The Fool Says There Is No God Week 9

I will apologize for my voice. I'm getting over this cold, but that cough just doesn't want to go away. And so I'll be sucking on a cough drop. I apologize for that, but uh I got to do my best to keep the voice going. So Psalms chapter 14. Um as we introduce this psalm, there's a couple things I want to do want to mention with it. And that is first of all, it's there's it's identical to one other psalm in the Bible. Does anybody know where that psalm is? Uh you might have it as a cross reference or as a note in your Bible. Uh if you don't, you might want to write it in there because these two psalms are almost identical.

It's a little bit difference, but anybody know what Psalm number uh Psalms 14 is identical to? 53. Psalms 53. And so you're you have the same psalm. Um the main difference between the two psalms is verse number five in Psalms 53 adds judgment and leaves out uh verse 53 uh and leaves out Psalms 14:6. And so if you look at Psalms 146, you have shamed the council of the poor because the Lord is his refuge. If you look at Psalms chapter 53 um and verse number five, you can see the added verse there and that is uh there was there were there in great fear where no fear was for God has scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee thou has put them to shame because God had despised them.

And so there's a little bit of difference but pretty much they're the same Psalms. And so why did God repeat himself for the this whole psalm in the in in in the scriptures? Uh there's a few places, you know, like in the gospels, we have a lot of repetition because there uh different perspectives on it and there's a few other places you get some, you know, of course, quotes from other places in the Bible. But this is one of the few places where you have an exact duplicate uh of two different psalms there. Why? Why do you think that that he did that? Why do you think God repeated this psalm? Any thoughts on that?

Kind of think in your mind now with watching online, we can't do a lot of question answer like I'd like to do, but I want to get you thinking on that. Why do you think God repeated the Psalms? Psalm 14 and Psalms chapter 53. Um I repeat a lot of things because uh like especially with your kids, you know, like you say the same thing over and over again because they're not listening. And uh and so I've tried to repeat it to get them to you're not listening to what I'm saying. And that may be what it is. Uh we don't listen very well. Uh but the specifically this psalm I I think is because it is so important.

And as we look at it, we'll see that. So because he repeats it, it's it's good to pay extra attention to it because God said, "Let me say this again." and uh and and so I think that's the main reason why is there something that's important in this psalm that he wants us to understand. Now, where in the New Testament is Psalm 14 quoted? It It's always kind of good looking ahead. And so, like we told you, Psalms is one of the most quoted books in the Bible. And so, specifically, where in the New Testament is this is quoted in parts in other places, but the Psalm is quoted in in in New Testament? Again, you might look in your Bible, if you have a study Bible, you might have a cross reference there or you might have a note in your Bible to share that with you.

But it's Romans chapter 3 and:es 10-12. So turn over there if you would. Romans chapter 3 and:es 10-2. As is written, there's none righteous, know not one. There's none that understand. There's none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way. they're all together become unprofitable. There's none that doeth good, know not one. And um and so we see it quoted here in Romans chapter 3. Now it talks about specifically in verse number one, the fool has said his heart. We're going to look at that a little bit more later on. But what is the Bible definition of a fool? When the Bible talks about a fool, what what are we talking about?

Um, of course, the book of proverbs is the main place that the Bible talk you we hear uh fool repeated over and over again in the book of proverbs. And when I was studying proverbs, I wanted to understand well what is a fool? And there are three main terms that are used in pro four main terms are used in proverbs about people. We have the wise, the simple, the fools, and the scorners. So there's four different kinds of people. And so we want to understand a little bit about what a fool is. So let's look at proverbs. And the first thing number one there about a fool that we learn in Proverbs is that they're self-reliant and proud.

Self-reliant and proud. Look at Psalms chapter 28 and verse Proverbs, I'm sorry, chapter 28 26. Proverbs 28:26. He that trustth his own heart is a fool, but who so walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. So somebody that's self-reliant. Look at Psalms uh Proverbs 12 and verse number 15. Proverbs 12:15. The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, but he that hearken at the counsel is wise. So fool thinks he knows better than everybody else. And then Proverbs chapter 14 and verse number three, it says, "The mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise shall preserve them." And so the fool is self-reliant.

