‘How Can I Make God Real?’

Teens today are becoming more interested in learning about God. About three-quarters of teens in the United States say they are somewhat motivated to continue learning about Jesus Christ throughout their life, according to a report from the Barna Group.

There has also been a growing interest in reading the Bible, explained in an article from the same source: “‘2025 is showing a major rebound of Bible reading, along with a surge in usage among younger generations,’ commented David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group. This aligns with other signs of spiritual interest and reinforces the finding that Christian faith and practice are experiencing a reset moment…Millennials and Gen Z are making big moves toward the Bible. Millennials jumped an unprecedented 16 points, reaching 50 percent—half now say they read the Bible weekly.”

Yet there remains a gap between belief and practice, as the article makes clear: “‘Engagement is outpacing conviction,’ says Mr. Kinnaman. ‘People are opening the Bible more often, but they’re still wrestling with what they believe about it. That gap between reading and trusting is worth paying attention to.’”

As a teen desiring to live God’s Way, you attend every Sabbath service, tithe on the money you earn, study your Bible, pray, and so on. You are practicing what you learn in the Bible. But are you convicted?

One likely reason for doing these things is that you are obeying your parents. They have told you God exists and you believe them.

This is a fine reason as a child, but you are headed toward adulthood. Core questions must be answered: Does God exist? Can you know for sure? How do I know the Bible is really God’s inspired Word?

On top of this, we lead physical lives. God is spiritual, which can make Him seem distant, intangible and difficult to wrap our minds around.

This brings about one more question you may be asking: “How can I make God real to me?”

Proof of Creation

Did you know our Pastor General, Mr. David Pack, once faced this very question? At the age of 17, he began to learn about God—and had to prove His existence for himself. He recounted this process in his booklet Does God Exist? 

Mr. Pack stated: “Over 50 years ago, I learned of absolute proof that God exists. My studies lasted 2 1/2 years. I came to realize that I did not have to accept His existence ‘on faith.’ Since that time, science has learned much more and the ‘case’ for God’s existence has become far stronger than at any time in history. This booklet presents numerous absolute, immutable proofs that God does exist. After reading it, you will never again doubt the answer to this greatest of questions! Some proofs will amaze you. Others will inspire you. Still others will surprise or even excite you. All of them will fascinate you with their simplicity. We will first examine some traditional proofs and then consider material that rests on the cutting edge of scientific understanding, before returning to established proofs. You will learn from biology, astronomy, chemistry and mathematics.”

Does God Exist? is a must-read for anyone who wants to live God’s Way. Our Creator does not expect us to blindly obey His Word—He provides loads of clear-cut proof.

For this reason, Psalm 14:1 declares, “The fool has said in his heart, There is no God.” This verse shows that there is so much evidence for God’s existence that it is foolish not to believe it. Put simply, Creation proves there is a Creator.

One example from the booklet: “Most are familiar with cuddly koala ‘bears’ and have at least heard of eucalyptus trees. They have a special relationship. Each is native to only one place on Earth—Australia. Koalas eat…eucalyptus leaves, often living their entire lives in one grove. They also derive moisture from these leaves because they almost never drink water.

“Koalas possess specific microorganisms in their digestive systems necessary to break down the elements in eucalyptus leaves that are toxic to every other creature…How did koalas evolve, unless they were created with these microorganisms already present in their stomachs? Without them, they would have eaten eucalyptus leaves and died. Yet their systems are so specific that they can only survive by eating eucalyptus leaves. Many naturalists consider them to have ‘the most advanced digestive system on the planet.’ Their low 5% protein intake, with tannins and toxins, would kill other animals.

“To reject special creation by a God, evolutionists are forced to conclude, ‘What luck for koalas that just the right microorganisms entered their systems at the exact same time that they developed a taste for eating only eucalyptus leaves.’ This proves that God created koalas.”

This is just one short proof that God created life on this Earth. Read the booklet for many, many more!

Proof of Prophecy

Understanding that there is a God brings about another question: “Is the Bible His Word?” Proving this fact will make what this Book contains much more important. In a sense, it is a way for God to speak to you.

How can you know for sure the Bible was divinely inspired? One primary way is through fulfilled prophecy. God declares something will happen and then later makes it happen.

Mr. Pack wrote this in Bible Authority...Can It Be Proven?: “The most powerful—and perhaps the single most convincing—proof of the authority of the Bible is the proof of fulfilled prophecy. It stands undeniable.

