Question #2:
If we are the only people in the universe, why did God make it so big?

Answer:
Before answering this question, we probably need to discuss whether or not we are the only people (or sentient life) in the universe. I believe we are based on the following reasons. First, the Earth is the focal point of God's creation and it was formed to be inhabited. It was made three days earlier than all the rest of the planets, stars, etc. Second, the Earth is where God sent His Son to become a man and to die for man. Hebrews 9 makes it clear that Christ died once for sin. If there was sentient life elsewhere in the universe and they sinned, there would be no way for them to be saved. So, I don't believe there is life on other planets.

With that out of the way...why did God make the universe so huge? The size of the universe is almost unfathomable. The planetarium show at the Creation Museum does a good job of showing just how big it is. It is a mind-blowing experience.

Really the answer to this question comes down to one's perspective. Carl Sagan said that if we were all alone then the universe would be an incredible waste of space (he knows better now).

However, I can look at the night sky, try to fathom the size of the universe, and proclaim the amazing wonder and awesome splendor of the God that made it all. I believe He made it so big to demonstrate His power and so that we could enjoy the beauty of what He has made. It's interesting to me that the creation of the stars almost comes across as an afterthought in Gen. 1:16. It's as if God is saying, "Look, I made the fish, and the birds, and the animals, and trees, and, oh yeah, the stars too. I know it takes incredible power to do that, but I did it."