| What is it about the nighttime sky that thrills the heart of men and women,
boys and girls? Why does the fantastic array of stars in the sky dazzle
the mind? How is it that in each of us, deep within, there is a stirring
of our souls as we look past the stars and wonder -- who is out there?
Does anyone exist in the vast stretches of the universe ... or beyond?
There is within each of us a stirring in our soul to know the answers
to these and many other questions about life "out yonder." Is it possible
to ever know? If so, will it be from SETI -- the Search for Extra-Terrestrial
Intelligence championed by the late Carl Sagan? Or is the answer found
elsewhere?
Let’s explore the fascinating possibilities revealed to us in the vast
reaches of space and try to weave together the message that is clearly
seen.
1. Longing to Know the Past...Looking
at the PresentAs we study the universe in which we live, we see certain things that are
continuously in action. These are known as scientific principles, learned
through study of the present. Based on this understanding, we can look
back and glimpse at the past. With patience, we can begin to understand
the message which shouts at us.
PRINCIPLE OF GRAVITY
There is a force known as gravity. It applies equally to everyone on
this earth. As many countries have demonstrated, the principle of gravity
exists in space as well. An object gives off a certain amount of gravity.
Large objects, such as stars and planets, give off a great deal of gravity.
It is a principle that clearly exists. It can be proven in repeated experiments.
It can also be predicted. Gravity has been used to propel spacecraft to
its destination and to bring our astronauts home.
PICK A PRINCIPLE
Why is there such a thing as gravity? And, while we are asking about
gravity, what about the other principles that science has repeatedly demonstrated
to be true of the present universe such as:
The marvel of photosynthesis, the ability of green plants to absorb the
light of the sun and use its energy to create oxygen for our planet?
The laws of thermodynamics which show that everything in the universe is
running down, suffering from a heat loss that cannot be stopped?
The awesome power and majesty of the sun which energizes the earth with
light and heat -- neither too much nor too little but just enough to enable
humans to live and prosper.
There are literally thousands of principles which science can demonstrate
repeatedly. All of these reveal a critical fact regarding the universe
of the present. There is order and purpose in the principles that are readily
seen by everyone. There is design and unity in these principles that would
not happen if left to chance. Think of the last task at work that somebody
was supposed to do, and everybody thought anybody could do it but nobody
did. Now consider the design of even a simple blade of grass that can convert
light, water, and carbon dioxide to energy for growth and create as a by-product,
oxygen (which by amazing coincidence humans need to live). Order and design
such as this simply do not occur by chance.
2. Intelligent Design Means...?So, based on these facts that are obvious to all, one has to conclude that
where intelligent design exists, there must be an intelligent designer
somewhere. Where there are laws, there must be a lawgiver. To assume otherwise
would be as foolish as the man who looked at a new Cadillac automobile rolling off
the assembly line and exclaimed, "Why look at how the metal and glass and
plastic spontaneously rearranged itself into a new car -- I want one of
those!"
Science insists that from nothing comes nothing. Science teaches that
the effect cannot be greater than the cause. Logic then dictates that the
intelligent design in our universe and on the earth must have come from
a Supreme Being outside the universe with the wisdom and the power to create
it. Our forefathers, who fought to establish this great country in which
we live, attribute to this Supreme Being the title "Creator". The Creator
is He who created the majestic creation in which we live.
3. The Creator is the Intelligent
Life We Seek.The answer to our search for intelligent life beyond the stars is the Creator.
He is the One who created this universe. He is the One who designed the
principles and laws in this universe. He is the One who created life on
this planet. His creation is awesome, majestic, and glorious. The Bible
simply states:
In the beginning, God created the heavens
and the earth. (Genesis 1:1, NIV) FROM LIFE COMES LIFE
A Creator God who made such order and design in the universe follows
this principle Himself: He is our source of life. From nothing comes nothing,
so since there is life, it must comes from our Creator God.
As we live in this majestic creation of His, we must realize that living
right means living in accord with the principles and laws that our Creator
God has established. We are accountable to Him because He is our Creator.
If we seek a meaningful life, we must seek our Creator.
4. God Gives Meaning to Life.Life apart from our Creator God would be truly meaningless. Think about
it. We would experience birth, life, and then...a great unknown. Many simply
would not care about anyone or anything since there would be no one to
whom we would give an account. Others would live in constant fear of the
future, troubled inside at a senseless life.
God's design reveals purpose. It follows that our life, the life He
created, has a purpose. What is God's purpose for your life? The Bible
states:
For God so loved the world that He gave
His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but
have everlasting life. (John 3:16, NKJV) God's purpose for your life is that you should have eternal life! His Son
is the LORD Jesus Christ, sent by God to reveal Himself to His creation.
Our LORD Jesus Christ lived a perfect life as a man and then offered His
life on a cross for the sins of the world. He died but rose again from
the grave -- proving His divine nature, His authority to forgive sins,
and His power to give eternal life to those who trust in Him.
Reflect on YOUR life: Turn to God right now -- confess to Him
that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness. Receive the gift of pardon
God has provided you by putting your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ who
died for your sins. The Bible says, "Believe in the
LORD Jesus and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31, NKJV). Then you can
truly know Him!
| © 2000, Randy Lariscy. |
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