How Do You Know God Is Real?

Tyler Everett
Oct 5
4 min read

Romans 1:18–23; 1 Peter 3:15 Big Idea: You can deny God, but you can’t escape Him.

Why this series?

A friend suggested I title this series Prove Me Wrong—a nod to those bold campus debates where someone throws down a challenge. I appreciate that style and the people who do it well. But my aim in this series is a little different.

I don’t believe every Christian is called to walk onto a stage and debate professional skeptics. I do believe every Christian is called to do what the apostle Peter commanded:

“Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you—yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)

Notice that: not a thousand reasons for everything under the sun—a reason for your hope.

This series is about helping you answer that question with confidence from Scripture.

Soundbite: A borrowed faith won’t survive a real fight.

The real skeptic you meet every day

Skeptics are everywhere—at work, in the classroom, online—and sometimes at your own dinner table. But the loudest skeptic you’ll face most often is the one in the mirror.

It’s healthy to bring your questions to God. Questions don’t destroy faith; unanswered questions do. So let’s answer them from the Word.

How do you know God is real?

We began where the Bible begins—with God Himself. Romans 1:18–23 says God’s existence is not hidden, but plain:

Creation testifies. “His invisible attributes… have been clearly perceived… in the things that have been made.” (vv. 19–20)Creation is God’s open-air sermon. A painting implies a painter; a universe implies a Creator.
Suppression is real. People “suppress the truth” (v. 18). The problem isn’t evidence; it’s avoidance. We don’t reject God because He’s unbelievable; we reject Him because we don’t want to be accountable.
The results are visible. “Claiming to be wise, they became fools” (v. 22). When we push God out, thinking grows darker and worship gets misdirected—toward created things, careers, self.
Wrath is real, too. God’s wrath is His righteous, settled opposition to sin (v. 18). In Romans 1 it’s already being “revealed” as God gives people over to what they insist on. But there’s good news: “Since we have been justified by [Christ’s] blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God.” (Romans 5:9)

Soundbite: Revelation always demands a response—either worship or wrath.

The Spirit’s role: revelation to the heart

Scripture says the Holy Spirit reveals the things of God to us (1 Corinthians 2:10–12) and gives a “Spirit of wisdom and revelation” so we may know God (Ephesians 1:17). In other words:

Creation reveals God objectively.
The Spirit reveals God personally.

Your one clear “reason”

You don’t need to memorize every apologetics framework to give a faithful answer (though they’re helpful!). Start here:

Start with Scripture. Open Romans 1:18–23. Show that God says He has made Himself plain.
Support with reason. Effects have causes; design implies a Designer.
Seal it with testimony. I know God is real because I encounter Him daily. I talk with Him. He leads, comforts, and corrects me. He’s not just an idea I defend—He’s a Person I know.

You can’t argue me out of a relationship I live in every day.

Two invitations

For the skeptic or seeker

If you’ve been resisting what God has made plain—through creation, conscience, Scripture—today can be your turning point. God doesn’t want wrath for you; He wants relationship with you. Jesus has already made the way (Romans 5:9). Call on Him, trust Him, and begin a real relationship with the living God.

A simple prayer:Jesus, I believe You are real and You are Lord. I turn from my sin and trust Your finished work on the cross. Forgive me, fill me with Your Spirit, and teach me to follow You. Amen.

For the believer

Romans 1 isn’t just about “them out there.” It warns us, too. We can drift into ingratitude, suppress truth when obedience is costly, and quietly worship created things.

Here’s your call to action this week:

Worship fully. Respond to God’s daily revelation with gratitude, not apathy. (Romans 1:21)
Witness boldly. Be ready to give your reason—open the Bible, share your story. (1 Peter 3:15)
Walk consistently. Make choices that reflect the reality of God’s presence. If God is real, live like He’s real.

Soundbite: The best defense of the faith is a life that proves God makes a difference.

Try this this week

Memorize Romans 1:20 and 1 Peter 3:15.
Practice your “one reason” in 60 seconds:“I believe God is real because Scripture says He has made Himself plain (Romans 1:19–20), creation testifies to a Designer, and I know Him personally—He speaks to me through His Word and has changed my life.”
Pray daily: “Holy Spirit, give me wisdom and revelation to know You better” (Ephesians 1:17).