He's proud. Uh go over to 2 Corinthians chapter 12. 2 Corinthians chapter 12 and look at verse number 6. For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool. For I will say the truth the truth, but now I forbear lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be or that he heareth of me. And then verse number 11, I have become a fool in glorying you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended commended of you. For nothing I am I behind the very chiefest apostle though I be nothing. And so he's identifying a fool is somebody that is is proud of himself, self-reliant, thinks he's better than everybody else.

Number two, a a fool lacks wisdom although he may be educated. Maybe an educated fool. Uh look at Proverbs chapter 24 and verse number 7. Proverbs 24 verse number 7, wisdom is too high for a knowledge. He openeth not his b m mouth in the gate. And then Proverbs chapter 17 and verse number 16. Proverbs chapter 17 and verse number 16. It says wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom seen no heart to it. And and so a fool is is lacks wisdom although he may be an in an an educated fool. Those of you been around for a while have you seen me use that pyramid of learning. And uh and the pyramid learn there's four levels of learning.

And the first one is knowledge. And knowledge is facts and information. The more knowledge I have like with a pyramid. The broader the base, the higher that you can go with a pyramid. And and so the more knowledge you have, that gives you a good base to build in your learning on. And knowledge is facts and information. We learn facts and information from two sources. Either by experience or by being taught. Experience is the best teacher because when you touch the hot stove, you'll remember it's hot and because you get burnt. Uh but you can be told it's hot, not have to experience the pain. Uh but most people, we have to experience it to really learn it unfortunately.

But the best thing is to learn by being taught. And so knowledge and then the next level of learning is um excuse me level wisdom. And wisdom is the skill to use the knowledge that we have. The skill to use the knowledge that we have. And um I can know how something it works but not know how to work on it. For example, I could know how a car works but that doesn't mean I know how to work on the car. Now, you learn knowledge by being taught or experienced, but wisdom is learned by actual doing. And so, when I get my hands on the car and work on it, that's how I learn wisdom. It's skill. Uh wisdom is a skill to use the knowledge that I have.

A lot of people know things, but they don't know how to use it. Um I've known people that read every book on marriage and yet they've been divorced three times, you know. So, the knowledge alone is not enough. the need wisdom, the skill to use that knowledge. And um and so that's the that's the next level. And and the the the fool lacks wisdom, the skill to use the knowledge that he that he has uh has he's learned. Look at 1 Corinthians chapter 1. 1 Corinthians chapter 1 and verses 18- 26. 1 Corinthians 1:18, for the priest of the cross is them that perish foolishness. But unto us which are saved is the power of God.

For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and will bring to nothing the understand of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the dispute of this world? Hath God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God. It pleased uh God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, the Greeks seek after wisdom. But we preach Christ crucified on the Jews assembly block and of the Greeks foolishness. But on them which are called both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For to see your calling, brother, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many w mighty, not many noble are called. And so the the foolish person, he lacks wisdom, the godly wisdom. He has a lot of knowledge. He may have a lot of knowledge, but he doesn't have wisdom. And then he he rejects godly instruction. Turn over to Proverbs chapter 1. Proverbs chapter 1. Proverbs chapter 1 verse number 7. The fear of the Lord is beginning knowledge, but fools w despise wisdom and instruction. And then in verse number 22, how long you simple ones will you love simplicity.

The scorners delight in their scorners in their scorning and fools hate knowledge. And so again, you know, you when you the the fool lacks that godly instruction and instruction is the the ability to use that wisdom. is the discipline uh to use the wisdom that we have and a lot of us we lack discipline in our lives and uh and and that's what what we have to gain at next level as is a lot of people know a lot they know the facts and information they know how to do it but they just don't have the discipline to it I I can know what is a good diet and I can know how to create and make good food but that doesn't mean I have the discipline to eat what I should eat or I have the discipline to exercise the way I should exercise.

