As most of you know, atheists don’t believe in God; but did you know that there are "religious” atheists? These people claim to believe in God, but their actions tell a different story. Below are a few examples of "religious atheists".
"I believe in God, but...Sundays are my only day off." (These people typically attend services sporadically.) But God says, “…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).
"I believe in God, but...I don't need Bible class." (Many of those with this mindset prefer to spend class time in bed, reading the paper or watching TV.) But God says, “…give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine...” (1 Tim. 4:13).
"I believe in God, but...we hired the preacher to visit the sick, shut-ins and backslidden members." But God says, “…as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).
"I believe in God, but...I'll never forgive ______ for what he/she did." But God says, "…if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses" (Mark 11:26).
"I believe in God, but...I cannot afford to give anything to His church right now." But God says, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom" (Luke 6:38).
"I believe in God, but...I constantly worry about making ends meet.” But God says, “…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).
"I believe in God, but...I don't need to be baptized in order to be saved!" But God says, “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
"I believe in God, but...I see nothing wrong with all the denominations in the world!" But God says, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God…” (Eph. 4:4-5).
If someone claims to believe in God but refuses to heed His word, he is essentially a “religious" atheist. Praise God, however, for all the TRUE believers who trust and obey!
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis