Can I Trust the Church Again?

Tough Questions. Real Answers.
Can I Trust the Church Again?

I. Introduction

A. Luke 24:13-16 (NLT) ¹³That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. ¹⁴As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. ¹⁵As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. ¹⁶But God kept them from recognizing him.

B. Luke 24:21 (NLT) We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.

II. Why People Start Pulling Faith Apart

A.

1. Luke 24:21 (NLT) We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.

B. The answers stop feeling .

C. The does not look like Jesus.

D. our faith was not prepared to hold.

III. Four Healthy Ways to Walk Through Deconstruction

A. Don’t alone.

1. Luke 24:15 (NLT) As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them.

B. You are not the first person to have your shaken.

1. Luke 24:17 (NLT) He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces.

C. Find good partners.

1. Luke 24:25 (NLT) Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures.”

D. Stay close to in normal ways.

1. Luke 24:27 (NLT) Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

2. Luke 24:30-31 (NLT) ³⁰As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. ³¹Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!

3. Luke 24:32 (NLT) They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”

IV. From Shattered Hope to Burning Hearts

A. Luke 24:21a (NLT) We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel.

B. Luke 24:31a (NLT) Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.

C. Luke 24:32 (NLT) “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”

D. Luke 24:33a (NLT) And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem.

V. Conclusion