Believing Thomas

As the reader may notice, the title of this sermon is a play on the common designation of Thomas the Apostle as "Doubting Thomas." While there is justifiable reason for this nickname, it has the same deficiency as any single snapshot view of people and events. Such easy and convenient shorthand titles and names fail to give context and are often based upon a single event or personal characteristic; and thus, are often less than helpful. While it is true that Thomas doubted the testimony of His companions, of eye witnesses, and even the Savior's own teaching, he does come to truly believe and even express a most profound confession of faith. As it happens, Thomas is not so different from all of us. We are often slow to believe and even may occasionally doubt the truth of what we hear or read. While not making excuses for sinful doubts, neither should we think that weak faith expressed in the past defines who we are; especially who we are as a child of God through Christ. Past doubts can, and should, remind us today that all of the promises are true! – Pastor Schlegel