Does a real Christian ever ponder abandoning the faith?

[@BRIGGS2710]

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."

[@medic4christ777]

I just want to say you guys are wonderful and a breath of fresh air in the suffocating darkness of modern Christianity. There needs to be more of you guys. I love you both!

[@craigbritton3213]

Staring darkness in the face seems to be the norm of our days. A conquering, loving, all-sufficient Savior is our Captain. Thank you for reminding us of this, this very week. God's peace to you both.

[@Mairiain]

I wish I had had men like you in my life when I was told that I was never a true Christian for questioning. I ended up leaving and didn’t come back for much of my life.

[@carlt8188]

Thank you guys so much for tackling the hard questions and struggles that many Christians deal with but never say out loud.

[@derickrae]

Just reading the title of this video, I remember once I was driving, and I had the random thought, "What if all of this is made up?" Then I started to pray, "God, I don't know if I believe in You." Then I laughed and lightly slapped my own face. Here I am talking to the God I supposedly doubted existed. I'd make a terrible Atheist. I would pray to the "non-existent" God to discuss His non-existence. 🤦

[@terylbarrett8172]

Thanks so much as always!! Another great book for our kids is Sally Lloyd Jones', "Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing" has really helped me when the weakness and tiredness of life seems to have taken over, and when my faith is dashed.

[@jonkraft7428]

I was listening to the radio (NPR, I think) when I heard about a Baptist pastor who read one of the books by Richard Dawkins and lost his faith. This pastor had a family and a mortgage. He needed his job, but his job was to shepherd his flock. But he no longer believed! This poor guy was in a tough spot! The report did not include a resolution to his situation.

[@MyHanck]

That’s right. Luther himself said I believe I cannot believe.

[@jody2873]

SO SO helpful!

[@TheLownr]

I love the idea that I am “safe”

[@texassmokingmonkey]

Not having watched the video yet (just started it), i think any honest person can admit that they have occasional doubts. It happens! Never mind that some popular doctrines perhaps should be questioned.

[@mottgirl13]

Did John ask because he had doubt or because he was pointing his disciples to Jesus, and giving them the opening to follow Jesus instead? This has been my understanding all this time. John never doubted. It was his disciples that doubted Jesus

[@medic4christ777]

It’s pretty clear in the passage that John doubted. To me you are taking the clear reading of the text and changing it to fit your narrative.

[@mottgirl13]

@@medic4christ777 John the Baptist.. who baptised Jesus and witnessed God say that Jesus is his beloved son.. the same John the Baptist doubting him? Have I read in the wrong Context? This was my understanding from the time John the Baptist started telling everyone about the One and Only? Can you tell me which verses and from what context, that tells you about his doubt? Perhaps you’re right and I need to study it further?

[@medic4christ777]

@@mottgirl13 Matthew 11:2 - 2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[B] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” He states that “or should we wait for someone else.” There is no other way to take that. Yes, John the Baptist was an incredible man of God and prophet. But he is not above doubt.

[@mottgirl13]

@@medic4christ777 thanks. I will take your comment into consideration. And will study this passage a little more. I would have appreciated a more detailed response so I can understand your perspective/insight. Is it so plain a sentence that we take it literally?

[@medic4christ777]

@@mottgirl13 Amen. I’m sorry I got toned out to a stabbing while I was writing the reply and had to be quick. But my point is that John was clearly doubting when he asks “Or should we be waiting for someone else?” Jesus responds with the fulfilling of the prophecies and tells the messengers to return to John and let him know what they have witnessed to reassure John. It’s very clear there was doubt. Obviously, this does not place an air of doubt on the validity of Christ, but it shows that even a man like John the Baptist is not above weakness.