November
Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook, November-December 2024
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Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook, November-December 2024
© 2024 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Cover picture: Repatriated Israelites reaping with joy because of Jehovah’s blessing on their hard work
NOVEMBER 4-10
pp. 2–16
NOVEMBER 4-10
PSALM 105
Song 3 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. “He Remembers His Covenant Forever”
(10 min.)
Jehovah made a promise to Abraham and repeated it to Isaac and Jacob (Ge 15:18; 26:3; 28:13; Ps 105:8-11)
The fulfillment of this promise may have seemed unlikely (Ps 105:12, 13; w23.04 28 ¶11-12)
Jehovah never forgot his covenant with Abraham (Ps 105:42-44; it-2 1201 ¶2)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘How does Jehovah’s trustworthiness affect me?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 105:17-19—How did the “saying of Jehovah” refine Joseph? (w86 11/1 19 ¶15)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 105:24-45 (th study 5)
4. Starting a Conversation
(1 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. The householder is busy. (lmd lesson 2 point 5)
5. Starting a Conversation
(2 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. End the conversation on a positive note when the person begins to argue. (lmd lesson 4 point 5)
6. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer a magazine on a topic that the person previously showed interest in. (lmd lesson 8 point 3)
7. Following Up
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Tell the person about the JW Library® app, and help him download it. (lmd lesson 9 point 5)
Song 84
8. Expressions of Your Love
(15 min.) Discussion.
When we use our time, energy, and financial resources to support Kingdom activities, we are expressing our love for Jehovah’s enthroned Son, Christ Jesus. Such expressions of love endear us to Jehovah and benefit our brothers and sisters. (Joh 14:23) The jw.org article series “How Your Donations Are Used” shows the powerful impact that our donations have on the worldwide brotherhood.
Play the VIDEO Your Donations Have Power. Then ask the audience:
How has the use of donated funds to defend religious freedom benefited our brothers?
How has “an equalizing” of funds assisted in the construction of Kingdom Halls?—2Co 8:14
What benefits have come from using donated funds to support the work of translating the Bible into many languages?
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 17 ¶13-19
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
NOVEMBER 11-17
p. 3
NOVEMBER 11-17
PSALM 106
Song 36 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. “They Forgot God Their Savior”
(10 min.)
When the Israelites became afraid, they rebelled against Jehovah (Ex 14:11, 12; Ps 106:7-9)
When the Israelites became hungry and thirsty, they murmured against Jehovah (Ex 15:24; 16:3, 8; 17:2, 3; Ps 106:13, 14)
When the Israelites became anxious, they worshipped idols (Ex 32:1; Ps 106:19-21; w18.07 20 ¶13)
FOR MEDITATION: When we experience challenges, what are the benefits of recalling specific ways that Jehovah has helped us in the past?
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 106:36, 37—What is the connection between idol worship and sacrifices to demons? (w06 7/15 13 ¶9)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 106:21-48 (th study 10)
4. Simplicity—What Jesus Did
(7 min.) Discussion. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss lmd lesson 11 points 1-2.
5. Simplicity—Imitate Jesus
(8 min.) Discussion based on lmd lesson 11 points 3-5 and “See Also.”
Song 78
6. Local Needs
(15 min.)
7. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 18 ¶1-5, boxes on pp. 142, 144
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
NOVEMBER 18-24
pp. 4–5
NOVEMBER 18-24
PSALMS 107-108
Song 7 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. “Give Thanks to Jehovah, for He Is Good”
(10 min.)
Similar to the way Jehovah delivered Israel from Babylon, Jehovah has rescued us from Satan’s world (Ps 107:1, 2; Col 1:13, 14)
Thankfulness to Jehovah motivates us to praise him in the congregation (Ps 107:31, 32; w07 4/15 20 ¶2)
We can cultivate a grateful heart by carefully considering Jehovah’s loving acts (Ps 107:43; w15 1/15 9 ¶4)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 108:9—Likening Moab to God’s “washbasin,” or “washing pot,” may refer to what? (it-2 420 ¶4)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 107:1-28 (th study 5)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. (lmd lesson 1 point 4)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Tell the person about our Bible study program, and give him a Bible course contact card. (lmd lesson 9 point 3)
6. Talk
(5 min.) ijwyp 90—Theme: How Can I Avoid Negative Thinking? (th study 14)
Song 46
7. We Sing to Thank Jehovah
(15 min.) Discussion.
After Jehovah delivered the terrified Israelites from the powerful Egyptian army at the Red Sea, his grateful people burst into song. (Ex 15:1-19) The men took the lead in singing this new song. (Ex 15:21) Jesus and early Christians also sang praises to God. (Mt 26:30; Col 3:16) We continue to express our appreciation to Jehovah by singing at congregation meetings, assemblies, and conventions. For example, the song we just sang, “We Thank You, Jehovah,” has been sung at our meetings since 1966.
In some cultures, men may be embarrassed to sing in public. Others may hold back from singing because they feel that they do not have a pleasant singing voice. However, we should remember that singing at our meetings is part of our worship. Jehovah’s organization puts much effort into preparing beautifully composed songs and choosing appropriate ones to sing at each meeting. We have the easy part—joining our voices together to express our heartfelt love and appreciation to our heavenly Father.
