July
Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook, July-August 2024
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Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook, July-August 2024
© 2024 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Cover picture: King Saul and his men after failing to capture David
JULY 1-7
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JULY 1-7
PSALMS 57-59
Song 148 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
King Saul and his men after failing to capture David
1. Jehovah Frustrates Those Who Oppose His People
(10 min.)
David was forced to hide from King Saul (1Sa 24:3; Ps 57, superscription)
Jehovah frustrated the efforts of David’s opposers (1Sa 24:7-10, 17-22; Ps 57:3)
Efforts of opposers often backfire (Ps 57:6; bt 220-221 ¶14-15)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘How can I show reliance on Jehovah when experiencing opposition?’—Ps 57:2.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 57:7—What does it mean to have a steadfast heart? (w23.07 18-19 ¶16-17)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 59:1-17 (th study 12)
4. Perseverance—What Paul Did
(7 min.) Discussion. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss lmd lesson 7 points 1-2.
5. Perseverance—Imitate Paul
(8 min.) Discussion based on lmd lesson 7 points 3-5 and “See Also.”
Song 65
6. Local Needs
(15 min.)
7. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 12 ¶1-6, box on p. 96
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
JULY 8-14
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JULY 8-14
PSALMS 60-62
Song 2 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Jehovah Gives Us Security, Protection, and Stability
(10 min.)
Jehovah is like a strong tower (Ps 61:3; it-2 1118 ¶7)
Jehovah allows us to be a guest in his tent (Ps 61:4; it-2 1084 ¶8)
Jehovah is like a rock (Ps 62:2; w02 4/15 16 ¶14)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘How is my life better because I know Jehovah and rely on him?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 62:11—In what way does ‘strength belong to God’? (w06 6/1 11 ¶6)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 60:1–61:8 (th study 10)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Initiate a conversation after someone shows you kindness. (lmd lesson 2 point 3)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Tell the person about the JW Library® app, and show him how to install it. (lmd lesson 7 point 4)
6. Talk
(5 min.) w22.02 4-5 ¶7-10—Theme: Trust In Jehovah When You Receive Direction. (th study 20)
Song 12
7. Nothing Can “Separate Us From God’s Love”
(10 min.) Discussion.
Play the VIDEO. Then ask the audience:
In what specific ways did Jehovah care for Brother Nyirenda during times of persecution?
8. Become Jehovah’s Friend—The Steps to Baptism
(5 min.) Discussion. Play the VIDEO. Then, if possible, invite selected children to the platform and ask: When getting baptized, what matters more than your age? What are some steps to baptism?
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 12 ¶7-13, box on p. 97
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
JULY 15-21
pp. 4–5
JULY 15-21
PSALMS 63-65
Song 108 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. “Your Loyal Love Is Better Than Life”
(10 min.)
A good relationship with God is more precious than life itself (Ps 63:3; w01 10/15 15-16 ¶17-18)
Meditating on Jehovah’s expressions of loyal love increases our appreciation for him (Ps 63:6; w19.12 28 ¶4; w15 10/15 24 ¶7)
Appreciation for God’s loyal love moves us to praise him joyfully (Ps 63:4, 5; w09 7/15 16 ¶6)
FAMILY WORSHIP IDEA: Discuss ways that Jehovah has shown loyal love to you.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 64:3—How does this verse motivate us to keep our speech positive? (w07 11/15 15 ¶6)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 63:1–64:10 (th study 12)
4. Starting a Conversation
(2 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. The householder does not speak your language. (lmd lesson 3 point 4)
5. Starting a Conversation
(2 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. The conversation concludes before you can give a witness. (lmd lesson 2 point 4)
6. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. Find out what topic interests the person, and arrange to follow up. (lmd lesson 1 point 5)
7. Explaining Your Beliefs
(4 min.) Demonstration. ijwfq 51—Theme: Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Speak With People Who Have Previously Said “I’m Not Interested”? (lmd lesson 4 point 3)
Song 154
8. How We Show Love to God
(15 min.) Discussion.
