Sunday, July 31, 2022

Title: ...and I’m out!

Theme Verse: Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. John 17:17 NLT

Bottom Line: Your question has VALIDITY under God’s AUTHORITY.

Doubt (definition): a feeling of uncertainty; lack of conviction

Doubts can be useful when understood and addressed meaningfully.

SOURCES OF DOUBT:

Desert: a season of challenge God uses to mature us. Getting through: Repeat what you know to be true.

Depletion: overextending ourselves physically and emotionally, leaving us exhausted. Getting through: Rest and replenish.

Discouragement: experiencing pain tied to a wound, a fear, or a loss. Getting through: Reconnect with life-giving friends.

Deconstruction: discovering a gap in what you previously thought or were taught. Getting through: Rebuild your understanding through new learning.

Disobedience: passively or actively resisting God’s way of life. Getting through: Repent and return to God.

Understanding the source of the doubt helps you discern your next step.

Bible Stories Referenced:

Thomas - John 20:25

Man with sick son - Mark 9:22-24

Jacob renamed Israel - Genesis 35:9-10

Stay Curious - Ask questions and be open to learning.

Stay Humble - Remember your perspective may be right, but not complete. God opposes the proud.

Stay faithful - Bring God your honest self and trust His process.

Resources:

Jonathan Morrow: Questioning the Bible

William Lane Craig

Tim Keller

Bible Project - Praying through doubt

Sean McDowell - His Story of Doubt

Right Now Media- Archaeological Evidence