This last weekend Courtney and I had the privilege of camping with a number of faithful families from both our congregation and others.  The fellowship we participated in was almost unmatched but another aspect of our experience cannot go without mentioning:  the amazing scope of God’s creation and His awesome power in bringing forth all things from nothing.

Science consists of "those branches of knowledge which have to do with the material universe" (Jenny Teichman and Katherine C. Evans, Philosophy, Third Ed [Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishers, Inc., 1999], p. 155).  Though man's primary focus in life should be on the spiritual (Colossians 3:1-2; Galatians 5:16-25) many benefits may be gained by a study of God's creation.  Science shows us:

• God's love in His creation of man (Genesis 2:7; Psalm 94:9; Romans 9:20; 1 Timothy 2:13)
• God's power (Psalm 90:2, 95:5; Isaiah 45:18)
• God's wisdom (Psalm 104:24, 136:5; Proverbs 3:19, 26:10; Jeremiah 51:15)
• God's longsuffering (Job 10:8; Psalm 119:73; 139:12, 16; Colossians 1:17; 2 Peter 3:9)

As we observe the material universe that we have been placed in, it should amaze us that such was brought into existence "by the word of God" (Hebrews 11:3).  Perhaps even more amazing is that "the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men" (2 Peter 3:7).  Though most of humanity will never come to grip with this thought before their death, ignorance will not be a valid excuse.

For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse:  because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. (Romans 1:20-21, emphasis added).

Science, however, is by definition limited.  This general revelation (as it is so known) is only partial.  Only the special self-revelation of God through His Son Jesus Christ fully expresses God's love, power, wisdom and longsuffering for sinful humanity.

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him…All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth the Son, save the Father; neither doth any know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal him. (John 1:18; Matthew 11:27)

Rather than treating science, then, as a discipline separate from our relationship with God, we should realize the spiritual insights and opportunities it provides in this life.  While not answering all the questions it claims to have the answers to, science provides us the opportunity to preach the gospel to a world in which His invisible attributes are clearly seen and understood by a people otherwise lost.  May we be ever grateful for the world we’ve been placed in and continue to show this saving light to it all (John 1:1-18).