OVERCOMING DOUBT

 

I would like to start with something kind of funny.  A pastor was completing a sermon on abstaining from drinking alcohol.  With great expression, he said, ‘If I had all of the beer in the world, I’d take it and throw it into the river.’  With even greater emphasis, he said, ‘And if I had all of the wine in the world, I’d take it and throw it into the river.’  And then finally, he thundered, ‘And if I had all of the whiskey in the world, I’d take it and throw it into the river.’  The church was silent. Not a single congregant made a sound.  The music leader then stood up hesitantly and said, ‘For our closing song, let us sing the hymn “Shall We Gather at the River.”’

 

Jesus and John the Baptist

      18 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”  20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”  21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”  24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces.

What is doubt?  A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.  Doubt on an emotional level is indecision between belief and disbelief. It may involve uncertainty, distrust or lack of conviction on certain facts, actions, motives, or decisions. Doubt can result in delaying or rejecting relevant action out of concern for mistakes or missed opportunities.  Today the lessons we can learn from this.

 

Some thoughts about Doubt

 

“Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

When in doubt, throw doubt out have a little faith.” E. A. Bucchianeri

“Removing doubt is like removing a blindfold.” Tim Fargo

“Don’t waste life in doubts and fears.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

1.  Even the most powerful and spiritual of people can have doubts. 

 

a.  Sarah and Abraham had been waiting so long when God said it was going to happened they both laughed.  God went ahead with their promise.

b.  Gideon doubted that God could use him to do it. He tested God twice (challenging God to provide proof of his reliability through a series of miracles) before he would believe. God humored him—and through Gideon, God lead the Israelites to victory.

Doubt is the gap between our current faith and perfect faith. If this is the case, we all doubt.

c.  John doubted because of his prison and isolation.  He doubted.  Now notice how Jesus dealt with John's doubt.  He told him the facts.  “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. "

 

How to deal with doubt

 

1.  Jesus never condemned him.  Have mercy on those who doubt.

Jude 22 tells us to “have mercy on those who doubt.” It is easy to judge, condemn, and look down on doubters as if they are second-rate Christians. But to have mercy on those who doubt is to be there for them, comforting and building them up.

2.  Realize doubt is often the birth pangs of deepened faith. this is not a bad thing. We all need to consider that the truths we espouse might be wrong, in order to embrace our faith more deeply. Such doubt often results in stronger faith.

3.  Sometimes we want all the answers.   Peter says we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Life is a journey and step by step.  You learn to trust when you work through your doubt. 

4.  Make the main things the main things.

Paul told the Corinthians he delivered to them things “of first importance” (1 Cor. 15:3). He goes on to talk about the atoning death and vindicating resurrection of Christ as being most central to the faith.  Don't major on the minors.  Paul said his focus was on Christ crucified,  Remember seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.  Keep your prayer life, study of God's word, going to church and telling others about Jesus your priority.  Your attitude and reaction makes or breaks what happens in these times of crisis.

5.  Live according to the faith you still have.

Doubt is not unbelief. Again, doubt is the bridge that connects current faith to perfect faith. And that bridge will stand until our death or Christ’s return. When we go through a faith crisis, though,  live as Christians, repenting and believing the gospel, even if you don’t always feel like Christians.

6.  Doubt your doubts.  For Christians, we can be sure that the central truths of our faith will never be outweighed by our doubt.   Jesus answered John's doubts with facts.  Jesus dealt with Thomas' doubt with reality.  Facts always dispel sincere doubt.

7.  Work through your issues.  If your doubt is because of personal sin repent.  If it caused by people then get the facts.  If you are dissatisfied go deeper into God.  Whatever is causing it deal with it with love, non jugdmentalness and facts. 

 

Be like David when he said.  Why am I so sad?

Why am I so troubled?

I will put my hope in God,

and once again I will praise him,

my savior and my God.

(Psalm 42:11)

 

The main thing is to go to God like John the Baptist. 

