DAILY TEXT, From today Monday April 17, Present a defense before everyone (1 Pet. 3:15).

DAILY TEXT, Monday April 17, 2023, Present a defense before everyone (1 Pet. 3:15).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Monday April 17

Present a defense before all (1 Pet. 3:15).

As we study the Bible, we will discover Jehovah's qualities, the same qualities that are reflected in creation. Knowing them well will help us to be convinced that Jehovah is a real person (Ex. 34:6, 7; Ps. 145:8, 9). As we get to know Jehovah better, we will have more faith in him, love him more, and become better friends with him. Let's talk to other people about our faith in God. But what if someone we preach to asks us a question about the existence of God that we don't know how to answer? Let's search our posts for a Bible-based answer and then show it to the person. We can also ask a more experienced brother to help us. Whether the person accepts what the Bible says or not, it will do us good to have investigated the subject, for our faith will grow stronger. w21.08 18 pars. 14, 15.

HOW TO STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH IN THE CREATOR

What question will we analyze now? and How will studying creation help us?

How can we strengthen our faith in the Creator? Let's look at four ways. Let's study creation. If we carefully observe the animals, plants and stars, we will strengthen our faith in the Creator (Ps. 19:1; Is. 40:26). The more we study these things, the more convinced we will be that Jehovah is the Creator. Articles explaining some details of creation often appear in our publications. Even if they seem a little difficult to understand, let's make the effort to read them and learn what we can. And let's not forget that on our website, jw.org, we can replay the beautiful creation videos that were shown at recent regional conventions.

Give an example that shows that there is a Creator (Romans 1:20).

When we study creation, let's look at what it teaches us about our Creator (read Romans 1:20). For example, the Sun not only provides the light and heat necessary for life on Earth, but also emits ultraviolet rays, which are harmful. How are we human beings protected from them? The Earth has a layer of gas called ozone, which acts as a shield that prevents harmful radiation from reaching us. When the intensity of ultraviolet rays increases, the amount of ozone also increases. Is it not logical to believe that behind all this there is an intelligent and loving Creator?

Where will we find facts about creation that will strengthen our faith? (See the sidebar “Tools that Strengthen Our Faith.”)

If we search the Watch Tower Publications Index and jw.org for information, we will find many facts about creation that will strengthen our faith. Maybe we could start with the “Did Someone Design It?” articles and videos, which are short and explain some amazing details about animals and plants. They also include examples of how scientists have tried to mimic what they see in nature.

What things should we look for when we study the Bible?

Let's study the Bible. The biochemist mentioned in paragraph 4 initially had no faith in a Creator, but over time he changed his mind. He says: “My faith is not based solely on my science studies. It is also based on a careful analysis of the Bible.” We may already know well what the Bible teaches. Even so, we have to continue studying it to strengthen our faith in the Creator (Jos. 1:8; Ps. 119:97). Let's look at the accuracy with which he presents historical events, his prophecies and his internal harmony. This will strengthen our faith that a wise and loving Creator made us, and that he inspired the Bible (2 Tim. 3:14; 2 Pet. 1:21).

Give an example that shows the wisdom of God's Word.

When we study God's Word, let's look at how practical its advice is. For example, the Bible warned long ago that loving money hurts us and causes “much pains” (1 Tim. 6:9, 10; Prov. 28:20; Matt. 6:24). Is that warning still valid? Of course. Let's see what the book The Narcissism Epidemic says: “On average, materialists are less happy and more depressed. Even people who only aspire to have more money have worse mental health; they also declare that they have a greater number of health problems”. It is clear that the Bible's admonition not to love money is very timely. Do other Bible principles come to mind that have helped us? The more we value the advice of the Bible, the more we will trust the eternal wisdom offered to us by our loving Creator (James 1:5).

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