Embracing Doubt: The Church's Call to Authentic Faith

Devotional

Day 1: The Folly of Functional Atheism

Even as believers, it is possible to live as if God does not exist—making choices, harboring attitudes, or engaging in behaviors that deny His presence and authority in our lives. This “functional atheism” is revealed in moments of foolishness, when we act out of lust, envy, anxiety, or pride, forgetting that God sees, cares, and calls us to a higher way. The call is to recognize and repent of these moments, not only before God but also before others, so that our lives bear witness to the reality of our faith. [44:04]

Psalm 14:1 (ESV)
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good.

Reflection: Think back on a recent moment when you acted or spoke as if God was not present—what would it look like to confess this to God and, if needed, to someone you wronged?

Day 2: The Universality of Sin and the Need for Grace

Scripture teaches that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory; even our best deeds are tainted by self-interest or pride when not done in faith. This doctrine of sin is not meant to lead us to despair, but to vigilance and humility, recognizing our constant need for God’s grace and the refuge He provides for the afflicted. It is only by faith in Christ that we are made right and righteous, rescued from the universal captivity of sin. [46:49]

Romans 3:10-12, 23 (ESV)
As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” ... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most struggle to admit your need for God’s grace, and how can you invite Him into that place today?

Day 3: The Gospel’s Power to Reshape Lives and Societies

Christianity uniquely produces flourishing communities by valuing the weak, supporting the vulnerable, and transforming hearts through the gospel. Even those who do not yet believe in its supernatural claims can see its sociological truth in the kindness, generosity, and hope of believers. The changed lives of Christians are the original attractive power of the gospel, making faith plausible and inviting to those who are searching for something more. [33:16]

Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Reflection: Who in your life might be watching your actions and attitudes—how can you intentionally show them the hope and kindness of Christ this week?

Day 4: Jesus Sets Captives Free

Sin is like a foreign power that holds every person captive, corrupting our desires and marring the image of God within us. But Jesus came to set captives free—He breaks the power of sin, restores our relationship with God, and gives us a new heart and new desires. The proper response to this divine rescue is joy and gladness, living as those who have truly been set free. [57:58]

John 8:34-36 (ESV)
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Reflection: What is one area where you still feel captive to sin, and how can you invite Jesus to bring freedom and transformation there?

Day 5: Living with Joy as Rescued Captives

Christianity makes joy something gigantic—our hearts overflow with gladness because of what God has done for us in Christ, even as we live in a world still marked by sorrow. This joy is a powerful witness to the world, showing that our hope is real and our rescue complete. To live with the joy of the redeemed is to stand firmly on the solid ground of God’s promises, with eyes fixed on heaven and hearts full of gratitude. [01:02:15]

Philippians 4:4 (ESV)
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can express the joy of your salvation today, even if you are facing sorrow or difficulty?

Sermon Summary

In a world that constantly bombards us with crises—both real and manufactured—there is a deeper, more enduring crisis that often goes unnoticed: the crisis of doubt. While the last decade has been marked by many losing their faith, there is now a noticeable shift. Increasingly, people are beginning to doubt their own doubts. Even some who once identified as atheists are now questioning the foundations of their unbelief, recognizing the unique beauty and societal flourishing that Christianity brings. This is not just a sociological observation; it is a spiritual moment that calls for the church to be ready, welcoming, and authentically Christlike.

The heart of the matter is not simply about those outside the faith, but about the way believers themselves live. The most compelling evidence for or against the gospel is often the lives of those who claim to follow Jesus. When Christians live as “functional atheists”—professing faith with their lips but denying it by their actions—they undermine the credibility of the gospel. Every act of foolishness, every moment we live as if God does not see or care, is a form of practical unbelief. The call is to recognize and repent of these moments, both before God and before others, and to live lives that make the gospel plausible and attractive to a watching world.

Psalm 14 reminds us that the folly of denying God is not just an issue for atheists, but a universal human problem. All have sinned; all are in need of rescue. The doctrine of sin explains the brokenness we see in the world and in ourselves, but it also points us to the hope of redemption. Jesus came to set captives free—not just from external oppression, but from the internal captivity of sin. The proper response to this rescue is joy, even in the midst of sorrow. Christians are called to live as those who have been set free, with a joy that overflows and a life that points others to the reality of Christ’s victory.

