Does God exist? The following offers honest, straight-forward reasons to believe in God...
By Marilyn Adamson
Just once wouldn't you love for someone to simply show you the evidence for God's existence? No arm-twisting. No statements of, "You just have to believe." Well, here is an attempt to offer some of the reasons which suggest that God exists.
But first consider this. If a person opposes even the possibility of there being a God, then any evidence can be rationalised or explained away. It is like if someone refuses to believe that people have walked on the moon, then no amount of information is going to change their thinking. Photographs of astronauts walking on the moon, interviews with the astronauts, moon rocks...all the evidence would be worthless, because the person has already concluded that people cannot go to the moon.
When it comes to the possibility of God's existence, the Bible says that there are people who have seen sufficient evidence, but they have suppressed the truth about God. On the other hand, for those who want to know God if he is there, he says, "You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you." Before you look at the facts surrounding God's existence, ask yourself, If God does exist, would I want to know him? Here then, are some reasons to consider...
1. Does God exist? The complexity of our planet points to a deliberate Designer who not only created our universe, but sustains it today.
2. Does God exist? The human brain's complexity shows a higher intelligence behind it.
3. Does God exist? "Chance" or "natural causes" are insufficient explanations.
4. Does God exist? To state with certainty that there is no God, a person has to ignore the passion of an enormously vast number of people who are convinced that there is a God.
5. Does God exist? We know God exists because he pursues us. He is constantly initiating and seeking for us to come to him.
6. Does God exist? Unlike any other revelation of God, Jesus Christ is the clearest, most specific picture of God pursuing us.
to be continued and elaborated on at http://everystudent.com/sg/features/isthere.html...
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Who is Jesus? A quick summary on the life of Jesus Christ - and reasons to believe in him...
By Paul E. Little
It is impossible for us to know conclusively whether God exists and what He is like unless He takes the initiative and reveals Himself. We must know what He is like and His attitude toward us. Suppose we knew He existed, but that He was like Adolf Hitler--capricious, vicious, prejudiced, and cruel. What a horrible realisation that would be!
We must scan the horizon of history to see if there is any clue to God's revelation. There is one clear clue. In an obscure village in Palestine, almost 2,000 years ago, a Child was born in a stable. Today the entire world is still celebrating the birth of Jesus.
He lived in obscurity until He was thirty, and then began a public ministry that lasted three years. It was destined to change the course of history. He was a kindly person and we're told that "the common people heard Him gladly." And, "He taught as One who had authority, and not as their teachers of the Law" (Matthew 7:29).
It soon became apparent, however, that He was making shocking and startling statements about Himself. He began to identify Himself as far more than a remarkable teacher or prophet. He began to say clearly that He was God. ...
Jesus Christ - the Son of God?
As we face the claims of Christ, there are only four possibilities. He was either a liar, a lunatic, a legend, or the Truth. If we say He is not the Truth, we are automatically affirming one of the other three alternatives, whether we realise it or not.
(1) One possibility is that Jesus lied when He said He was God--that He knew He was not God, but deliberately deceived His hearers to lend authority to His teaching. Few, if any, seriously hold this position. Even those who deny His deity affirm that He was a great moral teacher. They fail to realise those two statements are a contradiction. Jesus could hardly be a great moral teacher if, on the most crucial point of His teaching--His identity--He was a deliberate liar.
(2) A kinder, though no less shocking possibility, is that He was sincere but self-deceived. We have a name for a person today who thinks he is God. That name is lunatic, and it certainly would apply to Christ if He were deceived on this all-important issue. But as we look at the life of Christ, we see no evidence of the abnormality and imbalance we find in a deranged person. Rather, we find the greatest composure under pressure.
(3) The third alternative is that all of the talk about His claiming to be God is a legend--that what actually happened was that His enthusiastic followers, in the third and fourth centuries, put words into His mouth He would have been shocked to hear. Were He to return, He would immediately repudiate them.
