Church of the Nazarene - East Rockingham Campus
5 Keys of John Part 4
Stop doubting and believe...
Locations & Times
Church of The Nazarene- East Rock
East Side Hwy, Elkton, VA 22827, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
We continue in our teaching series in the Gospel of John called “Five Keys of John”.
The gospel of John was written around 80-90AD, by Jesus’ closest friend; The Apostle John.
John was the oldest and last surviving eyewitness of the 12 disciples who were with Jesus.
He is writing for a very specific purpose. He says in Chapter 20:31 “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John believes that the Jesus we discover through the stories in his gospel account is real and alive. And when we come to know who he is and believe in him, we will find true and eternal life.
The gospel of John was written around 80-90AD, by Jesus’ closest friend; The Apostle John.
John was the oldest and last surviving eyewitness of the 12 disciples who were with Jesus.
He is writing for a very specific purpose. He says in Chapter 20:31 “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John believes that the Jesus we discover through the stories in his gospel account is real and alive. And when we come to know who he is and believe in him, we will find true and eternal life.
Just before our teaching text the disciples are gathered together on the first easter evening, behind closed doors, probably processing the stories they had just heard.
As Jesus met with the disciples, he showed them beyond any doubt, that it was him. It was Jesus, back from the dead, resurrected.
There was just one problem, our boy Thomas wasn’t there. He missed it. And that’s where our teaching text picks up in verse 24.
Even though his close friends tell him the story, recounting the details, it’s not enough. Thomas has to be sure. He wanted to see Jesus, to touch the scars, to stick his hand into his side, just like everyone else.
I think it’s safe to say that Thomas could have worded this better- He probably shouldn’t have been so dogmatic to say “I will not believe”
But what he did do right; he was honest about his doubts.
As Jesus met with the disciples, he showed them beyond any doubt, that it was him. It was Jesus, back from the dead, resurrected.
There was just one problem, our boy Thomas wasn’t there. He missed it. And that’s where our teaching text picks up in verse 24.
Even though his close friends tell him the story, recounting the details, it’s not enough. Thomas has to be sure. He wanted to see Jesus, to touch the scars, to stick his hand into his side, just like everyone else.
I think it’s safe to say that Thomas could have worded this better- He probably shouldn’t have been so dogmatic to say “I will not believe”
But what he did do right; he was honest about his doubts.
Dont miss where it says “Thomas was with them”.
Thomas didn’t bail out because he had questions. He didn’t throw in the towel, he kept coming. He kept coming, and Jesus showed up.
Jesus shows up with an invitation for Thomas to settle his doubts.
Jesus meets Thomas right in the place of his doubts. Word for word what Thomas said it would take, Jesus offers him here.
Jesus heard Thomas when he confessed his doubt, he always hears when his people confess their doubts. He hears you today.
Thomas didn’t bail out because he had questions. He didn’t throw in the towel, he kept coming. He kept coming, and Jesus showed up.
Jesus shows up with an invitation for Thomas to settle his doubts.
Jesus meets Thomas right in the place of his doubts. Word for word what Thomas said it would take, Jesus offers him here.
Jesus heard Thomas when he confessed his doubt, he always hears when his people confess their doubts. He hears you today.
With these words, Thomas declares that not only is Jesus alive, resurrected form the dead, he declares that Jesus is Lord. And notice, he uses personal language- My Lord and my God.
This critical and practical thinker who struggles with doubt and questions has traded his doubt for a personal saving faith in the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Jesus recognizes and clarifies in this moment that not everyone will be afforded the opportunity to literally see and touch him, but those who believe without seeing, are blessed.
Friends, that’s all of us who believe today.
This critical and practical thinker who struggles with doubt and questions has traded his doubt for a personal saving faith in the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Jesus recognizes and clarifies in this moment that not everyone will be afforded the opportunity to literally see and touch him, but those who believe without seeing, are blessed.
Friends, that’s all of us who believe today.
As we conclude I want to offer three actions steps we can take in facing our doubts.
When you face doubt, I want you to A.C.T.
A-Acknowledge
To act on our doubt, to challenge them, we need to acknowledge the place they hold in our faith.
C-Connected
To pursue faith in the face of our doubts, we need to stay connected, to the Lord through prayer and worship. Connected to the church through Sunday services and fellowship opportunities.
T-Trust
As we act on our doubts, we need to trust and believe that the Lord hears us.
The most important thing about doubt is what you choose to do with it.
Will you ACT to see your doubt turned to faith?
When you face doubt, I want you to A.C.T.
A-Acknowledge
To act on our doubt, to challenge them, we need to acknowledge the place they hold in our faith.
C-Connected
To pursue faith in the face of our doubts, we need to stay connected, to the Lord through prayer and worship. Connected to the church through Sunday services and fellowship opportunities.
T-Trust
As we act on our doubts, we need to trust and believe that the Lord hears us.
The most important thing about doubt is what you choose to do with it.
Will you ACT to see your doubt turned to faith?