Hope Now Bible Church: Fresno, California

Is There Really a God? Part 3: But How Can We Know?

In the book of Hebrews we read, "By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible."  The first step we must take in determining if there really is a God is to understand by faith.

Here's a definition of faith:  "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."  (Hebrews 11:1).  You see, it is not "blind faith," it is faith based on a conviction.  Conviction is a strong belief in something based on irrefutable facts.  What are some irrefutable facts we can look at to prove the existence of God?  Let me show you just two (and there are many more):

1.  Creation -- Intelligence of Design 

Consider this line of thought:

a.  Every design had a designer.

b.  The universe has a highly complex design.

c.  Therefore, the universe had a Designer.

Let's look at an example of what I mean.  Norman Geisler, in his book, I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist, writes, "Imagine you're walking along in the woods and you find a diamond studded Rolex watch on the ground.  What do you conclude is the cause of the watch?  The wind and rain? Erosion? Some combination of natural forces?  Of course not!  There's absolutely no question in your mind that some intelligent being made that watch, and that some unfortunate individual must have accidentally dropped it there."

Like that watch, scientists today are now finding that the earth and the universe in which we live are like that diamond studded Rolex watch, except the universe is even more precisely designed than the watch.

Let me give you some examples of our precise universe:

1.  If the earth were just 5% closer to the sun, the temperature would rise to 900F.

2.  If the earth were 20% farther from the sun, the temperature would be so cold that all liquid water would freeze and life would be impossible.

3.  If the earth were just a little smaller, it would cause the magnetic rays from the sun to blast solar winds that would strip away our atmosphere and cause the earth to look like a barren planet, much like Mars.

4.  If the sun were the size of 90% of the other suns in the universe, earth would be pulled closer to it and it would be locked in place, not able to turn on its axis.  One side of the earth would constantly face the scorching rays of the sun while the dark side became shrouded in ice.

On scientist, who is a Christian, has listed 122 examples, like the four above, that show the precise design of planet earth.  There is no other known planet in our universe that is so intricately designed in order for intelligent life to be sustained.  Like the Rolex watch, the facts prove that it would be impossible for this to happen just by chance.  Design equals Designer.

2.  Moral Law

Isn't it interesting that for the most part, there is moral order in the world?  I mean, most cultures understand that murder is wrong.  Most people in all cultures know that adultery is wrong.  Everyone agrees that children should be protected.  So, the line of thought goes like this:

a.  All people are conscious of an objective moral law.

b.  Moral laws imply a moral Lawgiver.

c.  Therefore, there must be a Supreme moral Lawgiver.

Even if one does not believe in the God of the Bible, he must admit that some higher power had his hand in the creation and moral fiber of the world.

Environment of the Soul Day

There is a growing trend among many Christians that is somewhat disturbing. It revolves around "earth day."  The roots of earth day go back to the 1960's when a U.S. Senator wanted to draw political attention to the environment. To some degree this was a good move.  Who wants to live in a bad environment? A clean healthy environment is what we all desire, and politically it might make sense ensure proper resources are channeled to projects that will allow our children to grow up in a world that is safe.  After all, safety is one of primary roles of the government. Somewhere along the way Christian groups and some churches began to pick up the mantle of the environment as a religious issue, rather than a political one.  

It is true that the earth is the Lord's.  Likewise, because the earth was created by God, we as believers should be wise stewards of that creation.  But the purpose behind our stewardship is not to make our environment better or to encourage politicians to work harder (which in themselves are not bad).  Rather, our purpose is to give glory to God.  Christians involved in earth day events should always use the opportunity to share what Jesus Christ has done in their lives and how He has made them more caring and loving, not only of the environment, but the people who live in the environment.  

Our concern as Christians should always be for the souls of people first.  Let's call it "The environment of the soul."  How can we share the love of Jesus Christ with those around us so that they might clean up their lives and give glory to God.

Let's be certain that we are not worshipping and serving the creation, rather let's worship and serve the Creator. The outcome will always be a better environment, both physically and spiritually.

Is There Really a God? Part 2: Who Created God?

If we believe that there is only One True God as the Bible teaches, and that He is the God of the Bible, it would be logical to ask the question, "Who created God?"  If, "In the beginning God created...", then wouldn't it make sense that God had to come from somewhere?

