Did you know doubts about your faith are normal and often even strengthen your faith? Pastor and author Rich Villodas states that "doubt is not the enemy of faith. It's the ground out of which faith often emerges. Faith requires us to venture into mystery. There is no certitude in mystery. Only trust. Doubt and faith are companions on the journey. "
Are you honest about your doubts? Pastor Adam even mentioned that doubts can be healthy. Can I trust the Bible? Is Christianity really the only way? What if I hadn't been born in the U.S. and raised in a Christian country? Are heaven and hell real? Can God really love me? If I have doubts, is my faith still real? These and other questions will be topics as we journey together in this new teaching series and the accompanying "Ten Minutes With God" Bible study.
INVITATION: This week we explore Scriptures where doubt is mentioned, even among some of Jesus' closest followers who walked with him each and every day. Ever wonder how someone who saw Jesus raised from the dead could turn around and doubt? We also come face to face with the fact that Jesus doesn't always do what we expect him to do. Who wouldn't have doubts in such a situation? Pastor Adam mentioned that Rockhills teaching elder Al Hassler actually came to Christ from a stance of being doubtful. But he searched and asked questions and pursued truth. God is faithful.
If you have doubts and questions, this series is for you! We have even added a tab on our website (www.rockhills.com) where you can express your areas of doubt and questioning, and can do so anonymously if you desire. If you would rather talk with someone in person (including Al Hassler if you want to ask about his journey with doubts), email Jan@rockhills.com and let us know. Come as you are. We are a safe place for your questions and doubts.
MONDAY: Matthew 11:2-6: John the Baptist taught about the coming Messiah before Jesus even began teaching. He was all about Jesus. Yet he ended up in prison. Note what verse 6 says about those who "do not fall away on account of me" (this is Jesus speaking). Don't you imagine John was sitting in prison wondering why he was in prison and Jesus was out healing and teaching? Jesus doesn't do what is expected in our limited vision and limited understanding. Has misunderstanding Jesus come into play in your life? Has it contributed to doubts?
TUESDAY: Matthew 11:11. Doubt does not cancel your faith. God can handle your questions and doubt, just as he handled John doubting enough that he sent disciples to question Jesus about who he was. What questions would you like to ask Jesus today? Pastor Adam suggested starting with the simple prayer asking God something like, "God, if you are here and real, show yourself to me." Al Hassler began his faith journey with a similar prayer. And over time, in ways Al did not expect, God answered that prayer. What about you? Do you need affirmation in your life about God and the things of God? How might you pray honestly about that?
WEDNESDAY: John 6:66-69: Sometimes the things of Jesus seem just too hard. Many of Jesus' disciples just cannot accept his bazaar teaching that he is "the bread of life." They decide to leave. What is Jesus asking you to believe or to face that seems too hard for you right now? To whom will you go? A friend? A counselor? A vice? An addiction? If you are walking way from your faith, you are walking toward something else - - what is it? There are doubts in all belief systems. If not Jesus, then who?
THURSDAY: John 20:19-28: Jesus was tender with the doubts of Thomas. Jesus gave him what he knew he needed. He will be tender with your doubts and questions as well. How is Jesus inviting you to come close? What to you need from Jesus in order for your faith to bloom?
FRIDAY: Matthew 7:7: Pastor Adam closed the teaching by suggesting 1) Pray, and 2) Seek Answers. How might you pray today and ask for what you need regarding your faith journey? Where will you seek answers? As mentioned previously, there is a tab on our website, or you can e-mail Jan@rockhills.com if you wish to meet with someone in person. On the other side of doubt is life beyond what you can imagine! Are you ready to journey there - doubts and all?