Our Christian Life and Ministry. February 10 through February 16 [Press play below to hear the Meeting Workbook]
[Press play below to hear Psalms 147 through 150]
[Click to read Bible chapters]|[Psalm 147 through 150] Psalm 147. Praise Jah! It is good to sing praises to our God; How pleasant and fitting it is to praise him! 2 Jehovah is building Jerusalem; He gathers together the dispersed ones of Israel. 3 He heals the brokenhearted; He binds up their wounds. 4 He counts the number of the stars; He calls all of them by name. 5 Our Lord is great and is mighty in power; His understanding is beyond measure. 6 Jehovah raises up the meek, But he hurls the wicked to the ground. 7 Sing to Jehovah with thanksgiving; Sing praises to our God, accompanied by the harp, 8 The One who covers the heavens with clouds, The One providing rain for the earth, The One making grass sprout on the mountains. 9 To the animals he gives food, To the young ravens that call out for it. 10 He does not delight in the power of the horse; Nor is he impressed by the strong legs of a man. 11 Jehovah finds pleasure in those who fear him, In those waiting for his loyal love. 12 Glorify Jehovah, O Jerusalem. Praise your God, O Zion. 13 He makes the bars of your city gates strong; He blesses your sons within you. 14 He brings peace to your territory; He satisfies you with the finest wheat. 15 He sends his command to the earth; His word runs swiftly. 16 He sends the snow like wool; He scatters the frost just like ashes. 17 He hurls down his hailstones like morsels of bread. Who can withstand his cold? 18 He sends out his word, and they melt. He makes his wind blow, and the waters flow. 19 He declares his word to Jacob, His regulations and judgments to Israel. 20 He has not done so with any other nation; They know nothing about his judgments. Praise Jah! Psalm 148. Praise Jah! Praise Jehovah from the heavens; Praise him in the heights. 2 Praise him, all his angels. Praise him, all his army. 3 Praise him, sun and moon. Praise him, all shining stars. 4 Praise him, O highest heavens And waters above the heavens. 5 Let them praise the name of Jehovah, For he commanded, and they were created. 6 He keeps them established forever and ever; He has issued a decree that will not pass away. 7 Praise Jehovah from the earth, You great sea creatures and all deep waters, 8 You lightning and hail, snow and thick clouds, You storm wind, carrying out his word, 9 You mountains and all you hills, You fruit trees and all you cedars, 10 You wild animals and all you domestic animals, You creeping things and winged birds, 11 You kings of the earth and all you nations, You princes and all you judges of the earth, 12 You young men and young women, Old men and young together. 13 Let them praise the name of Jehovah, For his name alone is unreachably high. His majesty is above earth and heaven. 14 He will exalt the strength of his people, For the praise of all his loyal ones, Of the sons of Israel, the people close to him. Praise Jah! Psalm 149. Praise Jah! Sing to Jehovah a new song; Praise him in the congregation of the loyal ones. 2 Let Israel rejoice in its Grand Maker; Let the sons of Zion be joyful in their King. 3 Let them praise his name with dancing And sing praises to him, accompanied by the tambourine and the harp. 4 For Jehovah takes pleasure in his people. He adorns the meek with salvation. 5 Let the loyal ones exult in glory; Let them shout for joy upon their beds. 6 Let the songs praising God be in their throat, And a two-edged sword be in their hand, 7 To execute vengeance on the nations And punishment on the peoples, 8 To bind their kings with shackles And their nobles with iron fetters, 9 To execute the judgment written against them. This honor belongs to all his loyal ones. Praise Jah! Psalm 150. Praise Jah! Praise God in his holy place. Praise him in the expanse of his strength. 2 Praise him for his mighty works. Praise him for his exceeding greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the horn. Praise him with the stringed instrument and the harp. 4 Praise him with the tambourine and the circle dance. Praise him with strings and the flute. 5 Praise him with ringing cymbals. Praise him with crashing cymbals. 6 Every breathing thing, let it praise Jah. Praise Jah! [End of Bible chapters] [Click to close]
Song 12 Great God, Jehovah. Based on Exodus 34.6 and 7
1. Great God, Jehovah, you are deserving,
Worthy of the highest praise,
Good and just in all your ways.
You have such power, deep love, and wisdom.
You are God to endless days.
2. Father, we feel your tender compassion.
We are dust, and still you care;
Graciously you hear our prayer.
How you sustain us, teach us, and guide us!
Help from you is always there.
3. Heaven and earth now sing of your glory.
Joyfully with voices raised,
We exalt you all our days.
Great God, Jehovah, you are deserving.
Please accept our heartfelt praise.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Treasures From God’s Word 1. We Have Many Reasons to Praise Jah (10 minutes)
He cares for us as individuals
[Inserted scripture] Psalm 147.3 and 4: He heals the brokenhearted; He binds up their wounds. 4 He counts the number of the stars; He calls all of them by name. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2017.07 18 paragraphs 5 and 6] Jehovah gave comfort not only to the nation of Israel as a whole but also to each individual. The same is true today. The psalmist wrote of God: “He heals the brokenhearted; he binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147.3) Yes, Jehovah cares for those who are having problems, whether physical or emotional. Today, Jehovah is eager to comfort us and to soothe our emotional wounds.
[Quotation] Psalm 34.18: Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Isaiah 57.15: For this is what the High and Lofty One says, Who lives forever and whose name is holy: “I reside in the high and holy place, But also with those crushed and lowly in spirit, To revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of those being crushed. [End Quotation]
He gives us wisdom and strength so that we can cope with any troubles we may face.