The legend theory has been significantly refuted by many discoveries of modern archaeology. These have conclusively shown that the four biographies of Christ were written within the lifetime of contemporaries of Christ. Some time ago Dr. William F. Albright, world-famous archaeologist now retired from Johns Hopkins University, said that there was no reason to believe that any of the Gospels were written later than A.D. 70. For a mere legend about Christ, in the form of the Gospel, to have gained the circulation and to have had the impact it had, without one shred of basis in fact, is incredible.
For this to have happened would be as fantastic as for someone in our own time to write a biography of the late John F. Kennedy and in it say he claimed to be God, to forgive people's sins, and to have risen from the dead. Such a story is so wild it would never get off the ground because there are still too many people around who knew Kennedy. The legend theory does not hold water in the light of the early date of the Gospel manuscripts.
(4) The only other alternative is that Jesus spoke the truth. From one point of view, however, claims don't mean much. Talk is cheap. Anyone can make claims. ...
Evidence from the Life of Jesus
First, His moral character coincided with His claims.
Second, Christ demonstrated a power over natural forces which could belong only to God, the Maker of these forces.
Third, Jesus demonstrated the Creator's power over sickness and disease.
Fourth, Jesus' supreme credential to authenticate His claim to deity was His resurrection from the dead.
Was Jesus' Resurrection Just a Story?
find out more at http://everystudent.com/sg/features/faith.html...
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More questions and answers.
Why is there so much suffering?
If God is good why does he allow so much suffering?
Why
Why do people get cancer? Why is there tragedy and death?
Is God a Good Director?
Is God directing this world very well? Questions to consider...
What Will Heaven Be Like?
Is it all just strumming harps and sitting on clouds?
Reincarnation, Karma & Life after Death
The problems of reincarnation and the law of karma.
Life after Death
How good do you have to be to get to heaven?
Why do I need God to be happy?
"I have found happiness in my life. Why do I need to derive a sense of purpose and happiness from the concept of a 'divine being'?"
Monday, October 23, 2006
Free Hugs, anyone?
Free Hugs!Just happened to come across this while I was blog-surfing. Watched the video and I don't know why, but tears welled up in my eyes, though none trickled down my cheeks.
If you're got the time, go watch the video!
Maybe I'll get a signboard that says FREE HUGS! on Sunday...
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Odyssey - The Journey Begins
The Journey Begins
I think I'm a little slow. But I was just thinking, if we can publicise the camp during youth, to the P6s and the two main services, why not publicise it on the web as well? Yeah I know it may be a little late, but still, advertising online promises a wider reach to a larger audience. So here goes:
When: 29 November (Thursday) to 2 December (Saturday) 2006
Where: Boys' Brigade/Girls' Brigade Campsite @ Sembawang (Don't worry too much about the exact address though. Just know it's somewhere near Sembawang MRT station. Transport should be provided. Heh.)
Who: KPCians and non-KPCians a.k.a non-Christians or Christians not attending church or youth from 12 to 18 years of age (exceptions may apply e.g. Marilyn Lee and friends)
What: 4 days and 3 nights' worth of fun and games, getting to know new friends and listening to several sessions on the topic of LIFE in general by our favourite camp speaker, Mr. Ong Chee Hong.
How (much): $40 for KPCians, $20 for non-KPCians - very cheap already please.
Contact: For more information or brochures/consent forms, please call Dawn @ 96969291, Marianne Lee @ 96230767 or Daryl @ 90622477 (but try not to call as I might not be able to answer calls during training. Thank You!)
C:\Documents and Settings\Straggler\My Documents\KPC Youth Ministry\KPC Youth Ministry 2006\Evangelistic Camp\KPC Faith Factor Publicity Presentation_files\frame.htm
I'm not sure if the above link'll work on other computers besides mine, but you can give it a try. Copy and paste the whole link in your web brower. That'll do the trick I think. It's the publicity presentation for the camp. Check out the old photos. ;)
For all KPC youths out there, please support this camp, not only by bringing a friend along with yourself, but also help spread this piece of good news far and wide. I know the school hols are round the corner, so do hurry to invite as many friends as you can. Even during the hols, you could always post this information on your blogs (especially for popular people like Marianne Hui, who receive many many mant hits on her site every day. Haha).