And that's what the fool lacks that uh discipline and the discipline from God especially. And then a fool is deceived by his own folly. Turn to Proverbs chapter 14 and verse number eight. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his ways, but the folly of the fools is deceit. And so, uh, he he's he's he doesn't he's deceived by his own folly. uh he thinks he's got it all figured out and he doesn't. Look at verse 24. The crown of the wise is the richest, but the foolish is a fool is folly. And then Proverbs chapter 15 and verse number 21. Proverbs 15 and verse number 21. Folly is joy to him that is destitute wisdom, but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

And and so he does just does foolish things. He just thinks he can do what he wants to do. And that's a fool. And then finally, number five, the fool doesn't listen and doesn't change. Uh, Proverbs chapter 27 and verse number 22. Though thou should spray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestl pestl, yet will not his foolishness depart from him. And then Proverbs chapter 26 and verse number 11, as a dog return to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. And then also verse number 17. Verse number 17, he that passes by and meddleth with stripe belonged not to him is like one that taketh the dog by the ears.

It just a fool does not want to listen, does not want to change. And so we have these four different people that are finding the Bible. You have the wise and the wise is somebody that has learned to learn knowledge and learned how to use that knowledge and uh and and is wise in God. You have the simple and the simple person the word simple means open and a simple person is open to whatever influences in their life. So the simple person if they're around wise people they'll act wise. If they're around foolish people they'll act foolish. And then you have the fool which is the one that thinks he knows better than everybody else and does what he wants to do.

And we've looked at a little bit. There's a lot more we can define the fool as. And then you have finally the scorner. And um so we want to understand difference school fool and scorner. And so again the wise person they want to do what's right. They want to do the right thing. They listen to God. They're trying to learn how to live the right way. That's the wise person. The simple person is still not made that choice. whether I'm going to be wise or fool and it's easily influenced by the group or what they what they what they allow into their life. But the scorner uh the the fool and the scorner there's difference between them.

Look at Proverbs chapter 9. Proverbs chapter 9 and verses 7 and 8. Proverbs 97 and 8. He that reproveth a scorner giveth to himself shame and he that rebuketh a wicked man giveth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorer, lest he hate thee. Rebuke a wise man and he will love thee. Um, chapter 14 and verse number six. Chapter 14 and verse number six. A scorner seeketh wisdom and findth not, but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. And then chapter 15 and verse number 12, a scorner loveth not one that reproveth him, neither will he go onto the wise. And then chapter, we could go on there, but we're going to stop.

Um, but here's the thing with a fool. They don't listen. They don't want to change, but there's still hope for a fool. They can be changed. They can become wise. Uh, it's hard and it's a battle. If you've got a foolish child, that's a battle you're going to have. Uh, but they can change. But this corner, they will not change. they're they're already past the line, so to speak. And there's no hope for a scorner. Um there's hope for a fool, but there's no hope for a scorner. And and the only reason you rebuke a scorner is so that the foolish will listen and maybe pay attention, especially the simple will listen.

And and so we we're talking about when in Psalms chapter 14, we're talking about the fool. That's a little bit of definition of of what we're talking about. So back to Psalm chapter 14. One other thing in the introduction here that's important to understand is in Psalms chapter 14 is as a fool has said in his heart there is no God. And if you have the King James Bible you'll see that the words there is are in italics. So it's one of the things I do love about the King James Bible is that when they translated the Bible they would try to be very accurate word for word in their translation which if you've ever done two different languages is not easy.

Sometimes you got to take one word in one language and divide it with two or more words the other language or vice versa and uh and there's a lot of words you could choose and all and so there's always going to be different words that you use. But one of the things that they tried to do as translators is this not working. Okay, I think it's on. Okay, we're back up here though. But when when they translate the Bible, what they try to do is is give you as the reader what God said. And so in in in you'll find places in the Bible where the words are in italics. And what they're telling you is we added those words because we felt it would help you understand what was being said here, but those words are not in the original.

And so they put italics so that you can understand you can read the verse both ways and be true to the original language. So you can read this verse as the fool has said in his heart there is no god or you could read it as the fool has said in his heart no god and so read both ways and we're going to look at that a little bit more later on here but that's important for understand in this introduction to psalms chapter 14. So when we look at verse number one it talks about the fool said said in his heart there is no god and we would call that person an atheist. An atheist is somebody that said, "I do not believe there is a God."

