Preacher ： Rev. Aaron Liu
Introduction
Rev. Aaron Liu began by highlighting the moment when the disciples were gathered behind locked doors, overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty after the crucifixion of Jesus. Although they had heard about the resurrection, their hearts were still troubled and hesitant. He emphasized that this reflects the reality of many believers today—we may know the truth of Christ, yet still struggle with fear and doubt. Rev. Aaron Liu reminded the congregation that the resurrection is not merely a historical event, but a present reality where the risen Christ comes to meet us personally in our situation.
1. Peace in His Presence
Bible Scripture ： John 20:19–23
Rev. Aaron Liu emphasized that Jesus’ first words to the disciples were, “Peace be with you,” showing that Christ meets us in our fear, not after we overcome it. He highlighted that true peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ Himself. Jesus entered into the disciples’ locked situation and brought assurance and calm to their troubled hearts. Rev. Aaron Liu further explained that Jesus breathed on them and gave them the Holy Spirit, signifying new life and empowerment. The Holy Spirit is given to sustain believers, enabling them to live with courage and to continue God’s mission even in uncertain circumstances.
2. Jesus Reveals Himself in Our Doubt
Bible Scripture ： John 20:24–28
Rev. Aaron Liu highlighted Thomas as someone who struggled honestly with doubt, representing many believers who seek certainty in their faith. He emphasized that Jesus did not reject Thomas for his doubts, but instead met him personally and graciously. Jesus invited Thomas to see and touch, addressing his specific need. Through this personal encounter, Thomas moved from doubt to a powerful confession, declaring, “My Lord and my God!” Rev. Aaron Liu stressed that when we bring our doubts honestly before Christ, they can become a pathway to deeper faith and genuine worship.
3. Blessed Are the Believing
Bible Scripture ： John 20:29–31
Rev. Aaron Liu emphasized Jesus’ declaration that those who have not seen and yet believe are blessed. He explained that this blessing applies to all believers today whose faith is grounded in the testimony of Scripture and the witness of those who encountered the risen Christ. He stressed that faith is not blind, but rooted in truth and leads to life transformation. The purpose of the Gospel is to lead people to believe in Jesus as the Son of God, and through believing, to receive eternal life. Rev. Aaron Liu reminded the congregation that true faith results in a living relationship with Christ that shapes our daily lives.
Conclusion
Rev. Aaron Liu concluded by reminding the congregation that the risen Christ still comes to His people today. He meets us in our fear, reveals Himself in our doubt, and calls us into a living faith that transforms our lives. The resurrection assures us that Christ is alive and present, inviting us to trust Him fully. As we encounter Him personally, our fear is replaced with peace, our doubt with faith, and our lives with purpose.
Take-away Message
The risen Christ meets us in our fear, reveals Himself in our doubt, and calls us to believe so that we may have true and eternal life in Him.
Amen.
Embracing the Resurrection — Summary
The message centers on how the resurrection of Jesus is not just an event to remember, but a life to embrace and live out daily.
After Jesus rose, the disciples were hiding in fear behind locked doors. Yet Jesus came into their midst and spoke peace, showing that His resurrection brings calm, assurance, and restoration even in the midst of fear and uncertainty. (Working Preacher from Luther Seminary)
He then breathed on them and gave them the Holy Spirit, commissioning them to continue His mission—especially in forgiveness and reconciliation. This shows that resurrection life is not passive; it empowers believers to live with purpose and authority.
The story of Thomas highlights the struggle between doubt and faith. Thomas wanted physical proof before believing, but when he encountered Jesus personally, he declared, “My Lord and my God.” This reveals that faith often grows through honest doubt, but ultimately requires trust beyond what is seen.
Jesus concludes with a powerful truth:
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
This extends the resurrection promise to all believers today.
Core Message
To embrace the resurrection means:
Moving from fear to peace
From doubt to faith
From hiding to mission
From death to new life in Christ
The resurrection is not just proof that Jesus lives—it is an invitation for us to live transformed lives, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and grounded in faith.