Jehovah is “abundant in loyal love.” (Ps 86:15) The expression “loyal love” refers to love motivated by commitment, integrity, loyalty, and deep attachment. Although Jehovah shows love to humans in general, “loyal love” describes the love that he has reserved for his servants, those who have a special relationship with him. (Ps 33:18; 63:3; Joh 3:16; Ac 14:17) We can demonstrate our appreciation for Jehovah’s loyal love by showing love to him in return. How? By obeying his commandments, including the command to “make disciples.”—Mt 28:19; 1Jo 5:3.
Play the VIDEO Display Unfailing Love in the Ministry. Then ask the audience:
How will love motivate us to share the good news when
we are tired?
we meet with opposition?
we are going about our daily activities?
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 12 ¶14-20
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
JULY 22-28
pp. 6–7
JULY 22-28
PSALMS 66-68
Song 7 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Jehovah Daily Carries Our Load
(10 min.)
Jehovah listens to our prayers and answers them (Ps 66:19; w23.05 12 ¶15)
Jehovah is sensitive to the needs of disadvantaged ones (Ps 68:5; w10 12/1 23 ¶6; w09 4/1 31 ¶1)
Jehovah helps us each day (Ps 68:19; w23.01 19 ¶17)
FOR MEDITATION: How do we allow Jehovah to carry our load?
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 68:18—In the days of ancient Israel, who were the “gifts in the form of men”? (w06 6/1 10 ¶5)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 66:1-20 (th study 11)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. The householder’s cultural background is different from yours. (lmd lesson 5 point 3)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Continue a discussion of the tract that you left on the previous visit. (lmd lesson 9 point 3)
6. Making Disciples
(5 min.) lff lesson 15 intro and points 1-3 (th study 8)
Song 102
7. Could You Make Someone’s Load Lighter?
(15 min.) Discussion.
None of God’s servants have to face life’s challenges alone. (2Ch 20:15; Ps 127:1) We have Jehovah as our Helper. (Isa 41:10) What are some ways that Jehovah helps us? He gives us guidance through his Word and organization. (Isa 48:17) He makes his powerful holy spirit available to us. (Lu 11:13) He also moves our brothers and sisters to give us encouragement and practical help. (2Co 7:6) This means that Jehovah can use any one of us to lighten the load of a fellow Christian.
Play the VIDEO Display Unfailing Love in the Congregation—To the Elderly. Then ask the audience:
What could you do to lighten the load of an elderly Christian?
Play the VIDEO Display Unfailing Love in the Congregation—To Full-Time Ministers. Then ask the audience:
What could you do to lighten the load of a full-time minister?
Play the VIDEO Display Unfailing Love in the Congregation—To Foreign Residents. Then ask the audience:
What could you do to lighten the load of those going through a difficult trial?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 13 ¶1-7, intro to section 5, and box on p. 103
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
JULY 29–AUGUST 4
pp. 8–9
JULY 29–AUGUST 4
PSALM 69
Song 13 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. How Events in Jesus’ Life Were Foretold in Psalm 69
(10 min.)
Jesus was hated without cause (Ps 69:4; Joh 15:24, 25; w11 8/15 11 ¶17)
Jesus was zealous for Jehovah’s house (Ps 69:9; Joh 2:13-17; w10 12/15 8 ¶7-8)
Jesus experienced emotional agony and was offered wine mixed with gall (Ps 69:20, 21; Mt 27:34; Lu 22:44; Joh 19:34; g95 10/22 31 ¶4; it-2 650)
FOR MEDITATION: Why did Jehovah include Messianic prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures?
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 69:30, 31—How can these verses help us to improve the quality of our prayers? (w99 1/15 18 ¶11)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 69:1-25 (th study 2)
4. Patience—What Jesus Did
(7 min.) Discussion. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss lmd lesson 8 points 1-2.
