Retreat 2017: Transformed in Christ - Session 1

The following message was given at the 2017 ICC Summer Retreat by Pastor Young Kim from Grace Covenant Church in Philadelphia. However, we apologize that due to the poor quality of this recording we are unable to post this first session. Please click READ MORE below to see the sermon notes. 

SERMON NOTES
 Transforming Doubts 

John 20:24 
Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” 
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 

Doubting Thomas was most active in the area East of Syria.  Marthoma Christians declare him as the founder of their faith. 

Evangelized Spain and India and created the Marthoma church.  Thomas was martyred in India. 

Would you want to be known as Doubting Thomas? 

• This Doubting Thomas label comes from this text. 
  
• I think it's unfair.  From this moment (in John 20), he was known as Doubting Thomas 
  
• He was "seeking Thomas" that had some doubts 
  

All of us have doubts 

• The faith walk we walk in Jesus Christ has doubts 
  
• There are places that our faith encounters doubt 
  
• When Jesus encounters a father that had a child having epileptic seizures 
  
  • Father says, "I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!" 
    

I believe, at the same time, I have unbelief! 

• Is that possible? Yes. 
  
• All of us face a time when our faith is shaken 
  
  • For some of us it's science 
    
    • Bioengineering (Evolution) 
      

If I really believe, why are there doubts? 

• I can't overcome this temptation 
  
• I can't overcome this character issue 
  
• Some people fall into doubt because of tragedy 
  
• Someone close to you dies 
  
  • Cancer 
    
• Other things that happen - How could God exist? 
  
• Politics 
  

We all face doubts 

• Let's be honest with God in these areas 
  
• We need to start in these areas for transformation 
  

Doubt falls into 2 categories 

• Seeking Doubt 
  
  • Wrestling science and faith? 
    
    • Evolution and Intelligent Design 
      
  • Wrestling with life questions 
    
  • But you are seeking God, but doubting 
    
    • Thomas - "I want to experience Jesus for myself" 
      
• Separating Doubt 
  
  • This happens a lot in the college arena 
    
  • This gets complicated when you leave college 
    
  • If you have separating doubt, and you're struggling with that, you're being deceived 
    
    • You need to repent 
      
    • You honestly want to do what you want to do 
      

If you're doubting and you have this curious seeking -  
1st place of revival is HONESTY 

You don't have doubts because you don't want to go forward. 

Jesus does not want to reject those that doubt!  He wants to be near. He wants to be close. 

"My Lord and My God" 

• God why do I struggle with this "junk" when I say I love you? 
  
• There are some things I'm still battling (inch by inch)  
  

Doubt about my marriage 

Am I going to really finish this race? (Strongest doubt)