Conclusion
The resurrection calls believers to step out of fear, trust in Christ even without seeing, and actively live out His mission. It is a daily reality that brings peace, purpose, and new life.
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Reflect and Discuss
1. In what ways have you experienced Jesus' presence during times of doubt or uncertainty?
The sermon reminds us that Jesus appeared to the disciples while they were still afraid and hiding. His presence did not come after they became strong—it came in their weakness.
Reflect on moments in your life when you felt uncertain, anxious, or spiritually dry. Perhaps it was during a difficult decision, a health concern, a relationship struggle, or a season of unanswered prayers. In those moments, Jesus may not have removed the situation immediately, but He may have given you peace, strength to endure, or the right people to walk with you.
Rev. Aaron Liu emphasized that Christ’s peace is not the absence of problems, but His presence within them. Recognizing His presence often requires us to look back and see how He sustained us rather than how He instantly changed our circumstances.
Reflection ：
Where did you sense peace, guidance, or quiet assurance even when the situation did not change?
2. How can you apply the principle of Jesus meeting us in our weaknesses when interacting with others facing challenges?
Jesus did not judge the disciples for their fear, nor did He rebuke Thomas for his doubt. Instead, He met them with patience, understanding, and grace.
In the same way, we are called to meet others where they are—not where we expect them to be. When someone is struggling, doubting, or feeling weak, our role is not to “fix” them quickly or give easy answers, but to walk with them.
This can look like:
- Listening without judgment
- Offering encouragement instead of criticism
- Praying with and for them
- Being present rather than being preachy
Rev. Aaron Liu highlighted that Jesus met Thomas personally. This reminds us that ministry is relational, not transactional.
Reflection ：
Who in your life needs grace more than advice right now?
3. In your daily routines, how can you ensure that you remain open to experiencing Jesus' presence?
The disciples were behind closed doors, yet Jesus still came to them. However, in our daily lives, we can intentionally create space to recognize His presence.
Remaining open to Jesus involves cultivating awareness, not just activity. Some practical ways include:
- Beginning your day with a short prayer inviting His presence
- Reading Scripture and reflecting on it, even briefly
- Practicing moments of silence to listen to God
- Being attentive to small promptings (to help, to pause, to pray)
- Ending the day by reflecting on where you saw God at work
Rev. Aaron Liu emphasized that the Holy Spirit is given to sustain us daily. This means
experiencing Jesus is not a one-time event, but a continual relationship.
Reflection：
What is one simple habit you can start this week to become more aware of Jesus’ presence?
4. What specific actions can you take to invite others to encounter Christ, especially those who might be in doubt?
Thomas came to faith not through argument, but through encounter. This reminds us that people are often drawn to Christ through authentic experiences rather than explanations alone.
You can invite others to encounter Christ through:
- Sharing your personal testimony honestly (including your struggles)
- Inviting them to church, small group, or fellowship
- Praying for them and with them
- Demonstrating Christ’s love through kindness and consistency
- Being patient with their journey and questions
Rev. Aaron Liu emphasized that Jesus meets people personally. Our role is not to force belief, but to create opportunities for encounter.
Reflection ：
Who is one person you can intentionally journey with and gently point to Christ this week?
Closing Thought
The resurrection is not just something we believe—it is something we experience.
As Rev. Aaron Liu emphasized, Jesus still comes to us today—
in our fear, in our doubt, and in our daily lives—inviting us to encounter Him personally.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this wonderful morning and opportunity to meet on zoom today. We thank You for this time we’ve shared together in Your presence and the message we received this morning—a reminder of the power, hope, and life found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Lord, as we leave this meeting, help us not to return to fear, but to walk in Your peace. Strengthen our faith where there is doubt, and remind us that even when we do not see, You are with us—alive and at work in our lives.
Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Guide our thoughts, our words, and our actions, so that we may live out the truth of the resurrection daily. Use us as instruments of Your love, forgiveness, and grace to those around us.
Bless each person here—cover them with Your protection, provide for their needs, and lead them in Your purpose. May Your peace remain in our hearts as we go about our day.
We commit everything into Your hands with gratitude and trust.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
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