Most of us know someone who has rejected the Christian faith because of science. This month on television we will use the latest scientific evidence to reach people for Christ and hope to strengthen your faith in God as well.
Did you know that modern science has discovered the universe had a
beginning? Astronomer George Smoot from the University of California—Berkeley states, “What we have found is evidence for the birth of the universe… It’s like looking at God.” This astounding revelation has enormous consequences.
For example, Nobel Prize winner Arnold Penzias has declared, “Astronomy leads us to a unique event, a universe which was created out of nothing, one with the very delicate balance needed to provide exactly the conditions required to permit life, and one which has an underlying, one might say ‘supernatural’ plan.” Isn’t it interesting that the Bible says, “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible” (Hebrews 11:3).
George Greenstein in his book The Symbiotic Universe talks about the implications of the universe having a beginning. He writes, “Is it possible that suddenly without intending to we have stumbled upon scientific proof of the existence of a Supreme Being?” The late Stephen Hawking concedes, “It would be very difficult to explain why the universe should have begun in just this way except as the act of a God who intended to create beings like us.”
If you have ever wanted to believe in the God of the Bible, but were concerned about contradicting known scientific facts, today’s science provides reasons to believe God exists and powerfully created all things.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1) accurately describes what science has discovered.
This month on the John Ankerberg Show I’m airing a series of programs on
science with astronomer Dr. Hugh Ross. He is a PhD graduate from the University of Toronto and has conducted postdoctoral research at Cal Tech on quasars. He is the author of numerous books on the origin of the universe, producer of the documentary Journey Toward Creation, and serves as president of the organization Reasons to Believe.
Science Discovers the Universe Had a Beginning
In this series of four programs called “Science Discovers the Universe Had a Beginning” Dr. Ross presents the scientific evidence that has led astronomers to conclude the universe had a beginning, and how God has designed the universe in precisely the manner necessary for human life to safely live on earth. Further, you’ll learn how God positioned the planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune to protect the Earth. You’ll also see how God has uniquely designed the sun, moon, and stars for our benefit.
Step by Step through Creation
In our second series, Dr. Ross and I will take you verse by verse through Genesis 1 and 2 in four programs entitled “Step by Step through Creation.” You’ll learn how the biblical account of creation can be reconciled with today’s scientific evidence. Further, we’ll share clips from Hebrew scholar Dr. Walter Kaiser explaining the meanings of some of the Hebrew words used in the account of creation.
Our Resources for You
So this month, I’m making available an exclusive package of resources available only at the John Ankerberg Show. It includes our two series, “Science Discovers the Universe Had a Beginning” and “Step by Step through Creation” on Blu-ray and DVD for $49 each. Then, I’m including two study guides that parallel our two television series. Each study guide contains four sessions for your personal study or Bible study group and is available for a gift of $8 each, or for five or more copies, $5 each.
Further, we are making available the documentary movie Journey Toward Creation which will transport you by state-of-the-art computer animation out into space and back in time through the solar system, past stars, galaxies, and quasars—all the way back to the moment the universe came into existence—and show you how God meticulously created and designed the universe. This updated second edition documentary movie is available on DVD for $30.
Finally, all 5 of these resources are available together in a special package for your gift of $120 or more this month. See the enclosed card to order.
Audio Bible Outreach Update
This year, one of our main goals is to reach two million people around the world who have never heard about Jesus. Our goal is to provide an audio Bible in their native language and invite them to a weekly gathering where they will be able to listen to the Bible with others and discuss what they have learned.
According to our latest report, you and our other friends have helped 1,940,223 people who are now in new listening groups each week in 39 nations and 85 languages. The breakdown of your gifts includes impact across the following regions:
Africa: 13 nations, 20 languages, 393,010 people
Asia Pacific: 11 nations, 27 languages, 803,256 people
Americas: 6 countries, 15 languages, 420,558 people
Eurasia/Middle East: 4 countries, 6 languages, 111,676 people
South Asia: 3 countries, 8 languages, 199,446 people
Deaf Video: 1 country, 1 sign language, 334 people
U.S. Military: 5 locations in 5 states in English and Spanish, 11,943 people
In addition, approximately 970,000 people in these new groups have come to faith in Christ as they have listened to God’s Word! This includes 30,000 new believers in the past month who will spend eternity with God through your generosity!
NRB Board of Directors Award
The National Religious Broadcasters is an international association of Christian communicators whose member organizations represent millions of listeners, viewers, and readers. Their mission is to advance biblical truth; to promote media excellence; and to defend free speech. In addition to promoting standards of excellence, integrity, and accountability, NRB provides networking, educational, ministry, and fellowship opportunities for its members.
I have served with this organization for more than 30 years and currently serve as a board member. This year, I am honored to share that I have been awarded the NRB Board of Directors Award. The Board of Directors Award honors a Christian who demonstrates integrity, displays creativity, and makes a significant impact on society.
Past recipients have included Steve and Jackie Green, Dave Ramsey, Mel Gibson, June Hunt, and Todd Starnes from Fox News. I share this to thank you for your part in making this award possible. Through your generosity, many lives have been impacted for eternity. This award honors your legacy and faithfulness.
Pressing Toward the Goal—Together
Like the apostle Paul in Philippians 3:14, we are pressing toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us. In our ministry, this includes our ongoing audio Bible outreach, our global discipleship video series (moving forward in nine languages), our current remodel of the Global Communications Center, and our ongoing television and media outreach to over 200 nations and territories.
Your gifts help people like the man who recently wrote, “I spent 18 years in prison and today I am free. I’m married with three boys and now serve in prison ministry to help others. While I was locked up, I watched your show and it helped deepen my faith and understanding in apologetics and Christ-centered living.”
All these efforts are focused to bring people to faith in Jesus and help them grow in Him. You are essential to this ministry. Thank you for your prayers and continued support. As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, I prayerfully challenge you to consider how God would have you press toward the goal with us, making an eternal impact.
For Those Still Waiting to Hear,
Dr. John Ankerberg
P.S.Your gift this month will help us to allow non-Christians to see an astronomer and astrophysicist present the evidence that God exists and has made a way for us to know Him.