Victory for Doubters - "Is Doubt Always Bad?"

Text: Mark 11:11-26

During this new series, we'll be studying faith. I'm not only talking about money or getting things, although that is one aspect. Hebrews tells us that it's impossible to please God without faith. Since it's so important to God, it's worth our careful consideration.

Within the context of this chapter, Jesus has entered Jerusalem in triumph. He goes into the temple and looks around. Note: He doesn't do anything at this point. He's just checking things out.

He and the disciples go back to Bethany for the night. The next day, Jesus returns to the temple. On the way there, he checks a fig tree for fruit and finds none. Now, it wasn't the season for figs, so it seems a bit strange. On the way back from Jerusalem, they pass the tree, and it's withered away. The disciples are amazed.

Jesus uses the opportunity to give them a lesson on faith. He tells them to have faith in God. If you analyze these verses, several important things stand out: 1) Say, 2) Believes those things he says, and 3) does not doubt in his heart.

Our problem is often in the area of doubt. Jesus also says that unforgiveness is a serious offense to God and will hinder our prayers.

Yet, we can use doubt to work in our favor. When Satan whispers, "You're going to lose your job," we can respond, "I doubt that." When someone speaks unbelief about our situation, we can refuse to receive those words by saying, "No, I don't think so. The Word of God says..." Whatever doesn't match up to the Word of God can be met with doubt. Let's not put our faith in the enemy's lies.

This is only a taste of the full message. To hear the entire teaching, check out our website and go on the Sermon Player. You can also download it to your MP3 player of podcast it FREE.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to our Sunday Morning worship service. It begins promptly at 10:00 A.M. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. The church telephone number is (215) 343-7686. You can also find directions on our website.