From Skeptic to Faithful

1st Corinthians 15:14, And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.

John 20:24-29, Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.  So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.”  But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe.”

Eight days later, His disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them.  Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”  Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side.  Do not disbelieve, but believe.”  Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!”  Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Jesus shows COMPASSION even in the presence of SKEPTICISM:

1.  Jesus met Thomas at the POINT of his WEAKNESS

Isaiah 53:5, But He was pierced for our transgressions;  He was crushed for our iniquities;  upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed.

2.  Thomas declared the GREATEST of all CONFESSIONS

Matthew 16:16, Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

3.  Jesus blesses those who BELIEVE without SEEING

1st Peter 1:8-9, Though you have not seen Him, you love Him.  Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Challenge:  Use the LITTLE faith you already have to grow a GREAT faith.