Why do you believe God exist

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arthurfleminger

Well-known member
Aug 18, 2021
1,405
778
113
#21
Funnily enough, some will say just that :oops::rolleyes::oops: Stephen Hawking wrote, “Because there is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing. Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the universe exists, why we exist.”

Scientists like Stephen Hawking are forced to come up with unprovable theories as to the creation of the universe, like spontaneous creation due to the law of gravity. (That's a ludicrous idea because prior to existence there was no law of gravity)

The reason that Hawking and other scientific atheists are forced to find some way that the universe was created without God is because of anti-God bias in Academia. All science, in all public universities, is taught with the demand that God not be addressed and that everything can be explained from natural causes. So, young men/women scientists are educated firmly with a foundation that God cannot be brought into the picture.

I can understand why public universities teach in this manner, they are searching for scientific proof, quantifiable proof, and not in any religious belief. But, make no mistake, public universities are very much biased against God, not only in the sciences but in other fields as well. This is a reason why so many college students fall away from God/Jesus/religion during their tenure at the university level.
 

brighthouse98

Senior Member
Apr 16, 2015
657
331
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#24
When I received Jesus at the tender age of 22,like most people I took him for granted, I expected more then I was willing to give! What? ME am to follow him everyday? To actually be a doer??( James 1:22) I looked at scripture was for the non believer to show them to believe and not doubt was all. Not to be accountable!! You mean to live my life like a disciple?? Are you kidding me??

Who the hell can do that?? A lot happened both good and bad,and when one day things happened so bad at least from my stand point I said forget this!! I was better off a heathen then I am believing that Jesus actually cared for me? And at 24 left the faith to go back to the way things were,got to work as a body guard for Wayne Newton, who some may remember,lol. My motorcycle broke down in the middle of the desert one evening,and there I was,a voice which seemed far away was calling my name,I looked around to see who was coming towards me,but there was no one I could see.then inside of me Holy Spirit brought this to my mindset.( Matt 26:56)

I did not have my bible but remember the scripture because I taught on it at a Sunday School meeting for the kids. Then I remembered how after Jesus rose from the dead how the disciple went back to fishing again( John 21:1-11) Please look close at verse 14!! 3 times,the same 3 time's Jesus asks Peter do you love me?( verses 15-17) The voice inside me stated remember when you said you love me?

The truth never lies in ones words,but rather in ones actions no matter what! Words only matter after action is taken,remember Jesus preformed acts of love before he ever talked about it. So I thought,then looked to make excuses for the way things seemed to turn out,as I was doing this in my head, A loud voice from within said,Failure is like any sin,it starts in the mindset,and if you come to believe in it strong enough it takes effect in ones life. Welcome to the desert!

Time to begin anew even as my disciples did from long ago. NOW who is you real only friend,who has come to meet you in the desert to refresh your mindset and being? Just at that moment a car came by to ask if I needed a ride! LUCK?? LOL No such thing. PURPOSE and RESOLVE!!!! I went back to my Friend,and this time to stay! Now at 68 years of age what I have learned is the very same thing Jesus himself knew about his people,for some it takes time. WE as his servants are not here to judge people for there faults,but rather to restore them even as Jesus restored me!( Gal 6:1-10)

That brothers and sisters is my job in the Body of Christ now,I pray to be a great success and have been because my Jesus is now in my mindset to stay!! ( Romans 13:11-14) Come out of your desert and enter in to life Eternal not based upon how you feel,but rather upon assurance that no matter what you are going through, you do not any longer have to be alone!! Blessing to you all through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!
 

Mii

Well-known member
Mar 23, 2019
2,081
1,329
113
#25
If the OP doesn't continue to interact, I'm confused as to why you all would potentially cast your pearls.

Knowing the backstory/motivation behind a question makes sense when someone has such an odd name, has 1 post, and was here no more than 40 minutes.

It's true that people can still glean from the question I suppose, just a caution.



I'd like to pose a counter question to the OP before I answer such an open ended question.

What does belief mean to you and is that the same as faith?
 

2ndTimothyGroup

Well-known member
Feb 20, 2021
5,883
1,952
113
#26
If the OP doesn't continue to interact, I'm confused as to why you all would potentially cast your pearls.

Knowing the backstory/motivation behind a question makes sense when someone has such an odd name, has 1 post, and was here no more than 40 minutes.

It's true that people can still glean from the question I suppose, just a caution.



