Our Christian Life and Ministry. April 7 through April 13 [Press play below to hear the Meeting Workbook]
[Press play below to hear Proverbs 8]
[Click to read Bible chapter]|[Proverbs 8] Is not wisdom calling out? Is not discernment raising its voice? 2 On the heights along the road, It takes its position at the crossroads. 3 Next to the gates leading into the city, At the entrances of the doorways, It keeps crying out loudly: 4 “To you, O people, I am calling; I raise my voice to everyone. 5 You inexperienced ones, learn shrewdness; You stupid ones, acquire an understanding heart. 6 Listen, for what I say is important, My lips speak what is right; 7 For my mouth softly utters truth, And my lips detest what is wicked. 8 All the sayings of my mouth are righteous. None of them are twisted or crooked. 9 They are all straightforward to the discerning And right to those who have found knowledge. 10 Take my discipline instead of silver, And knowledge rather than the finest gold, 11 For wisdom is better than corals; All other desirable things cannot compare to it. 12 I, wisdom, dwell together with shrewdness; I have found knowledge and thinking ability. 13 The fear of Jehovah means the hating of bad. I hate self-exaltation and pride and the evil way and perverse speech. 14 I possess good advice and practical wisdom; Understanding and power are mine. 15 By me kings keep reigning, And high officials decree righteousness. 16 By me princes keep ruling, And nobles judge in righteousness. 17 I love those loving me, And those seeking me will find me. 18 Riches and glory are with me, Lasting wealth and righteousness. 19 My fruitage is better than gold, even refined gold, And what I produce is better than the finest silver. 20 I walk in the path of righteousness, In the middle of the pathways of justice; 21 I give a rich inheritance to those who love me, And I fill up their storehouses. 22 Jehovah produced me as the beginning of his way, The earliest of his achievements of long ago. 23 From ancient times I was installed, From the start, from times earlier than the earth. 24 When there were no deep waters, I was brought forth, When there were no springs overflowing with water. 25 Before the mountains were set in place, Before the hills, I was brought forth, 26 When he had not yet made the earth and its fields Or the first clods of earth’s soil. 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there; When he marked out the horizon on the surface of the waters, 28 When he established the clouds above, When he founded the fountains of the deep, 29 When he set a decree for the sea That its waters should not pass beyond his order, When he established the foundations of the earth, 30 Then I was beside him as a master worker. I was the one he was especially fond of day by day; I rejoiced before him all the time; 31 I rejoiced over his habitable earth, And I was especially fond of the sons of men. 32 And now, my sons, listen to me; Yes, happy are those who keep my ways. 33 Listen to discipline and become wise, And never neglect it. 34 Happy is the man who listens to me By coming early to my doors day by day, By waiting next to my doorposts; 35 For the one finding me will find life, And he receives approval from Jehovah. 36 But the one who ignores me harms himself, And those who hate me love death.”
[End of Bible chapter] [Click to close]
Song 89 Listen, Obey, and Be Blessed. Based on Luke 11.28
1. If we have listened to Christ, will we show it?
His teaching shines as it shows us the way.
It makes us happy to hear and to know it,
But we’ll be blessed if we know and obey.
Listen, obey, and be blessed
When you hear God’s will expressed.
If you’d be happy and enter his rest,
Listen, obey, and be blessed.
2. Our way of life, like a house, gives protection
When it is built on the rock, not on sand.
If we apply Jesus’ loving direction,
We’ll build a life which on bedrock will stand.
Listen, obey, and be blessed
When you hear God’s will expressed.
If you’d be happy and enter his rest,
Listen, obey, and be blessed.
3. Just as a tree rooted deep by the waters
Gives of its fruit when each season arrives,
If we obey as God’s own sons and daughters,
We’ll all be blessed and enjoy endless lives.
Listen, obey, and be blessed
When you hear God’s will expressed.
If you’d be happy and enter his rest,
Listen, obey, and be blessed.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Treasures From God’s Word 1. Listen to Wisdom Personified (10 minutes)
Jesus, wisdom personified, was produced by Jehovah “as the beginning of his way”
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 8.1: Is not wisdom calling out? Is not discernment raising its voice? [End of inserted scripture]
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 8.4: “To you, O people, I am calling; I raise my voice to everyone. [End of inserted scripture]
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 8.22: Jehovah produced me as the beginning of his way, The earliest of his achievements of long ago. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Come Be My Follower page 131 paragraph 7] In verse 22, wisdom says: “Jehovah produced me as the beginning of his way, the earliest of his achievements of long ago.” More than just wisdom must be involved here, for that quality never was “produced.” It never began to exist because Jehovah has always existed and he has always been wise.
