In this event – Equipped with Truth, Real Life Ministries welcomed Dr. Sean McDowell—author, speaker, and professor at Biola University—to address one of the most pivotal aspects of Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus. With clarity, humor, and a heart for both believers and skeptics, Sean explored seven compelling reasons to believe in God in today’s world.
7 Evidences That God Is Back
- The Beginning of the Universe
- Scientific discovery supports a definite beginning (Big Bang), which implies a Beginner.
- Referenced Anthony Flew’s shift from atheism in There Is a God.
- Fine-Tuning of the Universe
- Dozens of cosmological constants perfectly calibrated to support life.
- “It’s as if the universe knew we were coming.” – Freeman Dyson
- Origin of Life
- DNA as a sophisticated information system implies an intelligent origin.
- Bill Gates once said, “DNA is like a computer program but far more advanced.”
- Consciousness
- Materialism can’t account for the human mind or self-awareness.
- Consciousness suggests a conscious Creator.
- Moral Law
- If objective moral values exist, there must be a moral lawgiver.
- “If God does not exist, all is permissible.” – Dostoevsky
- Modern-Day Miracles
- Referenced research by Craig Keener documenting contemporary miracles globally.
- Nearly half the live audience raised their hands claiming firsthand experience.
- Historical Evidence for the Resurrection
- Cited facts widely accepted by scholars:
- Jesus’ crucifixion
- Disciples’ sincere belief in His appearances
- Paul and James’ conversions
- Empty tomb
- Referenced Gary Habermas’ 4-volume defense of the resurrection.
Q&A Highlights
Themes covered:
- Why believers deconstruct faith while skeptics turn to Jesus
- The harmony between faith and reason (with nods to Aquinas)
- The nature of suffering and God’s goodness
- Responding to Old Testament moral challenges
- Navigating spiritual doubt and expectation
- Tools and resources for aspiring apologists (books, podcasts, YouTube)
- Engaging Jewish friends with sensitivity and truth
Notable Quote:
“Faith is not believing without evidence—it’s trusting in light of the evidence.”
Recommended Resources
- Evidence That Demands a Verdict – Josh & Sean McDowell
- More Than a Carpenter – Josh McDowell (especially for teens)
- Podcasts/YouTube:
- Sean McDowell’s Podcast
- Stand to Reason
- Frank Turek / CrossExamined
- Mike Winger
- William Lane Craig
Final Encouragement
Dr. McDowell closed with an emotional and powerful reminder: only in Christianity do we find a God who suffers with us, walks alongside us, and provides eternal hope through the resurrection. “From modern miracles to moral clarity, God is back—and He never left.”
