Sermon Study Guide | Series: God, if You’re real | Sermon: Show Me
Scripture: John 20:24-29 | Date: April 12, 2026

Alpha is a 6 week faith exploration experience hosted by Menlo Church at the Devil’s Canyon Brewing Co. in San Carlos. It's the perfect place to invite a friend who is questioning belief while examining the core concepts of Christianity.

Register here for the next gathering beginning on Tuesday, April 21st

CONNECT - “A Personal Reflection”

This section is designed to help you relate personally to the theme of the sermon. It encourages you to reflect on your own life experiences and how they connect to the message.

Most of us know what it feels like to carry questions we cannot easily answer. Sometimes doubt rises out of pain, disappointment, confusion, or unmet expectations. Other times it comes quietly, even in the middle of a life that looks fine on the outside.

Thomas reminds us that doubt is not strange, and it is not proof that faith is gone. It is often the place where faith gets more honest. As you begin, share about a time when your faith felt challenged or your expectations of God did not match your experience. What did that season reveal about what you were really trusting in, and how did it affect your relationship with God?

ENGAGE - “Exploring the Scripture”

This section invites you to dive into the biblical passage, discuss its meaning, and apply it to your life through thoughtful questions.

Read John 20:24-29 together. 

• What stands out to you most about Thomas in this passage? What stands out to you most about Jesus?
  
  
• Thomas does not hide his doubt. Why do you think honesty matters so much in our relationship with God?
  
  
• What do you notice about the way Jesus responds to Thomas? What does that teach us about the heart of Jesus toward people who struggle?
  
  
• In the message, doubt is treated not as the opposite of faith but as a possible doorway to deeper trust. Why is that distinction important?
  
  
• Why do you think Jesus’ first words are, “Peace be with you”? How does peace relate to fear, grief, confusion, and unanswered questions?
  
  
• Thomas wanted something concrete. Where do you most relate to that desire for proof, certainty, or clarity?
  
  
• The passage suggests that sometimes what we need most is not a full explanation, but the presence of Jesus. When has that been true in your life?
  
  
• Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” What does that kind of faith look like in everyday life?
  
  
• How can unresolved questions actually expose a shallow or overly simple faith and make room for a stronger, more grounded one?
  
  
• What is the difference between burying your doubts, believing your doubts, and bringing your doubts to Jesus?

APPLY - “Putting the Scriptures into Action”

This section challenges us to take what we’ve learned and implement it in practical ways in our daily lives.

• Be honest with God this week about one doubt, disappointment, or question you have been avoiding.
  
  
• Set aside time to pray a simple prayer like, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.”
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• Meet someone in their doubt this week and invite a friend to attend Alpha with you.
  
  
• Write down one area where your experience has been shaping your view of God more than Scripture has.
  
  
• Reach out to a trusted Christian friend, group leader, or pastor and name what you are wrestling with instead of carrying it alone.
  
  
• When anxiety or confusion rises this week, pause and ask, “What would it look like to let Jesus meet me here?”
  
  
• Practice replacing polished prayers with honest ones. Bring God your real thoughts, not just your church answers.
  
  
• Reflect on where Jesus may be inviting you not just to get answers, but to grow in trust.

PRAY - “Seeking God’s Guidance”

This section offers a short prayer to help us center our hearts and invite God to work in our lives through his scripture.

Jesus, thank you that you are not threatened by our questions, our disappointments, or our doubts. Thank you that you met Thomas with peace, compassion, and presence, and that you still meet people the same way today. 

Teach us to be honest with you instead of hiding behind fear or pretending we are fine. Where our faith feels shaky, strengthen us. Where our hearts feel guarded, soften us. Where we long for answers, remind us that your presence is not absent in the waiting. Help us place our doubts in your hands and trust that you are leading us into a deeper, steadier faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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If you have feedback on this guide or ideas that would help your group engage more deeply, we’d love to hear from you. 

Your insight helps us continue growing as a church that wrestles honestly and walks faithfully together. Contact msummers@menlo.church