How does one know that God exists? This is perhaps the most basic and fundamental question that each of us has to consider. If God does not exist, then any religious effort (including this weekly column) is an exercise in futility.

We believe in God, but not just because the Bible says that He exists. The teachings of the Bible have no impact upon someone who does not believe in God. Such people view the Bible as nothing more than a collection of ancient fairy tales. There are many evidences that lie outside of the Bible that argue strongly and convincingly in favor of the existence of God.

Cause and Effect. We all understand that there can be no effect without a cause. Something has to be behind the things that we see and experience. Where did the universe come from? There are only three ways that we can account for the existence of our universe. The first is the theory that the universe is eternal - that it has always been here. We know that this is not a realistic explanation, for matter is not eternal. Science has proven that the universe is "winding down," which indicates that it had a beginning. The second explanation is that the universe created itself. The problem with this theory is that there is no known natural process by which matter spontaneously creates itself. Nothing comes from nothing. The third explanation is that the universe was created by some force outside of itself. This is the only alternative that explains our existence. Something was in existence before this physical universe that was greater than the universe and caused it to come into existence.

Design Demands A Designer. The universe is full of examples of intelligent design. The sun exerts its gravitational pull upon all the planets in such a way that everything in our solar system is kept in balance. Scientists can accurately predict events in our solar system because they have discovered the pattern by which it functions. The earth is the perfect distance from the sun, and rotates at the perfect speed, to sustain life. If we were closer to the sun, we would burn up. If we were further away, we would freeze. The earth rotates at a fixed tilt of 23 degrees, which gives us our seasons. The moon is at just the right size and distance from the earth to affect the tides, which keep the oceans from becoming stagnant.

Your car is made up of many different parts which work together. No one would argue that a car created itself or suddenly appeared out of nowhere. It was obviously designed and manufactured by intelligent people. The human body is made up of millions of interrelated parts which depend upon one another in order to function properly. Any auto mechanic can look at the human body and appreciate the fact that it was designed and created by someone.

It is amazing to think about the advances that we have made in our technology. Consider the capabilities of a modern-day camcorder. Functions such as automatic zoom and focus, the ability to detect colors, process images, record them, etc. are amazing. Do these camcorders create themselves? Do they appear out of nowhere? No, they are designed and manufactured by intelligent people. Yet, the functions of the human eye make today's most advanced camcorder look like a child's toy.

There is perhaps no greater question than whether or not one believes in God. If one chooses not to believe in God, then he will live in accordance with that belief. Having no absolutes or authority outside of himself, he will be free to live however he wants to live. However, if one believes that God exists, he will live in accordance with that belief, recognizing that he is accountable to God as his creator and judge. What do you believe?