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A popular story from the gospel narratives is that of “Doubting Thomas” (not Tumnus) found in John 20:24-29. It comes shortly after Jesus’ resurrection and first appearance to the disciples as a group. Thomas missed this meeting (for whatever reason;i don’t think it’s safe to speculate on why he wasn’t there) and so heard about it from the other disciples. He refused to believe, citing that only seeing Jesus with his own eyes and sticking his fingers in his Master’s nail-scarred wrists and spear-bludgeoned side would make him believe.
Typically there are two ways that most pastor’s have interpreted this. 1) Thomas is a horrible Christian example because he doubted Christ’s resurrection and the disciple’s testimonies. or 2) he’s some sort of hero because he wasn’t gullible but needed proof before he made a step of faith (this view would obviously be popular in our cynical generation that demands 100% proof for everything). Which interpretation is best? In my professional A.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies opinion, I’d say it’s neither. Let’s breakdown the text a little.
The first interpretation falls through when Jesus appears again with Thomas present. The first words out of His mouth aren’t “Thomas, you low down sinner! Why didn’t you believe?” No, His first words are, “Peace be with you!” (v. 26) I think that’s significant. He’s not necessarily mad at Thomas, He doesn’t give the doubting disciple a good head-banging, He instead pronounces peace to all those present…including Thomas.
Then He addresses Thomas personally and invites the apostle to reach into His side or into the nail prints (gross!). He doesn’t put Thomas off. He wants to reassure his faith and so gives him the honorable invite to have his doubts and suspicions done away with for good. For Thomas’ part, simply seeing Jesus was enough and he declares Him to be Lord and God (v. 28). So interpretation #1 falls through.
Now it may seem like take 2 is the obvious choice. But v. 29 throws that out the window as Jesus gently rebukes Thomas for his doubts. Thomas had to see to believe, but the happier people are those who can’t see Jesus and still believe. Faith triumphs over doubt any day of the week and Jesus extends this challenge that Thomas shouldn’t need to see with his eyes to have faith but should rather “walk by faith and not by sight.”
So what’s the middle ground? How do I define my interpretation? I think from this passage we see that it’s not evil for a Christian to doubt. There will be times of trouble in believing, no doubt about that! But how do we handle that? If someone’s struggling with doubts, what do we tell them? If I’m having doubts, what do I tell myself?
I think, first off all, we need to realize that Jesus is willing to work with us. He didn’t cast out Thomas because the guy had a black moment. He gave him the opportunity to make up for it, to work through the questions filling his mind. But I also think, secondly, that we should not revel in our doubts. Rob Bell seems to enjoy doing this. Today’s generation enjoys raising all the questions we can until we have no clue what we were originally questioning. This is unhealthy Christianity. Why seek out doubts when they’ll undoubtedly come up on their own? Remember that it is more joyous to “walk by faith and not by sight.”
I also think we need to keep the gospel in view. The closing verses of chapter 20 give John’s reason for writing the gospel. So that we might believe. When we struggle with doubts, let’s keep the gospel front and center. It was written for our faith’s sake, so let’s indulge ourselves. That said, it’s okay to doubt but don’t float among the grey clouds for long. Find a safe landing in faith in Christ.
8Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.–1 Peter 1:8-9
Earthquake in Haiti..possibly 100,000 dead…
A drunk minister driving a semi crosses the line and kills a man…
Abortions..
Murder…
Suicide..
Bombs..wars..death.
“Our world is going down like a bottlerocket flies to its death,and I can’t help but think that I might barely make it to my last breath..”-Grammatrain
Today at work I was talking to a couple of coworkers and one started bringing up local news stories about murders and whatnot.Tragic things happening in just the Tristate area. And then the earthquake. So it was a depressing way to end my break (foreshadowing of the rough afternoon ahead).
Now some deep,intellectual-thinking people would here depart into a thorough discourse on the problem of pain and evil. Some would probably doubt God and then turn away from Him. I…thought of a couple of Petra songs. Why? Because they nailed it on the head with one in particular (see below). It’s easy to see pain and blame God, it’s harder to see pain and trust God. The world seems horribly wrong right now,but I stand on the Rock of Jesus Christ; I rest in the everlasting arms of the Sovereign God; I’m comforted by His Holy Spirit. He’s still got the whole world in His hands… take a listen to this Petra song..80′s much? yes.still good message.
I’ve noticed quite a few Christian music sites giving their choices of the best music from the past decade (2000-2009). I may be no connoisewer, but I sure have my opinions and that’s all that lists are,right? So what I will do is go through my personal CD collection and note what I think is the best from this past decade in no particular order..
Petra–Jekyll & Hyde (2003)
This classic band bowed out halfway through the decade, but they left off with one of their best studio albums. This album can rock with the best of the modern day acts, and even better (these songs actually rhyme)..If you enjoy classic rock, pick this bad boy up (it’s also a quick, 31 minute listen).
Stryper–Murder By Pride (2009)
Okay, this may not be the best album of the decade, in fact, it sounds exactly like the band just picked up where they left off in the 80′s…mainly because they did..But nevertheless, there’s a little more meat on album lyrically and it was very pleasant to listen to a Christian album that was straight-up gospel and didn’t bother meandering into to social justice issues.
