Embracing Faith: The Transformative Power of Belief
Summary
On this Sunday before Thanksgiving, we gather to express our gratitude to God, who is worthy of all praise. As we prepare for the upcoming events, such as the missions trip to Nicaragua and the Gospel Blitz, we are reminded of the importance of community and service. Our focus today is on the transformative power of belief, as illustrated in John chapter 20, where the disciples encounter the risen Christ. Despite their initial fear and doubt, Jesus appears to them, offering peace and proof of His resurrection. This encounter highlights the importance of being present in moments of faith, as Thomas, who was absent, initially missed this revelation.
The narrative of Thomas, often labeled as "Doubting Thomas," serves as a profound lesson in faith and belief. Despite his skepticism, Jesus meets Thomas where he is, offering him the evidence he needs to believe. This compassionate response from Jesus underscores His desire for all to believe and have eternal life. The Gospel of John is written with the purpose of leading others to believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and to find life in His name.
Jesus' actions on that first Easter evening—teaching, sending, and returning—demonstrate His commitment to ensuring that His followers understand and believe. He opens the Scriptures to the disciples, showing them that His death and resurrection were always part of God's plan. He sends them out with the Holy Spirit to share the message of salvation, entrusting them with the responsibility to proclaim forgiveness through faith in Him. Finally, He returns to Thomas, dispelling his doubts and affirming his faith.
As believers, we are called to continue this mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to share the Gospel with others. Our faith journey is marked by moments of doubt and belief, but through it all, Jesus remains patient and loving, guiding us to deeper trust in Him. Let us embrace this call to believe and to be His witnesses in the world, experiencing the joy and peace that come from a life of faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. Presence in Faith: Being present in moments of faith is crucial, as illustrated by Thomas' initial absence. When we gather with fellow believers, we open ourselves to encounters with Christ that can strengthen our faith and understanding. [40:02]
2. Compassionate Christ: Jesus meets us in our doubts, offering the evidence and reassurance we need to believe. His response to Thomas shows that He desires for us to have faith, and He patiently guides us to belief. [59:58]
3. Scriptural Fulfillment: Jesus' resurrection was a fulfillment of Scripture, demonstrating that God's plan has always included redemption through Christ. By understanding the Scriptures, we can see the continuity of God's plan and deepen our faith. [48:13]
4. Empowered Witnesses: As followers of Christ, we are sent into the world with the Holy Spirit to share the message of salvation. Our role is to proclaim forgiveness through faith in Jesus, trusting in the Spirit's power to work through us. [52:13]
5. Persistent Grace: God's grace is persistent, continually working in our hearts to bring us to belief. Even when we are slow to believe, God does not give up on us, but rather, He provides us with opportunities to grow in faith. [01:05:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Thanksgiving Reflections
[01:45] - Upcoming Church Events
[03:15] - Opening Prayer
[05:00] - Personal Testimony
[06:30] - Introduction to John 20
[08:00] - The Disciples' Fear
[10:00] - Jesus Appears to the Disciples
[12:00] - Thomas' Absence and Doubt
[14:00] - Jesus' Compassionate Response
[16:00] - The Purpose of John's Gospel
[18:00] - Jesus' Actions for Belief
[20:00] - Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
[22:00] - The Message of Forgiveness
[24:00] - Persistent Grace and Faith
[26:00] - Invitation to Believe
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 20:19-31
- Luke 24:44-49
- Isaiah 53:4-6
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the initial reaction of the disciples when Jesus appeared to them in the locked room, and how did Jesus address their fear? [40:02]
2. How did Jesus demonstrate to the disciples that He was not just a spirit but had risen bodily? [41:16]
3. What was Thomas's response when he finally saw Jesus, and how did Jesus respond to his doubt? [59:58]
4. According to the sermon, what was the purpose of John's Gospel as stated in John 20:31? [57:57]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' approach to Thomas's doubt reflect His character and His desire for us to believe? [59:58]
2. In what ways did Jesus prepare His disciples to continue His mission after His resurrection? [52:13]
3. How does the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, as discussed in the sermon, strengthen the credibility of Jesus' resurrection? [48:13]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in empowering believers to share the Gospel, according to the sermon? [52:13]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How did you find reassurance, and what can you learn from Thomas's experience to help you in future moments of doubt? [59:58]
2. Jesus emphasized the importance of being present in moments of faith. How can you prioritize gathering with fellow believers to strengthen your faith and understanding? [40:02]
3. The sermon highlighted the importance of understanding Scripture to see God's plan. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the Bible and its teachings about Jesus? [48:13]
4. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you be more open to the Spirit's guidance in sharing the message of salvation with others? [52:13]
5. Jesus met Thomas in his doubt with compassion. How can you show compassion to others who are struggling with their faith, and what practical steps can you take to support them? [59:58]
6. The sermon mentioned the persistent grace of God. How have you experienced God's grace in your life, and how can you extend that grace to others in your community? [01:05:22]
7. Reflect on the upcoming church events mentioned in the sermon. How can you actively participate in these events to serve and build community within your church? [38:35]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Presence in Faith
In moments of faith, being present is crucial. The story of Thomas, who was absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples, illustrates the importance of gathering with fellow believers. When we are present, we open ourselves to encounters with Christ that can strengthen our faith and understanding. Thomas missed the initial revelation of the risen Christ, but when he was present, he experienced a profound transformation. This teaches us that our presence in the community of faith can lead to deeper insights and a stronger connection with God. [40:02]
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:23-25, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a gathering or community event you have been avoiding? How can you make a commitment to be present and open to what God might reveal to you through others?
