Guiding Question
How can Christians face doubt, maintain assurance in their faith, and grow spiritually through intentional community and perseverance?

Summary
This message addresses the natural experience of doubt among Christians and emphasizes that doubt itself is not wrong. What matters is how one deals with doubt—whether one faces it, seeks answers, and allows it to strengthen faith or lets it weaken assurance. Drawing on the example of Francis Schaeffer, the speaker shows that even radical doubters can emerge with a radical faith when they confront their questions head-on.
The message exhorts believers to “draw near to God” and “hold fast” to the hope and promises of the Christian faith, especially amid the pressures and challenges of everyday life. It warns against a lukewarm, half-assured faith that holds back full commitment.
The speaker highlights the vital role of Christian community in this process. True spiritual growth happens not just in isolated worship but in regular gatherings where believers encourage, stimulate, challenge, and hold one another accountable. The Christian assembly is characterized by consideration, stimulation (even irritation), and encouragement, all aimed at producing love and good deeds.
Without this intimate fellowship, spiritual life becomes impaired, and the subtlety of sin can harden the heart. Finally, the message calls listeners to examine their lives, seek assurance through Christ, and commit to both a personal and communal expression of their faith.

Outline


Acknowledging Doubt in the Christian Life


Doubts are normal and common


Importance of addressing doubts rather than ignoring them


Example of Francis Schaeffer’s journey through doubt to assurance




Assurance of Faith and Holding Fast


The necessity of full assurance to live confidently in faith


The promises of God and the pressures of the world


The call to “draw near” and “hold fast” to God and His promises




Christian Community: Meeting to Minister


The purpose of Christian assemblies: consideration, stimulation, encouragement


The dangers of isolated faith and superficial meetings


The role of accountability, intimacy, and mutual challenge


The balance between loving encouragement and necessary correction




Application and Challenge


Are you meeting regularly in meaningful fellowship?


Are you allowing others to stimulate and encourage you?


Reflect on your assurance and relationship with God


Invitation to accept Christ and enter confidently into God’s presence





Key Takeaways


Doubt is natural, but must be confronted to avoid spiritual stagnation or erosion of faith.


Full assurance in God’s promises is crucial to living a confident and committed Christian life.


Christianity is either true and effective or it is not; believers must test their faith honestly.


Holding fast means tenaciously clinging to God’s promises despite worldly pressures.


Regular, intimate Christian fellowship is essential for spiritual health, accountability, and growth.


Christian meetings are not just routine gatherings, but opportunities to stimulate and encourage each other toward love and good deeds.


Spiritual growth requires both encouragement and challenge within community, not just passive attendance.


If you haven’t accepted Christ or feel unsure, the way to assurance is through faith in Jesus’ work on the cross.



Scriptural References


Hebrews 10:22-25 (drawing near to God, holding fast the confession of hope, meeting together to encourage)


Psalm (implied reference to worship in nature)


Various references to the promises of God (forgiveness, power, new purpose)


Hebrews 3:13 (encouragement to encourage one another daily, lest any be hardened by sin)


Recorded 12/07/80

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