[Quotation] James 1.5: So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. [End Quotation]
6. The psalmist then turns his attention to the heavens above, telling us that Jehovah “counts the number of the stars” and “calls all of them by name.” (Psalm 147.4) Why the seeming change of subject and reference to heavenly bodies? Consider this: The psalmist could see the stars with his physical eyes, but he had no idea of how many there really are. Over the years, the number of stars that we can see has increased tremendously. Some think that there are billions of stars in our Milky Way galaxy alone. And there may be trillions of galaxies in the universe! To us, stars are indeed without number! But the Creator gives all of them a name or a designation. This means that each star is unique to Jehovah.
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 15.41: The glory of the sun is one sort, and the glory of the moon is another, and the glory of the stars is another; in fact, one star differs from another star in glory. [End Quotation]
What about his human creatures on earth? The God who knows where each star is at any given time also knows you as an individual, exactly where you are, precisely how you feel, and specifically what you need at any given moment! [End of reference material]
He is empathetic and uses his power to help us
[Inserted scripture] Psalm 147.5: Our Lord is great and is mighty in power; His understanding is beyond measure. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2017.07 page 18 paragraph 7] Not only is Jehovah interested in you as a person but he also has the power and empathy needed to help you with life’s problems. (Read Psalm 147.5) You may feel that your situation is too difficult and the load too heavy for you to carry. God understands your limitations, ‘remembering that you are dust.’
[Quotation] Psalm 103.14: For he well knows how we are formed, Remembering that we are dust. [End Quotation]
Being imperfect, we make the same mistakes again and again. Oh, how we regret that slip of the tongue, those fleshly tendencies that flare up every now and then, or those inclinations to envy what others have! Jehovah does not experience such shortcomings himself; yet, his understanding of us is immeasurable, unsearchable!
[Quotation] Isaiah 40.28: Do you not know? Have you not heard? Jehovah, the Creator of the ends of the earth, is a God for all eternity. He never tires out or grows weary. His understanding is unsearchable. [End Quotation] [End of reference material]
He gives us the privilege of being part of his people
[Inserted scripture] Psalm 147.19 and 20: He declares his word to Jacob, His regulations and judgments to Israel. 20 He has not done so with any other nation; They know nothing about his judgments. Praise Jah! [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2017.07 page 21 paragraph 18] The psalmist knew how favored God’s ancient people were. They were the only nation given God’s “word” and “his regulations and judgments.” Today, we are blessed to be the only ones on earth called by God’s name. Knowing Jehovah and having his Word at work in our lives, we have come to enjoy a privileged relationship with him. Like the writer of Psalm 147, do you not have many good reasons to cry out “Praise Jah!” and to encourage others to do the same? [End of reference material]
Ask yourself, ‘What else moves me to praise Jehovah?’
[Image Alt:] A psalmist gazing at the starry sky and praising Jehovah. Jerusalem’s temple is nearby.
2. Spiritual Gems (10 minutes)
Psalm 148.1 and 10. In what sense do “winged birds” praise Jehovah?
[Inserted scripture] Psalm 148.1: Praise Jah! Praise Jehovah from the heavens; Praise him in the heights. [End of inserted scripture]
[Inserted scripture] Psalm 148.10: You wild animals and all you domestic animals, You creeping things and winged birds, [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Insight volume 1 page 316] The psalmist called upon the “winged birds” to praise Jehovah (Psalm 148.1 and 10), and birds do this by their very structure and their complex design. A single bird may have from 1,000 to over 20,000 feathers. Yet each feather is composed of a shaft from which branch out hundreds of barbs forming an inner web, each barb containing several hundred smaller barbules and each barbule having hundreds of barbicels and hooklets. A single six-inch wing feather of a pigeon is thus estimated to contain some hundreds of thousands of barbules and literally millions of barbicels. The aerodynamic principles built into birds’ wings and body design surpass in complexity and efficiency that of modern-day aircraft. A bird’s hollow bones contribute to its lightness, and thus the skeleton of a frigate bird with a 2 metre (7 feet) wingspan may weigh only about 110 grams (4 ounces). Certain wing bones of large soaring birds even have trusslike supports, like the struts inside airplane wings, within the hollow portions. [End of reference material]
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading (4 minutes) Psalm 148.1 through 149.9 (Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching study 11) [Press play below to hear the Bible reading]
Psalm 148.1 through 149.9: Praise Jah! Praise Jehovah from the heavens; Praise him in the heights. Praise him, all his angels. Praise him, all his army. Praise him, sun and moon. Praise him, all shining stars. Praise him, O highest heavens And waters above the heavens. Let them praise the name of Jehovah, For he commanded, and they were created. He keeps them established forever and ever; He has issued a decree that will not pass away. Praise Jehovah from the earth, You great sea creatures and all deep waters, You lightning and hail, snow and thick clouds, You storm wind, carrying out his word, You mountains and all you hills, You fruit trees and all you cedars, You wild animals and all you domestic animals, You creeping things and winged birds, You kings of the earth and all you nations, You princes and all you judges of the earth, You young men and young women, Old men and young together. Let them praise the name of Jehovah, For his name alone is unreachably high. His majesty is above earth and heaven. He will exalt the strength of his people, For the praise of all his loyal ones, Of the sons of Israel, the people close to him. Praise Jah!
Psalm 149. Praise Jah! Sing to Jehovah a new song; Praise him in the congregation of the loyal ones. Let Israel rejoice in its Grand Maker; Let the sons of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing And sing praises to him, accompanied by the tambourine and the harp. For Jehovah takes pleasure in his people. He adorns the meek with salvation. Let the loyal ones exult in glory; Let them shout for joy upon their beds. Let the songs praising God be in their throat, And a two-edged sword be in their hand, To execute vengeance on the nations And punishment on the peoples, To bind their kings with shackles And their nobles with iron fetters, To execute the judgment written against them. This honor belongs to all his loyal ones. Praise Jah! [End of scripture]
[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 11. Enthusiasm.
