A Voice from the Heavens: God's Universe Revealed in the Holy Bible

By William E. Lewis

Are you dying to see NASA's fantastic new discoveries that confirms the Bible?

"When you look up to the Heavens at night, you will view the Universe as how God architected it 13 billion years ago and realize it is a lot more than suns, moons, planets, or galaxies, it is a Painting of God's work, as written in the Holy Bible."

A basic foundation of Astronomy is provided followed by 17 chapters describing amazing Biblical Scriptures, written over 2,000 years ago. You will then be in awe by many Hubble pictures that directly represent those Biblical scriptures! The author provides unfathomable visual and audio dimensions that directly relate to each scripture to accelerate your belief in God's works and grow in His word. For example, take a look at the book cover which shows the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51). In the book you will be astounded by a Holy Cross located in the middle of the galaxy which is 1,100 light across! A rocket traveling the speed of light would take 1,100 light years to traverse the cross! The book is filled with numerous examples of Gods magnificence, as written in the scripture Psalm 19:1-2: The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Sep 20, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512752229

William E. Lewis

Bill holds a Bachelors in Mathematics and a Masters in Operations Research Information Engineering. He has 40 years experience in the computer technology industry and has held numerous management and technical positions. His first exposure to the space industry was with General Electric (Apollo Support Department) at the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida where he designed real-time programs to test the Apollo launch sequences. He also worked at Radiation, Inc. in Melbourne, Florida as a Senior Engineer Programmer supporting an experiment aboard the Nimbus Weather Satellite. He has also authored 7 Information Technology books. Bill is a strong Christian, who has attended church and participated in Bible studies his whole life. He and his wife, Carol, are Certified Stephen Ministers and were trained to provide one-to-one care to individuals experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation, or separation due to military deployment. They have counseled numerous church members over the years. Bill loves the Holy Bible and Astronomy and is a member of the Texas Astronomy Society (TAS) which meets regularly at the University of Texas, Dallas.

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Copyright © 2016 William E. Lewis.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the King James Version.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-5221-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-5222-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016912838

WestBow Press rev. date: 09/20/2016

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CONTENTS

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1 Unfathomable Universe

Chapter 2 Celestial Coordinate System

Chapter 3 The Orion Constellation

Chapter 4 The Orion Nebula

Chapter 5 Orion Nebula Trapezium

Chapter 6 Celestial Images of the Cross

Chapter 7 Reflection Nebula (Messier M78)

Chapter 8 The Star of Bethlehem

Chapter 9 The Cosmic Hand

Chapter 10 The Parable of the Sower

Chapter 11 The Butterfly Nebula

Chapter 12 Bird" and Eagle Nebula (M16)

Chapter 13 Ant Nebula

Chapter 14 Black Holes, Dark Energy, and Dark Matter

Chapter 15 The Helix Nebula

Chapter 16 The Horse Head Nebula

Chapter 17 The Burning Bush

Chapter 18 The Woman and the Dragon

Chapter 19 The Singing Universe

Appendix A Astronomy Terminology

Appendix A Jesus Prophecies and Fulfillments

Appendix A Biblical References to the Cross

Acknowledgements

References

PREFACE

The inspiration for this book started about 7 years ago and has evolved. During this time my wife and I regularly attended church and have had the privilege of being exposed to in-depth Old and New Testament scriptures while at church and participating in great church worship groups.

Since I have always been interested in Astronomy, I joined the Texas Astronomy Society (TAS) which meets regularly at the University of Texas (UTD). I am an avid reader of Astronomy books, articles, and also expanded my Astronomical experience by purchasing a Celestron Telescope. I am amazed by the indescribable complexity and vastness of the Universe. My academic background is in Mathematics and Engineering has equipped me with the background needed to write this book. Of course, the journey developing the book was driven by God’s grace.

The more I studied Astronomy and grew in my Christian faith, it occurred to me that the Heavens are portraying Biblical Scriptures, in astounding and visual detail. As I studied the latest images from space (particularly from the NASA Hubble Telescope) the connection between Biblical scriptures and Astronomy grew. I entitled the book, A Voice from the Heavens as a writing hobby and it soon became a passion. As I progressed and learned more, I realized I must share this information with the world. It took three years, part time, to write the book.

