All three readings

Intro:  We live in a post-Christian society

I.  “Those who despise me” (Jer. 23:17)

  A.  Then and now some hate God

B.  Why?

i.  God inhibits their love for evil

ii. God’s presence keeps them from being God themselves

iii. Hatred for God is incarnate in their DNA

C.   “I had a dream, I had a dream”

D.   They never stood in my council

E.   God’s experience of rejection

II.  “Do you think that I came to bring peace on Earth?”

A.   Jesus’ love for His creation, especially for people

B.   Created in the image of God – two negatives

C.   Love rejected, creates a world divided

III.  Faith in a world hostile to God

A.   What God wants:  faith

B.   The demand for proof

i.  Origins:  Anything to keep God out

ii. Historical Jesus:  Anything to dismiss the Gospel

  C.   Proof is not faith.  God only can give the breakthrough

What can we do for those who hate God (at least for now)?

How can you defend the faith that you have been given in the face of popular hostility to God?