[Quotation] Psalm 90.2: Before the mountains were born Or you brought forth the earth and the productive land, From everlasting to everlasting, you are God. [End Quotation]
God’s Son, however, was “the firstborn of all creation.” He was produced, or created; he was the earliest of all of Jehovah’s achievements.
[Quotation] Colossians 1.15: He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; [End Quotation]
The Son existed before the earth and the heavens, as described in Proverbs. And as the Word, God’s own Spokesman, he was the perfect expression of Jehovah’s wisdom.
[Quotation] John 1.1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. [End Quotation]
[End of reference material]
Jesus’ wisdom and love for his Father grew throughout the vast expanse of time that he worked beside Jehovah during creation
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 8:30 and 31: Then I was beside him as a master worker. I was the one he was especially fond of day by day; 31 I rejoiced before him all the time; I rejoiced over his habitable earth, And I was especially fond of the sons of men. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Come Be My Follower pages 131 and 132 paragraphs 8 and 9] How was the Son occupied during the vast expanse of time before he came to earth? Verse 30 tells us that he was beside God as “a master worker.” What does that mean? Colossians 1:16 explains: “By means of him all other things were created in the heavens and on the earth … All other things have been created through him and for him.”
[Quotation] Colossians 1.16: because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All other things have been created through him and for him. [End Quotation]
So Jehovah, the Creator, worked through his Son, the Master Worker, to bring every other creation into existence, from the spirit creatures in the heavenly realm to the immense physical universe, to the earth with its wondrous variety of plant and animal life, to the pinnacle of earthly creation: humankind. In some respects, we might liken this cooperation between Father and Son to that of an architect working with a builder, or contractor, who specializes in bringing the architect’s ingenious designs to reality. When we are awed by any facet of creation, we are actually giving credit to the Great Architect.
[Quotation] Psalm 19.1: The heavens are declaring the glory of God; The skies above proclaim the work of his hands. [End Quotation]
However, we may also call to mind the long and happy collaboration between the Creator and his “master worker.”
9. When two imperfect humans work closely together, they sometimes have a difficult time getting along. Not so with Jehovah and his Son! The Son worked for aeons with the Father and is quoted as saying: “I rejoiced before him all the time.” (Proverbs 8.30) Yes, he delighted in his Father’s company, and the feeling was mutual. Naturally, the Son grew ever more like his Father, learning to imitate God’s qualities. No wonder, then, that the bond between Father and Son became so strong! It can rightly be called the oldest and strongest bond of love in the whole universe. [End of reference material]
We benefit from Jesus’ wisdom by listening to him
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 8.32: And now, my sons, listen to me; Yes, happy are those who keep my ways. [End of inserted scripture]
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 8.35: For the one finding me will find life, And he receives approval from Jehovah. [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Watchtower 2009 April 15th page 31 paragraph 14] Only one human clearly surpassed Solomon in wisdom. That was Jesus Christ, who described himself as “something more than Solomon.”
[Quotation] Matthew 12.42: The queen of the south will be raised up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. But look! something more than Solomon is here. [End Quotation]
Jesus spoke “sayings of everlasting life.”
[Quotation] John 6.68: Simon Peter answered him: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life. [End Quotation]
For example, the Sermon on the Mount expands on the principles of some of Solomon’s proverbs. Solomon described a number of things that bring happiness to a worshipper of Jehovah.
[Quotation] Proverbs 3.13: Happy is the man who finds wisdom And the man who acquires discernment; [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Proverbs 8.32 and 33: And now, my sons, listen to me; Yes, happy are those who keep my ways. 33 Listen to discipline and become wise, And never neglect it. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Proverbs 14.21: The one who despises his neighbor sins, But whoever shows compassion to the lowly is happy. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Proverbs 16.20: The one who shows insight in a matter will find success, And happy is the one trusting in Jehovah. [End Quotation]
Jesus emphasized that true happiness stems from things that are related to the worship of Jehovah and the fulfillment of God’s promises. He said: “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.” (Matthew 5.3) Those who apply the principles found in Jesus’ teachings are drawn closer to Jehovah, “the source of life.”
