Thomas and John

"Doubting Thomas" has gotten a bad rap over the years.  It's true, as shown in John 20:24-31, that initially he didn't let his faith help him see the realities that are often hidden from others.  Since Jesus predicted his resurrection before His crucifixion, Thomas and the other disciples should have known before seeing any evidence; and could've even been at the tomb on the morning of the third day expecting His resurrection.  However, to his credit, Thomas clearly proclaimed through his confession "My Lord and My God", his belief after seeing the evidence.   As Jesus gently showed Thomas the evidence, it reminds us that He is also patient with us when we lack faith.   However, we also must remember not to limit, by our lack of faith, what God can do. "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed."

My Pastor has been clearly presenting the gospel message in his sermons; and this was no exception.   In referring to Romans 10:9 "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved", he stated that one must accept Jesus as Lord and Savior in order to be saved.  I'm sure the critics wouldn't fully agree; but, I thank God that He is building up my confidence in standing firm against the critics, albeit slowly.  

Following the example of Nehemiah, I have been praying for my critics and for the situation; as well as for boldness and courage to keep on with God's Work.   It has been a struggle trying to have a less defensive and critical attitude; but, I trust that God will help me to see through His perspective and to learn and grow through this experience. I can see God at work, with the encouragement from the elders, knowing that I have the Pastor and Assistant Pastor behind me, and even seeing the class recognize the Greek knowledge of one of the critics, hopefully encouraging him and helping him not to become bitter and angry from censure.

In class, the person teaching the current series in the Gospel of John, is an example of presenting the Word without fear and timidity, despite the critics.   It's been interesting going back to some of the basics of Who Christ is:

• John 1:1 - the Word of God (power and all-knowing) as manifested through the mystery of the Trinity
• John 1:3 - the Creator with amazing power through His Word ("He spoke it, and it came to be" Psalm 33:9a), His glory being declared through the vastness and wonder of the universe and all creation.  "All things have been created through Him and for Him" (Colossians 1:16b) - when He created it, all things were good.
• John 1:4 - the Source of Life; there's a connection between Life and Light; and apart from Him there is death ("For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)