One of the things which has helped me grow in my Christian faith and understanding has been listening to debates between Christians and atheists on Youtube. Now, it’s not as bad as you might think. I mean, some of you might think sitting on a prickly pear cactus and eat raw tofu might be more enjoyable, and I understand that. But for yours truly, I truly learn a lot about my faith and the views of those who do not share my faith.
One interesting thing keeps popping up over and over and over in such debates, and it is a criticism of Christianity and belief in God in general. Many people have a problem with what is called “blind faith.” This is the idea that our beliefs and practices have no evidence to back them up. We simply believe without anything measurable to point to as a basis for that belief. The argument goes something like this: well, you don’t have any evidence to back up your belief, so why not believe in the tooth fairy or the giant spaghetti monster?
In reality, this criticism is a valid criticism–if, and it is a big if, faith were simply an intellectual assertion–kind of like a switch in the brain that you turn on and off. “Click” I believe in God. “Click” I don’t believe in God. Whether I turn the switch on or off has very little bearing on my life. And there are many believers who fit right into this category. There are many believers for whom faith in Jesus is simply a belief that indeed He is God; He died; He rose from the dead, and if I give intellectual assent to this, then I am saved. Furthermore, as many, many pastors have said, it is quite all right to have doubts about such things. It is quite all right to wrestle with the intellectual problem of God taking on flesh and living among us; performing miracles; dying; and then rising from the dead. Simply believing this as passed down throughout history is a difficult thing especially in light of the scientific evidence about how the world generally works. Having doubt is not a bad thing–or so we are told.
Again, what is being said here is true–if, and it’s a big if, faith is simply an intellectual matter that is all in our heads. If faith is simply a condition of our heads grasping something and believing it, then we have to deal with the criticism of blind faith and the idea that doubt is a good thing. However, this does make Jesus’ words today in the 20th Chapter of the book of John a bit problematic. For if I get up here and say, “It’s okay to doubt,” and then you hear Jesus tell Thomas, “Do not doubt but believe,” then you are left in a bit of a conundrum. Who do you trust? Do you trust what I say? Do you trust what Jesus commanded? Do you trust that the writer of the Gospel actually gives us the words of Jesus? Did the writer make this story up? All of these questions come to life and then snowball if faith is something that is purely intellectual; purely a head thing that has no evidence to back it up.
But I do not think faith is simply a head thing. I do not think faith is simply a matter of clicking a switch up in our brains which turns on and off. I think faith runs much deeper, and honestly, the translation of verse 27 leaves a lot to be desired. I think it should be translated in the following way: 27Then Jesus said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not distrust but trust.’ How does this change things, and how does it affect our lives? Hold onto your seats.
To get at this question, we need to take a quick trip through the Gospel of John to look at Thomas. Thomas gets a lot of attention in this text, and he is important; although the main focus of this text is not Thomas, but Jesus. We’ll get there shortly. But let’s take a look at Thomas for a few minutes as we see his history throughout the Gospel of John. We begin in Chapter 11 as Jesus tells His disciples He is going to Bethany after Jesus’ friend Lazarus has died. The last time Jesus was in Bethany, the crowds threatened to kill Him. The disciples know this, and they are afraid for Jesus. They are afraid Jesus will be killed. As His followers, they stand to suffer the same fate. Thomas bravely steps to the fore and says, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” Thomas definitely shows bravado here. He is willing to die with Jesus, but I am convinced that Thomas doesn’t quite understand who Jesus really is. Thomas doesn’t fully understand the extent of what Jesus is about and how this will really impact him.
Why do I say that? Because of the next time we run into Thomas is in John chapter 14. In this chapter, Jesus has just told His disciples that He will be going away and that He will bring them to Himself. Jesus also says that the disciples know the way to the place He is going. Thomas then says, “We do not know where you are going, how can we know the way?” So, Thomas goes from a willingness to die with Jesus to being confused. He doesn’t quite get Jesus at all. Jesus responds famously, “I am the way, and the Truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus, of course, is revealing that He is the Lamb of God who has come to take away the sins of the world by His life, death, and resurrection. Thomas doesn’t get that. He still has a certain expectation of Jesus. Thomas still believes that Jesus is going to do something vastly different. I think Thomas believes Jesus is going to be the Jewish Messiah who will come with power and might, but not the suffering servant who gives His life as a ransom for many.
This is why when we meet Thomas today, Thomas initially refuses to believe or trust the witness of his fellow disciples. Jesus had appeared to them in that locked room; breathed new life into them; and commissioned them to spread the news–to forgive sins. Thomas was not there at this initial gathering, so when he returned, the rest of the crew greeted him with the news, “We have seen the Lord.”
Thomas doesn’t believe them. He doesn’t trust their witness. We automatically ask, “Why?” Scripture is not explicit here. We don’t know the workings of Thomas’ brain at this point, but based upon our experience of Thomas in the book of John and what he said to the disciples and to Jesus in John 11 and John 14, I think Thomas refused to believe and refused to trust his colleagues because he knew it meant he would have to die. Hear me again on that one: if Jesus was risen from the dead, then it meant Thomas would have to die.