[Quotation] Psalm 36.9: With you is the source of life; By your light we can see light. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Proverbs 22.11: The one who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious Will have the king as his friend. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Matthew 5.8: “Happy are the pure in heart, since they will see God. [End Quotation]
Christ embodies “the wisdom of God.”
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 1.24: However, to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 1.30: But it is due to him that you are in union with Christ Jesus, who has become to us wisdom from God, also righteousness and sanctification and release by ransom, [End Quotation]
As the Messianic King, Jesus Christ has “the spirit of wisdom.”
[Quotation] Isaiah 11.2: And the spirit of Jehovah will settle upon him, The spirit of wisdom and of understanding, The spirit of counsel and of mightiness, The spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah. [End Quotation] [End of reference material]
[Image Alt:] Jesus teaching a group of people outdoors.
2. Spiritual Gems (10 minutes)
Proverbs 8.1 through 3 How does wisdom keep “crying out loudly”?
[Inserted scripture] Proverbs 8.1 through 3: Is not wisdom calling out? Is not discernment raising its voice? On the heights along the road, It takes its position at the crossroads. Next to the gates leading into the city, At the entrances of the doorways, It keeps crying out loudly: [End of inserted scripture]
[Reference material Awake! May, 2014 page 16] The Bible is “the most widely distributed book in history,” says The World Book Encyclopedia. “It has been translated more times, and into more languages, than any other book.” In whole or in part, the Bible is now available in nearly 2,600 languages, making it accessible to over 90 percent of the human family. Wisdom also “keeps crying out loudly” in a more literal sense. At Matthew 24:14, we read: “This good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end [of the present world] will come.” [End of reference material]
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading (4 minutes) Proverbs 8.22 through 36 (Apply yourself to reading and teaching study 10) [Press play below to hear the Bible reading]
Proverbs 8.22 through 36] Jehovah produced me as the beginning of his way, The earliest of his achievements of long ago. From ancient times I was installed, From the start, from times earlier than the earth. When there were no deep waters, I was brought forth, When there were no springs overflowing with water. Before the mountains were set in place, Before the hills, I was brought forth, When he had not yet made the earth and its fields Or the first clods of earth’s soil. When he prepared the heavens, I was there; When he marked out the horizon on the surface of the waters, When he established the clouds above, When he founded the fountains of the deep, When he set a decree for the sea That its waters should not pass beyond his order, When he established the foundations of the earth, Then I was beside him as a master worker. I was the one he was especially fond of day by day; I rejoiced before him all the time; I rejoiced over his habitable earth, And I was especially fond of the sons of men. And now, my sons, listen to me; Yes, happy are those who keep my ways. Listen to discipline and become wise, And never neglect it. Happy is the man who listens to me By coming early to my doors day by day, By waiting next to my doorposts; For the one finding me will find life, And he receives approval from Jehovah. But the one who ignores me harms himself, And those who hate me love death.”
[End of scripture]
[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 10. Modulation.
[Quotation] Proverbs 8.4: “To you, O people, I am calling; I raise my voice to everyone. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Proverbs 8.7: For my mouth softly utters truth, And my lips detest what is wicked. [End Quotation]
Summary: Convey ideas clearly and stir emotion by varying your volume, pitch, and pace.
[Press play below for Video: Study 10. Modulation. (4:59)]
[Click for Transcript]|[Study 10 Modulation]
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching. 10 Modulation. Proverbs 8.4 and 7. Summary: Convey ideas clearly and stir emotion by varying your volume, pitch and pace)
Presenter: The human voice is a marvellous instrument, capable of great variety.
(Text: How to do it: Vary your volume, pitch, and pace in order to convey ideas and stir emotion)
When we vary our volume, pitch, and pace so as to convey ideas clearly and stir emotion, we’re using modulation. Why is modulation important when speaking? For the same reason it’s important
when playing a musical instrument.
(Right hand plays the same note on a piano)
How would music sound without modulation? It’s not very appealing, is it? Now let’s vary the volume.
(Right hand plays the same note on a piano hard and soft)
Let’s also add changes in pace.