[Quotation] Romans 12.11: Be industrious, not lazy. Be aglow with the spirit. Slave for Jehovah. [End Quotation]
Summary: Stimulate and motivate your listeners by speaking with zeal.
[Press play below for Video: Study 11. Enthusiasm. (5:04)]
[Click for Transcript]|[Study 11 Enthusiasm]
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 11 Enthusiasm. Romans 12.11. Summary: Stimulate and motivate your listeners by speaking with zeal.)
Presenter: What fills you with enthusiasm? Do you enjoy talking about tasty food? Or do you speak with enthusiasm about the playful antics of your little niece or nephew? Reasons for enthusiasm vary from person to person. But why might a speaker who loves Jehovah and who believes what he’s saying lack enthusiasm when speaking? It’s not enough just to prepare what to say.
(Text: How to do it: Get your heart involved. Think about your listeners. Breathe life into your delivery)
We must get our heart involved, think about our listeners, and breathe life into our delivery. This is important both in the congregation and in the ministry. As you watch the following example, consider the question, ‘Does this sister need more enthusiasm for her subject or less?’
(At a door a sister speaks with a woman)
Sister: The coming Paradise will be wonderful. Notice just one of the prophecies in the Bible regarding the abundant blessings God has promised. It’s here at Isaiah 65.21 and 22: They will build houses and live in them, and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. They will not build for someone else to inhabit, nor will they plant for others to eat.
Presenter: So how did she do? When we speak about the blessings of the new earth under God’s Kingdom, we should brim with enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is contagious. Let’s watch another example.
(At a door the sister speaks with a woman)
Sister: The coming Paradise will be wonderful! Notice just one of the prophecies in the Bible regarding the abundant blessings God has promised. It’s here at Isaiah 65.21 and 22: They will build houses and live in them, and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. They will not build for someone else to inhabit, nor will they plant for others to eat. For the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, and the work of their hands my chosen ones will enjoy to the full.
Presenter: Well done! Our sister spoke from the heart and breathed life into her material. It was evident in her tone of voice and facial expression. Of course, we need to be balanced. We could tire our listeners if we project a high level of enthusiasm throughout our presentation. To illustrate this, watch this brother giving a talk at the Kingdom Hall.
(A brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: What prophetic events can we expect in the near future? First, there will be a pronouncement of “peace and security.” Then, the great tribulation will begin when the nations turn on Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion. However, in harmony with the words of Matthew 24.22, the attack will be cut short “on account of the chosen ones.” What will happen next? Gog of Magog, a coalition of nations, will attack God’s people.
Presenter: What do you think? The speaker was clearly enthusiastic, a bit too enthusiastic about the devastating events to come. Also, our listeners will be distracted if we use the same gesture repeatedly.
(Text: Make gestures meaningful. Express enthusiasm when: teaching main points; Motivating your listeners to take action.)
So, we should try to make our gestures meaningful and show enthusiasm primarily when teaching main points and when motivating our listeners to action. Let’s give our brother another chance.
(The brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: What prophetic events can we expect in the near future? First, there will be a pronouncement of “peace and security.” Then, the great tribulation will begin when the nations turn on Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion. However, in harmony with the words of Matthew 24.22, the attack will be cut short “on account of the chosen ones.” What will happen next? Gog of Magog, a coalition of nations, will attack God’s people. But Jehovah will rescue his servants during Armageddon, “the war of the great day of God the Almighty.” So, what must we do now?
Presenter: Romans 12.11 commands us to “be aglow with the spirit.” By putting enthusiasm into our delivery, we’ll stimulate and motivate our listeners to action.
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 11 Enthusiasm. Romans 12.11)
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2019 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
How to Do It: Get your heart involved. As you prepare to deliver your presentation, think deeply about the importance of your message. Get to know your material so well that you can express yourself from the heart.
Think about your listeners. Meditate on how the information you will read or teach will benefit others. Consider ways to present that information in a way that will deepen your listeners’ appreciation for it.
Breathe life into your delivery. Speak with zeal. Use natural gestures and sincere facial expressions to reflect your feelings.
Tip: Take care not to distract your listeners by using the same gesture repeatedly as a mannerism. Make your gestures meaningful. Express enthusiasm primarily when teaching main points and motivating your listeners to take action. Do not tire your listeners by projecting a high level of enthusiasm throughout your presentation. [End of Reference Material]
Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry 4. Starting a Conversation (3 minutes)
House to House. The person tells you that he is dealing with a chronic illness. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 2 point 5)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Naturalness] Imitate Philip. Be adaptable. A conversation may go in an unexpected direction. So be willing to share something that is relevant to the person, even if that means discussing a different Bible truth than the one you had in mind. [End of Reference material]
5. Starting a Conversation (4 minutes)
Informal Witnessing. Look for an opportunity to tell the person something that you learned at a recent meeting. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 4 point 3)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Humility] Imitate Paul. Do not be condescending. Avoid giving the impression that you know everything and that the other person knows nothing. Speak with him in a respectful way. [End of Reference material]
6. Talk (5 minutes)
[Image Alt:] A couple witnessing to a man at a beach.
Watchtower 2019.03 page 10 paragraphs 7 through 11. Theme: Listen to Jesus, Preach the Good News. See picture. (Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching study 14)
[Reference material Watchtower 2019.03 page 10 paragraphs 7 through 11] 7. Read Matthew 17.1 through 5. The second time Jehovah spoke from heaven was when Jesus “was transfigured.” Jesus had invited Peter, James, and John to accompany him up into a high mountain. While there, they saw a remarkable vision. Jesus’ face shone brightly and his clothes glistened. Two figures, representing Moses and Elijah, began talking to Jesus about his coming death and resurrection. Although the three apostles were “weighed down with sleep,” they saw this amazing vision when they were fully awake.
