Here is a quick sermon excerpt from our series in Ephesians. This comes from Ephesians 2:12 as we discussed what the Ephesians were like before their conversion. They were “without God.” Sadly, many who claim to be Christians live the same way. Consider the following:
An Evangelical Atheist acknowledges God. Acknowledges the gospel. Acknowledges his or her need for salvation. But in daily life, there is no seeking God. God is not prayed to. Not seriously anyway. Maybe over a meal or something.
God is not cherished. He is not delighted in. Rather, the carnality of this world is what feeds the appetites of so many. God’s Word is not sought. It’s amazing, isn’t it, what access we have to the Bible today, but how little it is read and digested?
God is not really brought into daily decisions. I mean they may pray, “God please let my child get accepted into Med school” but they don’t actually seek the Lord in these matters, rather they only ask Him to bless what they plan to do anyway.
Stephen Charnock said, “Actions are a greater discovery of a principle than words. The testimony of works is louder and clearer than that of words; and the frame of men’s hearts must be measured rather by what they do than by what they say.” So, if someone says, “Yes I am a Christian.” Or, “Yes, I affirm that statement of faith or these facts about the gospel” but does not actually seek the Lord in their life, they are an evangelical atheist.
If you could see the hearts of many who profess to be Christians, I’m afraid what you would see are thoughts like, “I wish I didn’t have to pray. I wish I didn’t have to go to church. I wish I didn’t have to read my Bible. I wish I didn’t have to be generous. I wish I didn’t have to be holy.”
Again, Stephen Charnock said, “Many have the knowledge of God, who have no delight in Him or His Will.” They have come to think that Christianity is merely some things you affirm in your mind all the while the heart is left to worship the idols of this world. But that’s not Christianity. That’s atheism.