Believe

March 21, 2026

"Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

"Do not be unbelieving, but believing." John 20:22,23,27

These are what Jesus said to the disciples when Jesus showed up to the disciples after the resurrection. The disciples just heard from Mary that Jesus was resurrected. Peter and John witnessed the empty tomb. And so the disciples were wondering where Jesus was. Maybe they were worried.

Then Jesus shows up to them! All were there but Thomas. Jesus told them to "receive the Holy Spirit." Isn't that powerful? Jesus has promised the Holy Spirit to us. He is wanting to come into our hearts. We should be open and be able to welcome Him to our hearts. He is knocking at your heart. Please remember to welcome Him.

When Thomas heard about Jesus, he did not believe. He needed solid proof and evidence. When Jesus appeared in front of Thomas for real, Jesus told Thomas "to believe."

Oh how many times we doubt. We don't need to. What the Bible says, we must believe. This is the basis of faith. We must believe.