[Quotation] Luke 9.29 through 32: And as he was praying, the appearance of his face changed and his clothing became glitteringly white. 30 And look! two men were conversing with him; they were Moses and Elijah. 31 These appeared with glory and began talking about his departure, which he was about to fulfill at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those with him were weighed down with sleep, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. [End Quotation]
Next, a bright cloud covered them, and they heard a voice from the cloud, God’s voice! As at Jesus’ baptism, Jehovah expressed his approval of his Son and his love for him, saying: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved.” But this time Jehovah added: “Listen to him.”
8. The vision gave a preview of Jesus’ future glory and power as King of God’s Kingdom. No doubt, Christ was encouraged and fortified for the sufferings and painful death he would endure. The vision also built up the disciples’ faith and strengthened them for the tests of integrity and years of hard work that lay ahead. Some 30 years later, the apostle Peter referred to the vision of the transfiguration, showing that the vision was still vivid in his mind.
[Quotation] 2 Peter 1.16 through 18: No, it was not by following artfully contrived false stories that we made known to you the power and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, but rather, we were eyewitnesses of his magnificence. 17 For he received from God the Father honor and glory when words such as these were conveyed to him by the magnificent glory: “This is my Son, my beloved, whom I myself have approved.” 18 Yes, these words we heard coming from heaven while we were with him in the holy mountain. [End Quotation]
9. “Listen to him.” Jehovah made it clear that he wants us to listen to his Son’s words and obey them. What did Jesus say when he was on earth? He said many things worth listening to! For example, he lovingly taught his followers how to preach the good news, and he repeatedly reminded them to keep on the watch.
[Quotation] Matthew 24.42: Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Matthew 28.19 and 20: Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” [End Quotation]
He also urged them to exert themselves vigorously, and he encouraged them not to give up.
[Quotation] Luke 13.24: “Exert yourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will seek to get in but will not be able. [End Quotation]
Jesus stressed the need for his followers to love one another, to remain united, and to observe his commandments.
[Quotation] John 15.10: If you observe my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have observed the commandments of the Father and remain in his love. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] John 15.12 and 13: This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. 13 No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his life in behalf of his friends. [End Quotation]
What practical counsel Jesus gave his disciples! That counsel is just as valid today as it was when Jesus gave it.
10. Jesus said: “Everyone who is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.”
[Quotation] John 18.37: So Pilate said to him: “Well, then, are you a king?” Jesus answered: “You yourself are saying that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.” [End Quotation]
We show that we are listening to his voice when we “continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely.”
[Quotation] Colossians 3.13: Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Luke 17.3 and 4: Pay attention to yourselves. If your brother commits a sin, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4 Even if he sins seven times a day against you and he comes back to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” [End Quotation]
We further show that we are listening to his voice by zealously preaching the good news “in favorable times and difficult times.”
[Quotation] 2 Timothy 4.2: Preach the word; be at it urgently in favorable times and difficult times; reprove, reprimand, exhort, with all patience and art of teaching. [End Quotation]
11. Jesus said: “My sheep listen to my voice.”
[Quotation] John 10.27: My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. [End Quotation]
Christ’s followers show that they listen to Jesus by not only paying attention to his words but also acting on them. They are not distracted by the “anxieties of life.”
[Quotation] Luke 21.34: “But pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you [End Quotation]
Rather, they make obeying Jesus’ commands a priority in life, even in the face of challenging circumstances. Many of our brothers are enduring severe trials, including attacks by opposers, extreme poverty, and natural disasters. Through it all, they remain faithful to Jehovah, cost what it may. To them, Jesus gives the following assurance: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. In turn, whoever loves me will be loved by my Father.”
[Quotation] John 14.21: Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. In turn, whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will clearly show myself to him.” [End Quotation] [End of reference material]
[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 14. Main Points Made to Stand Out.
[Quotation] Hebrews 8.1: Now this is the main point of what we are saying: We have such a high priest as this, and he has sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, [End Quotation]
Summary: Help your audience to follow along with your talk, and make clear how each main point relates to your objective and theme.
[Press play below for Video: Study 14. Main Points Made to Stand Out. (7:17)]
[Click for Transcript]|[Study 14. Main Points Made to Stand Out]
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching. 14. Main Points Made to Stand Out. Hebrews 8.1. Summary: Help your audience to follow along with your talk, and make clear how each main point relates to your objective and theme)
Presenter: At Hebrews 8.1, the apostle Paul wrote: Now this is the main point of what we are saying.” When we teach, we want our main points to stand out. Why? Well, which is easier to listen to? A rambling discourse that outlines seemingly unrelated facts or an organized presentation with main points that relate to the theme. When we make our main points stand out, we help our audience to pay attention, understand, and remember what we say. So how can you make the main points stand out? First, decide on the objective of your talk. Aim to accomplish something. If you don’t know your objective, neither will your audience. Do you want to inform, convince, encourage, motivate, or something else? For example, let’s say that you’re discussing the resurrection.
(With an open Bible, a brother rests his hand on another brother’s shoulder)
If you’re speaking to a grieving family made up of fellow Christians, your objective may be to give encouragement and comfort. On the other hand, if you’re speaking about the resurrection to unbelieving relatives who have questioned your beliefs, your objective might be to convince them.
