A few weeks ago I invited Trevor, my atheist friend to attend our worship services and share his experiences. What he shared was mind-blowing, eye opening, & enlightening. His words rocked the very core of my essence and caused me many sleepless nights.

Here’s what Trevor shared:

“Clarence, many Christians (including many of your members) are my first cousins.  I’m currently an Atheist and most Christians are Practical Atheists (1st Cousin).”  Trevor had my undivided attention and I ask him to explain his statement.  He went on to elaborate and share how most Christians he knows, know enough about God to keep them out of hell and enough to get them into heaven. However, many are unwilling to change the way they live.  “Clarence, where I come from, that’s called practical atheism.

At this point, I’m dazed, intrigued, and curious.

So, I ask Trevor, “do you mind sharing your definition of a practical atheist?” “Of course, a practical atheist is someone who believes in God but lives as if He does not exist.”

So, do you know any practical atheists?

FYI: At the Atheist Alliance International Convention, members we were asked to pick an atheist symbol from a select list. They chose this symbol – the new symbol of Atheism.

The Preacher & The Atheist

Trevor (not his actual name) says that he is “currently” an atheist.  However, he says “he is open to the possibility that he may learn something that will change his mind.”  Trevor and I currently work out together and he calls me the only “Christian” he likes.  “Why,” I ask?  His reply: “You walk the walk, you’re down to earth, you’re funny,  a cool person, and your goal is not to convert me, but to be friends with me.  That’s what I like about you.” For the record, Atheism is the view that God does not exist and it is not a new development.  Psalm 14:1, written by David in around 1000 B.C., mentions atheism: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Recent statistics show an increasing number of people becoming atheists, with up to 10% of people worldwide declaring themselves to be adherents of atheism. Trevor is an associate professor at the University of Chicago (whose workload includes classes on comparative religion, anthropology, and philosophy), a husband, and the father of three children.  He is also a poet and an author.  Trevor’s father is a retired professor who is also an atheist.  His mother is a classically trained violinist and a lifelong seeker of truth. Last week I asked Trevor to attend one of our worship services and he did (I’ll post what he said about attending Mars Hill – EYE OPENING).  In turn, he asked that I attend a lecture with him at the University (I’ll share my experience – EYE OPENING).  Of course, I agreed.  Before we agreed to attend each other’s events, we made an agreement:

We will do this only if we remain open minded with each other.  We both agreed.

Here’s what’s on my mind:

“What would you say to Trevor since he’s “open” to the possibility that he may learn something to change his mind?”

 

WELCOME!

Dynamic, Authentic, Life-changing… this is the sort of thing I'm striving for with our online Cyber small groups.

It is my prayer that it becomes a place to connect and
develop meaningful and lasting relationships. It's life-on-life
interaction that should serve to strengthen your relationship with God
and everyone else around you as well.

Furthermore, I envision "Cyber Groups" to be a connection point at the Mars Hill Baptist Church. It is my prayer that you will experience the merge of Shared Passion, Shared
Purpose and Shared Lives. 

Finally, It is our hope that everyone who comes to our online community will have the
opportunity to benefit from being a part of this experience.

LET'S GET STARTED!

<CLICK HERE> to review Sunday's message notes and download the discussion questions <HERE>.  After you review the questions, please post your comments for all to hear!

Let's begin the discussion…

I would like for you all to say hello to my guest blogger Chandra Ivy-Oliver.  Along with others, she took the challenge to offer practical steps to help others struggling with revenge.

Dr. David Hawkins, author of ‘Dealing With the Crazy Makers in Your Life’ says “People come in all shapes and sizes. I have no problem with that. However, when these people are in my life, and they are bona fide, dyed in the wool, Certifiable Crazy Makers, I’m no longer as friendly or hospitable.  Click here to read the how he deals with these people.    

Chandra’s Response to What if its family that keeps hurting you?

I believe in giving chances, not just a second chance, but chances. God had given us chance after chance when we hurt or do wrong, because I know he has done it for me. But I would start off by telling the person that is doing the hurt, how they act or react is hurting your relationship. The person doing the hurt will always blame it on you, not because it’s really your fault, but because you are the reasonable and considerate person trying to make thing right or easier.

Ex: It’s just like having a toddler with a tantrum, you keep giving in and he or she will keep acting out. Family can be the same way, there is that one person who keeps hurting you, but they only do it in public where they can front on you, then when your home or on the phone, they apologize and want forgiveness. And you accept the apology, because you want to be like Christ and forgive. If it keeps happening you need to talk to God, remain prayerful, calm, firm and clear. Reading your Bible while dealing with this hurt. Colossians 3: 8-25 helps you clearly understand.

Thanks Chandra, you hit the nail on the head!

 

I would like for you all to say hello to my guest blogger Falana Coleman-Zamora.  Along with others, she took the challenge to offer practical steps to help others struggling with revenge.

The Questions:

What if its family that keeps hurting you?
 
What should you do when your friends continue to “pull the scab” off a hurt that you have forgiven?

 
Falana’s Response:

“I believe in healthy confrontation. I thinks it’s perfectly appropriate to communicate to friends and loved ones that their behaviors are negatively impacting us. I have found that more times than not they have no idea that their behavior or repeated remarks about the past hurt others. (It’s amazing how self involved humans have managed to become.) If we openly communicate with one another I believe that true healing can begin for all parties involved.”

Nicely done Falana!

Pastor Stowers

Last Sunday she (and many others) took the challenge and decided join the team to help me
respond to over 25 text messages from the congregation. She hit the nail on the head and I could not have said it better myself.  I’m so proud to have members who step up and knock the ball out of the park.  She is the first of many who will be featured on this blog. 

Check outs Veronica’s response:

Regarding Revenge:

1.  What if its family that keeps hurting you?

The Bible says that through love and kindness have i drawn thee. We must show love especially to our love ones.  No matter how much they hurt us revenge is never the answer.  Jesus told his disciple after they ask him a question about forgiveness that they should forgive their brother 70 times 7 meaning as many times as it take in one day.  I remember a friend telling me about his brother treating him so bad he felt like hurting him but because he was a Christian he would always tell himself God would take care of this situation.  So he just kept praying for his brother that God would touch his heart and God did just that his and his brother got saved.

2.  How do you get rid of the evil that has taken over you?

Prayer is the key to this situation you have to believe that God can and will deliver you from your present evil.  A Christian brother of mine had an anger problem so bad that he always got upset over small things.  He told me that in his mind he wanted to get revenge on the people that upset him, but, in his spirit he knew it wasn’t right.  So he pray every time he felt the presence of evil in him and eventually God delivered him.

3.  What should you do when your friends continue to “pull the scab” off a hurt that you have forgiven?

Let your friends know that you have forgiven them and that God has forgiven you and that’s all that matters.  A friend and his wife were on the verge of a divorce and her friends told her “child you should take him for every dime he has because of the hurt that he had cause her and their family.”  My friend’s wife forgave him and they got back together, but, all her friends kept telling her she was crazy for taking him back and every chance they got they reminded her.  She told them that she had forgiving her husband and that’s all that matters!

Again, way to go Veronica – I’m proud of you!!!

Trust me, this series will go down in history as one of the most innovative and controversial series at Mars Hill.  What pastor do you know encourages their members to pull out their cell phones (DURING WORSHIP) and text their questions regarding the sermon.  Guess what, THEY RESPONDED!  The first person to respond had their question answered – LIVE!!!  Additionally, they responded so well that we were overwhelmed with questions that I'll post and answer here.  If you were not able to attend our services, you can view the outline here.