Monday, April 28, 2014

Reassurance 4/28/2014 (rp)

"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." 1 John 5:13

It is very human to doubt things about which we have no specific and tangible evidence.  Those who believe are no exception.  Upon hearing the claims of his fellow apostles about Jesus' post resurrection visit to them, Thomas famously said, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe,” John 20:25.  Thomas had walked with Jesus, talked with Jesus, was present when Lazarus was called to life from the dead and heard Jesus say that he would return from death, yet even he doubted.  Jesus did indeed return and offered Thomas the opportunity to extract whatever proof he needed.

Beloved, one of the most amazing things about God is His provision of free will to humanity.  This means that we have the ability to choose to believe or choose not to believe.  We can accept God or we can reject Him.  No one has been compelled to believe.  There were some who were born for God's service but departed from Him such as Samson and Saul and others from common walks of life or even enemy status who became integral to the growth and spread of Christianity such as the apostles (including Paul).  The point is that if you, of your own free will, choose to believe in and follow Christ, be 100% committed and assured.  It is only when we fully embrace him that we can truly experience his love and accomplish his work.

Jesus told Thomas, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed,” John 20:29.  Have faith.

One,

Lee

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