After the Big Resurrection, Jesus Shows Up to Tell the Disciples: ‘No Worries, It’s Just Me!’ The Gospel According to… Everyone!” Believe It or Not! The New Best-Selling Cookbook: ‘Live by Faith!’
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Hey there, family! It’s so great to see all your smiling faces today. Welcome to our house of worship, where we come together to grow in our relationship with God and experience the incredible joy of following Jesus.
Before we dive into today’s message, I’ve got a few quick announcements to share:
- Community Picnic: Next Saturday at 11 AM in Central Park. Bring a dish to share and let’s enjoy some fellowship!
- Youth Group Car Wash: Our teens are raising funds for their summer mission trip. Stop by the church parking lot this Sunday after service to get your car sparkling clean.
- Small Group Sign-ups: New small groups are forming! Check out the information table in the lobby to find a group that fits your schedule and interests.
Remember, church isn’t just a building – it’s all of us, coming together to love God and love each other. Let’s make the most of our time together today!
Section 2. Call to Worship
Responsive Reading: John 20:19-20
Leader: On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said,
Congregation: “Peace be with you!”
Leader: After he said this, he showed them his hands and side.
All: The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Let’s stand together and sing “How Great Is Our God” as we celebrate the risen Christ who brings us peace and joy!
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude and excitement. Thank you for this beautiful day and the opportunity to gather as your children. Lord, we ask that you open our hearts and minds to receive your Word today. Help us to experience the same joy and peace that the disciples felt when they saw the risen Jesus. May our time together strengthen our faith and deepen our love for you and for one another. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Alright, church family, it’s time to lift our voices in praise! Our amazing worship team is going to lead us in some songs that remind us of God’s love and the hope we have in Jesus. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just like to hum along, don’t be shy – God loves to hear our hearts more than our perfect pitch. Let’s stand together and worship our risen Savior!
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Introduction
Today, we’re diving into a powerful passage from the Gospel of John. It’s a story that reminds us that even when we have doubts, Jesus meets us right where we are.
The Events
This passage takes place after Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples are hiding in fear, but Jesus appears to them, bringing peace and joy. However, one disciple, Thomas, wasn’t there and struggles to believe. Jesus, in His infinite love and patience, appears again to address Thomas’s doubts directly.
John 20:19-31 (NIV)
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.
31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Loving Father, we come to you today, just as we are – with our joys, our fears, and even our doubts. Like Thomas, sometimes we struggle to believe without seeing. We ask that you strengthen our faith and help us to trust in you fully.
Lord, we pray for those among us who are facing challenges and uncertainties. May they feel your peace that surpasses all understanding. We lift up those who are sick, lonely, or grieving. Comfort them and show them your love through the care of their church family.
We also pray for our community and our world. Help us to be your hands and feet, sharing the good news of your love and grace with everyone we meet.
Congregational Response
All: Lord, we believe. Help our unbelief. May we, like Thomas, declare with conviction, “My Lord and my God!” Amen.
Section 7. Offering
You know, friends, when we give our tithes and offerings, it’s so much more than just putting money in a plate. It’s an act of worship – a way of saying “Thank you” to God for all He’s done for us. It’s also a way of partnering with Him in His work here on earth. When we give, we’re investing in changed lives and eternal impact.
Let’s pray together as we prepare our hearts for this act of worship:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your overwhelming generosity towards us. You’ve given us life, salvation, and countless blessings. As we present our offerings to you, we do so with grateful hearts. Use these gifts, Lord, to further your Kingdom and to bless others. Help us to be good stewards of all you’ve entrusted to us. We give joyfully, knowing that everything we have comes from you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Remember, church family, God loves a cheerful giver. So let’s give with joy, knowing that our offerings are making a difference in people’s lives and bringing glory to God!
Section 8. Special Music
Before we dive into our sermon today, we have a special treat for you. Our talented worship team has prepared a beautiful rendition of “It Is Well With My Soul.” As we listen, let’s allow the words of this timeless hymn to prepare our hearts for the message God has for us today.
Bring This Sermon to Life: The Full Teaching and Tools
Are you ready to take your faith journey to the next level? Our complete sermon package includes in-depth study materials, discussion questions, and practical application steps to help you fully embrace the message of John 20:19-31.
Gain Access to the Complete Short Powerful Sermon
Don’t miss out on the full impact of today’s message. Get access to the entire sermon, including personal anecdotes, deeper scriptural insights, and tailored guidance for your spiritual growth.
Paid Content Section 9. Sermon Only $4.99
Bible Study: Unlock the Power of Doubt A Disciple’s Journey.
How Jesus Transforms Skepticism into Unshakeable Faith. From Locked Doors to Open Hearts: A Disciple’s Journey.
Picture this: A room full of terrified disciples, doors bolted shut. The air thick with fear and uncertainty. Sound familiar? Maybe you’ve been there too – trapped by your own doubts, wondering if faith is just a fairy tale.
But then, in walks Jesus. No locked door can keep Him out. And suddenly, everything changes.
I remember my own “locked room” moment. Fresh out of seminary, full of book knowledge but zero real-world experience. My first sermon was a disaster. I felt like a fraud, ready to quit ministry altogether.
That’s when Jesus showed up for me, just like He did for Thomas. Not with judgment, but with grace. He met my doubts head-on, inviting me to touch His scars and believe.
The “Doubt-to-Faith” Transformation Kit: Your Key to Unshakeable Belief
Friends, I’m not here to sell you another “7 Steps to Perfect Faith” program. We both know that’s not how real growth happens.
Instead, I’m offering you the same gift Jesus gave His disciples: A personal encounter with the risen Christ that transforms doubt into rock-solid faith.
Here’s what you’ll get:
- The “Peace Be With You” Panic-Buster: Learn how to access Christ’s peace even when your world is falling apart.
- The Thomas Touch: Discover how to turn your biggest doubts into your strongest convictions.
- The Holy Spirit Power-Up: Tap into the same divine energy that turned scared disciples into world-changers.
But most importantly, you’ll gain a newfound confidence in your faith journey. No more feeling like an imposter or worrying that your doubts disqualify you from God’s love.
This isn’t just a sermon. It’s an invitation to experience Jesus in a way that will revolutionize your relationship with Him.
Ready to Move from Doubt to Unshakeable Faith?
For less than the cost of a fancy coffee, you can access this transformative message and start your journey from skepticism to certainty today.
Your small investment of $4.99 doesn’t just give you a powerful sermon. It helps keep this ministry alive, allowing us to continue bringing God’s Word to hungry hearts worldwide.
Click below to begin your doubt-to-faith transformation now: Only $4.99
A Prayer for Your Journey: May the risen Christ meet you in your doubts, fill you with His peace, and ignite in you a faith that can move mountains. May His grace overflow in your life, bringing light to every dark corner and hope to every uncertain moment. Amen.
