May
Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook, May-June 2024
p. 1
Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook, May-June 2024
© 2024 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Cover picture: Jesus Christ with his bride, the 144,000
MAY 6-12
pp. 2–3
MAY 6-12
PSALMS 36-37
Song 87 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. “Do Not Be Upset Because of Evil Men”
(10 min.)
Wicked people cause us pain and anguish (Ps 36:1-4; w17.04 10 ¶4)
Harboring anger against “evil men” also causes us harm (Ps 37:1, 7, 8; w22.06 10 ¶10)
Trusting in Jehovah’s promises gives us peace (Ps 37:10, 11; w03 12/1 13 ¶20)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘Do I pay too much attention to news events that feature wicked acts?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 37:1-26 (th study 10)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. (lmd lesson 1 point 5)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Offer a Bible study to a person who has refused one in the past. (lmd lesson 9 point 4)
6. Talk
(5 min.) ijwbv 45—Theme: What Is the Meaning of Psalm 37:4? (th study 13)
Song 33
7. Are You Prepared for “Times of Distress”?
(15 min.) Discussion.
Brothers and sisters all over the world suffer tragedy and loss because of natural and man-made disasters. (Ps 9:9, 10) Sadly, the reality is that “times of distress” can strike at any time, so we all need to be prepared to face such trials.
In addition to making physical preparations,a what can help us to cope when a disaster occurs?
Prepare mentally: Acknowledge that disasters happen, and consider what to do if one occurs. Avoid becoming overly attached to material belongings. This will help you to act wisely and decisively, giving your safety and life priority over your possessions. (Ge 19:16; Ps 36:9) It will also help you after a disaster strikes to have realistic expectations, and it may reduce the emotional distress of material loss.—Ps 37:19
Prepare spiritually: Cultivate trust in Jehovah’s ability and desire to care for you. (Ps 37:18) Before a disaster strikes, regularly remind yourself that Jehovah will guide and support his servants even though we may survive with only ‘our lives as spoil.’—Jer 45:5; Ps 37:23, 24
By keeping Jehovah’s promises clear in mind, we make him our “fortress in the time of distress.”—Ps 37:39.
Play the VIDEO Are You Prepared for a Disaster? Then ask the audience:
How can Jehovah help us during times of disaster?
What practical steps can we take to prepare?
How can we help those who have been affected by disasters?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 9 ¶8-16
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
MAY 13-19
p. 4
MAY 13-19
PSALMS 38-39
Song 125 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Shedding the Burden of Excessive Guilt
(10 min.)
Excessive guilt can feel like a crushing burden (Ps 38:3-8; w20.11 27 ¶12-13)
Rather than focusing on past mistakes, be determined to make future days count before Jehovah (Ps 39:4, 5; w02 11/15 20 ¶1-2)
Pray even if feelings of guilt make it difficult to do so (Ps 39:12; w21.10 15 ¶4)
If you deal with feelings of excessive guilt, remember that Jehovah forgives repentant sinners “in a large way.”—Isa 55:7.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 39:1—In what situations may we need to apply the principle to “guard [our] mouth with a muzzle”? (w22.09 13 ¶16)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 38:1-22 (th study 2)
4. Tact—What Paul Did
(7 min.) Discussion. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss lmd lesson 5 points 1-2.
5. Tact—Imitate Paul
(8 min.) Discussion based on lmd lesson 5 points 3-5 and “See Also.”
Song 44
6. Local Needs
(15 min.)
7. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 9 ¶17-24, box on p. 73
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
MAY 20-26
pp. 5–16
MAY 20-26
PSALMS 40-41
Song 102 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Why Help Others?
(10 min.)
Helping others makes us happy (Ps 41:1; w18.08 22 ¶16-18)
Jehovah helps those who help others (Ps 41:2-4; w15 12/15 24 ¶7)
We bring praise to Jehovah when we help others (Ps 41:13; Pr 14:31; w17.09 12 ¶17)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘Is there someone in my congregation who could use help getting the most out of the JW Library app?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 40:5-10—What does David’s prayer teach us about recognizing Jehovah’s position as Sovereign? (it-2 16)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 40:1-17 (th study 12)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Start a conversation with someone who looks happy. (lmd lesson 2 point 3)
5. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Start a conversation with someone who looks sad. (lmd lesson 3 point 5)
6. Making Disciples
(5 min.) lff lesson 14 point 6. Discuss a point from the article “Praise Jehovah in the Congregation” from the “Explore” section with a student who is hesitant about participating at meetings. (th study 19)
Song 138
7. Work What Is Good Toward Older Ones
(15 min.) Discussion.