Play the VIDEO Our History in Motion—The Gift of Song, Part 2. Then ask the audience:
What notable event occurred in 1944?
How did our brothers in Siberia demonstrate their appreciation for singing Kingdom songs?
Why is singing so important to Jehovah’s Witnesses?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 18 ¶6-15
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
NOVEMBER 25–DECEMBER 1
pp. 6–7
NOVEMBER 25–DECEMBER 1
PSALMS 109-112
Song 14 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Support Jesus, the King!
(10 min.)
After ascending to heaven, Jesus sat at Jehovah’s right hand (Ps 110:1; w06 9/1 13 ¶6)
In 1914, Jesus began subduing his enemies (Ps 110:2; w00 4/1 18 ¶3)
We can willingly offer ourselves to support Jesus’ rulership (Ps 110:3; be 76 ¶2)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘What goals can I set to show my support for the Kingdom?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 110:4—Explain the covenant described in this verse. (it-1 524 ¶2)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 109:1-26 (th study 2)
4. Starting a Conversation
(2 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Use a tract to start a conversation. (lmd lesson 4 point 3)
5. Explaining Your Beliefs
(5 min.) Demonstration. ijwfq 23—Theme: Why Don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses Go to War? (lmd lesson 4 point 4)
6. Making Disciples
Song 72
7. How Can We Loyally Support the Kingdom?
(15 min.) Discussion.
Jehovah’s Kingdom government is an expression of his universal sovereignty. (Da 2:44, 45) Therefore, when we actively support God’s Kingdom, we are upholding Jehovah’s sovereignty.
Play the VIDEO Loyally Support the “Prince of Peace.” Then ask the audience:
How do we loyally support God’s Kingdom?
Write down a scripture that corresponds to each of the following ways of supporting God’s Kingdom.
Making the Kingdom our most important concern in life.
Adhering to the moral standards required of Kingdom subjects.
Zealously telling others about the Kingdom.
Showing respect for secular governments, but obeying God when there is a conflict between Caesar’s law and God’s law.
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 18 ¶16-24
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
DECEMBER 2-8
p. 8
DECEMBER 2-8
PSALMS 113-118
Song 127 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. With What Will We Repay Jehovah?
(10 min.)
Jehovah guards us, deals kindly with us, and rescues us (Ps 116:6-8; w01 1/1 11 ¶13)
We can repay Jehovah by following a life course that conforms to his laws and principles (Ps 116:12, 14; w09 7/15 29 ¶4-5)
We can repay Jehovah by offering him “the sacrifice of thanksgiving” (Ps 116:17; w19.11 22-23 ¶9-11)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 116:15—Who are God’s “loyal ones” referred to in this verse? (w12 5/15 22 ¶1-2)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 116:1–117:2 (th study 2)
4. Courage—What Jesus Did
(7 min.) Discussion. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss lmd lesson 12 points 1-2.
5. Courage—Imitate Jesus
(8 min.) Discussion based on lmd lesson 12 points 3-5 and “See Also.”
Song 60
6. Local Needs
(15 min.)
7. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 19 ¶1-5, boxes on pp. 149-150
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
DECEMBER 9-15
p. 9
DECEMBER 9-15
PSALM 119:1-56
Song 124 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. “How Can a Young Man Keep His Path Clean?”
(10 min.)
Remain on guard (Ps 119:9; w87 11/1 18 ¶10)
Cling to God’s reminders (Ps 119:24, 31, 36; w06 6/15 25 ¶1)
Turn your eyes away from what is worthless (Ps 119:37; w10 4/15 20 ¶2)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘What reminders have I received that can help me remain morally clean?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 119—This psalm is written in what style and likely for what reason? (w05 4/15 10 ¶2)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 119:1-32 (th study 5)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Start a conversation with someone you meet on the street as you are walking in the house-to-house ministry. (lmd lesson 1 point 4)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. In a previous conversation, the person told you that he had recently lost a loved one in death. (lmd lesson 9 point 3)
6. Talk
(5 min.) ijwyp 83—Theme: How Can I Resist Temptation? (th study 20)
Song 40
7. Organizational Accomplishments for December
(10 min.) Play the VIDEO.
8. Local Needs
(5 min.)
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 19 ¶6-13
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
DECEMBER 16-22
pp. 10–11
DECEMBER 16-22
PSALM 119:57-120
Song 129 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. How to Endure Affliction
(10 min.)
Continue to read and study God’s Word (Ps 119:61; w06 6/15 20 ¶2; w00 12/1 14 ¶3)
Allow your trial to refine you (Ps 119:71; w06 9/1 14 ¶4)
Look to Jehovah for comfort (Ps 119:76; w17.07 13 ¶3, 5)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘In what specific ways has Jehovah helped me to endure my afflictions?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 119:96—What likely is the meaning of this verse? (w06 9/1 14 ¶5)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 119:57-80 (th study 12)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Show the householder our website, and give him a jw.org contact card. (lmd lesson 2 point 5)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Invite the person to the next public talk. Feature the video What Happens at a Kingdom Hall? (lmd lesson 8 point 3)
6. Explaining Your Beliefs
(5 min.) Demonstration. ijwbq 157—Theme: What Does the Bible Say About Natural Disasters? (lmd lesson 3 point 3)
Song 128
7. Jehovah Helps Us to Endure
(15 min.) Discussion.
