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Keep being compassionate to those who still have doubts, and snatch others out of the fire to save them (Jude 1:22-23).
Everyone doubts. There is no faith without first encountering doubt.
We know the story of doubting Thomas (John 20:24-31). When Jesus first appeared to the apostles, Thomas wasn’t with them.
I imagine the conversation when Thomas returned went something like this:
~ Thomas: Hey, you other apostles, sorry, I was tired of being shut up in this room (as the scripture says), “…for fear of the Jews” (John 20:19). I had to get some fresh air and clear my head. Did I miss anything while I was gone?
~ Other Apostles: Well, we did see Jesus.
~ Thomas: What?! Come on Peter, this isn’t a time to play a joke. Our friend Jesus was just crucified.
~ Peter: It’s true. We were all commiserating. All 10 of us (minus Judas and you). And then we noticed 11 of us. Jesus was just standing in our midst. Jesus said, “Peace be with you.” Then He showed us His healed hands and feet.
~ John: Not only that, but Jesus breathed on us. I know that sounds weird but that is what He did. He breathed the Spirit on us and told us that if we forgive the sins of others they will be forgiven.
~ Thomas: That’s impossible. When I left this room Jesus had been crucified and I come back a half-hour later and you are telling me He visited you and breathed on you.
~ Other Apostles in unison: It’s true, we have seen the Lord.
~ Thomas: Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails and put my hand in His side, I will not believe.
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Doubt is big today. Everyone doubts.
Doubt can be glorified as “authentic.” If truth doesn’t exist, we all should doubt everything. I have been reading a book by Alisa Childers called Another Gospel in which she writes, “In progressive Christianity, doubt has become a badge of honor to bask in, rather than an obstacle to face and overcome.”
Thomas doubted, but something happened.
~ Other Apostles to Thomas: Thomas we are tired of arguing with you. For the last eight days, we have been over and over what happened to us. One last time – Jesus stood with us, His hands and feet were healed, and He breathed the Spirit on us. If you don’t stop arguing, we won’t breathe on you to forgive your sins!
~ Jesus: Ahem! Peace!
~ All the Apostles jump while thinking: I wish He would stop doing this!
~ Thomas thinks: Uh, oh.
~ Jesus: Thomas, reach here with your finger and see My hands, and reach here with your hand and put it in My side. Stop giving in to your doubts and believe!
~ Thomas: You are my Lord and my God.
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There is no legitimate reason to have a religion of doubt. The Bible teaches clearly that we are saved by faith. Our faith eliminates doubt because of the historical resurrection of Jesus…
… a resurrection with healed hands, feet, and side!
Jesus says, “Stop giving in to your doubts and believe!” Look carefully, as you will see Him today.