In this sermon, Pastor Anson McMahon walks through Psalm 14 and shows that the real danger is not only theoretical atheism but practical atheism: living, planning, spending, and relating as if the living God is not real.

Pastor Anson uses David's words, Jesus' parable of the rich fool, and the sweeping verdict that "there is none who does good, not even one" to expose our shared need. The hope of the psalm is that while sinners do not seek God, God seeks sinners and has sent salvation from Zion in Jesus Christ.

The listener is invited to stop living like a fool and to live as one redeemed.

Key Points

• It is foolish to live like God isn't real.
• We are all born into this world as fools who need a Savior.
• My view of God always affects my treatment of people.
• A fool is defined by the heart, not merely by the mouth: living as if there is no God.
• God's verdict is total: no one seeks Him and no one does good, not even one.
• The theme of Scripture is that sinners run and God pursues.
• Salvation for fools has come from Zion in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Reflect & Discuss

• In which area of life (calendar, money, relationships, or hidden sin) are you currently living as if God is not real, and how does Christ's finished work call you to turn and trust Him there?
• How does the truth that God sought you while you were still a sinner shape both your gratitude for grace and your patience toward people who are hard to love?
• What would change this week if you began each decision by asking, "Lord, what do you want?" rather than holding a board meeting with only yourself?

Main Passage: Psalm 14

Supporting Passages

• Luke 12:16-21
• Romans 1:19-21
• Romans 5:8
• Matthew 22:37-39
• Psalm 139:16