Please know, I am not talking about physical death. No. That would have been the easy way out. Physical death was something Thomas was willing to face earlier, but I don’t think he was ready to face the death that Jesus had talked about with His disciples before, “If anyone wants to save his life, he must lose it; and if anyone loses his life for my sake and the sake of the Gospel, he will save it.” This kind of death is much, much harder. This kind of death is traumatic. This kind of death means a radical shift in one’s worldview and understanding. If Jesus is raised from the dead, then I must give up everything I once thought would bring me happiness and joy. I must give up everything that I once thought that made me who I am. I must give up everything I once placed my trust in to bring me peace. I must give up everything I once wanted and desired; and I must put my trust in Jesus.
I don’t think Thomas wanted to die that kind of death. I don’t think Thomas wanted to give up his dream of a Messiah who would overthrow Israel’s enemies. I don’t think Thomas wanted to give up his dreams of power and authority. I don’t think Thomas wanted to give up his ideas of a Messiah who was powerful and mighty; a warrior of paramount who would bring about world peace–and, of course, the dominion of the kingdom of Israel of which he would be one of the twelve rulers. Thomas wanted all of this. This was his deepest heart’s desire. It was something he was willing to die for, and when he thought Jesus would give it to him, he was glad to follow Jesus to death. It’s why Thomas couldn’t understand Jesus’ comments about preparing the way to the Father. Thomas wasn’t thinking of such things. His heart and mind and trust were somewhere else.
But if Jesus was raised from the dead, those dreams must come to an end. Those desires must cease. His heart could no longer be captured by what Thomas wanted. If Jesus were raised from the dead, a radical new way of life was mandated; a way of life with Jesus at the center. And so, Thomas came up with a list of demands which could surely not be satisfied. “Unless I place my hands in His wounds, I will not trust.”
You know, there is a reason we quote Isaiah 53.5: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.” For Jesus came to Thomas. Jesus had Thomas touch his wounds, and by Jesus’ wounds, Thomas was healed. Thomas was put to death. When Jesus came to Thomas, all of those things Thomas thought were his dreams and desires left. “My Lord and my God!” Thomas cries out.
“Do not distrust, Thomas. Trust.” Thomas entire being was affected by his encounter with Jesus. Thomas entire soul was changed. It was not an intellectual switch in his brain that was thrown, but it was a change to his very core as he put his trust in the one who died and rose again.
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet trust,” Jesus then says. There is no doubt as to whom this statement is directed. It is not directed to the disciples who are standing in that room. It is not directed at Thomas who has touched Jesus. It is directed at you and me. It is directed at all who will hear the message about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. It is an invitation to us to come and die–to walk away from all of those things that we once believed would bring us happiness; peace; satisfaction; and joy. It is an invitation to stop placing our trust in money; power; politics; science; sports; status; possessions; friends; family; co-workers; humanity; and ourselves. It is an invitation to put our trust solely and squarely in Jesus Christ and look to Him for our identity, for our hope, for our well-being, for meaning, for purpose, for peace, and for joy. It is an invitation to rethink our entire lives and our entire being–not just some intellectual assertion that Jesus is risen from the dead. It’s an invitation to make Jesus our deepest heart’s desire and proclaim Him our Lord and our God.
Why? You may ask. Why should I put my trust in Him instead of all of these other things? Why Jesus above material possessions or money or power or politics? Why Jesus over any other religion or philosophy? Why trust Jesus instead of trusting myself?
Let me start by going backward. Trust yourself? If you start believing your own press and thinking you have the ability to handle every situation in the world, then you have become your own god and will eventually end up like Narcissus. You will fall in love with yourself and end up consumed with yourself dying alone. If you put your trust in any other god, they will demand your total allegiance and punish you dearly when you mess up. If you trust in wealth, possessions, power and politics, they will demand everything of you and never give you enough to satisfy.
Only one God has dared die for you when you were undeserving. Only one God dared die for you when you rejected Him. Only one God dared to love you deeply when you refused to love Him. Only Jesus was willing to do this for you and demand nothing in return.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that all those who believe in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world not to condemn the world but that the world may be saved through Him!
And if Jesus was raised from the dead, then this is most certainly true. And when you put your trust in Him; when you put your trust in His saving actions, your life will be transformed. Not in the sense of material possessions or health or financial well being, but with a peace that passes understanding and with a joy that can never be taken from you. Today, Jesus invites you to trust Him. Not with some simple belief, but with your entire being. Let His wounds heal you that you may fall on your knees and say, “My Lord and my God.” Amen.
Showing posts with label Doubt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Doubt. Show all posts
Monday, April 13, 2015
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
A Lesson in Trust and Evangelism: A Sermon on Doubting Thomas
Years ago, my dad and I were discussing the fact that the Sunday after Easter was one of the worst attended in most congregations--obviously this isn't the case here this morning! :-) Most folks show up on Easter and then say, "Well, I'm good for the next six weeks." But that wasn't good enough for my dad and I, and as we talked dad recognized the fact that every Sunday after Easter, the Gospel lesson is always "Doubting Thomas." Dad reasoned, "No wonder folks don't want to come to church the next Sunday. They go from hearing that Jesus is risen from the dead to doubting." There might be something to be said for that.
