AWAKE!

Question: Is the Bible from God? Or is it a book that contains purely the thoughts of men?

Scripture: 2Ti 3:16

Offer: This issue of Awake! considers three lines of evidence that the Bible really is from God.

TEACH THE TRUTH

Question: How should we view the gift of life?

Scripture: Re 4:11

Truth: Since life is a gift from God, we treat it with respect. We are safety conscious, and we would never intentionally take the life of another human. We treasure the gift of life.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO HAPPY FAMILY LIFE?

Question: Notice the question on the front of this tract as well as some possible answers. What’s your opinion?

Scripture: Lu 11:28

Offer: This tract outlines what this can mean for your family and why we can believe what the Bible says.

BUILD YOUR OWN PRESENTATION

Use the format in the preceding examples to create your own field service presentation.

• Song 98 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (3 min. or less)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

• “Jehovah’s Word Comes True in Every Detail”: (10 min.)

  • Jer 51:11, 28​—Jehovah foretold who would conquer Babylon (it-2 360 ¶2-3)

  • Jer 51:30​—Jehovah foretold that Babylon would not resist invasion (it-2 459 ¶4)

  • Jer 51:37, 62​—Jehovah foretold Babylon’s eventual desolation (it-1 237 ¶1)

• Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

  • Jer 51:25​—Why is Babylon described as a “destructive mountain”? (it-2 444 ¶9)

  • Jer 51:42​—What is evidently meant by “the sea” that would “come up over” Babylon? (it-2 882 ¶3)

  • What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?

  • What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?

• Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Jer 51:1-11

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

• Prepare This Month’s Presentations: (15 min.) Discussion based on “Sample Presentations.” Play each presentation video, and then discuss the highlights. Encourage publishers to show the householder information on jw.org under BIBLE TEACHINGS > HELP FOR THE FAMILY.

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

• Song 3

• “How Strong Is Your Faith in Jehovah’s Promises?”: (15 min.) Questions and answers. Encourage all to discuss Bible prophecies with fellow believers from time to time with the goal of strengthening one another’s faith.​—Ro 1:11, 12.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) kr chap. 13 ¶24-32

• Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)

• Song 8 and Prayer

Jehovah precisely foretold future events

“Polish the arrows”

51:11, 28

• The Medes and Persians were expert archers and used the bow as their principal weapon. They polished their arrows to make them penetrate deeper

“The warriors of Babylon have quit fighting”

51:30

• The Nabonidus Chronicle says: “The army of Cyrus entered Babylon without battle.” This likely means without a general conflict and agrees with the prophecy of Jeremiah

“Babylon will become piles of stones [and] desolate forever”

51:37, 62

• Beginning in 539 B.C.E., Babylon’s glory began to fade. Alexander the Great intended to make Babylon his capital, but he died suddenly. At the start of the Christian era, a community of Jews still existed there, giving the apostle Peter reason to visit Babylon. But by the fourth century C.E., the city was in ruins, and it eventually passed out of existence

  

How should the fulfillment of Bible prophecy affect me?

What can I teach others about this prophecy?

Joshua and Solomon both confirmed that not one word of Jehovah’s promises had failed. (Jos 23:14; 1Ki 8:56) The testimony of these two reliable witnesses adds to the solid foundation on which we can build our faith.​—2Co 13:1; Tit 1:2.

How did Jehovah fulfill his promises in the days of Joshua? Along with your family, watch the video drama ‘Not One Word Has Failed.’ Then consider the following questions: (1) How can you imitate Rahab’s acts of faith? (Heb 11:31; Jas 2:24-26) (2) How does the example of Achan prove that willful disobedience leads to disaster? (3) Even though the men of Gibeon were warriors, why did they deceive Joshua and make peace with Israel? (4) How did Jehovah’s word come true when five Amorite kings threatened Israel? (Jos 10:5-14) (5) How has Jehovah acted in your behalf as you put God’s Kingdom and his righteousness first in your life?​—Mt 6:33.

As we reflect on all that Jehovah has done, is doing, and will do, our faith in his promises will grow stronger.​—Ro 8:31, 32.

• Song 143 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (3 min. or less)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

• “A Waiting Attitude Helps Us to Endure”: (10 min.)

  • [Play the video Introduction to Lamentations.]