I'd like to pose a counter question to the OP before I answer such an open ended question.

What does belief mean to you and is that the same as faith?
Speaking for my FORMER self . . . I used to come to these sites so that I could "dazzle" people with my Understanding, Knowledge, and Wisdom. Such a crazy notion, considering that I eagerly change my beliefs so that I can "get it right" instead of "being right." This means that I didn't even care if the person presenting the OP was active or not . . . it was all about ME, ME, ME!
 

Mii

Well-known member
Mar 23, 2019
2,081
1,329
113
#27
Speaking for my FORMER self . . . I used to come to these sites so that I could "dazzle" people with my Understanding, Knowledge, and Wisdom. Such a crazy notion, considering that I eagerly change my beliefs so that I can "get it right" instead of "being right." This means that I didn't even care if the person presenting the OP was active or not . . . it was all about ME, ME, ME!
Well this is as good a time as any to tell you I rather like your signature.

Idk how I'd put that into my own words but it struck me as my main motivation these days.


and yeah, I sometimes don't post for long periods because it feels all I'm doing is "showing off". I'm good at "saying lines" and for a long time desired the spiritual spotlight, up until my late 20s...it was about then that I just sort of was able to not be drawn into it like a moth to the flame and though there is still that tendency, and I have to back down occasionally, there is certainly a great benefit to doing so. Less of me and more of him :)

I think there's something to be said for "boasting in the Lord" but I'm fairly confident that it feels different and less like candy. The flesh definitely plays a role, and it's been a long process for me to learn that and yield the mike to others and just offer a little input if something appears to be lacking, lagging, or even amiss.

Anyway, I appreciate it.
 

2ndTimothyGroup

Well-known member
Feb 20, 2021
5,883
1,952
113
#28
Well this is as good a time as any to tell you I rather like your signature.

Idk how I'd put that into my own words but it struck me as my main motivation these days.


and yeah, I sometimes don't post for long periods because it feels all I'm doing is "showing off". I'm good at "saying lines" and for a long time desired the spiritual spotlight, up until my late 20s...it was about then that I just sort of was able to not be drawn into it like a moth to the flame and though there is still that tendency, and I have to back down occasionally, there is certainly a great benefit to doing so. Less of me and more of him :)

I think there's something to be said for "boasting in the Lord" but I'm fairly confident that it feels different and less like candy. The flesh definitely plays a role, and it's been a long process for me to learn that and yield the mike to others and just offer a little input if something appears to be lacking, lagging, or even amiss.

Anyway, I appreciate it.
And I appreciate what you've written. Contrary to what some have charged against me, I'm not above the teaching of others. It's just that sometimes the utter obvious is so repulsive that I almost can't contain myself in my responses and replies. Surely, there are times when I prove that I can be "better." When someone used to write something that was so outlandish and off-the-wall, I'd simply reply with an "okie doke" and walk away . . . but even that seemed a bit too flippant for me. Trying to find that balance in how to respond and react isn't easy, and to be clear, what I think is the worst thing that we as "Christians" can do to another . . . is flat-out ignore. Ignoring another person is the most destructive thing, in my opinion, that we can do to another. Ignoring is total control and manipulation, thus, it is always better to say, at least, "I"m sorry" and walk away.

Anyway, thanks for the response and you have yourself a perfect day!
 

iTheophilus

Well-known member
Oct 28, 2021
436
471
63
#29
If for no other reason here is why. ( Rom 1:20) There is NO Excuse!!
Amen, @brighthouse98

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. - Romans 1:20-21 (NKJV)
 

Mii

Well-known member
Mar 23, 2019
2,081
1,329
113
#30
And I appreciate what you've written. Contrary to what some have charged against me, I'm not above the teaching of others. It's just that sometimes the utter obvious is so repulsive that I almost can't contain myself in my responses and replies. Surely, there are times when I prove that I can be "better." When someone used to write something that was so outlandish and off-the-wall, I'd simply reply with an "okie doke" and walk away . . . but even that seemed a bit too flippant for me. Trying to find that balance in how to respond and react isn't easy, and to be clear, what I think is the worst thing that we as "Christians" can do to another . . . is flat-out ignore. Ignoring another person is the most destructive thing, in my opinion, that we can do to another. Ignoring is total control and manipulation, thus, it is always better to say, at least, "I"m sorry" and walk away.