(Right hand plays the same note on a piano fast and slow)
Finally, let’s add variations in pitch.
(Both hands play music on the piano)
When the musician varied the volume, pace, and pitch, the result was something pleasurable to listen to. To illustrate the importance of doing this when we speak, let’s listen as a speaker presents fine information but with little modulation.
(A brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites are on the verge of a momentous change. They’re about to take possession of the Promised Land. Tents will be replaced by houses. Manna will be replaced by meat and vegetables. At last, they will be able to worship Jehovah as a free and spiritually clean people. Still, challenges awaited them. What would Moses say shortly before his death to encourage and prepare them? Let’s find out by reading Deuteronomy 31.7 and 8.
Presenter: We stopped the speaker before he read the scripture and finished making the point because he was difficult to listen to. Let’s watch him try again, but this time, he varies his volume, pitch, and pace.
(Left side: The brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience. Right side Text: Vary your volume; Vary your pitch; Vary your pace)
Brother: After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites are on the verge of a momentous change. They’re about to take possession of the Promised Land. Tents will be replaced by houses. Manna will be replaced by meat and vegetables. At last, they’ll be able to worship Jehovah as a free and spiritually clean people. Still, challenges awaited them. But what would Moses say shortly before his death to encourage and prepare them? Let’s find out by reading Deuteronomy 31.7 and 8: Moses then called Joshua and said to him before the eyes of all Israel: ‘Be courageous and strong, for you are the one who will bring this people into the land that Jehovah swore to their forefathers to give to them, and you will give it to them as an inheritance. Jehovah is the one marching before you, and he will continue with you. He will neither desert you nor abandon you. Do not be afraid or be terrified.’
Presenter: It was much better, wasn’t it? Did you notice how the speaker-built anticipation for the scripture by lowering his volume as he asked: What would Moses say shortly before his death to encourage and prepare them? Then he increased his volume when reading Moses’ exhortation. If we strive to read and speak with modulation, we’ll convey the ideas more clearly and stir the emotion of our listeners.
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching. 10. Modulation. Proverbs 8.4 and 7)
(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: Vary your volume. Increase your volume to highlight main points and to motivate your listeners. Do the same when reading Scriptural judgments. Decrease your volume to build anticipation or to convey fear or anxiety.
Tip: Do not increase your volume so often that your listeners feel scolded. Avoid drawing attention to yourself by being overly dramatic.
Vary your pitch. If appropriate in your language, raise your pitch to express enthusiasm or to indicate size or distance. Lower your pitch to express sorrow or anxiety.
Vary your pace. Speak more rapidly to convey excitement. Speak more slowly when stating important points.
Tip: To avoid startling your listeners, do not change pace abruptly. Do not speak so rapidly that your diction suffers. [End of Reference Material]
Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry 4. Following Up (4 minutes)
Informal Witnessing. Answer questions about what to expect during the Memorial from a person who is considering attending. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 9 point 3)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Empathy] Imitate Jesus. Listen carefully. Allow the person to express himself. Do not interrupt him or quickly dismiss his feelings, concerns, or objections. By paying attention, you show him that you care about what he thinks. [End of Reference material]
5. Starting a Conversation (3 minutes)
Informal Witnessing. Welcome someone who came to the Memorial because he found an invitation in his door, and assist him after the program. (Love People Make Disciples lesson 3 point 5)
[Reference Material Love People Make Disciples lesson Kindness] Imitate Jesus. Be helpful. Look for appropriate opportunities to help the person in practical ways. Acts of kindness can open the door to a conversation. [End of Reference material]
6. Explaining Your Beliefs (5 minutes)
Talk. Bible Questions Answered article 160. Theme: Why Is Jesus Called the Son of God? (Apply yourself to reading and teaching study 1)
[Reference Material Bible Questions Answered, article Why Is Jesus Called the Son of God?] The Bible’s answer. The Bible often calls Jesus “the Son of God.”
[Quotation] John 1.49: Nathanael responded: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are King of Israel.” [End Quotation]
The expression “Son of God” acknowledges that God is the Creator, or Source, of all life, including that of Jesus.
