Podcasts about in thomas

In the last episode, I was talking about our involvement with Christians, in other countries. In Thomas' letter he mentioned that an outreach, was being planned in the UK, for June 1984. The occasion, was a Billy Graham Crusade in Birmingham, where our church friends lived. Thomas would have loved to go, but he had his regular freelance job, that he had to keep up with. He worked for Nikon cameras doing translation work. We also had our vacation time set aside, because my parents were coming in August. But six people from our church and five people from Italy were going. A team of eight, from a ministry called Forward Edge in the States, were also coming over to help the Northfield church. They were hiring a double decker bus, to drive the teams to the meetings at Villa Park, the largest football stadium in Birmingham. According to their newsletter everyone gathered in the mornings for prayer and worship, and then divided up in teams.

God speaks to each of us in ways we can receive, just as He did with the first disciples. In Thomas' doubt, he was honest about needing to hear from Jesus, and God met him there. Even when we can't see Him, Jesus still speaks to us in ways we can hear and believe.

Have you ever wanted to buy a vintage watch but been put off by potential pitfalls? Well, this episode of Fratello Talks is the one for you. Today, Nacho, RJ, and Thomas share their advice on buying vintage watches. They've been doing it themselves for years. In Thomas's case, there's even a history of working as a dealer for Amsterdam Watch Co. On today's show, they combine their expertise and distill some advice that everyone taking their first steps toward vintage timepieces should hear. So be sure to tune in whether you're teetering on the edge of your first vintage purchase or a connoisseur in the field. And if you're one of the latter, we'd love for you to chime in with your words of advice in the comments section.

Thomas kann sich nicht erinnern, jemals im Leben Lambrusco getrunken zu haben und ist sehr gespannt darauf, wo die Reise ihn diesmal hinführt. Dieser Wein gleichnamiger Rebsorte hat nicht bei allen den besten Ruf. Manch einer kennt ihn noch als günstige Mitgabe zu einer Pizza Frutti Di Mare in den 70er Jahren, andere lieben ihn! Die Rebsorte ist allerdings sehr alt und wurde schon von Schriftstellern der Antike erwähnt. Und nein, damit ist nicht Dietmar gemeint. Der ist ja kein Schriftsteller. Dietmars Wein zuerst: Nach anfänglichem Kampf mit der Kapsel macht sich ein wahnsinniger roter Schaum im Glas breit. Eine Fruchtbombe ist in den Gläsern gelandet und sorgt für eine wahre Geschmacksexplosion im Mund. Einfach nur ein großes, vollmundiges Beerenkompott. Grundsätzlich ist Lambrusco auch gar nicht so teuer, außer Thomas bringt ihn mit… Thomas' Lambrusco di Sorbara, ein Rosé-Lambrusco, ist außergewöhnlich. Ausgebaut wie ein echter Champagner, ist er nahezu nicht als Lambrusco zu erkennen. Die Jungs bezweifeln, dass selbst die bisherigen Sommelier-Expertinnen und -Experten unter unseren Gästen diesen Lambrusco in einem Blind-Tasting erschmecken würden. Eine echte Mogelpackung! Dietmar tut wie immer die Säure nicht so gut, er merkt sie direkt im Hals. Für Menschen, die Crémant mögen, kann der Wein wirklich überzeugen, oder eventuell als Frühstücks-Lambrusco im Italien Urlaub! Bei diesem Stichwort kann Thomas nicht anders, als uns von seiner bevorstehenden Italien-Reise vorzuschwärmen. Es geht quer von Rom über die Toskana nach Südtirol. In Modena, der Heimat von Luciano Pavarotti, will Thomas sich kulturell bereichern. Dietmar hat da weniger aufzuholen. Er ist aufgewachsen in Drei-Sparten-Häusern, in denen es Schauspiel, Oper und Ballett gab. In Thomas' Drei-Sparten-Haus hingegen gab es nur RTL, Sat1 und ProSieben. Das erklärt Dietmar so manches. Bei den üblichen Fragen an Mühlnickel geht es um den Schiefen Turm von Pisa, Pasta, die Mafia, deutsche Schriftsteller in Italien und das Alter von Olivenbäumen. Was sonst noch passiert: Thomas war vor kurzem in einer Enten-Bar. Wir lernen: Ein Fisch muss dreimal schwimmen. Im Meer, im Öl und im Wein. Als Hintergrundmusiker für den Klugscheißer Dietmar ist Thomas nur bedingt talentiert. Dietmar kann Chinesisch? Ach ne! Das war nur sein Trinkspruch auf Italienisch… Thomas ist neuerdings gut im Preise-Raten. Dietmars Wein wurde gesponsert von der Deutschen Telekom. Thomas' Trinkspruch des Tages: Im Glase sprudelt Lambrusco Rot und Fein, Ein Tropfen Italien, so lecker und rein. Lass uns erheben das Glas, Prost mein Didi, Trink ihn aus, Mein kleiner Speedy. Die Weine der Folge: Dietmar: Le Tenute, Bocciolo, Grasparossa DOC, Medici Ermete https://www.medici.it/prodotti/bocciolo-grasparossa-doc-dolce/ Insta @mediciermete Thomas: Cantina della Volta: Lambrusco di Sorbara Spumante Rose 2017 https://www.gute-weine.de/produkt/cantina-della-volta-lambrusco-di-sorbara-spumante-rose-2017-58421h/ Insta @cantina_della_volta

John 20:19-31Sometimes when our trust in Christ is tested, we are tempted to think, “if only God would ___, then I could trust him.” In Thomas' encounter with the risen Lord Jesus, he learned that he didn't really need what he thought he needed. And this story helps us see what we really need to move from unbelief to belief in Jesus – not only to receive forgiveness and everlasting life, but also to continue to trust him, and to help others come to faith in Christ. 

“Everything we heal, we mature, we develop in ourselves, is never just for ourselves only. It's always also eco-systemically relevant. So if somebody becomes more open, it will affect all the relationships that person has in life. So all the relationships will begin to enjoy or benefit from the fact that I grow, everybody that knows me benefits from my growth because it will nourish all those relationships. So we are always ecosystemic and individual at the same time.” So Says Thomas Hübl, who I'm thrilled to welcome back to Pulling the Thread—our first conversation, entitled “Processing Our Collective Past,” is one of my favorites to date, although today's conversation doesn't disappoint either. In Thomas's new book Attuned: Practicing Interdepence to Heal Our Trauma—and Our World he explores the idea of being present, or creating the internal capacity to host the experiences of others. He mentions this line from Fares Boustanji which sums it up: “To get in contact with the other, you have to be in contact with yourself.” Thomas Hübl is a spiritual teacher, but his particular genius point is holding space for large groups, groups that can then begin to process and transmute dark, dense energy—energy that's often held by traumatized culture and places. He has worked all over the world, because this stuck energy is…everywhere: And when we fail to acknowledge and move it, we're stuck, repeating karmic cycles. In Attuned, Hubl explains what we can all gain from getting in touch with our ability to host the experiences of others. As he writes: “When I speak to groups or before an audience at an event, it is not enough that I show up knowing what I wish to say. To be effective, I must be in dialogue with the whole, and therefore aware of the group or the audience as a dynamic system. Only noticing what is happening for me is not enough; I must be able to accurately feel with and adapt to the needs of my listeners. I need to clearly sense my participants' degree of availability and curiosity. I also need to perceive whether and when I am being heard and received—or what else might be needed or present. The clarifying of the relational matrix comes with expanded awareness and offers an acceleration of our coming-into-relation. This is the leading edge of communication and leadership, and it requires deeper awareness of the intersubjective space from all.” This sounds like something we all need. MORE FROM THOMAS HÜBL: Thomas's First Pulling the Thread Conversation: Processing Our Collective Past Attuned: Practicing Interdepence to Heal Our Trauma—and Our World Healing Collective Trauma: A Process for Integrating Our Intergenerational and Cultural Wounds Thomas Hübl's Website Follow Thomas on Instagram To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode Three, Season Ten of the Thoth-Hermes podcast explores facets of Higher Worlds and the Anthroposophical traditiom. Today, Rudolf meets with Thomas Mayer, Anthroposophical teacher, author and direct democracy activist. In Thomas's words, “you will meet the people you want to meet” which is an ongoing theme in this conversation. Thomas “met” Rudolf Steiner at the age of 15, reading “How to Know Higher Worlds”; 44 years later, he is an Anthroposophical meditation teacher, with his partner Agnes Hardorp. Thomas recently published “Answering the Call of the Elementals” which is intended as a lively workbook to intentionally strengthen a practitioner's connection to those Beings. In their discussion, Thomas and Rudolf explore the path of supersensible perceptual development. Steiner's work incorporated and influenced many aspects of esotericism; its wide-ranging impact is felt in the breadth of the interview. Topics range from the theme of the “I”/”Ich”, to organic architecture, to the Akashic records, to shadow work and the neutralization of the binary. The term “geisteswissenschaft” (“Spiritual Science”) is referenced and defined. Thomas describes the range of viewpoint diversity even within the Goetheanum as an institution, finding both more “intellectual” (scholarly, academic) thinkers and “spiritual” experiential artists. Solitary and group egregore work are weighed, with acknowledgement of their necessary coincidence. Rudolf and Thomas both note the bolster of healthy counterbalance that individual and cooperative esoteric work can provide. Thomas recommends several foundational Steiner texts for listeners, including “The Theosophy of the Rosicrucians”. Rudolf notes that many Steiner writings are available in English, at no cost, online. Thomas enters more specifically into the ideas of the Aether plane and defines the concept of the “Elementals”. Thomas carefully notes the Anthroposophical belief that supersensible perception is available to all humans, but must be actively and personally developed. He reminds us that this is also In the context of mutual interest: that the Elementals seek human interaction as much (or more) as we seek them. This is the cover of the book we also mention in the podcast, Thomas Mayer's book on elementals, available in English from Inner Traditions (see link below) Click here for Thomas Mayer's homepage (in German, sorry...) The book page at Inner Traditions The Rudolf Steinre Archive - in English, most of his work to be found there Anthro-Wiki - an excllent resource in English and German Music played in this episode Also, on this episode, in the "interval", between the two parts of the main interview, a first short talk on a series that will appear from time to time in the next weeks and months, about the effects of sound and music in the spiritual world. Musician and singer EMERELLE, who also provides the music on this episode, speaks to Rudolf on her work and what she thinks music can do with our mind. Emerelle is a singer, musician & videographer from Austria focused on creating music that touches the soul. Ethereal sounds coming from a deep place of stillness help to reconnect with oneself.  Here is what she says about herself: "I studied music pedagogy & classical singing at university but quit after 3 years to create my own music. I've been on an intense spiritual quest since I was 15 years old, studying various philosophies, meditation, advaita, inner work, traumahealing, sacred womanhood and more. It's always been my aim to touch & inspire people, to help them feel and reconnect with their true nature.

