Wednesday, January 9
Everything was numbered and weighed, and all the weight was recorded.—Ezra 8:34.
With prayerful consideration, the Governing Body strives to be faithful and discreet with regard to how the organization’s funds are used. (Matt. 24:45) The funds that are received are budgeted and spent accordingly. (Luke 14:28) The apostle Paul collected funds as a relief ministration for the brothers in Judea. He took steps to ensure that those delivering the funds cared for “everything honestly, not only in the sight of Jehovah but also in the sight of men.” (2 Cor. 8:18-21) Imitating the examples of Ezra and Paul, our organization today follows strict procedures when it comes to handling and spending donated funds. (Ezra 8:24-33) In recent years, there have been many exciting new initiatives. The organization looks for ways to reduce expenses and simplify the work so as to be able to accomplish the most that it can with your generous donations. w18.01 19-20 ¶12-13
January 7-13
ACTS 21-22
Song 55 and Prayer
Opening Comments (3 min. or less)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Let the Will of Jehovah Take Place”: (10 min.)
Ac 21:8-12—Fellow Christians begged Paul not to go up to Jerusalem because of the danger that awaited him there (bt 177-178 ¶15-16)
Ac 21:13—Paul remained determined to do Jehovah’s will (bt 178 ¶17)
Ac 21:14—After seeing Paul’s resolve, the brothers stopped objecting (bt 178 ¶18)
Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)
Ac 21:23, 24—Why did the elders in Jerusalem give Paul this direction if Christians were no longer under the Mosaic Law? (bt 184-185 ¶10-12)
Ac 22:16—How could Paul’s sins be washed away? (“wash your sins away by your calling on his name” study note on Ac 22:16, nwtsty)
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) Ac 21:1-19 (th study 5)a
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching: (10 min.) Discussion. Play the video Effective Introduction, and then discuss study 1 of the Teaching brochure.
Talk: (5 min. or less) w10 2/1 13 ¶2–14 ¶2—Theme: Are Christians Required to Keep the Weekly Sabbath? (th study 1)b
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
“Taught by Jehovah to Raise Our Family”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video.
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 49
Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)
Song 70 and Prayer