Jehovah appreciates all the work that faithful older ones do in the congregation, and so do we. (Heb 6:10) Over the years, they have done much to teach, train, and encourage fellow worshippers. Likely, you can think of ways that they have helped you. How can you show your appreciation for all that they have done and continue to do in the congregation?
Play the VIDEO ‘Work What Is Good Toward Our Brothers.’ Then ask the audience:
What did Ji-Hoon learn from Brother Ho-jin Kang?
What do you appreciate about older ones in your congregation?
What lesson can we learn from the illustration of the neighborly Samaritan?
Why do you think that it was a good idea for Ji-Hoon to involve others when helping Brother Ho-jin Kang?
When we think deeply about the needs of older ones in our congregation, we can find many opportunities to help them. When you see a need, consider what you can do to care for it.—Jas 2:15, 16.
Read Galatians 6:10. Then ask the audience:
In what ways can you “work what is good toward” older ones in your congregation?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 10 ¶1-4, box on p. 79
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
MAY 27–JUNE 2
pp. 6–7
MAY 27–JUNE 2
PSALMS 42-44
Song 86 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Benefit Fully From Divine Education
(10 min.)
Take advantage of opportunities to worship Jehovah with others, preferably in person if possible (Ps 42:4, 5; w06 6/1 9 ¶4)
Pray before studying God’s Word (Ps 42:8; w12 1/15 15 ¶2)
Allow Bible truth to guide every aspect of your life (Ps 43:3)
Divine education strengthens us to face trials and live up to our dedication.—1Pe 5:10; w16.09 5 ¶11-12.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 44:1-26 (th study 11)
4. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 5 point 5)
5. Following Up
(5 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Invite the person to the next public talk. Feature the video What Happens at a Kingdom Hall? (lmd lesson 7 point 5)
6. Talk
(3 min.) lmd appendix A point 4—Theme: Everyone Will Have Perfect Health. (th study 2)
Song 21
7. Make Wise Decisions About Work and Education
(15 min.) Discussion.
Young ones, are you planning what you will do after you finish high school? You may already have a job in mind that will allow you to pioneer. Or perhaps you are considering whether there are additional courses you could take that would give you a skill, a license, or a diploma that would help you to find such a job. This is an exciting time in your life! Still, you may feel overwhelmed by your options or feel pressure to make a decision that will please others. What can help you to make wise decisions?
Read Matthew 6:32, 33. Then ask the audience:
Why is it good to have clear spiritual goals in mind before making important decisions about work and education?
How can parents help their children to apply Matthew 6:32, 33?—Ps 78:4-7
Be careful not to let a desire for financial security or prestige influence your decisions. (1Jo 2:15, 17) Remember, just having a lot materially can make it difficult for a person to accept the Kingdom message. (Lu 18:24-27) Pursuing material wealth is incompatible with spiritual growth and success.—Mt 6:24; Mr 8:36.
Play the VIDEO Beware of Trusting in What Fails!—Wealth. Then ask the audience:
How can Proverbs 23:4, 5 help you to make wise decisions?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 10 ¶5-12
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
JUNE 3-9
pp. 8–9
JUNE 3-9
PSALMS 45-47
Song 27 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
Jesus Christ with his bride, the 144,000
1. A Song About the Marriage of a King
(10 min.)
Psalm 45 describes the marriage of the Messianic King (Ps 45:1, 13, 14; w14 2/15 9-10 ¶8-9)
The King’s marriage will take place after Armageddon (Ps 45:3, 4; w22.05 17 ¶10-12)
All humans will experience blessings from this marriage (Ps 46:8-11; it-2 1169)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘Is my heart “stirred” to proclaim the good news about our King, Jesus Christ?’—Ps 45:1.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 45:16—What does this verse teach us about life in Paradise? (w17.04 11 ¶9)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 45:1-17 (th study 5)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. (lmd lesson 1 point 3)
5. Talk
(5 min.) ijwbv 26—Theme: What Is the Meaning of Psalm 46:10? (th study 18)
6. Explaining Your Beliefs
(4 min.) Demonstration. g 12/10 22-23—Theme: What Is Your View of Homosexuality? (lmd lesson 6 point 5)
Song 131
7. Continue to Show Affection in Your Marriage
(10 min.) Discussion.
Weddings are joyful occasions. (Ps 45:13-15) Often, the wedding day is one of the happiest in the life of a married couple. But what can a married couple do to maintain that happiness throughout their life together?—Ec 9:9.