(A brother points to his open Bible as he speaks with a man. Text: How to do it: have an objective)
In each instance, the main points you choose will be different because the objective is different. So, when preparing, select only main points that help you achieve your objective and that you can teach effectively in the allotted time. Then develop the points in a logical order. Ask yourself: ‘What questions or objections might my audience have about this topic? In what logical order would they raise those questions or objections?’ Often, however, we are given an outline to develop, and the main points have already been selected and put in a certain order. In such a case, analyze the outline to have clearly in mind the objective of the talk and how the main points will help you to reach that objective.
(Text: Emphasize the theme of your talk)
As you give the talk, you don’t want the audience to lose sight of your theme. So, at various times during your discourse,
repeat key words in the theme or use synonyms. Your audience will remember only a few main points, so don’t develop too many.
(Text: Make your main points clear and simple)
Even if you’re giving a longer talk, focus on developing a few points well. As you develop secondary points, explain their connection to the main point. Don’t add ideas just because they’re interesting. To make your main points stand out, you might repeat in a sentence or two each main point before going on to the next. Or you might state the main points in the introduction and then restate them in the conclusion. When you finish, the audience should be able to remember the main points. Let’s watch a brother who’s in the middle of giving a talk. See if you can discern the main point he’s developing and his theme.
(A brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: Let’s turn to Proverbs 28.1. Here the righteous are compared to a very impressive animal. “The wicked flee when no one pursues them, but the righteous are as confident as a lion.” You and I can be like a lion. Imagine that! Bible writers were familiar with lions because they were once plentiful in Israel, although they are now extinct there. A lion’s thunderous roar can be heard for miles. They can move at a speed of 40 miles per hour. They are so powerful that a single blow from a lion’s paw is enough to break the neck of a small antelope. According to Insight on the Scriptures, the lion serves as a fitting symbol of courageous justice. And so, Jesus is called 'the Lion that is of the tribe of Judah.'
Speaker: Could you tell from that talk what the theme is? Is it something about lions? Jesus? the righteous? Actually, the theme of this talk is “Jehovah Makes Us Bold.” What’s the main point that the speaker is trying to develop? Jehovah is the Source of true boldness. Let’s watch the speaker try again. This time, notice how he emphasizes the theme and main point.
(The brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: Let’s turn to Proverbs 28.1. As we read this verse, look for the answer to this question: What sort of people can be truly confident? “The wicked flee when no one pursues them, but the righteous are as confident as a lion.” So, who can be confident? The righteous. And who are the righteous? Those who have faith in the ransom and who strive to adhere to Jehovah’s requirements. Here’s the point: Confidence comes not from natural ability, education, or riches; the source of true boldness is our relationship with Jehovah. So, when we go in the ministry, we don’t need to be afraid. We’re doing what Jehovah requires, and Jehovah is supporting us. Remembering this will help us to preach with boldness.
(Text: State the main points in your introduction)
Presenter: This time, the speaker introduced the scripture in a way that called attention to the main point. He avoided cluttering his talk with details that didn’t support his point. And to make sure the audience got the main point, he told them, “Here’s the point.” Then, he connected the point to the theme. Whether from the platform or in the ministry,
our teaching should be simple and clear. If we group our thoughts under just a few main points that relate to our objective and theme, our presentation will be easy to follow and hard to forget.
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 14 Main Points Made to Stand Out. Hebrews 8.1)
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2020 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
How to Do It: Have an objective. Consider whether your talk is intended to inform, convince, or motivate your audience, and then develop it accordingly. Make sure all main points help you to achieve your objective.
Tip: Ask yourself: ‘What questions or objections might my audience have about this topic? In what logical order would they raise those questions or objections?’ Then arrange your points in the same order so that your audience can follow along with, understand, and accept the information.
Emphasize the theme of your talk. Refer to the theme throughout your discourse by repeating the key words of the theme or by using synonyms.
Make your main points clear and simple. Select only main points that relate to your theme and that you can teach effectively in the allotted time. Limit the number of main points, clearly state each main point, pause between them, and lead smoothly from one main point to the next.
Tip: You might state the main points in your introduction to help the audience follow along or restate them in your conclusion to help the audience remember them. [End of Reference Material]
Living as Christians - Song 159 Give Jehovah Glory Based on Psalm 96.8
1. Who is like you, O Jehovah,
High on your heavenly throne?
How could I ever repay you
For all of the love you have shown?
When I look up to the heavens,
Power and glory I see.
Who then am I, O Jehovah,
That you would show favor to me?
Jehovah God, please hear the song I sing.
It’s a song of praise to you.
You are my God and the Eternal King,
So I give you what is due;
All the glory goes to you.
2. My life is yours, O Jehovah.
May all I do bring you praise.
Gladly I’ll speak of your goodness
And tell of your glorious ways.
Serving you, Great God, Jehovah,
Fills me with honor and pride.
You are my strength and my glory.
Forever may you be my Guide.
Jehovah God, please hear the song I sing.
It’s a song of praise to you.
You are my God and the Eternal King,
So I give you what is due;
All the glory goes to you.
3. Oceans and valleys below me,
Sun, moon, and stars up above
Fill me with joy and with wonder
And show me your unending love.
Majesty, wisdom, and beauty:
These are the things that I see.
How could I not give you glory
For making it all come to be?
Jehovah God, please hear the song I sing.
It’s a song of praise to you.
You are my God and the Eternal King,
So I give you what is due;
All the glory goes to you.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
7. Annual Service Report (15 minutes)
Discussion. After reading the announcement from the branch office regarding the annual service report, invite the audience to highlight other positive aspects of the 2024 Service Year Report of Jehovah’s Witnesses Worldwide. Interview publishers, selected in advance, who had encouraging experiences in the ministry during the past year.
[Image Alt:] Brothers and sisters preaching in different parts of the world. They share the good news at literature carts, via videoconference, from house to house, and in other ways.
