War On Christmas

Around this time of year, the war against all symbols of Christmas begins to heat up in schools, small towns, and big cities. This so-called "war" on Christmas is only symbolic of a far greater and more intensified war that is waged against the Christian faith in general and Christians in particular.

 Atheists have become more vocal and demonstrative lately in their communication of their view that God does not exist and belief in Him is foolishness. They want our modern culture to be void of all Christian symbols. To support their efforts, they are buying air time, billboards, and advertising on buses and taxis. In seeing all of this in the news, I am sure the thought struck you as it struck me: Why are they fighting so vehemently against someone who they believe does not exist?

 In fact, I read the other day that, there is a division between the traditional and modern atheists. The traditional atheists don't feel they have to be vocal in their opposition to God and Christians. They merely state their case when called upon. The modern atheists, however, are more "evangelistic" (if I may use this word without desecrating its true meaning). They want to force the issue and challenge the many atheists who are sitting in the church pews.

 One of my colleagues attended one of the "evangelistic" rallies of atheists in Atlanta, Georgia recently.  In their speeches they made no bones about the fact that their target audience consists of those people who are going through "the church thing", but deep down they don't believe in God. I'm sure when my colleague introduced himself, they thought that he was "Exhibit A." They don't know this particular colleague of mine, or why he was really there!

 What I'm going to say in the next couple of paragraphs may shock some of you and perhaps even disappoint others, but it really is the truth.

 I personally think that, it is a good thing for atheists to challenge the "practical atheists" in the church pews. In many ways, unwittingly, they are doing the work of a prophet (albeit a prophet of doom). Elijah of old challenged God's people to stop putting one foot in each camp. He said, "If Jehovah is God, then follow Him...if Baal is (god to you) then follow him."

 Dedicated and focused atheists, whether they know it or not, are helping to purge the Church of Jesus Christ. They are draining away the dross, leaving behind a purified church. Only when this happens, will we see the hand of God working in the church of today as He did in the book of Acts.

 We must never be fretful or worried about those who challenge our faith.

 Why?

Because:

 *         Our faith is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

 *         Our faith stands on historical evidence

 *         Our faith stands up to reason

 *         Our faith is anchored in the Creator Himself.

 *         Our faith will not be shaken because a few people decide to wage war with God.

 The atheists' war is like that of a mouse declaring war against a lion, or an ant against a mountain.

 Merry Christmas, and Maranatha