Tuesday, May 4, 2010

The Christian Atheist

Men's group started "The Christian Atheist" today. Believing in God, but living as if He doesn't exist. Convicting, isn't it? Great book so far. You may know from experience the pain of trying to get grown men to talk about God. Not in our group! We had men participating the whole hour in very candid discussion. I think that the leader talked about 2 minutes. The premise of the first chapter is that many Christians believe in God but don't really know him. God wants a relationship with us and a heart bent toward Him. In the middle of the chapter I came across what I blogged about last week, Matt. 7:21-23. This sparked a great discussion in our men about Lordship Salvation, faith and works, and what it looks like to know God intimately versus just believing in Him. We must remember that James says that even the demons believe in God...and shudder! God wants our hearts to be His and I'm afraid that there are many Christians that simply don't get that. They think that if they just do the checklist: believe, confess, repent, and be baptized, that's all they need to do. They've arrived and they are through. But we find out that on "that day" as scripture states, on that judgment day, that Jesus says that He doesn't even know them. Crazy to wrap your mind around, but very true.

Men's group is going to be a home run over the coming weeks and months. I'm praying for a spiritual awakening and revival in the men of this church. I believe that if the men will go God's way, the women and children will follow. If you are reading this, please stop and pray for the men's group at Oakwood. And maybe you should pick up a copy of The Christian Atheist and chew on these concepts for yourself.

No comments: