Modern Christianity Part 1

Dr. Jordon Gilmore

Series Overview

•  New mini-series exploring the 40 days between the resurrection and Pentecost 
•  Focus: how this period mirrors the journey of modern believers 

Why This 40-Day Window Matters

•  Often overlooked between Resurrection Sunday and the early church in Acts 
•  Though short, it’s a critical transition period shaping how believers live today 
•  Reveals real, human responses to encountering the risen Jesus 

Core Scripture

• Matthew 28:16–17 — “They worshiped Him, but some doubted” 

Timeline Highlights (Post-Resurrection)

•  Jesus rises from the dead 
•  Women (Mary Magdalene & others) discover the empty tomb and see Jesus 
•  They report to the disciples → not believed
•  Peter & John investigate → see evidence, not Jesus 
•  Road to Emmaus → Jesus revealed through Scripture and breaking bread 
•  Multiple witnesses testify → still met with doubt 
•  Jesus appears to disciples → rebukes unbelief, eats with them 
•  Thomas doubts → Jesus meets him personally 
•  Jesus: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” 
•  Great Commission given 
•  Promise of the Holy Spirit 

Key Insight #1: Faith Includes Tension

•  Christianity is not just certainty—it includes: 
  •  Doubt 
  •  Faith 
  •  Testimony of others 
  •  Revelation through Scripture 
  •  Power of the Holy Spirit

Key Insight #2: Learning to Believe in New Ways

•  The disciples knew Jesus physically—but now must trust differently 
•  We often start faith through upbringing or teaching 
•  Growth requires trusting God through: 
  •  Others’ testimonies 
  •  Scripture 
  •  New experiences of His power 
•  Faith must evolve as situations change 

Key Insight #3: The Danger of Unbelief

• Mark 16:14 — Jesus rebukes unbelief and hardness of heart 
•  The disciples struggled to believe others—even after years with Jesus 
•  Application: 
  •  Are there areas where we resist believing God? 
  •  Do past experiences limit our current faith? 

Key Insight #4: Doubt Isn’t the End

•  Thomas doubted—but Jesus met him personally 
•  Jesus’ instruction: “Do not go on disbelieving, but believe”
•  God is not intimidated by doubt—but calls us forward from it 

Key Insight #5: Faith Without Seeing

•  “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (John 20:29) 
•  This defines modern believers—we believe without physical sight 
•  Our mission: help others believe the same truth 

Key Insight #6: You Are a Witness

• Luke 24:48 — “You are witnesses of these things” 
•  Reflect: 
  •  Where have you seen God move? 
  •  Healer? Provider? Counselor? 
•  Your experiences are meant to be shared 

Final Takeaways

•  Faith is a journey—not instant clarity 
•  Jesus meets us in every stage 
•  The Holy Spirit enables us to live it out 

Closing Thought
Don’t stay in unbelief.
Believe—and step into the role of a witness.