And uh and and so why does an atheist say there is no God? Now, when I when I'm talking to somebody, I remember years ago, we had a lady that came to church and she was saved. She was a Christian, but she was married to a man that was an atheist and um she came to church and he came with her and because she wanted him to come with her. He was he was a a a man of character and he came with her and he don't even believe in God. So I followed up and visited him their home and he told me right away when I visited him he said well I'm an atheist and and I looked at him and said no you're not. He said yes I am.

I said no you're not. He said yes I am. And he started getting upset with me when I say no you're not. And I said I said the reason he said why do you say I'm not an atheist? Because I said you're too smart for that. And he said what do you mean? He says, "Well, an atheist says that there is no God." And to say that definitively, you have to know that for sure. And nobody can know there is no God. What if you haven't been where God is? What if you have never, you know, you you can't say there is no God? And so, anybody that's intelligent is not going to be an atheist. He's going to be an agnostic.

He looked at me for a minute. He said, "Well, I'm an agnostic." And uh he ended up getting saved and became a Christian. And that was a real blessing to see that. But uh you had to get him from that point of just saying there is no God. So an atheist says that there is no God. And why does he say that? Look at Psalms chapter 14 and verse number two. Uh Psalms chapter 14 and verse number two. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see there any that didn't did understand and seek God. The reason that atheist doesn't believe in God is because he's not looking for God. He's not seeking God.

In Romans chapter 3 and verse number 11, Romans chapter 3 and verse 11. The Bible says there is none that understand. There's none that seeketh after God. So the first first problem for the atheist is he's not looking for God. He's not seeking after God. And so he's not going to find it. I'm not going to find what I don't look for. I remember my kids sometimes I tell them, "Well, go go go in the garage and get this." They come back and say, "I couldn't find it." And I'd go down in the garage and I'd find it. What was the problem? They didn't want to look. Uh they weren't looking for it. And and the atheist is not looking for God.

And then secondly, he is not seeing God. Look at Romans chapter 1. Romans chapter 1 and verse number 21. Romans 1 and verse 21. Because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain their imagination, their foolish heart was darkened. And then verse 25, who changed the truth of God into a lie and worship deserve the creature more than the creator who's blessed forever. Amen. He's not only not seeking God, but what he sees right in front of the evidence of God, he he says he just doesn't see it. You know, you look at creation, and how can you not see a creator?

He looks at at at the world around him. How can you not see God in all of that? And and so he's not seeing God. And to do that, first of all, again in Romans uh chapter 1 19, he must deny first of all his conscience. In Romans 1:19, because that which may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has showed it onto them. And so they have this God consciousness within them and they've got to deny it. And that's why many atheists are so militant because what they're fighting against is that God awareness. And you know, you think an atheist say, "Well, there's no God." And and and you can believe what you want to believe.

I believe what I want to be. But most atheists are not that way. They're militant about it because they're so opposed to God. They're fighting that God consciousness within them. And then he must not only deny that consciousness of God but he must deny God's creation. Chapter 1 verse 20 it says for the invisible things of him of from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understanded by the understood by the things that are made even as eternal power and godhead. So they're without excuse. They see this and and they deny the very creation. They see, you know, if I held up an iPhone and said this was just happened by chance, nobody would even think that was true.

But yet they look at the creation around us and say this was by chance. They deny creation. Psalms chapter 19 and verse number 1-6. It says that the heavens declare the glory of God and the h and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day out of speech and night and night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language with their voices not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth and their words the end of the world. In them he hath he set a tabernacle for the sun which is as a bridegroom coming not out of his chamber and rejoices as a strong man to run a race. Um his going forth from the end of the heaven is circuit on the ends of it and there's nothing hid from the heart thereof.

So there's just clear in creation but the atheist has to deny that. And then thirdly, he must deny Christ. Verse number Romans 1:21 because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God knew but were thankful for him because they became vain in their imaginations or foolish heart was darkened. They have to deny the very Christ that came to save them. Look at Luke chapter 16. Luke 16:29-31. Abraham saith unto them, they have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them. And he said, "Nay, Father Abram, and if the one went unto them um from the dead, they will repent." He said unto them, "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."