However, the more I have preached on our Gospel lesson in my years of preaching, the more I have come to appreciate this text. There are so many layers of rich material to probe and learn from. Like a many faceted, beautiful diamond, this text reveals more and more as you read and look at it. This morning, I would like to approach this text from the standpoint of evangelism and where any one of us at any given moment might fit given the circumstances.
First off, the text begins with the disciples huddled in a room for fear of the Jews. Actually, if we were a little more honest with the Greek, we would probably make the word fear a little stronger. We would probably use the word, “terrified.” The disciples were terrified; scared; dazed and confused. I think it interesting to note a couple of points. First, they had already discovered the empty tomb at this point. Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved had been there and seen it. Secondly, they had heard the report of Mary Magdalene who had seen the resurrected Jesus. But despite these two things: the empty tomb, and Mary’s report, they were not filled with rejoicing. They were not filled with hope. They were not filled with excitement and abundant joy. They were huddled in fear. Why?
Well, if Mary’s report were true, that Jesus was actually alive and resurrected, then their whole view of life would be turned upside down. It could no longer be business as usual. They couldn’t just return to their semi-normal lives that they had before encountering Jesus. They couldn’t go back to being fishermen, tax collectors, zealots, or what have you. Their entire lives would be changed. Their response to this was expected: fear.
Why do I say the response is expected? Well, think about how many of our lives function. Think about how comfortable we tend to get in our lives. Sure, we may be busy. We may be stretched thin. We may feel unfulfilled, dissatisfied, hungry for something more than we are getting now, but we are reluctant to change. We are reluctant to say no to all the things we are pursuing. Why? Why can’t or won’t we change? We are afraid. We know that the moment we begin saying no to the pursuits we have engaged in, we will face anger, we will face retribution, we will face the loss of our investments of time and energy and money. We will face the loss of the small feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment that we currently receive. And even though these small feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment only leave us wanting more, we dread the thought that even this will be taken away. And so we fear change. We fear walking away, even though we too have heard the good news. We have heard Jesus is alive. We have heard that when Jesus is the center of our hearts and the pursuit of our lives, we will be at peace; we will be filled. When Jesus is the end goal of that which we seek, all things will be added. We have heard this, but we too sit in fear and trembling. We too sit in terror, not for fear of the Jews, but for fear of having our total world turned upside down. The thought of taking that risk is simply too unbearable.
But then Jesus enters. Into the midst of that locked room; into the midst of that group of terrified people, Jesus arrives. He stands before them and says, “Peace be with you.” He breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit, as the Father has sent me, so I send you. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven. If you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” When the disciples were incapable of overcoming their fears, Jesus came to them. Jesus instructed them. Jesus put them at peace. Can Jesus do the same for you who are terrified? Can Jesus enter into your life at an unexpected moment and change your heart? Absolutely. Do you expect Him to? That is another question totally, but one worth asking yourself, I think.
Of course, this encounter changed the disciples. They went from terrified to peaceful, joyful, and satisfied. Their lives now had meaning and purpose. They were to spread the news of Jesus Christ, and who do you think they would first tell? Who do you think they would first run to with the news of Jesus’ appearance? Of course, you know, at least by the story–they would go to one of their closest friends; one who saw Jesus’ miracles; one who at one point was willing to die for Jesus: Thomas. For some reason or another, Thomas wasn’t with the rest of the disciples when Jesus appeared, and I am sure those who saw Jesus believed that Thomas would accept their testimony. Boy, were they wrong. Completely and utterly wrong. Thomas would not accept their witness. Thomas would not accept what they saw. He doubted.
At this point, I want to stop for just a moment and make it clear about what Thomas doubted. I mean, think about this for just a moment. Who did Thomas doubt? Did He doubt Jesus? Did Thomas doubt the existence of God? Thomas doubted the resurrection, of course, but he also doubted his friends. He doubted those whom he had lived with, walked with, talked with, ate with, and bonded with over the years. He doubted those who were witnessing to him about what happened to Jesus and what they had seen.
I think this is such an important lesson for those of us who have found ourselves transformed by Christ’s presence in our lives. I mean, when we have been captured by the grace of God; when we know that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life; when we know that God sent the Son into the world not to condemn the world but to save it; when these things are held deeply in conviction by us, we share that news. We want others to know down deep what it means to have Christ as the center of our lives. We want others to know the inexpressible peace, joy, and satisfaction this brings. But we too are often met with skepticism. We too are often met with doubt. And the temptation is to keep hammering and hammering and hammering away. The temptation is to keep bugging and bugging and bugging others until they either walk away or give into our rambling just to shut us up. But this does not bring anyone to faith. It didn’t bring Thomas to faith. Once again, Jesus steps into the picture.