Jars of Clay–Good Monsters (2006)
Pretty much every album they’ve released this decade could go on this list but the Jars’ subtle commentary on Christians’ obsessions with “junk”(or sin) is the best of the bunch (in my opinion, of course). The cover art of the band being “filled” with said junk adds to the weight of this clever album.
Seabird–‘Til We See the Shore (2008)
I still can’t get over this album. I was seriously spinning this disc constantly for nearly a year before I wore it out. The mature messages of transitioning into life were exactly what I needed as I headed into college. Even though I may not keep the CD constantly in my player like before, i still turn to some of these songs for comfort.
Jon Foreman–Fall and Winter EPs (2007-2008)
Really his entire EP set (from Fall to Summer) should be here, but the Fall and Winter collection stands out the most in my mind. It’s dark and realistic, but being realistic allows it to offer more realistic hope. The music is seemingly simplistic, yet charming and the biblical messages run deeper than I had expected.
David Crowder Band–A Collision (2005)
I must admit I’m not a huge DCB fan. But I have to give credit to good, clever, and creative music when I hear. This album is certainly creative, clever, and even intriguing. The music’s not much to my test, but I can’t turn down most of the lyrics and smile at the ingenuity and insanity of this group.
Runner’s Up (in other words, they’re good, but not the best)…
II Guys from Petra–Vertical Expressions (2007)
First, you have to admit the cleverness of the name..this group is Petra founder Bob Hartman and Petra’s last lead singer John Schlitt giving fresh takes on classic modern worship songs. They decided to just call themselves that since that’s what everyone would call them anyway. Humorous and witty. The musical arrangements are just as clever. Their version of “God of Wonders” blows that Third Day corroboration thing version clear out of the water–this version has a real solo. The other arrangements are just as good and fresh. If you’re looking to buy this album (and if you love the praise and worship genre,you should), you can buy it online at Petra’s merch store.
John Schlitt–The Grafting (2008)
What’s striking about this album is how mature it sounds, simply because it tackles issues from a biblical perspective (why don’t more Christian groups do that?). What this album could’ve used was some guitar solos (or any solos) and a break from a lyrical pattern that grew redundant. It also had a sort of low-quality feel to it which is a shame, cause this album has a lot of potential.
Chris Tomlin–Arriving (2004)
It made him popular and for good reason. The worship songs are stellar and the feel is perfect for a modern church atmosphere.
Kutless–Sea of Faces (2004)
In my mind, this is Kutless’ best. They were driving their points home with the gospel and not much else. They became a little more ambiguous on Hearts of the Innocent, but avoid that on this album. Instrumentation is lacking on this disc though.
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So that’s it! Whew! What do ya think?
“But I’m all tied up on the inside, and no one knows quite what I’ve got. And I know that on the outside what I used to be I’m not…anymore.”-Don McLean
My 3rd semester of college is officially and finally over. It was a bumpy road to the end, but by God’s faithfulness I’ve survived. But now, as I launch into my second Thanksgiving/Christmas break of my college career, yet another hurdle awaits me on the horizon like the winter sun. I’ve decided that for my 4th semester of college I’ll stay at home and take online classes while trying to work more. It seems wise enough. I should save at least $2,000. There are plenty of opportunities..plenty of areas to grow and mature in..
But I keep thinking, am I crazy or stupid or both?? I’ve never been homeschooled in my life, can I expect to do it now? What are the chances of success with that? Although the dye has been cast, I can still reverse mostly everything. I can always change my mind and revert back to being on campus. But it all depends on how much i make over the break. I think alot of what tears me in this decision making is being away from my church in Louisville for so long and also living at home for so long again. Louisville is still fresh and exciting to me. But here, there are too many memories… good memories, and those are the hardest to run from.
“And now I’m at another crossroads and I don’t know which way to go. My steps are ordered and I know I’ll find the way when Your Word lights the path and I obey.”-Petra
The past couple weeks I’ve been studying through Jeremiah 48. It lies in a section of prophecies against foreign nations (foreign to Israel,that is). Last week I learned that Moab’s judgment was brought on by their complacency and ease. They were located in a “safe” region, had become wealthy, and so never felt the pains of the world outside (sound familiar?). As a result of this safety, they grew prideful and God had had enough. He was going to step in and upset their waters. This week I was surprised by what I read.
Up until v.29 of the text you think Moab’s heading to hell without any remorse from heaven. And then v.30 and 31 present a turn: “I know his fury,” declares the LORD, “But it is futile; his idle boasts have accomplished nothing. Therefore I will wail for Moab, even for all Moab will I cry out; I will moan for the men of Kir-heres.” (italics added). God’s weeping continues into v.32 and returns in v.35-37 (v.36 being the key).
What’s the point? Some Calvinists, I think, believe that God delights in sending people to hell since it’s a part of His good pleasure (correct me if this is wrong). But is this really the case? What if God actually cares for sinners, you know, the predestined for hell type. I’m not saying I’m turning Armenian, I’d still say I’m a Calvinist, and I believe that God has predestined our destinies before the “foundations of the world.” But I want to bring this up to challenge the notion that God delights in sending some of His creation into eternal torment. Is it really a delight? What if He loathes it? What if it makes heaven weep to see so many fall into everlasting damnation.
So what? Am I just ranting against this Calvinist notion? Partially. But I believe there’s an application here for Christians as well. I think it’s a healthy reminder that God “so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whoever believes on Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” I also think that it’s healthy to remember that our sin breaks God’s heart. As Petra once sang, “you better think twice.”
