Sunday, July 4
Against you—you above all—I have sinned.—Ps. 51:4.
Child abuse is a sin against God. When a human sins against another human, he also sins against Jehovah. Consider an example from the Law that God gave Israel. The Law said that a man who robbed or defrauded his neighbor was behaving “unfaithfully toward Jehovah.” (Lev. 6:2-4) Certainly, then, when an individual who is a part of the congregation abuses a child—robbing that child of his or her security—he is behaving unfaithfully toward God. The abuser brings great reproach on Jehovah’s name. For that reason, abuse must be condemned for what it is—a gross sin against God. Articles in The Watchtower and Awake! have discussed how those who have been sexually abused can deal with emotional scars, how others can help and encourage them, and how parents can protect their children. Elders have received detailed Scriptural training on how to handle the sin of child abuse. The organization continues to review the way congregations handle the sin of child abuse. w19.05 9 ¶8-9
June 28–July 4
DEUTERONOMY 9-10
Song 49 and Prayer
Opening Comments (1 min.)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“What Is Jehovah Your God Asking of You?”: (10 min.)
Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)
Bible Reading: (4 min.) De 10:1-22 (th study 10)
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Offer a publication from our Teaching Toolbox. (th study 3)
Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Introduce and discuss (but do not play) the video Why Study the Bible? (th study 9)
Bible Study: (5 min.) fg lesson 12 ¶4-5 (th study 18)
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
Video Games: Are You Really Winning?: (7 min.) Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the audience: How could video games rob you? What things in life are more important than video games? (Eph 5:15, 16) What does your choice of video games reveal about who you are on the inside? How can you be a real winner?
“Make Wise Decisions Regarding Alcoholic Beverages”: (8 min.) Discussion. Play the video Think Past the Drink.
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 10 ¶1-7, intro video
Concluding Comments (3 min.)
Song 3 and Prayer