Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of "My Bible Thoughts" with Pastor Rich! Today, we delve into a question that has puzzled many throughout history: Can evidence alone lead to belief? Join us as we explore the story of Doubting Thomas and how his skepticism teaches us valuable lessons about faith and encountering Christ.
Find a blog article on the topic here.
In this episode, Pastor Rich shares a powerful narrative from John 20 about Thomas and his encounter with the resurrected Jesus. Picture this: eight days after the resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples, even though the doors were shut. Can you imagine the shock and amazement they must have felt?
The story unfolds as Thomas, who wasn't present at the first appearance, struggles to believe the unbelievable. He demands concrete evidence before he would trust in the risen Christ. But can we blame him? We often rely on our reasoning and demand proof too.
As Pastor Rich points out, there's a term for presenting reasoned arguments or writings in justification of something—it's called apologetics. Brilliant minds today can present mountains of evidence for the authenticity of the Bible. However, evidence alone might not be enough to bring about a life-changing encounter with Christ.
To truly believe and have a transformative experience, our hearts must be turned toward Him. Jeremiah 17:9 warns us that our hearts can deceive us, leading us astray from the truth. Thus, the episode emphasizes the importance of seeking God with an open heart, ready to embrace faith beyond tangible evidence.
Drawing from history, Pastor Rich introduces George MacDonald, a 19th-century Scottish author and minister, who also struggled with doubt despite his deep faith. MacDonald recognized that giving truth to those who do not love it only provides more reasons for misinterpretation. He understood that a change of heart is essential for true belief.
Personalizing the message, Pastor Rich shares a part of his own faith journey—a year filled with doubt and seeking evidence before fully surrendering to Christ. He emphasizes that God listens to those who surrender to Him, and doubt can ultimately lead to belief.
The show concludes with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to seek God intimately, confess their doubts, and trust in His presence and word even when unseen. The episode encourages the audience to encounter Christ in a deeply personal way and embrace faith as a transformative journey.
Subscribe to "My Bible Thoughts with Pastor Rich" to explore more thought-provoking topics and share this episode with others who might find it meaningful. Keep seeking the truth, walking in faith, and may God bless you abundantly!
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