Anyway, thanks for the response and you have yourself a perfect day!
Seems I can't message you but I think ignoring should be a last resort as per 1 Cor 5:5 and the other scripture that talks about church discipline. Ignoring should very rarely come up as an option...I agree it is destructive and unproductive almost always.

Thanks again. Peace be with you.
 

2ndTimothyGroup

Well-known member
Feb 20, 2021
5,883
1,952
113
#31
Seems I can't message you but I think ignoring should be a last resort as per 1 Cor 5:5 and the other scripture that talks about church discipline. Ignoring should very rarely come up as an option...I agree it is destructive and unproductive almost always.

Thanks again. Peace be with you.
Yes, it seems that we need membership to send a message. I've donated, but donations don't qualify one to begin emailing. :)

You are welcome to message me at:

[email protected]
 

iTheophilus

Well-known member
Oct 28, 2021
436
471
63
#32

Are you seeking for Jesus? Do you hear Him calling you? The reason I ask, and I do ask it sincerely, is that unless you had some kind of faith in a Saviour, and are in need of Him, you wouldn’t be asking us why we believe that God exists. This is a very encouraging sign, and it shows that you are ready and willing to hear. I‘m sure all of us here are very glad that you asked your question because you’ve just taken a step in the right direction and it could be that you have just begun on a most exciting journey.

"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.

- John 6:44 (NKJV)
 

Jimbone

Senior Member
Aug 22, 2014
2,941
953
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#34
Because by His grace and mercy He gifted me repentance, He reached down when I was at my shattered lowest point, picked me back up and made me whole, resurrecting my dead spirit and reconciling it to His making me a new creature, not the same as before. I believe in God because I've met Him, I know Him, I have felt the crushing power of His righteous presents while on my face in total submission. I guess really I believe in Him the same reason I "believe" in anyone else I've met in my life, that's why for me.
 

ZNP

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2020
36,176
6,540
113
#37
Paul talks about the our faith being filled "unto all the riches of the full assurance". Every time you get a "rich" from the word it builds your faith.

For example, I just finished a 2 part series from Chuck Missler "Beyond coincidence parts 1 and 2"

In this series he proves the existence not only of God but that the Bible is the word of God with a non terrestrial origin outside the realm of time.

Yes, I realize that is an audacious claim that flies in the face of political correctness. However, he definitely meets the criteria for a scientific proof.


His approach is quite mathematical. He uses a simple statistical analysis. He takes one prophecy after another and asks what is the probability of this happening. For example, what is the probability that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem? Simple, number of people born in Bethlehem divided by the number of people in the world. A small number, but not impossible obviously. Then what is the probability that God would call His Son out of Egypt, of those born in Bethlehem how many go to Egypt while a small child and then are called out of Egypt returning to Israel. Clearly, a much smaller number. Of those how many enter Jerusalem as a king riding on a donkey? That becomes an incredibly small number, most likely 1 out of billions. But you can keep going because there are many, many prophecies concerning the Lord's earthly ministry. He shows that the odds of just six of these prophecies coming true is like finding one particular silver dollar in a container the size of the Earth filled with silver dollars. But remember, there are many, many more prophecies. And as you add prophecy after prophecy the odds continue to decrease until the odds are greater than one out of the number of all the atoms in the universe.
 

ZNP

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2020
36,176
6,540
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#38
I have spoken I will also bring it to pass

Bayesian analysis of the prophecies

(To make this easier to calculate all numbers will be simple factors of 10)

1. Jesus born in Bethlehem -- 1 / 100,000

(how many people are born in Bethlehem divided by all the people on Earth)

2. He would be heir to king David's throne -- 1/ 100

(No doubt the majority of those born in Bethlehem were of the line of Judah, but I am looking at this from all human history since the prophecy was made and for the last 2,000 years this is not true. In fact after the diaspora Jews can no longer trace their family history)

3. God would call His Son out of Egypt -- 1 / 1000

(Again I am being extremely generous in all of these calculations. Compare the population of Egypt about 100 billion with the population of the world, about 7.5 billion and it gives you a rough estimate of 75:1. However, many of those in Egypt were born there, all of those would be eliminated. Then of those in Egypt who were not born there how many are called out to come to Israel?)