Day 2: Meeting Doubt with Compassion
Jesus meets us in our doubts, offering the evidence and reassurance we need to believe. Thomas, often labeled as "Doubting Thomas," was met with compassion by Jesus, who provided him with the proof he needed. This encounter shows that Jesus desires for us to have faith and is patient in guiding us to belief. His response to Thomas is a reminder that our doubts do not disqualify us from His love and grace. Instead, Jesus invites us to bring our doubts to Him, trusting that He will meet us where we are. [59:58]
"And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh." (Jude 1:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: What doubts are you currently wrestling with? How can you bring these doubts to Jesus, trusting in His compassionate response?
Day 3: Understanding Scriptural Fulfillment
Jesus' resurrection was a fulfillment of Scripture, demonstrating that God's plan has always included redemption through Christ. By understanding the Scriptures, we can see the continuity of God's plan and deepen our faith. Jesus opened the Scriptures to His disciples, showing them that His death and resurrection were part of God's divine plan. This understanding helps us to see the bigger picture of God's work in the world and in our lives, encouraging us to trust in His promises. [48:13]
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you make time this week to study a passage of Scripture that you find challenging? What steps can you take to seek understanding and see its fulfillment in Christ?
Day 4: Empowered to Witness
As followers of Christ, we are sent into the world with the Holy Spirit to share the message of salvation. Jesus entrusted His disciples with the responsibility to proclaim forgiveness through faith in Him, empowering them with the Holy Spirit. This empowerment is not just for the early disciples but for all believers. We are called to be witnesses of Christ's love and grace, trusting in the Spirit's power to work through us as we share the Gospel with others. [52:13]
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of Christ's love and forgiveness? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you in sharing this message with them?
Day 5: Embracing Persistent Grace
God's grace is persistent, continually working in our hearts to bring us to belief. Even when we are slow to believe, God does not give up on us. Instead, He provides us with opportunities to grow in faith. This persistent grace is evident in Jesus' interactions with His disciples, especially with Thomas. It reminds us that God's love is unwavering and that He is always at work in our lives, drawing us closer to Him. [01:05:22]
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel God's persistent grace at work? How can you respond to His grace by taking a step of faith today?
Quotes
"Father, you are so good to us. Lord, we are thankful. We know we deserve nothing out of your hand. Lord, we know that we're nothing more than sinners. But we're so grateful, Lord, that you loved us and died for us. And that you're such a good and kind God to us." [00:08:49] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Despite the news that Jesus has been seen alive, the disciples are still scared. They're fearful of the religious Jews. They have seen what the religious leaders have done to Jesus Christ just a couple of hours before, and they're wondering if they're next." [00:40:56] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God takes his word and he opens it and he shows us the truth of it so that we might believe and have eternal life. And he works in our heart and he demonstrates to us through the preaching and the teaching and the studying of his word that it's true." [00:48:59] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"The Holy Ghost would now indwell the believers. See, throughout human history up to this point, the Holy Spirit came upon those who followed God. We read in the Old Testament how the Spirit came upon Gideon. It came upon Samson. It came upon David and Ezekiel." [00:52:13] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"We have been given the responsibility to preach the life-changing message of salvation. The message that remits or forgives people of their sin when they believe the message that we preach." [00:54:34] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"He's a gracious and loving God that gives us chance after chance after chance. He desires for us to believe. He wants us to believe him. And if we don't believe, he doesn't just throw us aside. He continues working in our heart." [01:05:39] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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