Video [7 minutes]
About
The video continues to age well, especially for pastors to learn or remember we are to “plant the gospel” in the areas we live. Planting the gospel makes disciples of Christ Jesus.
Life: Atheist, Skeptic, and Cynic turned Christian - The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
About
Strobel provides great research and resources about Jesus and Christianity within this sermon in 2018. By providing and explaining the his background as well the background of Jesus, you are led as a ‘juror’ to make an informed decision. The point? Jesus. Trust him.
Telos
Even so, Lee’s sermon also helps explain “telos.”
At 33:10, Strobel captures that when God became his telos, his life changed. Prior to that point, his telos was godless. A genuine faith is not merely the believing and receiving, but believing and receiving the “who” and the “who” became his telos.
Sidenote
The term “atheist” throughout the Roman empire history during and after Jesus meant one who denied their “theists” (gods). So, Christians were known as atheists from the Roman perspective. Our current time and culture uses the term atheist in various ways, and how Lee is using the term is from his perspective in being “a”gainst all gods, especially the one of Christianity.
Life: The Inspirational Epicenter of Francine Rivers' Life and Authorship
What an incredibly helpful Christian and Christian author!
Listening to Francine Rivers as well as reading her books provides genuine and inspirational insight into how God works to bring people to trust him and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Francine retells her life story through this helpful Q and A, including growing up in a churchy household, rejecting anything religious while in college, going through abortion, college education, struggling marriage, and ultimately coming to learn of God and the gospel through relationships in their NorCal neighborhood and church community.
One can learn much through just this interview on when God affects the heart he then also aims and aligns their life. God then is the epicenter with ripple effects of others tasting of his goodness.
Per her recounting of the move back to Northern California from Southern California, I am thankful for God using a church community, two households, and one pesky eight year old boy wanting to help move in his new neighbors! God is good!
She mentions her first book after becoming a Christian, Redeeming Love, which is based on the Bible’s Old Testament book of Hosea — about God’s love for his spiritually adulteress people metaphored through sending a prophet (Hosea) to love a prostitute.
Life: Why I Am a Christian and No Longer Atheist
David shares his life story from childhood to adulthood, which include a crazy and chaotic journey that including thinking ants ruled the world to serving jail time because he tried to kill his dad with a hammer. David highlights how he went from atheist to Christian, even after living for years with the sincere belief God does not exist and humanity is free to live however they want.
Some who have had similar questions about God and life may find his story helpful. Some who find similar examples like them may find this relatable. Some struggling with their own issues and baggage thinking they are the only one may find this the video testimony helpful as David shares various stories, thought process, issues, reasons, and people involved in his life. Some who think God does not exist and have a litany of arguments while giving up in finding the answer may find this helpful.
David films the video testimony within the context of New York, using the subway and the other background as a metaphor to his life journey. One may initially be concerned for his safety as he walks down stairs backwards and alongside the train without looking; however, he mastered the simple video and getting his point across to his audience. Later in the video, he shares his final conclusion in believing in God after rejecting him. He also shares a C.S. Lewis quote and Bible passage to describe ‘true freedom’ in this life.
“True freedom is not having this inclination or desire to turn away from our Creator.“
“I felt like I had been fighting.“
“I finally felt at rest.”
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” - C.S. Lewis
“I stand on the words of the one (Jesus) who rose from the dead as there’s no other place to stand.”
“The Apostle Paul tried to annihilate Christianity.”
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” — Paul in the Bible passage of 1 Timothy 1:12–17 NIV