The last part here I love.  Jesus spoke highly of John and the Lord sees you as you become.  God welcomes doubt because He know what you will be like on the other side.  God lovingly dealt with Gideon because he saw what he became.  He kept his promise to Abraham because God sees the big picture.  In Thomas' case he saw Thomas in India establishing the church there.  Doubt is Ok for a while but do not let it become you king and country. 

QUOTES FOR APRIL 2, 2026

 

NO GREATER LOVE

 

John 15:1 2 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

 

1.        This is known as the Great Commandment it is one of the 49 commandments and seven things instructed his disciples to do but this is besides the Great Commission separates us from, he religious world.

 

a.        Inviting us to His eternal home and welcoming us

b.       Forgiving us when we repent

c.        Sacrificing everything, including His own life, for our benefit

d.       Teaching, serving, and embracing people

e.        Tearing down barriers and hate and approaching the oppressed and marginalized.

 

2.        These seven things are simple but meaningful ways we can demonstrate our love and appreciation for God that will speak volumes to Him personally: giving Him praise, praying to Him, reading the Bible, loving those around us, giving of time, talents and resources, fasting, and being hopeful.

3.        Jesus healed the sick, raise the dead, fed the hungry, preach the Kingdom, casts of demons, interceded for the disciples and the church and gave his life all in love.

4.        The following is agape love.  1 Cor 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.

 

13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

 

1.        This is sacrificial love.  Jesus would lay down his life for us.  Our celebration this morning of communion demonstrates this love.  While we were yet sinners Christ died for us.  It was through his broken body and shed blood, death burial, and resurrection we have been redeemed, saved, sanctified and fill with the Holy Ghost.  The interesting point is that Jesus did it whether we were friends or not. 

2.        The mark of the early church is that they knew what love was.  Today we do not know that is why messages like today are so important.  The watered down, lukewarm, inclusive, delusional, worldly and manmade view of love has even corrupted the church.  You do not love someone if you allow them to hurt themselves or others.  Godly love does not permit, tolerate, applaud, promote things that are contrary to the word of God.  It does not bend truth to accommodate the ideas of the day.  Love does not allow destructive and damaging behavior.  So today love as illustrated in 1 Cor 13, John 3:16 and out passage today

 

A MOMENT TO REMEMBER

 

When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you just keep looking at each other?” 2 He continued, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.”

 

Lesson One:  When we receive news that is life saving.  We need to not just sit there and think about it.  We need to do something about it.  There is time to think things through.  To ponder, to consider, look at the pros and cons.  Then there is news that we need to act upon.  Jacob who is the leader of his family, the chosen of God heard via most likely through the caravans or local news.  In the ancient world news came through people going and coming back from places.  Not like today where we can get news in real time, television, radio, print or internet.  There was grain in Egypt.  They had none, so he told his boys to Egypt and buy some.  This was a life and death situation.  When you know survival is on the line you do everything you can.  Yet none of the characters of this story knew God was setting things up.  This was about to be a divine moment.  In your life and mine God is always working on our behalf.  He is creating divine moments.  People we are going to meet, things that are going to happen and intersecting our lives with others.  This is where we need to trust the Lord and remember God is always working.  You are here this morning not by accident but by divine appointment to hear what I have to say.  Talk about Iraqi family coming to Canada via Syria and how I got to tell Him about Christ.

 

 

3 Then ten of Joseph’s brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt. 4 But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, with the others, because he was afraid that harm might come to him. 5 So Israel’s sons were among those who went to buy grain, for there was famine in the land of Canaan also.

 

Lesson Two:  Joseph’s ten brothers went down to Egypt.  It would have taken up to a week because they had to walk or go on some sort of animal.  They would also had to have taken enough supplies to get them there.  No Restaurants and few hotels in the ancient world.  Also terrain was desert and mountains so would have been a long dry trip.  Now Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph’s brother via Rachel.  Now Jacob had two wives.  Rachel and Leah.  Joseph was in love with Rachel he worked for her for seven years for her hand in marriage but on the day of the marriage, Rachel’s dad switched brides and gave Leah instead.  In those days brides wore veils and you did not know who you were marrying until afterward.  In India today grooms wear beaded veils.   Now Rachel died while giving birth to Benjamin and so you can understand Jacob fear when Joseph disappeared. Now God can use our fears, concern for divine purposes.  I have won many to Christ because of fear or concerns life.  This would set up a divine encounter designed to save Jacob and his family and to teach the boys a lesson.  So the boys went to Egypt to buy grain because the famine was in Canaan as well.  Remember this was a famine that engulfed the then known world.  God often uses natural disasters for divine purposes.  Talk about the locusts devastating Israel during time of Joel and this was used to bring a prophetic message.

