Jenifer Metzger : FINDING JESUS {GIVEAWAY}

My family loves documentaries, especially one that have to do with Bible times. CNN has a show Finding Jesus that discovers fascinating new insights into the historical Jesus, utilizing the latest scientific techniques and archaeological research.

Season one of this hit series, Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact Forgery captivated audiences as well-known Pastors, theologians, and archaeologists, examined famous religious artifacts, and brought to life the places, pilgrimage sites, and people from the Bible and ancient world. Season two, which begins March 5th, will begin with a focus on Jesus’ disciple Thomas.

Doubting Thomas In All Of Us

Trusting God and believing in his love and grace brings strength and great joy.

But living a life of faith doesn’t come without struggles – I feel that we’ve all been there. And we’ve all had moments where we might have questioned ourselves, our faith, and our path. These moments are especially hard to overcome when life throws a particularly difficult obstacle our way or we go through an incredibly painful experience. When that happens – pain and or anger sometimes opens the doorway to doubt.

And doubt can be incredibly difficult to overcome.

If you look at scripture, it even touched the disciple Thomas. You may know him as Doubting Thomas. After Jesus’ death, Thomas doubts the resurrection, even after being told by the other disciples that Jesus has risen. It is not until Thomas sees Jesus for himself that he believes.
I recently got advance press copies of a show titled Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact, Forgery. One of the episodes from the series focuses on Thomas, his role in the Gospels, his relationship with Jesus and his journey.

Thomas’ faith journey is one that might resonate with many people out there. His story is one of fear and doubt, but also redemption and courage. After Thomas sees the risen Christ for himself, it is believed that he risked his life and undertook a dangerous journey to India to spread the Gospel, evangelize, and share Jesus’ message of love. The episode concentrates on the clues and evidence of whether Thomas reached his destination and fulfilled his mission. Whether Thomas reached India or not, many people might feel connected to the theme of the episode – and may recognize moments in their faith life past or present in comparison to Thomas.

With Lent and Easter coming, below are a few ways that might help readers overcome doubt, renew faith, and find joy in Christ.

1) Open the Bible or a book of devotionals. Some of the best and most encouraging words to help restore our faith come from the Bible. In particular this passage from Psalm 91:“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge…”

2) Talk to a Pastor or friend. Talk to someone you can trust. Sometimes all we need is to talk, be heard, and be healed with words of encouragement.

3) Begin each morning or some part of each evening in silent prayer and/or meditation. Thank God for all the blessings you have – food, a warm bed, a hot shower, drinkable water – these are all blessings. Pray for those who struggle without these blessings. And pray about any fears, doubts, and special intentions. Sometimes just talking to God and taking stock of one’s blessings can be so helpful in our faith journey.

For those of you interested in that episode of Thomas and the series I mentioned, Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact, Forgery premieres this Sunday, March 5 on CNN. It’s the second season of the hit series. The show really makes Jesus’ journey throughout the ancient world and characters from the Bible come to life.

Check-out the trailer:

Like with all things, I highly encourage you to refer to the Bible. See what Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact Forgery is all about. Get new information you may not have known. But always take it back to the Bible.

To celebrate season two of Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact Forgery, we are giving away a $25 gift card to LifeWay! To enter to win, complete each task in the rafflecopter below.