The largest known butterfly here in Costa Rica, the Owl Butterfly, can have a wingspan of up to 20 centimeters. It takes its name from the spots on the underside of its wings that look like owl eyes, which it uses to scare away predators. Amazingly, the Owl Butterfly also mimics the appearance of a snake. In the photos above, can you see the owl eyes and head. Did these defenses evolve over billions of years? Is that even possible?
The Universe Displayed. When we see the stars and hear the rolling thunder and consider the power and complexity displayed throughout the universe (ex. the delicate balance between the gravitational pull of the Sun and the outward angular momentum of Earth away from the Sun), we quickly realize that there is only one rational conclusion for its existence. Creation did not explode from nothing into existence and evolve over billions of years through a series of random mutations. Respectfully, to believe that requires a tremendous amount of blind faith. As with the Owl Butterfly, the design of the universe is intelligent and delicately balanced. Therefore, the universe was created by an intelligent being.
WHO IS THE CREATOR?
Critics love to attack the Bible and attempt to discredit it, but did you know that sound evidence establishes the unparalleled reliability of the Bible as a historical fact-based document:
The Bible is internally consistent even though it was written by approximately 40 authors in 3 different languages over the course of 1600 years.
There are over 25,000 historical manuscripts of the Bible, far more than any other ancient writing, and the copying and translation from document to document is 98% accurate.
The wording and spelling variances do not affect the substantive doctrine in the Bible.
To date, Jesus, the preeminent figure in the Bible, has fulfilled 48 of 61 prophecies concerning himself. The odds of this occurring is 1 in 10 to the 157th power (a one with 157 zeros behind it). By comparison, the estimated number of electrons in the entire known universe is about 1 in 10 to the 79th power.
Many Biblical events, including miracles, are referenced in other historical writings.
The Bible contains several scientific statements that were unproven at the time they were written but were later proven to be accurate. For example, the Bible references the spherical shape of Earth (Isa. 40:22) and the existence of valleys, springs, and fountains in the depths of the seas (Gen. 7:11, Gen. 8:2, 2 Sam. 22:16, Prov. 8:28)
WHO IS THE GOD OF THE BIBLE?
The God of the Bible. There is a Creator of the universe who cares for and loves His creation. Of all creation, God loves people the most -- people like you and me who are made in His image. God the Creator, the God of the Bible, is perfect and without sin, but all people are inherently sinful and rebellious at heart. Sin and rebellion are actions and attitudes that reject God's authority and the standards He has set forth in the Bible. As people, we choose to live as though we are gods unto ourselves. That is our nature. If you have ever lied, stolen, lusted, coveted, or been angry with someone unjustly, then you have broken the Law of God.
Mankind’s Rejection of God’s Authority. The effect of rejecting God's authority and living for ourselves is that we cannot have a relationship with God, who is holy and just. Because He is holy and righteous, God is set apart from sin. Because He is just, He will judge those who are living in sin and rebellion. The punishment for sin is death and eternal suffering in a place the Bible calls hell. Hell is completely separated from an eternity in Heaven with God. All have sinned and hell is our destination. The Bible states very clearly that we cannot save ourselves through “works” (accomplishments, compassion, feelings of sorrow or guilt, charity, tithing, etc.).
IS THERE HOPE?
Yes! The God of the Bible is also merciful and loving, so He provided a way for us to be saved from an eternity of suffering and damnation. Our Hope is in a man called Jesus. Jesus is the most important figure in all human history. He came to earth to be the substitute sacrifice for sinners so we could be delivered from God’s judgment.
Jesus was not confused about his identity and purpose. During his ministry on earth, he claimed very publicly to be the Son of God who was sent to save people from their sins. He said it to the crowds and to the religious and government leaders. Under the Old Testament law, Jews were commanded to sacrifice a spotless lamb on the altar as a penalty for their sins. Sacrificing a lamb was imperfect, but it symbolized the promise of a perfect sacrifice in the future - the sacrifice of Jesus, the promised Messiah. This is why he is often referred to as the Lamb of God.
Jesus demonstrated his power through many miracles, which were seen by thousands, but his most important miracle was that he rose from the dead. He was put to death after being wrongly accused of blasphemy by the Jewish religious leaders and crucified on a Roman cross. He rose from the grave three days later and appeared to hundreds of witnesses before ascending into Heaven.
The Gospel (the story of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and victory over sin) is TRUTH, not a lie. Jesus' biographies were written and circulated while many witnesses were still alive, and there are several secular references to the belief of his followers. A Christian movement exploded in the same region based on the claims of an empty grave and risen Savior. Many followers who knew Jesus and witnessed these things did not renounce what they had seen, even while being tortured and killed. And finally, the Christian worldview is unsurpassed in its historical and factual consistency, the depth of its principles and humility, its contributions to human progress, the scope and sound logic of its teachings, and its emotional and rational power.
TO WHOM IS THIS GIFT AVAILABLE?
Unlike you and me, Jesus did not deserve death. He was the blameless Lamb of God, the Son of God, and God in human form. The Son glorified God the Father by humbling himself, leaving his Heavenly throne, and becoming a baby and then a lowly carpenter. He lived a perfect sinless life of truth and love. Through his death and resurrection, he paid the price for the sins of the world.
When asked what we must do to be saved, Jesus replied "you must be born again." When this occurs, your heart of sin and rebellion is replaced with a heart of love, service, and obedience to God.
The Bible states that anyone who turns away from their rebellion and sin and believes in Jesus shall not perish but have everlasting life. This is God's plan for salvation. This is how people can return to a right relationship with God their Creator.
The Bible is very clear. You must trust in what Jesus did on the cross to forgive you of your sins and not trust anything else, not even your own sincerity or works. It is Jesus alone who can turn away the righteous judgment of God upon the sinner. You do not deserve it. It is a gift from God.
Sadly, most people reject the Bible’s teaching and turn away from the truth because they refuse to acknowledge there is a greater authority than themselves. They love sin and evil and do not want to be exposed, but when I consider God's love for me, His plan to save me, and what Jesus did for me on the cross, I am humbled and broken before God. I have a strong urge to give up my desires and live my life for God, just as Jesus did. In other words, it's no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. Does that make sense? This new heart attitude brings glory to God my Creator – my Father in Heaven.
HOW DO I EXPRESS MY BELIEF IN HIM AND BECOME A CHRIST-FOLLOWER?
Only Jesus has the power to save. I hope you will turn away from your sin and pray to God right now wherever you are. He will hear you. Confess to God that you are a sinner and ask Him to forgive you. Tell God you will put your faith and trust in His only son, Jesus, and that you will learn more about Jesus from the Bible so you can live like him.
Next, celebrate! Go tell another Christ-follower what you have done. If you don’t know anyone, please reach out to me on our Contact page. I will gladly pray with you. I will probably ask you to pray for me, too. We are both part of the family of God. Welcome home! Find a local church and begin the process of growing in your knowledge and faith.
God bless you!
Ron Youde, Pres.
Swift Sunrise, Inc.
*Scripture references were omitted from this Gospel presentation, but are available upon request.
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