Bulletins - Church On The Rock-Abilene (TX)

The King Is In The Room
Great I Am
HOLY SPIRIT
GREAT ARE YOU LORD
REVELATION SONG
Have you ever missed a meeting that ended up being incredibly important? Maybe you heard afterward how inspiring it was, how something extraordinary happened—and you realized you missed out on something special. The Sunday after Jesus rose from the grave, the disciples had a gathering behind closed doors, fearful, confused, uncertain of the future. It was there, in the middle of their worries, that Jesus suddenly appeared. He showed up, spoke peace, and filled them with hope. But Thomas wasn't there. He missed the meeting. Today, as we explore Thomas’s absence and its impact, we’ll discover the power of staying connected, the risks of isolation, and Christ’s grace-filled invitation for anyone who's ever missed the meeting.
John 20:19–29 NKJV
19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” 24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” 26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
1.The Significance of Community (John 20:19-20)
Jesus appears to the gathered disciples.
Fear turns to joy in the presence of Jesus and the gathered believers.
2. The Danger of Disconnection (John 20:24)
Thomas is absent and misses the encounter with Christ.
Isolation often leads to increased doubt and delayed spiritual renewal.
3.Invitation Back into Fellowship (John 20:25-29)
Even though Thomas missed the initial encounter, Jesus personally invites him later.
Christ offers restoration, demonstrating the grace and patience extended toward the disconnected or discouraged believer.
Practical Application:
Encourage congregants, especially those overcoming addiction or struggling with personal trials, to value consistent participation in church fellowship and community activities. Highlight the spiritual dangers inherent in isolating oneself during times of crisis or disappointment.
Conclusion:
Thomas's absence warns us not to underestimate the importance of community. Staying connected is not merely helpful—it’s essential. If we've drifted, Christ gently invites us back, eager to restore us and strengthen our faith within the body of believers.
- - John 20:19–29NKJV
Gratitude

1.The Significance of Community (John 20:19-20)

2. The Danger of Disconnection (John 20:24)

3.Invitation Back into Fellowship (John 20:25-29)

Practical Application:

Conclusion:

John 20:19–29NKJV