1. Finding Truth 5 Principles For Unmasking Atheism, Secularism, and Other God Substitutes

3. Principle #1 Identify the Idol

4. Principle #2 Identify the Idol’s Reductionism

5. Principle #3 Test the Idol: Does it Contradict What We Know About the World?

6. Principle #4 Test the Idol: Does it Contradict Itself?

7. Principle #5 Replace the Idol: Make the Case for Christianity

8. Smuggled Christian concepts An intrinsic moral sense of right and wrong Viewing racism and abuse as wrong Rom. 2:15 “They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts.” Human cognition can be trusted, our minds and senses have been designed to function in the world

9. Smuggled Christian concepts Human freedom Equal rights The laws of nature that allow science to exist Greater meaning of life, purpose for living

10. What do you lose if you give up Christianity? You give up your purpose for life Objective moral standards Direct communication from a higher being, the opening of the heavens through the word of God Any real hope for love or joy or anything other than despair

11. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith Romans 1:16

12. A Suggested Process Listen to what the person is saying and not saying at the same time Learn about other worldviews so that you can talk intelligently about them with others Lean on the Holy Spirit to guide you as you share the gospel truths with others Less lecture, more dialogue Lead the discussion through using questions that allow the other person to discover truth Leverage the word of God by using it in your own life story Leave the decision in their court, don’t answer for them, but allow them to answer the question of what they will do with the message and person of Jesus the Messiah

13. Our Takeaways Genuine Christianity should never be afraid of honest questions! Genuine Christianity should never be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ “but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 Love for others should always be our motivation!

15. Announcements BCM retreat will be in November 13-14 Penny Wars for Missions Spring break mission trips Homecoming Parade Homecoming Brunch Tailgate!