Hey Six, I don't want to get into this discussion too deep but the Bible says that the existence of God cannot be proven by fact, science, or any of man's knowledge. Faith is a belief in the absence of proof, and so God demands faith and will not prove conclusively his existence. If God showed his power directly, people would follow him due to fear, not faith. Remember in the decades following the resurrection even the disciples felt abandoned by God and Peter had to keep them together as Christians.
When Jesus walked the earth, he performed miracles publicly to show his power. I don't recall the event but he said never again would he show his power (maybe the flood).
Well, even with what I have written as examples, nothing is inconclusive, you still Need faith to belive.
My suggested evidence is strong, but isn't 100%, that purposely leaves the door open for doubt. It's a choice.
You chose to bridge the gap of what parts you don't understand, with faith.
I present strong evidence, to help increase one's faith. In turn, making the gap smaller, and the bridge we build(with our faith)shorter. Aka, easier to understand how this all works.
It's a journey. A fair analogy would be that you are in a boat, on the sea, far enough out so that the curve of the earth keeps land out of sight.
You are heading to shore(home).
While you are out at sea, there are storms, and no sign of land.
If you know your way home(the direction), you are looking towards home(God).
You may struggle along the way, even get lost a time or two, but as land comes into view in the farthest distance, hope(faith) starts to rise. You may lose sight of it, even get lost again, but the closer you get, the stronger it becomes.
Faith comes by hearing And Hearing the word of God. Which means, keep reading and listening to His words. There is tremendous wisdom, knowledge, and understanding hidden in them.
Things that increase your faith.
For example, Jesus's diciples Had seen His miracles, death, And resurection.
They were strong in their faith.
They preached His word, the gospel.
They were hunted by Rome.
They were human, and in their weakness they allowed fear and negativity to overcome them. Peter had to remind and encourage them.
A great example of human weakness, and need for Jesus.
Through even their weakest moments, they would not deny Him, and ultimately, willingly chose death at the hands of the Romans.
Pretty powerful statement for a group of guys feeling abandoned, in the end, they remembered who they were, and what they were doing.
What happened?
They lost their focus.
They looked away from God, and concentrated on their problems.
How we All do or have done with our own problems. We focus on what's wrong, instead of what's right.
more to come...