Seeking Answers…Finding More Questions Part 2: Am I Alone? Seeking Answers A Study in Ecclesiastes Lesson 2, December 7, 2011

Today’s Scripture For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. -- Romans 1:20-25

Thought for Today The clock indicates the moment – but what does eternity indicate? -- Walt Whitman

We flee from the truth in vain. -- Unknown

Why are some things in my existence living while others are not? Why does the sun, like my campfire, heat my skin without touching my skin? Have all the things I see always been here? What is everything I see made of? LND Picks Igor’s Top Five Questions 0 Am I alone? Where does the sun go when it goes out of sight over there and later returns to view over there?

Igor’s World: The World of the Naturalist Nature: The Whole of Everything There is Nothing More There is nothing out here!!! Problem: If anything exists that is not explained by Cause and Effect, there must be something beyond Nature -- the Supernature A vacuum, void, nothingness

Facts Hypothesis Action Seeking Answers Truth Believe a Lie Resources – Himself Sensory Observations Personal Experiences Recall/Journals Experiment Intellect/Reason Pre-conceived Notions Others Family/Friends Teachers/Authority Books/Magazines Media Internet God’s Word

Am I Alone?

Good News!! Bad News!! Resources – Himself Sensory Observations Personal Experiences Recall/Journals Experiment Intellect/Reason Pre-conceived Notions Others Family/Friends Teachers/Authority Books/Magazines Media Internet God’s Word Good News!! More Resources Bad News!! More Questions Oh, No! More Questions Do I Even Want to Interact? What Is the Purpose of Interacting? What Will Govern Our Interaction? Who Will Determine the Rules? Who Will Interpret the Rules? What Will I Get Out of It? What Will They Get Out of It? How Do I Have to Treat Them? How Do They Have to Treat Me? What Happens If Either Party Defaults? Who Will Enforce the Governing Rules? Where Can I Get a Copy of the Rules?

Morality Matt 22:35-40 Social Political Commercial Family Sexual What Will Govern Igor’s Interactions with Others? Ethics M

Has the Process Become Fraught with Peril for Igor? Has his pursuit of answers to his questions coupled with the growing disparity between his answers and his continued observations and experiences put him in danger of:

What Could Derail Igor’s Search? Difficulty finding answers Earth endures, man is destined to die No matter his accomplishments, he will die He is no different from the lowliest beast of the field: he will die Those who break the Ethical Code are not brought to accountability -- yet they prosper Pursuing personal happiness brings no satisfaction ?????????????????