Christian endurance is the ability to withstand hardship or adversity without being overcome by it. It involves being steadfast, keeping the right mental attitude and a hopeful outlook in the face of trials. If we have endurance, we will not “shrink back” or slow down in our Christian course when difficulties arise. (Heb 10:36-39) Jehovah is eager to help us endure trials.—Heb 13:6.
For each of the following scriptures, write down how Jehovah helps us to endure.
Play the VIDEO Pray Intensely for Those Enduring Trials. Then ask the audience:
How can we use jw.org to stay informed about our brothers who are facing trials?
How can parents train their children to pray for others, and what are the benefits?
Why is it important to pray that Jehovah help fellow Christians to endure?
How can praying for others help us to endure our trials?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 19 ¶14-20, box on p. 152
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
DECEMBER 23-29
pp. 12–13
DECEMBER 23-29
PSALM 119:121-176
Song 31 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. How to Avoid Unnecessary Heartache
(10 min.)
Love God’s commandments (Ps 119:127; w18.06 17 ¶5-6)
Hate wrongdoing (Ps 119:128; w93 4/15 17 ¶12)
Listen to Jehovah, and avoid the mistakes of “the inexperienced” (Ps 119:130, 133; Pr 22:3)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘What specific improvements do I need to make in loving God’s commandments or in hating wrongdoing?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 119:160—In harmony with this verse, of what must we be convinced? (w23.01 2 ¶2)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 119:121-152 (th study 2)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. (lmd lesson 1 point 5)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Show a person how to find information that may interest him on jw.org. (lmd lesson 8 point 3)
6. Making Disciples
(5 min.) Discussion with a Bible student who does not attend congregation meetings regularly. (lmd lesson 12 point 4)
Song 121
7. Don’t Let Money Cause Unnecessary Pains
(15 min.) Discussion.
Those who reach out for the love of money “have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.” (1Ti 6:9, 10) Below are some of the unnecessary pains we will experience if we love money and let it become the driving force in our life.
We will not be able to have a close relationship with Jehovah.—Mt 6:24
We will never be satisfied.—Ec 5:10
We will be more susceptible to moral temptations, including lying, theft, and treachery. (Pr 28:20) Giving in will result in feelings of guilt, a bad reputation, and loss of God’s favor
Read Hebrews 13:5, and then discuss this question:
What view of money will prevent heartache, and why?
Even if we do not love money, we will experience heartache if we do not manage it wisely.
Play the WHITEBOARD ANIMATION How to Manage Your Money. Then ask the audience:
Why should we make a budget, and how can we do it?
Why is it good to save some money?
Why is it wise to avoid unnecessary debt?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 20 ¶1-7, and intro to section 7
Concluding Comments (3 min.) |
DECEMBER 30, 2024–JANUARY 5, 2025
pp. 14–16
DECEMBER 30, 2024–JANUARY 5, 2025
PSALMS 120-126
Song 144 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
Repatriated Israelites reaping with joy because of Jehovah’s blessing on their hard work
1. They Sowed With Tears, but Reaped With Joy
(10 min.)
The Israelites were happy when they were freed from Babylon to restore pure worship (Ps 126:1-3)
Those who returned to Judea may have wept because of the considerable effort involved (Ps 126:5; w04 6/1 16 ¶10)
The people persisted and were blessed (Ps 126:6; w21.11 24 ¶17; w01 7/15 18-19 ¶13-14; see picture)
FOR MEDITATION: After we are delivered from this old world at Armageddon, what challenges will we have during the great reconstruction? What blessings will we reap?
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Ps 124:2-5—Can we expect Jehovah to protect us physically as he did the nation of Israel? (cl 73 ¶15)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Ps 124:1–126:6 (th study 5)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. (lmd lesson 3 point 5)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. On the previous visit, the person expressed doubts about the Bible. (lmd lesson 9 point 5)
6. Making Disciples
Song 155
7. Take Delight in God’s Promises
(15 min.) Discussion.
Jehovah fulfilled his promises to his people exiled in Babylon. He delivered them and healed them spiritually. (Isa 33:24) He evidently protected them and their domestic animals from falling prey to lions and other beasts that had increased during the time the people were gone. (Isa 65:25) They could enjoy living in their own homes and eating the fruitage of their own vineyards. (Isa 65:21) God blessed their work, and they enjoyed long lives.—Isa 65:22, 23.
Waterfall: Maridav/stock.adobe.com; mountains: AndreyArmyagov/stock.adobe.com
Play the VIDEO Take Delight in God’s Promises of Peace—Excerpt. Then ask the audience:
How are we experiencing a spiritual fulfillment of these prophecies?
How will they be fulfilled in a grander way in the new world?
Which ones are you looking forward to the most?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 20 ¶8-12, box on p. 161