Welcome once again to Atheist church.

Thanks for being here.

Today’s sermon is from Luke 3:

"And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answered and said to them, He that has two coats, let him impart to him that has none; and he that has meat, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said to him, Master, what shall we do? And he said to them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages" (Luke 3: 9-14).

How different John’s sermon is from the modern cheese-smile, three-piece-suited preacher whose message is, "God can make you rich and happy." John wore camel’s hair, lived in a desert, and his message wasn’t one of life-improvement. He instead told his hearers that God’s justice was as ready to fall on them, as an axe that is sitting at the roots of a tree is ready to cut it down. God’s justice is swift, permanent, and is to be feared because Hell is a very real place. Yet multitudes went out to the desert to hear him, and they listened as he told them that they should have evidence that their trust was in God.

The crowds didn't argue with him about whether or not God existed. They intuitively knew that, because of the incredible design of nature, as does every human being. They didn't argue about the age of the earth or the origins of mankind, because these were (and are) peripheral issues. What matters is that all of us are sinners who have violated the Law of God and are therefore under His wrath, and the question we should be asking is "What shall we do then?"

The answer is the same that John gave. Repent and trust in Jesus Christ, and then bring forth fruit that is evidence that you are genuine in your repentance. This was the same message that Jesus was to give some time later, in the famous Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5-7). It was in essence--love God and love people. Don't rip off your neighbor. Instead, show him kindness, and if he needs a coat give him one of yours. If he asks you to walk one mile, walk two.

The genuine Christian lives this way not to earn Heaven. That would be a horrible attempt to bribe God. Instead, he has this fruit as evidence that he already has the gift of everlasting life, and his motivation isn’t one of bribery or guilt, but one of love for God and appreciation for the free gift of salvation.

Collection. This is free.

Announcements: Next week’s blog will be dealing with (among other things) the question/objection "Christianity is unfair, because it gives Hitler a free ticket to Heaven."

Benediction: May you this week understand the importance of the priority of eternal your salvation.