8. Congregation Bible Study (30 minutes)
“Bearing Thorough Witness” About God’s Kingdom, chapter 22 paragraphs 7 through 14, boxes “Caesarea. Roman Provincial Capital of Judea” and “Could Women Be Christian Ministers?” [Press play below for the audio of the Congregation Bible Study]
“We Searched for and Found the Disciples” (Acts 21.4 through 9)
[Click to read scripture]|[Acts 21.4 through 9] We searched for and found the disciples and remained there for seven days. But through the spirit they repeatedly told Paul not to set foot in Jerusalem. 5 So when our time there was over, we left and started on our way, but they all, together with the women and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said good-bye to one another. Then we went aboard the ship, and they returned to their homes. 7 We then completed the voyage from Tyre and arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed one day with them. 8 The next day we left and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelizer, who was one of the seven men, and we stayed with him. 9 This man had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. [End of scripture] [Click to close]
Question 7. What did the travelers do upon arriving at Tyre?
7. Paul appreciated the value of Christian association and was eager to be with those of like faith. Upon arriving at Tyre, Luke writes, “we searched for and found the disciples.”
[Quotation] Acts 21.4: We searched for and found the disciples and remained there for seven days. But through the spirit they repeatedly told Paul not to set foot in Jerusalem. [End Quotation]
Knowing there were fellow Christians in Tyre, the travelers sought them out and probably stayed with them. One of the great blessings of having the truth is that no matter where we go, we can find like-minded believers who will welcome us. Those who love God and who practice true worship have friends all over the world.
Question 8. How are we to understand Acts 21.4?
8. In describing the seven days they stayed in Tyre, Luke records something that may at first seem puzzling: “Through the spirit [the brothers in Tyre] repeatedly told Paul not to set foot in Jerusalem.”
[Quotation] Acts 21.4: We searched for and found the disciples and remained there for seven days. But through the spirit they repeatedly told Paul not to set foot in Jerusalem. [End Quotation]
Had Jehovah changed his mind? Was he now directing Paul not to go to Jerusalem? No. The spirit had indicated that Paul would be mistreated in Jerusalem, not that he should avoid the city. It seems that by means of holy spirit, the brothers in Tyre correctly concluded that Paul would have trouble in Jerusalem. Therefore, out of concern for Paul, they urged him not to go up to the city. Their desire to protect Paul from impending danger was understandable. Nevertheless, determined to do Jehovah’s will, Paul continued on his way to Jerusalem.
[Quotation] Acts 21.12: Now when we heard this, both we and those who were there began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. [End Quotation]
Two parts: Question 9 and 10a. On hearing the concerns of the brothers in Tyre, Paul might have recalled what similar situation?
Question 9 and 10b. What idea is common in the world today, and how does it contrast with the words of Jesus?
9. On hearing the concerns of the brothers, perhaps Paul recalled that Jesus had met a similar objection after telling his disciples that he would go to Jerusalem, suffer many things, and be killed. Moved by sentimentality, Peter had said to Jesus: “Be kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this happen to you at all.” Jesus replied: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, because you think, not God’s thoughts, but those of men.”
[Quotation] Matthew 16.21 through 23: From that time forward, Jesus began explaining to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed, and on the third day be raised up. 22 At this Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying: “Be kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this happen to you at all.” 23 But turning his back, he said to Peter: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, because you think, not God’s thoughts, but those of men.” [End Quotation]
Jesus was determined to accept the self-sacrificing course that God had assigned to him. Paul felt the same way. The brothers in Tyre, like the apostle Peter, undoubtedly had good intentions, but they did not discern God’s will.
10. The idea of being kind to yourself or following the course of least resistance appeals to many today. People in general tend to seek a religion that is comfortable and requires little of its members. In contrast, Jesus urged a far different mental attitude. He told his disciples: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and keep following me.”
[Quotation] Matthew 16.24: Then Jesus said to his disciples: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and keep following me. [End Quotation]
To follow Jesus is the wise course, the right course, but it is not the easy course.
[Image Alt:] A brother impatiently checking his watch while in field service. His witnessing partner glances at him. Caption: Following Jesus requires a self-sacrificing spirit
Question 11. How did the disciples in Tyre show their affection and support for Paul?
11. Soon it was time for Paul, Luke, and the others who were with them to continue on their way. The description of their departure is touching. It shows the affection the Tyrian brothers had for Paul as well as their strong support for his ministry. The men, women, and children accompanied Paul and those with him to the beach. As a group, they kneeled and prayed together and then said farewell. Afterward, Paul, Luke, and their traveling companions boarded another boat and continued on to Ptolemais, where they met the brothers and stayed with them for one day.
[Quotation] Acts 21.5 through 7: So when our time there was over, we left and started on our way, but they all, together with the women and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said good-bye to one another. Then we went aboard the ship, and they returned to their homes. 7 We then completed the voyage from Tyre and arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed one day with them. [End Quotation]
Two parts: Question 12 and 13a. What record of faithful service did Philip have?
Question 12 and 13b. How is Philip a good example for Christian fathers today?
12. Next, Luke reports, Paul and those traveling with him set out for Caesarea. Once there, they “entered the house of Philip the evangelizer.”*
[Quotation] Acts 21.8: The next day we left and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelizer, who was one of the seven men, and we stayed with him. [End Quotation]
[Footnote] See the box “Caesarea. Roman Provincial Capital of Judea.” (In Braille, after footnote to paragraph 13.) [End of footnote] They must have rejoiced to see Philip. Some 20 years earlier in Jerusalem, he had been appointed by the apostles to help care for the distribution of food in the infant Christian congregation. Philip had a long record of zealous preaching. Remember that when persecution scattered the disciples, Philip went to Samaria and began to preach. Later, he preached to and baptized the Ethiopian eunuch.
