So often in this day and time, we met many people who say they are Christians yet once you get into conversation with them they really lack faith. Many in today’s society simply just talk a good game. I’m here to tell you today, without faith you can’t please God.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrew 11:1) It is by faith that you and I are to live, seeking direction from God. We are to live a lifestyle of continuing trust in God, believing what HIS Word says over our circumstance. We’ll come back to faith before closing.

Who was Thomas? He was one of the 12 apostles. He was also known as “Didymus” or “the twin” (John 11:16 20:24 21:2) The Gospel of John give the most information about Thomas. When the other apostles (disciples) tried to dissuade Jesus from going to Bethany to heal Lazarus because of the danger involved from hostile Jews, Thomas said to them, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16).

Right before the Passion, Thomas asked, “Lord we know not whither thou goest; how know we the way?’ John 14:1-6) Thomas as you would image was not with the other disciples when Jesus presented Himself to them on the evening of the Resurrection, and told them later that he could not believe in resurrection, (John 20:24-25 and it reads) (24)“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. (25)The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Eight days later he was with the disciples when Jesus appeared to them again, there Jesus stood in their midst, and said, “Peace be unto you.

And he, Thomas exclaimed “My Lord and my God” (John 20:26) “Jesus saith unto him Thomas, because thou hast seem me, thou that believed: blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29) He was with the six other disciples when Jesus appeared to them at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-8 and was with the rest of the disciples in the upper room at Jerusalem after the ascension.

If you yourself aren’t a doubting Thomas you know someone close it might even be a family member that is. Have you ever struggled with doubts or troubling questions about Christ, the Christian faith, or the church? Do you sometimes fill that tough questions are not welcome or acceptable among believers? In the Bible Thomas (John 20:24) was a classic skeptic. Even though he had traveled with Jesus and learned from His teaching for at least three years, he needed time, evidence, and personal convincing before he would accept the resurrection (John 20:25-26). But Jesus simply responded to his doubt by inviting him to check it all out. Jesus presented Himself for the Thomas inspection (John 15:26-27) Jesus wanted Thomas to be certain.

Jesus seeks to honor the mind and heart of every seeker or doubter. He knows easily developed loyalties often lack staying power. Many people who probe the corners of their doubts and fears finally reach the truth – and faith in the truth is what Christ desires. He even promised that the Spirit would aid those who seek it (John 16:12-16).

The encounter with Thomas should encourage any and all skeptic to bring his or her doubts to God. He delights in hearing our arguments and questions. Back to our faith, our faith is developed, & built by hearing the Word of God. We must also put the Word into practice, as we apply it to our daily lives. So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

As we celebrate Father’s Day this month, I want to encourage any man out there that’s within doubt because of his situation, take it to the Lord. Believe me when I tell you, that God can fix and do anything but fell.