Sunday Sermons
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MAN WHO STAYED HOME FROM CHURCH?
By Pastor Dave Wilson
Mar 23, 2008, 22:10

What happened to the man who stayed home from Church?
JN 20:19-31 DOUBTING THOMAS EASTER 3/23/08

-Why is it important to be committed to a church?
JN 20:24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. v25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."

V26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" v27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
V28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
V29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." That is us!
V30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. v31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

-What did Thomas miss by not being present that day?
1) He missed fellowship with Jesus & the other believers!
A) What does the church do?
Worship
Instruction
Fellowship
Evangelism

B) A cardinal test of our faith is loving each other!
1 JN 3:14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.
We need to join in something bigger than ourselves!

C) Hebrews, author parallels OT Temple to church life:
HEB 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, v20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, v21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, v22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
v23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. v24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
v25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

2) He missed the Lord’s blessing!
JN 20:19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"

JN 20:21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

V20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

PS 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation…

3) He missed the Lord’s commissioning!
V21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

4) He missed the filling of the Holy Spirit!
V22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.”

5) Result: By missing this meeting, Thomas became a doubter/skeptic/unbeliever!

ROM 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

Conclusion: Once Thomas found himself back in the presence of Christ… 1. He realized what he was missing!
2. He acknowledged Jesus for who He rightfully is!

V27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
V28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
V29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."






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