OCTOBER 20-26

ECCLESIASTES 9-10

Song 30 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

1. Keep a Proper View of Your Trials

(10 min.)

We know that trials are not a sign of Jehovah’s disapproval (Ec 9:11; w23.01 3:4)

We do not expect life to be fair in Satan’s system of things (Ec 10:7; w19.09 35:10)

We should take time to enjoy the gifts that Jehovah has given us, even when facing challenges (Ec 9:7, 10; w11 10/15 8 ¶1-2)

A woman standing on a pier and looking up to the heavens.

2. Spiritual Gems

(10 min.)

Ec 9:5—What happens when we die? (lff 29:1)

Your answer
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?

Your answer

3. Bible Reading

(4 min.) Luke 16:19-31 (th 11)

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

4. Starting a Conversation

(3 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. Start a conversation with someone who looks sad. (lmd 3:4)

5. Starting a Conversation

(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Share one of the “Truths We Love to Teach” from lmd appendix A of the Love People brochure with a person who tells you that he is concerned about the economy. (lmd 4:4)

6. Making Disciples

(5 min.) lff 17, summary, review, and goal. (lmd 12:3)

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

Song 47

7. Finding Stability in the Face of Tragedy

(15 min.) Discussion.

We face trials and challenges on a daily basis. However, some trials happen so suddenly and are so devastating that they can overwhelm us emotionally, physically, and even spiritually. How can we find stability in the face of tragedy?

No matter what trial we face, Jehovah is always ‘the stability of our times.’ (Isa 33:6) To rely on Jehovah, we need to be balanced and modest. (Pr 11:2) If we experience a tragic event, we may need to take time to care for ourselves or a loved one, to make wise decisions, or to allow ourselves to grieve. (Ec 4:6)

Since Jehovah uses his worshippers to strengthen one another, we must also be willing to accept or ask for help. Remember, your fellow worshippers love you deeply, and it makes them happy to support you.

Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-9. Then ask the audience:

Why should we do our best to keep up with our basic spiritual routine even when it may be difficult to do so?

Your answer

A scene from the video “Jehovah Is Close to the Brokenhearted.” Brother and Sister Septer grieve the loss of their child.

Play the VIDEO Jehovah Is Close to the Brokenhearted. Then ask the audience:

How did Jehovah help Brother and Sister Septer?

Your answer
How did fellow worshippers help them?

Your answer
What else do you learn from their example?

Your answer

8. Congregation Bible Study

(30 min.) lfb 28, lfb section 6, lfb 29