in width from two to six inches and was often studded with plates of iron, silver or gold. Girding up the loins indicated readiness for action. (1 Ki. 18:46) Paul admonished: “Stand firm, therefore, with your loins girded about with truth.” The truth strengthens the embattled Christian in his determination to remain firm when subjected to trialsome situations.

⁶ SHIELD: Paul recommended the “large shield of faith” as an instrument to “quench all the wicked one’s burning missiles.” Similarly, our faith in Jehovah God, our total reliance on him, enables us to bear up under all kinds of tribulations. This faith is not a mere belief in the existence of the Creator. (Heb. 11:6) It includes unbreakable confidence that our heavenly Father will undo any hurt that we may experience, even death itself. (Matt. 10:28) Do you have this faith?

⁷ SWORD: In the Scriptures the sword is the most frequently mentioned weapon of offense and defense. Many were double-edged—cutting from both sides—and were kept sharp and in excellent repair. The Word of God is said to be “sharper than any two-edged sword.” Christian spiritual armor includes “the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word.” (Eph. 6:17) It can be used offensively to proclaim the truth. Defensively it can ward off false teachings and traditions of men. During the month of December put forth a real effort to use the Bible in your field service activity. Share fully in handling the “sword” aright in directing meek ones to the truth. By sharing our knowledge with others, we are enabled to ‘overturn reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God.’—2 Cor. 10:5.

⁸ SANDALS: Footgear is also needed. The foot soldier relies upon his feet for transportation and mobility. Rapid, dependable movement is a prerequisite. As a part of the spiritual readiness, the Christian soldier has feet “shod with the equipment of the good news.” How delightful it is when our feet carry us to the homes of others with a view to helping them. Even while undergoing hardships, our active participation and regular share in making known the “good news” to others can help us to endure faithfully.

⁹ Are you ‘completely equipped, ready for every good work’? Is all equipment in place and secure? Will you come off victorious in the most crucial battle? Do you see the need to have all the armor now? It is a serious matter. All of God’s people must be conscious of the need to “stand firm” in these difficult days. To do so, the spiritual armor provided by Jehovah is needed. There is a place for each individual piece of equipment. Be sure you are fully equipped. Stand firm in determination to be steadfast in your faith. Come off victorious in your fight against wicked spirits each day and in the final battle impending!

Presenting the Good News—With the “New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures”

¹ Every reasonable person wants to live. However, today many people do very little to prolong life. Overindulgences and excesses seem to be the order of the day. Violence and civil disorders are spreading to parts of the earth formerly noted for peace and for law-abiding citizens. Reports continue to be published that respect for life seems to be at an all-time low.

² However, we know that if a person follows God’s Word, the Bible, his life will be affected for good. Jehovah will lengthen his days and add years to his life.—Prov. 3:1, 2.

³ We have a valuable aid in the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures and what a privilege is ours to offer it together with a book for a contribution of $2.50. We should be ready with talking points that might appeal to those searching for the way to life. In the following paragraphs are some suggestions you may wish to use in presenting the Bible and book.

⁴ If you feel the householder is a religiously inclined person, after introducing yourself you may wish to say: “Many persons are interested in bettering their way of life and so follow some religion. But they are still unhappy. Part of this unhappiness stems from their failure to find fellowship with others in a real international Christian brotherhood. Well, such an international brotherhood is going to be a reality earth wide. Note the words here at 2 Peter 3:13. [Read.] The Bible will help you learn more about God’s promises. May I leave this clear, English translation with you together with this book, both for $2.50?”

⁵ There is another way you may highlight the value of the New World Translation in aiding the reader to get a quicker, clearer understanding of scriptures. For example, after introducing yourself you might say: “Some reports say that more and more husbands and wives are disagreeing. Some are even getting divorces after having been married for some time. However, the Bible has valuable counsel on how one could avoid disagreements and divorce. To illustrate, notice how helpful this New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is in its concordance section. Here under the word ‘Husband(s)’ some fine scripture references are found. See what it says about a husband and a wife?” (Read phrases from the following: Eph. 5:25 and 1 Pet. 3:1.) “Other fine subjects are found in this concordance of more than 100 pages. May I leave the Bible and this book for $2.50?” Of course, other words from the concordance may be selected depending on what you feel works best. You may use the word “Earth” and tie in 2 Peter 3:13, highlighting God’s promise for something new.

⁶ In whatever way we offer the Bible, our goal is to have each honest-hearted one who can, take the Bible and read it together with the book. An enthusiastic presentation of this fine publication will certainly help us reach honest-hearted ones with the good news.

Question Box

● In the June, 1977, Our Kingdom Service, the question was asked: “What is the proper view of commercial activities within the congregation?” Are the answers given under Question Box still the proper view?

Yes, what was there stated still applies. Probably the expression “commercial activities” has not been clearly understood by some. The fact that advertisements or other literature from individual Jehovah’s Witnesses or organizations with which they are affiliated may indicate that certain benefits may accrue to members of the congregation, does not take such activities outside the realm of “commercial activities.”

The Kingdom Hall should not be used as an ‘agency’ to advertise any ‘business.’ Let us use it for the purpose it is intended to serve, namely, the worship of Jehovah.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Is This Life All There Is?:

December 2: Pages 164 to 169*

December 9: Pages 169 to 175

December 16: Pages 176 to 182*

December 23: Pages 182 to 190

December 30: Review of entire book.

* To subheading.