Dear First Pres,
I don’t know about you, but I have continued to stir about the questions last week’s sermon text raised for us. If you missed it, I encourage you to head to our web-site and listen to it. You’ll find it on the Resources page (while you are there, don’t forget to register with MyFPC). We examined the interaction between Thomas and the Risen Jesus. Jesus told him, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” One of the questions this text raised for us is this: In what ways is disbelief manifested in my life?
Sometimes I know that disbelief has been manifest in my leadership. I don’t always believe that God has called me to serve as a pastor. I don’t always believe that people will really be changed by Christ. I don’t always believe in the gifting of the Holy Spirit. I don’t always believe that God can use our church to really make a difference in our city. Perhaps you don’t believe a pastor should confess these kinds of things to a congregation, but I hope it serves as a reminder that our hope, our confidence, our faith is in the Risen Christ, and only Him.
Praise the Lord! He shows up in the midst of our disbelief. He’s not afraid of our doubts. He calls us to believe. So, this week, my prayer has been this: My Lord and my God, I believe, help my disbelief (see Mark 9:24). I encourage you to make that your prayer, as well.
This week we’ll examine one more encounter with the Risen Christ that forever changed a disciple. It’s found in John 21. Would you consider spending some time reflecting on this passage before Sunday? Take a few minutes to read it. Then spend some time thinking about what it says, what it means, and why it’s important. I think that’ll help you get the most from our time in the Word on Sunday morning.
Blessings,
Jeremy
P.S. Yes! It’s raining again. Please continue to thank the Lord for the rain, and ask Him to send more.
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