My two most recent posts have discussed my personal perspective on atheism, including the plausible disposition of its advocates and the critical nature of messaging as we, so directed by Christ, seek to kindle faith within them.

Atheism, it seems, has a robust and growing number of adherents. Evolving cultural movements increasingly repudiate such Christian values as truth, righteousness, humility and love.

This all makes sense, of course, for the Bible is clear that Satan is the ruler of this world (2 Cor 4:4, John 12:31, 1 John 5:19). Importantly, however, the Bible is also a source of infinite encouragement for those having made the choice of faith.

Paradoxically, it is the words of the great teacher of Jewish law, the Pharisee Gamaliel, upon which I often reflect when discouraged by the increasing decibel level of nonbeliever taunts.

“Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” (Acts 5:35-39)

Needless to say, “it” has NOT come to nothing. Two thousand years later, Christianity is still here. And despite the fact that the Christian movement might have trended in a different direction than Gamaliel suspected, his words ultimately reflected enormous wisdom. Indeed, this “plan” is of God – and it has not been overthrown – withstanding 2,000 years of Satan’s endeavors to do so.

Writer/photographer Jason Pierce summarizes Christ’s impact on humanity:

“Jesus of Nazareth is the most influential person in the entire narrative of human history, regarded by Christians and non-Christians alike. Our systems of social organization, literature, the arts and music, architecture, education, and sciences, as well as the ceremonies of marriage and death, have all been shaped by Jesus.

“No person before him and no one since has ever caused such a prodigious surge of influence, supremacy, authority, or mastery over his initiatives. The Jesus movement makes up over a third of the world’s population, rendering him the most significant influencer and leader ever to live.”

Though we as Christians may, periodically, be discouraged by cultural evolution, rising secularism and declining humility, we can find peace in knowing that, just as Gamaliel warned his brethren 2,000 years ago, this plan is of God – and we are part of it.