[Quotation] Psalm 36.9: With you is the source of life; By your light we can see light. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Revelation 4.11: “You are worthy, Jehovah our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they came into existence and were created.” [End Quotation]
The Bible does not teach that God literally fathered a child in the same way that humans produce children. The Bible also calls the angels “sons of the true God.”
[Quotation] Job 1:6: Now the day came when the sons of the true God entered to take their station before Jehovah, and Satan also entered among them. [End Quotation]
And the Bible says that the first human, Adam, was a “son of God.”
[Quotation] Luke 3.38: son of Enosh, son of Seth, son of Adam, son of God. [End Quotation]
However, because Jesus was God’s first creation and the only one created directly by him, the Bible describes Jesus as the foremost Son of God.
Did Jesus live in heaven before he was born on earth? Yes. Jesus was a spirit creature in heaven before he was born as a human on earth. Jesus himself said: “I have come down from heaven.”
[Quotation] John 6.38: for I have come down from heaven to do, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] John 8.23: He went on to say to them: “You are from the realms below; I am from the realms above. You are from this world; I am not from this world. [End Quotation]
God created Jesus before he created anything else. Regarding Jesus, the Bible says: “He is … the firstborn of all creation.” Colossians 1.15. He is “the beginning of the creation by God.” Revelation 3:14.
[Quotation] Colossians 1:15: He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Revelation 3:14: “To the angel of the congregation in Laodicea write: These are the things that the Amen says, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation by God: [End Quotation]
Jesus fulfilled the prophecy about the one “whose origin is from ancient times, from the days of long ago.”
[Quotation] Micah 5.2: And you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, The one too little to be among the thousands of Judah, From you will come out for me the one to be ruler in Israel, Whose origin is from ancient times, from the days of long ago. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Matthew 2.4 through 6: On gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They said to him: “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is how it has been written through the prophet: 6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem of the land of Judah, are by no means the most insignificant city among the governors of Judah, for out of you will come a governing one, who will shepherd my people Israel.’” [End Quotation]
What did Jesus do before he came to the earth? He held an exalted heavenly position. Jesus referred to this position when he prayed: “Father, glorify me ... with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was.”
[Quotation] John 17.5: So now, Father, glorify me at your side with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was. [End Quotation]
He helped his Father create all other things. Jesus worked alongside God “as a master worker.”
[Quotation] Proverbs 8.30: Then I was beside him as a master worker. I was the one he was especially fond of day by day; I rejoiced before him all the time; [End Quotation]
Regarding Jesus, the Bible says: “By means of him all other things were created in the heavens and on the earth.”
[Quotation] Colossians 1.16: because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All other things have been created through him and for him. [End Quotation]
God worked through Jesus to bring every other creation into existence. This creation included all other spirit creatures, as well as the physical universe.
[Quotation] Revelation 5.11: And I saw, and I heard a voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders, and the number of them was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, [End Quotation]
In some respects, this cooperation between God and Jesus was like that of an architect working with a builder. The architect creates the design; the builder brings the design to reality.
He served as the Word. When speaking of Jesus’ prehuman life, the Bible calls Jesus “the Word.”
[Quotation] John 1.1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. [End Quotation]
Evidently, this means that God used his Son to convey information and instructions to other spirit creatures.
Jesus also seems to have acted as God’s Spokesman to humans on earth. God likely spoke through Jesus as the Word when giving instructions to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.
[Quotation] Genesis 2.16 and 17: Jehovah God also gave this command to the man: “From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction. 17 But as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad, you must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will certainly die.” [End Quotation]
Jesus may have been the angel who guided the ancient Israelites through the wilderness and whose voice the Israelites were strictly to obey.
[Quotation] Exodus 23.20 through 23: “I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you on the way and to bring you into the place that I have prepared. 21 Pay attention to him, and obey his voice. Do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgressions, because my name is in him. 22 However, if you strictly obey his voice and do all that I say, I will show hostility to your enemies and oppose those who oppose you. 23 For my angel will go ahead of you and will bring you to the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, and I will annihilate them. [End Quotation]
[End of reference material]
[Reference Material] Apply yourself to reading and teaching. Study 1. Effective Introduction.
[Quotation] Acts 17.22: Paul now stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens, I see that in all things you seem to be more given to the fear of the deities than others are. [End quotation]
Summary: Your introduction should arouse interest, identify your subject, and show why your listeners should be interested in it.