Rest assured that the programmes people are putting in their 120% in making this camp as interesting and enjoyable as possible. This camp is specifically targeted at non-Christians, so don't worry about the sermons being too difficult or boring (no way, not with Mr. Ong Chee Hong, I'm sure your friends will find him funny too). I really wish I could go, but due to National Service obligations, it may not be that possible. Same goes for Yao Qi man. Sad really. =( You can also let your suspicious friends know that this ain't no conversion camp. All we ask from them is to come with an open mind, knowing full well that the camp is organised by a church youth group, so there'll definitely be some Christian elements involved. But other than that, they have really no obligations to "convert" to Christianity. Remember, it's the Holy Spirit that converts, we're just here to do the sowing. =)
The church and many of our parents in particular have given their fullest support for this end of the year evangelistic camp, both in terms of financial means as well as keeping us in prayer. So please don't disappoint them! Most importantly, don't disappoint God in His Great Commission for us. Winning disciples doesn't have to be about going out to the mission field. It can be doing a simple thing as taking some time to come for the camp, as well as plucking up that little courage to ask your friends to join in the fun and learning with you. The camp committee has also shown you guys some way on how to approach friends to ask them to come for camp. The brochures have been painstakingly designed and printed. Each of you has a part to play in making this camp a success. So what are you guys waiting for? =)
Carpe Diem!
Daryl and (on behalf of) Marianne Lee
Publicity Committee
KPC Faith Factor Evangelistic Camp 2006
Odyssey - The Journey Begins
P.S A friendly reminder to all group leaders to really push and encourage your class to sign up for the camp. Also please please please remember to collect the consent forms, money and brochures from your group members by this Sunday (29 October 2006)! Very important to collect BOTH the consent forms and money together, if not you'll give Cheryl a big headache as to who's paid up and who hasn't, and no we won't want that to happen ya. We'd still be downstairs at the church lobby after service so pass us the stuff then. Thanks!
Friday, October 20, 2006
Wow! Just watch this...
If You've no budget for travelling....
GOONG Fever!
Somebody told me episode 23 is the best!
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Test for Dementia
Below are four (4 ) questions. You have to answer them instantly. You can't take your time, answer all of them immediately . OK?
First Question:
You are participating in a race. You overtake the second person. What position are you in?Answer (highlight below area to see):
If you answered that you are first, then you are absolutely wrong! If you overtake the second person and you take his place, you are second!Try not to screw up next time. Now answer the second question, but don't take as much time as you took for the first question, OK?Second Question:
If you overtake the last person, then you are...?Answer:
If you answered that you are second to last, then you are wrong again. Tell me, how can you overtake the LAST Person?You're not very good at this, are you?Third Question:
Very tricky arithmetic! Note: This must be done in your head only . Do NOT use paper and pencil or a calculator. Try it.
Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000 . Now add 30 . Add another 1000 . Now add 20 . Now add another 1000Now add 10. What is the total?Answer:
Did you get 5000? The correct answer is actually 4100.If you don't believe it, check it with a calculator! Today is definitely not your day, is it? Maybe you'll get the last question right....Fourth Question:
Mary's father has five daughters: 1. Nana, 2. Nene, 3. Nini,4. Nono. What is the name of the fifth daughter?Answer:
Did you Answer Nunu? NO! Of course it isn't.Her name is Mary. Read the question again!OK, tell us how many you got right?
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Eew! So UGLY!
Ugly Baby Contest.
Can you believe it? People actually sending their babies to take part in an UGLY baby contest? I think it's disgusting, and truly despicable.
Babies, I feel, are one of God's greatest blessings. They're a sign of new life, of renewed hope. They are beautiful. They bring joy to our lives with a simple smile, an innocent giggle. It simply is amazing how babies light up our lives.
Yet these people can send their children in to take part in a UGLY baby contest.