[Quotation] Acts 6.2 through 6: So the Twelve called the multitude of the disciples together and said: “It is not right for us to leave the word of God to distribute food to tables. 3 So, brothers, select for yourselves seven reputable men from among you, full of spirit and wisdom, that we may appoint them over this necessary matter; 4 but we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 What they said was pleasing to the whole multitude, and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith and holy spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 They brought them to the apostles, and after praying, they laid their hands on them. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 8.4 through 13: However, those who had been scattered went through the land declaring the good news of the word. 5 Now Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began to preach the Christ to them. 6 The crowds with one accord were paying attention to what Philip said while they listened and observed the signs he was performing. 7 For many had unclean spirits, and these would cry out with a loud voice and come out. Moreover, many who were paralyzed and lame were cured. 8 So there came to be a great deal of joy in that city. 9 Now in the city was a man named Simon, who prior to this had been practicing magical arts and amazing the nation of Samaria, claiming that he was somebody great. 10 All of them, from the least to the greatest, would pay attention to him and say: “This man is the Power of God, which is called Great.” 11 So they would pay attention to him because he had amazed them for quite a while by his magical arts. 12 But when they believed Philip, who was declaring the good news of the Kingdom of God and of the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were getting baptized. 13 Simon himself also became a believer, and after being baptized, he continued with Philip; and he was amazed at seeing the signs and great powerful works taking place. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 8.26 through 38: However, Jehovah’s angel spoke to Philip, saying: “Get up and go to the south to the road that runs down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a desert road.) 27 With that he got up and went, and look! an Ethiopian eunuch, a man who had authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, and who was in charge of all her treasure. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and he was returning and was sitting in his chariot, reading aloud the prophet Isaiah. 29 So the spirit said to Philip: “Go over and approach this chariot.” 30 Philip ran alongside and heard him reading aloud Isaiah the prophet, and he said: “Do you actually know what you are reading?” 31 He said: “Really, how could I ever do so unless someone guided me?” So he urged Philip to get on and sit down with him. 32 Now this was the passage of Scripture that he was reading: “Like a sheep he was brought to the slaughter, and like a lamb that is silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. 33 During his humiliation, justice was taken away from him. Who will tell the details of his generation? Because his life is taken away from the earth.” 34 The eunuch then said to Philip: “I beg you, about whom does the prophet say this? About himself or about some other man?” 35 Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he declared to him the good news about Jesus. 36 Now as they were going along the road, they came to a body of water, and the eunuch said: “Look! Here is water; what prevents me from getting baptized?” 37 38 With that he commanded the chariot to halt, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. [End Quotation]
What a record of faithful service!
13. Philip had not lost his zeal for the ministry. Based now in Caesarea, he was still busy in the preaching work, as Luke shows by calling him “the evangelizer.” We also learn that he now had four daughters who prophesied, which suggests that they followed in their father’s footsteps.*
[Quotation] Acts 21.9: This man had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. [End Quotation]
[Footnote] See the box “Could Women Be Christian Ministers?” (In Braille, after the box “Caesarea. Roman Provincial Capital of Judea.”) [End of footnote] Philip, then, must have done much to build up the spirituality of his household. Christian fathers today do well to follow his example, taking the lead in the ministry and helping their children to develop a love for the evangelizing work.
[Box]
Caesarea. Roman Provincial Capital of Judea. During the period covered by Acts, Caesarea was the provincial capital of the Roman province of Judea, the seat of its governor and the headquarters of its military contingent. Herod the Great built the city and named it in honor of Caesar Augustus. Caesarea contained all the elements common to pagan Hellenistic cities of the day, a temple dedicated to the “divine” Caesar, a theater, a hippodrome, and an amphitheater. The population was predominantly Gentile.
Caesarea was a fortified port city. Herod’s ambition was that his new harbor complex called Sebastos (Greek for Augustus), equipped with a huge breakwater on a coast otherwise inhospitable to shipping, would rival Alexandria as the emporium of the eastern Mediterranean. Although it never surpassed Alexandria, Caesarea did achieve international importance because of its strategic position on major trade routes.
The evangelizer Philip preached the good news in Caesarea, and it seems that he raised his family there.
[Quotation] Acts 8.40: Philip, however, found himself in Ashdod, and he went through the territory and kept on declaring the good news to all the cities until he got to Caesarea. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 21.8 and 9: The next day we left and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelizer, who was one of the seven men, and we stayed with him. 9 This man had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. [End Quotation]
It was the city where the Roman centurion Cornelius was stationed and was the scene of his conversion.
[Quotation] Acts 10.1: Now there was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, an army officer in what was called the Italian unit. [End Quotation]
The apostle Paul visited Caesarea a number of times. Shortly after his conversion, when enemies plotted to kill him, the disciples hurried their new brother the 55 miles (90 kilometers) from Jerusalem to Caesarea in order to send him off by boat to Tarsus. Paul passed through Caesarea’s port when heading for Jerusalem at the end of his second and his third missionary journeys.
[Quotation] Acts 9.28 through 30: So he remained with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He was talking and disputing with the Greek-speaking Jews, but these made attempts to do away with him. 30 When the brothers found out about this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 18.21 and 22: but said good-bye and told them: “I will return to you again, if Jehovah is willing.” And he put out to sea from Ephesus 22 and came down to Caesarea. And he went up and greeted the congregation and then went down to Antioch. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 21.7 and 8: We then completed the voyage from Tyre and arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed one day with them. 8 The next day we left and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelizer, who was one of the seven men, and we stayed with him. [End Quotation]
He was held for two years in Herod’s palace in Caesarea. Paul there conversed with Felix, Festus, and Agrippa, and from there he finally sailed to Rome.
