How Do We Know?

[Vode]

I would very much like to be religious. I think that it would make my life much more fulfilling and worthwhile.

I cannot, however, bring myself to believe in a religion like Christianity without getting one question answered: how do you know about all of this? How do the followers of Christianity know that this whole god and Jesus business is true? What makes this any more than a "good story"? How can we know that all the stories in the Bible are true?

Thank you.

 

[nhisname]

I would very much like to be religious. I think that it would make my life much more fulfilling and worthwhile.

I cannot, however, bring myself to believe in a religion like Christianity without getting one question answered: how do you know about all of this? How do the followers of Christianity know that this whole god and Jesus business is true? What makes this any more than a "good story"? How can we know that all the stories in the Bible are true?

Thank you.

Everyone is seeking something that fulfills and satifies the spitual man within us, something that will bring us peace and comfort in a crazy world, well my friend Jesus does that for me.
It's not about the religion (the outward)that makes it so wonderful but the relationship(the inward) that Christians have with Jesus. It is personal. And by it being personal we are able to pray and seek him and know he hears us just as we hear him. How do we know, by God's Holy Spirit that resides in us. And all you have to do is believe.

 

[Vode]

Everyone is seeking something that fulfills and satifies the spitual man within us, something that will bring us peace and comfort in a crazy world, well my friend Jesus does that for me.
It's not about the religion (the outward)that makes it so wonderful but the relationship(the inward) that Christians have with Jesus. It is personal. And by it being personal we are able to pray and seek him and know he hears us just as we hear him. How do we know, by God's Holy Spirit that resides in us. And all you have to do is believe.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but how am I supposed to believe in something if it has no more proof in being correct than Santa Claus and Paul Bunyan? Why believe in this, and not one of the aforementioned myths?

 

[Jeffz]

I would very much like to be religious. I think that it would make my life much more fulfilling and worthwhile.

I cannot, however, bring myself to believe in a religion like Christianity without getting one question answered: how do you know about all of this? How do the followers of Christianity know that this whole god and Jesus business is true? What makes this any more than a "good story"? How can we know that all the stories in the Bible are true?

Thank you.

A man named Nicodemus asked a simular question of Jesus and here is thier discussion:

Jhn 3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;

Jhn 3:2 this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God {as} a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."

Jhn 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Jhn 3:4 Nicodemus *said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?"

Jhn 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Jhn 3:6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Jhn 3:7 "Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'

Jhn 3:8 "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Jhn 3:9 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can these things be?"

Jhn 3:10 Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things?

Jhn 3:11 "Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony.

Jhn 3:12 "If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

Jhn 3:13 "No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.

Jhn 3:14 "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up;

Jhn 3:15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.

Jhn 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Jhn 3:17 "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

Jhn 3:18 "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Jhn 3:19 "This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.

Jhn 3:20 "For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

Jhn 3:21 "But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God."

So the answer to your question is that you must be born from above/bornagain just to be able to see the kingdom of heaven. So my friend without this it is impossible to believe. Ask God to open your eyes that you might believe His Words and the Truth of Jesus and His work of redemtion.

Jeff

 

[childofGod31]

I would very much like to be religious. I think that it would make my life much more fulfilling and worthwhile.

I cannot, however, bring myself to believe in a religion like Christianity without getting one question answered: how do you know about all of this? How do the followers of Christianity know that this whole god and Jesus business is true? What makes this any more than a "good story"? How can we know that all the stories in the Bible are true?

Thank you.

Before I answer that question, I wanted to mention something else.
For example, take a relationship between a man a woman. They need each other because they have different strengths and weaknesses. They complement each other. They are halves. And together, they make a whole. They go together. When people are born, they want to get married (join, become as one, because they feel they need the other)

It's a similar idea with God and people. God has created people so that He could love them. God is Love. Therefore, He wants to love somebody. People on the other hand, need love. So God gives love, people receive love. It's a mutually beneficial relationship. Together, as one, they are satisfied. God loves, and it makes Him happy. People are loved, and it makes them happy.
Therefore, each person will feel unsatisfied until He connects with God and receives God's love. In order to receive God's love, you need to first love Him. Don't ask me why it has to work that way, it just does. So if you want to feel loved, you need to fall in love with God first, and then you will be able to receive His love. And I wrote in great detail about it here:

Bible 101 • View topic - What is Christianity really about?

Now, as to your question, faith comes through studying, hearing, thinking... We don't have 100% proof, but we believe to such an extent that it might as well be proof to us... You believe that tomorrow is going to be sunny because a weather forecast said so. Or you believe that tomorrow you will wake up and your life will still continue as it was, you will still get out of the bed in the morning..... In the same way, we believe that God is there and that Jesus came and that the Bible is the truth.

It's ok if you don't believe right away. The Bible, who is the wisest book on earth, says: faith comes from hearing. The more faithing building stuff you hear, the more you will believe. If you heard about one miracle, you might not believe. If you heard about a 1000, I think you will then believe.

Study the Bible. Even if you can't believe just yet, just study. Faith is like a miracle. It's like something people can't explain. It just comes sometimes. It can come to you too. We walk by faith. It's just the way it is.
There is a spiritual world out there. If you read online about it, there is a bunch of stuff about it. The problem is: most of the stuff online is about the bad side of the spiritual world. But at least you then know that there is something there...
There is good and bad in spiritual world, just like in the physical. Faith is a part of the spiritual world and that's why faith seems so weird to us. The rules in the spiritual world are different. Jesus said: if you only believe, you can do this and this...And He said: with God all things are possible. Spiritual world is quite different. And we don't understand it, having used to the physical world: where we have to touch in order to know that something is there.
But the fact is: there are too many stories about that world existing. And there are demons and angels and satan and God. There are too many stories to not believe in its existence. But if you do believe in that world existing, then you should assume that God and Jesus are very possible as well.
And again, it's all by faith. And faith comes as a consequence of studying. So study. And may God open the eyes of your heart to see the truth. THe Bible says that satan has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so that they don't see the truth.
But God said: seek and you shall find. So seek it. And God will meet you halfway.

