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Post by Admin on Dec 6, 2014 15:01:20 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 6, 2014 15:02:09 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 6, 2014 15:02:47 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 6, 2014 15:03:27 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 6, 2014 15:03:38 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 6, 2014 15:04:16 GMT -5
Righteousness refers to that which is “upright,” implying a strict adherence to moral principles (see Prov 21:21). Like the "scales of Justice" of modern times, the Adam"tree of the knowledge of Good and bad" served as a permenant reminder that Jehovah's alone sets the stardareds of righterousness in Eden. Adam and Eve sought to manipulate those standards, but learnt that while you can try and cheat on Jehovah's Scales you cannot change them - Gen 2:17 Lev 19:36 Jehovah alone sets the standards. We cannot determin what is right or wrong on our own. When Jesus urged his listeners to "seek the kingdom" he refered to "his" [JEHOVAH'S] righteousness. Just ast in the days of Lot, today people reject God's standards and even resent Jehovah's people adhering to godly standards (compare Genesies 19:9). We must therefore trust in Jehovah's continued support to resist pressure (2 Cor 1:9). If we continue to seek Jehovah's righteousness we will experience the truth of Proverbs 15:9 which states "He [Jehovah] loves* the one who pursues righteousness." Loyal love refers to love motivated by commitment, integrity, loyalty, and deep attachment. It is often used in connection with God’s love for humans, but it is also love shown between humans.—Ex 34:6; Ru 3:10.
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Post by Admin on Dec 6, 2014 15:05:09 GMT -5
Part I) Those rightly disposed we meet in the ministry There is still a need to help others "seek Jehovah's righteousness". Proverbs 24 verse 11 refers to those " staggering to the slaughter" in this system of things. Our attitute towards such ones will determine how people respond to the message; Bible truths presented in a positive manner to such ones evokes a positive response. However the right disposition is a condition of the heart that only Jehovah is able to determine so we must present the good news in an impartial manner. It would be wrong for proclaimers of the good news to prejudge people on the basis of their race, social status, appearance, religious background, or any other characteristic. LESSON: If the initial reaction is harsh that doesn't necessarily mean the individual is not rightly disposed. The Apostle Paul is an example of this. Those who are rightly disposed but do not see the need for a weekly bible study. Thus we may have difficuly finding them after the intial contact. Many experiences show the positive results that come when we perserve in trying to find our return visits: INTERVIEW a sister that spent many months trying to find her return visit and eventually did find the person and started a bible study. Part II) Our ChildrenINTRODUCTION Parents need to guide our children to seek the path of righteousness. Our children are living in a wicked world and satan is targetting them, bombarding them with his propaganda designed to divert them. Also they are vulnerable and imperfect. 2 Tim 2:22 however shows that success is possible. Parents are to be commended for their efforts and assured that success is possible (compare 2 Tim 2:22) What can parents do to help their children?- Be available and approachable (James 1:19)
- Help them to cultivate a warm personal relationship with Jehovah
- Study relative material (Bible Teach /God's love book, jw.org)
- Look for opportunities to use "object lessons" (creation, )
*Caution: You must not force children (since this leads to rebellion), but guide them. Help God's law be deep in their heart (Psalms 40:8)
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Post by Admin on Dec 14, 2014 6:38:51 GMT -5
cont/... PART III) ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHEREven as Christians we are not exempt from the cumaltive effects pressures that cause feelings of emotional or spiritual fatique and discouragement. Satan wants to weaken us and tries everything to undermine our stand and we are of course imperfect and suseptable to weakness. Pauls therefore encourages all christians to give and receive encouragagement (see Hebrews chapter 3:13). Like moving a heavy piece of furnature we all need help. What does encouragement involve? Encouragement involves imparting courage. The result of this is to "incite" or motivate them, through words and deed. (Hebrews 10: 24, 25). Encouraging words: - Encouraging exchanges before and after the meetings: When we talk with our brothers be positive, kind and warm displaying "brotherly love and tender affection" (1 Pet 3: 8). Strive to know the friends individually (their spirituality, strengths, circumstances etc). - Give upbuilding well prepared comments and talks: keeping in mind the members of the congregation and give fortifying talks. - Redirect negative speech. Ecouraging by deed (Rom 12:10)- take the lead (ftn "take the initiative) to approach those we see are discouraged, offer transportation, inivite. Like a doctor giving a home visit, those that are spiritually weak find it difficult to move towards others. Ask "What can I do? I can come tomorrow!" CONCLUSION Today more than ever before there is an imperitive need that the congrgation be a place of shelter from the pressures and dangers of this system of things and a source of strength for all who seek God's righteousness. |
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Post by Admin on Dec 14, 2014 7:45:56 GMT -5
cont/... PART IV) THOSE WHO HAVE BECOME INACTIVEINTRODUCTION: Sadly some of our companions have stopped walking in the name of Jehovah (Micah 4:5). Yet many of these "lost sheep" have not forgotten Jehovah's love and can be helped to return (Psalms 119: 13, 79). Such dear sheep need tender loving care, taking a personal interest in them, gathering them like a shepherd scooping up am hurt lamb. Remember they are still Jehovah's children and like any loving parent he wants them to come home. Some inactive ones are "quietly calling to God" inwardly yearning to be brought back to Jehovah (Jer 31: 1-20). Some feel guilty or ashamed. Why people separated from Jehovah's organization. - life's anxieties or families responsibilities - stumbled by someone in the congregation - personal conflict - disagreement about a scriptural teaching - a serious sin How we can helpAvoid harsh or sarcastic remarks. Remind them of their spiritual achievements and blessings. Ask them to recall what attracted them to the truth in the first place. Remind them of how reasonable, satisfying and liberating the truth is (John 8:32; and r of the benefits of having a relation ship with Jehovah (Phil 4: 6, 7; Gal 5: 25-26)) listen carefully to what the individual has to say Ernestly encourage inactive spiritual brothers and sisters to return to Jehovah. INTERVIEW A brother formerly inactive. |
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Post by Admin on Dec 14, 2014 9:52:22 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 14, 2014 9:55:56 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 14, 2014 9:56:08 GMT -5
INTRODUCTION Psalm 71: 15 states "My mouth will recount your righteousness, all day long your acts of salvation" Noah is a good example of someone that did this. Noah lived by Jehovah's righteous standards and talked about Jehovah's judgements "all day long". We too can use our lives as a testify to Jehovah's righteousness by (a) meditating on Jehovah's blessings (b) helping others in word and deed. The best way to do the above is by pioneering. Pioneers meditate on Jehovah's acts: Pioneers have added opportunities to meditate as they are more focused on the ministry and helping others (see Psalms 10: 9, 10). They can share these experiences with others. Pioneers help others Pioneers have added opportunities to help outsiders by (a) adapting their hours to meet more people (b) using available technology CONCLUSION Hebrews Chapter 11 verse seven says Noah became "an heir of the righteousness that is according to faith." that too can be our happy outcome if we keep speaking about Jehovah's righteousness "all day long". |
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Post by Admin on Dec 14, 2014 10:16:43 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 14, 2014 10:40:24 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 14, 2014 10:40:37 GMT -5
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