The Christian Atheist

What is an Atheist Atheism: the BELIEF that there is no God Agnostic: the UNCERTAINTY of God About 10% of people claim to be atheists Generic Definition of Atheism http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/wtwtgod/3518375.stm – source of 10% statistic (USA), but others put it between 12 and 3 percent…..

We Reject Atheism as Foolish The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good. Psalm 14:1

We Reject Atheism as Foolish The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. Psalm 10:4

But Many “Christians” are Atheists! Functional Atheism: the belief that ultimate responsibility for everything rests with us “The fool says in his heart….” Overt profession of faith Practical lifestyle of atheism Definition taken from : Parker Palmer at http://blog.fuller.edu/churchthenandnow/2009/01/20/functional-atheism-and-the- metro-red-line/ Theme – Psalm 14 was not refering to the person who overtly proclaims there is no God, but the one who does so in themselves, perhaps unaware of that proclaimation

A Christian Atheist When: We believe all things depend on us: In our lives "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?’ or 'What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” Matthew 6:31-32

A Christian Atheist When: We believe all things depend on us: In our church So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase…. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. 1 Corinthians 3:7,9

A Christian Atheist When: We do not consider judgment for our deeds "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment” Matthew 12:36 (God) will render to each one according to his deeds Romans 2:6

A Christian Atheist When: We have no fear of God For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Hebrews 10:26-27

A Christian Atheist When: We believe God thinks like us: “Non-Christians who seek God with a sincere heart, which would be Gandhi….can be saved…” Bill O’Reilly, April 25, 2011

A Christian Atheist When: We believe God thinks like us: God won’t send good people to hell God is not concerned with how we worship God likes instrumental music

Rejecting Christian Atheism Placing God in Charge: II Corinthians 12

Rejecting Christian Atheism Placing God in Charge: II Corinthians 12 Learning the Fear of God: Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; Philippians 2:12

Rejecting Christian Atheism Placing God in Charge: II Corinthians 12 Learning the Fear of God: Philippians 2:12 Finding the Mind of God: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

The End of Unbelief But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

The End of Belief Receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:9 There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 3:21