Dealing with Doubt Podcast Episodes

Part 1

Because doubt seems to be such an affront to faith, it can be ignored in Christian circles.  Yet John Reinhard and Brian Sutter see doubt much differently. Doubt and faith walk together.

Question: Do we see questioning and doubt exampled in the Scriptures?

Answer: Yes, David, Habakkuk, Abraham, disciples and others went through times of doubt and uncertainty.

Question: Do believers struggle with doubt?

Answer: Yes, it is common for Christians to go through seasons of doubt.

Question: What is doubt?

Answer: The feeling that arises when uncertainty is present.

Question: Is doubt the opposite of faith?

Answer: No, certainty is the opposite of faith.

Question: Is all doubt the same?

Answer: No, doubt ranges on a spectrum. It ranges in intensity. It ranges on trajectory. There is doubt that rises by way of faith and there is doubt that rises by way of faithlessness. The doubt that rises by way of faith says, “Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief.” This trajectory is toward Christ. The doubt that rises by way of faithlessness says, “God is not real, I do not need help.” This trajectory is away from Christ.

Question: Is strong faith the goal?

Answer: Not necessarily. Jesus said if you have the faith of a mustard seed that would be enough. The size of faith is secondary to what your faith is in. When our faith is in Christ, even a little will move great mountains.

Question: Should faith be easy?

Answer: No, faith takes work. It is important that we engage our doubts. The testimony of many Christians who battle doubt is that they come out of these seasons with stronger faith because they have engaged them.

Part 2

The greatest born among women; Jesus called him. Yet this man, who was set aside by God to proclaim Christ’s deity, questioned it deeply. John Reinhard and Brian Sutter explain three critical lessons we learn from the way John the Baptist dealt with his doubt.

Question: What can we learn about going through doubt from the life of John the Baptist?

Answers:

• • John the Baptist was honest with himself, others, and Christ that he doubted.
    • When we have doubts, we should acknowledge them.
  • John the Baptist engaged his believing community with his doubts.
    • When we have doubts, we should engage our believing church communities.
  • John the Baptist directed his questions towards Christ himself.
    • When we have doubts, we should engage God with them.
  • Jesus did not scold John for his disbelieve but instead affirmed him.
    • When we have doubts, we should know that Christ wishes to engage us.
  • Jesus opened his understanding of the Scriptures.
    • When we have doubts, we should expect to come out on the other side with a deeper understanding of God’s ways.
  • John the Baptist died not having completely understood the plan of God. Yet, Christ assured him that he was part of the plan.
    • We may not fully understand all that we wish to know in this life.

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