So, they don't want to hear the word of God. They don't they don't want to hear what the Bible says. Most atheists don't even want to, you know, they don't want to hear the Bible. They don't want you quoting the Bible to them because they've denied that. they've denied the very Christ, the very word of God and uh and and doing that. So in Psalms chapter chapter 14, what what he's doing here in this chapter is he's defining that this this atheist for us to understand that. And so for you and I, this chapter is important for us to understand an atheist. When you deal with somebody's an atheist, you're not going to debate them into believing.

you, you know, uh, you see these debates between creationist, evolutionists, and and they have their place. I'm not saying they're bad, but in most cases, first of all, debates are not about who's right. They're about who's more articulate. They're about the better debater in many cases. And um, we have to be careful of that. But you're not going to sit down debate somebody into believing in God. Now, sometimes we have to sit down and answer their questions. with this atheist man. Um, he had some legitimate questions and I I tried to answer those. He said, "What about, you know, evolution?" And I tried to answer some of that and point him to some things on that.

And there was other questions that he had that were genuine questions, but I knew I was going to argue him into believing in God. I did need to deal with some of his prejudices and some of the things that he misunderstood in the Bible and been taught wrong. But overall, you're not going to debate him into believing uh uh because he's not believing. Look at Hebrews chap 11 and verse number number six. Hebrews 11:6. But without faith is impossible to please him. For he that cometh to God must believe that he is and is rewarded of them that diligently seek him. The problem is the atheist is not seeking after God.

And and and so we have to understand that we're not going to debate them into their belief. Look at Luke chap 22 and verse number 6. Luke chap 22 and verse number six. And he promised and sought opportunity to betray him. Uh let's see. Did I get the right reference here? Let me find my place again. Luke 22:6. That's not the right reference. Yeah, I got I'll have to check that reference. I apologize for that. But the point is is is when you're dealing with somebody that's an atheist, when you're deal somebody doesn't believe in God. Now, many of them there are militant aids, they're not only fools, but they're squatterers and and you're not going to change them.

But there are some atheists that are just fools. Or there's even some that are simple that have just been around this so much. Taught it in school, seen it on TV and the internet, heard over and over again. evolution, evolution, evolution and and humanism and all the rest of it that they just don't understand. We had another guy that was uh came to church again with his wife. One of the things I really respected and one of the reasons I believe there was hope for these two guys, these guys was that uh they came to church with their wife even though they didn't believe they they respected their wife that the character said, "If this is important to you, I'll come with you."

and he came to church and he told me right out I don't believe in God and uh we began talking and and I began sharing scriptures with him and and praying for him and uh one Sunday morning I think it was Easter Sunday in fact uh we sang a song uh about about the God I forget what the which song it was I wish I could remember but we say he said sitting there listening to that song I just realized there is a God and and and he got saved and and it wasn't because I debated paid him to. I answered genuine questions. I challenged him to think and and and challenged him like I did the other guy. I said, "Well, you're too smart for that."

And and challenged him with that. But I wasn't going to debate him into believing. And so, it's important for you to understand that when you approach somebody who says there is no God and um and doing that. So the results of denying God, Psalms 14:1, the fool has said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt. They have done abominal works. There's none to do with good. This is why we're seeing what's happening in the world today in America today is is is we're becoming so bad. You look and say, "Well, how could we get that bad?" Because we've denied God. And when you deny God, you're just going to get worse and worse.

Look at Romans chapter 1 again. Romans chapter 1 and um verse number 22. Romans 1 and verse number 22 says professing themselves be wise they became fools. In verse 24, wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lust of their own hearts and to dishonor their own bodies between themselves, who changed the truth of God into a lie and worships a creature more than the creator who is blessed forever. Amen. And it goes on down there and talks about the vile affections and and leaving the natural use of the woman and just the the wickedness that we see is a direct result of evolution and humanism teaching.

is a direct result of denying God. And uh we're going to see that more and more in the world as the world rejects God. Now, here's the question I have for you. Are atheists the only ones who do not believe in God? Can a Christian be the fool that said in his heart there is no God? I I believe it can happen. Not that we deny we believe in God, but we live like there is no God. our lives are denying the fact of God. And and so we as Christians can also be that same kind of fool that denies God in in our lives and we live as if there is no God and we we live saying no to God. Okay. So the atheist first of all says no God.

