IS GOD REAL? DOES GOD EXIST?
Are there good reasons to believe in God? I think the answer is a clear yes and want to use the word C.L.E.A.R. to give a few reasons on why I believe in the existence of God. I acknowledge that there are thick, academic books written on this subject; I just want to get you to begin thinking about this fundamental question.
C. THE EXISTENCE OF THE COSMOS SAYS YES
From the ancient Greeks till even recent times, it was believed that the Universe was eternal. In contrast, it was the Christians who said, “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth” (Genesis 1:1). But in the twentieth century science changed its mind and says there is a beginning to the cosmos. Most refer to this beginning as the Big Bang. Almost everyone agrees that everything that has a beginning has a cause for that beginning. The atheist answer with a cause for the cosmos is nothing. The Christian answer is the all-powerful, all-knowing God of the Bible. You will have to decide which is more reasonable.
L. IS LOOKING AT OURSELVES SAYS YES.
Human beings are a wonder. When we look at ourselves, I consider human DNA to be a fingerprint of design. “Human DNA contains more organized information than the Encyclopedia Britannica” says science writer George Sim Johnson (Is God Real? by Lee Strobel, 53). There is an irreducible complexity to DNA that is stunning. Famous British professor and philosopher Anthony Flew found the implications of DNA so compelling that after 50 years of arguing for atheism he became a theist. Some have called DNA the library of life, where there is information written into the fabric of life it is logical to believe there is a great mind behind it. Throwing millions of keyboard keys on a flat surface does not randomly create a well written book.
E. IS EXPERIENCES OF GOD SAY YES.
I have been a Christian for decades. I have seen answers to prayer. I have seen God provide in remarkable ways. I have seen transformation in people that they say is because of God. I believe in God because I know him. I realize this is subjective, but there are millions who could share their own stories.
A. IS THE ANTHROPIC PRINCIPLE SAYS YES
The anthropic principle acknowledges that there is mind blowing precision in the universe for life to exist. Author William Lane Craig says, “Our existence is balanced on a knife’s edge.” Even the polemic atheistic author Christopher Hitchens when asked what argument for the existence of God was the strongest said, “I think everyone of us picks the fine-tuning one as the most intriguing.” (Is God Real? by Lee Strobel, 36). Many authors use the image of a collection of dials that must be set with great precision and in perfect relationship to each other for life to be a possibility. Some examples, with earth that must be just right include: The distance from the sun, rotation rate, amount of water, tilt, size of the earth and the right sized moon (Is God Real? by Lee Strobel, 43). To me these items look like the fingerprints of a caring Creator.
R. IS THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS SAYS YES.
When I was in college, I doubted the Christian faith I was taught. I studied the evidence for the resurrection and found intellectually satisfying answers. The acknowledgement of the empty tomb by friend and foe. The many eyewitnesses who died for their proclamation that Jesus defeated death. The transformation of the disciples who went from fearful to unstoppable. The conversion of James the half brother of Jesus. Seriously, what would it take for you to believe that your half brother was the Son of God? And finally, the persecutor of the church, Saul, became Paul, the great apostle, because he met the risen Jesus. I find the cumulative case for the resurrection compelling. If a man can predict his own death and walk out of his own grave, there must be a God!
I find these reasons convincing, if you wish to discuss these and dive deeper, reach out to me via email [email protected]; I have hope and joy because of my relationship with God. My hope is that someday you will too.
Pastor Derek Dickinson
Journey Christian Church
C. THE EXISTENCE OF THE COSMOS SAYS YES
From the ancient Greeks till even recent times, it was believed that the Universe was eternal. In contrast, it was the Christians who said, “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth” (Genesis 1:1). But in the twentieth century science changed its mind and says there is a beginning to the cosmos. Most refer to this beginning as the Big Bang. Almost everyone agrees that everything that has a beginning has a cause for that beginning. The atheist answer with a cause for the cosmos is nothing. The Christian answer is the all-powerful, all-knowing God of the Bible. You will have to decide which is more reasonable.
L. IS LOOKING AT OURSELVES SAYS YES.
Human beings are a wonder. When we look at ourselves, I consider human DNA to be a fingerprint of design. “Human DNA contains more organized information than the Encyclopedia Britannica” says science writer George Sim Johnson (Is God Real? by Lee Strobel, 53). There is an irreducible complexity to DNA that is stunning. Famous British professor and philosopher Anthony Flew found the implications of DNA so compelling that after 50 years of arguing for atheism he became a theist. Some have called DNA the library of life, where there is information written into the fabric of life it is logical to believe there is a great mind behind it. Throwing millions of keyboard keys on a flat surface does not randomly create a well written book.
E. IS EXPERIENCES OF GOD SAY YES.
I have been a Christian for decades. I have seen answers to prayer. I have seen God provide in remarkable ways. I have seen transformation in people that they say is because of God. I believe in God because I know him. I realize this is subjective, but there are millions who could share their own stories.
A. IS THE ANTHROPIC PRINCIPLE SAYS YES
The anthropic principle acknowledges that there is mind blowing precision in the universe for life to exist. Author William Lane Craig says, “Our existence is balanced on a knife’s edge.” Even the polemic atheistic author Christopher Hitchens when asked what argument for the existence of God was the strongest said, “I think everyone of us picks the fine-tuning one as the most intriguing.” (Is God Real? by Lee Strobel, 36). Many authors use the image of a collection of dials that must be set with great precision and in perfect relationship to each other for life to be a possibility. Some examples, with earth that must be just right include: The distance from the sun, rotation rate, amount of water, tilt, size of the earth and the right sized moon (Is God Real? by Lee Strobel, 43). To me these items look like the fingerprints of a caring Creator.
R. IS THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS SAYS YES.
When I was in college, I doubted the Christian faith I was taught. I studied the evidence for the resurrection and found intellectually satisfying answers. The acknowledgement of the empty tomb by friend and foe. The many eyewitnesses who died for their proclamation that Jesus defeated death. The transformation of the disciples who went from fearful to unstoppable. The conversion of James the half brother of Jesus. Seriously, what would it take for you to believe that your half brother was the Son of God? And finally, the persecutor of the church, Saul, became Paul, the great apostle, because he met the risen Jesus. I find the cumulative case for the resurrection compelling. If a man can predict his own death and walk out of his own grave, there must be a God!
I find these reasons convincing, if you wish to discuss these and dive deeper, reach out to me via email [email protected]; I have hope and joy because of my relationship with God. My hope is that someday you will too.
Pastor Derek Dickinson
Journey Christian Church
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