Christian Atheist - Week One
Leader Guide
We don’t have to face a life-or-death scenario to recognize our own faith as authentic or surface level. The terms “Christian” and “Atheist” are mutually exclusive except when defined by words in one sense and actions in the other. In this series, we will explore what it means to live consistent lives that reflect our professed faith. A Christian Atheist has Christian intentions, knowledge and self-identification that don’t match up with their everyday choices and behavior.
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. 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
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. Is there someone (maybe famous) you know all about, but don’t know personally?
2. Read James 2:19 and Matthew 7:21-23. What do these verses reveal about knowing, believing, and faith? On a scale of 1-10, where 1 is “all talk” and 10 is “all walk,” how much do you live like God exists? If you had to put it into categories, what parts of your faith are cultural tradition and what parts come from closeness to God?
Leader Note: Both of these passages suggest we can talk about it and believe there is a God without knowing Him, accepting His Son, or being part of His Kingdom.
3. Read Psalm 27:4. How closely does this fit with your passion for God and your desire to be in His presence? Has the Holy Spirit ever prodded you, comforted you, or strengthened you? Share a story of closeness to God. What do you most often call God (how do you address Him), and how often do you talk with Him? How does this define your relationship with Him?
Leader Note: David has a profound love and desire to be in God’s presence, to look upon His glory, and to ask and hear what God has to say. This should be the goal and passion of all believers.
4. Read Titus 1:16. Do you say you know God? If yes, how are your choices and actions consistent with that message? Are there areas/ actions in your life that are not consistent with your relationship with God, but instead fit Titus 1:16?
Leader Note: There may be some who do not profess to know God. This question means something different for those who do. We all fall short of being consistent at times. We are on a journey of growing in our faith even when our actions do match our professed faith. Try to keep it humble and focus on what we can each do to grow.
5. Start Praying: Be bold and pray specifically. Where does your faith land: don’t know Him, know Him but not well, or know Him intimately and serve Him wholeheartedly?
Father, we need to know You better. Will you draw us to You? Holy Spirit, be our daily guide and strength. Jesus, move us from information to transformation. Thank You, Father! Amen.
6. Commit: Where do you want your faith to be? What are some life changes that could help you get there? Try these: Let this simple, five-day Bible Plan renew your mind this week. Write down three ways you’re living like God doesn’t exist. Bring these to Christ in prayer each day this week.
Leader Note: Ask your group members to commit to either of the two suggested action steps.
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
7. Read Micah 6:6-8. What lifestyle and actions does God request of you? What does He not need? LN: He wants righteous behavior: justice, kindness, humility. He does not need offerings and certainly does not require child sacrifice!
8. Read James 1:26-27. What is “true religion”? What must we abstain from? LN: God cares about the widows, orphans, the poor. Serving them must be a part of our faith journey. An out-of-control tongue and immoral living are apparently equally bad!
9. Read Proverbs 3:5-6. How can you lean on God, trusting and acknowledging Him? LN: First off, do what He says! Obey and follow, even if you don’t understand. Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22) and the benefits of obedience are that God will “make straight your paths” or prepare the way for you.
10. Read Deuteronomy 10:12-13. Again, what does God require? What does it take to know Him? LN: besides living correctly, this passage points out loving God and walking in His ways. This is about a relationship more than a check list of right living, especially as we are under the New Covenant and not the Law.