Doubt without inquiry can lead to disbelief

Doug Heacock, contemporary worship leader, Lawrence Free Methodist Church, 3001 Lawrence Ave.:

Doubt is, indeed, a natural part of the Christ-follower’s journey of faith. To doubt, according to author Os Guinness, is to be “in two minds,” like the man in Mark 9:24 who said to Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Left unresolved, and in the absence of frank discussion and inquiry, doubt can degenerate into disbelief. But when we face our doubts head-on, they can help move us further along toward spiritual maturity. God can stand up to the toughest of our questions.

Unfortunately, in the church, it isn’t always easy for someone struggling with doubt to be honest among those who see doubt as an indicator of spiritual weakness. Let’s face it, the Scripture doesn’t typically cast the doubter in a positive light (see James 1:6-8), but in his brief New Testament epistle, Jude advises the church, “Be merciful to those who doubt” (Jude 1:22).

It is also worth noting that when Jesus’ disciple Thomas doubted his resurrection, Jesus treated him with tenderness and compassion, inviting him to check the evidence for himself (see John 20:24-29).

Doubt need not lead us into cynicism, unbelief or despair – it can be a positive thing, depending on how we respond to it. If, when doubts arise, we respond by investigating, asking questions, seeking wise counsel, studying the Scriptures and working through it in the community of faith, our doubts can actually keep us moving in the direction of a deeper faith.

– Send e-mail to Doug Heacock at heacock@kanren.net.

Strong conviction depends on firm foundation

Cloyce Thornton, pastor, Lawrence Evangelical Friends Church, 1601 N.H.:

I ask you, what is your religious foundation?

I am not asking what denomination with which you have been affiliated. Rather, who discipled you? Were you self-taught, or did you learn at Sunday school and church?

Your foundation of thinking has everything to do with how you believe today. Many people are confused about the Bible simply because of little or no real true Bible teaching.

Did you receive training from those who really do believe God’s word: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation. For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (II Peter 1: 20-21).”

When God’s people pray together, it brings confidence to the body of Christ our Lord. Without a strong foundation, we will be shaken from what faith we have.

The Bible mentions great faith, little faith and no faith. The Bible says that faith comes from the hearing of the word of God. But there are those who have trouble believing. Whether this is because of wrong influences or lack of confidence in themselves, we know not.

Faith is like a muscle; it needs to be exercised. It is God’s will that we believe.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is our rewarder of those who diligently seek him. Our faith is often challenged, but never doubted! (Heb.11:6).”

I trust, dear friend, that you do believe.

– Send e-mail to Cloyce Thornton at cloycet@aol.com.