From Doubt to Faith: Encountering the Risen Christ

 

Summary

In today's sermon, I explored the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ through the lens of Thomas's story. Thomas, often labeled as "Doubting Thomas," provides a profound example of how skepticism and absence from the community of believers can lead to unbelief. His journey from doubt to faith illustrates the importance of being present with fellow believers, the kindness and persistence of friends in faith, and the life-changing encounter with Jesus.

Thomas's absence from the initial gathering of the disciples after Jesus' resurrection fueled his skepticism. This absence is a critical factor that often leads to unbelief. When we isolate ourselves from our spiritual community, we deprive ourselves of the support and encouragement that are vital, especially during challenging times. The church is not merely a place of gathering; it is a place where we share life together, support each other in trials, and celebrate victories.

Despite Thomas's doubts, his friends did not give up on him. They persistently and kindly encouraged him, sharing their hope in the risen Lord. This persistence and kindness are essential qualities that we, as believers, should emulate. We are called to lift up those who are downtrodden and to be there for those who are often overlooked and neglected.

The climax of Thomas's story is his encounter with Jesus. When Jesus appeared to Thomas and invited him to touch His wounds, Thomas's skepticism was replaced with a profound declaration of faith: "My Lord and my God." This encounter led to a total transformation in Thomas's life, from doubt to demonstration. He went on to preach the gospel with conviction, even unto martyrdom.

The sermon concluded with an invitation to the congregation to experience the peace of Jesus and to make a personal declaration of faith. Just as Thomas was invited to come and see for himself, everyone was encouraged to step out in faith and bring their doubts to Jesus, who will not cast them out but will receive them with love and grace.

Key Takeaways:

- Absence from the community of faith can lead to unbelief. It is in the gathering of believers that we find support, encouragement, and the presence of God that sustains us through life's challenges. We must prioritize our spiritual community and not allow ourselves to become isolated. [01:06:10]

- The persistence and kindness of friends in faith can be a lifeline for those wrestling with doubt. As the body of Christ, we are called to encourage one another, to be patient, and to demonstrate love, just as the disciples did for Thomas. Our role is to be a reflection of Christ's love to those in need. [01:11:42]

- Encountering the risen Christ is a transformative experience that can turn skepticism into faith. Thomas's encounter with Jesus changed his life, and it can change ours too. We must be open to experiencing Christ in a personal and profound way. [01:17:16]

- A declaration of faith, like Thomas's "My Lord and my God," is a powerful act that places Jesus at the center of our lives. This declaration is both personal and transformative, leading to a life that demonstrates our commitment to Christ. [01:16:16]

- The invitation to experience the peace of Jesus is extended to all, regardless of past doubts or current struggles. Jesus's response to our step of faith is always one of love and acceptance, and He desires to bring peace into our lives. [01:29:24]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 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.”

2. Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
> Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

3. Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
> You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Thomas's initial reaction when the other disciples told him they had seen the Lord? ([01:01:00])
2. How did Jesus address Thomas's doubts when He appeared to him? ([01:02:32])
3. According to the sermon, what role did the persistence and kindness of Thomas's friends play in his journey from doubt to faith? ([01:10:00])
4. What declaration did Thomas make after his encounter with the risen Christ? ([01:16:02])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Thomas's absence from the initial gathering of the disciples fueled his skepticism? How does this relate to the importance of community in our faith journey? ([01:06:00])
2. How can the persistence and kindness shown by Thomas's friends serve as a model for how we should support those who are struggling with doubt? ([01:10:00])
3. What does Thomas's declaration "My Lord and my God" signify about his understanding of Jesus after his doubts were addressed? ([01:16:02])
4. How does the invitation to experience the peace of Jesus, as extended in the sermon, apply to our personal struggles and doubts? ([01:29:00])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt isolated from your spiritual community. How did that affect your faith? What steps can you take to ensure you remain connected to your community? ([01:06:00])
2. Think of someone in your life who might be struggling with doubt. How can you show persistence and kindness to them this week, similar to how Thomas's friends did? ([01:10:00])
3. Thomas's encounter with Jesus led to a profound declaration of faith. What personal doubts do you need to bring to Jesus, and how can you seek a transformative encounter with Him? ([01:16:02])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of making a personal declaration of faith. Have you made such a declaration? If not, what is holding you back? If yes, how has it transformed your life? ([01:16:02])
5. The peace of Jesus was a key theme in the sermon. Identify an area of your life where you need His peace. What practical steps can you take to invite Jesus into that situation? ([01:29:00])
6. How can you prioritize your spiritual community in your daily life to avoid the pitfalls of isolation and unbelief? ([01:06:00])
7. Reflect on the statement "I've seen enough" from the sermon. What evidence of God's work in your life or the lives of others has strengthened your faith recently? ([01:27:00])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Community Faithfulness
In a world that often celebrates individualism, the first key takeaway reminds us of the necessity of community in sustaining faith. Isolation can be a breeding ground for doubt, as it separates individuals from the collective wisdom, experiences, and support of their faith community. The story of Thomas underscores the importance of being present with fellow believers, not only for personal growth but also for the strength of the entire community. When one is absent, the body of believers suffers, and the absent one misses out on the encouragement and affirmation that can only come from shared faith experiences. It is within the community that individuals often encounter God in profound ways, through the love and care of others. [01:06:10]

Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
"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."