[Press play below for Video: Study 1. Effective Introduction. (4:18)]
[Click for Transcript]|[Study 1. Effective Introduction]
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 1 Effective Introduction. Acts 17.22. Summary: Your introduction should arouse interest, identify your subject, and show why the subject is important to your listeners)
Presenter: You’re at the Kingdom Hall about to give a public talk. Will the audience listen to what you have to say? Much depends on how you introduce your subject. An effective introduction arouses interest, identifies your subject, and shows why the subject is important to your listeners. Let’s give our brother an opportunity to introduce his subject.
(A Brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: As the meeting chairman mentioned, we’re going to talk about death and what it means to you and me. Let’s read a scripture at Ecclesiastes 9:5.
Presenter: So, what do you think?
(Text: Review: Identify his subject? Arouse interest? Show why the subject is important?)
Did the speaker identify his subject? Yes. Did he arouse interest? Not so much. Did he show why the subject is important? No. So how might he approach the subject differently? Let’s watch.
(The brother presents a talk. Silhouette of audience)
Brother: Throughout all of human history, not one person has escaped death. The lives of some people are cut short suddenly by unexpected events or illness. Have you ever lost a loved one in death? If so, you know how painful that is. Yet how can something that causes so much pain be a normal, natural part of life? The Bible is the key to understanding why we die, where we go when we die, and how death will be reversed. Let’s consider each of those points.
Presenter: You can apply this principle to any subject when giving a talk. But how can you effectively introduce a subject in the ministry? Remember, of course, that in most cases you’re a complete stranger to the householder.
(Text: In the ministry: Try not to startle the person. Identify yourself. Observe the activities or surroundings. Ask a question or comment on those things)
Try not to startle the person. Identify yourself early in the conversation. To determine what a person might be interested in, observe his activities or surroundings. You might begin by asking a question or making a brief comment about those things. Let’s consider one example.
(In a garden, two sisters speak with a woman)
Jill: Hi, my name is Jill. I’m here to talk about God’s purpose for the future. The Bible says here
Woman: Sorry, but I don’t have time to talk.
Presenter: Was the introduction effective? The householder didn’t want to continue the conversation, so apparently the introduction didn’t arouse interest. How might the publisher have handled the situation better?
(In a garden, two sisters speak with a woman)
Jill: Good morning. You have a beautiful garden. It must take a lot of work.
Woman: It sure does!
Jill: Well, your work is certainly paying off.
Woman: Thank you.
Jill: By the way, my name is Jill, and this is Tammy.
Woman: I’m Emily.
Jill: Emily, you work so hard to care for the garden you planted. Do you think that God cares the same way about this planet that he created?
(Text: Take into account the interests of the householder)
Because the publisher took into account the interests of the householder, she increased the chances of starting a conversation and sharing the Kingdom message. This can also be done in urban areas where people expect you to get right to the point.
(Text: Include a thought-provoking question)
In such settings, try to include a thought-provoking statement or question in your introduction. Effective introductions are the first step toward productive conversations and presentations of the good news.
(Text: Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: 1 Effective Introduction. Acts 17.22)
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2018 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
How to Do It: Arouse interest. Select a question, statement, real-life experience, or news item that will be of interest to your listeners.
Tip: In advance, give careful thought to the interests and concerns of your listeners and adapt your introduction accordingly.
Identify your subject. Make sure that your introduction makes the subject and purpose of your presentation clear to your listeners.
Show why the subject is important. Adapt what you say to the practical needs of your listeners. They should clearly understand how the subject can help them personally.
Tip: While preparing a discourse, ask yourself, ‘What situations are brothers and sisters in my congregation facing?’ Then tailor your introduction to their needs.
[Box] In the Ministry. To determine what a person might be interested in, observe his or her activities or surroundings. Begin a conversation by asking a question or making a brief comment about those things. [End of Box] [End of Reference Material]
Living as Christians Song 105 “God Is Love” Based on 1 John 4.7 and 8
1. God is love, and he invites us.
‘Walk with me and love my way.’
When we love both God and neighbor,
Gracious deeds will fill each day.
Therein lies the key to living;
Therein lies the life we seek.
Christlike love will never fail us;
Christlike love through us will speak.
2. Love of truth moves us to action;
Love of God moves us to love.