  • La 3:20, 21, 24​—Jeremiah showed a waiting attitude and relied on Jehovah (w12 6/1 14 ¶3-4; w11 9/15 8 ¶8)

  • La 3:26, 27​—Enduring tests of faith will help us to deal with future challenges (w07 6/1 11 ¶4-5)

• Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

  • La 2:17​—What particular “saying” did Jehovah carry out in connection with Jerusalem? (w07 6/1 9 ¶4)

  • La 5:7​—Does Jehovah hold people accountable for the errors of their forefathers? (w07 6/1 11 ¶1)

  • What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?

  • What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?

• Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) La 2:20–3:12

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

• Initial Call: (2 min. or less) g17.3 cover​—Lay the groundwork for a return visit.

• Return Visit: (4 min. or less) g17.3 cover​—Invite the person to our meetings.

• Talk: (6 min. or less) w11 9/15 9-10 ¶11-13​—Theme: Jehovah Is My Share.

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

• Song 91

• Local Needs: (8 min.) As an option, discuss “A Letter From the Governing Body” in the Yearbook. (yb17 2-5)

• Organizational Accomplishments: (7 min.) Play the Organizational Accomplishments video for June 2017.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) kr chap. 13 ¶33-34, box “Noteworthy High Court Victories That Advanced Kingdom Preaching,” review box “How Real Is the Kingdom to You?”

• Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)

• Song 71 and Prayer

What helped Jeremiah to endure with a good attitude despite intense suffering?

3:20, 21, 24, 26, 27

• He was confident that Jehovah would “bow low” over repentant ones among His people and lift them out of their sad condition

• He had learned “to carry the yoke during his youth.” Enduring tests of faith while young prepares a person to deal successfully with challenges later in life

How can I prepare for future challenges?

How can I show a waiting attitude?

• Song 111 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (3 min. or less)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

• “Ezekiel Delighted to Declare God’s Message”: (10 min.)

  • [Play the video Introduction to Ezekiel.]

  • Eze 2:9–3:2​—Ezekiel ate the scroll of “dirges and mourning and wailing” (w08 7/15 8 ¶6-7; it-1 1214)

  • Eze 3:3​—Ezekiel was grateful to serve Jehovah as a prophet (w07 7/1 12 ¶3)

• Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

  • Eze 1:20, 21, 26-28​—What does the celestial chariot picture? (w07 7/1 11 ¶6)

  • Eze 4:1-7​—Did Ezekiel really act out the scene depicting Jerusalem’s siege? (w07 7/1 12 ¶4)

  • What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?

  • What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?

• Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Eze 1:1-14

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

• Initial Call: (2 min. or less) T-32​—Lay the groundwork for a return visit.

• Return Visit: (4 min. or less) T-32​—Play the video Your Family Can Be Happy—​Introduction, and offer the brochure.

• Bible Study: (6 min. or less) bh 143 ¶20-21​—Show how to reach the heart.

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

• Song 76

• “Find Delight in Preaching the Good News”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video Regain Joy Through Study and Meditation.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) kr chap. 14 ¶1-7

• Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)

• Song 122 and Prayer

In a vision, Jehovah gave Ezekiel a scroll and told him to eat it. What was the significance of that?

2:9–3:2

• Ezekiel was to absorb fully God’s message. Meditating on the words in the scroll would affect Ezekiel’s deepest emotions and motivate him to speak

3:3

• The scroll tasted sweet because Ezekiel maintained a good attitude toward his assignment

How will prayerful Bible study and meditation affect me?

How can I cultivate a good attitude toward the preaching work?

Have you ever found it difficult to preach? Many of us would answer yes to that question. Why? Maybe we regularly face apathy or hostility in our territory or we fear talking to strangers. Certainly, these things can dampen our joy. Yet, we worship the happy God who wants us to serve him with rejoicing. (Ps 100:2; 1Ti 1:11) What are three good reasons to delight in preaching?

First, we declare a message of hope. Although hope is diminishing in society today, we can fill people’s hearts with “good news of something better.” (Isa 52:7) But the good news of God’s Kingdom can also fill us with joy. Before going out to preach, meditate on the blessings that God’s Kingdom will bring to the earth.

Second, the good news we preach benefits people physically and spiritually. They learn to abandon harmful practices and gain the prospect of everlasting life. (Isa 48:17, 18; Ro 1:16) We can imagine ourselves in a search-and-rescue work. Even though some people do not want to be rescued, we keep on searching for those who do.​—Mt 10:11-14.