Reflection: How can you actively seek to strengthen your connection with your faith community this week, and what specific steps will you take to avoid spiritual isolation?

Day 2: Kindness as a Lifeline
The second key takeaway highlights the power of persistent kindness within the faith community, especially towards those who struggle with doubt. Thomas's friends did not abandon him in his skepticism; instead, they continued to share their experiences and hope with him. This teaches us that patience and love are crucial when dealing with others' doubts. It is through gentle encouragement and unwavering support that faith can be reignited. Believers are called to embody Christ's love, to be a source of comfort, and to remind each other of the truth, even when it seems like doubt has taken hold. [01:11:42]

1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV
"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."

Reflection: Who in your life may be experiencing doubt, and how can you show them persistent kindness and support this week?

Day 3: Transformation Through Encounter
Encountering the risen Christ is a transformative experience that can turn skepticism into faith, as seen in the third key takeaway. Thomas's life was changed when he met the resurrected Jesus. This encounter is a reminder that personal experiences with Christ can have a profound impact on our beliefs and actions. It is not enough to know about Jesus; one must know Him personally. Such encounters can happen in various ways: through prayer, worship, scripture, or even through the love shown by other believers. The challenge is to remain open to these encounters and to seek them earnestly. [01:17:16]

Luke 24:31-32 ESV
"And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?'"

Reflection: What steps can you take to foster a deeper, more personal encounter with Christ in your daily life?

Day 4: The Power of Personal Faith Declaration
The fourth key takeaway emphasizes the significance of a personal declaration of faith. Thomas's exclamation, "My Lord and my God," was a powerful testament to his belief and a turning point in his life. A personal declaration of faith is not a one-time event but a continuous affirmation that shapes one's identity and actions. It is an acknowledgment of Jesus' lordship over every aspect of life, leading to a lifestyle that reflects this commitment. Such declarations are deeply personal yet have the power to inspire and encourage others in their faith journey. [01:16:16]

Romans 10:9-10 ESV
"Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."

Reflection: What does declaring Jesus as "My Lord and my God" mean for you in practical terms, and how can you live out this declaration today?

Day 5: Welcoming Jesus's Peace
The final key takeaway invites us to experience the peace of Jesus, regardless of our past doubts or current struggles. Jesus's response to our step of faith is always one of love and acceptance. He desires to bring peace into our lives, a peace that transcends understanding and circumstances. This invitation is open to all, and it is a call to trust in Jesus's willingness to meet us where we are, to bring calm to our chaos, and to offer rest for our souls. [01:29:24]

John 14:27 ESV
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience Jesus's peace, and how can you open your heart to receive it today?

Quotes

"We need one another. We're better together and we're still recovering from that cursed thing called COVID where everything was shut down. We're finding now more and more proof and more and more evidence that while we were separated from one another locked in our homes and away from each other that we are finding more and more damage that was done to us in a psychological, emotional way that we've not overcome yet." [01:07:40]( | | )

"The other disciples kept on and kept on and kept on telling him that we have seen the Lord. Thomas, we've seen the Lord. They were persistent. What does this say about the graciousness of his friends that even when he adamantly disbelieved, they still wanted him to be with them?" [01:12:44]( | | )

"Thomas was in a place where he wanted to kick the wheels he wanted more than just an image from someone else. He wanted to see Jesus Christ for himself. He wanted to be able to touch the hands where the nails had gone through. He wanted to be able to touch the side where the spear had gone in and by doing that he wanted to identify with Jesus." [01:05:40]( | | )

"Absence fuels unbelief. In verses 24 and 25 Thomas's journey in this text starts with these two things. He was absent and he didn't believe. And I believe that they are symbiotic. That what I mean by that is they work together to feed on or to help one another complete its mission." [01:06:10]( | | )

"The church is meant to be a place of questions. It's meant to be a place that we can deal openly and honestly with our doubts. A place where our skepticism encounters the love and the patience and the hopefulness of Jesus Christ. The church is to be a hospital for those that are down and out." [01:09:10]( | | )

"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 and then John these next two verses are almost a little bit transitional but I want to use them today to help us understand something." [01:03:10]( | | )

"Thomas just says, giving our final point, my Lord and my God. This is one of the most powerful statements in the whole Bible. You said it's pretty simplistic. Yes it is, but it's pretty profound at the same time. You see what Thomas is doing here when he says, my Lord and my God, he's making a declaration." [01:16:16]( | | )

"And he's filled with power. And he's filled with the Holy Spirit. And the Bible tells us, and history tells us, that he went out preaching Christ crucified and raised from the dead. His message was clear and it was concise. He preached in Parthia, in India, where he was martyred by being thrust, get this, he was killed." [01:19:20]( | | )

"I love what John 3 17 tells us. That Christ came into the world not to condemn us, but through him that we might be saved. Can I extend that invitation to you today? That if you're here today and you don't know Jesus as your Savior, we come not to condemn but to celebrate you." [01:28:54]( | | )

"I've seen enough. I've heard enough. I am convinced that he's the Christ. I'm convinced he's enough in the name of Jesus. Let's sing this together. Oh let your voice echo it out. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. I want you to help me do something that the angels are doing right now." [01:35:06]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?