CHURCH

TRANSFORMS OUR FAITH

Why Skeptics Need Church Pastor David Beatty | Sunday, February 4, 2018

John 20:19-20; 24-29 19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 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. 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

INTRODUCTION _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________

A Skeptic is someone who is inclined to __________________ and ______________________ accepted opinions. TWO KINDS OF SKEPTICS: S ______________________ - Are unteachable because they refuse to listen - Blurt out their thoughts foolishly - Mocks God and spiritual things openly A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. Proverbs 14:6 S ______________________ - Believes but has unbelief - Seeks diligently - Open heart 23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. Mark 9:23-24

What does the skeptic need church? 1. To See Evidence of Foundational ______________ But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:15

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2. To Witness the Behavior of the Simple _________ But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:15 The Simple Gospel: 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Romans 12:5

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3. To Experience the ____________________ of Christ All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 6:37 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Rom 15:5-7

_____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ ”It's okay to not be okay but it's not okay to stay that way.”

MEMBERSHIP COVENANT I affirm my faith in Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and have identified with Him through believer’s baptism. I agree with the Calvary Baptist Church Statement of Faith, and commit myself to this body of believers to fulfill the New Testament work of the local church, including the following:

1. I will participate in the weekly worship services and respond to the preaching of God’s Word as His Spirit leads. Heb 10:25; 1 Thess 2:13 2. I will honor the Lord with systematic support of His work through regular tithes and offerings. Mal 3:10; 2 Cor 9:7–8 3. I will walk faithfully with Christ through Bible study and prayer, and will seek to live in a manner consistent with His Word. 2 Tim 2:15, 20–22 4. I will relate to my fellow members in love, avoiding gossip, anger and resentment. I will exercise the grace, kindness and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Col 3:12–16 5. I will participate in opportunities for spiritual growth as the Lord leads and as my schedule allows, such as adult Bible fellowships and revival services. Eph 4:11–16 6. I will love and nurture the members of my immediate family according to the teachings of God’s Word. I will teach my family the Word, applying its truths to our lives. Deut 6:6–9 7. I will find a place to serve in the body where I may exercise my spiritual gifts to advance Christ’s work. Rom 12:4–8; 1 Peter 4:10 8. I will cultivate a servant’s heart toward my fellow members, praying for and supporting those who suffer. 1 Cor 12:25–27; Gal 6:2 9. I will share the Gospel with those in my family and community. I will reach out with the love of Christ to my friends and neighbors. I will support and pray for the missionaries our church is helping to send around the world. Matt 28:18–20; Acts 1:8 10. I will abstain from fleshly desires that would bring an approach against my testimony as a Christian or my Church. 1 Peter 2:11

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 177 West Klein Rd. New Braunfels, Texas 78130 cbctexas.org | 830-629-0049 | David Beatty, Pastor