account. To conclude there is no God based on outside observation is narrowing the criteria of acceptance of data. Our scientific tools are limited in what they can measure.
Thomas had seen the miracles and witnessed changed lives, but the circumstance of the dead coming back to life was more than he could accept. I would have a hard time believing since it hardly happens today unless it is within minutes of someone being declared clinically dead. It is not part of our experience. Thomas was honest with his feelings and thoughts. He was a man of integrity, not wanting to convince others, but not wanting to be convinced of anything he didn’t personally experience. He could express his doubts and conclude in error that it was impossible for Jesus to rise from the dead.
Most times what others believe really makes no difference if we believe or not. But the resurrection of Jesus Christ is pivotal to trusting Him for all eternity and having hope after death.
Pastor Dale
Monday, December 29, 2008
Doubts John 20:19-24
Theme Doubts
Verses- John 20:19-24
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."
22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
Doubting Others
This past month I was told a story by a lady who was convinced that her car was stolen but the Lord returned it. She explained there was spiritual warfare going on and when she prayed the demons were not as powerful as the angels so God's forces stopped the robbers and caused them to return the car to a different place in the large parking lot.
I had my doubts.
The facts were- It was a very large parking lot with many doors surrounding the building. When I went to my car I went to the wrong parking lot and Judi thought it was in one place I thought it was in another. When this lady reported her car stolen she as convinced she parked near a particular door. When the security found her car it was parked in a different parking lot. They fact the car was also locked and not damaged and nothing taken from the car didn't made sense that would be something robbers would do if they left the car and took off.
I could nether confirm nor deny her story. But I doubted it. It was not important that I be convinced that she forget where she parked or not.
Unfortunately, I have heard many stories that seem odd. UFOs, miracles, dreams, visions, prophecies that people claim are from God.
I only know what I have experienced. I do not know what others have experienced but there is no reason why I should or should not believe most of the stories. So I doubt. Maybe. Maybe not. There are people who want to perpetuate a hoax. Others are convinced they are singled out by God or Satan in a special way. The only basis for knowing truth and revelation is the Scriptures. If it doesn’t match then it is not of God.
So when most Europeans deny the reality of a Virgin Birth. I understand their doubting of miracle. When most Europeans deny the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I understand outright skepticism. When something goes contrary to natural causes, experiences, or explanation it is probably wise to doubt than believe lies, hoaxes or imaginary explainations. It is appropriate to check out the facts and come to one’s own conclusions.
When Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples some things were already anticiapted. Jesus had spoken of the resurrection before He died, which is why the Jews wanted the tomb sealed and guards around it. They suspected, not that he would get up from the dead, but that the disciples would steal the body and say he arose. So the talk of resurrection was discussed.
Mary saw the tomb empty and assumed someone stole the body. Peter and John raced to the tomb and the evidence was more than they expected. The tomb was not empty. It had no body but it did have grave clothes. Why would someone unwrap the body if they were going to steal it? Wouldn’t it seem reasonable to just take the whole wrapped body? But the clothes were empty and the face cloth neatly folded. It is unlikely a grave robber would take the time to fold up a face napkin just like it would be unlikely for a car robber to relock the car after he left. But after the disciples saw the empty clothes. verse 8 declares they believed.
So now the evidence for the resurrection was mounting. At least two disciples already believed. When Mary returned from encountering the risen Lord she told them her story. Their hopes were high. They were waiting in the upper room wondering what they should do when Jesus suddenly appeared.
“Peace be with you” was spoken first by Jesus after his resurrection. He is the fulfillment of peace from the fear of death. Certainly the emotion of the room was joy when He proved to them by showing the nail prints and scars that it was indeed Jesus, Himself, standing there. Those scars were proof. Now this victory power was to be in them in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was on a mission sent by His Father and these men were to receive a mission now sent by Jesus to tell the world of His victory over Satan, sin and death. It is good news. It is based on the resurrection.
Certainly space does not allow for a complete discussion of the confusion of vs. 23. What does it mean to forgive sins, receive the Holy Spirit given to the apostles? I do not believe this was the indwelling of the Holy Spirit which came at Pentecost. Since only God can forgive since I do not believe this is granted as the Roman Catholic church teaches confession and forgiveness by church appointed priests or pastors. I believe Jesus gave a special authority to the apostles and disciples present. First to carry out the temporary work of salvation until Pentecost. Secondly to grant to church leaders the authority for church discipline as also discussed in Matthew 18. With this authority, church discipline could be maintained whether positive or negative. With it, the disciples could forgive certain consequences of sin.
