Christian Atheist
Week Two – Custom Christianity
Discussion Guide
Pastor and author Craig Groeschel has defined a Christian Atheist as “someone who calls themselves a Christian but lives like God doesn’t exist.” This week, we are reminded that there is a huge difference in "having it our own way" and living life in full surrender to God and His Word.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. What menu item do you always customize? Tell us how to “have it your way.”
2. Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Do these verses describe culture today? What about verse 5? Where do you see an appearance of evil, but not the power of God? Do you think the Western perspective of Christianity is any different from a biblical perspective? Explain how it is or isn’t.
3. Forsake to follow. Read Matthew 16:24. How does this verse go against Western culture? Have you ever treated the Word of God as a book of suggestions?
Have you ever customized to what extent you obey God? Share a story. How did it work out? Or share a verse or command that really would be easier for you to disregard? How does Isaiah 55:8-9 speak to those feelings?
4. Read 2 Timothy 3:16 and Matthew 6:33. What does the Timothy passage say about the Word of God? In what area of your life are you not fearing and not obeying God? What are you going to do about it? How can you choose to apply the words of Jesus about seeking God first?
5. Start Praying: Be bold and pray specifically. In what area of your life are you not hearing and obeying God? What are you going to do about it?
6. Commit: Where do you want your faith to be? What about your actions? What are some life changes that could help you get there? Try these: Grow your love + respect for God by reading this Psalms and Proverbs Bible Plan. Write down two or three action steps you’ll take to fear the Lord in a way you haven’t been. Share them with the group and begin living them out.
Deeper
The Sacrifice of Isaac takes place in Genesis 22. Let’s look closely at this pivotal event in Abraham’s life.
7. Genesis 22:1-2: What does God know and acknowledge to Abraham about Isaac?
8. Genesis 22:3-4: What did Abraham do immediately? If you heard this command from God today, what would you do?
9. Read the rest of the story: Genesis 22:5-18. What do you notice about “the rest of the story”? How does this story and these promises foreshadow Jesus? How do these promises give you courage?
10. Finally: What impossible sacrifice has God been asking of you? What can you always trust God to do? Can you imagine the provision and promises for obeying? If not, begin to pray for faith to see and trust God as Abraham did.