Jhon

34567
NOVEMBER 1, 2012

What Would You Like to Ask God?

34567

6

Printing Each Issue: 42,182,000 IN 195 L ANGUAGES

NOVEMBER 1, 2012

THE PURPOSE OF THIS MAGAZINE, The Watchtower, is to honor Jehovah God, the Supreme Ruler of the universe. Just as watchtowers in ancient times enabled a person to observe developments from afar, so this magazine shows us the significance of worldevents in the light of Bible prophecies. It comforts people with the good news that God’s Kingdom, which is a real government in heaven, will soon bring an end to all wickedness and transform the earth into a paradise. It promotes faith in Jesus Christ, who died so that we might gain everlasting life and who is now ruling as King of God’s Kingdom. This magazine has been published by Jehovah’sWitnesses continuously since 1879 and is nonpolitical. It adheres to the Bible as its authority.
This publication is not for sale. It is provided as part of a worldwide Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References.

FROM OUR COVER 3 Should We QuestionGod? 4 Question 1: Does My Life Have a Purpose? 6 Question 2: What Will Happen When I Die? 8 Question 3: Why Does God Allow Me to Suffer?

REGULAR FEATURES
10 15 16 18 22 23 24 The Bible Changes Lives Did You Know? Learn From God’s Word —Will God Provide a World Government? Keys to Family Happiness —Dealing With Debt Draw Close to God —“What Is Jehovah Asking Back From You?” Our Readers Ask . . .Is Religious Faith an Emotional Crutch? My Bible Lessons

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
26 29 Life in Bible Times—The Shepherd European Court Upholds the Right to Conscientious Objection

Should We Question God?
OME say that it is wrong to question God. They may feel that it is disrespectful to ask why God does or does not allow certain things to happen. Is that your view? If so, you may be surprisedto learn that many good people have questioned God. Note the following examples of questions they have asked him: The faithful man Job: “Why is it that the wicked themselves keep living, have grown old, also have become superior in wealth?”—Job 21:7. The loyal prophet Habakkuk: “Why is it that you look on those dealing treacherously, that you keep silent when someone wicked swallows up someonemore righteous than he is?”—Habakkuk 1:13. Jesus Christ: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”—Matthew 27:46. If you read the passages surrounding those quotations, you will see no indication that Jehovah1 God was offended when asked such sincere questions. Really, his tolerance
1 Jehovah is the name of God as revealed in the Bible.

S

is not surprising. For instance, God is not insultedwhen we ask him to satisfy basic physical needs that keep our bodies healthy. He gladly fills those requests. (Matthew 6:11, 33) Likewise, he willingly supplies information that can keep us mentally and emotionally healthy. (Philippians 4:6, 7) In fact, Jesus told his disciples: “Keep on asking, and it will be given you.” (Matthew 7:7) The context of Jesus’ promise shows that he was talking aboutreceiving not only material things but also answers to important questions. If you had the opportunity, which of the following questions would you like to ask God?
˘ ˘

Does my life have a purpose? What will happen when I die? ˘ Why do you allow me to suffer? Since “all Scripture is inspired of God,” you will find the answers God gives in his Word, the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16) Consider both whathas prompted some to ask the questions listed above and the answers that the Bible provides.
THE WATCHTOWER ˙ NOVEMBER 1, 2012

3

QUESTION 1:

Does My Life Have a Purpose?

ROSALIND, who grew up in England, had an insatiable desire for knowledge. She also wanted to help people. After graduating from school, she got a prestigious job that involved assisting the homeless, and she also...