Is God real – or just a comforting idea?

You Asked For It Series

IS GOD REAL?

(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

“Don’t expect 100% certainty as you seek to answer the question, ‘Does God exist?’ God’s existence isn’t something you can prove or disprove. In fact, I’m not sure you can prove or disprove anything with that level of confidence. A more realistic way to determine our beliefs is if something is reasonable… That’s why I define faith as trusting what you have good reason to believe is true.” (Dr. Andy Steiger)

TODAY’S BIG IDEA: Based upon the overwhelming weight of the evidence…

WE HAVE TO BELIEVE IN A .

1. Evidence from .

a. Telescope — Kalam Cosmological Argument

i. Whatever begins to exist has a cause.

ii. The universe began to exist.

iii. Therefore, the universe has a cause.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

b. Microscope — Complex Fine-Tuning of the Universe

i. Gravitational Constant

ii. The Weak Force

iii. Cosmological Constant

“The universe is fine-tuned for the existence of intelligent life with a precision that defies comprehension.” (Dr. William Lane Craig)

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)

Reasonable Response: The universe .

2. Evidence from .

a. New Testament Scrutiny and Accuracy

b. Old Testament Prophesy Fulfilled

i. He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14)

ii. He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)

iii. He would be a descendent of David (Jeremiah 23:5)

iv. He would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9)

v. He would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13)

vi. He would be crucified with criminals (Isaiah 53:12)

vii. He would shed his blood for the forgiveness of our sins (Leviticus 17:11)

viii. He would be resurrected (Psalm 16:10)

ix. 300+ other prophesies all fulfilled by Jesus

Reasonable Response: The Bible is and .

3. Evidence from .

a. Four agreed-upon historical facts of the resurrection.

i. After his crucifixion, Jesus was buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.

ii. On the Sunday following his death, the tomb of Jesus Christ was found to be empty by his women followers.

iii. On separate, multiple occasions, different individuals and groups of individuals (including 500 at one time) saw what they claimed to be appearances of Jesus, alive after his death.

iv. The original disciples suddenly came to believe in the resurrection of Jesus, despite having no expectation of it.

Reasonable Response: Jesus from the dead.