We live on an amazing planet. Consider its diversity of terrain--mountains, valleys, plains and deserts, mighty rivers and babbling brooks. We have rain, fog, mist, snow and ice falling on our homes and on our heads. Mornings and evenings paint beautiful mosaics as the sun shines through the clouds. Consider the diversity of life, from earth worms to elephants. The waters hold an amazing variety of strange and beautiful creatures--each fulfilling a unique purpose.
Some filter and clean the waters, others dazzle us with their beauty and strangeness, and some are simply food for other creatures. Then there is the flora-- magnificent trees, eye-pleasing flowering shrubs. There's the spectrum of greens--from dark to light. Flowers come in all colors of the rainbow and in mixed shades. We live on a planet suited for man.
Yes, there are challenges we face that strengthen us, but there are the joys of eating with family and friends from the limitless variety of foods of every texture and taste. When was the last time you put down your smart phone or turned off the television and asked: "Is there a purpose for life? And if so, what is it? Am I merely the product of blind evolutionary forces? And if so, how can there be meaning? And how can there be life beyond the grave?" Simply put, why are you here?
That is the question I'll be answering on today's Tomorrow's World program. Yes, there is an answer from the Bible and it's not what most people think. I'll go directly to that source today--not taking a single passage and constructing a doctrine around it, but looking at the overwhelming evidence that the Bible reveals. I'll also be offering you an absolutely free resource that goes into greater depth than I have time to cover in this short program. What Is the Meaning of Life?
gives Biblical references that you can--and you should-- look up in your own Bible, so have writing material available to take down our contact information. And I'll be back in five seconds, so don't go away. ♪ A warm welcome to all of you from all of us here at Tomorrow's World and from our many congregations of the Living Church of God-- the sponsor of this program.
We're a small church, but we have congregations across the country and around the world, filled with enthusiastic members who want to share with you good news from the Bible that you won't find just anywhere. And as we often remind you, don't believe us--or anyone else for that matter-- just because we say it. Prove it for yourself from the pages of your Bible. We take life on this planet for granted. After all, we've never known a time when we were not surrounded with life.
But stop for a minute to consider. Scientists tell us that our universe had a beginning. The dirt beneath our feet, our moon, the sun, all the stars and all the planets did not always exist. They all had a beginning. Now consider the size of the universe. Our star, that we refer to as the Sun, is only one of at least 100 billion other stars that make up our Milky Way Galaxy. The nearest star to Earth is 25 trillion miles away.
And to put it another way, the light from Proxima Centauri takes 4.24 years to reach our planet. Think about that. Now consider that our galaxy is only one star cluster, the number of which is impossible to know. LiveScience.com explains how difficult it is to give an exact number, but gives this range in numbers: "So somewhere between 2 trillion galaxies at the top edge and 100 billion at the lower edge is the number of galaxies in our observable universe."
Now you might be asking, "Why is he talking about our planet, our galaxy, and the universe in relation to the meaning of my life?" Dear friends, we need to know what it is that God has done and is doing. For if the universe had a beginning, as both science and the Bible declare, there had to be a cause for that beginning. Many scientists diligently search for an explanation other than God, but they fail in their attempts. Theories come, and theories go.
Scientists, and many sincere people, believe that with all the stars, galaxies, and planets that exist, life is inevitable elsewhere in the universe. That is what Nobel Prize winner Harold C. Urey once believed. He declared in the December 18, 1950 Time magazine: "[My study of the universe] leaves little doubt that life has occurred on other planets. I doubt if the human race is the most intelligent form of life." Two years later, he also declared: "Life is not a miracle.
It is a natural phenomenon, and can be expected to appear whenever there is a planet whose conditions duplicate those of the earth." But less than a decade later, he had changed his mind with startling admission. "All of us who study the origin of life find that the more we look into it, the more we feel it is too complex to have evolved anywhere. We all believe as an article of faith that life evolved from dead matter on this planet.
It is just that life's complexity is so great, it is hard for us to imagine that it did." The fact is that life is mathematically impossible, as even evolutionary scientists admit. So how do they get around this mathematical impossibility? Their standard explanation is that we are here, so the impossible happened. As Urey put it, they: "...believe [not from the evidence, but] as an article of faith that life evolved from dead matter on this planet." Now this of course begs the question.
Our existence is not in question. The real question is, "What is the cause of life?" And for many of us, the evidence points to a supreme being of infinite intelligence and power. Famous astronomer and mathematician, Fred Hoyle, put it this way in 1981: "A commonsense interpretation of the facts suggest that a superintellect has monkeyed with physics, as well as with chemistry and biology, and that there are no blind forces worth speaking about in nature.
The numbers one calculates from the facts seem to me so overwhelming as to put this conclusion almost beyond question." So, with this background, we must wonder: Why? If there is a God, and for a multitude of reasons many of us believe there is: Why are we here? What is His purpose for us? And what does that mean for you? Answers to these questions are found in the Bible, and they are not vague. And no, it is not going to heaven for retirement when you die.
It's not getting wings, floating on clouds, playing harp music, or looking into the face of God for eternity. It's not going to purgatory to expunge your as-yet-unforgiven sins. No, dear friends, the answer of the meaning of life is far greater than that. And I'll give you the answers straight from the pages of the Bible, so have writing material available to write down the references and look them up in your Bible.
And also, be sure to take down our contact information to order a free copy of What Is the Meaning of Life? This resource is filled with scriptural references relevant and necessary to understand this subject, so go to your phone or to our website to order your free copy of What Is the Meaning of Life? And when I return after this short break, I'll turn to the easy-to-understand scriptures that explain What Is the Meaning of [Your] Life? ♪ For today's free offer call... Or go to...
This clear and straight- forward resource will help you understand this vital truth-- straight from the pages of the Bible. If you're calling for the first time, you will also receive a free annual subscription to Tomorrow's World magazine. Six inspiring issues discussing news, science, and modern culture will help you make sense of your world from a biblical perspective.
Call today and join millions around the world who are turning to Tomorrow's World for truth, prophecy, and hope in these confusing times. Call now! Or go to... ♪ Before the break I said that I would turn to the Bible to give you easy to understand scriptures that explain What Is the Meaning of [Your] Life? So, let's get started. The starting place in scripture is found in the first chapter of Genesis. How many read right over these words and never consider their profound significance?
Genesis the first chapter... "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Man was not made after any other kind of creature.
God's intent was to make man in His image and likeness and to have rule over all other creatures on earth. Now consider what that means. Why, in God's image and likeness? Why, given rule over all else? These are the kinds of questions asked by a shepherd boy who later became king over Israel. One night, as he looked up at the Milky Way, and all the wonders of the night, he asked himself this question, from Psalm the eighth chapter, beginning in verse 3...
"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? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet... sheep and oxen... beasts of the field... birds of the air, And the fish of the sea...."
Sadly, too few today see the greatness of God as we once did when there was less light pollution. I often wonder how many children grow up never seeing the Milky Way. But back to David's question. What are we that God should be mindful of us? Consider God's investment in our planet. He once placed a powerful spirit being--Lucifer by name--on Earth with a throne to administer His government, but we read in Isaiah 14:13 that this cherub rebelled against his Creator.
Further, he stirred up a third of the angels to follow him You can read that in Revelation the twelfth chapter, verses 4 and verse 9. Now this indicates that Earth is special. It's not just another planet anywhere in the universe. God has something special in mind that He is working out here below. The author of Hebrews found David's question of interest and quotes him beginning in Hebrews 2 and in verse 6...
"But one testified in a certain place, saying: "What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet." But he does not stop there. He goes on to say in verse 8... "For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him."
The New Testament in Modern Speech translates the second half of verse 8... "For this subjecting of the universe to man implies the leaving [of] nothing not subject to him." The universe? This is the sense of the passage--He left absolutely nothing not in control of man, but the verse continues... "But now we do not yet see all things put under him." Mankind has been given rule over all things on earth, but not the universe at this time.
To give us that power and control would be to guarantee Star Wars. Now notice what comes next in verse 9 and 10... "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than [or for a little while lower than] the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." The passage goes on to show that we are called brethren, or brothers, of Christ--not angels. Please take the time to read the whole of Hebrews chapter 2. Dear friends, there is so much more to this subject and that is why we are offering you a free resource-- What Is the Meaning of Life?
Fellow evangelist Wallace Smith and I sometimes marvel at how few people are more interested in the beasts of Revelation and the number 666 than they are in discovering why they are here. What is their purpose? What is your purpose? Is there life after death and if so what does that mean. I hope that you want to know the answers to these questions. If so, pick up the phone or go to our website at TWTV.org/Life and order your free copy of What Is the Meaning of Life?
Your copy has already been paid for by our members, coworkers, and donors, so when we say it will be sent to you free of charge, we really mean it. So order it today, and when I return, I'll give you more Biblical references regarding the meaning of your life. ♪ For today's free offer call... Or go to... This clear and straight- forward resource will help you understand this vital truth-- straight from the pages of the Bible.
If you're calling for the first time, you will also receive a free annual subscription to Tomorrow's World magazine. Six inspiring issues discussing news, science, and modern culture will help you make sense of your world from a biblical perspective. Call today and join millions around the world who are turning to Tomorrow's World for truth, prophecy, and hope in these confusing times. Call now!
Or go to... ♪ In the last portion of this program we read where King David of Israel looked up at the stars at night and asked today's question: "What is man that You [that is, God] are mindful of him?" We also saw that Hebrews quotes David's question, but he then goes on to give us an answer to it-- we are to be brethren, or brothers and sisters, with Christ. Furthermore, we are to rule over all things--nothing is to be left out of our control--but not yet.