There is no God. But the agnostic number two there is someone that says can you know God? Can you know God? K N O W. Uh Psalms chapter 14 verse number two. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children to see if there were any that did understand and seek God. So the agnostic says, "I don't know if there's a God or not, and really I don't care." And so they're they're they're just denying that you can know God. And that's at least the more intelligent person. He just say, "I can't say there is no God, but I I don't know that there is one." and um and and and and so they deny God from that perspective.

So go to Psalms chapter 8 and verse number four. It says, "What is man that thou are mindful of him and the son of man that thou visits him?" So God wants to know man. But does man want to know God? God sought us while we are sinners. Romans 5'8. that God commendeth or showed his love towards us in that while we yet as sinners Christ died for us. So he sought us out when we were not seeking him and God is patiently waiting for us. Look at second Peter chapter 3. Second Peter chapter 3 and verse number nine. 2 Peter 3:9, "The Lord's not slack concerning his promises among can't men count slackness, but his long-suffering, dustward, not willing that any should perish, but that perish, but all should come repentance."

So God says, "I I want I'm looking for you. I'm waiting for you. I want you to come." And but the problem is man will not come to God. Look at Matthew chapter 21 and um I'm sorry chapter 23. Chapter 23 of Matthew and verse number 37. Matthew 23:37. Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that klest the prophets and uh stonest them which are sent unto thee. How often would I gather thy children together, even as a hen gathers chickens under her wings, and you would not? And so, the reason I'm pointing this out is as you deal with people, you're going to have some that are atheists. And some of those atheists are not only fools, but they're scorners.

They've already crossed the line. There's really no hope for them. That that God's turned them over to a reprobate mind is basically there's there's no hope for them. And you have to understand that you're not going to debate them into believing. You're not going to argue into believing. They're not going to change their mind. Don't bother me with facts. I've already made up my mind. But then you have some atheists that are fools or even simple. They're not atheists by conviction. They're atheists by all they've been taught. They're atheists because everybody's told them there is no God because they've been taught that in school or wherever else it might be.

And so you have to kind of identify that where are they at on that skill. And so often we give up. We give up on people because they're they rejected God, but they're not. We don't know when that person becomes a scorner. We don't know when there's no hope for them. But we also know that I'm not going to debate them into believing. And those people, those atheists that have gotten saved, and those aren't the only two. We got a man in the church right now that was an atheist. Is he now coming to the church, got saved and coming regularly? It it happens over and over again. But it doesn't happen because we've debated them to believing.

It's happened because number one praying for them. Number two is challenging them to think and number three is also to um to be patient in your in your teaching on them and just helping them to come to that understanding. And so we have that responsibility. Now with the agnostic, it's a little bit easier. And generally the agnostic is not going to be in the scorner category as much. Um and but and they're generally easier to deal with, but they're still have a skepticism that we have to overcome. And and and by the way, faith come by hearing, hearing by the word of God. With both the atheist and agnostic, even though they don't believe in the Bible, quote the Bible.

Go back to the word of God. I can point a gun at you. Whether you believe it's loaded or not, doesn't matter when I pull the trigger. because if it's loaded, it's got the power and the word of God is the power of God onto salvation. And so don't be afraid to quote him scriptures. Don't be afraid to take them to the word of God and uh in doing that. So um the agnostic letter B is why don't men know God? Look at Psalms chapter 14 again and look at verse number two. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any that did understand and seek God. So again, they're not seeking after God.

Jeremiah 29:13, you shall seek me and find me when you shall search me with all your heart. And so that's the thing I always try to challenge the atheist, the agnostic with is, you know, have you read the Bible? Have you have you searched this out? Have you looked at creation? you know and and try to challenge him to look at these things to seek out God. And so we want to challenge them to seek. So we do not the reason we don't find God is because we don't search the scriptures. John 5:39 Jesus said, "Search the scriptures for in them you think you have eternal life and they are they which testify of me."