“Everyone wants to know what the future holds. In ever-increasing numbers, people are seeking psychics, ‘channelers,’ tarot card and palm readers, fortunetellers, crystal ball gazers and every other medium to tell them what is going to happen. And they pay for this ‘service.’ Yet, few go to the one infallible source, which foretells all the important events that will soon come upon the entire world.

“Few understand that nearly one-third of the Bible is prophecy—that it is a history book written in advance of the history that it records.

“If I offered to tell you of major, soon-coming events, and could offer proof to you that they were absolutely certain to happen, what would you do? What would you say if I could cite specific, detailed trends and events that would affect every country upon Earth? Then what if I told you that I would not bill you for it—that I would offer it to you free of charge? Would you be interested?

“Well, let me tell you that is exactly what I can do! I can even show you where and how you can learn it for yourself! And afterwards, I tell you that you can rest assured that what you have learned will occur—and is no less certain than tomorrow’s sunrise. And when you have completed reading the balance of this booklet, it will be clear that you need never again doubt the authority of anything found in the Bible—including all matters discussed in its remaining two-thirds!”

A clear modern fulfillment of prophecy started with a blessing made to Abraham in Genesis 17:1-6—this was later passed down to his son Isaac and the next generation to Jacob, who was also called Israel.

Ancient Israel had 12 tribes. The modern-day nation called Israel is mostly comprised of the tribe of Judah. The other Israelite tribes were taken into captivity and lost to history. These peoples forgot their heritage.

A special blessing was put upon the tribe of Joseph, which was passed to his sons Ephraim and Manasseh. God promised that both would “grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth” (Gen. 48:16). The older brother, Manasseh, was to “become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother [Ephraim] shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations” (vs. 19).

God kept these promises! Only one pair of brother nations has ever become a singular great nation and a multitude of nations—the United States (Manasseh), and Britain and its former colonies (Ephraim).

America remains a powerhouse on the world stage. While it has since diminished, look at the British Empire. Their colonies circled the entire globe—despite coming from a tiny island nation.

Again, no other two nations have ever fit this bill. It is clear God fulfilled His prophecy and promise to Abraham.

Read the booklet Bible Authority...Can It Be Proven? in its entirety. Prove to yourself—beyond a shadow of a doubt—it is God’s Word. It will bring further clarity that there is a God who has a specific plan for you.

Deepening the Bond

How often do you think about God? Realize that He thinks about you. Go read I Corinthians 7:14. It states that you are “holy.” The most important things to God are holy—set apart and special to Him.

Consider your most important possessions. You spend time thinking about and protecting them. God does the same for you.

However, God is still a spiritual being. You are physical. How can you get past this and build a personal relationship with Him?

First, look at your family. It is a physical picture of the spiritual God Family. At the head is the Father, and He has a Son: Jesus Christ. Your dad is a type of the heavenly Father and your mom can be likened to the Church (Gal. 4:26). Developing a relationship with them—and obeying them—can help you better understand the Creator of all things.

Whether you were born into the Church or came in later with your parents, you have a unique opportunity to know God as teens. Notice Ephesians 6: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor your father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth” (vs. 1-3).

If you diligently honor your parents—as you would God—it will help you strengthen your bond with Him. In addition, if you obey this command, God promises to bless you. Those blessings can deepen your belief in His hand in your life.

How does a person get closer to his physical father? By spending time with him. The same is true for God. This can be done through prayer—talking to the Father—and Bible study—Him talking to us. Read your Bible regularly. Go to God in prayer. These will bring depth to your bond with your heavenly Parent.

As your relationship with God grows, the more you will understand His purpose and desire for your life. In time, you will wholeheartedly rely on Him for guidance: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6).

This article is just the start of your journey to prove God’s existence. You are required to continue on. In fact, our Creator actually issues a series of challenges in the Bible that can help you on your way.

God challenges skeptics on prophecy: “The Eternal cries [actually you will see He mocks], bring your case forward…state your proofs. Let us hear what happened in the past, that we may ponder it, or show Me what is yet to be, that we may watch how it turns out; yes, let us hear what is coming, that we may be sure you are gods; come, do something or other that we may marvel at the sight!—why, you are things of naught, you can do nothing at all!” (Isa. 41:21-24, Moffatt translation).

God challenges the reader to test Him that obedience brings blessings: “Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in My house, and prove Me now herewith, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Mal. 3:10).

Finally, the Father challenges each individual to prove all of His Way, and then stick to it: “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (I Thes. 5:21).

You have your challenges. It is time to prove you have a heavenly Father—and He wants to get to know you as His son or daughter.