This Sunday was the first Sunday that I've gotten to be in my home church here in Chicago since February and BOY! what a killer sermon it was. Father (it's an Anglican church...) Kevin Miller dropped the hammer as he talked about Thomas's doubt that Christ had risen. His main points:
1)If you need more evidence that Christ is who He says He is, more evidence will be given. Hence why Jesus showed up specifically to let Thomas stick his hands into his wounds.
2)Sometimes we don't really need more evidence. Sometimes we need to gird up our loins and obey what we have already been shown. This is why the Lord refused to perform miracles for the Pharisees. They had enough evidence, but lacked obedience... Which is nothing new for the Pharisees...
Needless to say I took a mental step back as I listened to Father Kevin speak. Who am I in this situation? Thomas? Hmmmm, maybe? Ok not really. Pharisee? Ouch, indeed I am. I have seen the Lord undeniably at work in the lives of students, I've perceived Him in nature, and felt Him at work in my consciousness, teaching me, protecting my heart, softening my heart, and convicting me of my sin.
So why then does this doubt creep in and take hold? I don't know and I don't know how to stop it. What I do know is that my heart resonates with the man in Mark 9:24 who cries out "I believe; help my unbelief!" And this is my prayer before My Father: Lord I have seen Your might power and I've felt your great love. Help me to obey what I know to be true. Amen"
If your interested in listening to the whole sermon (and I hope you are) here is the link:
http://churchrez.org/sermons/
It's not up yet, but it should be soon!