And so again, don't be afraid to go take them back to the word of God. with the atheist, with the agnostic, one of the things I always try to do is give the gospel because they need to hear it and that's what's going to change them. And and so going back to the scriptures, going back to the word of God and and they don't the problem is we don't come to God in faith. Again, he's rewarded them that seek him by faith. We need to seek out God and and sometimes that has to go beyond the facts. Again, I can debate him. I can present all the facts about creation. I can present all the facts about God and why I believe in him.

But in the end, there is a step of faith. You know, now you I challenge them. You have to have just as much if more not more faith to believe in evolution than you do in creation. And I challenge them with that. You know, I'd rather believe in the beginning with God rather than beginning dirt, you know, and explosion. And and you want to challenge them. But again, it comes down to faith. And there is a point where you can't debate them until you got to you got to help them to see there's a step of faith they have to take. And then um as Christians, we act like agnostics. We can sometimes live like there is no God or we can act like we really don't believe in God.

It's amazing me how many Christians you'll present the scriptures and they'll say, "Yeah, that doesn't work for me." It's like we don't believe in God. We we we don't believe it's going to work and we we're agnostic Christians is what we are. And then number three is no God. The fool has said in his heart, no God. That's a fool. It says no to God. Um and that's what I call an antagonist, antagonist. Uh Psalms 14:es 3 and 4. They are all gone aside. They are all to together become filthy. There's none that doeth good, know not one. Have all the workers iniquity, no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat the bread and call not upon the Lord.

You know that the there are people that just say no to God. And and that's what a lot of us as Christians do as well is we say no to God. So what happens when a man says no to God? Go over to first John chapter 5. 1 John chapter 5. And verse number 10, he that believeth on the son of God hath the witness himself. He that believeth not God has made him a liar because he believeth not the record that God gave his son. Saying no to God is be like walking up to Tupu and and saying no, you know, poking him in the chest. You know, you don't want to take a big guy and say no, you're a liar. You know, call him a liar.

But when we say no to God, we're calling him a liar. And again, we as Christians do that so often. When we hear, you know, the Bible says to do this and we say, "No, that won't work in my marriage. That won't work in my life. That won't work in my situation." We're calling God a liar. Look at First John chapter 1 and verse number 10. As we say that we've not sinned, we make him a liar. His word is not in us. So if we say that I I'm really not that bad a person. I'm not I didn't do wrong. When we deny our sin and our sin nature, then we're calling God a liar. We're saying no to God. And then chapter 2 in verse number four of First John, he that saith, I know him and keepeth not his commandments is a liar and the truth is not in it.

So when we don't obey the commandments of God, we're calling God a liar. We're saying, I don't need to obey that. I don't need to do that. And so we don't want to be the ones that say no to God. Because a fool has said in his heart, there is no God, but a fool has also said no God. I'm not going to do that. And and so it's not only saying no to God, but it's saying no to knowledge leads us to say no to God. Look at Psalms chapter 14 verse number four. have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge. When you don't study your Bible, when you don't come to church, when you don't learn the scriptures, you're denying God.

If you don't spend time in the word, you're denying God. You're saying no to God because it's knowledge that helps us to know God. And and so the problem is that some don't want to know. Um look at Romans chapter 1 and verse number 28. Romans chapter 1. You can see Romans chapter 1 is built a lot on is what it says is Psalms 14. Romans 1:28. And even even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient. They didn't want to retain God in their knowledge. Look at second Peter 3:5. Second Peter 3 and verse number five.

For they are this they are willingly are ignorant of that by the word of God the heavens were of old and they were staying out of the water in the water and in the water. Willingly ignorant. A lot of Christians they don't want to know. Don't bother me, you know, with the facts. I I I don't want to know. It's like we got our ears plugged and we don't want to hear what's being said. And and and and we don't want to know and we're willingly ignorant. We don't go and look for the answers. And when we do that, we're saying no to God. And that's the fool. All right, we're going to have to stop there because of our time.

Uh we'll continue on and finish this up next week and go on to our next psalm. And so I hope I've accomplished two things here real quick. One is that you can know how to approach the atheist, the agnostic, the person that denies God or just doesn't want anything to do with God. How do you approach them? And then secondly, realizing that we can also be that person that seek atheists that lives and acts like even though we're saved, we can live like there is no God. We can act like there is no God. We don't want to listen to God, hear God, and know him. We're willingly ignorant.