Sunday PM Devotional
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began with a reflection on the Age of Enlightenment, noting how philosophers such as John Locke, Francis Bacon, Isaac Newton, and Voltaire championed reason and science, often dismissing biblical miracles. Sutton highlighted Voltaire’s outright denial of the resurrection and his misplaced confidence in a scientist named Splezani, who claimed to revive a dormant microbe—an argument the teacher showed to be flawed. Using this historical backdrop, the lesson shifted to the biblical narrative of Jesus’ resurrection in John chapter 20, especially verses 19‑27, where the disciples, fearful and locked away, encounter the risen Christ and Thomas demands physical proof. The teacher emphasized that even the original witnesses experienced doubt, but Jesus’ appearance turned disbelief into confession, “My Lord and my God.” Sutton then cited 1 Corinthians 15:3‑8, reinforcing Paul’s testimony that the resurrection was witnessed by many, including Peter, the twelve, and over five hundred brethren, establishing a solid historical foundation. He concluded that doubt, while natural, can lead to deeper faith when confronted with the living evidence of the resurrected Christ, and warned against the modern tendency to place human reason above divine revelation. The class encouraged believers to hold fast to the resurrection hope as the basis for future glory.
Key Scriptures
When therefore it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, Peace be with you. And when he had said this, he showed them both his hands and his side. The disciples therefore rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus therefore said to them, Peace be with you as the Father has sent me, I also send you. And when he said this, he breathed on them and said, Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any their sins will be, their sins have been will be forgiven them. And if you retain the sins of any they have been retained.