Ugly baby contest.
Is there anyone who really is ugly? Each and every person is crafted by God. Created in His image. Formed in the way He wants us to be. He planned the lives each and every person way before he/she was born. He is the greatest, most magnificent, most spectacular, all-powerful, all-knowing Creator.
Who are we to judge who looks good, and who doesn't? Who are we to discriminate? Who are we to despise? Are we not all GOD'S children? Are we not all created by the same God? How is it, then, that someone else is UGLIER?
It's easier to deny that. "No, I don't call him ugly. I would never do that!"
But don't we unconsciously avoid that person? Do we not look at him with the very same contempt that everyone else does? Do we not treat him just like everyone else does, thinking he is somehow more inferior?
I believe it is difficult. It's not easy to love people who might be a little different. Be it their behaviour or the way they look. But then again, who are we to judge? By thinking that they're worse than us, are we not being proud?
Everyone has their qualities. Everyone has their weaknesses. But let us not focus on the weaknesses of those around us, but focus on their qualities.
Romans 15:2 - Let each of us please his neighbour for his good, to build him up.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient and kind
Love does not envy or boast
It isn't arrogant or rude
It doesn't insist on its own way
It isn't irritating or resentful
It doesn't rejoice at wrong doing
But rejoices with Truth
Love bears all things
Believes all things
Hopes all things
Endures all things
Love never ends
Remember this. Nobody is ugly. Nobody.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Lantern Fest at Chinese Garden
Know where is "Chinese Garden"? Don't be so mountain tortoise... The last time I went there was... let me recall... more than 20 years ago! Went there again 2 days ago. Eerie, nothing have changed (except the toilet)...
Bring Back the Good Old Fats
Been following the debate about whether transfat (e.g. margarine on your bread) is bad for health. Seems like most people are not arguing the fact anymore... Watch your diet.
From today's TODAY paper:
I REFER to Richard Seah’s contribution, “We
know a fat lot about trans fats” (Oct 3).
The most important finding to have come
out of the research on trans fats in the last couple
of decades is this: There are NO safe levels
of trans fats. A metabolic poison is a metabolic
poison. It is just bad.
Here’s what my research on the subject
has led me to believe: Saturated fat — contrary
to conventional wisdom, which has utterly
demonised it — is the healthy fat. Lard, butter,
nuts — this is the fat our bodies evolved
to eat. It’s natural, unmodified by technology,
and its consumption has been necessary for
survival in the rural traditional diets of Indians,
Thais, Malays and Filipinos for hundreds
of years. It is free unsaturated fats — fats that
are not bound to other molecules — that
become modified by high-heat processing,
producing trans fats. So, roasting nuts — not
bad. Refining a vegetable oil — really bad.
The problem with french fries, in
particular, is that they are fried in partially
hydrogenated oils, which contain high levels
of trans fats. Partially hydrogenated oils are
in just about every item available at supermarkets
and fast-food restaurants.
The role trans fats play in cellular dysfunction
can be deduced from these facts:
•At no time in history, before the advent of
hydrogenation and other oil refining processes,
has the human body had to manufacture
a defence against the onslaught of prodigious
numbers of trans fats.
•Insulin resistance and obesity have become
a plague in our time, despite a growing emphasis
on diet and exercise.
•The rate of allergies, cancer and auto-immune
disorders has skyrocketed as well.
So, we need laws to ban all food and food
products that contain trans fats, as well as
all processed cooking oils containing
hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.
And we need to bring back the traditional
cooking oils: Coconut oil, palm oil,
gingelly (sesame) oil. Letter from P MATHAVAN
The Journey Begins
Ugly Baby Contest.
God is perfect, we are sinful, so there is a great gap between us. We may try to feel better through work, relationships, sport or religion. But all our attempts fail, because we have ignored the real problem - turning our back on God.
Jesus took the consequences of our self-centredness by giving up his life on the cross. He proved he had broken sin's destructive power by rising from the dead. Jesus offers us freedom from guilt and a bridge back to God.
