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Posted on by March 21, 2011
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I haven’t done much blogging so far this year. If you were used to reading the blog on a regular basis then you may be wondering what happened. The short answer is that I was busy. Allow me to provide an update on what I’ve been up to and hopefully I’ll have time to post some more articles in the near future.

I have spent a lot of time working on my thesis. I expected to write about 50 to 60 pages on the subject of the “sons of God” and the “Nephilim” from Genesis 6:1–4. It soon became clear that the paper was going to be much longer. I have just sent in the second draft and it is nearly 100 pages. I have one more round of revisions and then the defense. In the coming weeks I’ll share some of the things that I’ve discovered during my research. For now, I’ll just state that it has been extremely fascinating.

We have also put together a study guide for The Truth Chronicles series. The guide contains 15 lessons covering many of the important issues addressed in the books. I am putting the finishing touches on the teacher’s guide which will be available as a free download. I’ll post more information about the guide as soon as we make it available for sale.

I’ve been trying to stay informed on some of the major issues in the world. Of course the tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan is at the top of the list. Please continue to pray for the people of Japan and that many will turn to the Lord during this time.

The Wisconsin budget battle and all of the protesting has also been of interest to me. I have numerous friends and family members who are teachers in the state. While I have my own views on the situation (which I hope to write more about soon), my main concern is that the Christian teachers make the most of the situation by showing people how to be content in any situation. So whether you agree or disagree with what is taking place, you need to display a Christ-like attitude. Paul stated that he learned how to be content in every situation (Philippians 4:11) and we should follow his example.

So there’s a very brief update on what I’ve been up to. I am planning to post a couple of times a week, so be sure to check back. Thanks for reading.

Q & A Series: Why Did God Make Such a Huge Universe?

Posted on by January 31, 2011
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[originally posted on my old blog (2/10/09)]

Question:
If we are the only people in the universe, why did God make it so big?

Answer:
Before answering this question, we probably need to discuss whether or not we are the only people (or sentient life) in the universe. I believe we are, based on the following reasons. First, the Earth is the focal point of God’s creation and it was formed to be inhabited. It was made three days earlier than all the rest of the planets, stars, etc. Second, the Earth is where God sent His Son to become a man and to die for man. Hebrews 9 makes it clear that Christ died once for sin. If there was sentient life elsewhere in the universe and they sinned, there would be no way for them to be saved. So, I don’t believe there is life on other planets.

With that out of the way…why did God make the universe so huge? The size of the universe is almost unfathomable. The planetarium show at the Creation Museum does a good job of showing just how big it is. It is a mind-blowing experience.

Really the answer to this question comes down to one’s perspective. Carl Sagan said that if we were all alone then the universe would be an incredible waste of space (he knows better now).

However, I can look at the night sky, try to fathom the size of the universe, and proclaim the amazing wonder and awesome splendor of the God that made it all. I believe He made it so big to demonstrate His power and so that we could enjoy the beauty of what He has made. It’s interesting to me that the creation of the stars almost comes across as an afterthought in Gen. 1:16. It’s as if God is saying, “Look, I made the fish, and the birds, and the animals, and trees, and, oh yeah, the stars too. I know it takes incredible power to do that, but I did it.”

Consider the words of Psalm 8:3-4. “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” When we reflect on the immensity and grandeur of the universe, we should see not only God’s power, but His incredible love for us and his glorious majesty. Out of everything He made, He focuses His attention on man and loves us so much that He was willing to become one of us and die in our place.

If you have a question you want me to answer, please leave it as a comment to this article, and I will try to address it in the near future.