Faith, Doubt, and the Journey with Christ
Summary
Today, I had the privilege of sharing a message on faith, doubt, and the personal journey each believer undertakes in their relationship with Christ. I began by addressing the congregation, welcoming everyone, and acknowledging those who had traveled from afar to join us on this special day. I expressed my excitement for the unique elements of our Easter service, which included child dedications, baptisms, and an Easter egg hunt for the children.
I then transitioned to the dedication of children, emphasizing the responsibility parents have in raising their children in the knowledge of the Lord. I reminded the parents of the biblical mandate to teach their children diligently about God's ways, as stated in Deuteronomy 6. The congregation was also called upon to support these families, to be involved in the children's lives, and to serve joyfully in various ministries.
As we moved into the baptism portion of the service, I explained the significance of baptism as an outward expression of an inward transformation. It symbolizes dying to our old selves and being raised to new life in Christ. We celebrated each individual's decision to follow Jesus, and I encouraged the church to rejoice with those being baptized.
In my sermon, I addressed the topic of doubt, using the example of Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples, who is often remembered for his skepticism. I argued that doubt is not a sign of weakness but a natural part of faith that can lead to a deeper understanding of God. I shared that faith is not about the absence of doubt but about persevering despite uncertainty. I encouraged the congregation to seek personal encounters with Jesus and to not be afraid to ask questions or express their doubts.
I concluded by reminding everyone that faith is a journey, not a destination. We are continuously growing and learning in our walk with Christ. I invited those who had doubts or needed prayer to come forward, offering a time of ministry and support.
Key Takeaways:
1. Child dedication is not just a formality; it's a profound commitment by parents to raise their children in the knowledge and love of Christ. It's a promise to teach them diligently, to model a godly life, and to instill in them the truths of Scripture. The church community plays a vital role in supporting these families, providing a network of love, encouragement, and teaching that complements the parents' efforts. [36:26]
2. Baptism is a powerful declaration of faith, symbolizing the death of our old selves and the resurrection to a new life in Christ. It's a celebration not just for the individual but for the entire church family, as we witness the transformative power of the Gospel in people's lives. Each baptism is a testament to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, drawing people to a deeper commitment to follow Jesus. [01:58:11]
3. Doubt is a natural part of the faith journey, and it can serve as a catalyst for growth rather than a hindrance. When we bring our doubts to God, we open ourselves up to deeper understanding and a more resilient faith. It's important to create a church culture where questions are welcomed and people feel safe to express their uncertainties. [01:15:14]
4. The story of Thomas, often labeled as "Doubting Thomas," teaches us that it's okay to desire a personal encounter with Jesus. Our faith must be our own, not borrowed from others. Thomas's insistence on seeing Jesus for himself is a reminder that authentic faith often comes from wrestling with our doubts and seeking truth earnestly. [01:12:08]
5. The Christian life is a continuous journey of faith, not a static state of perfection. We never "graduate" from learning and growing in Christ. Our faith is made perfect not in this life, but as we walk with Jesus daily, embracing both the certainties and the uncertainties of our walk with Him. [01:00:50]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (NIV)
> "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
2. John 20:24-29 (NIV)
> "Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 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.' 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!' Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"
3. Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
> "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
#### Observation Questions
1. What responsibilities do parents have according to Deuteronomy 6:4-7 in raising their children? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on child dedication? [32:13]
2. In John 20:24-29, what was Thomas's reaction to the other disciples' claim that they had seen Jesus? How did Jesus respond to Thomas's doubt? [01:04:03]
3. According to Proverbs 22:6, what is the long-term impact of training a child in the way they should go? How was this principle highlighted in the sermon? [32:13]
4. How did the pastor describe the role of the church community in supporting families and children? [33:00]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Deuteronomy 6:4-7 emphasizes teaching children about God in everyday life? How can this be practically applied in modern families? [32:13]
2. What does Thomas's story in John 20:24-29 teach us about the nature of doubt and faith? How did the pastor use this story to address the congregation's doubts? [01:04:03]
3. How does Proverbs 22:6 relate to the concept of child dedication discussed in the sermon? What are the implications for both parents and the church community? [32:13]
4. The pastor mentioned that doubt can lead to a deeper understanding of God. How can doubt be a catalyst for spiritual growth according to the sermon? [01:15:14]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own experiences with doubt. How have these moments impacted your faith journey? How can you use these experiences to grow closer to God? [01:15:14]
2. In what ways can you support parents in your church community who are raising their children in the knowledge of the Lord? Are there specific actions you can take to be more involved? [33:00]
3. How can you create a safe environment in your small group or church where people feel comfortable expressing their doubts and asking questions? What steps can you take to foster this culture? [55:18]
4. Think about a time when you felt like Thomas, needing a personal encounter with Jesus to strengthen your faith. How did you seek and find that encounter? How can you encourage others to do the same? [01:04:03]
5. The pastor emphasized that faith is a journey, not a destination. What are some practical ways you can continue to grow in your faith daily? How can you embrace both the certainties and uncertainties in your walk with Christ? [01:00:50]
6. How can you apply the principles from Deuteronomy 6:4-7 in your daily life to ensure that you are diligently teaching and modeling a godly life to those around you, especially children? [32:13]
7. Reflect on the story of Thomas. How can you be more like Thomas in seeking a personal encounter with Jesus? What steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Him? [01:04:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Parenthood's Spiritual Journey
The dedication of a child is a profound moment that signifies a parent's commitment to guiding their child on a spiritual path. It is a promise to not only teach them about the Lord but to also live out a faith-filled life as an example. This dedication is a covenant with God, where parents vow to instill in their children the truths of Scripture and to nurture their young faith. The church community's role is equally important, as it provides a supportive environment that reinforces the values and teachings of a Christ-centered home. Together, the family and church create a strong foundation for the child's spiritual growth and understanding of God's love. [36:26]
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6 ESV
Reflection: How can you, as part of your church community, actively support the spiritual growth of the children in your congregation?
