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The Existence of God. Evidence from Scripture, Nature and Reason By Clay Stidham. The Existence of God Evidence from Scripture : Ordinarily, it is NOT proof just because it is in the Bible someone who doesn’t BELIEVE the Bible is unconvinced
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The Existence of God Evidence from Scripture, Nature and Reason By Clay Stidham
The Existence of God Evidence from Scripture: Ordinarily, it is NOT proof just because it is in the Bible someone who doesn’t BELIEVE the Bible is unconvinced the Bible tells us that it is true, but so what, if you don’t believe it to start with? Examples: II Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. II Peter 1:20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding,[h] 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
It is necessary, first of all, to become convinced that the Bible is true, cover to cover. • Best evidence for me has always been: • Fulfilled prophecies concerning Jesus Christ: born of a Virgin (Isaiah), Bethlehem (Micah), Riding on a Donkey (Zechariah), Exactly to the day (Daniel 9), crucifixion (Psalm 22) • Fulfilled prophecies concerning the nation of Israel: 54 specific places in scripture where God said if Israel were disobedient, they would be scattered; but regathered in the last days. It’s happened. • He changed my life (II Cor. 5:17) • He is putting me to use (according to Scripture) .. “and you shall be my witnesses”; I experience the supernatural in the process • He answers prayer again and again, according to Scripture • For many people, this is all the proof they need. Skip the rest!
Evidence from Nature: 96 galaxies in a dark spot in the sky
The sub-microscopic: Atomic structure We know how to tear it apart (next slide)
Hebrews 1:1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets…2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…, through whom he made the universe. …sustaining all things by his powerful word. 3…he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Psalm 19 For the director of music. A psalm of David. 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. [a] 4 Their voice [b] goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, 5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat. Also: see Job 38, Hebrews 1 and Romans 1
Evidence from Nature Eagle Nebula
The Anthropic Principle: Intelligent Design = Intelligent Designer
CORN The Anthropic Principle
Evidence for God From Reason: quite simply – everything has to have a cause We “know” this intuitively If you go back far enough, the Ultimate Cause has to be encountered Philosophers have dealt with this problem: Aristotle – “The Unmoved Mover” All theories of origin are either Materialism – matter and energy are eternal, they just change OR Theism – “In the beginning, God…