As more people begin to question their doubts and seek something solid, the church must be a community where the joy of the rescued is evident, where the reality of Christ’s redemption is lived out, and where the love and wisdom of God are on display. In doing so, we offer a compelling answer to the deepest crisis of our age.

Key Takeaways

1. The Crisis of Doubt Is an Opportunity for the Church As society shifts from a crisis of faith to a crisis of doubt, many are beginning to question the foundations of their unbelief. This cultural moment is a unique opportunity for the church to welcome seekers and doubters with open arms, embodying the kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity that make the gospel attractive. We must be ready to steward this moment well, not with triumphalism, but with humility and love. [32:03]
2. Functional Atheism Undermines the Gospel The greatest obstacle to faith for many is not intellectual arguments, but the lives of Christians who profess belief yet live as if God does not exist. Every act of foolishness, every moment of envy, lust, or anxiety, is a denial of God’s presence and power. True repentance involves recognizing these moments of practical unbelief and seeking forgiveness, both from God and from those we have wronged. [43:04]
3. Sin’s Universality and the Need for Rescue Psalm 14 and Romans 3 remind us that sin and unbelief are universal; no one is exempt. Even our best deeds fall short when they are not rooted in faith. This doctrine of sin should make us vigilant, humble, and ever aware of our need for Christ’s rescue, guarding us against self-righteousness and leading us to depend wholly on God’s grace. [46:49]
4. The Distinctive Power of Christian Joy The joy of those who have been rescued by Christ is not superficial happiness, but a deep, abiding gladness that persists even in sorrow. This joy is the surest sign that we have understood what God has done for us. It is this joy—overflowing in the lives of believers—that draws others to Christ and makes the gospel credible in a skeptical world. [59:09]
5. Living as Rescued Captives with Eyes Fixed on Christ To live as a true believer is to live as one who has been set free from the captivity of sin, with feet firmly planted on the solid ground of God’s truth and eyes lifted in hope. Our lives should reflect the reality of our rescue, marked by wisdom, humility, and a contagious joy. In doing so, we become living invitations for others to experience the freedom and gladness found in Christ.

** [62:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[09:01] - Opening Prayer and Scripture (Philippians 2)
[10:55] - Fixing Our Eyes on Christ
[27:46] - The Carousel of Crises
[32:03] - The Crisis of Doubt and Lapsed Atheists
[33:16] - Christianity’s Unique Societal Impact
[34:14] - The Power of Christian Community
[36:10] - The Attractive Power of Changed Lives
[37:18] - Humility Before Psalm 14
[39:10] - The Folly of Functional Atheism
[41:00] - Societal Consequences of Atheism
[43:04] - Recognizing and Repenting of Unbelief
[46:49] - Sin’s Universality and the Need for Rescue
[49:54] - Jesus Identifies with the Afflicted
[52:12] - The Turning Tide: From Faith Crisis to Doubt Crisis
[53:47] - The Joy of the Rescued Captives
[57:58] - Christ’s Rescue and Our Response
[59:09] - Sorrowful Yet Always Rejoicing
[62:15] - Living as Freed Captives
[63:18] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In Psalm 14, what does the psalmist say about those who deny God, and how does he describe the state of humanity?
According to Romans 3:9-24, what is Paul’s summary of the human condition, and how does he use Psalm 14 to make his point?
In Philippians 2:1-11, what attitude and posture does Paul call believers to have, and how does he connect this to the example of Jesus?
The sermon described a shift from a “crisis of faith” to a “crisis of doubt” in our culture. What examples were given of people beginning to doubt their doubts? ([32:03])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon talked about “functional atheism”—professing faith but living as if God does not exist. Why does the pastor say this is so damaging to the credibility of the gospel? ([36:10])
How does the universality of sin, as described in both Psalm 14 and Romans 3, shape the way Christians should view themselves and others? ([46:49])
The pastor said that the most compelling evidence for or against the gospel is the lives of those who claim to follow Jesus. What does this mean for the church’s witness in a skeptical world? ([36:10])
According to the sermon, what is the difference between superficial happiness and the “joy of the rescued” that Christians are called to display? ([59:09])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to recognize and repent of moments when we live as “functional atheists.” Can you think of a recent time when your actions or attitudes denied God’s presence or care? What would repentance look like in that situation? ([43:04])
The pastor shared stories of non-believers who are drawn to church because of the kindness and joy they see in Christians. How can you be intentional about making your life and your small group a welcoming place for seekers and doubters? ([34:57])
Psalm 14 and Romans 3 remind us that “all have sinned.” How does remembering your own need for rescue help you avoid self-righteousness or judgment toward others? ([46:49])
The sermon described Christian joy as “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.” When have you experienced joy in the midst of sorrow? How can you cultivate this kind of joy in your daily life? ([59:09])
The pastor said that our lives should make the gospel “plausible and attractive” to a watching world. What is one specific way you can live out your faith this week so that others might see the reality of Christ in you? ([36:10])
The sermon called the church to be ready for people who are questioning their doubts and seeking something solid. What practical steps can your group take to be more welcoming and prepared for these conversations? ([34:57])
In Philippians 2, Paul calls us to have the same mindset as Christ, marked by humility and service. What is one area of your life where you need to grow in humility or serve others more intentionally? ([10:55])