For that we need to be resurrected to eternal life as children of God. Children should be understood in a very real sense, as shown in Romans the eighth chapter, beginning in verse 14... "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs-- heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." Dear friends, do you believe what the Bible says? Children of God. Heirs of God. Joint heirs with Christ. Dust off your Bible and read it for yourself in Romans 8:14-17.
When we put this together with Hebrews 2, which we read in the last portion of this program, and with Genesis 1, where God made us in His image and likeness, we begin to see a clear picture of a family relationship. Paul speaks of sons and daughters in 2 Corinthians 6... "As God has said: 'I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.' Therefore 'Come out from among them and be separate,' says the Lord.
'Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you. [And note it here:] I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters,' Says the Lord Almighty." Friends, these passages are not speaking of this life only. They refer to the time when we will inherit all things. Notice Romans 8... "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." People speak about "when we get our wings," about "meeting St. Peter at the pearly gates," and "rolling around heaven all day." But none of this is found in the Bible.
For Catholics the purpose of life is described as the Beatific Vision. From Catholic Bible Online we read: "The Beatific Vision is the Catholic Church's teaching about the ultimate goal of human existence--the direct, immediate, and perfect vision of God in heaven.... This is not a physical seeing with our eyes, but a spiritual seeing that involves the complete knowledge and love of God.
The Beatific Vision is the fulfillment of every human heart's deepest desire and the source of perfect happiness and joy that will never end." So, in other words, live your life the best you can and when you die--for many Catholics, only after spending an undetermined time in purgatory to expunge unrepented sins--you go to heaven so that God can make you happy through some ecstatic vision. Is that really what the Bible says? Is that what John means when he speaks of the children of God?
In 1 John the third chapter, beginning in verse 1... "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."
Was Jesus referring to some kind of ecstatic vision for His sons and daughters when He said in Matthew 5:8-9... "Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God." Is that what being the offspring of God means--seeing God in vision with nothing else to do? Is that what being heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ is all about?
Dear friends, we have all grown up with various ideas about the purpose of life-- for most of us--ideas that are nowhere found in Scripture. And that's why we are offering this free resource that asks and answers the question-- What Is the Meaning of Life? Teenagers often want to know, and they search just about everywhere except from the only source that answers the question. And as we age, we begin to wonder, "What's it all about? What happens when I die? Is this all there is?
Is this the end?" What Is the Meaning of Life? gives the most encouraging answer you could ever imagine. Yes, there is a purpose for life, and you can know it. So, take down our contact information and when I come back I'll reveal to you an amazing mystery involving this question. ♪ For today's free offer call... Or go to... This clear and straight- forward resource will help you understand this vital truth-- straight from the pages of the Bible.
If you're calling for the first time, you will also receive a free annual subscription to Tomorrow's World magazine. Six inspiring issues discussing news, science, and modern culture will help you make sense of your world from a biblical perspective. Call today and join millions around the world who are turning to Tomorrow's World for truth, prophecy, and hope in these confusing times. Call now!
Or go to... ♪ King David looked up at a star- filled night sky and wondered, "What is man that You are mindful of him?" Scientists look into the vast universe for answers to meaning, but evolution gives none. Philosophers likewise search for the meaning of life through human reason.
They rarely, if ever, consider the critical question: "Does God Exist?" If He does, and scientists admit that life on Earth, or anywhere in the universe, is mathematically impossible, then why not look into the Bible, the only source that truly explains why our Creator is mindful of us. Today, we saw at the very beginning that God's purpose was to create us in His image and likeness.
We've also seen scriptures that speak of our being sons and daughters, of being co-heirs with Christ, and of inheriting all things at the resurrection. Is this not spelled out clear enough for even a child to understand? We read earlier in Romans 8:16 that... "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." We read here of two spirits-- "the Spirit Himself" clearly refers to God's Spirit.
"Our spirit" refers to a spirit in man-- not an immortal soul, but a spirit essence that makes us different from the animals. So, what does it mean when it says... "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." The Apostle John explains something that few understand, that is lost in translation. 1 John 3:9... "Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed [the Greek is: sperma] remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God."
Yes, it is the seed [the sperma] of God, God's Spirit that unites with the human spirit that allows us to truly be born again into the Family of God at the resurrection. Jesus explained to the hostile Sadducees from Luke 20... "But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection."
Notice that it did not say we are angels, but "equal to the angels" for we will never die, we will have eternal life. We are "sons of God, being sons of the resurrection." There's so much more to this subject, and that is why I urge you to order your free copy of What Is the Meaning of Life? Simply pick up the phone, call the number, and ask for today's offer. Or go to our website at TWTV.org/Life.
And be sure to come back again next week when Wallace Smith, Rod McNair, and I will be right here ready to share with you the incredible wonders of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ-- His soon-coming Kingdom, and end-time Bible prophecy. See you next time. ♪ For today's free offer call... Or go to... ♪ Call today and join millions around the world who are turning to Tomorrow's World for truth, prophecy, and hope in these confusing times.
♪ The preceding program is produced by the Living Church of God. ♪