Sermon By: Bishop Dr T. Jeyakumar
Introduction
Bishop Dr T. Jeyakumar began by highlighting the reality of doubt in today’s world, where skepticism is often seen as intelligence and belief is sometimes viewed as weakness.
He pointed out that many people adopt the mindset, “Unless I see, I will not believe,” even toward God.
Bishop Dr T. Jeyakumar explained that doubt is not always negative, as there is such a thing as honest doubt—where individuals sincerely seek truth by asking questions.
He reminded the congregation that faith should not be blind but informed, and the church must be a place where questions are welcomed.
Using the story of Thomas, he emphasized that Thomas’ doubt was not rebellion but a genuine desire to know the truth.
Main Points
1. Love Does Not Reject the Doubter
Key Scripture:
“Stop doubting and believe.” – Gospel of John 20:27
Bishop Dr T. Jeyakumar emphasized that Jesus did not reject Thomas despite his doubt.
Instead of rebuking or shaming him, Jesus patiently waited and later appeared personally to him.
He highlighted that Jesus gave Thomas time—an entire week—to process his doubts.
When Jesus appeared, He invited Thomas to touch His wounds, meeting him at his point of need.
Love does not rush people into faith but walks with them patiently.
2. The Obstacles That Hinder Faith
Key Scripture:
“Unless I see… I will not believe.” – Gospel of John 20:25
Bishop Dr T. Jeyakumar identified several obstacles that hinder faith.
First, temperament can influence faith, as Thomas tended to doubt and overthink.
Second, stress and disappointment can weaken faith, as the death of Jesus crushed their hopes.
Third, pride can prevent belief when people insist on their own conditions.
While doubt can lead to truth, pride can block the way to Christ.
3. Love That Leads to Faith
Key Scripture:
“My Lord and my God!” – Gospel of John 20:28
Bishop Dr T. Jeyakumar highlighted Thomas’ transformation from a doubter to a believer.
This confession is one of the clearest declarations of Jesus’ divinity.
Jesus loved Thomas and patiently led him into faith.
Thomas later became a bold witness and did not die a doubter but a believer.
4. Growing Faith Through Seeking and Fellowship
Key Scripture:
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – Gospel of John 20:29
Faith is not accidental but must be cultivated intentionally.
Faith grows in fellowship, as Thomas encountered Jesus when he returned to the community.
Faith also grows through personal encounter with Christ.
God reveals Himself to those who sincerely seek Him.
Faith requires action, not just decision.
Conclusion
Bishop Dr T. Jeyakumar concluded by reminding the congregation that Easter reveals God’s patience and invitation to believe.
Just as Jesus met Thomas in his doubt, He meets us today in our struggles.
It is acceptable to have doubts, but we should not remain in doubt.
We are called to seek, respond, and believe.
Take-Home Message
God’s love meets us in our doubts, patiently leads us to truth, and calls us to take a step of faith.
Dare to believe in the risen Christ.
Amen.
Reflection Questions
1. What doubts are you currently struggling with in your faith?
Response:
Bring them honestly before God. Doubt is not the end—it can be the beginning of deeper faith.
2. Are your doubts driven by sincere seeking or by pride and resistance?
Response:
Ask God for humility to seek truth openly and courage to accept it.
3. How can you strengthen your faith through fellowship?
Response:
Commit to regular church, small groups, and spiritual community where faith can grow.
4. Have you encountered Christ personally, or are you relying only on second-hand faith?
Response:
Seek a personal relationship with Jesus through prayer and Scripture.
5. What step of faith is God asking you to take today?
Response:
Move beyond “deciding” to real action—trust, surrender, and believe.
Amen.
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You this day with grateful hearts, thanking You for Your goodness, Your grace, and Your faithfulness in our lives. Thank You for gathering us here physically as a disciples group, for the fellowship we share, and for the opportunity to grow together in Your Word.
Lord, we want to thank You for Wesley Church, for opening this hall for us to gather, to fellowship, and later to share a meal together. We are truly grateful for this place of worship and community.
We also thank You for the Easter message delivered through Bishop Dr. T. Jeyakumar. May the truth of Your resurrection continue to stir our hearts, strengthen our faith, and lead us to dare to believe in You more deeply each day.
Father, we give thanks for Reverend Aaron Liu, for Danny, and for all the church volunteers and workers. We are grateful for their unwavering love, dedication, and faithful service in ensuring the smooth running of the church week after week. Bless them, strengthen them, and renew their joy in serving You.
Lord, we also thank You for every brother and sister who has taken the time and effort to be here today. May this gathering be meaningful, encouraging, and filled with Your presence.
As we begin, we surrender this entire time into Your hands—our sharing, our discussions, and our fellowship. Speak to us, minister to us, and draw us closer to You and to one another.
We also commit our health and well-being into Your hands. Thank You for Your protection over us and Your sustaining grace each day.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Closing Prayer (Before Lunch)
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for this wonderful time spent in Your presence. Thank You for Your Word that has spoken to us, for the fellowship we have shared, and for the encouragement we have received from one another.
Lord, we are grateful once again for Wesley Church for providing this place for us to gather. Thank You for the love and unity that we experience as a spiritual family.
We thank You for Bishop Dr. T. Jeyakumar and the powerful Easter message that reminds us to move from doubt to faith and to trust in You wholeheartedly. May Your Word continue to bear fruit in our lives.
We lift up Reverend Aaron Liu, Danny, and all the church volunteers and workers into Your hands. Continue to bless them with strength, wisdom, and joy as they serve You faithfully.
Lord, as we come to this time of fellowship and lunch, we surrender the food into Your hands. We thank You for Your provision. May You bless the food, nourish our bodies, and strengthen us physically.
We also continue to thank You for good health and for Your protection over each one of us—over our families, our work, and our daily lives.
As we go from here, may we carry Your peace, Your love, and Your truth with us. Help us to live out what we have learned and to be a light to those around us.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
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