WE CAME TO BELIEVE

Scripture Reading: Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side. The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were exuberant. Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.” Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. “Receive the Holy Spirit,” he said. “If you forgive someone’s sins, they’re gone for good. If you don’t forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?” But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.” But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it.” Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.” Thomas said, “My Master! My God!” Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.” John 20:19-29

Focus Verse: John 20:29  Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”

If you are like Thomas, imagine what it would be like to ‘believe without seeing.’ – That’s faith. If you’re like the other disciples, remember to thank God for the faith He has given you.

BELIEF IN GOD SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY ACTION
Deuteronomy 27:10  Listen to the Voice of God, your God. Keep his commandments and regulations that I’m commanding you today.

BELIEF IN GOD SHOULD CHANGE HOW WE LIVE NOW
Mark 1:15  “Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.”

BELIEF IN GOD IS PUTTING OUR TRUST COMPLETELY IN HIM
Romans 10:9  “Jesus is my Master”— God’s work of doing in us what He did in raising Jesus from the dead. That’s it. You’re not “doing” anything; you’re simply calling out to God, trusting him to do it for you.

The second part of Step Two talks about ‘believing God can and will restore us to sanity.” more on step two tomorrow.