DOUBT OR FAITH

She said, “Pastor, I’ve been through so much that at times…I have doubts about my faith.” That’s what a long-time Christian woman whispered to me recently. Have you ever had doubts about your faith? Have you ever wondered if it is really all true?

Some Christians are reluctant to admit that they have any doubts thinking it might be an act of spiritual treason or betrayal, or that doubt is an unpardonable sin.

Listen, everyone has moments of doubt. Even John the Baptist–the direct forerunner of the Messiah–had them. After he had been arrested and imprisoned, he sent word to Jesus, asking, “Are you really the Messiah we’ve been waiting for, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Matthew 11:3 NLT)

Doubt is not always bad. Oswald Chambers said that doubt is not always a sign that a man is wrong; it may be a sign that he is thinking!

It has been said that skepticism is the first step toward truth. Chuck Swindoll said, “It is the right of every believer to go through halls of doubt on their way to rooms of truth.”

There is a distinct difference between doubt, skepticism, and outright unbelief.
Skepticism is “can’t believe.” Unbelief is “won’t believe.”
Skepticism is honesty. Unbelief is stubbornness.
Skepticism is looking for light. Unbelief is content with darkness.

An unbeliever has no intention of changing or believing.

On the other hand, the honest skeptic will change, when presented with the facts. That is what happened when I said to my Christian friend, “The strength of your faith is not in the circumstances that touch your life. Your faith is in the risen Lord Jesus Christ.” Then I left her with one of my favorite Psalms—“Some trust in chariots, some trust in horses, but I trust in the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)

THIS SUNDAY AT GATETREE

This Sunday we're beginning a new message series at Gatetree called "Ten Values That Build Strong Families" based on the 10 Commandments. We will look at life's most basic issues: money, sex, family, work, reputation, possessions and God.

The series will answer questions like how can I build a strong foundation for a successful life and family; what are the values that last; how can I help my children develop personal character; are the Ten Commandments pertinent today; and what are the practical benefits of living by 'God's Top Ten'?

If you're in the area, we'd love for you to be our guest at 10:45 AM.