Jesus appears to the disciples once again, and rather than chide Thomas from the get go, Jesus goes straight to him. Jesus tells Thomas, “Hey buddy, look, put your finger here in these nail marks. Touch my side.” Jesus comes to Thomas and brings him to faith. It is only then that Jesus chides Thomas. It is only then when Jesus says, “Do not doubt. Believe.” Of course, we must ask, “Doubt what?” Is Jesus saying we shouldn’t have doubts about the resurrection? Is Jesus saying we shouldn’t have doubts about God? Is Jesus saying we must have absolute conviction in our hearts and that any fleeting thought to the contrary is sinful? I don’t believe so.
Remember what Thomas doubted. Remember who Thomas doubted. He doubted the testimony of others. He doubted that they had actually seen Jesus. He didn’t trust anyone else, and he only relied upon himself.
In my estimation, there is a two-fold lesson here. The first lesson has to do with those of us who truly want to engage others with this faith we have received. We simply cannot bring someone else to faith through argument; through coercion; or bribe. Faith comes from Christ Himself, and we can only plant the seeds and be patient. We do not need to be frustrated when our efforts at evangelism fall upon ears that seem deaf. We must do our work and then wait for Christ to do His. This is a very, very important lesson.
The second lesson I think we must learn has to do with trust. “Do not doubt, but believe.” There is an element of trusting God that is implicit in this statement, but given the circumstances of this story, I think there is also an element of trusting one another. There is also an element of Jesus saying, “Trust one another’s testimony about how God is working in your life. Trust one another when you share your stories about how I have worked in your life.” This sometimes is hard. This sometimes is extremely difficult because we oftentimes doubt one another. There is so much in the world these days which purposely seeks to divide us and cause us to distrust each other. We also know that there is an element of selfishness which drives us. How can I know that you aren’t trying to take advantage of me? How do I know you are believable and not just trying to manipulate me? These are good questions. Tough questions. Questions which I think we must wrestle with together.
And that is where I think I will begin to end this sermon–by asking you what it means to develop trust. How does a group of people come to trust one another? How does a group of people let down their guards and become vulnerable enough to listen to one another? How does a group of people find some sort of common bond so that they can share stories and testimony about how God has worked in each other’s lives? Have we come to the point in our society where such a thing is forbidden? Have we come to a point in society where we can keep people at a digital distance so that we never, ever have to truly engage another’s spirit as we communicate? Why is it now so hard to get a group of people to really sit down and talk after worship? Why don’t we strive very hard to establish deep, lasting relationships with someone outside of our comfort zone? Maybe Jesus has a lot of work to do on each and every one of us. Maybe we all are somewhat huddled in fear for fear of being hurt. How long before Jesus appears to us to give us peace?
Well, the good news is that the grave is empty. Jesus is alive, and His Spirit is present right here and right now. He does not want you to feel alone and isolated. He does not want you to sit in fear and doubt. He has shown His love for you on the cross and has shown you the hope you will experience in the resurrection. And He has given you a community to connect to. I don’t care what society says being connected means. True relationships are not built digitally. They are built upon human flesh and blood. They are built upon trust. Can you trust each other here this morning? You may find it difficult, but think of this: Jesus trusts you, doesn’t He? Jesus trusts you enough to give you His story, trusts you enough to share that story and pass it on to others, and trusts you enough to give you the Holy Spirit as your comfort and guide along the way. Do not doubt, believe. Jesus comes to you. He will come to others. Just be patient. This is the lesson of evangelism. Amen.
However, the more I have preached on our Gospel lesson in my years of preaching, the more I have come to appreciate this text. There are so many layers of rich material to probe and learn from. Like a many faceted, beautiful diamond, this text reveals more and more as you read and look at it. This morning, I would like to approach this text from the standpoint of evangelism and where any one of us at any given moment might fit given the circumstances.
First off, the text begins with the disciples huddled in a room for fear of the Jews. Actually, if we were a little more honest with the Greek, we would probably make the word fear a little stronger. We would probably use the word, “terrified.” The disciples were terrified; scared; dazed and confused. I think it interesting to note a couple of points. First, they had already discovered the empty tomb at this point. Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved had been there and seen it. Secondly, they had heard the report of Mary Magdalene who had seen the resurrected Jesus. But despite these two things: the empty tomb, and Mary’s report, they were not filled with rejoicing. They were not filled with hope. They were not filled with excitement and abundant joy. They were huddled in fear. Why?
Well, if Mary’s report were true, that Jesus was actually alive and resurrected, then their whole view of life would be turned upside down. It could no longer be business as usual. They couldn’t just return to their semi-normal lives that they had before encountering Jesus. They couldn’t go back to being fishermen, tax collectors, zealots, or what have you. Their entire lives would be changed. Their response to this was expected: fear.
