Tuesday, December 26
There has not been raised up anyone greater than John the Baptist, but a lesser person in the Kingdom of the heavens is greater than he is.—Matt. 11:11.
Throughout the Scriptures, we see many examples of men of faith who were deeply moved by holy spirit; yet they did not have the hope of living in heaven. John the Baptist was one such person. Jesus highly praised him but stated that John would not be included in the heavenly Kingdom. David was likewise moved by holy spirit. (1 Sam. 16:13) He was a man of great spiritual depth and was even inspired to write sections of the Bible. (Mark 12:36) Still, at Pentecost, Peter said of David that he “did not ascend to the heavens.” (Acts 2:34) Holy spirit worked mightily in such ones, but it did not give them the special witness that they had been selected for heavenly life. That did not mean that they were in some way unworthy or deficient. It simply meant that Jehovah would resurrect them to life on a paradise earth.—John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15. w16.01 3:16
December 25-31
MALACHI 1-4
Song 131 and Prayer
Opening Comments (3 min. or less)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Does Your Marriage Please Jehovah?”: (10 min.)
[Play the video Introduction to Malachi.]
Mal 2:13, 14—Jehovah despises marital treachery (jd 125-126 ¶4-5)
Mal 2:15, 16—Stay loyal to your marriage mate (w02 5/1 18 ¶19)
Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)
Mal 1:10—Why must our acts of worship be motivated by unselfish love for God and neighbor? (w07 12/15 27 ¶1)
Mal 3:1—How was this verse fulfilled in the first century and in modern times? (w13 7/15 10-11 ¶5-6)
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) Mal 1:1-10
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Initial Call: (2 min. or less) 1Co 15:26—Teach the Truth.
Return Visit: (4 min. or less) Isa 26:19; 2Co 1:3, 4—Teach the Truth. (See mwb16.08 8 ¶2.)
Talk: (6 min. or less) w07 12/15 28 ¶1—Theme: How Do We Bring the Entire Tithe Into the Storehouse Today?
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
“What Is True Love?”: (15 min.) Questions and answers.
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 1
Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)
Song 96 and Prayer