Something for Atheists on Sunday...

"And the disciples of John showed him of all these things. And John calling to him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Are you he that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come to him, they said, John Baptist has sent us to you, saying, Are you he that should come? or look we for another? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and to many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said to them, Go your way, and tell John what things you have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me" (Luke 7:18-23).


Does the name of Jesus offend you? Do you honor Him or do you treat Him with contempt? Or do you dishonor Him by using it as a cuss word? Have you ever done that with Ghandi, Buddha, Mother Theresa or Hitler? Why is it only done with the name of Jesus? Why does Hollywood use the name of Jesus Christ as blasphemy in its movies? It’s because they are offended by Him, and so are their patrons. It’s not only His name that offends, it's His teachings. The first time He opened His mouth in a pulpit His hearers tried to murder Him, and they did it because His words were with power. They still are. They produce guilt in the guilty. I remember the uncomfortable feeling the name of Jesus had on me before I was a Christian. His name makes demons tremble.

Do you love Him? Did you know that if you don't love Him, you are under the curse of God? (see 1 Corinthians 16:22).Whether you love Him or treat Him with contempt, you will one day bow the knee to Him. Everyone will. You can either do it willingly in repentance, or in terror when He comes in wrath:

"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power..." (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

More than 800 years before He came to this earth, the Scriptures gave a sober warning: "Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him"(Psalm 2:12).