There were two decisive factors which tugged at me to continue my journey. The first was while attending a lecture series on the Book of Genesis at a Methodist Church in Plano, Texas. After a lecture I met with the Pastor and shared my interest in writing the book. I asked him what he thought of the idea and he told me If God is instructing you to write the book, you should do so. The second occurred while attending an outstanding non-denominational church in Frisco, Texas whose mission is Love, Connect, Grow, Serve, i.e. Love God, Connect with others, Grow in faith, and Serve our world. During the sermon, the Pastor discussed the following scripture which inspired me to continue the journey:

¹⁶ For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes ¹⁷ when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. ¹⁸ We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain, 2 Peter 1:16-18, (NLT).

There are three audiences for this book: (1) Christian believers in Jesus, the Son of God, (2) non-believers, and (3) those in between. In other words, it is geared to everyone who is willing to listen. For believers, my hope is that it will add an additional visual dimension to their knowledge of the scriptures. For non-believers, it is my hope that, they will become intrigued by God’s works of the Universe and start reading the Holy Bible to learn of God’s love for us. For the in between folks, it is my hope that the book will be a catalyst that will accelerate their belief, continue reading the Holy Bible, and grow in God’s word.

The book contains of 19 chapters:

Chapter 1 Unfathomable Universe serves as a foundation to understanding basic Astronomy concepts and scientific terminology. This chapter provides basic insights of how large the universe is and humbles us with the design complexity and intricate balance. Several scriptures are referenced from the Holy Bible describing the design and amazing Universe created by God, our Father.

Chapter 2 Celestial Coordinate System describes how geographical locations are pinpointed on Earth using horizon and vertical coordinates. Then, the method for identifying every celestial object in the Universe (Sun, Moons, Stars, Galaxies, Nebulas etc.) is described.

Chapter 3 The Orion Constellation describes how this enormous constellation is specifically cited in the Holy Bible in many Biblical scriptures. Many ancient cultures in Egypt, Mexico etc. were aware of the constellation and studied them, prior to modern telescopes. They even build many architectures based on the Orion Constellation configuration.

Chapter 4 The Orion Nebula describes the composition of this enormous gaseous nebula. It shows how the shape of the Orion Nebula is in the form of a dove. Jesus’ reaction after being baptized by John the Baptist was that he rejoiced and rose like a dove. It also shows more details of the Orion Nebula, thanks to modern Astronomy.

Chapter 5 Orion Nebula Trapezium focuses on an interesting structure located in the Orion Nebula called the Orion Trapezium or Orion Trapezium Cluster. It comprises 4 stars in the shape of a trapezoid and has been vigorously studied by Astronomers. The chapter then describes how this configuration, a rogue structure, may eventually destroy the Orion Nebula itself due to its configuration and enormous winds. However, a black hole in the middle of the Trapezium may keep it together. An analogy to the carpal trapezium in the human hand is also discussed.

Chapter 6 Celestial Images of the Cross describes how the Christian Cross is the instrument of the crucifixion of Jesus, the best-known symbol of Christianity. From the Holy Bible, darkness is described as the absence of light and God is the source of light. The Whirlpool Galaxy, M51, is described whose core contains what scientists refer to it as an X but for we Christians we know it shows a Holy Cross. This is one of the most striking examples of the connection between the Holy Bible and Astronomy.

Chapter 7 The Reflection Nebula (Messier M78) reviews the conclusive Biblical proofs of the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the tomb after his Crucifixion on the Cross. The Reflection Nebula, M78, a large cloud of gas and dust centered on the famous Orion Nebula (M42), is then described. There is an unusual image appearing in a cave-like structure containing what appears to be a body-like image.

Chapter 8 The Star of Bethlehem reviews the famous story of the Christmas scene in which the Three Wise Men attended Jesus’ birth. The motivation that led them was the Biblical prophesies of the Messiah and a sign of a very bright star, known as the Star of Bethlehem. An Astronomical explanation of the star’s path which traveled westward and hovered over Bethlehem on December 25th is provided.

Chapter 9 The Cosmic Hand describes the seal of God in the human hand as unique fingerprints with symbolic meanings from Biblical scriptures. Described is an amazing hand-shaped image of an X-ray nebula found by NASA which is believed to be 150 light years across. Scientists believe that the Cosmic Hand of God was produced by natural astrophysical phenomena. However, God created all astrophysical phenomena and this image may be reaching out to us as another Voice from the Heavens.

Chapter 10 The Parable of the Sower discusses Matthew 13: 3-9 when Jesus used the parable of