Delve into the profound mind of Thomas Storck, a prominent Catholic author, in our latest podcast episode. Thomas's comprehensive exploration of "The Prosperity Gospel" raises a critical concern. This distorted interpretation of faith, penetrating both Protestant and Catholic circles, worships material wealth over spiritual growth. Thomas dissects the beginnings and consequences of the Prosperity Gospel, tracing its roots to radical Protestantism and John Locke's ideas. Unveiling the danger of intertwining heavenly promises with earthly wealth, this episode navigates the implications of privatized religion and its influence on American culture.In Thomas's book, he reveals the hazardous impact of this heretical teaching on modern society. By resurrecting tradition in the face of secularization, our episode sparks inspiration to counteract these influences, rekindling a devotion to authentic faith and preserving the sanctity of Christ's teachings. Join us on this illuminating journey, exploring faith, wealth, culture, and tradition through the lens of Thomas Storck's profound scholarship.Like what you heard? Maybe you just enjoy reading James's show notes? Please prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Patreon page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. As always, please pray for us! Get social with us:Follow us on Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy facesResources mentioned:Purchase the bookFind out more about Thomas on his websiteRead more of his work TAN Books - Become a Saint! TAN is offering 15% off to you! Use code "manlycatholic" at checkout to help support the podcast.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showContact us directly at themanlycatholic@gmail.com. Support the show on PatreonPartners: Big thank you to TAN Books for sponsoring the podcast. Use the code "manlycatholic" at checkout to get 15% off your order and support the podcast in the process! Grab an amazing cup of coffee at CatholicCoffee.com! Use code Manly at check-out to get 15% off your order! Rugged Rosaries started on a holy mission and continues to this day. They produce manly Rosaries that will withstand children's snot, getting caught on the door handle, and so much more! James finally found a Rosary that won't break on him. Use the special code: MANLY12 to get 12% off your order! As always, please pray for us! We are men who are striving every day to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost!

In Thomas we see a picture of someone moving from determined unbelief to the blessing of belief in the risen Christ

In Thomas we see a picture of someone moving from determined unbelief to the blessing of belief in the risen Christ

In Thomas we see a picture of someone moving from determined unbelief to the blessing of belief in the risen Christ

I love the questions our young people often feel free to ask.  In fact, I wish more adults would feel free to ask similar questions.  Anyway, on multiple occasions, I have received from our youth questions about faith, the life of Jesus, questions about the existence of God, and questions that show they have an element of doubt regarding many aspects of faith.  I truly encourage these questions because that is how we learn, that is how we grow, and that is how we are taken to new places.  Austrian poet and novelist, Rainer Maria Rilke, once said, “Live the questions!”  I truly believe that is the best way we learn.  I also believe that as Christians, when we ask questions, we need to be honest about our doubt.  Far too often the church has discouraged doubt.  However, doubt is really a healthy aspect of faith.  In fact, theologian, Paul Tillich, said doubt is a very necessary element of faith.  And, theologian, Frederick Buechner, writes these words about doubt, “Whether your faith is that there is a God or that there is not a God, if you don't have any doubts, you are either kidding yourself or asleep.  Doubts are the ants in the pants of faith.  They keep it awake and moving.” (Wishful Thinking.)   In other words, doubt is not only an element of faith, but doubt also becomes the process through which faith grows and faith is deepened.  Vibrant, living faith is nurtured and born in the mix of a rich environment where we have the freedom to ask questions, voice our doubts, articulate our wonderings about this person we call Jesus, and let go of old elementary images of God.  For all of us, there is a real need for our old understandings of Jesus and our old understanding of faith to die.  Our old understandings need to be eaten away by doubts so that a new and deeper faith may be born.  In today's gospel reading, questions and doubt come to the forefront in the story of Thomas.  However, the truth is that all the disciples were questioning and experiencing doubt.  It is still the day of Jesus' resurrection and here we find the disciples sitting in a room behind locked doors because of their fear, their doubt, and quite likely more than a little shame.  They have blown it completely, they are hiding in fear, and they are doubting everything their master had said.  And what is so fascinating is that, in the gospel of John, when Jesus appears to his disciples after the resurrection, nobody, not one person, initially recognizes him.  Notice in the beginning of today's reading, the disciples do not recognize him until Jesus shows them his hands and side.  They all doubted him!  They doubted it was Jesus!  It is only after Jesus shows them his hands and side that the disciples rejoice because they have seen the Lord.  And while the other disciples also doubt, for some strange reason, only Thomas gets labeled “doubter.”  Far too often we judge Thomas because of his doubt.  We need to cut him some slack and give him a break.  In Thomas we find the yearning of one who desperately wants to see with his eyes and touch with his hands that of which he has been told.  He has real questions, real concerns, and a desire for a real encounter with the risen Lord.  I think the story of Thomas captures our hearts and minds because we, too, were absent from the Resurrection experience two thousand years ago.  When faced with the mystery of the Resurrection, the story of Thomas names that part in each of us that wants to scream out, “Show me!” Thomas has just had a very harsh encounter with reality.  Reality had hit hard in the form of a cross when his dear friend had been crucified.  And, when he fled that horrible scene, not only had Jesus died, Thomas' hopes and dreams had also died.  Jesus' crucifixion had destroyed his hopes for the future and very poignantly reminded him that there is an end.  And it is the same for us.  When the harsh realities of life hit us – whether it be the death of a family member, the loss of a job, an unexpected illness, a broken relationship, or whatever – reality deeply cuts into our hopes, our dreams, the very fabric of our relationships, and we are reminded that there is an end.  There is an end over which we have no control as we feel we have been taken captive by an extremely cruel conqueror.  The reality that sliced into Thomas's hopes and dreams left him emotionally bleeding and broken.  As he again joins the community of disciples, within the context of those who proclaim Jesus is alive, Thomas lays bare his doubt.  He is very honest as he says, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.”  In the depth of despair Thomas articulates his doubt, and it is in that place where he is now confronted with the risen Christ.  It is in that place of despair that Thomas is greeted by the risen Lord whose presence exudes forgiveness and grace as he hears the words, “Peace be with you.”  In that moment, Thomas knows he is in the presence of God, and he believes.  Thomas lays bare his doubt which takes him to this encounter with the grace of God, a grace embodied and enfleshed in the risen Lord Jesus, and his entire reality is changed.  Wow!!  Did you get that?  Reality itself has changed.  The despairing Thomas does not escape from the real world and there is not a break from the tangible reality of the world.  No.  But there is something very different, something very, very new.  God's grace and God's kingdom have invaded the real world, transformed it, and nothing will ever be the same again.  I think Thomas experiences Easter in the way many of us begin to experience it.  Thomas finally gets Easter when he brings forth his questions. He wants to see and touch. He wants tangible proof and needs his own encounter before he can trust the story.  It is doubt that compels Thomas to ask the questions and it is doubt that takes him to the place where he is looking for what is truly real and what truly matters.  You see, without doubt, our faith is shallow and rootless.  Without doubt, we fail to go down deep.  Doubt is a sign of a healthy, deeply rooted faith, though most of us are taught to believe the opposite. And, when doubt takes us to deeper places in faith, our reality changes.  We are transformed and our perspective on all of life changes as we live into a new reality. This is what Easter is all about and what Easter means for each one of us.  This new reality is a way of life, expressed as we come together to worship and be fed by the very life of the Risen Christ.  We participate in the work of our risen Lord and live into this new reality as we see the hungry in this world and work for change, whether it is by distributing bags of food to Meridian Township families so they can have an Easter dinner, by routinely filling our micro pantries, or working with the refugees who are living in the Parish House as we help to provide for them a life of hope.  We live this new reality when we intentionally work to end extreme poverty, racism, sexism, and all the isms that seem so prevalent in this culture.  We live this new reality when we work to address climate change, working to bring healing and wholeness to the environment and the profound brokenness in this world God so deeply loves. As the community of faith gathers and we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, voice our doubts and ask our questions, Jesus does appear.  The community of faith is not the place where we have and know all the answers.  It is a place where a searching faith can develop and become authentic and alive.  Such an environment creates the space for an authentic encounter with God as the risen Christ appears.   So, Samantha, as you are confirmed on this day, I challenge you to continue to ask the questions.  Continue to let your doubt take you deeper in understanding the story, because the questions that arise within you are the very heartbeat of your faith. The story of Thomas, his questions and his doubt, is one of the most compelling, believable, realistic stories in the Bible because it is your story, and it is our story.  And the risen Christ is always breaking into our doubt and our questions and working to make us new.  Christ is risen!  Christ is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

In this episode, Drs. Ian Clary and Wyatt Graham discussion Thomas's second question in the Summa. In Thomas's age, asking whether something exists was the first part of someone's study. Thomas obviously believes God does exist. In an almost comical line, Thomas answers the question "Whether God Exists" by saying "yes" because God says he does in Exodus 3:14, "I am who I am!" If God says it, then he must exist. Now, the Bible also says some people mentally believe God does not exist (Ps 53:1). So, while God does exist and it is self-evident, we can reason from God's created effects back to the existence of God, which Thomas believes we should and can do because Paul tells us to do so in Romans 1:20. Drs. Clary and Graham also discuss the first of the five ways of God's existence. They push back against the notion that God is somehow immobile since he is the first mover. That, they show, is not what Thomas has in mind.

In this episode, we have two inspiring guests, Ade Papoola and Thomas Passante, who have used their own strategies to build businesses and create wealth. Ade Papoola is often regarded as an inventory hound, Ade Popoola has found and moved several million dollars worth of off-market Multi-family real estate over the past 3 years. He is known for his ability to find discounted off–market deals which are very hard to come by. Currently holding active licenses in Ohio and Pennsylvania as a registered nurse, Ade decided to combine his passion for data, marketing, and multi-family investing to create systems and processes that can consistently find off-market multifamily deals across the country. Thomas Passante is the Managing Director. Thomas is able to offer the opportunity to be part of a firm that features a distinguished team in Wealth Management, Insurance and Group Benefits. He takes a unique approach towards building financial strategies for his clients as well as extensive specialized training and development for his financial professionals. Thomas is a Registered Representative dedicated to helping Individuals, families, businesses owners and high net worth real estate professionals develop and achieve financial goals. At National Financial Network, we specialize in complete planning by maximizing each dollar spent and helping clients become world class savers. In Thomas' free time he enjoys playing and watching sports, traveling with friends and family, and spending as much time as possible with his Australian shepherd, Chloe. Registered Representative of Park Avenue Securities, LLC (PAS), Financial Representative of Guardian. CA Insurance License #4168312. World Class saver is a Person who saves at least 15 to 20% of gross income.   Through their stories, they emphasize the power of having a positive outlook and pushing past fear in order to reach goals. They discuss how to protect and grow wealth for a legacy for future generations, removing noise and avoiding negative opinions in order to achieve success, and how negative opinions can sometimes come from a place of love. Tune in for helpful tips and advice on achieving success through setting goals, forming positive habits and more!   Do you want to build wealth for yourself and your family? You need THE LAUNCHPAD. Click here to learn more!       [00:00 - 08:56] Escaping the Racial Wealth Gap: How Minority Professionals Can Achieve Abundance Through Mindset Mindset is essential to achieving success Need an abundance mindset and to step out of comfort zone Guests Ade Papoola and Thomas Passante discuss their journey to building wealth Ade Papoola went from Nigeria to the US and started wholesaling in multi-family real estate Thomas Passante manages a full service financial firm and has been doing this for 7 years   [08:57 - 17:27] How to Overcome Noise and Achieve Success: A Guide to Building Confidence and Avoiding Self-Doubt Noise from family, friends, and people we meet can be distracting and discouraging It is important to have a tunnel vision mindset and avoid the noise Mentorship and guidance from someone successful can help you find a short pathway to success People who give advice may not have done it before and are trying to protect you in the best way they know how, which may not be the right way The biggest noise will be in our own heads, not from others    [17:28 - 26:56] Overcome Fear and Grow Your Business with Repetition and Mindset Mastery Real estate is a great asset class to invest in, especially during a downturn Mindset coaching and lectures are important for pushing past comfort zones and setting goals Investing in yourself is the best way to grow as an individual, through trial and error, mentorships, training and development Repetition of positive material can help tackle difficult issues more easily    [26:57 - 35:40] Reprogram Your Mind: How to Tap Into Calmness and Avoid Anxiety, Self-Doubt, and Depression Sarah Blakely's father asked her at the dinner table how she failed that day Donald Trump's example of a billionaire with a financial thermostat set high The importance of reading personal development books Morning affirmations and routines to sharpen the brain Reprogramming the mind through repetition or trauma    [35:41 - 44:37] Reprogram Your Subconscious Mind: How To Find the Positive in Trauma and Change Your Perception of Failure Reprogramming the subconscious mind through repetition and trauma Finding a positive in negative situations Masterminding with people to get different results Realizing how many swings it takes to get success and the failures that come before it Changing perception of failure by understanding expectations    [44:37 - 31:51] Closing Segment The final questions If you're not diversified appropriately, you probably will be paying more taxes than you should be. Boardwalk is the most expensive property and Baltic is the cheapest in Monopoly Why wealth goes way past monetary What's next for Thomas and Ade? Key Quotes    “We hold ourselves accountable to meet expectations that are wrong to start with.” - Ade Papoola   “Through trial and error is the best way to grow as an individual.” - Thomas Passante       Connect with Thomas Passante through natfin.net. Follow him on Facebook   Connect with Ade Papoola through Facebook       Let's get connected!  You can find Nicole on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook. Visit her website https://noirvestholdings.com      LEAVE A REVIEW & SHARE THE WEALTH by SHARING this EPISODE with someone who wants to learn the secret strategies of the wealthy and build an abundant life. You can listen to previous episodes of Share the Wealth Show here.  