[Quotation] Acts 23.33 through 35: The horsemen entered Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor and also presented Paul to him. 34 So he read it and asked what province he was from and learned that he was from Cilicia. 35 “I will give you a thorough hearing,” he said, “when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded that he be kept under guard in Herod’s palace. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 24.27 through 25.4: But when two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and because Felix desired to gain favor with the Jews, he left Paul in custody. Chapter 25: Therefore Festus, after arriving in the province and taking charge, went up three days later to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews gave him information against Paul. So they began to beg Festus 3 as a favor to send for Paul to come to Jerusalem. But they were planning to ambush Paul and kill him along the road. 4 However, Festus answered that Paul was to be kept in Caesarea and that he himself was about to go back there shortly. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 27.1: Now as it was decided for us to sail away to Italy, they handed Paul and some other prisoners over to an army officer named Julius, of the unit of Augustus. [End Quotation] [End of box]
[Box]
Could Women Be Christian Ministers?. What was the role of women in the first-century Christian congregation? Could women be ministers?
Jesus instructed his followers to preach the good news of the Kingdom and to make disciples.
[Quotation] Matthew 28.19 and 20: Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 1.8: But you will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses of me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the most distant part of the earth.” [End Quotation]
This commission to be ministers of the good news applies to all Christians, whether men, women, boys, or girls. That this is so can be seen from the prophecy found at Joel 2:28 and 29, which the apostle Peter showed had a fulfillment at Pentecost 33 C.E.: “‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out some of my spirit on every sort of flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy ... and even on my male slaves and on my female slaves I will pour out some of my spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.’”
[Quotation] Joel 2.28 and 29: After that I will pour out my spirit on every sort of flesh, And your sons and your daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, And your young men will see visions. 29 And even on my male slaves and female slaves I will pour out my spirit in those days. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 2.17 and 18: ‘“And in the last days,” God says, “I will pour out some of my spirit on every sort of flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy and your young men will see visions and your old men will dream dreams, 18 and even on my male slaves and on my female slaves I will pour out some of my spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. [End Quotation]
As we have noted, the evangelizer Philip had four daughters who prophesied.
[Quotation] Acts 21.8 and 9: The next day we left and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelizer, who was one of the seven men, and we stayed with him. 9 This man had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. [End Quotation]
When it came to teaching within the congregation, however, God’s Word limited the appointment of Christian overseers and ministerial servants to men.
[Quotation] 1 Timothy 3.1 through 13: This statement is trustworthy: If a man is reaching out to be an overseer, he is desirous of a fine work. 2 The overseer should therefore be irreprehensible, a husband of one wife, moderate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent, but reasonable, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, 4 a man presiding over his own household in a fine manner, having his children in subjection with all seriousness 5 (for if any man does not know how to preside over his own household, how will he care for the congregation of God?), 6 not a newly converted man, for fear that he might get puffed up with pride and fall into the judgment passed on the Devil. 7 Moreover, he should also have a fine testimony from outsiders so that he does not fall into reproach and a snare of the Devil. 8 Ministerial servants should likewise be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in a lot of wine, not greedy of dishonest gain, 9 holding the sacred secret of the faith with a clean conscience. 10 Also, let these be tested as to fitness first; then let them serve as ministers, as they are free from accusation. 11 Women should likewise be serious, not slanderous, moderate in habits, faithful in all things. 12 Let ministerial servants be husbands of one wife, presiding in a fine manner over their children and their own households. 13 For the men who minister in a fine manner are acquiring for themselves a fine standing and great freeness of speech in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Titus 1.5 through 9: I left you in Crete so that you would correct the things that were defective and make appointments of elders in city after city, as I instructed you: 6 if there is any man free from accusation, a husband of one wife, having believing children who are not accused of debauchery or rebelliousness. 7 For as God’s steward, an overseer must be free from accusation, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy of dishonest gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of goodness, sound in mind, righteous, loyal, self-controlled, 9 holding firmly to the faithful word as respects his art of teaching, so that he may be able both to encourage by the teaching that is wholesome and to reprove those who contradict. [End Quotation]
Paul, in fact, stated: “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but she is to remain silent.” (1 Timothy 2.12). [End of box]
Question 14. What no doubt resulted from Paul’s visits with fellow believers, and what similar opportunities exist today?
14. In one place after another, Paul sought out fellow believers and spent time with them. Surely the local brothers were eager to extend hospitality to this traveling missionary and his companions. Such visits no doubt resulted in “an interchange of encouragement.”
[Quotation] Romans 1.11 and 12: For I am longing to see you, that I may impart some spiritual gift to you for you to be made firm; 12 or, rather, that we may have an interchange of encouragement by one another’s faith, both yours and mine. [End Quotation]
Similar opportunities exist today. Great benefits result from opening your home, however humble, to a circuit overseer and his wife.
[Quotation] Romans 12.13: Share with the holy ones according to their needs. Follow the course of hospitality. [End Quotation]
Song 37 Serving Jehovah Whole-Souled. Based on Matthew 22.37
1. O Jehovah, Sov’reign Ruler,
You are the one I love and obey.
You deserve my full devotion;
You are my God; I’ll serve you each day.
Your commands I loyally follow;
How I love reminders from you!
O Jehovah, you are worthy;
Whole-souled devotion I give to you.
2. Father, all your works exalt you.
Earth, moon, and stars your glory proclaim.
May I also be as faithful,
Using my strength to make known your name.
May I use my whole life to serve you,
Proving to be loyal and true.
O Jehovah, you are worthy;
Whole-souled devotion I give to you.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