Sermon Clips

We need to be those loving, kind, generous, gospel-shaped people that unbelievers meet and say, it's really no hardship at all to hang out with them. Every time my life bumps into theirs, I find myself wanting to believe just a little bit more. Every time I'm with them, the gospel feels a little more plausible. My unbelief feels a little more foolish. [00:36:10] (33 seconds)

The attractively changed lives of believers is the original attractive power of the gospel. But if that's true, then the opposite is also true. We know the opposite is true. Brennan Manning observed about three decades ago that the greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable. [00:36:43] (40 seconds)

Our every foolish and abominable deed is rooted in a moment of unbelief. We functionally act like atheists whenever we act a fool. The Bible would lead us to recognize and repent of this, to repent in our hearts before God for acting like He didn't exist, that He couldn't see when we misused and manipulated that person, when we deceived others in order to make ourselves look better. [00:44:17] (34 seconds)

Jesus came into the world for this reason. He said, I have come to seek and to save the lost. To be the rock for the storm tossed. To be the lifeboat for the shipwrecked. [00:48:33] (15 seconds)

Church. We may be standing at the turning of the tide. Where the tide is going out on a crisis of faith, and the tide is coming in on a crisis of doubt. But more and more people may be coming through our doors very soon who never thought they'd come. More and more unbelievers may be latching on to our community looking for a hope and a refuge. Let's show them that we have one. Let's show them Christ. [00:52:27] (39 seconds)

But Jesus has come to set captives free, he says. He has come to end sin's stranglehold over our lives. He has come to cancel the power of sin's unrightful dominion over us. He does this by opening our hearts up to God, by restoring the broken relationship with God. [00:56:56] (26 seconds)

Joy is the only proper response to such a divine rescue. Gladness is the surest sign that your heart has understood what God has done for you. Now, that doesn't mean that there won't be sorrow still. We still live in a broken world full of things that hurt. We've been delivered from sin's captivity, but we still can give in and go back to Egypt at times in our hearts. [00:58:48] (34 seconds)

Christianity, by its creed, makes joy something gigantic. By its beliefs, it makes societies something more civil. By its gospel, it makes the captive live like a freed man. Christianity, by its creed, makes man more man-like, standing on his feet firmly planted on solid ground, with his head looking up in wonder at the heavens. [01:01:20] (33 seconds)

What the Luis Parrys of the world need is to see Christians living like people standing on their feet with eyes fixed on heaven. To see Christians not acting like fools, not acting like functional atheists, but acting like rescued captives. Living with the joy of the rescued. Living with the gladness of the redeemed. [01:01:53] (28 seconds)

``So, live joyfully, church. Live joyfully. Live like you really believe that in Christ there is a great, big, beautiful tomorrow. Shining at the end of all our days. [01:02:21] (22 seconds)

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