Sermons

The Appearances: “Persuasion”

It takes an act of God to cure our unbelief.

John 20:24-29
24 But one of the Twelve, Thomas (called “Twin”), was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!”
26 After eight days His disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace to you!”
27 Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and observe My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Don’t be an unbeliever, but a believer.”
28 Thomas responded to Him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Those who believe without seeing are blessed.”

1) We do NOT want to believe
a) Our head gets in the way
b) Our Heart is hardened

2) Jesus Accommodates our belief-gaps
a) God knows what each of us needs to take a leap.
b) Jesus does NOT chide the doubt of his followers

3) Jesus blesses genuine belief
a) True belief begins with acknowledgement and submission
b) True belief results in a changed life now and forever

1 Peter 1:6-9
6 You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials 7 so that the genuineness of your faith — more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire — may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Thomas’ sight gave birth to faith, but one day your faith shall become sight.