Day 2: Celebrating Transformation Through Baptism
Baptism is a sacred act that marks the beginning of a believer's journey in faith, symbolizing the profound transformation from an old life of sin to a new life in Christ. It is a public declaration of a private commitment, where the individual is immersed in water to represent the washing away of the old self and emerges to walk in the resurrection life of Jesus. This ceremony is a cause for celebration among the church family, as it witnesses the power of the Gospel to change lives and the Holy Spirit's work in drawing people closer to Christ. The act of baptism is a testament to the believer's desire to follow Jesus and to live out their faith in the context of a supportive and rejoicing community. [01:58:11]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you publicly demonstrate your own faith journey to encourage others in their walk with Christ?
Day 3: Doubt as a Catalyst for Spiritual Growth
Doubt is not an enemy of faith; rather, it is a natural part of the faith journey that can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God. When doubts arise, they should not be shunned or feared but brought before God in prayer and reflection. This process can strengthen faith, as it encourages believers to seek answers and to understand the foundations of their beliefs more fully. A church culture that welcomes questions and provides a safe space for expressing uncertainties fosters an environment where faith can mature and flourish. By embracing doubt as an opportunity for growth, believers can develop a more resilient and authentic faith. [01:15:14]
"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." - James 1:6 ESV
Reflection: What doubt or uncertainty can you bring to God today, seeking His guidance for greater understanding and faith?
Day 4: Seeking a Personal Encounter with Jesus
The story of Thomas, often labeled as "Doubting Thomas," highlights the importance of personal encounters with Jesus in developing a genuine faith. It is essential for each believer to experience Christ firsthand, rather than relying solely on the faith of others. Thomas's desire to see and touch Jesus underscores the need for a tangible connection with the Savior. This personal quest for truth can lead to a more profound and personal belief, as it is rooted in an individual's own experiences and understanding. By seeking Jesus earnestly, believers can move beyond doubt to a place of confident faith. [01:12:08]
"Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.'" - John 20:27 ESV
Reflection: How can you seek a more personal and tangible encounter with Jesus in your daily life?
Day 5: The Continuous Journey of Faith
The Christian life is a continuous journey, marked by constant learning and growth in Christ. It is not about achieving a state of perfection but about walking with Jesus daily, embracing both the certainties and uncertainties of faith. This journey involves perseverance, humility, and a willingness to be molded by God's hand. Believers are encouraged to view their faith as a dynamic process, one that is ever-evolving and deepening as they live out their commitment to Christ. The journey of faith is not completed in this lifetime but is a path that leads to ultimate perfection in eternity with Jesus. [01:00:50]
"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: What is one step you can take today to grow in your faith and deepen your walk with Jesus?
Quotes
1) "Don't let your doubt be a dead end in your life. Don't let it overwhelm you. Just keep walking. Just keep asking. Just keep searching. He said, if you come to me, those who seek me will find me. Those who knock the door will be open to me or to them." [01:19:10]
2) "Coming to Jesus is not a destination. It's a starting line for your faith. And I believe for many of us today, maybe you stepped out of the race, you gave up, you quit because your doubts overcame your faith." [01:21:22]
3) "Your doubts do not invalidate your faith. It's okay to say, I believe in Jesus, but I still have my doubts. The devil will try to use your doubts to drive you away from God, but God can use your doubts to drive you closer to him." [01:15:14]
4) "Faith is not characterized by the absence of doubt. Rather, it is a powerful tool that enables us to do something. It allows us to persevere in the face of uncertainty. Faith is made stronger when it's challenged and it overcomes. Doubt is natural. Your doubt will never disqualify you." [01:16:03]
5) "When you find yourself in a darkness of despair, you find yourself doubting, keep on walking. Keep on moving. Keep on pressing forward. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming, just keep swimming. When you find yourself lost or doubting or in fear, just keep moving." [01:17:36]
6) "Parents, will you dedicate yourselves to teaching the ways of Christ to your children? Amen. Now church, at RPC we focus on God-centered worship and sharing the gospel and biblical discipleship and joyful servants for these parents. Will you dedicate yourselves to do everything you can to be involved in the lives of these children and help them encourage and love and teach them the things of Christ?" [36:26]
7) "Thomas may have doubted, but Thomas kept on showing up. And I want to tell you today that your doubts do not invalidate your faith. It's okay to say, I believe in Jesus, but I still have my doubts. The devil will try to use your doubts to drive you away from God, but God can use your doubts to drive you closer to him." [01:15:14]
8) "Thomas kept showing up. And because of his faith, even though he doubted, Jesus finally showed up and he went from doubting to shouting. My Lord, my God. Because Jesus had come to him and revealed himself to him. He gave Thomas what he needed, but it only happened because he kept showing up." [01:12:08]
9) "It's not time to panic when you have doubts. It's time to dig in and say, okay, Jesus. People can't answer my questions, but you can. People can't heal me, but you can. People can't save me, but Jesus can. People can't reveal your truth to me, but you can." [01:08:58]
10) "But I think it's important to note that the journey of your faith is a continuous process. It's not an end point that can be reached. You don't pray hard enough or read enough scripture or go to church enough times that you don't have to keep walking a journey of faith. You don't graduate from learning and growing in Christ." [59:27]
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