Sunday, April 1
You who were once alienated and enemies because your minds were on the works that were wicked, he has now reconciled by means of that one’s fleshly body through his death.—Col. 1:21, 22.
We have the responsibility to make known to our fellow humans that they can come into a friendly relationship with their Creator. Before humans exercise faith in Jesus’ sacrifice, God considers them to be his enemies. The apostle John wrote: “The one who exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; the one who disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.” (John 3:36) Happily, Christ’s sacrifice makes reconciliation with God possible. (2 Cor. 5:18-20) We share in teaching people spiritual truth, helping them to develop a personal relationship with Jehovah. This is an important part of our preaching work. w16.07 4:8-10
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 14) John 19:1-42
March 26–April 1
MATTHEW 25
Song 143 and Prayer
Opening Comments (3 min. or less)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Keep on the Watch”: (10 min.)
Mt 25:1-6—Five discreet and five foolish virgins went out to meet the bridegroom
Mt 25:7-10—The foolish virgins were absent when the bridegroom arrived
Mt 25:11, 12—Only the discreet virgins were admitted to the marriage feast
Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)
Mt 25:31-33—Explain the illustration of the sheep and the goats. (w15 3/15 27 ¶7)
Mt 25:40—How can we express our friendship toward Christ’s brothers? (w09 10/15 16 ¶16-18)
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) Mt 25:1-23
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Second Return Visit: (3 min. or less) Begin with the sample conversation. Invite the person to the Memorial.
Third Return Visit: (3 min. or less) Choose your own scripture, and offer a study publication.
Talk: (6 min. or less) w15 3/15 27 ¶7-10—Theme: How Does the Illustration of the Sheep and the Goats Emphasize the Preaching Work?
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
“Improving Our Skills in the Ministry—Teaching Our Students to Prepare”: (10 min.) Discussion. Afterward, play and discuss the video that shows a publisher teaching her Bible student how to prepare for the study. Invite those in the audience to relate other ways in which they have successfully helped their students to prepare for their Bible study.
Welcome Our Guests: (5 min.) Talk based on the article in the March 2016 Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook. Relate some good experiences enjoyed during the 2017 Memorial season. Provide necessary reminders regarding parking, entering and exiting the building, and so forth for the upcoming Memorial on March 31.
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 14
Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)
Song 79 and Prayer