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Thomas, Doubting Introduction: John 20.24-29 Perhaps all of us have heard stories that we did not believe but found to be true. Then we have heard stories that we accepted only to find out they were not true (Madylene O'Hara and banning of all religious programs, NASA finding the degrees in Isaiah 38.8, and so on). We must decide what to believe and what to reject. Thomas is often called doubting Thomas because he did not believe the words of the disciples. We want to look at some lessons we can learn from this event. I) Thomas was not gullible, v. 25 A) Some people will believe anything and everything. 1. Sky hook, the muffler bearings, and the board stretcher, are just some examples. 2. Phishing is when people sending out emails telling folks that they can get millions of dollars if they will just send their social security number or bank account number. There are individuals that get swindled out of thousands of dollars. B) There are numerous Bible warnings of being gullible and believing a lie, Deut. 18.20-22 1. God gave Moses numerous proofs to show the people that Moses had been sent by God, Exodus 4.1-5, 6-9 2. The miracles of Jesus were to prove that He was the Son of God. John 10.25 3. The miracles of the Apostles were for the same reason, Mark 16.20; Acts 5.12-13. C) This was necessary during the times of the Apostles because of the false teachers. 1. False Christ, Matthew 24.23-24 2. Many were lead astray by these false Messiah's, Acts 5.36-37 D) Today we have many false teachers 1. Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, etc. 2. The key is to study the Bible and take what it says over any other teaching, 1 John 4.1; Acts 17.11. II) Thomas Knew What To Do With The Facts, vv. 26-28 A) God expects us to follow His word, Deut 18.18-19 1. He allows examination, evaluation, and then obedience. 2. We must have honest hearts and willing minds to see what the Bible says. B) Not everyone will 1. Some do not love the truth enough to put aside false doctrines, 2 Thess. 2.10 2. Some will go with the crowd, and others will not change their lives. C) Two examples 1. Elymas had the facts and yet resisted, Acts 13.8-12 2. Paul was on the road to Damascus when Jesus spoke to him, Galatians 1.23; Acts 22.12-16 D) How about you and me? 1. Do we look for the truth? 2. What do we do once we find what the Bible says? III) We See The Difference Association Makes, v. 24,26 A) Thomas was not present the first time Jesus appeared. 1. He missed out on what the others saw and heard. 2. For this reason he was not convinced. Later on he was there and saw Jesus; it made all the difference. B) Book of Acts shows the disciples being together to worship God 1. The church was together on Solomon's porch, Acts 5.12. 2. The church at Antioch came together for a whole year, Acts 11. C) The assembling of the saints it important today. 1. I have never seen a person grow stronger in their service to God by staying away. 2. We should have the desire to be with fellow Christians and hear the word of God, Matthew 18.20; 1 Peter 2.2,3. IV) The Importance of Walking By Faith, v. 29 A) Thomas got to see Jesus but we will not until He returns. B) We must accept the testimony of the disciples 1. Therefore we must walk by faith (what the word of God says) and not by sight, 2 Corinthians 5.7. 2. The Jews had a problem with this, Romans 10.16-18 C) Today many have the same problem 1. Those who believe Kennedy is not dead, or Elvis is still alive, or man has not walked on the moon. Why? Because they reject the evidence. 2. There are those who reject Jesus as the Son of God, the Bible as the inspired word of God, what we must do to be saved. Why? Not a lack of facts but a lack of faith. Conclusion: Thomas did believe and confess Jesus as the Son of God, we must do so today, Mark 16.16. |