The Heavens Declare His Glory

The heavens declare the glory of God: and the firmament sheweth his handwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

Several days ago I was reading the Trumpet magazine, and there was an interesting article titled "The Perfect Seat for Viewing the Universe" written by Joel Hilliker. In the article, the writer talks about the Hubble Telescope and its orbiting the earth every 97-minutes while discussing the journey the telescope has made and the wonders of the universe it has discovered and have relayed some amazing pictures back to earth, thus opening the eyes of scientist to the wonders of our creator God. The writer, Mr. Hilliker makes a statement and asks a thoughtful question as both are very profound, which were "The heaven have a message for us. Do you hear what they are saying? Scientists attempts to answer the above question, they came up with more questions, such as, What are the laws of the universe? Where doe it end? Where did it all come from? Why is it there? The last question the scientist raised were why am I here? To answer these questions, first, the message God wants all to know is that there is a God, and it is Him the creator, the giver of live in any form and it is He alone that sustains all that is in the universe, earth and humanity included. God is the only one who can step out on nothing and create something, seen and unseen. The second message is that God is to be worshipped and glorified because if the heavenly bodies can why can't man? The laws of the universe obey God because He is the creator of the universe and in doing so He established the order in which the universe is to operate. Isn't all creation supposed to obey its creator? The universe ends where God say it does, and the origin of the universe is left to God's knowledge because all recorded biblical research on the question comes back with it came from nothing as God in His creative powers created it out of nothing. The last two question can be answered by stating that the universe exist because the all wise God knew in His creative process what He wanted and what was to be. Lastly in my biblical and scientific knowledge is that humanity is here because God wants a relationship with mankind and to manage (have dominion over) what's on planet earth. Therefore, God created planet earth suitable for humanity to live and exist in a perfect world. Although mankind in his effort to be a god has compromised God's order of creations and through God's divine revelation is using the Hubble Telescope telling all who will listen that "I am God, the creator and sustainer of this universe, and there is none beside me."

More importantly, scientist is coming to grips with and is acknowledging that yes there is a Supreme Being and that the universe just didn't happen by luck or the "Big Bang Theory" as so many evolutionist would have you to believe. My question is if the Big Bang Theory was true, which it isn't then how can the universe operate as it does? If man evolved from a one cell animal how did man evolve into this complex structure as we know our bodies to be? Lastly, how did we become a living soul if God is non-existence?

Also, Mr. Hilliker's article points that some scientists refer to the earth as The Privileged Planet or the Goldilocks planet" whatever or however they refer to planet earth it was conceived in the super intelligent mind of someone far bigger than humanity. God in His divine wisdom knew the conditions necessary for man's existences; therefore He set everything just right for man on planet earth.

In closing this dialogue, I can say to the scientist and all others who doubt that there is a God, this believer and I am confident that other believers agree that there is a God who created everything that is seen and unseen (Romans 1:20) and believe the Bible when it states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and earth ('Genesis1:1). Therefore, believers did not need the findings of the Hubble Telescope to reveal the majesty and glory of God, because believers look at what we can see with the natural eye and say "what an awesome God!"

I am very pleased that author, Joel Hilliker acknowledges the work of God and who He is as well as some scientists are realizing that the universe and its majestic splendor is in existence because of God and the universe give glory and honor to Him. What is being revealed is God saying "Yes I exist."

Lastly, if the heaven can declare the glory of God, then so can I.

Our Christian Community

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

While studying and meditating on November's daily devotional and writing a devotional on "The Rapture" and taking into an account what happening in our local churches today cause me to ask this question, what is happening to our Christian community?

Our Christian community is witnessing a drop in attendance among the congregation as well as their offering has declined. There are many activities taking place in many of our churches that is commonly seen in the world. Many local churches are tolerating many sins that are known to be an abomination to God according to scripture.

Looking at the current situation, several questions came to mind, is the stage being set for the coming of the Antichrist? Is the situation for some church congregants that they have to choose between church and saving for basic family needs? Let's discuss the first question, if the stage is being set for the coming Antichrist, then three things must occur, which are:

1. The "mystery of iniquity" is behind the scenes of the evil powers are at work and will climax when there is a complete ridicule and disregard for Biblical standards. According to scripture lawlessness will cause man to grow cold (Matthew 24:10-12; Luke 18:7; Revelation 2:7). However, a faithful few will remain loyal to God and His Church and they will continue to preach Christ while using the sword of the Spirit as their attack weapon (Ephesian 6:17).
2. There will be a "falling away" which means a departure or abandon Biblical truths. Falling away carries two dimensions, Theological and Moral apostasy. Theological apostasy is a rejection of part or all of Christ's teaching (1Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:3), while Moral apostasy severs the believer's relationship with Christ and returns to sin and immorality. 1 Timothy 4:1 records how "some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." This means that many will fall away because they prefer deception rather than the truth. Therefore, leaders (preacher and teachers) who distort the gospel will find little resistance in many churches. Another thought on "falling away" is that for appearance sake some leaders/churches will tolerate or comprise on many sins for the sake of money, numbers, success and honor among their peers (1 Timothy 4:1). What does the Bible say about sin? We are to preach and teach Christ and renounce sin to whomever and wherever sin is seen and or practiced. Let's look at the second question of choosing church or saving for basic family needs? Well, that's a faith and personal issue each must answer. God said in His word that He would "supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

In closing, times may be tough, but let's remain focused on God and His Word as He is our salvation. Lastly, God's standards and His moral laws is what we are to live by. Therefore, modern day society and its humanistic values cannot and will not prevent God's judgment on sin.

The true Christian community (church) is a beacon for all to see as the church is Christ's bride. Stay with Christ!