 

[achristiantech]

I would very much like to be religious. I think that it would make my life much more fulfilling and worthwhile.

I cannot, however, bring myself to believe in a religion like Christianity without getting one question answered: how do you know about all of this? How do the followers of Christianity know that this whole god and Jesus business is true? What makes this any more than a "good story"? How can we know that all the stories in the Bible are true?

Thank you.

Without addressing the spiritual and religious reasons, perhaps some secular reasoning might help.

Last I looked, today is 10/9/2009. Now what is this date based around?

Archeaological evidence.

Secular historians/writers that wrote of Jesus. Like Josephus and others listed on the following link:

Secular writers showing the proof of Jesus' existence - Rapture Forums

Atheists like Lee Strobel who tried to disprove the existence of God and became believers. From an atheist website, Lee Strobel's asks from others what they would ask an atheist that would plant doubt in the minds of an atheist.

Friendly Atheist by @hemantmehta Lee Strobel Answers Your Questions, Part 3

Six reasons why God exists.

Does God Exist - Six Reasons to Believe that God is Really There - Existence of God - Proof of God

Personal testimony of millions/billions that have experienced a relationship with Him, seen or experienced miracle(s), FAITH.

I have as well as many have seen those on their deathbed (Christians) smile and reachout as they pass on. Were they reaching for Jesus or an Angel perhaps? Likewise watched a non-believer grimace and push away from something as they passed away. Did they experience something evil or satan himself?

Keep seeking, you will find Him if you truly desire to know Him.

 

[seajoy]

The Holy Spirit is already working on your heart, otherwise you wouldn't be asking questions. Isn't that a cool thing? You don't have to worry about proof, because God gives us our faith as a free gift....it's not something you can muster up on your own.

Start to pray that God gives you faith in Jesus your Savior. The miracle of faith will begin.

 

[Quasicentennial]

Another way of looking at Christianity is a product. You buy these expensive high quality audio/video cables from a TV shop worth over $20 and the manufacturer is giving you a lifetime guarantee because the rust-proof materials can never spoil your viewing or listening pleasure. God is giving us a lifetime guarantee if we stay sinless like Jesus Christ. Athiests who don't commit crimes are not sinless because of the Ten Commandments that must be obeyed where believing in our one true God is real. Killing is another unfortunate mistake where inventions should be concentrated on weakening the enemy, not ending their lives. In Star Trek, the phaser can be used to stun at low energy level, and to kill at maximum energy level. I hope our future generations understand God's commandment of not killing humans because violence can be lessened with stun weapons. Another way to look at your life and ask: Will I be alive tomorrow to experience, learn and enjoy life?
Accidents can happen to anyone. If you accept Jesus now then you are guaranteed instantly. Your past sins disappear when you enter heaven with a new body and mind. Satan can never enter sin in heaven. Sinful love and hate will be remembered as tiny memories. We would be too glorified in the healing love of God and Jesus, staying young always.

 

[Jeffz]

I would very much like to be religious. I think that it would make my life much more fulfilling and worthwhile.

I cannot, however, bring myself to believe in a religion like Christianity without getting one question answered: how do you know about all of this? How do the followers of Christianity know that this whole god and Jesus business is true? What makes this any more than a "good story"? How can we know that all the stories in the Bible are true?

Thank you.

Without faith it is impossible to pleas God. Faith is believing even when we have no pruff. It is trusting in the Word of God because He said it was His Word. Jesus said blessed are those that believe without seeing. When we take the action of deciding to trust Jesus then we will see the kingdom of heaven. It is not something that I can convince you of but I am convenced deep inside after I decided to trust God.
jeff

 

[donb1959]

A VERY good book to read on the subject is CS Lewis "Mere Christianity" CS Lewis for many years was an atheist....until he thought about it

And this is a cool site:So What About Jesus? So What about the historical Proof?

I know He exist at the deepest levels, I've seen what He has done in my life, and the lives of others.

Shalom,
DonB

 

[Emmy]

Dear Vode. You had good replies, and if I might suggest, with love and humility, find out for yourself. Give God/Jesus a chance, ask and you will receive, Jesus is waiting for you to invite Him into your heart. Ask Jesus to lead you, and start by following His 2 Commandments: 1) Love God with all your being, He made us in His image, we alone in this Universe can think and reason. 2) Love your neighbour, all others, As you love yourself; or just start by treating all you know or meet, as you would like to be treated yourself. Jesus will give you His Love, Joy, and Peace, and you share it with all, friend or foe. Unless you try sincerely, you will never find out, Vode. Greetings from Emmy, sister in Christ.

 

[Van]

Hi Vode, how do we know the Bible is true? Well I for one do not. I believe it is true.
I chose to trust in what it says. We make lots of decisions, some based on our believe it is the right decision beyond a reasonable doubt. We make others with scant evidence. How do I know when I go to bed, I will wake up? I do not. But I make plans just the same, and tell others I will meet them and do such and such.

There is considerable evidence that people at the time of Christ believed He had performed miracles and that He arose from the tomb after being crucified. Others, of course said it was a hoax. Many of the believers went to their death rather than stop claiming Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. So Jesus was an historical figure, a man who actually lived and was known by many others who gave eyewitness accounts of His life.