John Glenn, who died December 8, 2016, was one of the original seven American astronauts. In 1962, he was the first American to orbit the earth. In 1998 at age 77 he was the oldest person to go into space.
Consider the following excerpts from an article in the Orlando Sentinel, 11/7/1998, entitled "Astronauts' Faith Isn't Lost In Space"
It is not our purpose to claim that all astronauts serve God faithfully. But there are some useful lessons to be learned here.
College professors and even high school teachers often ridicule believers saying that virtually all scientists believe in evolution, rather than creation. Textbooks, museums, and educational television programs continually advocate views that undermine faith. As a result, many people, especially young people, are led to doubt or even deny their faith.
It is true that those who serve God are always in the minority. The Scriptures warn that those who trust in human wisdom are led to deny Bible teaching.
1 Corinthians 1:20,21,26,29 - God has made foolish the wisdom of this world. The world through wisdom does not know God. Not many wise according to the flesh are called. So no flesh should glory in His presence.
People who place their trust primarily in earthly things - whether wealth or human wisdom - generally do not end up serving God faithfully. They tend to think they can solve their own problems and meet their own needs without God.
It is not true science - the true facts of the universe - that leads to unbelief. Rather, people deny God's existence because of preconceived ideas or because they do not want to submit to His rules. Then they use their human wisdom to invent ways to justify ignoring God.
But astronauts are generally well-educated people with a scientific background. Not all of them believe in God, but those who are honest will accept the evidence for God. Throughout history, many of the most effective scientists have believed in God.
Astronauts have a unique opportunity to observe the earth, planets, and other heavenly bodies. These observations lead honest people to realize there is no explanation for what we observe except that it was created by God.
Psalm 19:1 - The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.
Romans 1:20 - Since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.
Observation of the things that have been made - specifically observing the heavens - will convince any truly honest person that there is simply no explanation for their existence except that they were created by an all wise, all-powerful God.
Those who do not come to this conclusion are without excuse. As Romans chapter 1 continues to discuss, they reject God because they refuse to have Him in their knowledge. They prefer to live in selfish indulgence, doing as they please.
You and I have a choice. God does not compel us to believe against our will. He gives abundant evidence that He exists, that Jesus is His Son, and that the Bible is truly His revelation. But whether or not we accept that evidence and act upon it is our choice and depends upon our own honesty and humility.
What choice will you make in your service to God? Will you believe in Him and humbly submit to His will? Serving God harmonizes with the true facts of the universe and of the Bible. Will you choose to accept it and obey?
(c) Copyright David E. Pratte, 2017; gospelway.com
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Scripture quotations are generally from the New King James Version (NKJV), copyright 1982, 1988 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. used by permission. All rights reserved.