Fan Into Flame the Gift of God (Part 3)

 (Part 3)

Believing Is Seeing

Introduction

Good morning friends, or whenever you are reading this message, good afternoon, good evening or good night! 

Today’s  message is for Sunday, May 24^th.   
I am continuing on the theme “Fan Into Flame the gift of God”. 

Text:

Today’s scripture verse is from John’s gospel, chapter 20, verses 29 - 31

Background:

This chapter 20 tells of the resurrection of Jesus and his many appearances to his followers.  The disciples were hiding out in a locked room, fearful of the authorities.  Jesus suddenly appeared to all the disciples except Judas and Thomas.

At another time Thomas was there and the disciples were excitedly telling him that Jesus had appeared to them, that He was alive.  Thomas though said, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”  At that moment Jesus appears and tells Thomas to touch him and see that He is truly real.  As Thomas reaches out and touches the Lord, every doubt and fear is immediately erased, and can’t you just hear him, with renewed excitement, proclaim, “My Lord and my God!” 

For a crossword go to-   https://sermons4kids.com/seeing_is_believing_crossword.htm

Listen to Jesus’ reply.

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

John recorded all these stories for us that we would be blessed, not by seeing but by believing.  He ends this chapter with these words of encouragement that by believing we may have life in the name of Jesus.   Here’s what he tells us.

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

My Thoughts:

1.       I’m reminded of a quote from Santa Claus 2 (you never know where you might find great quotes) where little elf Judy says, “Seeing isn’t believing.  Believing is seeing!”

2.       Many people are like Thomas who needed physical proof before they believe. (are you like Thomas?)  
       So what is faith?  According to Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”       Believing is seeing!

3.       So how can we have that same excited reaction that Thomas had by meeting the Resurrected Lord Jesus? Accept his promise by faith and you will see it’s true, as he tells us that we will be blessed by believing even though we can’t physically see Him or touch Him.  And like Thomas, we will have life, now and forever, in His name.          Believing is seeing!

4.       Fan into flame the gift of God, not by looking for more proof, but by believing in the scriptures so that you can see God more clearly.   Our theme for this year comes to mind, “Seeing God with 2020 vision”.  

5.       Remember in 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul tells Timothy to fan into flame the Gift of God. 
       Next week we celebrate Pentecost, when the Gift, was given to the apostles.  The Holy Spirit is that gift, as he lives in the believer.  This Gift lives within us is how we know, that we know, that we know.         Believing is seeing! 

6.       Please join me next week (Pentecost Sunday) for a virtual communion service (by video) where once again we will ask God to bless the elements of communion that you prepare in your homes and as we share what the Lord has instructed us to do until He comes again.   God bless you today and forever.  Amen!