Friday, September 3
The existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God.—Rom. 13:1.
Do elders comply with secular laws about reporting an allegation of child abuse to the secular authorities? Yes. In places where such laws exist, elders endeavor to comply with secular laws about reporting allegations of abuse. Such laws do not conflict with God’s law. (Acts 5:28, 29) So when they learn of an allegation, elders immediately seek direction on how they can comply with laws about reporting it. Elders assure victims and their parents and others with knowledge of the matter that they are free to report an allegation of abuse to the secular authorities. But what if the report is about someone who is a part of the congregation and the matter then becomes known in the community? Should the Christian who reported it feel that he has brought reproach on God’s name? No. The abuser is the one who brings reproach on God’s name. w19.05 10 ¶13-14
August 30–September 5
DEUTERONOMY 31-32
Song 78 and Prayer
Opening Comments (1 min.)
TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD
“Learn From Word Pictures in an Inspired Song”: (10 min.)
Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)
De 31:12—How can Christian parents apply this principle? (w04 9/15 27 ¶12)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?
Bible Reading: (4 min.) De 32:36-52 (th study 2)
APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY
Initial Call: (3 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Overcome a common objection. (th study 3)
Return Visit: (4 min.) Begin with the sample conversation. Adapt to the needs of the householder, and share an appropriate scripture. (th study 12)
Talk: (5 min.) w07 5/15 15-16—Theme: Your Children Are Watching You! (th study 16)
LIVING AS CHRISTIANS
Learn From the Good Examples of Those Taking the Lead: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video ‘Remember Those Taking the Lead’ (Heb 13:7). Then ask the audience: What do we learn from the example of T. J. Sullivan? George Gangas? Karl Klein? Daniel Sydlik?
Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) rr chap. 13 ¶1-6, intro video
Concluding Comments (3 min.)
Song 128 and Prayer