Nov. 26 | Pastor Clint Johnson
Thomas got stuck with a bummer of a nickname because he demanded proof Jesus was alive.
That was, and still is, the punishment for sin. It’s what is waiting for people without Christ the moment they draw their last breath.
What do we do now?
Who is still alive?
Thomas wasn’t there.
John 20:19-20
19Then on that same first day of the week, when it was evening, though the disciples were behind closed doors for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, Peace to you! 20So saying, He showed them His hands and His side. And when the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy (delight, exultation, ecstasy, rapture).
John 20:24 But Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.
John 20:25 So the other disciples kept telling him, We have seen the Lord! But he said to them, Unless I see in His hands the marks made by the nails and put my finger into the nail prints, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe [it].
When God’s people come together, God shows up.
If you’re not there, you won’t experience it.
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities,
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.
It’s when we’re together that we receive:
Equipping from God’s Word
Encouragement from God’s people
Enjoyment of God’s Presence
When we are together, we experience the “bigness of God” through:
Fellowship
Group Celebration
Corporate Prayer
Seeing Needs Met
Acts 2:42-47
42And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread [including the Lord’s Supper] and prayers. 43And a sense of awe (reverential fear) came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles (the special messengers). 44And all who believed (who adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus Christ) were united and [together] they had everything in common; 45And they sold their possessions (both their landed property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need. 46And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes they broke bread [including the Lord’s Supper]. They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous hearts, 47Constantly praising God and being in favor and goodwill with all the people; and the Lord kept adding [to their number] daily those who were being saved [from spiritual death].
- For Thomas, his greatest need in life was to see the risen Christ. But because he chose to be somewhere else, he missed it, and his need wasn’t met.
John 20:26 Eight days later His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, though they were behind closed doors, and stood among them and said, Peace to you!
John 20:27 Then He said to Thomas, Reach out your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand and place [it] in My side. Do not be faithless and incredulous, but [stop your unbelief and] believe!
John 20:28 Thomas answered Him, My Lord and my God!
John 20:29 Jesus said to him, Because you have seen Me, Thomas, do you now believe (trust, have faith)? Blessed and happy and to be envied are those who have never seen Me and yet have believed and adhered to and trusted and relied on Me.
How can YOU experience the presence of God, here at Metro, even when others don’t?
Be there
Be committed
Be expectant
If Thomas had stayed close to his spiritual family, he would have seen the risen Jesus with his own eyes.
How many times have you missed out on seeing the risen Christ because you chose not to be with your spiritual family?