4. Jesus birthplace would be marked by a massacre of children -- 1/10,000

(How many massacres have happened in Bethlehem? Not only so, what are the odds of a massacre taking place in a small town like Bethlehem of children? In the US we had a massacre of adults in Las Vegas at a concert. We have had a number of school shootings that do not even approach this massacre in size and this is despite the population being far greater than it was at the time of Jesus. Not only so but the massacre would have to be at the same time of Jesus otherwise it wouldn't have been a sign)

5. He would speak in parables -- 1 / 1,000

(We have had many great leaders, how many have spoken in parables? There are currently 7.5 billion people on this earth, do you think 7.5 million speak in parables? There have been a few philosophers who have, but for the most part other than Christian pastors expounding on Jesus' parables this is rare).

6. Messiah's price for betrayal would be 30 pieces of silver and used to buy the potter's field -- 1/1,000,000

(I suspect the odds are less than this but I am using a million as my limit for extremely specific and rare prophecies. Yes, 30 pieces of silver was a set price in Israel, yet how many of those who got this money would have used it to buy a potter's field? This might be the only time in history so I am being extremely generous).

7. Messiah's hands and feet would be pierced. -- 1/100,000

(People getting murdered or tortured is not this rare, however, this is a very specific torture. It might take place in addition to crucifixion, yet it would be very unique. Pulling fingernails, waterboarding, etc. are all examples of torture. Never heard of them piercing hands and feet in Gitmo or some other place of torture. Still crucifixion was practiced for a brief time in history but even then I suspect it was used on less than 1 in a 100 in the Roman Empire. So then it was only used on a portion of the world's population for a small portion of the world's history.)

8. Soldiers would gamble for Messiah's clothes -- 1 / 100

(Soldiers would apparently divide up the belongings of those they crucified. However, this coat was of very high quality which is why they didn't want to divide it up. I suspect that is rare among those being crucified, however I am going to include the prophecy that his bones will not be broken in this number and that he would be given vinegar to drink).

9. He would be buried with the rich. -- 1/10

(I have already factored in the odds on crucifixion, I suspect the odds of someone being crucified and buried with the rich is much bigger. My point here is that the rich represent 10% so you have a 1/10 odds of being buried with them).

Total odds of these 9 points taking place

1/10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

How big is that number? Imagine you had 1,000 containers the size of the earth. You filled each container with dice, and every one of these was a cubic centimeter. One of these dice is marked. What are the odds of finding that particular die?

Isaiah 46:8 Remember this, and [a]show yourselves men; bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors. 9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; 10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure; 11 calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country; yea, I have spoken, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed, I will also do it.
 

ZNP

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2020
36,176
6,540
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#39
I have spoken I will also bring it to pass
This brother shares 9 prophecies fulfilled at the time of 9/11 which he calls harbingers that judgement is coming on the US.

 
Dec 14, 2021
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#40
Not just God, but specifically the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob whose foretold Messiah is Jesus of Nazareth.

It's simply because he protects his faithful. The entirety of Jewish history attests to this fact through the Bible, and the entirety of European history attests to this fact through recorded history other than the Bible, but also the Bible too where it first started with the Romans and Greeks where enough of them listened so that we could be saved today.

We see what is most natural to humankind outside of Christ by seeing the non-free world and by recorded history.

And what is happening to the free world now that we are growing in our rejection of Christ. People who were respected as having common sense at one time all of a sudden support tyrants and unilateral power as though we need a dictator or king to tell us what is best for us because they have been convinced somehow that we can no longer govern ourselves.

That is because they are mentally reverting back to what is most natural to humans without Christ, to live under oppression ruled by a unilateral power who can put people to death for silly reasons on a mere whim. That's why they wanted an 18 year old to be given life imprisonment for not letting himself be murdered. They somehow actually want to be able to be put to death or imprisoned for no reason.

And in that they prove beyond any reasonable doubt the reality of Christ, because they already have liberty, and it hasn't been even 100 years since the establishments of our society began their decline away from Christ.

They will convolute this with the fact that the average life expectancy of Republics is 200 years, but in that they will again prove Christ because the larger body of Christians world never have gone down that road that is leading to the destruction of our Republic. In other words, without their push against liberty, our Republic and freedoms would still be quite secure.

The reason for this is simple, because God protects his faithful. God already told us, blessings and curses rain down on both the wicked and the righteous. So, if so many of us are rejecting Christ or living in sin that God decided it's time for curses because blessings aren't working, then that's how it will be because sending people to hell when many more would be saved under different circumstances is not something God likes to do. He will find a way to gain that greater number, even if it means he has to destroy us