It’s Sunday again. Welcome to Atheist Church

Man was created to worship God, but in his ignorance he worships nature, movie stars, makes idols out of musicians and adores them. He falls in homage before the golden calf of Wall Street, and yet none of these things are worthy of the honor due to the Creator. With that thought in mind, look at and listen to this wonderful clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3b1iwLIMmRQ&feature=channel

Today’s Sermon is once again taken from Luke chapter 2:

"Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spoke unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart" (Luke 2:41-51)

This biblical incident is a favorite of atheists, as they try to find fault with Jesus. The accusation is that Jesus dishonored His parents by staying behind in Jerusalem, when He was travelling back to Nazareth. Therefore He was in violation of the 5th Commandment. Of course, the charge is completely unfounded.

Like Pilate they end up saying "I find no fault in the Man," and so they wash their hands of Him thinking that will be the end of Him. But no one can find fault with Jesus of Nazareth, because He was the blameless Lamb of God. Skeptics have tried, but they might as well throw mud at the heavens. Nothing sticks. Any dirt thrown at Him comes back on the sinful skeptic. He was perfect, without sin--in thought, word or in deed.

We are told that His mother and Joseph "supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance." It was Mary and Joseph who were at fault. Not Jesus. They “supposed” that He was with them when He wasn’t.

The world is filled with people who, like Mary and Joseph, suppose that God is with them. To them He is nothing but a divine butler, who is supposed to come running when they want something to be done. Such is the trail that often leads to atheism.

The soil of history is stained in the blood that tyrants have shed, because they supposed that their holy war had divine favor. But Abraham Lincoln once rightly said, "Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right."

The idolater supposes that God changes to whatever he imagines Him to be. Such is the delusion of idolatry. The atheist also has presuppositions. He supposes that there is no evidence that God exists. He can’t see the forest for the trees, and yet the trees themselves are evidence for a Creator. Atheism trumps delusional idolatry.

Mary and Joseph had the supposition that Jesus was with them. But they were wrong. Let’s not make the same mistake.

Collection: This service is without charge.

Announcements: If you are an atheist and you are having financial difficulties, please email BNA@livingwaters.com

Benediction: May this coming week be free of suppositions when it comes to God. Make sure you are on His side.