When Faith Feels Like it Failed - Week 4
Sharable notes for the June 28, 2020 message. You can post these notes on your social platform!
Scriptures used: John 20:24-31; John 7:3-5; Matthew 28:16-17; Jude 1:22
“Everyone who believes anything significant or worthwhile about the meaning of life does so as a matter of faith. And once you realize this, doubt seems a very different matter. It’s not a specifically Christian problem - it’s a universal human problem. Doubt is not skepticism… it’s not unbelief. Unbelief is an act of will, rather than difficulty in understanding.” Alister McGrath
Doubt is often times frowned upon, but doubt can actually be a catalyst to renewed faith.
When you have doubts that arise, ask this question, “What would happen to my doubts if I encountered the resurrected Jesus?”
Jesus didn’t tell Thomas to believe just because his explanations made the best sense. He urged Thomas to believe because of what He proved by His resurrection. Why? Because His resurrection is what makes the difference.
Our faith doesn’t begin with people who just believed something, it begins with people who saw something.
Doubt is not unbelief. Doubt can make our faith stronger.
Jesus' wounds show us that though we may not understand everything God is doing in the world we can trust Him! There is no greater love, no greater offer of justice or grace, than that which comes through Jesus Christ.
It all comes back to Jesus - all our doubts, all our questions. When we come back to Jesus and His resurrection, we're reminded of who He is and we are reminded that we are in Him and He is with us.
Reflect or meet with someone to discuss:
In what way have you struggled with doubts about Christianity?
Have you found yourself to be ashamed of your doubts or have your doubts help to make you a stronger follower of Christ?
If you did encounter the resurrected Jesus face to face, what would that do to your doubts?
Who do you have in your life that you can take your questions to and have conversation around them?
Click the image to start a new 5 day devotion in YouVersion:
If you’ve ever struggled with doubt, you’re not alone. In 2016, successful hip-hop artist Andy Mineo went through an intense period of doubting his faith. Confronted with unanswered questions, he turned to Scripture to discover the truth. Now, in this exclusive 5-day Video Bible Plan, Andy provides practical advice to help you live with doubt and embrace God’s love.