Sermon Outline - From Unbelief to Faith, John ch.20 vv.24-29
| Date | 30/05/2004 |
|---|---|
| Time | 17:30 |
| Preacher | Rev. Maurice Roberts, Inverness |
| Sermon Title | From Unbelief to Faith |
| Text | John ch.20 vv.24-29 |
| Sermon ID | 857 |
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Introduction
- "The place of women in churches".
- Mary not an apostle...but
- She was a "private preacher" (v.18)
A CAUTION NOT TO MISS THE CHURCH: v.24
- Thomas "was not with them". He missed the blessing.
APPLICATION: It is a reminder to us. - What a lot he missed! See v.19-23:
(i) the risen Christ (ii) the proof (iii) the joy (iv) the assurance (v) the experience. - APPLICATION: O don't be haphazard in the things of God! Be there as long as you can. You never know when Christ may "come".
- Thomas "was not with them". He missed the blessing.
THE MISTAKEN WAY IN WHICH UNBELIEF ARGUES
- It refuses the testimony of God's people.
- It lays down conditions for God.
- It ignores what God has said long ago: See Psalm 16 - and Christ's own words.
ILLUSTRATION: The recently-lost space-craft to find life on Mars (cost ?60M!!).
CHRIST IS GRACIOUS EVEN WHEN WE DOUBT HIM
- "After eight days": a long week for Thomas.
APPLICATION: By unbelief you give needless sorrow. - Even so, "Jesus came". How gracious!
- Don't despair if you have been slow to believe. He is very gracious.
- Loving assurance: "Peace be to you!"
APPLICATION: Perhaps you have been slow to come - but He is wondrous kind.
- "After eight days": a long week for Thomas.
THERE IS EVIDENCE ENOUGH THAT CHRISTIANITY IS TRUE IF ONLY WE WOULD CONSIDER IT
- "Reach hither..." Plenty of proof.
- Christ will reach down to our level to prove His gospel to us.
ILLUSTRATION: Romans 8:28 - Look at the vast number of books on hand: eg Re the British Museum just now.
- "Be not faithless!" He says to you too.
SOME ARE SLOWER TO BELIEVE THAN OTHERS BUT THEY COME CLEARLY TO FAITH AT LAST
- Thomas came to believe last in Christ's resurrection - but he did believe at last.
Q. Is this like you? - His own testimony here is glorious: (i) Christ is Lord (ii) Christ is God.
OBSERVE: This is all you need to believe - but you must be persuaded fully of it.
- Thomas came to believe last in Christ's resurrection - but he did believe at last.
IF WE WISH TO BE BLESSED WE MUST BE CONTENT TO BELIEVE WITHOUT VISUAL EVIDENCE
- Not many have seen what Thomas saw!
OBSERVE: Beware of false things (RC relics, etc.) - How should we believe then? Not by a vision or a dream - but from God's own holy Word.
- God's "blessing" comes when we believe.
- Not many have seen what Thomas saw!
CONCLUSION
- The blessing of free pardon
- The blessing of new life.
- The blessing of assurance.
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