For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.

~ Romans 1:20 ~

I heard the sad news today that a well-known and intelligent man died. He did much in the way of research and learning more about this world God has created. But this man did not see a created world. Like himself, he saw this world as the result of chance, a consequence of an unknown, unexplainable event. Though he knew of God growing up, He did not glorify God and allowed his heart to become darkened. Despite even his wife having faith, he rejected Christianity.

I do not know what led Hawking away from the Lord. I do not know how he could have been raised in the Church, married a Christian, studied God’s glorious world, and still reject the Truth. It saddens me that I do not know what his last moments on this earth were. But what saddens me more is that his story is not unique.

There are many in the church, and largely those belonging to my generation, who have walked away from the faith because they have been told and believe that science and the Bible are incompatible. They listen to unsound teachings day in and out from those who have professed themselves to be wise (2 Tim. 4:3-4, Rom. 1:21-23). They have made themselves, who are made in the Image of God, like that of animals. They reject God’s Word, or perhaps have never even heard it.

And this is what shocks me most. It is understandable for those who have never heard the Gospel or the book of Genesis to reject creation and God’s salvation. It is sad, but it is understandable. This calls for prayer, as all things should. But What about those in the church? Why is it that so many young people and even adults currently in the Church are unable to say what the days of creation are, let alone why that event is important?

Parents, pastors, lay people, family, friends, what are we doing? How have we allowed the our children’s teaching be outsourced to the world and their faith by shriveled by false doctrine? We have been letting our so many generations walk out these church doors without preparing them the full knowledge of the Word. We need to teach them about creation, the Flood, Babel, Abraham, Israel, Jesus, and church history. They need to know the whole thing. They need to know that Jesus saved them and why they needed to be saved at all! They need to know Scripture and how to defend the faith, and we need to know this as well (2 Tim. 2:15, 4:2-4, 2 Pet. 3:15-16).

We were created, and in His Image no less! How could we let anyone in the church believe that they were an accident with no value or purpose, that there is not a God who loves them? We need to teach them that science and God are not in conflict. In fact, God created everything we study with science. This world shows us His majesty and awesomeness. We learn about Him as we study what He has made. The study of science should be done to His glory, not to lead people away from the truth. Scripture and science are not at odds with each other. Rather, they are companions; though Scripture is superior, God has also revealed Himself through what He has made.

I do not know if Hawking had faith in the end. I wish I did, but I do not. But I do know that people are missing out on the wonders of this world by denying God and clinging to the teachings of man. There is still time and opportunity to share the Gospel with everyone, from beginning to end (Mat. 28:19-20). The Church also needs to wake up and realize that so many young people are leaving because we are not giving them answers. Brothers and sisters, we have the answers! The Lord has given them to us in His Word and has given us the abilities to discover more in His creation. Let us not be ashamed of the Gospel but hold fast to it, teaching in every situation, for this is the Salvation that God has called us to (Rom. 1:16-17). The Lord is seen in His creation, and first in you and I, for we were made in His image. Let us make sure the next generation knows this Truth.

Blessings to you and yours,

~Rose