Tonight was family movie night at the Michener household. The kids requested God’s Not Dead. I was surprised by this. It is not a movie where everything is blown up or aliens invade. Then they showed me the trailer featuring Willie Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame. Maybe they did think something was going to blow up.

The premise of the movie is a college freshman is told by his philosophy professor to write, “God is dead” on a sheet of paper, sign it and turn it in. As a Christian the young freshman struggles with this. Eventually he chooses not to sign the paper which results in him debating the professor on the existence of God.

As a college freshman, I was actively involved in my faith. I was preparing to spend the following summer in mission work with an organization called Mountain TOP in the Tennessee Mountains. Yet, I can say without a doubt I would have signed the paper and handed it in. I would have agreed with the professor on paper and in my head argued with him on all the points of which I thought he was wrong. I would have seen signing the paper as merely a hoop to jump through to get to my degree. I definitely wouldn’t have made waves or done anything to draw attention to myself. I would have been just like Peter who denied Jesus three times. Paul sums it up in his letter to Titus.

16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good. Titus 1:16 NIV.

These are harsh words to a young girl who lacked confidence in her ability to articulate her faith to protesters. These words from John bring comfort and courage to consider stepping out in faith.

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)

Thankfully a lot has changed over the years, but this has caused me to contemplate what I would say to someone who says God is dead. For me faith is personal. It is not scientific arguments. It’s not pitting physicists against theologians. It is about my heart and how it has changed. There was a moment when I realized Christ’s death and resurrection was for me, personally and many moments when I knew the Holy Spirit was working within me to accomplish this couldn’t do on my own such as writing a book.

But, here is what I would tell that person: There is a God who loves me so much that he took away the sting and scars of childhood sexual abuse. Psychotherapy couldn’t take away the pain in the memories and replace fear with love. That only happened by a God who promises a thorough house cleaning (Hebrews 12:25-29 MSG). He promises to set us free of our wounds. This is the same God who sent His son to die on a cross for me. It sounds too good to be true. I know. But, I also know that if he would do it for me He will do it for you. His love is that big.

Are you ready to declare God’s not dead? Tell your story here and encourage others.