When we fail he seeks to help us;
By his strength we rise above.
Love is pure and never jealous;
Love is kind and bears all things.
May we grow to love our brother;
May we taste what true love brings.
3. Never let resentment lead you;
May it never take your hand.
Look to God, and he will guide you;
He will teach you these commands.
Love of God and love of neighbor,
Ev’rything that love should be.
May we always show to others
Godlike love, yes, tenderly.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
7. Local Needs (15 minutes)
8. Congregation Bible Study (30 minutes)
“Bearing Thorough Witness” About God’s Kingdom, chapter 25 paragraphs 1 through 4, box “Roman Procurator Porcius Festus” [Press play below for the audio of the Congregation Bible Study]
Chapter 25. “I Appeal to Caesar!” Paul sets an example in defending the good news Based on Acts 25.1 through 26.32
Two parts: Question 1 and 2a. In what circumstances does Paul find himself?
Question 1 and 2b. What question arises regarding Paul’s appeal to Caesar?
1. Paul remains under heavy guard in Caesarea. Two years earlier when he had returned to Judea, within days the Jews had tried to kill him at least three times.
[Quotation] Acts 21.27 through 36: Now when the seven days were about to end, the Jews from Asia, on seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd, and they seized him, 28 shouting: “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our Law and this place. And what is more, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, and they assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 The whole city was in an uproar, and the people came running together and seized Paul and dragged him outside the temple, and immediately the doors were closed Acts 21:31 While they were trying to kill him, word reached the commander of the army unit that all Jerusalem was in confusion; 32 and he immediately took soldiers and army officers and ran down to them. When they caught sight of the military commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the military commander came near and took him into custody and ordered that he be bound with two chains; then he inquired who he was and what he had done. 34 But some in the crowd began shouting out one thing, and others something else. So being unable himself to learn anything for certain because of the disturbance, he commanded him to be brought to the soldiers’ quarters. 35 But when he reached the stairs, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for a crowd of the people kept following, crying out: “Do away with him!” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 23.10: Now when the dissension grew great, the military commander feared that Paul would be torn apart by them, and he commanded the soldiers to go down and snatch him from their midst and bring him into the soldiers’ quarters. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 23.12 through 15: When it became day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than 40 men who formed this oath-bound conspiracy. 14 These men went to the chief priests and the elders and said: “We have solemnly bound ourselves with a curse not to eat anything at all until we have killed Paul. 15 So now you together with the Sanhedrin should inform the military commander that he should bring him down to you as though you want to examine his case more thoroughly. But before he gets near, we will be ready to do away with him.” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 23.27: This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them, but I came quickly with my soldiers and rescued him, because I learned that he is a Roman. [End Quotation]
Till now, his enemies have been unsuccessful, but they do not give up. When Paul sees that he may yet fall into their hands, he tells Roman Governor Festus: “I appeal to Caesar!”
[Quotation] Acts 25.11: If I am really a wrongdoer and have committed anything deserving of death, I do not beg off from dying; but if there is no substance to the accusations these men have made against me, no man has the right to hand me over to them as a favor. I appeal to Caesar!” [End Quotation]
2. Did Jehovah support Paul’s decision to appeal to the emperor of Rome? The answer is important to us, who are bearing thorough witness about God’s Kingdom in this time of the end. We need to know whether Paul set a pattern for us to follow “in the defending and legally establishing of the good news.”
[Quotation] Philippians 1.7: It is only right for me to think this regarding all of you, since I have you in my heart, you who are sharers with me in the undeserved kindness both in my prison bonds and in the defending and legally establishing of the good news. [End Quotation]
“Standing Before the Judgment Seat” (Acts 25.1 through 12)
[Click to read scripture]|[Acts 25.1 through 12] 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. 5 “So let those who are in power among you,” he said, “come down with me and accuse him if, indeed, the man has done something wrong.” 6 So when he had spent not more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day he sat down on the judgment seat and commanded Paul to be brought in. 7 When he came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing against him many serious charges that they were unable to prove. 8 But Paul said in defense: “Neither against the Law of the Jews nor against the temple nor against Caesar have I committed any sin.” 9 Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, said in reply to Paul: “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and be judged before me there concerning these things?” 10 But Paul said: “I am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought to be judged. I have done no wrong to the Jews, of which you are also becoming well-aware. 11 If I am really a wrongdoer and have committed anything deserving of death, I do not beg off from dying; but if there is no substance to the accusations these men have made against me, no man has the right to hand me over to them as a favor. I appeal to Caesar!” 12 Then Festus, after speaking with the assembly of counselors, replied: “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you will go.” [End of scripture] [Click to close]
Two parts: Question 3 and 4a. What was behind the Jews’ request to have Paul brought to Jerusalem, and how did he escape death?
