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Discover the joy and blessings of gathering with fellow believers in the presence of the Lord. Don't miss out on the comfort, support, and evidence needed for faithful living. Explore the impact of being part of a community of believers through biblical examples.
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What You Miss When We Miss You John 20:19-29
The Joy Of Being With The Lord • Jesus was only going to be with His disciples for a short time Acts 1:3 • They had gathered in despair & fear • Jesus’ sudden presence erased this v. 20 • Whatever gladness & joy at being with Him that night…Thomas missed that
The Joy Of Being With The Lord • Jesus has promised His disciples His presence when they assemble Mt 18:20 • There is joy when we gather together “…in His name” • When saints decide not to attend, they miss this great blessing
The Joy Of Being With The Lord’s People • It was a time this little band of men needed each other • They were afraid of the Jews coming to get them as they had done their Lord • Whatever comfort they achieved in being together…Thomas missed that
The Joy Of Being With The Lord’s People • In times of joy, sadness, crisis…we derive comfort in being with others who think like we do & who want what we want 2 Pet 1:1 • Being in the world exposes us to all sorts of undesirable things • We have to worry about what we’ll see or hear
The Joy Of Being With The Lord’s People • In times of joy, sadness, crisis…we derive comfort in being with others who think like we do & who want what we want 2 Pet 1:1 • No such worry when we’re with God’s people • We need each other Col 3:16 • When saints miss, they deprive themselves
Evidence Needed For Faithful Living • The very thing Thomas demanded for his faith is what he missed vv. 20, 24-25 • Jesus addressed the disciples in the 1st meeting vv. 19-23 • Jesus addressed only Thomas in the 2nd meeting vv. 27-29
Evidence Needed For Faithful Living • Thomas’ confession could have been made a full week earlier had he been present v. 29
Evidence Needed For Faithful Living • Invariably, when a disciple chooses to miss a Sunday p.m. or Wednesday p.m., he/she misses the very thing that helps his/her faith • Christ will not physically appear to show His hands or side [evidence] • But we do study and discuss His word
Evidence Needed For Faithful Living • Invariably, when a disciple chooses to miss a Sunday p.m. or Wednesday p.m., he/she misses the very thing that helps his/her faith • Questions are answered…applications are made that help give evidence for believing • “Sunday a.m. goers” go a whole week without
Conclusion • Think about Jonathan’s words to David 1 Sam 18:20 • Some who cannot come have such a longing to be here • How will your excuse to not be here compare to such a desire as that?
Conclusion • A passage purposefully not read or discussed in this lesson…Heb 10:24-25 • The passages discusses “obligation” [HAVE TO] • I wanted to focus on… WANT TO