 

6 Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the person who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph’s brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground. 7 As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. “Where do you come from?” he asked.

 

Lesson three.  Joseph was the governor of the land.  He was selling grain to all its people.  His brothers arrived and bowed their face to the ground.  Joseph recognized his brothers but they did not recognize Him.  Remember over 20 years had passed.  People change.  Also Joseph would have been dressed and looked like a Egyptian noble.  He would have makeup, a wig, a mitre or crown, fine linen, clean shaven. 

Joseph would now be in his late 30’s.  They also thought Joseph was dead.  He recognized them but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them  and asked them where they were from.  Now many think this is because all his pent up anger, frustration and unforgiveness.  I do not think this.  I think he was setting up a moment of truth.  Remember Joseph was known for his wisdom, his generosity and understanding of divine purposes.  He was probing the boys.  He wanted information.  If they knew who he was they would have been shocked and scared.  Joseph wanted to find out about his father, brother and family.  Joseph was playing the gambler.  Talk about Kenny Rogers song.  Joseph in that moment formulated a plan.  This was part of the plan.  He would play a role, this way he could get what he wanted.  He was also going to teach them a lesson.  So he came across as a harsh person.  Must have been a shock to his officials, in fact out of character for Joseph.  Joseph though was a man with a plan. 

 

“From the land of Canaan,” they replied, “to buy food.”  8 Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. 9 Then he remembered his dreams about them.

 

Lesson Four:  They told him they were from Canaan, to buy food.  They were on a mission.  Joseph had recognized his brothers but they did not recognize Him.  Then Joseph had an epiphany.  He remembered his dreams.  The first was , We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.”  Next, the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.”  It was happening.  God often gives us divine hints about the future.  Did you know there were 300 OT prophecies about the birth, life, ministry and death about Jesus Christ.  Joseph when he was a boy had these dreams.  In fact it was these dreams and his father’s favor that led up to this moment.  A little lesson is that even the bad things that happen to us can be used by God.  Joseph and the boys were having a divine moment.  Joseph knew it but his brothers did not.  Remember everything has a purpose even if we do not see it.  That is why we have to trust God, His love, grace, mercy and forgiveness.  Rom 8:28 reminds us that all things work together for good.  If you had something bad happen or good it has a divine purpose.  Talk about how my getting a brochure from the Columbia school of broadcasting, going to Vanguard changed everything for me.  Close with giving is the best communication.

April 2 – The Future – Isaiah 18:4-8

 

April 2 – The Future – Isaiah 18:4-8

 

     Isaiah is making a comment about the present and in the future.  God has rejected and will cause the alliance between Cush and Assyria to fail.  God is going to deal with Assyria himself.  For the moment God is keeping silent and is viewing the situation from his dwelling place.  God orchestrates all aspects of mankind.  This is the sovereignty of God.  He is equated with sunshine and heat.  He will cut off the alignment of the two nations.  They will be prey to the predators of the day.  God’s judgment when it comes is swift and thorough a warning to both today and the future.  We reap what we sow.  Sow to the flesh and you get fleshly results.  Sow to the spirit and you get spiritual results. 

     Isaiah then sees both in the present and the future that Cush will bring presents and worship in Jerusalem and Israel.  This of course was fulfilled with Philip leading the Ethiopian official to Christ and then the church being born in that country.  In fact, until 1973, a Christian king ruled that land.  Today there is both a large group of Christians and Jews hail from that country.  They even claim to have the original ark in the country.  Isaiah was both accurate, and right about the land of cush.  This is the trustworthiness of the prophetic.