Showing affection is key to a happy marriage. Married couples do well to imitate Isaac and Rebekah’s example. The Bible tells us that over 30 years into their marriage, they were still showing tender affection for each other. (Ge 26:8) What can help marriage mates to show similar affection?
Play the VIDEO For a Happy Marriage: Show Affection. Then ask the audience:
What may cause marriage mates to become emotionally distant from each other?
What can marriage mates do to make each other feel loved and cared for?—Ac 20:35
8. Local Needs
(5 min.)
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 10 ¶13-21
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
JUNE 10-16
pp. 10–11
JUNE 10-16
PSALMS 48-50
Song 126 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Parents—Strengthen Your Family’s Confidence in Jehovah’s Organization
(10 min.)
Help your children to draw close to Jehovah and his organization (Ps 48:12, 13; w22.03 22 ¶11; w11 3/15 19 ¶5-7)
Teach your children about the history of Jehovah’s organization (w12 8/15 12 ¶5)
By your example, train your family to follow guidance from Jehovah’s organization (Ps 48:14)
FAMILY WORSHIP IDEA: Occasionally watch and discuss one of the videos from the “Our Organization” section on jw.org.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 49:6, 7—What did the Israelites need to keep in mind regarding their prosperity? (it-2 805)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 50:1-23 (th study 11)
4. Boldness—What Jesus Did
(7 min.) Discussion. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss lmd lesson 6 points 1-2.
5. Boldness—Imitate Jesus
(8 min.) Discussion based on lmd lesson 6 points 3-5 and “See Also.”
Song 73
6. Local Needs
(15 min.)
7. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 11 ¶1-4, intro to section 4, and boxes on pp. 86-87
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
JUNE 17-23
pp. 12–13
JUNE 17-23
PSALMS 51-53
Song 89 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Take Steps to Avoid Serious Mistakes
(10 min.)
Do not be overconfident—all humans are inclined to do what is bad (Ps 51:5; 2Co 11:3)
Maintain a good spiritual routine (Ps 51:6; w19.01 15 ¶4-5)
Fight against unclean thoughts and desires (Ps 51:10-12; w15 6/15 14 ¶5-6)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 51:1-19 (th study 12)
4. Starting a Conversation
(2 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. (lmd lesson 7 point 3)
5. Starting a Conversation
(2 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. (lmd lesson 4 point 4)
6. Following Up
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Teach the person God’s name. (lmd lesson 9 point 5)
7. Making Disciples
Song 115
8. Take Steps to Fix Your Mistakes
(15 min.) Discussion.
No matter how hard we try, we all make mistakes. (1Jo 1:8) When we do, we should never let embarrassment or fear of getting into trouble prevent us from turning to Jehovah for forgiveness and help. (1Jo 1:9) Turning to Jehovah is always the first step in fixing a mistake.
Read Psalm 51:1, 2, 17. Then ask the audience:
How can David’s words motivate us to turn to Jehovah for help if we make a serious mistake?
Play the VIDEO My Teen Life—How Can I Fix My Mistakes? Then ask the audience:
What are some things that led up to Thalila and José making mistakes?
What steps did they take to fix their mistakes?
How did they benefit from doing so?
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 11 ¶5-10, box on p. 89
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
JUNE 24-30
pp. 14–15
JUNE 24-30
PSALMS 54-56
Song 48 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. God Is on Your Side
(10 min.)
Rely on Jehovah when you are afraid, as David did (Ps 56:1-4; w06 8/1 22 ¶10-11)
Jehovah appreciates your endurance and will help you (Ps 56:8; cl 243 ¶9)
Jehovah is on your side. He will not let anything cause lasting harm to you (Ps 56:9-13; Ro 8:36-39; w22.06 18 ¶16-17)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 55:12, 13—Did Jehovah predestine Judas to betray Jesus? (it-1 857-858)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 55:1-23 (th study 10)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. Tell a person about our Bible study program, and give him a Bible course contact card. (th study 11)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. (lmd lesson 7 point 4)
6. Talk
(5 min.) w23.01 29-30 ¶12-14—Theme: Love for Christ Moves Us to Be Courageous. See picture. (th study 9)
Song 153
7. We Can Rejoice Despite . . . Sword
(5 min.) Discussion.
Play the VIDEO. Then ask the audience:
What did you learn from Brother Dugbe’s experience that could help you when you feel afraid?
8. Organizational Accomplishments for June
(10 min.) Play the VIDEO.
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 11 ¶11-19