In Thomas' story, the decisive things happened somehow in passing: like this time, when he tells us what it was actually like - to be at the number 1 spot in the charts for the first time. You have to hear it!More about Thomas: https://www.thomas-anders.comIf you want to ask Thomas a question, write to podcast@thomas-anders.com Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slideshow for this message is available Introduction John 20-21 Well we are in John chapter 20 where we come to the purpose statement of the book of John which we have referenced several dozen times in our preaching. The whole book of John was written for this reason. Now in order to accomplish this purpose, John tells us that he has been incredibly selective in his writing. To give you an indicator of just how selective he has been, if you notice the time markers in the book of John, there are only 21 or maybe 22 days of the life of Jesus which have been recorded. That's not a biography. The gospels are not biographies. He's chosen specific miracles, specific events so that in reading those events, they might persuade you to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God. Now here's what's interesting. The last event chosen, the climatic one, the one he chooses to really drive home the point that Jesus is the Christ, is this story about Thomas who struggles with doubt. Jesus looks at Thomas and says, “Do not disbelieve but believe.” Now I want to really press into this concept of doubt vs belief because not only does the book of John culminate with the call to believe, but the entire Christian faith culminates in it. The way you become a Christian is by believing! You are to believe the claim that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God. If you believe that, then you believe all the claims that go along with that and in believing that you are saved. Maybe you are walking in here today with doubt. You are not so sure. Maybe you feel like Thomas. You need more evidence. You won't believe unless certain conditions are met. Maybe you need to see a miracle. Maybe you don't understand the way science and the Bible go together. Maybe you don't understand how God and evil go together. You have some barrier in your mind that creates doubt. That's okay. Let's talk about that for a moment. What is doubt? Doubt can be defined as a mental or emotional state in which the mind remains suspended between two contradictory propositions. In Thomas case and maybe in in your case there are two claims which logically can't both be true. The Bible's claim: Jesus rose from the dead. The World's claim: Jesus is still in the grave. Which is it? The Christian claim is that Jesus rose from the dead. But experience tells you that dead people stay dead. Maybe for you that creates doubt. Doubt is not bad. To question the reality that someone rose from the dead is an intelligent doubt. We aren't supposed to believe everything we hear. You've got to give me good reasons why I am supposed to believe something that seems very unbelievable. If I'm going to move from doubt to belief, or even from the position of belief to greater belief, you have to give me the freedom to continue asking questions until I find some reliable grounds to satisfy my reason. Without healthy doubt there can be no healthy faith. So given this understanding of belief, we might think that what Thomas is lacking is good reasons. We might think that what he is lacking is evidence? But if we look carefully at the text, that is not the problem. Jesus kindly - but most definitely - rebukes Thomas in this passage. If it was reasonable for Thomas to ask for evidence, then it would be unreasonable for Jesus to rebuke. But Jesus rebuked. You should have believed without the evidence. And what that tells us is that what was preventing Thomas from believing the reports of the disciples was not lack of evidence. He claimed what he needed was evidence. But that's not what he needed. And that's actually the case for millions and millions of people today. Millions of people think that what they need in order to become a follower of Jesus is more evidence. But just like Thomas, that's not what they need. Let's find out what Thomas needed, and maybe in so doing, we will find out what you need to become a follower of Jesus Christ or what you need to strengthen a weak faith in Jesus Christ. Now the other disciples had seen the risen Lord and they were just ecstatic. They were out of their minds with excitement. But their testimony was unconvincing in his ears. Thomas says to them, “Okay, so apparently you were all in a locked room and you all saw something that ‘resembled' Jesus. Yeah, okay, all your testimonies agree. I'm sure you all saw something, but it wasn't Jesus. That sounds more like a ghost story than like a Jesus sighting.” And so Thomas obstinately demands evidence. What I need is more evidence. I won't believe until…. and then he lays down his conditions. Now what caused Thomas to doubt and demand this evidence? Some have conjectured that it was something in his disposition. Thomas shows up in two other places in the gospels and in both places he seems to suffers from an Eore complex, a glass half empty complex. He seems to bear the burden of a pessimist.Maybe he doubts because of disposition. But maybe he doubts because of experience. In some translations, Thomas has the nickname dydimous. That's just an untranslated Greek word. You can hear in it our English word diddo from. The ESV translation just translate the word dydimous which means twin. Thomas had a twin brother and I'm guessing an identical twin so perhaps Thomas had a unique perspective on mistaken identity. His entire life, he'd been mistaken for his brother. No I'm not Mark. Mark has the mole. I don't have the mole. I'm Thomas. He's been on the receiving end of mistaken identity his whole life. He knows just how possible this is. So Thomas, pulling from his pessimism, pulling from his experience with mistaken identity says, “I'm sure this guy reminded you of Jesus but there's no way it could be Jesus. I saw him die. I saw his stiffening, bloated body come off that tree. There's no way I'll believe it.” But seeing the insistence in the other disciples he says, “Okay, actually, there's one way. There's one identification marker that nobody could fake and that's the wounds. Unless I place my finger in the holes, I won't believe.” Thomas is the skeptic. Thomas is the doubter. We call him doubting Thomas. Now I always feel so bad for the guy. He gets this label slapped on him for the rest of history. You know if Thomas had a NT you know what verse I think would be highlighted, underlined and bolded in his Bible? Mark 16. Mark 16 is the parallel account of Jesus' first appearance to the disciples when Thomas was at away. Mark 16 Thomas is like, why did I get the label? Every single one of us doubted and because I happen to not be in the room, because I volunteered to go to Costco and buy groceries, I get the label, “Doubting Thomas.” Well, Thomas, it's a good point. We ought to have doubting Peter, doubting John, doubting Simon, doubting Andrew. They all did the same exact thing. They are all equally guilty. Now let's just push on this character assessment. What's wrong with a guy that wants a little proof? It's not like its exactly common for crucified people who have been embalmed in 70 pounds of spices and wrapped in linen clothes placed into sealed, guarded tombs to just get up and walk away. That's not exactly usual. Not only is it unusual, but that's kind of an important detail to nail down. It pretty much has a major impact on how these disciples are going to live out the rest of his life. What's wrong with a guy that wants a little proof? Now you can create a ton of clarity to these concepts if you add some adjectives. So instead of just talking about belief and doubt, let's talk in terms of healthy belief, unhealthy belief, healthy doubt and unhealthy doubt. And in order to see this clearly, let's look at this little diagram. So we will start in the upper left. A healthy belief is a belief that you hold for good reason. So for example, “I believe summer is coming.” You have scientific backing for that claim. You have experience to back the claim. You have history to back the claim. You are believing the right thing. An unhealthy belief is a belief that you hold for no good reason. This is the person who believes everything. They are gullible. So for example, “I believe in Santa Claus.” If you are an adult and you still believe that, you might have reasons, but I hate to break it to you, but you have no good ones. A healthy doubt is a doubt that is felt for good reasons. So it's good of you to doubt the reality of Santa Claus. You disbelieve the right things. An unhealthy doubt would be to question the reality of summer. You have no good reason to doubt that summer is coming. This is the person who disbelieves everything. Now where does Thomas fit? And for that matter, where do all the disciples fit? They are living in unhealthy doubt. Why? Because even though the claim is gigantic, “Jesus rose from the dead!” The reasons to believe that claim are also gigantic. Let me give you three. First, they had quality eye-witnessess. Let me give you an example of what I mean by this. If you've read the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe there's the scene where Lucy who is characteristically sweet has just returned from Narnia with Edmund who is known for being devious. When they rejoin the others Edmund claims that their journey was just a story Lucy made up. Susan and Peter don't really understand why Lucy is telling stories about this mysterious place called Narnia, and they realize the issue is beyond them to fix. They turn to the Professor for some advice. Susan's and Peter's can't understand why Lucy has been telling lies about Narnia. The Professor asks how it is they know that Lucy's story isn't true. So he makes them think. Lucy could be a liar. The Professor asks if Lucy or Edmund is generally the more truthful one. Both Peter and Susan agree the answer would typically be Lucy. Something could be wrong with Lucy (like madness). The Professor, however, quickly dismisses this as “one has only to look at her and talk to her to see that she is not mad.” Lucy is telling the truth- Susan and Peter are resistant to the idea that Lucy might be telling the truth because, in their minds, people don't just find other countries lying in wardrobes. But the Professor points out that the details of Lucy's story don't seem to be the sort she could just make up and there is a great deal even he doesn't know about the house. Thus, “for the moment then and unless any further evidence turns up, we must assume that she is telling the truth.” That's exactly what's happening here. Mary Magdalene, Salome and Mary the mother of James had all seen Jesus. And presumably they were not in the habit of lying, they were not mad, and much like the mysterious house, ‘there was a great deal they didn't yet know about Jesus.' So yes, the claim is gigantic, “Jesus rose from the dead!” but the reasons to believe that claim are also gigantic. 1. They had quality eye-witnessess. 2. They had seen extensive proof that Jesus was God. Because they had lived with the Lord, I want you to picture in your mind's eye what they had seen. Miracles of Jesus. 1.Water into wine at the wedding in Cana 2.Healing of the official's son at Capernaum in Galilee 3.Jesus drives out an evil spirit from a man in Capernaum 4.Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law sick with fever 5.Jesus heals many sick and oppressed at evening 6.First miraculous catch of fish on Sea of Galilee 7.Jesus cleanses a man with leprosy 8.Jesus heals a centurion's paralyzed servant in Capernaum 9.Jesus heals a paralytic who was let down from the roof 10. Jesus heals a man's withered hand on the Sabbath 11. Jesus raises a widow's son from the dead in Nain 12. Jesus calms a storm on the sea 13. Jesus casts demons into a herd of pigs 14. Jesus heals a woman in the crowd with an issue of blood 15. Jesus raises Jairus' daughter back to life 16. Jesus heals two blind men 17. Jesus heals a man who was unable to speak 18. Jesus heals an invalid at Bethesda 19. Jesus feeds 5,000 plus women and children 20. Jesus walks on water 21. Jesus heals many sick in Gennesaret as they touch his garment 22. Jesus heals a gentile woman's demon-possessed daughter 23. Jesus heals a deaf and dumb man 24. Jesus feeds 4,000 plus women and children 25. Jesus heals a blind man at Bethsaida 26. Jesus heals a man born blind by spitting in his eyes 27. Jesus heals a boy with an unclean spirit 28. Miraculous temple tax in a fish's mouth 29. Jesus heals a blind, mute demoniac 30. Jesus heals a woman who had been crippled for 18 years 31. Jesus heals a man with dropsy on the sabbath 32. Jesus cleanses ten lepers on the way to Jerusalem 33. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in Bethany 34. Jesus restores sight to Bartimaeus in Jericho 35. Jesus withers the fig tree on the road from Bethany 36. Jesus heals a servant's severed ear while he is being arrested So yes, the claim is gigantic, “Jesus rose from the dead!” but the reasons to believe that claim are also gigantic. 1. They had quality eye-witnessess. 2. They had seen extensive proof that Jesus was God. 3. They had clear predictions that this very event would transpire. On several different occasions that he would die and be raised again. In Jn 2 he told his opponents, destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. In Mt 12 he said, just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. You might say, well those are kind of cryptic references. Well, do you think this is cryptic? Luke 18:31-33, And taking the twelve, he said to them, See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 32 For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. 33 And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise. Or how about a couple chapters later. Luke 24:7, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise. That is not mysterious. I'm just saying. In fact, it was such common knowledge that even his enemies knew the plain interpretation of his words. After Jesus had died and was laid in the tomb we read, Matthew 27 So let me ask you, “Did Thomas have good reason to doubt?” No. So if he didn't have good reason to doubt, then why did he doubt? Maybe you are here today with good reason to doubt. You haven't done the research. You have good questions. Continue seeking. But maybe you are here today and you are like Thomas and you don't realize that the reasons you are holding onto are not good reasons. You say you have good reasons to doubt, you say that you are needing certain specific pieces of evidence, but maybe it's not an intellectual obstacle. Let me introduce one more concept into our chart. Thomas used to be in this box. Maybe that describes you. You grew up in church. You used to go to AWANA. You used to read your Bible and believe everything it said. You used to be sold out for the Lord. But then something happened. In Thomas' case, it was shattered expectations and misunderstanding of God's plan. He thought Jesus was going to bless him and instead he left him. Maybe that's how you feel? And Thomas couldn't deal with it. So tragedy caused him to doubt. Tragedy shook him off his feet. When you move from belief to unbelief or from unbelief to belief, you cross over this line and we are going to call this line of doubt, the line of implications. Think about it. For Thomas, he had to wrestle with the claim that Jesus was God. And the longer he lived, the more he believed that claim. With every miracle, his faith grew. But then Jesus died. And his world fell apart. Any time you cross over that line. Whether from belief to unbelief or from unbelief to belief, you don't do it without some pretty serious implications. Crossing that line shatters a person. Because everything you've built your life upon falls crumbles like sand. It's extremely unsettling. It's extremely crushing. And in order to successfully cross the line, you have to have the emotional courage to deal with it. And many people don't have the courage. They would rather continue living a lie then admit that their entire life has been spent building upon a foundation of sand in which their head is buried. You see for Thomas, believing that Jesus had risen from the dead, in the end, was an emotional problem. Thomas already crossed that line once. He was shattered. Emotionally he was destroyed and he was picking up the pieces. Everything he built his life upon was in ruins. He probably felt hurt, betrayed, wounded and what was once glowing love for Jesus was replaced with deep suspicion. He had deconstructed. He wasn't about to go back there again. Maybe that describes you. Something hurt you. You felt let down by a church leader, or God allowed something to happen in your life that you felt should never have happened. And that thing, whatever it was, shattered you. And now your like Thomas. Your faith has been deconstructed and you feel fragmented and fractured. You feel duped. You felt like a kid who discovered Santa wasn't real. And your whole world got turned upside down. And when you crossed over that line of implications you were wrecked. And now you've been living on the other side of that line for a while now. And you are looking back over that line to where you used to be and you hear good arguments for the resurrection, you know that the argument of evolution doesn't work, but you can't emotionally bear the weight of crossing that line again. It's too dangerous. You've got to protect your soul. You've got to make sure that soul injury doesn't get repeated. Listen friend, Thomas can relate. God has sympathy for how you feel. In Jude 1:20 we have instruction given to us on how to treat people who doubt. Jude Have mercy. It's understandable why you feel this way. It's a state that should evoke sympathy. We see this kind of mercy in Jesus as he approached Thomas. Jesus comes under the same circumstances (closed doors) and with the same greeting of peace as before (20:19, 26). This is definitely a mild, gentle, loving correction. He doesn't say Thomas' condition is acceptable. He doesn't say, “Well, Thomas, I know you're doubting, but that's understandable, because I haven't shown you the evidence.” He says, “Stop doubting” which means Thomas should have believed. He was not listening to the women who had seen him and he was not listening to the disciples. But most of all, he was not listening to Jesus himself who had demonstrated his power and predicted this moment. Thomas wouldn't believe. He says, “I won't believe until I actually see him.” Well Jesus shows up, and he offers him the evidence, but you know what, the text is very careful to point out, he never takes up Jesus' offer. He never actually gets up and puts his hands and fingers in the holes. You want to know why? Because that was never the issue. Evidence was never the issue. The issue was he was too afraid. The issue was it was too good to be true and he didn't want to get his hopes up only to be dashed to pieces. Maybe he felt abandoned by Jesus and there was fear of another abandonment. And while that is sympathy inducing, it's also a barrier to his joy. Here was an offer of absolute happiness and there was a defiance of that happiness. Can I ask, maybe that's what's preventing you from coming to Jesus? Well, notice what fixes the problem for Thomas. It's simply seeing him. It's simply being with him. It's simply beholding him. Thomas saw something great and it brought him back to Jesus. You need the same thing Thomas needed. You don't need to see Jesus in the flesh. What you need is to see Jesus in the text, in his Words. You just need to read the book of John again. You need to read about who he claimed to be. Look at how he responded. And you know what will happen. If you drop those fears of abandonment, and you say, what if that tragedy that pushed me away from God was actually the way God would help me see him for not who I wanted him to be but who he actually is? Spend time in the Bible, friend. See Jesus and will discover, like millions who have gone before you, that in so doing, you will fall on your face and declare, “May Lord and my God.” If you read the 8 miracles of Jesus in almost every instance, those who see the miracles in real life don't believe. What kind of a miracle is that? Why would John choose these miracles? They didn't have the right effect on those who watched them. Why would they have a greater effect on those who read them? Remember the religious leaders in John 11. They watched Lazarus be raised from the dead. I mean that's a legit miracle. But here was the response. So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the Council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation... so from that day on they made plans to put him to death. And after this they did. They killed the Son of God. Did miracles and signs and wonders cause them to believe? No. Why didn't they believe? Fear! The Pharisees were scared of giving up their precious - their place and their position. And that fear blinded them. They couldn't see him. And maybe that's what's preventing you coming to Jesus. It's scary crossing that line of implication. It takes tremendous courage. It takes all kinds of bravery and fearlessness. But what if it's true? Would you really want to fend of eternal joy your entire life for fear of being disappointed? John is pointing us to something. We all need evidence. We don't need less than that but we need more than that. Evidence alone will never save a person. God uses evidence but what you really need is Jesus himself. You need to behold him. You need to consider his claims. You need to interact with his person. It's the person of Jesus that actually changes. It's the person. In the end it's not the evidence. And you need to drop that fear that binds you. But all who see, all who drop their fear, all who open their eyes and gaze, ALL, and I do mean ALL, are saved. ALL are saved who open their eyes and see Jesus. He is irresistible! All fall on their face and say, “My Lord and My God!”