Third, and most important, our preaching honors Jehovah. He highly values our witnessing work. (Isa 43:10; Heb 6:10) Furthermore, he generously gives us his holy spirit to accomplish this work. Therefore, beg Jehovah for joy, a product of holy spirit. (Ga 5:22) With his help, we can overcome our anxieties and preach with boldness. (Ac 4:31) Then, regardless of the response in our territory, we will find delight in our assignment to preach.​—Eze 3:3.

WATCH THE VIDEO REGAIN JOY THROUGH STUDY AND MEDITATION, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• Why must we give priority to our spiritual eating habits, even if we spend many hours preaching each month?

• In what way should we imitate Mary?

• When do you make time to meditate on God’s Word?

• What brings you delight when preaching the good news?

• Song 58 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (3 min. or less)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

• “Will You Be Marked for Survival?”: (10 min.)

  • Eze 9:1, 2​—Ezekiel’s vision has meaning for us (w16.06 16-17)

  • Eze 9:3, 4​—Those who have responded favorably to the preaching work will be marked for survival at some point during the great tribulation

  • Eze 9:5-7​—Jehovah will not destroy the righteous along with the wicked

• Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

  • Eze 7:19​—How does this verse help us to prepare for the future? (w09 9/15 23 ¶10)

  • Eze 8:12​—How does this verse show that a lack of faith can lead to wrong conduct? (w11 4/15 26 ¶14)

  • What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?

  • What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?

• Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Eze 8:1-12

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

• Initial Call: (2 min. or less) Re 4:11​—Teach the Truth.

• Return Visit: (4 min. or less) Ps 11:5; 2Co 7:1​—Teach the Truth.

• Bible Study: (6 min. or less) bh 127 ¶4-5​—Show how to reach the heart.

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

• Song 56

• “Uphold Jehovah’s Moral Standards”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video Become Jehovah’s Friend​—One Man, One Woman.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) kr chap. 14 ¶8-14, box “‘He Died for God’s Honor’”

• Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)

• Song 55 and Prayer

Ezekiel’s vision was initially fulfilled with the destruction of ancient Jerusalem. What is the modern-day fulfillment?

9:1, 2

• The man with the secretary’s inkhorn represents Jesus Christ

• The six men with smashing weapons represent the heavenly armies with Christ at the head

9:3-7

• The great crowd will receive the mark when they are judged as sheep during the great tribulation

What action must I take to be marked for survival?

Jehovah God sets the standard of morality for humans. For instance, he decrees that marriage is a permanent union between a man and a woman. (Mt 19:4-6, 9) He condemns all types of sexual immorality. (1Co 6:9, 10) He even provides principles regarding dress and grooming that set his people apart.​—De 22:5; 1Ti 2:9, 10.

In today’s world, many people reject Jehovah’s standards. (Ro 1:18-32) They allow popular opinion to influence their dress and grooming and their conduct. Many flaunt their gross wrongdoing and criticize those who live by a different standard.​—1Pe 4:3, 4.

As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we must courageously uphold God’s moral standards. (Ro 12:9) How? We should tactfully make known what is acceptable to him. But we also need to maintain a high standard in our own life. For instance, when selecting styles of dress and grooming, we might ask ourselves: ‘Do my choices reflect Jehovah’s standards or the world’s? Does my dress and grooming identify me as a God-fearing Christian?’ Or when choosing a program or a movie to watch, we might ask ourselves: ‘Would Jehovah approve of this program? Whose standards of morality does it promote? Might my choice of entertainment weaken my moral defenses? (Ps 101:3) Could it be a stumbling block to family members or others?’​—1Co 10:31-33.

Why is it so important that we uphold Jehovah’s moral standards? Christ Jesus will soon destroy the nations and all wickedness. (Eze 9:4-7) Only those who are doing the will of God will remain. (1Jo 2:15-17) Let us, then, champion Jehovah’s moral standards so that eyewitnesses of our good conduct may glorify God.​—1Pe 2:11, 12.

WATCH THE VIDEO BECOME JEHOVAH’S FRIEND​—ONE MAN, ONE WOMAN, AND THEN CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• Why is it wise to live by Jehovah’s standards?

• Why should parents start to teach Jehovah’s moral standards to their children at an early age?

• How can young and old alike help people to benefit from God’s goodness?