Does God exist?
do you believe GOD EXisTS?
Do you believe God exists? Whether God exists or not is a question that most of us have asked our entire lives. Why is this question so important? Well, for starters, this is probably the most important question a person can consider. Our belief in the existence of God has many implications. Faith in God affects humanity, morality, and destiny. Moreover, if there isn’t a God, then why worry about it, right? If there is no one to atone to, no one who we depended on moment to moment, then why waste all that time praying, attending church, and fellowshipping with other believers?
But what if there is a God?If God exists by western cultural standards, it becomes essential to understand who God is and His purpose. This God is an infinite, eternal, uncreated, and omnipotent being, whereas humans are finite and created. God is an all-powerful active force who is motivated by limitless love and justice. God has knowledge and wisdom infinitely surpassing our own. God would have the power to intervene in human affairs for those with special needs or in danger through prayer. God’s will would control everything because He knows better and is infallible. So it is best that we align underneath this God’s will and perform his work well. Sound familiar?
We have taken the time to put together some basic stats for you to consider when you are pondering the idea of whether or not you believe in God’s existence. Eastside is safe place to ask questions but more importantly, get answers. We hope this will help you not only answer the question of Gods existence, but show you that you aren’t the only person on the planet wondering if God truly exists and more importantly, what it means to you.
Belief by SEX.
When PEW Research Center asked a sample size group of 35,000 people whether or not they believed God existed or not, of the number who stated that they believe in God, 56% were women, and 44% of men stated that they believed in God. Conversely, out of the amount that stated that they did not believe in God, 61% were men, and 39% were women.
Belief by age.
When PEW Research Center asked a sample size group of 35,000 people whether or not they believed God existed or not, of the number who stated that they believe in God, 18% of individuals ages 19-29 believe in God. 34% of ages 30-49 and 29% of ages 50-64 stated that they believed in God. Finally, only 20% of individuals 65 years or older stated that believed in God.
Belief by race.
When PEW Research Center asked a sample size group of 35,000 people whether or not they believed God existed or not, of the number who stated that they believe in God, 64% of individuals ages were white. 15% of Blacks and 3% of Asians stated that they believed in God. Finally, only 14% of Latinos believed that God does exist.
Belief by income distribution.
When PEW Research Center asked a sample size group of 35,000 people whether or not they believed God existed or not, of the number who stated that they believe in God, 37% of individuals making less than $30,000 a year believe that God does exists. 21 % of those individuals were making $30,000-$49,000 per year and 26% were making $50,000-$99,000 per year. Only 16% of people making a $100,000 a year or more believed that Gods exists.
Belief by education level.
When PEW Research Center asked a sample size group of 35,000 people whether or not they believed God existed or not, of the number who stated that they believe in God, 43% of individuals who had a high school diploma or less believe that God does exists. 33 % of those individuals who have had some college education and 15% of those with a college education. Only 9% of people with a post graduate degree believe that God exists.
Belief by religion.
The common belief is that those who indentify as a believer of a particular religion must believe in God. That is simply not the case, as you can see below. Indeed, the Abrahamic branch of religion which is Muslim, Christian, Mormon, Black Protestant, Evangelical, and Johovah’s witness have rates above 80%. However, Catholicism and Mainline Protestant are only around 60-65% believer rates. You have Hindu at 41% and Buddhist which is 29% which is to be expected. However, what is shocking is that only 37% of the Jewish Faith believe that God exists.
This is for everyone.
At Eastside we believe that God exists and is for everyone. We also believe that your relationship with God is very personal to you. It doesn’t matter what race, religion, sex, amount of income you have, or what you are educational level. We believe that with God we can transform homes, communities, and the world by Perusing God, Building Community, and Unleashing Compassion. It is that simple. Below is the breakdown of our core beliefs.
Who is God?
A holy (without sin), spiritual being, all-knowing, everywhere present, eternally existent in three distinct personalities – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – one God (Exodus 3:14-15, John 4:24, Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-2).
Who was Jesus Christ?
Jesus became “God in the flesh.” He was born through the miracle of a virgin birth, lived a sinless life, was crucified and died a physical death as atonement for our sins, and was physically resurrected from the grave (Matthew 1:18-25, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). He will return in bodily form as Lord of the universe, to gather his followers and judge those who have rejected him (Acts 1:9-11, Hebrews 9:27-28).
What is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit lives within those who believe in Jesus Christ as Comforter and Advocate and helps us become more like Jesus in thought, word, actions, and character (John 16:5-15).
What is salvation?
Faith (belief and trust) in Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross is the only way to be reconciled with God (Acts 4:8-12). Salvation cannot be earned; it is offered through Jesus based on grace, not merit. What we couldn’t do for ourselves (reconcile with God), Jesus did through his death on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). God lovingly offers salvation to every person, and every person has the freedom to accept or reject this gift at any time (John 3:16-18). Faith requires repentance (conforming our lifestyle to Christ’s), and results in obedience. Baptism by immersion demonstrates a pledge of our willingness to live for Him (Acts 8:26-38, Romans 6:1-4).
What is the Bible?
The Bible is inspired by God, and is therefore without error or contradiction, and is the sole authority for faith and practice. All our beliefs come from the Bible (2 Timothy 3:15-16, 2 Peter 3:15-16).
What is the Church?
The Church of Jesus Christ is not limited to any one institution or denomination; it consists of all who have trusted Jesus Christ for the redemption of their sins. Eastside is therefore but one part of the greater Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-17).
Questions?
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