This episode delves into the concept of "practical atheism," exploring how individuals may believe in God, yet live as if He isn't truly in control. It examines the subtle ways this disconnect manifests, such as performing religious duties with ulterior motives, seeking personal gain instead of genuine devotion, and only turning to God in times of crisis. The discussion highlights how easily people can twist scripture to suit their desires, create a god in their own image, and hold inaccurate views of God, which is considered worse than outright atheism.

The conversation explores the roots of practical atheism, identifying a natural aversion to God stemming from a desire to be in control. However, it emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel, which reveals the depth of God's love and offers a solution to self-centeredness. The gospel empowers individuals to dethrone self and enthrone Christ as Lord, leading to a life characterized by humility, generosity, and a desire to honor God in all things.

The episode concludes with practical steps to combat practical atheism, such as meditating on God’s attributes through prayer and scripture study. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and of examining one's motives to ensure a genuine connection with God. Ultimately, the message is one of hope, encouraging listeners to embrace the challenge of surrendering to Christ and cultivating a heart that delights in God above all else.

This podcast episode explores the concept of practical atheism as presented in Stephen Charnock's work, delving into how individuals can live as if God does not exist, even while professing belief. It examines the dual nature of this issue: the tendency of humans to act as their own law, twisting scripture to suit their desires, and to seek their own happiness, making themselves the ultimate goal. This form of atheism is not an outright denial of God but a subtle shift in priorities away from Him. The episode unpacks how this can manifest in going through the motions of faith without genuine heart alignment with God’s will, and how seemingly good actions can be motivated by self-interest rather than a desire to glorify God.

The discussion differentiates between three types of self-love: natural, carnal, and gracious. While natural self-love is necessary and gracious self-love serves God's glory, carnal self-love is problematic, placing individual happiness above all, including God. This carnal self-love is evidenced by frequent self-applause, a preference for comfortable doctrines, and being more concerned with personal hurts than the dishonor to God. The episode highlights how people can make anything their end goal, like wealth or pleasure, instead of God, and how even good things like family and career can become idols when they become the source of ultimate meaning. It emphasizes that this self-centeredness leads to a dangerous path, making individuals rulers of their own kingdoms.

The episode further explores how this self-centeredness impacts relationships with God, others, and the world, including how individuals approach scripture. It examines how people tend to twist scripture to fit their own understanding, turning away from God when His will clashes with their own. The discussion uses examples such as the prophet Amos and the rich young man to illustrate these points. The episode discusses how ingratitude, insatiable desires, and responses to suffering reveal self-reliance. It emphasizes that true faith involves submitting to God’s will, even when it's difficult. This ultimately leads to the key idea that practical atheism is a form of idolatry, where something other than God is put at the center. The episode concludes by encouraging a constant surrender of self to God, pointing listeners toward true joy and fulfillment.

This podcast episode explores the concept of "practical atheism," as discussed in Steven Charnock's "The Existence and Attributes of God." It examines how individuals might intellectually believe in God, yet live as if He doesn't exist, resisting His authority in everyday life. The conversation delves into how people can manipulate scripture to fit their desires, twisting God's attributes, such as patience, to justify sin. It also considers whether God's patience is always a sign of love or if it can mask His anger at rebellion.

The episode highlights how our resistance to God stems from our discomfort with His holiness, righteousness, and truth, which expose our shortcomings. Instead, people tend to gravitate towards things that feed their pride and self-interest, resisting the self-denial that God's will requires. The discussion moves to how people give God half-hearted service, offering Him the leftovers of their time and energy. Additionally, it's noted that people often abandon God when their expectations aren't met, serving Him with a "what's in it for me" attitude. This leads to a consideration of how individuals seek validation from unreliable sources and ultimately try to make themselves the rule of God.