Moses helps us understand this mystery in Psalm 90:2 where he wrote, "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God."

Additionally, Psalm 106:48 says, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting."

Therefore, these passages, along with many others throughout Scripture teach that God has always existed. He is outside of time. He is eternal, with no beginning or end. As some have said, He is the "Uncaused Cause."

Next time: How can we really know there is a God?

Is There Really a God? Part 1: Which God?

Just about anyone you talk to can recite the first four words in the book of Genesis:  "In the beginning God..."  These four words have caused more controversy than perhaps any other phrase throughout the Bible.  Over the next few weeks I will add to this study as we develop this concept of "Is there really a God?"

Which God?

One question that comes to mind is "Which God?"  The Christian God?  The god of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shinto, Tao, Voodoo?  The list could go on and on.  Some would say that all religions lead to the same God.  But according to Dr. Steve Kern in his book "No Other Gods" there are two major problems with the idea that all religions lead to the same God.

1.  The principle of Truth:  Truth tells us that concepts that contradict each other cannot all be true.  For example, it can't be true that I am eating and orange right now when I am really eating an apple.  Likewise, it can't be true that I am running when I am riding my bicycle.  There can only be one truth.  The Bible claims to be the Truth of God.  Jesus himself said in John 17:17 when speaking about the Father, "Your Word is Truth."

2.  The principle of Intolerance:  In Exodus 20:3 God declares, "You shall have no other gods before me."  So, when a person says that all religions lead to God he would have to throw out Christianity because Christianity claims there is only One God.

Next time we'll look at the idea of "Who Created God?"

The Resurrection is Important

The apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:17 that without the resurrection our "faith is futile and [we] are still in [our] sins."  I found a wonderful list that hammers home the importance of the resurrection.  Enjoy:

Without the resurrection, the cross of Jesus really wouldn’t matter much.

Without the resurrection, we’d never have known about Jesus’ prayer on the Mount of Olives, where he submitted to the will of his Heavenly Father.

Without the resurrection, Judas’ betrayal of Jesus would have been long forgotten.

Without the resurrection, the Sanhedrin who condemned Jesus would have been seen as largely correct in their estimation of him as a blasphemer who needed to be silenced.

Without the resurrection, Peter’s denial of Jesus might seem like a judicious way to preserve his own life.

Without the resurrection, we’d probably never have heard the name of Pontius Pilate, unless we happened to take a class in Jewish history.

Without the resurrection, the fact that Jesus was scourged and crowned with thorns would seem to be a sad but fitting end to one who pretended to usher in the kingdom of God.

Without the resurrection, Jesus would have been one more nameless individual who took up his cross on the way to dying a cruel death.

Without the resurrection, Simon of Cyrene would have disappeared into the dust of history.

Without the resurrection, the women who mourned for Jesus would have continued to mourn for a long, long time . . . not for only two days.

Without the resurrection, most of us would know very little about crucifixion, unless we had seen the movie Spartacus.

Without the resurrection, the promise of Jesus to the thief, that he would join Jesus in Paradise, would seem like a bad, sad joke.

Without the resurrection, the presence of Jesus’ mother at the cross would be painful in the extreme, without a hint of meaning or hope.

Without the resurrection, the cross would be largely forgotten, and it would not appear on millions of buildings or around millions of necks.

Without the resurrection, the tomb would have been the final resting place of Jesus, untill his body was exhumed so his bones could be placed in a ossuary.

Without the resurrection, there would be no Stations of the Cross.

Without the resurrection, there would be no Christian church.

Without the resurrection, there would be no assurance of salvation.

Without the resurrection, there would be no reason to hope.

Without the resurrection, there would be only death.

Because of the resurrection, we reverence the cross.

Because of the resurrection, the symbol of the cross is one of the best known in the world.

Because of the resurrection, what was once the sign of horrific death is now a sign of life and hope.

Because of the resurrection, the death of Jesus is remembered, cherished, even celebrated.

Because of the resurrection, the Stations of the Cross lead, not to death, but to live.

Because of the resurrection, we are reborn into a living hope.

Because of the resurrection, we know that we too will live anew.

Because of the resurrection, everything is different.

Because of the resurrection, new life has begun.

Christ is risen!

He is risen, indeed!

[List by Mark D. Roberts.  www.markroberts.com]