The November 1997 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry suggested a number of thought-provoking questions we can discuss with our return visits, all of which can be found in the Reasoning book. Below are the questions with their Reasoning book answers.
Scientists have identified over 100 chemical elements. their atomic structure displays an intricate mathematical interrelationship of the elements. Their periodic table points to obvious desin. Such amazing design could not possibly be accidental, a product of chance.
Illustration: When we see a camera, a radio, or a computer, we readily acknowledge that it must have been produced by an intelligent designer. Would it be reasonable, then, to say that far more complex things--the eye, the ear, and the human brain--did not originate with an intelligent Designer?
See these Scriptures: Psalm 19:1; 104:24; Romans 1:20.
Yes, indeed! Consider the evidence: the Bible tells us that God gave man a perfect start. (Gen. 1:27, 31; Deut. 32:4) Man's continued enjoyment of God's favor, however, depended on obedience to his Maker. (Gen. 2:16, 17) If man was obedient, he would continue to enjoy perfect human life--no sickness, no suffering, nodeath. the Creator would provide man with needed guidance and would use His power to safeguard mankind against any calamity. but man rejected god's guidance; he chose the course of self-rule. In trying to do something for which he was never designed, he has brought calamity upon himself. (Jer. 10:23; Eccl. 8:9; Rom. 5:12) yet, over the centuries god has been patiently seeking out those who, because of love for him and his ways, are willing to serve him. He sets before them the opportunity to enjoy all the blessings of which they have been deprived because of man's imperfections and misrule. (Rev. 21:3-5) He has made provision for this through his son. (John 3:16; Rev. 11:18; Ps. 37:10, 11).
See these Scriptures: Psalm 37:11; Revelation 21:1-4; Micah 4:3, 4.
Do you have a close relationship with anyone whose personal name you do not know? For people to whom God is nameless he is often merely an impersonal force, not a real person, not someone that they know and love and to whom they can speak from the heart in prayer. If they do pray, their prayers are merely a ritual, a formalistic repetition of memorized expressions.
See these Scriptures: Exodus 3:15; Isaiah 12:4; Ezekiel 38:17, 23; Malachi 3:16; John 17:26; Acts 15:14.
It will sanctify Jehovah's name and uphold his sovereignty. (Matthew 6:9, 10; Ezekiel 38:23) It will put an end to Satan's tolerated rulership over the world. (Revelation 20:2, 3) It will unify all creation in worship of the one true God. (Rev. 5:13; 15:3, 4) It will bring mankind back into harmonious relationship with God. (Rom. 8:19-21). It will free mankind from the threat of war. (Ps. 46:8, 9; Isa. 2:4). It will rid the earth of corrupt rulers and oppression. (Ps. 110:5; 72:12-14). it will provide an abundance of food for all. (Ps. 72:16; Isa. 25:6) It will remove sickness and disabilities of all kinds. (Luke 7:22; 9:11) It will provide suitable homes for everyone. (Isa. 65:21, 22) It will assure satisfying employment for all. (Isa. 65:23) It will guarantee security, freedom from danger to one's person or property. (Mic. 4:4, Ps. 37:10, 11) It will cause righteousness and justice to prevail. (2 Pet 3:13; Isa. 11:3-5) It will safeguard mankind from any injury due to natural forces. (Mark 4:37-41) It will resurrect the dead. (John 5:28-29, Rev. 20:12) it will remove all death due to inheritance of Adamic sin. (Isa. 25:8; Rev. 21:4) It will provide a world in which people genuinely love one another. (John 13:35) It will bring animals and humans into harmonious relationship with one another. (Isa 11:6-9; Hos. 2:18) It will make the earth a paradise. (Luke 23:43; Ps. 98:7-9; Gen. 1:28; 2:15; Isa. 55:11)
Basic to having purpose in our lives is recognition of the Source of life. (Acts 17:24, 25, 28; Rev. 4:11) Frustration results from a life course that conflicts with the Creator's requirements and his guidelines for happiness. (Gal. 6:7, 8) the inheritance of sin from Adam prevents humans fro having at present full enjoyment of life as God purposed at the beginning. (Rom. 8:20) We find the greatest happiness possible now and our lives take on richness of meaning when we apply Bible principles and put first the doing of God's will. (Isa. 48:17) We can have the prospect of eternal life in perfection if we put faith in Jehovah's provisions for life and walk in his ways.(Titus 1:2; 1 Pet. 2:6)
Who is the instigator of religious confusion? See 2 Cor. 4:4 and 1 Cor. 10:20.
On what are its teachings based? (2 Tim. 3:16) Is it making known the name of God? (John 17:6; Matt. 4:10) Is faith in Jesus demonstrated? (John 3:36; Jas. 2:26) Is it ritualistic or is it a way of life? (Isa. 1:15-17; Gal. 5:22, 23) Do its members truly love another? (John 13:35) Is it truly separate from the world? (John 15:19; Jas. 1:27) Are its members active witnesses concerning God's Kingdom? (Matt. 24:14; Acts 20:20)
See these Scriptures: Luke 4:5-7; 1 John 5:19; John 14:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4.
God is not to blame. He gave mankind a perfect start, but humans have chosen to ignore God's requirements and decide for themselves what is good and what is bad. By doing this, they have come under the influence of wicked superhuman forces.
See these Scriptures: 1 John 5:19; Revelation 12:7-12; 2 Timothy 3:1-5.