The podcast outlines nine specific ways practical atheism manifests, such as resisting God's law, disapproving of His ways, being impatient with His timing, envying others, and offering self-serving prayers. It also discusses how individuals interpret God's judgments through their own biases, add their own rules to worship, twist scripture, and abandon God when His will clashes with their own. The episode emphasizes that this practical atheism leads to frustration and separation from God, but also offers hope through repentance and embracing the gospel. The discussion encourages listeners to pursue Christlikeness by cultivating habits such as daily prayer and scripture reading and seeking community with other believers. The episode concludes with the message that through Christ, people can break free from sin and experience true freedom and joy.

What is "practical atheism," and how does it shape the way we live? In this episode, we dive into Stephen Charnock’s The Existence and Attributes of God, focusing on Chapter 2, Part 1, where he exposes the subtle danger of living as if God doesn’t exist—even for those who profess faith. Charnock describes practical atheism as a "leprosy of atheism" that infects all of humanity, believers and non-believers alike, by influencing how we view authority and purpose.

Charnock identifies two key aspects of practical atheism. First, “man as his own rule” explores how we resist God’s authority in our lives. This resistance manifests in neglecting spiritual disciplines, cherry-picking scripture, and, at times, outright hostility toward believers. The human desire for autonomy leads us to push back against God’s truth, seeking to make ourselves the ultimate judge of right and wrong. Second, “man as his own end” reveals how we prioritize personal happiness, wealth, relationships, or even good causes over God. By fixating on our own goals, we risk replacing God with idols and losing sight of our true purpose.

Yet, Charnock offers hope and practical remedies. Cultivating a deep reverence for God involves recognizing His sovereignty and holiness, while developing genuine love for Him inspires joyful obedience. These steps help us transition from a self-centered existence to a life of authentic faith and devotion.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation as we examine our own hearts and explore how to move from living for ourselves to living fully for God.

This episode delves into a discussion of Steven Charnock's arguments for the existence of God, drawn from his classic work "The Existence and Attributes of God". The conversation explores how Charnock shifts from addressing the denial of God to examining the evidence found in the world. The episode considers the world as a reflection of God, a mirror showing the divine image in every aspect of creation. The intricate design of the human body, the unique features of individuals, and the vast capacity of the human soul are presented as evidence of God's wisdom and power.

The discussion then turns to the role of conscience as an innate moral compass, highlighting the universal sense of right and wrong that points to a higher moral standard. It also explores the idea that our boundless desires for something more than earthly fulfillment suggest a yearning for God. The episode examines extraordinary occurrences like divine judgments, miracles, and fulfilled prophecies as external evidence of God's intervention and sovereignty. The cumulative weight of this evidence is presented as a compelling case for God's existence, challenging listeners to recognize the folly of denying God in the face of such overwhelming proof.

The implications of these arguments are explored, including how they deepen our appreciation for creation, strengthen our faith, and help us engage with those who doubt. The discussion encourages listeners to see the world through fresh eyes, recognizing God's handiwork in every detail and to not suppress their desires but use them as signposts to God. The episode ultimately invites listeners to recognize that God has revealed Himself both within us and in the world around us, urging a life of wonder, awe and a deeper understanding of God’s love.

This podcast episode explores Steven Charnock's arguments for the existence of God, drawing from his work "The Existence and Attributes of God". The discussion centers on the idea that creation itself reveals the presence of a creator. It examines how the natural world, from the grand scale of the heavens to the smallest details of nature, serves as a powerful testament to God's existence. The episode delves into how the world reflects the image of God, even in its brokenness.

The core of Charnock's argument is presented through four key pillars: production, harmony, preservation, and purpose. The discussion unpacks each of these concepts, showing how they point to a divine origin and ongoing involvement in the universe. It examines how the world's existence, its intricate balance, and its continued order suggest a creator, a designer, and a sustainer. The program also addresses counter arguments, such as the idea that natural laws alone explain the world. Charnock's reasoning suggests that even these laws imply a lawgiver. The episode also explores the idea that the universe is not a product of chance but is a deliberate act of creation.

The podcast episode emphasizes that the world's purpose and design is not accidental but is a reflection of God's will and intention. The purposeful nature of even the smallest creatures, like spiders and bees, is presented as evidence of God's design. Additionally, the episode highlights the human inclination to seek the divine and how the heavens, for example, inspire awe and wonder. The episode challenges listeners to see the world with fresh eyes and to recognize the fingerprints of God in every aspect of creation. It further encourages listeners to see the interconnectedness of all things, both in the physical and spiritual realms. The program concludes with a call to respond to the evidence of God's existence with love and gratitude, not just intellectual assent.

What does it truly mean to deny God? In this episode, we delve into Stephen Charnock’s timeless exploration of atheism in Chapter 1 of The Existence and Attributes of God. Charnock’s nuanced perspective reveals atheism not just as outright denial but as subtle forms of doubt, resistance, and selective belief that can affect anyone.

Drawing from Psalm 14:1, Charnock redefines the "fool" as not intellectually deficient but spiritually and morally resistant to God’s wisdom. He identifies three forms of atheism: the rare but complete rejection of God’s being (absolute atheism), denial of His providence, and a selective approach to His attributes. These insights challenge us to confront ways we may resist God’s truth in our own lives.

Charnock also dismantles common arguments against God’s existence, exposing the flaws in claims that faith is rooted in tradition, political control, or fear. Through this discussion, we uncover the human tendency to suppress God’s truth and live inconsistently with our beliefs.

Join us as we examine these profound ideas and reflect on how to move from spiritual folly to a deeper embrace of God’s wisdom and truth.

Step into 17th-century London and discover the life of Stephen Charnock, the brilliant theologian behind the timeless classic The Existence and Attributes of God. This episode paints a vivid picture of Charnock’s world, from his captivating sermons at historic Crosby Hall to the personal trials that shaped his profound theological insights.

Explore how Charnock overcame the devastating loss of his library in the Great Fire of London and masterfully synthesized complex philosophical ideas into accessible truths for all. Delve into his passion for defending the faith during a time of growing skepticism, using reason, evidence, and the beauty of God’s creation to inspire belief.

Join us as we uncover the legacy of a theologian who devoted his life to helping others know the character of God more deeply. This episode invites you to embark on your own journey of discovering the riches of God’s attributes and experiencing their transformative power today.

In the final chapter of Foxe's Book of Martyrs (Chapter 22), we explore the pioneering efforts of early American Christians in spreading the Gospel beyond their shores. This episode highlights the birth of American foreign missions, focusing on the courageous missionaries who risked their lives to bring the message of Christ to distant lands.

We’ll examine key figures like Adoniram Judson, the first American missionary to Burma, and their tireless efforts to establish the Christian faith in areas hostile to it. This chapter reveals the challenges and triumphs of those who responded to God's call, offering their lives for the sake of spreading the Gospel to unreached peoples.

Join us as we trace the roots of American missionary work, exploring the selfless sacrifices that laid the foundation for today’s global missions movement. Through these stories of bravery and faith, we’ll be reminded of the cost of following Christ's Great Commission and the profound impact of missions on the world stage.

In Chapter 21 of Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, we explore the harrowing story of the French Protestants in the South of France during the early 19th century, focusing on the brutal persecutions they faced in the years 1814 and 1820. This episode brings to light the religious and political tensions of the time, as Protestant communities faced violent opposition from both the Catholic majority and governmental forces.

Through personal accounts of suffering, including imprisonments, executions, and forced conversions, we’ll examine the resilience of the Huguenots who, despite enduring severe trials, refused to compromise their faith. The chapter offers a poignant reminder of the cost of religious freedom and the tenacity of believers who stand firm in the face of violent opposition.

Join us as we uncover the struggles of the French Protestants in this dark chapter of history, and reflect on the enduring lessons of perseverance, courage, and unwavering faith.