April 20, 2023

Dear Central Church,

I bet you didn’t know this, but one of the original disciples of Jesus was from Missouri. Can you guess which one? I’ll give you a hint: it wasn’t enough for him to hear the news of Christ's resurrection. He insisted that they “show me” the evidence. 
 
If you guessed Thomas you win the prize! He wasn’t actually from Missouri, but as I read John 20 it sounds like he could have been. The exact origin of Missouri’s “show me” motto is a little murky, but it’s an attitude that fits Thomas very well. He ultimately confesses that Jesus is, “My Lord and my God” but not before he is able to see and touch Jesus for himself.
 
The church has a mission to share with the world the good news of Christ’s victory over the grave. Thomas represents the posture of our culture in the 21st century. In a world of email scams, deep-fake videos, and ChatGPT, the world is naturally skeptical.
 
I’m thankful that Jesus still shows up for the skeptics in our world. He invites unbelievers to put their hand in his side and to see the nail prints in his hands, and he does so through the Church! Now, more than ever, the church must live faithfully and authentically before an unbelieving world.
 
I hope you’ll join us this Sunday as we continue to ask the question, “Now what?” We’ll look at the story of Thomas and be reminded of our call to be Jesus for those who doubt. We not only have a story tell but a risen Jesus to show to the world through the testimony of our lives.
 
Until He’s Finished,

Pastor Mark