Saying NO Does Not Make It So
911 was a terrible moment in American history. Thousands of Americans died at the hands of terrorists. One particular fire department in New York City lost seven firemen. The community responded by naming a street “Seven in Heaven.”
Atheists are aghast. The very idea of putting the name “heaven” on a street sign has left them apoplectic. How dare anyone use government money to name a street “heaven?”
Atheists say they have decided there is no heaven or hell. Therefore, it is inappropriate for government to spend money naming a street suggesting there is a heaven. They fail miserably at science. They have no facts to prove there is no hell. To be their own gods they decide there is no hell. Very unsystematic thinking.
Oh, Please. Couldn’t faith poor atheists humor us a little? Must they be so intransigent? By what authority or knowledge have they declared heaven non-existent? Have they traveled the universe? Have they died and gone to all the places not known to man? They cannot even be sure that there are no purple polka-dotted swans on Neptune. How can they be so sure there is no heaven?
To know love, kindness, gentleness, the touch of a mother, the forgiveness of a father, the beauty of a flower, the romance of a godly wedding, the symphonic music of a maestro, and to see the dawning of a Spring….Oh, to live in fullness of life, serving others, lending a helping hand, saying prayers in faith…and then to die an atheist’s death and there be nothing…that is a HELLISH idea. From beauty to nothing. From love to dust! UGH! Ugly!
If atheists are so bright why would they fret if we weaker minds and poor souls (in their opinion) believe in after-life, Jesus, and heaven? What hide does it take off the back of an atheist for other people to believe in heaven?
So, the atheists are thinking about a lawsuit. My, MY! Next thing you know they will be suing Disney World for being fantasyland! Then they will sue to make sure that no street is named Cinderella, because there never was a Cinderella. And then it will be time to remove all fairy tale books from the library---beginning with Robin Hood! Time to sue Hollywood for perpetuating myths with millions of movies!
Fools! The Bible calls them fools. "The fool hath said, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works” (Psalms 14:1). Born not of themselves. Having no power to create their own being. Having no ability to nurse themselves in the moment of birth. Dependent upon others for life. Dependent upon God for oxygen. Not able to make grass or water. No power to stop death. No knowledge of what happens after death. And, with an infinite number of life questions unanswered. Yet, they say “NO GOD,” and “NO HEAVEN.” Is faith not easier and more sensible?
I have no argument with these poor souls who are not likely to ever read this letter to you. I have met and talked with many atheists, none of whom I judged to have an I.Q. high enough to think logically, be philosophical, admit faith, and look at creation as being bigger than themselves. I have met no atheist and felt intimidated. I have met no atheist for whom I did not feel sorrow and fear for his/her soul in eternity of an eternal God.
My question to you: If an atheist followed you around for a few days or weeks would the atheist be persuaded that you are living your life as if there is a heaven? Would an atheist be convinced that you really do believe there is a God?
The question finally is not about what unbelievers believe. The devil believes and trembles at the Name of Jesus. The real question is whether our faith is anchored in the Blessed Hope. Do we know Jesus in the power of His Resurrection? Are we living in expectation of His return?
Let the atheists fuss all they want to. But one day Jesus will return. We will go to heaven with HIM!
Be steadfast. Do not waver. And in your moments of humor feel sorrow for atheists who will be on earth during the Millennial Reign of Jesus when “Holiness” will be printed on farming tools and frying pans---and man's Supreme Court will yield to the Supreme God...as Jesus sits upon the throne and rules the earth for 1,000 years!
Above all remember that when God speaks, His Word is true and eternal. When man speaks it may or may not be true. When God speaks you can count on it.
Pastor Bare