Question 3 and 4b. How does Jehovah sustain his modern-day servants, as he did Paul?
3. Three days after taking office, Festus, the new Roman governor of Judea, went to Jerusalem.* [Footnote] See the box “Roman Procurator Porcius Festus.” (In Braille, after paragraph 4.) [End of footnote] There he listened as the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews accused Paul of serious crimes. They knew that the new governor was under pressure to keep peace with them and all the Jews. So they asked a favor of Festus: Bring Paul to Jerusalem, and try him there. However, there was a dark plan behind this request. Those enemies were scheming to kill Paul on the road from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Festus turned them down, saying: “Let those who are in power among you ... come down with me [to Caesarea] and accuse him if, indeed, the man has done something wrong.”
[Quotation] Acts 25.5: “So let those who are in power among you,” he said, “come down with me and accuse him if, indeed, the man has done something wrong.” [End Quotation]
Therefore, Paul escaped death yet another time.
4. During all of Paul’s trials, Jehovah through the Lord Jesus Christ sustained him. Recall that in a vision, Jesus told his apostle: “Take courage!”
[Quotation] Acts 23.11: But the following night the Lord stood by him and said: “Take courage! For just as you have been giving a thorough witness about me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness in Rome.” [End Quotation]
Today, God’s servants also face obstacles and threats. Jehovah does not shield us from every difficulty, but he gives us the wisdom and strength to endure. We can always count on “the power beyond what is normal” that our loving God provides.
[Quotation] 2 Corinthians 4.7: However, we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the power beyond what is normal may be God’s and not from us. [End Quotation]
[Box]
Roman Procurator Porcius Festus. Our only firsthand information about Porcius Festus comes from Acts of Apostles and the writings of Flavius Josephus. Festus succeeded Felix as procurator of Judea in about 58 C.E. and evidently died in office after governing for just two or three years.
For the most part, Festus appears to have been a prudent and capable procurator, in contrast with his predecessor, Felix, and his successor, Albinus. At the beginning of Festus’ time in office, Judea was plagued by bandits. According to Josephus, “Festus ... made it his business to correct those that made disturbances in the country. So he caught the greatest part of the robbers, and destroyed a great many of them.” During his tenure, the Jews built a wall to prevent King Agrippa from observing what took place in the temple area. Festus initially ordered them to dismantle it. At the Jews’ request, however, he later allowed them to present the matter to the Roman Emperor Nero. Festus appears to have taken a firm stand against criminals and insurgents. But in his desire to maintain good relations with the Jews, he was willing to set aside justice, at least in his dealings with the apostle Paul. [End of box]
[Image Alt:] Porcius Festus.
Song 7 Jehovah, Our Strength. Based on Isaiah 12.2
1. Gracious Jehovah, our strength and our might,
You are our Savior, in you we delight.
We are your Witnesses bearing your news,
Whether men hear or they proudly refuse.
Jehovah, our Rock, Our strength and our might,
Your name we make known Both day and night.
Glorious Jehovah, Almighty in pow’r,
You are our hiding place; You are our Tow’r.
2. We who now serve you rejoice in your light;
Eyes that are opened now see truth and right.
Searching the Scriptures, we hear your command;
Making our choice, for your Kingdom we stand.
Jehovah, our Rock, Our strength and our might,
Your name we make known Both day and night.
Glorious Jehovah, Almighty in pow’r,
You are our hiding place; You are our Tow’r.
3. Gladly, O God, we keep doing your will.
Though Satan mocks us, we’re trusting you still.
Though he may slay us, oh, help us to be
Firm to the end for your grand Sov’reignty.
Jehovah, our Rock, Our strength and our might,
Your name we make known Both day and night.
Glorious Jehovah, Almighty in pow’r,
You are our hiding place; You are our Tow’r.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
