Christian Atheism

Recently, the Pennsylvania Senator who declared 2012 ‘The Year of the Bible’  was sued by Freedom from Religion (Atheist group).  Although this is tragic, I’m confronted with the reality that too many Christians live as if God and His Word don’t really exist (or at most have relatively little impact in society).  Notice how many of these common attributes of atheists are easily labeled on the church (below).

What Atheism is Famous for…

…taking 10 commandments (God’s laws) out of our culture
…taking prayer out of the lives of our children
…giving rights / control back to women over their own bodies
…does not really understand what faith can do
…has no idea about the power of prayer
…will not relinquish control / will not submit to authority
…rebels against the authority of the Bible / marginalizes its truth
…despises the institution of the church
…is skeptical of Christians  [i.e.- Gandhi]
…ultimately pragmatic: the end justifies the means (results-oriented)
…motivated by a law of love (brotherly concern for humanity)

I think flying planes into a building was a faith-based initiative. I think religion is a neurological disorder.  -Bill Maher
The opposite of the religious fanatic is not the fanatical atheist but the gentle cynic who cares not whether there is a god or not.  -Eric Hoffer Quotes
Our ignorance is God; what we know is science.  -Robert Ingersoll
If we go back to the beginning, we shall find that ignorance and fear created the gods; that fancy, enthusiasm, or deceit adorned them; that weakness worships them; that credulity preserves them and that custom, respect and tyranny support them in order to make the blindness of men serve their own interests. If the ignorance of nature gave birth to gods, the knowledge of nature is calculated to destroy them.

**Romans 1 says it wasn’t the ignorance of nature that gave birth to gods, but to IDOLATRY!

What is CHRISTIAN ATHEISM?

…believing in God but living like He doesn’t exist
… a disconnect belief & behavior; professing faith, but not practicing it
… religious but not spiritual

Symptoms of Christian Atheism
-fleeting peace (if there’s no God, there’s none of what He gives)
-no power (Holy Spirit)
-no purpose (evolution, accidental)

Causes of Christian Atheism
-no fear (respect, reverence)
-little faith (only logic, reason … hopelessness)
-divided foundation (learning it w/o living it)

FOUR WAYS to Fight Christian Atheism (in me):

1. Appropriate God’s Grace & FORGIVENESS
I fail to take God’s grace personally (live in condemnation, guilt, shame)
2 Cor 5:17 – I am not the same person… I am a new creation
New position, new nature, new identity because of salvation
Once a sin is confessed & forgiven, it doesn’t need rehearsed over & over…
I have an easy time believing it for you… but do I believe that for me?

2. Accept your RESPONSIBILITY to Walk with Him
I don’t take my  spiritual responsibility seriously (not a priority)
2 Pet. 1:3 – He has given me everything I need for life & godliness
He gives me air to breath and provides food to eat
He gives me the Word and Access to His presence (prayer)
Will I make spending time with God a priority?

3. Allow God’s Sovereignty to Give Me REST
I can’t relax – because it begins and ends with me
I can relax my grip on life… stress less, trust more
Ps 115:3 – God is above all, He is in total control … gives me such peace!
Can I trust God enough to stop my worry, fear, and anxiety?

4. Act on God’s PROMISES & Commands
I don’t respond to God’s truths (even though I will listen)
Luke 6:46 – Why would we call Him ‘Lord’ (Master) and not obey Him?
Real Christianity is active (not just big ears, big rears) – hands/feet/mouth!
What am I going to do with God’s Word?  How will you respond?
Gospel: REVELATION, INVITATION, SATISFACTION (woman at well)

  “Rom 1:21-25 They knew God but glorified not as God … Knowledge w/o words
>Isaiah 29:13 Drawing nigh w/ words, heart far from God … Words w/o heart
“Matt 7:21-23 Saying Lord, Lord yet not knowing the Lord … Actions w/o heart
24ff Hearing the words of Christ, yet not acting on them … Knowledge w/o actions

As Lotto Jackpot Rises, Morality Declines

$640 million – the largest jackpot in history!  I have a theory that the rise in lottery jackpots is simply a sign of our morality in decline.  Most do not find issue with the lottery – after all, who ever got hurt by spending a buck or two here and there, right?  While some might take issue with the  system of the lottery itself, I’d like to focus on the issue at the core: greed (covetousness).  I’d like to challenge your thinking with these words of God:

Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished : but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.   – Solomon

So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.  - Solomon

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after , they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  - Apostle Paul  (Is the love of money really the root of all evil?)

Beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.  - Jesus

Ye cannot serve God and mammon [possessions].  - Jesus

It is more blessed to give than to receive.  - Jesus

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.  - John the Beloved

*When my kids ask me why I don’t gamble or play the lottery, this is my answer!

