Introduction: All of us have probably wished at some time in our lives for God to give us some unmistakable sign of His interest in our affairs. It would most likely have to be awfully dramatic, because we’re pretty good at explaining away even the most stirring of miracles. Faith is not easy. It is part of the struggle we go through in order to fit our souls for heaven. This particular incident on that first Easter Sunday evening points out to us some important truths about this new kind of faith. We learn that:
I. WE ALL GO THROUGH MOMENTS OF DOUBT.
a. People have always struggled with their doubts.
b. The early Christians had just as much trouble believing as we do.
II. PERIODS OF DOUBT CAN LEAD US TO A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF FAITH.
a. Thomas was not excluded from the group because he didn’t believe them.
b. We should never exclude people simply because they are searching.
c. Searching may be a springboard to faith.
III. THE BEST WAY OF COMING TO FAITH IS HEARING AND BELIEVING.
a. Faith now comes from person-to-person sharing.
b. Faith comes from hearing God’s Word.
SUPPLEMENTAL SCRIPTURES:
John 11:16 Romans 10:17 Matthew 28:19-20 I Corinthians 15:20