Ridgell's Originals

It is one of the most referenced texts in Easter sermons.  Doubting Thomas.  I get it.  Everyone was so confident and so sure but they had seen the risen Lord.  Thomas had not.  He wanted -- needed -- to see the proof.  He did and he believed.  And we are blessed when we do not see but yet believe. 

Often we imply that our believe is strictly a matter of faith because we have no proof to go own.  I understand the point being made but I am not sure it is entirely true.

I do believe I have seen evidence of the resurrection. 

One of the great truths of our baptism is that we are raised (resurrected) to a new life.  Just like Christ was raised by the glory/power of God, we are raised to a new life.  The old body of sin destroyed by grace, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit.  Living according to the Spirit and not by the desires of our body.

And I have seen that power -- the power of a resurrected life. 

In the life of a believer who fought the demons of pornography and is now pure.

The gossip who now speaks affirmation and encouragement.

The one battling same sex attraction now sexually sober for years.

The adulterer who is now pure.

The greedy businessman who now gives his money to ministries and the needy.

The angry and violent believer who is now full of joy, smiles, and hugs.

And on and on it goes.

The same God power that raised Jesus from the dead has raised us to new life.  And we are changing, becoming righteous by that power. 

Living proof of the resurrection.

And I see it every day in my life and in the lives of my community of faith.

It is real.  He is risen.  And I see that every day.

And so do others. 

Leading them to believe.