Why do I say the response is expected? Well, think about how many of our lives function. Think about how comfortable we tend to get in our lives. Sure, we may be busy. We may be stretched thin. We may feel unfulfilled, dissatisfied, hungry for something more than we are getting now, but we are reluctant to change. We are reluctant to say no to all the things we are pursuing. Why? Why can’t or won’t we change? We are afraid. We know that the moment we begin saying no to the pursuits we have engaged in, we will face anger, we will face retribution, we will face the loss of our investments of time and energy and money. We will face the loss of the small feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment that we currently receive. And even though these small feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment only leave us wanting more, we dread the thought that even this will be taken away. And so we fear change. We fear walking away, even though we too have heard the good news. We have heard Jesus is alive. We have heard that when Jesus is the center of our hearts and the pursuit of our lives, we will be at peace; we will be filled. When Jesus is the end goal of that which we seek, all things will be added. We have heard this, but we too sit in fear and trembling. We too sit in terror, not for fear of the Jews, but for fear of having our total world turned upside down. The thought of taking that risk is simply too unbearable.
But then Jesus enters. Into the midst of that locked room; into the midst of that group of terrified people, Jesus arrives. He stands before them and says, “Peace be with you.” He breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit, as the Father has sent me, so I send you. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven. If you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” When the disciples were incapable of overcoming their fears, Jesus came to them. Jesus instructed them. Jesus put them at peace. Can Jesus do the same for you who are terrified? Can Jesus enter into your life at an unexpected moment and change your heart? Absolutely. Do you expect Him to? That is another question totally, but one worth asking yourself, I think.
Of course, this encounter changed the disciples. They went from terrified to peaceful, joyful, and satisfied. Their lives now had meaning and purpose. They were to spread the news of Jesus Christ, and who do you think they would first tell? Who do you think they would first run to with the news of Jesus’ appearance? Of course, you know, at least by the story–they would go to one of their closest friends; one who saw Jesus’ miracles; one who at one point was willing to die for Jesus: Thomas. For some reason or another, Thomas wasn’t with the rest of the disciples when Jesus appeared, and I am sure those who saw Jesus believed that Thomas would accept their testimony. Boy, were they wrong. Completely and utterly wrong. Thomas would not accept their witness. Thomas would not accept what they saw. He doubted.
At this point, I want to stop for just a moment and make it clear about what Thomas doubted. I mean, think about this for just a moment. Who did Thomas doubt? Did He doubt Jesus? Did Thomas doubt the existence of God? Thomas doubted the resurrection, of course, but he also doubted his friends. He doubted those whom he had lived with, walked with, talked with, ate with, and bonded with over the years. He doubted those who were witnessing to him about what happened to Jesus and what they had seen.
I think this is such an important lesson for those of us who have found ourselves transformed by Christ’s presence in our lives. I mean, when we have been captured by the grace of God; when we know that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life; when we know that God sent the Son into the world not to condemn the world but to save it; when these things are held deeply in conviction by us, we share that news. We want others to know down deep what it means to have Christ as the center of our lives. We want others to know the inexpressible peace, joy, and satisfaction this brings. But we too are often met with skepticism. We too are often met with doubt. And the temptation is to keep hammering and hammering and hammering away. The temptation is to keep bugging and bugging and bugging others until they either walk away or give into our rambling just to shut us up. But this does not bring anyone to faith. It didn’t bring Thomas to faith. Once again, Jesus steps into the picture.
Jesus appears to the disciples once again, and rather than chide Thomas from the get go, Jesus goes straight to him. Jesus tells Thomas, “Hey buddy, look, put your finger here in these nail marks. Touch my side.” Jesus comes to Thomas and brings him to faith. It is only then that Jesus chides Thomas. It is only then when Jesus says, “Do not doubt. Believe.” Of course, we must ask, “Doubt what?” Is Jesus saying we shouldn’t have doubts about the resurrection? Is Jesus saying we shouldn’t have doubts about God? Is Jesus saying we must have absolute conviction in our hearts and that any fleeting thought to the contrary is sinful? I don’t believe so.
Remember what Thomas doubted. Remember who Thomas doubted. He doubted the testimony of others. He doubted that they had actually seen Jesus. He didn’t trust anyone else, and he only relied upon himself.
In my estimation, there is a two-fold lesson here. The first lesson has to do with those of us who truly want to engage others with this faith we have received. We simply cannot bring someone else to faith through argument; through coercion; or bribe. Faith comes from Christ Himself, and we can only plant the seeds and be patient. We do not need to be frustrated when our efforts at evangelism fall upon ears that seem deaf. We must do our work and then wait for Christ to do His. This is a very, very important lesson.
The second lesson I think we must learn has to do with trust. “Do not doubt, but believe.” There is an element of trusting God that is implicit in this statement, but given the circumstances of this story, I think there is also an element of trusting one another. There is also an element of Jesus saying, “Trust one another’s testimony about how God is working in your life. Trust one another when you share your stories about how I have worked in your life.” This sometimes is hard. This sometimes is extremely difficult because we oftentimes doubt one another. There is so much in the world these days which purposely seeks to divide us and cause us to distrust each other. We also know that there is an element of selfishness which drives us. How can I know that you aren’t trying to take advantage of me? How do I know you are believable and not just trying to manipulate me? These are good questions. Tough questions. Questions which I think we must wrestle with together.
