Welcome to the house. We’re so glad you joined us today. Choosing to tune in to this sermon was not by accident. And I believe God has a word just for you. >> That’s right. God is always using the people of this house to speak his word. So whether you’re watching from across the street or maybe you are across the world, you are not just a viewer.
You are our family >> and we believe that worship doesn’t have walls and experiencing the goodness of God’s spirit doesn’t always require a commute. >> So, are you ready to join us as we fellowship and unite in spirit and in truth? I want your hearts to be open because we are going to encounter God together. >> Amen. We see you. We love you.
And we believe this word is going to change your life. >> Jump up to your feet. We’re going to the word of God. The Gospel of St. John 20 25- 28. There you will find my assignment for this morning. The text is brief and simple, but the message behind it is profound and prolific. It comes at a moment in history that Jesus has gone to the cross.
Jerusalem is in total chaos and confusion. The Romans are trying to manage it. The temple is trying to diminish it. The disciples are trying to dodge it. because their leader is gone. Or so they thought. A lot of things that look gone on Friday, resurrect on Sunday morning. The devil will try to talk you into thinking it’s over.
And this is somebody that the enemy in some area of your life has convinced you that it’s over. >> But it’s not over. Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s not over. >> Just because it’s difficult doesn’t mean it’s not over. One of the disciples in particular had a hard time with it. And I’m going to focus on him today. The other disciples therefore said unto him, “We have seen the Lord.
” But he said unto them, “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of his nails and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Repeat those last words. I will not believe. That is a strong statement coming from a person who has given their life over to the Lord fully.
I don’t mean just gotten a conversion core card and gone on about their life. These people dropped their jobs, walked away from their families, did everything to walk with Jesus. I’m going to explain a little bit why their dedication was so intense and so powerful and what their expectation was.
Because sometimes we expect one thing from God and God does something else. And God doesn’t always answer in the way that you think he should answer. And it leaves you with questions in your mind. If I’m talking to you, say amen. >> Amen. >> And after eight days again, his notice how many days it was. Somebody say eight days. >> Eight days.
>> After eight days again, his disciples were within and Thomas with them. He wasn’t with him before. He wasn’t with him. Then came Jesus, the door being shut. >> And stood in the midst, and said, “Peace be unto you.” Then said he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands, and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side.
