Almost all 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 Arno 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 conceded, “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 God, but were concerned about contradicting known scientific facts, today’s science provides you reasons to believe God exists and powerfully created all things. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” from Genesis 1:1 accurately describes what science has discovered.
This month on The John Ankerberg Show I’m airing a new 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 Caltech 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 our first 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
This month, I’m offering 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 new 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.
All 5 of these new resources are available together in a special package for your gift of $120 or more this month. See the enclosed card to order.
Audio Bibles Making Disciples of All Nations
The final words of Jesus challenge us to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). However, as many as half of the world’s population remains functionally illiterate. Without an audio Bible, these people will likely never hear the gospel.
As we have shared the opportunity to provide audio Bibles, you have responded with overwhelming generosity. I have just received our latest update that shows our ministry together has now helped over 3.33 million people speaking over 120 languages in 40 nations are now in audio Bible listening groups each week!
This means each of these individuals is listening through the entire New Testament within a group setting. Surveys show approximately half of those in listening groups will become new believers. This means your gifts are helping over 1,665,000 people come to faith in Jesus.
Most of these new believers live where missionary activity is restricted. Yet God is working through your gifts and prayers to change lives in some of the most difficult places in our world.
Coming soon, I’ll bring you another update from Morgan Jackson and our friends at Faith Comes By Hearing. The stories of God at work through your partnership is offering new life to many who are hearing the Bible for the very first time. Thank you for helping fulfill the Great Commission!
Through the Book of Revelation with Dr. Jimmy DeYoung
I also hope you’ve enjoyed our recent series on Revelation with Dr. Jimmy DeYoung. You can still request parts 1 and 2 of “The John Ankerberg Show Presents Through the Book of Revelation with Dr. Jimmy DeYoung.” This collection includes eight full-length television programs on DVD and Blu-ray.
In addition, our package includes two new study guides to complement the two parts of the television series. Helpful for both personal study and small groups or classes, you’ll better understand Revelation and be able to live out its principles in your life.
All four of these resources, including part 1 and part 2 of our television series, as well as two new study guides, are available for your gift of $99. Please see the enclosed card for details.
For Those Still Waiting to Hear
I often end my letters with the phrase, “For those still waiting to hear.” Statistics show as many as 2.8 billion people have yet to hear the gospel. Together, God is working through us to change these numbers.
Never before has God opened such opportunities for us to work together to share the gospel. The same gospel that has changed us has the power to change others. Our Lord calls us to take this message to every person possible.
Our calling is not only important; it is urgent. Every day, around the world, about 153,000 people die. How many of them know the Lord? I want them all to have some chance to hear the gospel.
We may never know how many people we have reached until heaven, but we do know our mission is clear. Each day, I pray for you and our other friends to continue growing in the Lord and pursuing ways to help others hear about Him. I look forward to how God leads you to help this month.
For those still waiting to hear,
John and Darlene Ankerberg