And that is where I think I will begin to end this sermon–by asking you what it means to develop trust. How does a group of people come to trust one another? How does a group of people let down their guards and become vulnerable enough to listen to one another? How does a group of people find some sort of common bond so that they can share stories and testimony about how God has worked in each other’s lives? Have we come to the point in our society where such a thing is forbidden? Have we come to a point in society where we can keep people at a digital distance so that we never, ever have to truly engage another’s spirit as we communicate? Why is it now so hard to get a group of people to really sit down and talk after worship? Why don’t we strive very hard to establish deep, lasting relationships with someone outside of our comfort zone? Maybe Jesus has a lot of work to do on each and every one of us. Maybe we all are somewhat huddled in fear for fear of being hurt. How long before Jesus appears to us to give us peace?
Well, the good news is that the grave is empty. Jesus is alive, and His Spirit is present right here and right now. He does not want you to feel alone and isolated. He does not want you to sit in fear and doubt. He has shown His love for you on the cross and has shown you the hope you will experience in the resurrection. And He has given you a community to connect to. I don’t care what society says being connected means. True relationships are not built digitally. They are built upon human flesh and blood. They are built upon trust. Can you trust each other here this morning? You may find it difficult, but think of this: Jesus trusts you, doesn’t He? Jesus trusts you enough to give you His story, trusts you enough to share that story and pass it on to others, and trusts you enough to give you the Holy Spirit as your comfort and guide along the way. Do not doubt, believe. Jesus comes to you. He will come to others. Just be patient. This is the lesson of evangelism. Amen.
Friday, June 28, 2013
The Opposite of Faith is...
I'm really starting to get sick of this postmodern world we live in.
Really.
I mean, it has become perfectly acceptable to redefine years of history and tradition and meaning in regards to particular words, phrases and beliefs simply by using rhetorical sleight of hand.
I've pointed out one such dastardly redefining in regards to those who proclaim "The opposite of love is not hate but apathy." No. The opposite of love is hate. Period--no matter how one tries to argue to the contrary.
The latest: The opposite of faith is not doubt but certainty.
There's a (ahem!) wonderful article seeking to argue just this trite little snippet in this month's Lutheran Magazine. I'm not sure what's worse--the article, or the fact that the magazine chose to print it. Now, the author does indeed provide an argument which sounds nice and sweet and sappy: the idea that seeking certainty in doctrine and practice has caused division and strife, and if we would just set all that aside and focus on loving one another, all that stuff would just go away.
Well, what does this guy base this assertion on?
He bases it on the certainty that loving one another will cure such ills--but that is actually beside the point. There's a deeper theological issue at stake--the author's interpretation of Hebrews 11:1:
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Pertinent quotes:
First off, I don't read opinion in the statement from the writer of Hebrews. Not at all. In fact, I see vastly different words: assurance and conviction. Assurances and convictions are much more than opinions. If I have an opinion that God exists, then such a statement is simply a matter of choice. Believe or not believe--there is little difference between one who does and who does not.
But this is not the case--at all. A conviction is something much more than an opinion. It is something much deeper which resides within one's heart and soul. It is something that links to the core of one's identity and being. It is not easily renounced or given up.
In Hebrews 11, Christians are encouraged to live with the assurance and conviction that God exists, that Christ is risen from the dead even though they have no visible proof or evidence of such matters. They are to live their lives following Christ with conviction and hopeful assurance that though the surrounding culture acts one particular way, they are called to a different way of life--a way of life that may face ridicule and even persecution. This is no simple matter of opinion--it is a matter of living with the certainty of belief in Jesus Christ--a belief and faith which has consequences in life.
Perhaps the quintessential text in showing this is Jesus' meeting with doubting Thomas found in John 20. In this resurrection story, Thomas doubts that Jesus is raised from the dead. Jesus eventually reveals Himself to Thomas and saysto him, "Do not doubt but believe." Now, knowing just a smidge of Greek is important in this matter. The Greek for faith is pistis. Funny thing about Greek is that when it wants to show the opposite of something, it simply adds an "a" in front. So, the opposite of faith in the Greek is apistis. So, let's do a little bit of word play with this particular saying of Jesus--please remember the context of the statement in John 20.
Jesus says to Thomas, "Do not have certainty, but believe."
Does that even make the slightest bit of sense given the context? I didn't think so, but there are more than a few who will buy this "wonderful" argument regarding certainty as the opposite of faith.
It's not surprising given the world we live in which seeks relativism instead of Truth.
Oh, but the whole right/wrong thing. Yeah. That's really what the author is trying to get at. The idea that certainty leads to self-righteousness. Well, let me put just a slight bug in this guy's ear.
If he were really certain that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, the resurrected Lord, the second person of the Trinity, then all he need do is point to just a few of Jesus' statements:
Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4)
All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12)
I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’ (Luke 18:14)
Or this little snippet or two from Paul:
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. (Romans 12:16)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)
Dealing with right/wrong does not necessarily lead to self-righteousness. Certainty does not necessarily lead to self-righteousness, especially when actually following Christ's commands and the teachings revealed in Scripture. In fact, when implemented, they actually lead to humility.