5. Patience—Imitate Jesus
(8 min.) Discussion based on lmd lesson 8 points 3-5 and “See Also.”
Song 134
6. Local Needs
(5 min.)
7. Principles for Family Worship Evening
(10 min.) Discussion.
In January 2009, the Congregation Book Study was merged with the Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting into one midweek meeting. This gave families an evening each week to have a personalized program of family worship. Many have expressed appreciation for this arrangement that was made to help them draw closer to Jehovah and to one another.—De 6:6, 7.
What are some principles that can help family heads make their Family Worship evening a success?
Keep it regular. If possible, have a set time for family worship each week. Have an alternate day for when the schedule is disrupted
Prepare. Consult with your wife, and occasionally ask your children for suggestions. Preparation does not need to be extensive, especially if the family enjoys doing some of the same types of activities every week
Tailor the program to your family. As children get older, their needs and abilities change. Your program should help each member of the family to grow spiritually
Maintain a loving, relaxed atmosphere. At times, consider studying outdoors when the weather is favorable. Feel free to take needed breaks. While attention should be given to address specific challenges in the family, do not use family worship to scold or discipline
Have some variety. For example, your session might include preparing a portion of an upcoming meeting, watching and discussing a video from jw.org, and having practice sessions for the ministry. Although discussions should be the centerpiece of Family Worship evening, time could also be included for family members to engage in personal study
Discuss this question:
How have you tried to apply these principles in your family worship?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 13 ¶8-16, box on p. 105
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
AUGUST 5-11
pp. 10–16
AUGUST 5-11
PSALMS 70-72
Song 59 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. “Tell the Next Generation” About God’s Power
(10 min.)
David experienced Jehovah’s protection during his youth (Ps 71:5; w99 9/1 18 ¶17)
David felt Jehovah’s support during his old age (Ps 71:9; g04 10/8 23 ¶3)
David encouraged younger ones by relating his experiences (Ps 71:17, 18; w14 1/15 23 ¶4-5)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘Which longtime servant from the congregation would I like to interview during our Family Worship evening?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 72:8—How was Jehovah’s promise to Abraham found at Genesis 15:18 fulfilled during the reign of King Solomon? (it-1 768)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 71:1-24 (th study 5)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. When the person becomes argumentative, end the conversation on a positive note. (lmd lesson 4 point 5)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Continue a previous conversation with a relative who then hesitates to study the Bible. (lmd lesson 8 point 4)
6. Explaining Your Beliefs
(5 min.) Talk. ijwfq 49—Theme: Why Have Jehovah’s Witnesses Changed Some of Their Beliefs? (th study 17)
Song 76
7. Ideas for Family Worship
(15 min.) Discussion.
Family Worship evening is an important time for children to learn “the discipline and admonition of Jehovah.” (Eph 6:4) Learning requires work, but it can be an enjoyable experience, especially as children develop an appetite for Bible truths. (Joh 6:27; 1Pe 2:2) Review the box “Family Worship Ideas,” which can help parents make Family Worship evening both instructive and enjoyable, and then discuss these questions:
Which of these suggestions would you like to try?
Have you found something else that is beneficial?
Play the VIDEO Keep Improving Your Family Worship. Then ask the audience:
How can a husband make family worship enjoyable for his wife when there are no children in the household?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 13 ¶17-24
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
AUGUST 12-18
p. 12
AUGUST 12-18
PSALMS 73-74
Song 36 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. What if We Envy Those Not Serving God?
(10 min.)
We could become envious of those not serving God (Ps 73:3-5; w20.12 19 ¶14)
We can regain the proper viewpoint by joining our brothers in worship instead of isolating ourselves (Ps 73:17; Pr 18:1; w20.12 19 ¶15-16)
Those not serving God are “on slippery ground”; those serving God are led “to glory” (Ps 73:18, 19, 24; w14 4/15 4 ¶5; w13 2/15 25-26 ¶3-5)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 74:13, 14—To what does the “Leviathan” evidently refer? (it-2 240)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 74:1-23 (th study 10)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Look for an opportunity to tell an acquaintance something that you learned at a recent meeting. (lmd lesson 2 point 4)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. Offer and demonstrate a Bible study. (lmd lesson 8 point 3)
6. Explaining Your Beliefs
(5 min.) Talk. ijwbq 89—Theme: Are All Religions Good? (th study 14)
Song 72
7. Local Needs
(15 min.)
