Why I Believe in God

Why I Believe in God

September 10, 2006

Introduction

In 1 Pet 3:15, we find these words, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”

This morning, we concentrate on the statement, “and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” We hope this morning that we can help strengthen your faith in the living God. For thoughts related to what we are saying this morning, you can check my website for my article, “Why I believe in God.” We will look at part of what that article says today, but there are links to other articles such as the one’s by John Clayton.

So this morning, we are addressing the statement: “Why I Believe in God.” The Bible addresses the subject, but never really tries to prove that there is a God. The Bible assumes the existence of God, but we will still look at reasons for our faith.

Body

I. I believe in God because of the overwhelming evidence of God in the universe that He has created.

A. Paul tells us clearly that the evidence of God in the universe leaves us without excuse if we deny God.

(Rom 1:20-21 NKJV) 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, {21} 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.

1. God’s creation is the evidence that we must accept: “being understood by the things that are made,”

2. The limit of what we can know from observation: even His eternal power and Godhead,

3. We cannot find how to worship Him, or to be saved by observing His creation, but we can know enough that we are to acknowledge Him.

B. David writes of the evidence of God that He saw.

(Psa 8:3-4) When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, {4} What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?

(Psa 19:1-6 NKJV) The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. {2} Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. {3} There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. {4} Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, {5} Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race. {6} Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

(Psa 97:6-7 NKJV) The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples see His glory. {7} Let all be put to shame who serve carved images, Who boast of idols. Worship Him, all you gods.

1. And all the peoples see His glory.

2. We should see His glory and praise and worship Him.

II. I believe in God because of the overwhelming evidence of God because of the overwhelming evidence of the complexity of the human body.

(Psa 139:14 NKJV) I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.

A. Our bodies are marvelous.

1. He made our bodies to repair themselves.

a. As a result, cuts, bruises, and broken bones heal.

b. Surgery is possible because the cuts needed heal back together.

2. He made the food that is needed to keep our bodies functioning as they should.

a. I believe in God, because all this could not have happened without a master designer and creator.

b. So delicate is the balance God created that when men refine our food they often create health problems for us.

c. Our God is an awesome God!

B. Our minds are marvels.

1. Our minds allow all of our senses to operate: Sight, hearing, smelling, tasting, and feeling.

2. Our minds give us all of our mobility: Our feet and legs that get us about, our arms and hands that let us do things, the movement of our head and body that allows us to move in all the ways we can.

3. Our ability to think and analyze and design.

4. Our ability to communicate with others, and with our God.

5. Our ability to remember.

a. Facts and skills that we have learned.

b. Names and faces of people that we have met.

c. A mental map of places we have been and our ability to go to places we want to reach.

d. Our God is an awesome Creator. Man has never devised a computer that approaches the complexity of the human brain.

III. I believe in God because of the overwhelming evidence of God as we read His inspired word.

Wayne Carver was an atheistic scientist who studied the Bible to prove how stupid it was. He spent the rest of his life preaching the word of God. He concluded every broadcast with the statement: “The Bible Stands.”

John Clayton was an atheist and dated a Christian young lady who would not allow his sexual advances. He bought a notebook and got the Bible and was reading it to write down all the stupid stuff in the Bible. As he finished the Bible, he realized he had written nothing, so he read it again. His notebook was still blank.

1. John Clayton continues to tour the country presenting his, “Does God Exist” and today he is in Canon City, Colorado for a seminar that runs through Wednesday. John is a member of the Church of Christ.

2. If you go to my website article “Why I believe in God,” you will find a link to John’s website.

C. The Psalmist spoke of the word of God this way:

(Psa 19:7-14 NKJV) The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; {8} The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; {9} The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. {10} More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. {11} Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward. {12} Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. {13} Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. {14} Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

Conclusion

I. I believe in God because the evidence of God is overwhelming:

A. In the skies – the universe

B. Our marvelous human body

C. His word that has been preserved for us.

II. Are you right with God?

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