Yet, despite this, there are those who wish to push for redefinition and further movement from orthodox Christian faith.
I am beginning to detest this postmodern world.
Really.
I mean, it has become perfectly acceptable to redefine years of history and tradition and meaning in regards to particular words, phrases and beliefs simply by using rhetorical sleight of hand.
I've pointed out one such dastardly redefining in regards to those who proclaim "The opposite of love is not hate but apathy." No. The opposite of love is hate. Period--no matter how one tries to argue to the contrary.
The latest: The opposite of faith is not doubt but certainty.
There's a (ahem!) wonderful article seeking to argue just this trite little snippet in this month's Lutheran Magazine. I'm not sure what's worse--the article, or the fact that the magazine chose to print it. Now, the author does indeed provide an argument which sounds nice and sweet and sappy: the idea that seeking certainty in doctrine and practice has caused division and strife, and if we would just set all that aside and focus on loving one another, all that stuff would just go away.
Well, what does this guy base this assertion on?
He bases it on the certainty that loving one another will cure such ills--but that is actually beside the point. There's a deeper theological issue at stake--the author's interpretation of Hebrews 11:1:
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Pertinent quotes:
That seems to allow some leeway on the finality on many of our opinions. I add to this God's words in Job 38 and following. "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?...Who has the wisdom to number the clouds?" Then God's comment is one we need to take to heart, "Surely you know."Aside from the horrendous removal of context of these words from Scripture to prove an ideological point, let's first deal with the assumption that Hebrews 11 allows us "some leeway on the finality on many of our opinions."
It ranks with Jesus' "You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times...but I say to you..." (Matthew 5:33-34). The ancient prophet states it this way: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8)
Is this not a call to humility? Don't these approaches to our rigidity encourage us to lighten up in our certainties? A theologian has boldly stated, "The opposite of faith is not doubt but certainty." When we speak as if in ultimate certainty, we are proudly declaring, "I'm right, you are wrong." We then should remember God's words to Isaiah and to Job and Jesus' words to the Pharisees.
First off, I don't read opinion in the statement from the writer of Hebrews. Not at all. In fact, I see vastly different words: assurance and conviction. Assurances and convictions are much more than opinions. If I have an opinion that God exists, then such a statement is simply a matter of choice. Believe or not believe--there is little difference between one who does and who does not.
But this is not the case--at all. A conviction is something much more than an opinion. It is something much deeper which resides within one's heart and soul. It is something that links to the core of one's identity and being. It is not easily renounced or given up.
In Hebrews 11, Christians are encouraged to live with the assurance and conviction that God exists, that Christ is risen from the dead even though they have no visible proof or evidence of such matters. They are to live their lives following Christ with conviction and hopeful assurance that though the surrounding culture acts one particular way, they are called to a different way of life--a way of life that may face ridicule and even persecution. This is no simple matter of opinion--it is a matter of living with the certainty of belief in Jesus Christ--a belief and faith which has consequences in life.
Perhaps the quintessential text in showing this is Jesus' meeting with doubting Thomas found in John 20. In this resurrection story, Thomas doubts that Jesus is raised from the dead. Jesus eventually reveals Himself to Thomas and saysto him, "Do not doubt but believe." Now, knowing just a smidge of Greek is important in this matter. The Greek for faith is pistis. Funny thing about Greek is that when it wants to show the opposite of something, it simply adds an "a" in front. So, the opposite of faith in the Greek is apistis. So, let's do a little bit of word play with this particular saying of Jesus--please remember the context of the statement in John 20.
Jesus says to Thomas, "Do not have certainty, but believe."
Does that even make the slightest bit of sense given the context? I didn't think so, but there are more than a few who will buy this "wonderful" argument regarding certainty as the opposite of faith.
It's not surprising given the world we live in which seeks relativism instead of Truth.
Oh, but the whole right/wrong thing. Yeah. That's really what the author is trying to get at. The idea that certainty leads to self-righteousness. Well, let me put just a slight bug in this guy's ear.
If he were really certain that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, the resurrected Lord, the second person of the Trinity, then all he need do is point to just a few of Jesus' statements:
Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4)
All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12)
I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’ (Luke 18:14)
Or this little snippet or two from Paul:
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. (Romans 12:16)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)
Dealing with right/wrong does not necessarily lead to self-righteousness. Certainty does not necessarily lead to self-righteousness, especially when actually following Christ's commands and the teachings revealed in Scripture. In fact, when implemented, they actually lead to humility.
Yet, despite this, there are those who wish to push for redefinition and further movement from orthodox Christian faith.
I am beginning to detest this postmodern world.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Faith and Doubt Revisited
Recently, I listened to Francis Collins' Veritas Forum lecture. Dr. Collins is perhaps best known for heading up the Human Genome Project. He is a world famous geneticist and a practicing Christian. He is very thoughtful in his presentation, and his take on the relationship between faith and science is well worth listening to.
