Strongholds – Atheism (June 29, 2025)

Summary

In this powerful exploration of faith, we’re challenged to confront one of life’s most profound questions: Does God exist? The message takes us on a journey through time, from the dawn of creation to the present day, revealing that atheism is not a new concept, but one that has existed alongside belief for millennia. We’re reminded that the root of atheism often stems from a place of pride – either feeling we don’t need God or that we don’t like Him. However, as we examine Romans 1 and Psalm 14, we’re shown that evidence of God’s existence is all around us in creation. Just as a shoe implies a designer, so too does the intricate design of our universe point to a divine Creator. This message encourages us to open our eyes to God’s revelation in nature and scripture, reminding us that genuine faith is not blind but rather a confidence based on evidence. As we reflect on this, we’re invited to examine our own lives and ask: Are we living as though God exists, or are we practical atheists, believing in Him but living as if He doesn’t matter?

Key Scripture

Romans 1:16-23

Opening Discussion:

What was your initial reaction to the sermon topic? Did anything particularly stand out to you?

Key Takeaways:

1. Atheism is not a new concept; it has existed for thousands of years.
2. The roots of atheism:
   1. I don’t need God
   2. I don’t like God.
3. The fruit of atheism:
   1. Each person becomes their own authority.
   2. It does not really matter.
4. What does the Bible say?
   1. God is the author of life.
   2. God makes Himself known.
   3. God deserves to be glorified.
   4. Genuine Faith is confidence based on evidence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Practical atheism
   1. How might someone believe in God but live as if He doesn’t exist?
   2. Have you ever struggled with this?
   3. What is the danger of practical atheism?
2. God as Creator
   1. Discuss the analogy of the shoe design and its designer. How does this relate to the concept of God as the Creator?
   2. Share observations you have made in nature that point to a designer.
3. The sermon states, “Just because something is invisible doesn’t make it imaginary.” How does this idea challenge or affirm your understanding of faith?
4. What evidence for God’s existence resonates most with you personally? (e.g., creation, prophecy, personal testimony)
5. How do you respond to the idea that both theism and atheism require faith?
6. The pastor said, “God deserves to be glorified.” What does this mean to you in practical terms?
7. The sermon closed with the”Genuine faith is confidence based on evidence”. Why is this essential to our faith? See Hebrews 11:6

Practical Applications:

1. This week, take time to observe nature and reflect on how it might reveal God’s attributes.
2. Consider areas in your life where you might be living as a “practical atheist.” How can you invite God into those areas?
3. Share your personal testimony of experiencing God with someone this week.
4. Spend time in prayer, acknowledging God as the Creator and expressing gratitude for His revelation.
5. If you struggle with doubts, commit to exploring the evidence for God’s existence more deeply through reading or discussions with mature believers.

Closing Prayer:

Close the session by praying together, acknowledging our need for God and asking Him to make Himself known in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Supporting Scripture:

Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon:

1. Romans 1:16-18
2. Romans 1:19-20
3. Psalm 14:1
4. Genesis 4 (specifically mentioning Cain leaving God’s presence)
5. Genesis 1:1
6. Genesis 1:26 (alluded to with “let us make man in our image”)
7. Psalm 19:1 (“The heavens declare the glory of God”)
8. Romans 1:19-25
9. Isaiah 42:8
10. Luke 19:40 (alluded to with “the rocks will cry out”)
11. Revelation 4:8 (alluded to with “holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty”)
12. Hebrews 11:1

Additional relevant verses that align with the main themes discussed:

1. Colossians 1:16-17 (on God as creator)
2. Psalm 139:13-14 (on God’s intricate design in creation)
3. Romans 1:20 (on God’s attributes revealed through creation)
4. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (on the resurrection and eyewitnesses)
5. Acts 17:24-28 (on God as creator and sustainer)
6. John 20:24-29 (on faith and evidence)
7. Exodus 3:1-22 (God’s interaction with Moses, as mentioned in the sermon)
8. Micah 5:2 (prophecy about Messiah being born in Bethlehem)
9. Isaiah 7:14 (prophecy about virgin birth)