Since Arthur Conan Doyle first created Sherlock Holmes, the great detective has gone through many permutations and been the subject of much study. As Sherry Thomas admits in this latest New Books Network interview, finding a new element to explore is not easy. But she has managed to discover one—perhaps an angle that is particularly fitting in this age of gender fluidity, although the Lady Sherlock series draws much of its punch from and plays off the stereotypes of the past, in this case Victorian England. In Thomas's reimagining of the great detective, Sherlock Holmes is not only a fictional character but a front for the real detective, the disgraced younger daughter of a poverty-stricken baronet. Charlotte Holmes has an incisive intellect, an unflappable temperament, little respect for convention, and a love of books—traits that undermine her intended purpose in life as defined by her parents: to marry a wealthy, titled man. Charlotte cuts a deal with her father: if she's still unmarried at twenty-five, he will fund her education so that she can earn her living as the headmistress of a girls' school. But when Dad reneges on the deal, Charlotte takes matters into her own hands, with disastrous (from her parents' perspective) but delightful (from her own) results. This is the setup in the first book of the Lady Sherlock series, aptly titled A Study in Scarlet Women. By the time this sixth book rolls around, Charlotte has made a name for her alter ego and had several run-ins with the infamous Professor Moriarty and his underlings. In Miss Moriarty, I Presume? (Berkley Books, 2021) the tables are turned, and the professor seeks out Charlotte for assistance in finding his missing daughter. Unless, of course, the mission is simply a trap aimed at getting the meddlesome Charlotte out of the professor's life permanently. It's best to read this engrossing series from beginning to end, as each book builds on those that came before. But watching Sherry Thomas turning the Holmes canon on its head is tremendous fun, and if you tear through the novels as I did, it won't take long to reach Miss Moriarty, I Presume? Sherry Thomas is the author of historical romances, YA fantasy, and the Lady Sherlock series, which begins with A Study in Scarlet Women. Find out more about her at https://sherrythomas.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/historical-fiction

Since Arthur Conan Doyle first created Sherlock Holmes, the great detective has gone through many permutations and been the subject of much study. As Sherry Thomas admits in this latest New Books Network interview, finding a new element to explore is not easy. But she has managed to discover one—perhaps an angle that is particularly fitting in this age of gender fluidity, although the Lady Sherlock series draws much of its punch from and plays off the stereotypes of the past, in this case Victorian England. In Thomas's reimagining of the great detective, Sherlock Holmes is not only a fictional character but a front for the real detective, the disgraced younger daughter of a poverty-stricken baronet. Charlotte Holmes has an incisive intellect, an unflappable temperament, little respect for convention, and a love of books—traits that undermine her intended purpose in life as defined by her parents: to marry a wealthy, titled man. Charlotte cuts a deal with her father: if she's still unmarried at twenty-five, he will fund her education so that she can earn her living as the headmistress of a girls' school. But when Dad reneges on the deal, Charlotte takes matters into her own hands, with disastrous (from her parents' perspective) but delightful (from her own) results. This is the setup in the first book of the Lady Sherlock series, aptly titled A Study in Scarlet Women. By the time this sixth book rolls around, Charlotte has made a name for her alter ego and had several run-ins with the infamous Professor Moriarty and his underlings. In Miss Moriarty, I Presume? (Berkley Books, 2021) the tables are turned, and the professor seeks out Charlotte for assistance in finding his missing daughter. Unless, of course, the mission is simply a trap aimed at getting the meddlesome Charlotte out of the professor's life permanently. It's best to read this engrossing series from beginning to end, as each book builds on those that came before. But watching Sherry Thomas turning the Holmes canon on its head is tremendous fun, and if you tear through the novels as I did, it won't take long to reach Miss Moriarty, I Presume? Sherry Thomas is the author of historical romances, YA fantasy, and the Lady Sherlock series, which begins with A Study in Scarlet Women. Find out more about her at https://sherrythomas.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature

Since Arthur Conan Doyle first created Sherlock Holmes, the great detective has gone through many permutations and been the subject of much study. As Sherry Thomas admits in this latest New Books Network interview, finding a new element to explore is not easy. But she has managed to discover one—perhaps an angle that is particularly fitting in this age of gender fluidity, although the Lady Sherlock series draws much of its punch from and plays off the stereotypes of the past, in this case Victorian England. In Thomas's reimagining of the great detective, Sherlock Holmes is not only a fictional character but a front for the real detective, the disgraced younger daughter of a poverty-stricken baronet. Charlotte Holmes has an incisive intellect, an unflappable temperament, little respect for convention, and a love of books—traits that undermine her intended purpose in life as defined by her parents: to marry a wealthy, titled man. Charlotte cuts a deal with her father: if she's still unmarried at twenty-five, he will fund her education so that she can earn her living as the headmistress of a girls' school. But when Dad reneges on the deal, Charlotte takes matters into her own hands, with disastrous (from her parents' perspective) but delightful (from her own) results. This is the setup in the first book of the Lady Sherlock series, aptly titled A Study in Scarlet Women. By the time this sixth book rolls around, Charlotte has made a name for her alter ego and had several run-ins with the infamous Professor Moriarty and his underlings. In Miss Moriarty, I Presume? (Berkley Books, 2021) the tables are turned, and the professor seeks out Charlotte for assistance in finding his missing daughter. Unless, of course, the mission is simply a trap aimed at getting the meddlesome Charlotte out of the professor's life permanently. It's best to read this engrossing series from beginning to end, as each book builds on those that came before. But watching Sherry Thomas turning the Holmes canon on its head is tremendous fun, and if you tear through the novels as I did, it won't take long to reach Miss Moriarty, I Presume? Sherry Thomas is the author of historical romances, YA fantasy, and the Lady Sherlock series, which begins with A Study in Scarlet Women. Find out more about her at https://sherrythomas.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Thomas Wurm stops by for his second appearance on the show to talk about mental health, mastering the mind body connection, optimizing peak human performance, and his upcoming new book, "Six Minutes for Excellence"...Thomas Wurm is a wildland firefighter, author, publisher, and podcaster. He is a certified Master Practitioner in NLP (Neuro-linguistic programing), Hypnosis, and Mental-Emotional Release®... He is also a certified Fitness Trainer and Sports Nutritionist. He uses NLP, hypnosis, Mental-Emotional Release®, co-active coaching methodology, nutrition, and fitness as tools for success in his practice. Thomas studied at the Awakened Academy, Coaches University, International NLP Center, International Sports Science Association, Self-Publishing School, Empowerment Partnership, and on the fireline.Thomas studied wildland fire for fourteen years on firelines around the western United States, and in doing so, Thomas saw a gap in the mental health services being provided to wildland firefighters through official channels. Per his training, Thomas recognized that if a gap exists, it must be called out and closed. The intention of Mountain Mind Tricks is to help wildland firefighters develop leadership, peak performance, and mindset so they can reach their highest potential on the line and at home. In Thomas' experience, it's easier for fire agencies to hire a new employee than it is to support existing ones, and he wants to fully support wildland firefighters in the areas of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. By reframing the way in which the fire community is dealing with the mental health crisis burning in the west, Thomas is forging a healthy path forward.About his upcoming book, Six Minutes for Excellence, he highlights the concepts of Leadership, Peak Performance, and Mindset in Wildland Firefighting:The S-courses will never teach you excellence because excellence comes from within. When there is gap in the line you call it out and then you close you, don't you? Thomas M. Wurm is calling out the mental-emotional gap in the wildland fire community and giving you the tools to close it. You were taught about human factors in wildland fire but where are the techniques to change a limiting human factor into a lesson for growth? Six Minutes for Excellence illuminates the path to excellence for courageous men and women to open their minds to the extraordinary power of human potential. Thomas' strategies will support and amplify yourpower to ignite your internal leadership. Focusing on mindset, peak performance, and leadership in the wildland fire environment, Six Minutes for Excellence is a guide to your highest potential as a wildland firefighter. This book will teach you how to take charge of your mind and optimize your results.  Learn how to breathe, anchor, visualize, and execute any wildland fire task with excellence, because when alignment is achieved in the mind, body, and spirit, wildland firefighters can control their results.To preorder his new book, "Six Minutes for Excellence" - Check out the following link:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HCX7W1TTo check out his other works, take a look at these links:https://www.mountainmindtricks.com/https://www.mountainmindtricks.com/wildland-fire-leadership-acceleratorhttps://www.instagram.com/mountain_mind_tricks/https://www.facebook.com/groups/169226151183656https://bit.ly/Free-Anxiety-ebookYou know the drill...Stay safe, stay savage...Enjoy!..........................Updates!EXCLUSIVE MERCH AVAILABLE!https://anchorpointpodcast.com/store..........................Sponsors:The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks...Mystery RanchNeed badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!https://www.mysteryranch.comHotshot BreweryWanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!https://www.hotshotbrewing.comThe Smokey GenerationWanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!http://wildfire-experience.orgNot a sponsor of The Anchor Point Podcast, but a great organization:The Wildland Firefighter FoundationAnd, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!https://wffoundation.org

Our guest is author Tom Fargnoli, a person whose family members experienced suicide. It's a painful story, but one that prompts us to stand by those we love and to help them, no matter how depressed or desparate they might be. In Thomas' words, "This is my story. Through it, I hope glimmers of hope, faith, love and peace find their way through your clouds as well." Choose Life Radio listener, will you share this program if you know someone fragile and/or depressed? Please consider a generous gift to support Choose Life Radio and keep their Life affirming programming on the air by clicking here.

In der sechsten Folge unseres CTO-Specials erfahren wir von der Geschichte von Thomas Holl und hören, wie es zur Gründung der Sprachlern-App Babbel kam. In Thomas' Leben spielte Technik schon früh eine entscheidende Rolle. Bereits mit 14 entdeckte er seine Leidenschaft für Programmierung und elektronische Musik. Deshalb entwarf er erste Software-Synthesizer und ein MP3-DJ-Tool, dessen Grundgerüst heute noch unter dem Namen “Traktor” von Native Instruments bekannt ist. Im Jahr 2007 gründete er gemeinsam mit drei Geschäftspartnern Babbel, das aus dem Bedürfnis entstand, mit einem digitalen Vokabeltrainer eine neue Sprache zu lernen. Professionelle Sprachdidaktik war dabei von Beginn an genauso wichtig wie die Internationalisierung des Produkts. Heute ist Babbel eine der bekanntesten Apps zum Lernen von Fremdsprachen. Thomas hat also vom Software-Verkauf über Disketten, die per Briefumschlag verschickt und bezahlt werden, bis zum App-basierten Tech-Unternehmen viele Entwicklungen erlebt, die er in dieser Folge mit uns teilt. Das Babbel Tech Radar, über das wir sprechen, ist eine Auflistung der Technologien, die bei Babbel bereits zum Einsatz kamen und dient als Grundlage für Entwicklungsteams im Unternehmen.  Auf Twitter könnt ihr mit Thomas unter dem Handle @tholl in Kontakt treten. Schreibt uns! Schickt uns eure Themenwünsche und euer Feedback. podcast@programmier.bar Folgt uns! Bleibt auf dem Laufenden über zukünftige Folgen und virtuelle Meetups und beteiligt euch an Community-Diskussionen. Twitter Instagram Facebook Meetup YouTube Musik: Hanimo

I love the questions our youth often feel free to ask.  In fact, I wish more adults would feel as free to ask similar questions.  Anyway, on multiple occasions, I have received questions from our young people regarding faith, the life of Jesus, questions about the existence of God, and questions that show they have doubt about many aspects of faith.  I truly encourage these questions because that is how we learn, that is how we grow, and that is how we are taken to new places.  Poet, Rainer Maria Rilke, once said, “Live the questions!”  I truly believe that is the best way we learn.  I also believe that as Christians, when we ask questions, we need to be honest about our doubt.  Far too often the church has discouraged doubt.  However, doubt is really a healthy aspect of faith.  In fact, theologian, Paul Tillich, said doubt is a very necessary element of faith.  And, theologian, Frederick Buechner, writes these words about doubt, “Whether your faith is that there is a God or that there is not a God, if you don’t have any doubts you are either kidding yourself or asleep.  Doubts are the ants in the pants of faith.  They keep it awake and moving.” (Wishful Thinking)    In other words, doubt is not only an element of faith, doubt becomes the process through which faith grows and faith is deepened.  Vibrant, living faith is nurtured and born in the mix of a rich environment where we have the freedom to ask questions, voice our doubts, articulate our wonderings about this person we call Jesus, and let go of old even elementary images of God.  For all of us, there is a real need for our old understandings of Jesus and our old understanding of faith to die.  Our old understandings need to be eaten away by doubts so that a new and deeper faith may be born.  In today’s gospel reading, questions and doubt come to the forefront in the story of Thomas.  However, the truth is that all the disciples were questioning and experiencing doubt.  It is the day of the resurrection and here we find the disciples sitting in a room behind locked doors because of fear, doubt, and quite likely more than a little shame.  They have blown it completely, they are hiding in fear, and they are doubting everything their master had said.  And, what is so fascinating is that, in the gospel of John, when Jesus appears to his disciples after the resurrection, nobody, not one person, initially recognizes him.  Notice in the beginning of today’s reading, the disciples do not recognize him until Jesus shows them his hands and side.  They doubted him!  They doubted it was Jesus!  It is only after Jesus shows them his hands and side that the disciples rejoice because they have seen the Lord.  While the other disciples also doubt, for some strange reason, only Thomas gets labeled “doubter.”  Far too often we judge Thomas because of his doubt.  We need to cut him some slack and give him a break.  In Thomas we find the yearning of one who desperately wants to see with his eyes and touch with his hands that of which he has been told.  He has real questions, real concerns, and a desire for a real encounter with the risen Lord.  I think the story of Thomas captures our hearts and minds because we, too, were absent to the Resurrection experience two thousand years ago.  When faced with the mystery of the Resurrection, the story of Thomas names that part in each of us that wants to scream out, “Show me!” Thomas has just had a very harsh encounter with reality.  Reality had hit hard in the form of a cross when his dear friend had been crucified.  And, when he fled that horrible scene, not only had Jesus died, Thomas’ hopes and dreams had also died.  Jesus’ crucifixion had destroyed his hopes for the future and very poignantly reminded him that there is an end.  And, it is the same for us.  When the harsh realities of life hit us – whether it be the death of a family member, the loss of a job, an unexpected illness, a broken relationship, aspects of this pandemic, or whatever – reality deeply cuts into our hopes, our dreams, the very fabric of our relationships, and we are reminded that there is an end.  There is an end over which we have no control as we feel we have been taken captive by an extremely cruel conqueror.  The reality that sliced into Thomas’s hopes and dreams left him emotionally bleeding and broken.  As he again joins the community of disciples, within the context of those who proclaim Jesus is alive, Thomas lays bare his doubt.  He is very honest about his doubt as he says, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.”  In the depth of his despair Thomas articulates his doubt, and it is in that place where he is now confronted with the risen Christ.  It is in that place of despair that Thomas is greeted by the risen Lord whose presence exudes forgiveness and grace as he hears the words, “Peace be with you.”  In that moment, Thomas knows he is in the presence of God and he believes.  Theologian, David Lose, describes the experience of Thomas in this way: When Thomas is greeted by the forgiveness and grace embodied in the words, “Peace be with you,” he instantly believes and makes the great confession of John’s gospel: “My Lord and my God!”  In a heartbeat Thomas knows that he is in the presence of God, has been saved and redeemed by that God, and that he will never be the same again.    Thomas lays bare his doubt which takes him to this encounter with the grace of God, embodied and enfleshed in the risen Lord Jesus.  Doubt drives him to question and it takes him to this place where he is encountered by the risen Lord and his entire reality is changed.  Wow!!  Did you get that?  Reality itself has changed.  The despairing Thomas does not escape from the real world and there is not a break from the tangible reality of the world.  No.  But, there is something very different, something very, very new.  God’s grace and God’s kingdom have invaded the real world, transformed it and nothing will ever be the same again.  I think Thomas experiences Easter in the way many of us begin to experience it.  Thomas finally gets Easter when he brings forth his questions. He wants to see and touch. He wants tangible proof and needs his own encounter before he can trust the story.  It is doubt that compels Thomas to ask the questions and it is doubt that takes him to the place where he is looking for what is really real and what truly matters.  You see, without doubt, our faith is shallow and rootless.  We fail to go down deep.  Doubt is a sign of a healthy and deep-rooted faith, though most of us are taught to believe the opposite. And, when doubt takes us to the deeper places in faith our reality changes.  We are transformed and our perspective on all of life changes as we live into a new reality. This is what Easter is all about and what Easter means for each one of us.  This new reality is a way of life, expressed as we come together to worship and be fed by the very life of the Risen Christ.  We participate in the work of our risen Lord and live into this new reality as we see the hungry in this world and work for change, whether it is by distributing bags of food to Okemos families so they can have an Easter dinner, by filling our micro pantries, or working with the refugees who are living in the Parish House as we help to provide for them a life of hope.  We live this new reality when we intentionally work to end extreme poverty, racism, and work to bring healing and wholeness to the environment and the profound brokenness in this world God so deeply loves. As the community of faith gathers and we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, voice our doubts and ask our questions, Jesus does appear.  The community of faith is not the place where we have and know all the answers.  It is a place where a searching faith can develop and become authentic and alive.  Such an environment creates the space for an authentic encounter with God as the risen Christ appears.  The story of Thomas, his questions and his doubt, is one of the most compelling, believable, realistic stories in the Bible because it is our story.  Doubt and the questions that arise are the very heartbeat of our faith!   And, the risen Christ is always breaking into our doubt and our questions and working to make us new.  Christ is risen!  Christ is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