In the Q & A portion of the video, Dr. Collins is asked about certainty, and in his response he makes the claim which I have heard on numerous occasions--doubt is a part of faith.
Throughout my life, I have heard many pastors say the same thing. The first Sunday after Easter is traditionally the Sunday we read the account of Jesus' appearance to Thomas--Doubting Thomas, many call him. Recently, this has also become the Sunday when some pastors, particularly those of a mainline denomination bent tell their flocks, "It's perfectly O.K. to doubt. Faith requires doubt."
I understand why this is said. I also preached this early in my ministry. And one might justify this kind of preaching if one focuses on Thomas and sees in Thomas a reflection of ourselves.
But as I said in a blog post earlier this year, this text isn't about Thomas. It's about Jesus. And what does Jesus say to Thomas? "Do not doubt, but believe."
Pastors say, "It's O.K. to doubt," and encourage it.
Jesus says, "Do not doubt, but believe."
There is a disconnect here!
How can it be resolved? Is it possible to resolve this? Can one believe without doubt and somehow have absolute certainty?
Believe with out doubt--I think we can come close.
Have pure certainty--no.
But is what I am suggesting even possible?
If someone gets the gumption to ask me about this matter, I will respond, "I believe in God/Christ/the resurrection with the same certainty that I believe the sun will rise tomorrow."
"Aha!" you might exclaim, "You are talking about absolute certainty!"
Let me ask you: are you absolutely certain the sun will rise tomorrow?
Prove the sun will rise tomorrow using the scientific method. Bet you can't do it. You can make the hypothesis, and that hypothesis may or may not be confirmed. There is a very high probability that it will, BUT, it is not absolutely certain. Consider the possibility, however remote, that the sun suddenly goes supernova on us unexpectedly. Stars do explode. Or consider there is a giant piece of space matter which has been obscured and unseen by our telescopes. What if such a thing were large enough to smash into our sun without incinerating causing our sun to explode? What if such an object were to slam into the earth knocking us out of orbit? These are possibilities. Very, very remote possibilities, but still possibilities. Nothing in this world is absolutely certain.
Yet, I don't know many people who live their lives worrying over such matters. Not too many people go around doubting the sun will come up tomorrow. They live their lives with the conviction that it will--even though they can't see it until it happens.
My faith in God is very much like the belief that the sun will rise tomorrow. I can't prove it with certainty, but I have the conviction that He is there; that He became God incarnate; that He died and on the third day was raised from the dead. I don't doubt this. I believe it like I believe the sun will come up tomorrow.
In the Q & A portion of the video, Dr. Collins is asked about certainty, and in his response he makes the claim which I have heard on numerous occasions--doubt is a part of faith.
Throughout my life, I have heard many pastors say the same thing. The first Sunday after Easter is traditionally the Sunday we read the account of Jesus' appearance to Thomas--Doubting Thomas, many call him. Recently, this has also become the Sunday when some pastors, particularly those of a mainline denomination bent tell their flocks, "It's perfectly O.K. to doubt. Faith requires doubt."
I understand why this is said. I also preached this early in my ministry. And one might justify this kind of preaching if one focuses on Thomas and sees in Thomas a reflection of ourselves.
But as I said in a blog post earlier this year, this text isn't about Thomas. It's about Jesus. And what does Jesus say to Thomas? "Do not doubt, but believe."
Pastors say, "It's O.K. to doubt," and encourage it.
Jesus says, "Do not doubt, but believe."
There is a disconnect here!
How can it be resolved? Is it possible to resolve this? Can one believe without doubt and somehow have absolute certainty?
Believe with out doubt--I think we can come close.
Have pure certainty--no.
But is what I am suggesting even possible?
If someone gets the gumption to ask me about this matter, I will respond, "I believe in God/Christ/the resurrection with the same certainty that I believe the sun will rise tomorrow."
"Aha!" you might exclaim, "You are talking about absolute certainty!"
Let me ask you: are you absolutely certain the sun will rise tomorrow?
Prove the sun will rise tomorrow using the scientific method. Bet you can't do it. You can make the hypothesis, and that hypothesis may or may not be confirmed. There is a very high probability that it will, BUT, it is not absolutely certain. Consider the possibility, however remote, that the sun suddenly goes supernova on us unexpectedly. Stars do explode. Or consider there is a giant piece of space matter which has been obscured and unseen by our telescopes. What if such a thing were large enough to smash into our sun without incinerating causing our sun to explode? What if such an object were to slam into the earth knocking us out of orbit? These are possibilities. Very, very remote possibilities, but still possibilities. Nothing in this world is absolutely certain.
Yet, I don't know many people who live their lives worrying over such matters. Not too many people go around doubting the sun will come up tomorrow. They live their lives with the conviction that it will--even though they can't see it until it happens.
My faith in God is very much like the belief that the sun will rise tomorrow. I can't prove it with certainty, but I have the conviction that He is there; that He became God incarnate; that He died and on the third day was raised from the dead. I don't doubt this. I believe it like I believe the sun will come up tomorrow.
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