Unlike the emphasis on individualistic Christian, too many minimize God’s plan for the local congregation that has a place in God’s administration of witness, work and the use of gifts.
Pastor Dale
Verses- John 20:19-24
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."
22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
Doubting Others
This past month I was told a story by a lady who was convinced that her car was stolen but the Lord returned it. She explained there was spiritual warfare going on and when she prayed the demons were not as powerful as the angels so God's forces stopped the robbers and caused them to return the car to a different place in the large parking lot.
I had my doubts.
The facts were- It was a very large parking lot with many doors surrounding the building. When I went to my car I went to the wrong parking lot and Judi thought it was in one place I thought it was in another. When this lady reported her car stolen she as convinced she parked near a particular door. When the security found her car it was parked in a different parking lot. They fact the car was also locked and not damaged and nothing taken from the car didn't made sense that would be something robbers would do if they left the car and took off.
I could nether confirm nor deny her story. But I doubted it. It was not important that I be convinced that she forget where she parked or not.
Unfortunately, I have heard many stories that seem odd. UFOs, miracles, dreams, visions, prophecies that people claim are from God.
I only know what I have experienced. I do not know what others have experienced but there is no reason why I should or should not believe most of the stories. So I doubt. Maybe. Maybe not. There are people who want to perpetuate a hoax. Others are convinced they are singled out by God or Satan in a special way. The only basis for knowing truth and revelation is the Scriptures. If it doesn’t match then it is not of God.
So when most Europeans deny the reality of a Virgin Birth. I understand their doubting of miracle. When most Europeans deny the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I understand outright skepticism. When something goes contrary to natural causes, experiences, or explanation it is probably wise to doubt than believe lies, hoaxes or imaginary explainations. It is appropriate to check out the facts and come to one’s own conclusions.
When Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples some things were already anticiapted. Jesus had spoken of the resurrection before He died, which is why the Jews wanted the tomb sealed and guards around it. They suspected, not that he would get up from the dead, but that the disciples would steal the body and say he arose. So the talk of resurrection was discussed.
Mary saw the tomb empty and assumed someone stole the body. Peter and John raced to the tomb and the evidence was more than they expected. The tomb was not empty. It had no body but it did have grave clothes. Why would someone unwrap the body if they were going to steal it? Wouldn’t it seem reasonable to just take the whole wrapped body? But the clothes were empty and the face cloth neatly folded. It is unlikely a grave robber would take the time to fold up a face napkin just like it would be unlikely for a car robber to relock the car after he left. But after the disciples saw the empty clothes. verse 8 declares they believed.
So now the evidence for the resurrection was mounting. At least two disciples already believed. When Mary returned from encountering the risen Lord she told them her story. Their hopes were high. They were waiting in the upper room wondering what they should do when Jesus suddenly appeared.
“Peace be with you” was spoken first by Jesus after his resurrection. He is the fulfillment of peace from the fear of death. Certainly the emotion of the room was joy when He proved to them by showing the nail prints and scars that it was indeed Jesus, Himself, standing there. Those scars were proof. Now this victory power was to be in them in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was on a mission sent by His Father and these men were to receive a mission now sent by Jesus to tell the world of His victory over Satan, sin and death. It is good news. It is based on the resurrection.
Certainly space does not allow for a complete discussion of the confusion of vs. 23. What does it mean to forgive sins, receive the Holy Spirit given to the apostles? I do not believe this was the indwelling of the Holy Spirit which came at Pentecost. Since only God can forgive since I do not believe this is granted as the Roman Catholic church teaches confession and forgiveness by church appointed priests or pastors. I believe Jesus gave a special authority to the apostles and disciples present. First to carry out the temporary work of salvation until Pentecost. Secondly to grant to church leaders the authority for church discipline as also discussed in Matthew 18. With this authority, church discipline could be maintained whether positive or negative. With it, the disciples could forgive certain consequences of sin.
Unlike the emphasis on individualistic Christian, too many minimize God’s plan for the local congregation that has a place in God’s administration of witness, work and the use of gifts.
Pastor Dale
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