Welcome to the Paul Tripp podcast, where pastor and bestselling author Paul David Tripp

connects the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. Life in the kingdom of God can be

confusing, often unfolding in ways we don't expect or understand. In today's episode, we continue

our sermon series from

the archives, the gospel according to Mark, as Paul unpacks three small parables that speak

directly to the confusion of the disciples who had given their lives to follow Christ and

build his kingdom. To hear more sermons from Paul, visit paultrip.com slash sermons. Now here's Paul

with today's message.

Are there moments when, if you were honest, you would have to say you struggle with doubt.

Is there ever a time when it seems like what you're doing in the name of God isn't making a difference?

We ought to be able to be honest about the struggle of faith.

Scripture surely is. As I was thinking about the parables,. Scripture surely is.

As I was thinking about the parables we're going to look at this evening,

I was thinking about two famous names in Scripture,

one Elijah, great prophet of God,

but had a stunning moment of doubt in his own life.

You remember the story Elijah had contested the prophets of Bale on Mount Carmel.

The 450 prophets had cut themselves and screamed and yelled and danced and no fire ever came

down to consume the sacrifice.

Elijah had an altar built and a trench built around the altar and water doused on the altar

three times and prayed a simple prayer and fire came down and consumed the sacrifice and the wood and the stones

and all the water as well.

...