Our Faith Moves Us to Good Works

¹ Faith caused Noah, Moses, and Rahab to act. Noah built the ark. Moses forsook the temporary advantages of life in Pharaoh’s court. Rahab hid the spies and then obeyed their instructions, saving her household. (Heb. 11:7, 24-26, 31) What good works does our faith move us to produce today?

² Witnessing: Faith moves us to speak about our wonderful God and his provisions for eternal happiness. (2 Cor. 4:13) At times, we may feel hesitant to give a witness. But when we ‘place Jehovah in front of us constantly,’ we are strengthened and fear subsides. (Ps. 16:8) Then our faith impels us to share the good news with relatives, neighbors, workmates, schoolmates, and others on every appropriate occasion.​—Rom. 1:14-16.

³ Meeting Together: Regular meeting attendance is another good work that springs from faith. How so? It shows our conviction that Jesus is present with us by means of God’s holy spirit when we gather at Christian meetings. (Matt. 18:20) It manifests our desire to “hear what the spirit says to the congregations.” (Rev. 3:6) We take seriously the instruction that we receive because our eyes of faith perceive that the one teaching us is our Grand Instructor, Jehovah.​—Isa. 30:20.

⁴ The Choices We Make: Strong conviction of unseen realities moves us to give spiritual matters priority in our lives. (Heb. 11:1) This often involves making material sacrifices. For example, an elder turned down a lucrative secular opportunity because it would have meant missing meetings, being away from his family, and relinquishing his pioneer ministry. May we likewise place our full confidence in the Bible’s assurance that Jehovah will provide for those who “keep on . . . seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness.”​—Matt. 6:33.

⁵ The powerful influence that faith exerts on our lives does not go unnoticed by others. Indeed, our faith is known earth wide. (Rom. 1:8) May all of us, therefore, demonstrate by our good works that our faith is alive.​—Jas. 2:26.

Are You Using the Require Brochure to Start Studies?

¹ Did you realize that if you regularly and systematically have Bible discussions, though brief, with an interested person and cover material in one of the recommended publications, you are conducting a Bible study? Yes, this is true even if the study takes place on the doorstep or over the telephone. Why not make a special effort during May and June to start such a study using the Require brochure?

² Prepare for Success: When offering the Require brochure, have clearly in mind what you want to discuss. If you are making a return visit, think about the conversation you had on the initial call. Ask yourself: ‘Which paragraphs in the brochure can I feature to build on that discussion and lead into a Bible study?’ If you are calling from house to house, consider what subjects will appeal to a teenager, an older person, a man, or a woman. Review the brochure’s topics, and identify a subject of interest. After deciding on an approach, practice several times. This is one of the keys to success.

³ The January 2002 Our Kingdom Ministry insert gives eight “Suggestions for Presenting the Require Brochure.” The box “The Direct Approach” shows how to use the brochure to start studies. You might adapt the first suggestion as follows:

◼ “Did you know that in just a few minutes, you can find the answer to an important Bible question? For example, why are there so many religions that claim to be Christian? Have you ever wondered about that?” After the person responds, turn to lesson 13 and discuss the first two paragraphs. As time permits, read and discuss a scripture or two. Then read the last question at the top of the page, and say: “The rest of the lesson highlights five identifying marks of true religion. I would be happy to return and consider these with you.”

⁴ Be Persistent: Take advantage of every opportunity to demonstrate a Bible study in the Require brochure. Ask for Jehovah’s blessing. (Matt. 21:22) By persisting in your efforts, you may taste the joy of helping someone to respond to the good news!