By Pastor Royston Smith

Unsure of something, need answers? Just ask. We ask questions when we need clarity, answers, peace of mind even. Teachers encourage students to ask questions when they are unsure of a concept. What about having doubts about Jesus and the Second Coming? Is this taboo? Sometimes we do not encourage questions of this nature.

God isn’t scared or offended by our questions.

With the right motive, they lead to purposeful Bible study (looking deeper and searching for evidence that supports our beliefs. Truth fears no challenge. We must be convinced in our mind, and that means examining the evidence, so we will know the truth. The Bereans studied for themselves, and no doubt got the answers they sought. And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth, Acts 17:11.

In today’s world, to believe, you need to see, touch and hold. Otherwise it doesn’t exist. Thus, most biblical teachings are frowned upon. For so many people the bible is just another book. Many people scorn its teachings and some governments have put an end to its influence in schools and public spaces. Many doubt its accuracy. The idea of a Second Coming, of a Messiah who transforms and renews the earth…well that’s just fiction; isn’t it? Can that even be evidenced as we experience the effects of climate change?

Consider 2 Peter 3: 3-4, Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Scientific facts and empirical evidence have more credibility than simple childlike faith and trust. The resultant fading away of religious beliefs and hope should be no surprise to us. There was a time when religion was the queen of science. Now, it’s just a fable; a ridiculous joke that only idiots accept.  Often when we mention the name of Jesus and the second coming, we become a target for people to make fun of, others ignore us, while some berate us. Be not discouraged, that’s not the entire story though, there are some searching for truth and will receive the Word. 

Even Jesus had a doubter among His disciples and even an unconverted soul…should we be exempt? Jesus remained focused on the mission.

People often say this Jesus thing is a pie in the sky thing. Why has no one ever seen God? Don’t be fooled my friends and members. Seeing is not the best way to believe something. Sometimes we are fooled by our eyes. We get so caught up in seeing, that often the real thing passes by and we don’t even know it. The gift of sight must be strengthened by the power of faith. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” John 20:29 When this happens, we begin to tap into the spiritual realm. 

As we look forward to the second coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we must walk by faith and not by sight, 2 Corinthians 5:8.

1 Peter 1:8, “ Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:”