Christ Through the Ages, 30: What the Atheists are Missing & Conclusion

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.AtheistsWrong thinkingThey will say that Jesus was a man of his time (yet he was countercultural!).A recycling of ancient myths. But there was no ancient dying / rising god before the time of Jesus. If there was “borrowing,” it took place in the opposite direction!Remember the bad of Christian history, but nearly none of the good.Straw gods (old men in the sky) and distorted Christs.Accuse Christians of being intolerant, whereas in fact quite a few atheists are intolerant.Unfortunate experiences?Poor arguments from ChristiansBogus scienceInconsistent interpretationIgnorance of historyPredictable and pro-establishment positionsPlatitudes and proof-textingPoor examples in ChristiansFailure to walk the walkPrejudiceLack of social conscienceInfightingYet despite the detrimental effects of poorly thought-through faith, or poorly lived faith, atheists are still responsible (Ecclesiastes 3:11; Romans 1:18-32).As Christian leaders working for many years in atheistic climates (universities worldwide but especially in parts of Europe), my wife and I identify two huge needs – two areas in which the atheists are missing Christ.RelationshipsEvidences. Suggested: Compelling Evidence, as well as a number of other helpful titles.So what are the atheists missing?Fundamentally, they’re missing not only a logical understanding of the gospel.They are missing Christ – and missing out on the abundant existence Christ brings to those who put their trust in him (John 10:10). John 3:16-21. Acts 24:25.Plenty of atheists do come to Christ!Further passages to inspire usActs 13:7, 12Colossians 2:4, 81 Peter 3:15-16Let's be bold!Series conclusionElements of the present series:Concept of the two agesHow OT shows ChristConcepts of Messiah in time of ChristHow NT shows ChristHow Christ has been interpreted in the course of Church HistoryHow Christ has been refracted in the worldSuggested complementary continuation: Worship10 podcastsThese lessons are already recorded. Yet even if you’ve already heard them, it might be fruitful to listen again.A focused worship of Christ is all the more appropriate, given the deity of Christ.If, as the scriptures teach and as Christians have believed since the beginning, Jesus Christ is God, then a few things follow:Jesus is Lord.He is fully human and fully divine.We are to obey him.His word is authoritative.We should strive to do all we can to pursue the theme of Christ through the Ages.We need to make sure we are connected to the genuine Christ, and not to a Jesus of our own making. Scripture and history help to anchor us and to give perspective.