I like to think I’m in control. I like to call the shots. When I lose control, I feel powerless and even afraid. Therefore, depending on others is not what I want—and that includes God. But my picture of the freedom of autonomy is an illusion.

Have you ever heard someone described why they stopped believing in God? Could you hear their failed expectations? Wouldn’t we do well to evaluate our expectations of God as much as we evaluate God’s failure to meet them? What should we expect?

Tell me about the god you don’t believe in. Perhaps I don’t believe in that god either. All of us don’t believe in some gods. Therefore, all of us are atheists in some way. Maybe we need to discuss the unknown god and we’ll find ourselves connecting much better.

Should we really believe something because the Bible told us so? Before the writings of the Old and New Testaments were combined into what we call the Bible, conversations about Jesus centered on an event—not a book. What is the basis of our faith?

Most atheists didn’t choose their outlook on life because atheism is more appealing than theism. Most atheists began their journey to their belief in “no god” because of a dissatisfaction with religion.

We do not need psychology’s input (helpful as it is) to know that thankfulness is a preferred mindset. Gratitude trumps the power of positive thinking. After all, we are blessed by a bird in hand and by two in the bush! This attitude depends on how you count your blessings, but when you give thanks FOR (not IN?) everything, you can count anything!

We cannot stay where we are. Try as we might, God’s will for our future points away from where we are. Want to fast forward to what God has in store? Let’s talk about your future.

Who is your who? Who are you who to? Do you know your who and that you’re one, too? Dr. Seuss has nothing to do with this weekend’s message, but you do!

What is worship? What you say and what I say will probably not match, but I think you’ll agree with me when you hear what I have to say. So don’t miss worship on this day! Ok?

Want to know a very powerful response to hard questions you cannot answer? “I don’t know.” These words are the perfect response when you don’t know. They are authentic and humble. These words show we’re in process, like everyone else. And these words let us speak of Jesus.