Evidence • Why Atheism Can’t Be True • Mark Clark
Does God Really Exist? Examining the Evidence for Faith
In a world filled with skepticism about faith and Christianity, many people wonder whether belief in God is rational or simply wishful thinking. Growing up in a household that was adamantly opposed to Christianity, this question became deeply personal. The journey from skepticism to faith wasn't based on blind belief, but on examining evidence that pointed toward the existence of God.
Key Verses
Romans 2:14-15
Genesis 1:1
Everyone Has a Faith Position
Whether you realize it or not, everyone who walks through life has a faith position about what happens after death. Even those who claim to be purely rational and evidence-based hold beliefs about metaphysical realities they cannot prove.
Consider this scenario: When someone dies after suffering, we often say "at least they're not suffering anymore." But how do we know that? If you believe that death simply means non-existence, that's actually a faith position - a belief about what happens when the physical world ends that cannot be scientifically proven.
The question isn't whether you have faith, but whether your faith is informed by evidence. Some faith positions are based on philosophy, history, literature, and scientific analysis, while others are simply assumptions we've never examined.
The Evidence of Morality: Why Do We Know Right from Wrong?
The Universal Moral Compass
One of the most compelling evidences for God's existence is the universal human experience of morality. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 2:14-15: "Indeed, when Gentiles who do not have the law do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them."
Every culture throughout history has recognized concepts of right and wrong. Children instinctively understand fairness - "you got to sleep in mom's bed last night, so I get to sleep there tonight." We all agree that rape, murder, and harming innocent people are objectively wrong, not just matters of personal preference.
Why Evolutionary Explanations Fall Short
Some argue that morality developed through evolutionary processes - that we developed consciences to help our species survive. But this explanation has significant problems. Evolution is based on what works pragmatically, not on what's morally right. Sometimes killing your enemy would be better for your tribe's survival than loving them, yet we believe love is morally superior.
At what point did humans transcend the animal kingdom to develop moral consciousness? Animals don't wrestle with questions of right and wrong - a lion doesn't "murder" a zebra, it simply follows its nature. But humans uniquely possess moral awareness that often contradicts survival instincts.
The Problem with Moral Relativism
Many people claim there are no absolute moral truths, that right and wrong are simply cultural preferences. But this position becomes impossible to maintain in practice. If someone cuts in line at the grocery store or commits a violent crime, we instinctively know something objectively wrong has occurred.
Even those who claim to reject absolute morality will argue passionately on social media about injustices they perceive. The very fact that we can identify "evil" in the world suggests we have an objective moral standard by which we judge actions.
The Evidence of the Universe: How Did Everything Begin?
The Principle of Causality
For thousands of years, philosophers understood a basic principle: anything that begins to exist must have a cause. This makes intuitive sense - you began to exist on your birthday because of causes that preceded you.
Historically, many argued that the universe was eternal and therefore needed no cause. This was a reasonable philosophical position until 1929, when astronomer Edwin Hubble made a revolutionary discovery.
The Big Bang and the Beginning of Everything
Hubble observed that the universe is expanding - not just the planets and stars moving, but space itself stretching outward. When scientists reversed this expansion mathematically, they discovered that all space, time, energy, and matter came into existence in a single moment approximately 14 billion years ago.
This means the universe has a birthday. And if the universe began to exist, then according to the principle of causality, it must have a cause. Something outside of space and time must have brought everything into existence.
The Problem with "Nothing"
When pressed about what caused the Big Bang, many people simply say "nothing." But this is logically incoherent. Nothing cannot create something. Nobody times nothing does not equal everything.
We both believe in miracles - some believe in the virgin birth of Jesus, others believe in the virgin birth of the universe from nothing. The question is which belief is supported by better evidence.
The Language of God in DNA
Modern biology has revealed another stunning piece of evidence: every single-celled organism contains DNA, a written code that determines its characteristics. Francis Collins calls DNA "the language of God" - a mathematical, informational code embedded in every living cell.
When we see organized information or language anywhere else, we immediately recognize it as the product of intelligence. If someone writes "Sarah, will you marry me?" in the sky with an airplane, no one assumes the clouds randomly formed those words by chance.
The Evidence of Jesus: God in Human Form
Historical Reality
The most important evidence for God's existence is that He revealed Himself in the person of Jesus Christ. Even skeptical historians acknowledge that Jesus of Nazareth was a real historical figure who was crucified under Pontius Pilate.
Multiple ancient historians outside the Bible wrote about Jesus, confirming His existence and the basic facts of His life and death.
The Resurrection Changes Everything
If Jesus truly rose from the dead, as Christians believe, this isn't just an interesting historical footnote. It's a reality that should transform every aspect of our lives - our money, relationships, work, and priorities.
The resurrection means that death has been defeated and that Jesus' claims about Himself and about eternal life are validated. This isn't something we can simply acknowledge and then continue living unchanged.
Overcoming Shame and Judgment
Many people avoid church or faith because they feel judged or ashamed of their past mistakes. But Jesus came specifically for people who feel broken and unworthy. He said there is "no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
God doesn't wait for us to clean up our lives before He can use us. He takes broken, imperfect people and accomplishes extraordinary things through them, not because of their worthiness, but in spite of their flaws.
Life Application
The evidence for God's existence isn't just an intellectual exercise - it's a call to examine your own faith position and consider whether it's based on solid ground. This week, challenge yourself to honestly evaluate what you believe about life's biggest questions and why you believe it.
The goal isn't to have all the answers, but to follow the evidence wherever it leads with intellectual honesty and humility. As you examine these questions, you may discover that faith in God is not only emotionally satisfying but also the most rational conclusion based on the evidence available to us.
Questions for Reflection
Mark mentioned that everyone has a 'faith position' whether they realize it or not. What do you think your faith position is, and what has influenced it?
How do you respond to the idea that morality is evidence for God's existence? Where do you think our sense of right and wrong comes from?
Mark shared that he initially thought Christians were 'dumb people' who were anti-science. Have you ever had similar preconceptions about faith or Christianity? What changed your perspective?
The sermon discussed the Big Bang theory as evidence for a Creator. How do you reconcile scientific discoveries with faith, or do you see them as conflicting?
Mark shared personal stories of God's miraculous work despite his own inadequacies. Can you think of a time when you experienced something that seemed beyond coincidence?
How does the concept that 'God can use your life and do something amazing, not because of you, but in spite of you' resonate with you?
Mark mentioned feeling shame and judgment, even as a pastor. How do you deal with feelings of shame or inadequacy in your spiritual life?
If someone asked you why you believe (or don't believe) in God, how would you respond? What evidence would you point to?
Key Takeaways
Everyone holds faith positions about ultimate reality, whether they acknowledge it or not
The existence of objective morality points to a moral lawgiver beyond ourselves
Scientific evidence, including the Big Bang theory and DNA, suggests an intelligent cause behind the universe
Jesus Christ is a historical figure whose life, death, and resurrection provide the strongest evidence for God's existence and love
God can use anyone for His purposes, regardless of their past mistakes or perceived inadequacies
Setlist
WFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere
1. The Joy - The Belonging Co.
2. Trust In God - Elevation Worship
3. What A God - SEU Worship
4. Great Are You Lord - Passion
WFC Speedway
1. Love So Great - Hillsong Worship
2. Great Are You Lord - Passion
3. Same God - Elevation Worship
4. Jesus We Love You - Bethel Music
Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!
