The Meaning of "Atheist," According to an Atheist  --Ray Comfort <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

"Please correct the spelling. It is atheism, not athiesm. It is easier if you remember that the final part refers to 'God.' The 'A' at the beginning is a negative, so basically the word means 'without God'. G.E."I had to read this one through a couple of times, because I found it hard to believe. G.E. is an atheist, and he is correcting someone's spelling (he is a scientist), but at the same time he admits that the word "atheist" means "without God." This is all we have been trying to get across. The atheist is without God. Here's what Scripture says about the subject:"This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart" (Ephesians 4:17-18, italics added).The atheist's life-style, his philosophy, his arguments about there being no evidence that he can see of the existence of God, fortify the truth of the above Scripture.But it's not just the atheist that is without God. The entire human race walk in futility, with a darkened understanding, and they are alienated from the life of God. This is why someone who hasn't been regenerated by the Holy Spirit has no awareness of His presence--"God is not in their thoughts" (see Psalm 10:4). They breathe His air, using lungs He gave them, looking at creation using eyes He created, and not for one moment be aware of Him. It truly is ignorance and blindness of the heart. I know, because I lived that way for 22 years. Jesus Christ came so that dying humanity would no longer be without the life of God (have immortality):"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" (Matthew 1:23, italics added). See also John 14:6.

I Would Rather Have a Root Canal 

Few within the Church would deny that we are seeing Bible prophecy being fulfilled before our very eyes. These are certainly "perilous" times. Mean's hearts are failing them for fear of what's coming on the earth. There are suicide bombings, terrorism, nation is rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom. The neighbors of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Israel are boldly escalating their hatred of the Jews. Lawlessness and the love of sin abound on every side. Economies are collapsing, and as I watch political leaders try and keep a brave face, I can see fear deep in the eyes. I think of how they fail to even acknowledge the God that gave them life, and I think of the psalmist's prayer "Arise, O Lord; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in your sight. Put them in fear, O Lord: that the nations may know themselves to be but men" (Psalm 9:19, 20). In the midst of speaking about the dark and frightening signs of the end of the age, Jesus shone a beacon of wonderful light: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14).You and I can be a part of fulfillment pf Bible prophecy. God has entrusted us (as the Church) to be lighthouse keeper, especially at the end of this age. We are to steer perishing sinners into the God-given safe-haven. So make sure you show your brilliance by embracing the work that God has called us to do. If ever you were needed, it's now. Maybe it's not practical for you to open air preach. Maybe you're a stay at home mom and the daily responsibilities you have, stop you from laboring for God. Or maybe as a husband or father, and your time is consumed in just making sure that your family has food on the table. Then cut your cloth to fit. Do what you can. Carry gospel tracts, and look for opportunities to speak up boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel. How do you do that? I have a way that will make it easier for you. I have experimented for years on how to make a smooth transition with the lost. By the grace of God, I have learned to bring up the subject of the gospel in a way that helps to dissipate my fears. It means that I can bring up the things of God, without bringing up the things that can potentially cause contention--words such as Hell, Judgment Day, sin, righteousness, the Bible, God, Jesus, and the cross. Let's be honest about witnessing. Most of us would prefer a root canal. Our fears fuel an over ripe imagination. When we look at a potential "victim," we think that the moment the things of God are mentioned they will become a violent monster. So here is a fear dissipating plan: You are going to ask the person what they think happens when someone dies. Get this thought permanently fixed into your mind--there's nothing offensive about that question. Nothing. Think of how you would have responded to that question, before you came to faith. Would it have made you angry? Of course not. It's not loaded, so it has no potential to cause an explosion of any sort. You are simply asking for someone's opinion, and most will readily give it by answering something like, "I'm not sure," or "Everyone goes to heaven." The pleasant tone of their answer will immediately get rid of the fear that has been whispering to you. All you need to be ready with are questions such as, "Do you think about it much?" You will often hear replies like, "All the time." Then be ready with "Are you afraid of dying?" and "Do you think you will go to Heaven?"So, what do you say? Are you willing to completely surrender yourself to the most worthy cause on earth? Will you enlist without reservation to fight the good fight of faith? Ours is the most noble of battles. We are fighting for the eternal salvation of every human being's most precious possession.