Modern Christianity (Part 2) — When Doubt Meets Faith

Dr. Jordon Gilmore

Big Idea

•  Doubt and faith often coexist 
• Matthew 28:17: “They worshiped Him, but some doubted” 
•  Even in powerful encounters with Jesus, doubt can remain 

Key Truths About Doubt

1.  God is not surprised by your doubt 
2.  God is not intimidated by your doubt 
3.  Doubt does not disqualify you from God’s call 
4.  Unchecked doubt leads to hardness of heart
5.  Doubt must submit to faith to move forward 

What Is Doubt?

•  A natural response based on observations and expectations
•  Not sin by itself—but must be addressed 
•  Two main sources: 
  • Fear → “I’m afraid to trust God” 
  • Cynicism → “I won’t risk being disappointed again” 

Faith Defined

• Hebrews 11:1: “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see” 
•  Contrast: 
  •  Doubt = based on what we see
  •  Faith = anchored in what we cannot see

Context: Why the Disciples Doubted

• John 20:19: They were hiding behind locked doors out of fear 
•  Their doubt was shaped by: 
  •  Trauma (crucifixion) 
  •  Fear of persecution 
  •  Broken expectations 

Pattern: How Jesus Handles Doubt

1. Women at the tomb
   •  Afraid → Angel says “Don’t be afraid” 
   •  Act in faith → Jesus meets them 
2. Disciples
   •  Hear testimony → don’t believe 
3. Road to Emmaus
   •  Jesus explains Scripture → reveals Himself 
   •  They respond → go tell others (not believed) 
4. Jesus appears to disciples
   •  Addresses fear directly: “Why are you frightened?” 
   •  Shows physical proof → eats with them 
5. Thomas
   •  Doubt from disappointment 
   •  Jesus meets him personally → “Don’t be faithless, believe” 

Key Insight: Jesus Meets Every Doubt

•  Over 40 days, Jesus intentionally addresses: 
  •  Fear 
  •  Confusion 
  •  Disappointment 
•  He doesn’t avoid doubt—He engages it

The Galilee Moment (Faith in Action)

•  Jesus calls people to travel ~100 miles to Galilee 
•  Some go by faith (before seeing Him) 
•  Over 500 witnesses gather (1 Corinthians 15:6) 
•  Even then: some worship, some doubt 

The Commission Still Stands

•  Despite doubt, Jesus gives everyone the mission: 
  •  “Go and make disciples…” 
  •  “I am with you always” 
•  He doesn’t exclude doubters—He includes them 

Final Movement: From Doubt to Power

•  Jesus sends them back to Jerusalem 
•  Command: Wait for the Holy Spirit
•  Faith + Holy Spirit = ability to fulfill the mission 

Takeaways

•  Doubt is natural—but not meant to stay 
•  Jesus meets you in your doubt 
•  Faith grows when doubt is surrendered 
•  You are still called—even while growing 
•  The Holy Spirit empowers what faith begins 

Closing Thought
Don’t settle into doubt.
Let Jesus meet you there—and lead you into belief.