How Can I Have a Blessed Life?

Sermon TextJohn 20:24–31 (ESV)Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, We have seen the Lord. But he said to them, Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, Peace be with you. Then he said to Thomas, Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe. Thomas answered him, My Lord and my God! Jesus said to him, Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.Cross-referencesJohn 5:24aTruly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal lifeJohn 10:10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.John 17:3And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.John 1:4In him was life, and the life was the light of men.1 Corinthians 15:3–7For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.Mark 10:17–18And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.Psalm 110:1The Lord says to my Lord: Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.Sermon NotesHow Can I Have a Blessed Life?Main Idea: A blessed life comes through believing the truth about Jesus.Four Claims to Believe about Jesus for a Blessed Life1. Believe that Jesus is AliveHistorical credibility of Jesus’ death and resurrectionHostile sources confirm Jesus existed and was crucifiedEarly resurrection testimony is too early to be legendThe empty tomb was never successfully disputedTransformational evidenceOpponents became advocatesCowards became boldSkeptics became believers2. Believe Jesus is Good3. Believe Jesus Wins and is Winning4. Believe Jesus is Present with Us