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 14 ¶1-6, box on p. 112
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
AUGUST 19-25
p. 13
AUGUST 19-25
PSALMS 75-77
Song 120 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Do Not Be Boastful—Why?
(10 min.)
Those who are boastful displease God (Ps 75:4; 1Ti 3:6; w18.01 28 ¶4-5)
Any privilege or assignment we receive in the congregation is an undeserved gift from Jehovah (Ps 75:5-7; w06 7/15 11 ¶2)
Those who are proud, such as earth’s haughty rulers, will be humbled by Jehovah (Ps 76:12)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 76:10—How can “the rage of man” praise Jehovah? (w06 7/15 11 ¶3)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 75:1–76:12 (th study 11)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Feature a video from jw.org in the person’s preferred language. (lmd lesson 1 point 4)
5. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Be adaptable and adjust your comments when the person tells you that he does not believe in God. (lmd lesson 2 point 5)
6. Making Disciples
(5 min.) lff lesson 15 point 4 (lmd lesson 11 point 3)
Song 127
7. Be Loyal When Praised
(7 min.) Discussion.
Play the VIDEO Be Loyal, as Jesus Was—When Praised. Then ask the audience:
What lessons did you learn from the humble way that Sergei responded to praise?
8. Special Campaign to Start Bible Studies in September using Enjoy Life Forever!
(8 min.) Talk by the service overseer. Stimulate enthusiasm for the campaign and outline local arrangements.
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 14 ¶7-10, box on p. 110
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
AUGUST 26–SEPTEMBER 1
pp. 14–15
AUGUST 26–SEPTEMBER 1
PSALM 78
Song 97 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Israel’s Unfaithfulness—A Warning Example
(10 min.)
Israel forgot Jehovah’s wonderful works (Ps 78:11, 42; w96 12/1 29-30)
Israel did not appreciate Jehovah’s provisions (Ps 78:19; w06 7/15 17 ¶16)
The Israelites did not learn from their errors but demonstrated a pattern of unfaithfulness (Ps 78:40, 41, 56, 57; w11 7/1 10 ¶3-4)
FOR MEDITATION: What will help us avoid being unfaithful to Jehovah?
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 78:24, 25—Why is manna called “the grain of heaven” and “the bread of mighty ones”? (w06 7/15 11 ¶4)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 78:1-22 (th study 5)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 5 point 5)
5. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Use a tract to start a conversation. Offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 5 point 4)
6. Starting a Conversation
(1 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. The person asks you to be brief. Offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 2 point 5)
7. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Without sharing a specific Bible truth, find a natural way to let the person know that you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 2 point 4)
Song 96
8. Learn From the Example of Philip the Evangelizer
(15 min.) Discussion.
The Scriptures are filled with examples, both good and bad. Time and effort are needed to learn from these examples. In addition to reading the Bible accounts, we must meditate on the lessons and then adjust our conduct accordingly.
Philip the evangelizer was a Christian who was known for being “full of spirit and wisdom.” (Ac 6:3, 5) What lessons can we learn from his example?
Play the VIDEO Learn From Them—Philip the Evangelizer. Then ask the audience what lessons they learned from each of the following:
The reaction of Philip when his circumstances changed suddenly.—Ac 8:1, 4, 5
The blessings Philip received from being willing to go where the need was greater.—Ac 8:6-8, 26-31, 34-40
The benefits to Philip and his family from showing hospitality.—Ac 21:8-10
The joy that the family in the dramatization experienced from following Philip’s example
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 14 ¶11-20