The Indoctrination of Evolution

Kentucky (and 25 other states) are pushing new standardized tests (this includes college entrance exams).  Under the new standards, tests are required to devote about 1/3 of the test to biological evolution (between 25-40%).

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are the product of a state-led initiative (KY) to develop educational standards that comply with the Framework (PDF, 13mb).  The Framework document establishes the core disciplinary ideas in science and focuses on what is ‘most important for students to learn in order to be both college and career ready.’  The final version of the NGSS is scheduled for release in December 2012.  The last formality will be when the Kentucky Dept. of Education adopts the NGSS as policy.

According to the NGSS and Kentucky Dept. of Education, these standards are not yet in place – but according to an ACTUAL test report, it would seem they are!  [If 34+% of the test was evolution before the NGSS is approved, what will it look like afterward?]

WHAT’S WRONG WITH IT:

1. Evolution is only a theory.  It is NOT science and should not be taught as fact.  It deserves no more credibility or time than any other hypothesis.  Creation answers more questions and has more historical accuracy.
2.  It is a faith-based, state-sponsored religion.  It breeds humanism, atheism, and even racism.  It is morally corrupt and has no place in standardized testing – much less one-third of life science.
3. Requiring students to learn and answer facts which violates their Bible-based convictions (freedom of religion) is unconstitutional.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1. Pray that God would protect our nation, states, counties from humanism and atheism
2. Download this letter and mail/deliver it to your district’s school board superintendent and members.
3. Visit www.CEAI.org to stay updated (KY Director: Roger Dillon)
4. Support / Contact Legislator Tim Moore & others who stand with him against this.
5. Read this … Take an Ax to the Poisonous Tree of Evolution

New Year’s Resolutions 2012-style

Physically
Resolved, to exercise more often than last year (that should be easy!).
Resolved, to eat less trans-fats and to eat less in general.
Resolved, to drink more water (does sweet tea and lemonade count?).
Resolved, to eat more green vegetables (I don’t think McD’s charges for extra lettuce).
Resolved, to take the stairs (even when the elevator’s working).
Resolved, to not sleep as much this year (8 hours per night should be enough).

Socially
Resolved, to not gossip publicly on Facebook or Twitter (that’s what MSG and TXT are for).
Resolved, to invest as much time in real friends face-to-face as I do in online friends.
Resolved, to prioritize live conversations with real people above the vibrating caller in my pocket (unless it’s maybe someone far more important – and they would understand).
Resolved, to make a day per month an unplugged, black-out day for the sake of my family.

Politically
Resolved, to not vote straight ticket.
Resolved, to research the candidates before the first Tuesday in November.
Resolved, to not complain and whine about the election since I don’t really get involved.
Resolved, to pray for whoever gets elected – but especially if my man doesn’t.

Economically
Resolved, to tithe as good as I tip… better, actually.
Resolved, to not spend too much on iTunes and in the AppStore.
Resolved, to not buy any new electronics (except if the iPad3 or iPhone5 releases this year).
Resolved, to be less materialistic and never to resist a generous urge.
Resolved, to not waste money playing the lottery this year (except when I’m feeling especially lucky).

Environmentally
Resolved, to reduce my carbon footprint by at least 15% (maybe I could get a moped?).
Resolved, to use recycled products and to start composting.
Resolved, to waste less (reuse and recycle).

Spiritually
Resolved, to read my Bible on a regular basis this year (to not leave it in the church pew each week).
Resolved, to pray even when things are going good for me.
Resolved, to tell at least five friends, coworkers, and family members of my love for Jesus (and to be ready to apologize when they ask why I don’t really act like it).
Resolved, to be less self-righteous and judgmental of all the people who are not as spiritual as I am.

Relationally
Resolved, to be gracious (even when they don’t deserve it, unless God wants to use me as His tool of vengeance).
Resolved, to not expect too much (unless it’s from myself).
Resolved, to prove my love by serving and to affirm my love with kind words.
Resolved, to never assume (that’s how you make a you-know-what of yourself).
Resolved, to be thankful and appreciative of everything done for me.
Resolved, to go the extra mile (or two if necessary).
Resolved, to forgive and forget.

Random
Resolved, to ask more questions (and to be more curious).
Resolved, to laugh at myself (even when I’m not trying to be funny).
Resolved, to not be afraid to try something new.
Resolved, to never allow the fear of man and the pressure to fit in overcome my desire to please God.
**For a real, no non-sense list of serious resolutions – take a look at
Jonathan Edwards Resolutions (talk about convicting!)