Wenn ein erstes Date auf einem Münchner Kostümball beginnt und am Flughafen von Mailand endet, dann muss diese Geschichte bei „1000 erste Dates“ erzählt werden! Denn Folge 05 bildet ab, was man sonst nur aus Filmen kennt und selbst dort oft total übertrieben wirkt. In Thomas' Fall ist das aber wirklich so passiert. Und noch viel mehr… Alle Infos und Rabatte zu unseren Werbepartnern unter https://linktr.ee/1000ersteDates

Joining Tom today is Thomas Hatch, a professor at the Teachers College Columbia University and the Director of the National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching (NCREST). Thomas’s research includes studies of school improvement, district, and national levels. His latest book, The Education We Need for a Future We Can’t Predict, focuses on efforts to create more powerful learning experiences both inside and outside schools in developed and developing contexts. In Thomas and Tom’s conversation, they discuss the future of powerful learning, micro-innovations, and change. Thomas takes listeners through his book, The Education We Need for a Future We Can’t Predict, and shares the key components that lead to school and systems change. This is a fascinating discussion so don’t miss out! Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Thomas Hatch. [:42] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Thomas Hatch to the podcast. [:51] Thomas shares the origin story of NCREST as well as its mission. [3:01] Tom shares his appreciation for Thomas’s early work on the concept of coherence. [3:39] Thomas takes us to the early beginnings of his work around coherence and explains what it is and why it is important. [7:26] Tom congratulates Thomas on his new book, The Education We Need for a Future We Can’t Predict, and shares what he loves about it. [7:54] Thomas tells about each of the sections in his book, starting with part 1: “Why Should Schools Change?” He headlines the case for change and provides some suggestions on how to create agreements around them. [11:40] Tom shares the key insights he appreciated in the first section. [12:27] The second section of the book covers barriers to change. Thomas lists some of the barriers and what we can do to make progress in overcoming them. [15:39] In section three of Thomas’s book, he writes about how schools can improve. In particular, he focuses on high-leverage problems. Thomas explains what these are, why they’re critical, and shares some examples. [17:33] The next section of Thomas’s book is on how education can change where he introduces the concept of micro-innovations. Thomas explains what these are and what they can do to move a system agenda forward. [20:18] Tom shares how 4.0 Schools have been teaching this idea of micro-innovations. [21:07] Chapter 5 of Thomas’ book is on systems change. Thomas speaks about two critical elements of systems change that are covered in this chapter: capacity building and collective responsibility. [25:28] Would Thomas agree that it takes a decade-long push on all three of these primary levers to really promote systems change? [27:44] Thomas reflects on his career, professional learning, and how he has seen education change over the years. [30:29] Would Thomas say that writing is part of his learning process? [32:00] What’s next for Thomas? [34:10] Tom thanks Thomas for joining the Getting Smart Podcast!   Mentioned in This Episode: Thomas Hatch’s Website The Education We Need for a Future We Can’t Predict, by Thomas Hatch National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching (NCREST) Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Project Zero ATLAS Communities | Project Zero The New American Schools Development Corporation (JSTOR) Success For All Foundation Linda Darling-Hammond Coalition of Essential Schools Theodore R. Sizer 4.0 Schools Albemarle County Public Schools Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 256: “Jenny Pieratt on Powerful PBL”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This past week, I came upon this phrase, “Easter reminds us that some of God’s best work happens when the world is darkest.”  That phrase had deep meaning for me as we are presently living in a metaphorically dark time.  With COVID-19 raging throughout the world, we are experiencing a real time of darkness as we live with much uncertainty, disruption, loss, fear, grief, and doubt. And, yet, as we experience this form of darkness, the message of Easter reminds us that God has the last word and God is at work when the world seems to be at its darkest. When we experience times like this, we tend to experience more doubt. We question God’s presence to us and with us, and we ask the question, “Where is God in all of what is happening?”  We ask this because we cannot always see what God is doing as we experience pain. And, we often are afraid to be honest about the fact that we have doubt.  However, as theologian Paul Tillich suggests, doubt is a very necessary element in faith. In fact, a living faith includes doubt and such doubt requires risk and courage. In her book, Outlaw Christian, Jacqueline Bussie, when talking about doubt being a good and necessary element in faith, writes: How can doubt, rooted as it is in uncertainty, be a good thing, or at the very least an acceptable thing?  For starters, we should acknowledge and name the doubt within us because, much like snot and passing gas, doubt is natural and human – that is to say, embarrassing and unwelcome but real and impossible to be healthy without, much as we want to pretend otherwise.  But more than just natural, doubt is also necessary, healthy, and good for our faith life.  Doubt functions as a robust spiritual virtue, rather than faith’s wimpy opposite. (Outlaw Christian, p.50) Yes, doubt functions as a robust spiritual virtue. In fact, I believe doubt is the seedbed of faith. Doubt is often where the seeds of faith are planted, and then they then begin to grow. Well, in today’s gospel, we come face to face with doubt. And, while doubt comes to the forefront in the story of Thomas, the truth is that all the disciples were experiencing doubt. It is the day of the resurrection and the disciples are sitting in a room behind locked doors because of fear, doubt, and quite likely more than a little shame. And, Jesus appears among them. They all doubted him! They doubted it was Jesus! It is only after Jesus shows them his hands and side that the disciples rejoice because they have seen the Lord. But, Thomas was not there with the others on that evening. And, while all the disciples experienced doubt, for some strange reason, only Thomas gets labeled “doubter.” Far too often we judge Thomas because of his doubt. We need to cut him some slack and give him a break.  In Thomas we find the yearning of one who truly wants to see with his eyes and touch with his hands that of which he has been told. He has real questions, real concerns, and a desire for a real encounter with the risen Lord.  I think the story of Thomas captures our hearts and minds because we, too, were absent to the Resurrection experience two thousand years ago. When faced with the mystery of the Resurrection, the story of Thomas names that part in each of us that wants to scream out, “Show me!” Thomas has just had a very harsh encounter with reality. Reality had hit hard in the form of a cross when his dear friend had been crucified.  And, for Thomas, when he fled that horrible scene, not only had Jesus died, Thomas’ hopes and dreams had also died. Jesus’ crucifixion had destroyed his hopes for the future and very poignantly reminded Thomas that there is an end. And, it is the same for us.  When the harsh realities of life hit us – whether it be the death of a family member, the loss of a job, an unexpected illness, a broken relationship, or whatever – reality deeply cuts into our hopes, our dreams, the very fabric of our relationships, and we are reminded that there is an end.  There is an end over which we have no control as we feel we have been taken captive by an extremely cruel conqueror. And, we usually experience doubt! I think many of us are experiencing such doubt as our “normal” way of life has been hit hard, interrupted and changed by this cruel COVID-19 virus. As we look at the experience of Thomas, reality had left him emotionally bleeding and broken. So, when he again joins the community of disciples, within the context of those who proclaim Jesus is alive, Thomas lays bare his doubt.  He is very honest about his doubt as he says, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.”  In the depth of his despair Thomas articulates his doubt, and it is in that place where he is now confronted with the risen Christ. It is in that place of despair that Thomas is greeted by the risen Lord whose presence exudes forgiveness and grace when he hears the words, “Peace be with you.”  In that moment, Thomas knows he is in the presence of God and he believes. Greeted by forgiveness and grace embodied in Jesus’ words to him, Thomas then makes the great confession of John’s gospel: “My Lord and my God!” In this experience of Thomas, we find that doubt is a question mark and faith is an exclamation point as he makes that great confession. And, if we look at our own lives, I think we might discover that the most honest, believable, and realistic stories we have lived include both doubt and faith. Thomas lays bare his doubt which takes him to this encounter with the grace of God, embodied and enfleshed in the risen Lord Jesus. Doubt drives him to question, and that question takes him to this place where the risen Lord becomes present to him, the place where his entire reality is changed. The despairing Thomas does not escape from the real world and there is not a break from the tangible reality of the world. No. But, there is something very different, something very, very new. God’s grace and God’s kingdom have invaded the real world. God has transformed it, and nothing will ever be the same again. Thomas experiences Easter in the way many of us begin to experience it. Thomas finally gets Easter when he brings forth his questions. He wants to see and touch. He wants tangible proof and needs his own encounter before he can trust the story. It is doubt that compels Thomas to ask the questions and it is doubt that takes him to the place where he is looking for what is really real, and what truly matters. You see, without doubt, our faith is shallow and rootless. We fail to go down deep. And, quite honestly, if we do not express doubts and have only certainty, it closes us off to the newness that we so long for. Doubt is a sign of a healthy and deep-rooted faith, though most of us are taught to believe the opposite. And, when doubt takes us to the deeper places in faith our reality changes. We are transformed and our perspective on all of life changes. The story of Thomas and his doubt is one of the most compelling, believable, realistic stories in the Bible because it is our story. Doubt is an element of faith because it gives birth to the questions that arise which take us to the deeper places in life. Doubt functions as a robust spiritual virtue, rather than faith’s wimpy opposite, because the questions that arise are the heartbeat of our faith! They enable us to be open to the risen Christ who is always breaking into our lives, even into this present darkness, as God is continually at work, making us new. Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

In Thomas's world: Thomas interviews a woman-Chris Carbone-as a prospective tenant for the spare apartment, but he is intimidated because she is attractive. However, Natalie and April fall in love with Chris’s dog, Trixie. And in Sheila's world: Sheila expands her operation by purchasing a dairy farm where she comes face to face with a deadly Eastern Brown Snake.

Thomas Jarlov from Denmark started his technical career as an industry electrician with focus on BMS installations. This included renovation of all Herlev Hospitals ventilation plants, the large combustion Lynetten and other construction sites. Thomas liked the inter-connectivity of all the building installations, and started on a further education as an Energy Technologist on Copenhagen School of Design and Technology. Thomas completed his education as an Energy Technologist and was awarded with "TEKNIQ's Energiteknologpris" for the highest grade point for all students. During his education as Energy Technologist, Thomas learned about The Commissioning Process that caught his interest immediately; and he has ever since worked with it. His starting career was as a Commissioning consultant in Grontmij (Consulting Engineering firm, now named SWECO), Thomas was part of the department Facilities Management and Operation, where he helped to build the Commissioning team, organize the working tools and workflows. Thomas was working on multiple Commissioning projects, where he were part of the Commissioning Teams and the leading the process as a Commissioning Authority. In 2015 Thomas started in Copenhagen Airports as their only and first Commissioning Manager with the main goal to develop and implement the Commissioning Process. Since then Thomas has become the Strategic Commissioning Manager, and a small in-house Commissioning Team has been established. Thomas is the lead, CxA, on the Commissioning projects. In Thomas spare time he develops computer software. Here to mention CxWiki.dk the Danish Wikipedia for Commissioning and Cx Manager a free online software to manage Commissioning projects in. Cx Manager (Commissioning Management Software): https://cxmanager.live (English) https://cxmanager.dk (Danish) Thomas Jarlov: https://ttj.dk Until the next podcast episode! Talk soon, Thomas Stuenkel PS: You can enroll into the FREE Online Commissioning Training here: https://www.CommissioningCoach.com/free  

In Thomas' final hour he played a game with his producer, Dylan Mathews, and the listeners that has you decide what NFL teams you would least likely go to if you were a free agent and if you got the same amount of money wherever you went. Thomas then went on to predict how the rest of the Atlanta United seaosn will go. Finally, with Antonio Brown being traded during the last few minutes of the show Thomas reacted to the trade.

For those of you who either read her book or were able to come and hear Jacqueline Bussie in February, you will remember she talked about the many unspoken “rules” or “laws” Christians so often feel they must obey, rules that are often more harmful than helpful.  Bussie urges us to be Outlaw Christians and break some of those rules.  She describes Outlaw Christianity as a new, life-giving faith for those who ache for a more authentic relationship with God and other people by no longer having to hide their doubt, anger, grief, scars, or questions.  Jacqueline says that one of the unspoken laws people tend to follow is this:  Don’t doubt.  Doubt is faith’s opposite and is therefore sinful.  She suggests most people have grown up believing this very harmful rule.  Bussie then reminds us, as theologian Paul Tillich did, that doubt is a very necessary element in faith.  In fact, a living faith includes doubt and such doubt requires risk and courage.  Bussie, when talking about doubt being a good and necessary element in faith, writes: How can doubt, rooted as it is in uncertainty, be a good thing, or at the very least an acceptable thing?  For starters, we should acknowledge and name the doubt within us because, much like snot and passing gas, doubt is natural and human – that is to say, embarrassing and unwelcome but real and impossible to be healthy without, much as we want to pretend otherwise.  But more than just natural, doubt is also necessary, healthy, and good for our faith life.  Doubt functions as a robust spiritual virtue, rather than faith’s wimpy opposite. (Outlaw Christian, p.50) Well, in today’s gospel, we come face to face with doubt.   And, while doubt comes to the forefront in the story of Thomas, the truth is that all the disciples were experiencing doubt.  You see, it is the day of the resurrection and here we find the disciples sitting in a room behind locked doors because of fear, doubt, and quite likely more than a little shame.  They have blown it completely, they are hiding in fear, and they are doubting everything their master had said.  And, what I find so fascinating is that, in the gospel of John, when Jesus appears to his disciples after the resurrection, nobody initially recognizes him.  Notice in the beginning of today’s reading, the disciples do not recognize him until Jesus shows them his hands and side.  They all doubted him!  They doubted it was Jesus!  It is only after Jesus shows them his hands and side that the disciples rejoice because they have seen the Lord.  While the other disciples also have experienced doubt, for some strange reason, only Thomas gets labeled “doubter.”  Far too often we judge Thomas because of his doubt.  We need to cut him some slack and give him a break.  In Thomas we find the yearning of one who wants to see with his eyes and touch with his hands that of which he has been told.  He has real questions, real concerns, and a desire for a real encounter with the risen Lord.  I think the story of Thomas captures our hearts and minds because we, too, were absent to the Resurrection experience two thousand years ago.  When faced with the mystery of the Resurrection, the story of Thomas names that part in each of us that wants to scream out, “Show me!” Thomas has just had a very harsh encounter with reality.  Reality had hit hard in the form of a cross when his dear friend had been crucified.  And, when he fled that horrible scene, not only had Jesus died, Thomas’ hopes and dreams had also died.  Jesus’ crucifixion had destroyed his hopes for the future and very poignantly reminded him that there is an end.  And, it is the same for us.  When the harsh realities of life hit us – whether it be the death of a family member, the loss of a job, an unexpected illness, a broken relationship, or whatever – reality deeply cuts into our hopes, our dreams, the very fabric of our relationships, and we are reminded that there is an end.  There is an end over which we have no control as we feel we have been taken captive by an extremely cruel conqueror.  And, we usually experience doubt! The reality that sliced into his hopes and dreams left Thomas emotionally bleeding and broken.  As he again joins the community of disciples, within the context of those who proclaim Jesus is alive, Thomas lays bare his doubt.  He is very honest about his doubt as he says, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.”  In the depth of his despair Thomas articulates his doubt, and it is in that place where he is now confronted with the risen Christ.  It is in that place of despair that Thomas is greeted by the risen Lord whose presence exudes forgiveness and grace as he hears the words, “Peace be with you.”  In that moment, Thomas knows he is in the presence of God and he believes.  Theologian, David Lose, describes the experience of Thomas in this way: When Thomas is greeted by the forgiveness and grace embodied in the words, “Peace be with you,” he instantly believes and makes the great confession of John’s gospel: “My Lord and my God!”  In a heartbeat Thomas knows that he is in the presence of God, has been saved and redeemed by that God, and that he will never be the same again.  Thomas lays bare his doubt which takes him to this encounter with the grace of God, embodied and enfleshed in the risen Lord Jesus.  Doubt drives him to question and it takes him to this place where he is encountered by the risen Lord and his entire reality is changed.  Wow!!  Did you get that?  Reality itself has changed.  The despairing Thomas does not escape from the real world and there is not a break from the tangible reality of the world.  No.  But, there is something very different, something very, very new.  God’s grace and God’s kingdom have invaded the real world, transformed it and nothing will ever be the same again.  I think Thomas experiences Easter in the way many of us begin to experience it.  Thomas finally gets Easter when he brings forth his questions. He wants to see and touch. He wants tangible proof and needs his own encounter before he can trust the story.  It is doubt that compels Thomas to ask the questions and it is doubt that takes him to the place where he is looking for what is really real and what truly matters.  You see, without doubt, our faith is shallow and rootless.  We fail to go down deep.  And, quite honestly, if we do not express doubts and have only certainty, it closes us off to the newness that we so long for.  Doubt is a sign of a healthy and deep-rooted faith, though most of us are taught to believe the opposite.  And, when doubt takes us to the deeper places in faith our reality changes.  We are transformed and our perspective on all of life changes. The story of Thomas and doubt is one of the most compelling, believable, realistic stories in the Bible because it is our story.  Doubt is an element of faith because it gives birth to the questions that arise which take us to the deeper places in life.  So, be honest about your doubt.  Doubt functions as a robust spiritual virtue, rather than faith’s wimpy opposite.  In fact, doubt and the questions that arise are the heartbeat of our faith!   They enable us to be open to the newness of the risen Christ.   And, the risen Christ is always breaking into our doubt and the questions we ask, transforming our lives and making us new.  Christ is risen!  Christ is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

The apostle Thomas refused to believe that Jesus had risen from the grave, until he could see him and touch him. Jesus mercifully grants his request, appearing to him personally and inviting him to touch his nail-scarred hands. In Thomas's life-changing encounter with the risen Jesus, we learn some important lessons about doubt in our own lives, and how Jesus invites us to bring our uncertainty to him and ask him to overcome our hesitations.

In Thomas & Ashleigh's last show, they go all 90's for special guests Dylan and Connor, talking Disney, Muriel's Wedding and more

Tue, 1 Jan 1991 12:00:00 +0100 http://epub.ub.uni-muenchen.de/4295/ http://epub.ub.uni-muenchen.de/4295/1/4295.pdf Brück, Michael von Brück, Michael von (1991): Kulturstandards aus der Sicht der Vergleichenden Religionswissenschaft. In: Thomas, Alexander (Hrsg.), Kulturstandards in der internationalen Begegnung. Bd. 61, Breitenbach: Saarbrücken [u.a.], pp. 103-111. Evangelische Theologie