Why One Famous Atheist Denied God (and Other Musings)
Why One Famous Atheist Denied God (and Other Musings)
Dear Church Family,
When asked why he so strongly rejected Christianity, famed atheist philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche replied, “I never saw the members of my father’s church enjoying themselves.”
Nietzsche could never have said such a thing about Northpoint. I am so glad to be a part of a believing community where joy is overflowing. And infectious. Sure, we have ups and downs (such is the journey of sanctification), and we experience suffering (the kind that is inevitable on this sin-cursed ball of dirt), but even in the middle of it, our joy in Christ is unmistakable.
As you know, this Sunday is Mother’s Day. And I’ve been recently promoting a new sermon series on Hosea (Undeserved Love), which I had planned to begin this week. However, as I dove into my studies and was reminded of some of the words and themes of the first few chapters of this rich oracle (i.e., prostitution, infidelity, “whoredom”, etc.), and given that this Sunday is a Family Sunday, I decided to postpone the launch of that series by one week. Instead, this week we’ll be in 1 Samuel chapter 1 (vv. 1-23) for a look at what it means to live expectantly, through the example of Hannah. We will also have 11 child dedications AND a call to worship in both services by our own Rejoice! Children’s Choir.
Finally, I want to thank you again for your comments and questions concerning our last sermon series, God & Sex: The Divine Purpose Behind Human Sexuality. I had no idea it would be so well-received or that God would use it the way He did. I am grateful. My goal, of course, was not to end the discussion but to jump-start the dialogue. With that in mind, some of you have asked me for additional resources about sexual ethics. Below are a few outstanding books that address this controversial subject matter from a faithful biblical perspective. May God give you much wisdom and grace as you continue to seek His face and show His love to a lost and hurting world.
See you Sunday,
Pastor John
What is the Meaning of Sex, by Denny Burk. Thoroughly readable, yet scholarly treatment of human sexuality from a biblical lens. Outstanding book.
Love Into Light: The Gospel, the Homosexual and the Church, by Peter Hubbard. One of the most compassionate and courageous Christian discussions on homosexuality available.
Is God Anti-Gay? by Sam Allberry. Brief, concise, yet answers many vexing questions in an faithful and winsome way.
True Sexual Morality: Recovering Biblical Standards for a Culture in Crisis, by Daniel Heimbach. A broad look including expansive research and cultural exegesis; a valuable resource.
Washed and Waiting, by Wesley Hill. A terrific personal story of a young man devoted to sexual purity while struggling with same-sex attraction. You may not agree with everything, but you will be deeply challenged and encouraged.
What Does the Bible Really Teach About Homosexuality, by Kevin DeYoung. Full disclosure: I’m still working my way through this one (it was just published a few weeks ago), but I have yet to read a book by DeYoung that wasn’t insightful and helpful.
Homosexuality: Contemporary Claims Examined in Light of the Bible and Other Ancient Literature and Law, by James DeYoung (not related to Kevin, above). Purchase only if you plan on teaching on this subject, or if you have trouble sleeping at night. Insightful but dry.