How Doubt Deepens Faith: Rethinking Belief, Certainty, and Trust in Following Jesus (Faith and Doubt Series)

Sep 14, 2016

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Discover how faith is often misunderstood as rigid certainty, and why making space for honest doubt is essential in cultivating a trusting relationship with Jesus. Mike and Andy introduce the Faith Series by dissecting misconceptions about what faith is (and isn’t), highlighting how real biblical faith is not intellectual agreement or public profession—but instead actionable trust within relational covenant. They unpack scripture, personal stories, and real-life examples to reveal a more liberating and profound view of how faith and doubt can coexist and propel us forward in our journey with Christ.

Key Takeaways: • Faith Is Not Certainty – Faith in the Bible isn't about psychological or intellectual certainty. Instead, it's dynamic, relational, and lived out through action—even in the midst of doubt. • Three Misunderstandings About Faith – Faith is not: 1) being mentally certain, 2) professing beliefs to fit in, or 3) gaining theological perfection. • Faith Is What You Do, Not Just What You Say – Drawing on Michael Novak’s framework, Mike distinguishes between public, private, and core convictions—emphasizing that core convictions are revealed in how we live, not what we say we believe. • Biblical Faith Is Relational Trust – It's rooted in action based on trust in Jesus, not an all-or-nothing checklist of religious doctrine. • Covenantal Relationship Frees Us to Doubt Authentically – Unlike a contractual view of salvation, a covenantal relationship with God creates space to ask real questions and express lament, just like we see throughout Psalms and the Old Testament prophets. • Faith vs. Sight – Paul urges us to walk by faith, not sight. That means trusting in what we don’t yet fully see or understand, rather than demanding full certainty. • Living Your Way Into Belief – Sometimes trust calls us to act before belief and clarity arrive. The process of obedient living often confirms faith more than certainty ever could.

Resources & References: • James 1, Matthew 9, Mark 9, Matthew 22, Matthew 28 – Scriptural examples contrasting expressions of faith and doubt. • The Psalms, Lamentations, Habakkuk, and Jeremiah – Biblical precedent for expressing doubt and lament within faithful living. • Michael Novak’s “Belief” Framework as quoted in John Ortberg’s writings. • “Benefit of the Doubt” by Greg Boyd – Explores how doubt can be a healthy, integral part of our faith journey.

Join the conversation and lean into the mystery, questions, and grace-filled journey of faith. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social to keep exploring what it means to trust Jesus with your whole life—even amid uncertainty.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Use hashtag #AskMikeErre to pose your questions!

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV

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Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy