CELL NOTES 16/4/07

ICE BREAKER

Can you describe an occasion when you were proved wrong about something? How easily do accept that you have been wrong?

THEME

Disabled by Doubts

Reading. John 20 : 24 - 31

SERMON OUTLINE

1 Thomas was like us. He needed proof before he could believe something he could not comprehend as being possible. Remember the doubts children have about being able to float in water when they first learn to swim

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2 We can doubt the facts contained in the Bible because our own intelligence, logic, instincts, the world's reasoning or academics tell us that these things cannot have happened.

3 The story of Noah and the history in the Old Testament show us that when we take God’s word seriously God will keep us safe. Jesus told the people that he healed that it was because they had taken God at his word they had been made whole and given a life that was different to their previous existence or experience.

John 15: 16

4 We often choose the god we want, a god that justifies our life style, a god that is on our side and we ignore difficult concepts like a camel passing through the eye of a needle. Doubts occur when our experience does not match up to our desires. These doubts separate us from the power of God. The reality is that God is beyond our control, outside our realm of knowledge and experience: we can’t wrap God up and we cannot comprehend his ways.

5 Jesus says “Follow me now, put me first and let go of everything else”. My response has been fear; Oh come on, you don’t really mean I should put you before my family, my job, my house, my reputation I doubt that I will manage without them just like those children clinging to their floats at their swimming lessons.

6 God loves us and He wants us to trust him absolutely. He wants us to let go of our earthly supports for they will not save us. When we accept with our whole being that God can and will do things that are beyond our comprehension, we will be truly blessed. Verse 29

7 We have been Chosen by Jesus like the Apostles to be Light and Salt : to lead others to Jesus and give them the message of salvation. When God chooses you to do something for him He will equip you for the task. Have a real faith in God. Take God at His word, trust him do not doubt what he can do with you.

QUESTIONS OF APPLICATION

1) What doubts or questions about God, or your relationship with Him, are you struggling with at the moment?

2) How do you feel about no5 in the sermon outline?

3) Are you more like Thomas in v24 or v 28? How can you move from one to the other?

4) What does reading passages like this do for your faith? How have you shared this with somebody else recently?

NOTES FOR LEADERS

1) Don't forget next Monday with Michael Noakes - and bring at least one ( others if you like) other person with you.

2) Still time to encourage people to come on Saturday - especially those who may be a little more on the fringe.