Sunday, July 26
Are you the King of the Jews?—John 18:33.
Perhaps the governor feared that Jesus could cause political unrest, a principal concern throughout Pilate’s rule. Jesus answered: “My Kingdom is no part of this world.” (John 18:36) He would not get involved in politics, for his Kingdom was to be a heavenly one. He told Pilate that his work on earth was to “bear witness to the truth.” (John 18:37) When we understand our assignment as clearly as Jesus understood his, we will avoid even lending tacit, or unspoken, support for political independence movements. This may not be easy. “People in our area are becoming more and more radical,” notes one traveling overseer. “A nationalistic spirit has taken over, and many take for granted that political independence will improve their lives. Thankfully, the brothers have safeguarded their Christian unity by concentrating on preaching the good news of the Kingdom. They look to God to solve injustice and the other problems we face.” w18.06 4-5 ¶6-7
July 20-26
EXODUS 10-11
Song 65 and Prayer
Opening Comments (1 min.)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Moses and Aaron Demonstrate Great Courage”: (10 min.)
Ex 10:3-6—Moses and Aaron boldly announced the eighth plague to Pharaoh (w09 7/15 20 ¶6)
Ex 10:24-26—Moses and Aaron did not give in to pressure from Pharaoh to compromise
Ex 10:28; 11:4-8—Moses and Aaron fearlessly announced the tenth plague (it-2 436 ¶4)
Digging for Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)
Ex 10:1, 2—What lesson can parents take from these verses? (w95 9/1 11 ¶11)
Ex 11:7—What did Jehovah mean when he said that “not even a dog will bark at the Israelites”? (it-1 783 ¶5)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah God, the field ministry, or something else?
Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Ex 10:1-15 (th study 10)
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Return Visit Video: (5 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the following questions: What did you learn from the way the publisher reasoned with the householder? How might the publisher have introduced a publication from the Teaching Toolbox?
Return Visit: (4 min. or less) Begin with the sample conversation. Invite the householder to the meeting. (th study 8)
Return Visit: (4 min. or less) Begin with the sample conversation. Then offer a publication from the Teaching Toolbox. (th study 12)
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
“What Does Creation Teach Us About Courage?”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video Learn Courage From Creation.
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) jy chap. 124
Concluding Comments (3 min. or less)
Song 113 and Prayer