JW Midweek Meeting June 30-July 6 2025

0:01 We'd like to welcome everyone along to our meeting tonight. So many good things to look forward to in this meeting. What are a few of them? Well, first of all, our treasures part is entitled key to a successful courtship. We'll learn what a successful courtship is. Is successful courtship mean that the two people that were courting each other get married? Well, that's answered in this part tonight. Also, our organizational accomplishments. It talks about a billboard. So, we'll learn what this billboard is and how we're able to use it and all the work that goes into this this billboard

0:48 that we're they're talking about. Now, as Jehovah's people, we're always not just preaching the good news, but we're helping people learn from the good news and starting studies. So, in our living as Christians, we have a part entitled encourage others to try our Bible study course. So, of course, this doesn't necessarily mean all the time face to face. So, we'll learn about this in that this part tonight. So many good things we have to look forward to. Unfortunately, I could only just mention a few and uh but we'll learn the rest as we as we go through uh our meeting tonight. So, our first part tonight, treasures from God's word, it's entitled

1:35 Keys to a Successful Courtship. And handling this for us is Brother Simone. Thank you, brother Simone. Let's start with a true or false session. A courtship is not something to be taken too seriously. True or false? Or a courtship should always end in engagement and marriage. True or false? If a couple breaks up, that means the courtship failed. True or false? Only single persons need to develop the right view of courtship. True or false? And lastly, courtship

2:23 involves no pressure at all. True or false? Well, hopefully this doesn't come as a surprise to you, but the answer to all those statements is false. That's a big fat false. None of those statements are actually true. A courtship is not something that we take lightly. that's brought out for us in the proverbs. Proverbs 20 and verse 24 and 25. Let's look at that together. Proverbs 20 24 and 25. It says, "A man's footsteps are directed by Jehovah. How can a man understand his own way? It is a snare for a man to cry out rashly, wholly, and only later to give consideration to what he vowed." So, is courtship something that doesn't

3:09 have to be taken seriously? Well, this proverb gives us the answer, doesn't it? Before making any vow, we should consider the matter very carefully. It stands to reason then that before we start a courtship, we consider the topic very, very seriously because we are aware that a courtship could lead to the vow of marriage. What about that second statement? A courtship should always end in engagement and marriage. Well, that's not true. Courtship serves a two-fold purpose of allowing a couple to one get to know each other and secondly to make a decision and hopefully that will be a good decision. That decision can be to get married but

3:54 the decision can also be to end the courtship. Neither is a failure and that means that the courtship is serving its purpose. So that leads us to that next false statement. If a couple breaks up that means the courtship has failed. Well, if a couple breaks up, that does not at all mean that the courtship has failed. Rather, the courtship has served its purpose. A courtship is there so that a couple can see whether they are right for one another and whether they can continue to serve Jehovah together successfully. The next false statement, only single people need to make to develop the right view of courtship. Well, that's not true. All of us here need to have the

4:40 right view of courtship because because not everybody of course is involved in a courtship but many times we are onlookers. We're family. We're friends. We're onlookers. We can see a courtship taking place. But some think that if a couple are dating, they must get married. Now that's the wrong viewpoint. That's the wrong attitude. And that leads us to that next false statement that courtship involves no pressure whatsoever. That again is not true. Courtship can create an immense amount of pressure for the couple that are courting if the wrong viewpoint or the wrong attitude is being impressed upon them. So onlookers who have the wrong attitude can unwittingly put pressure on a courting couple. Listen to what

5:27 Melissa, she's a sister in the United States, she said this. She said there is a lot of pressure on witnesses who are dating. As a result, some courting couples avoid ending a relationship that is not working. So, they're contravening the process of what a courtship should be doing. Other single ones avoid dating altogether. The pressure can be overwhelming. So rather than it being a situation that doesn't create pressure, courtship can if we unwittingly project a wrong attitude to those who are courting. Well, that's all the true and false over and done with now. Uh, but there are two other things that we want to take on board. These are suggestions as to how to carry can how we can carry out a

6:13 successful courtship. The first one is before embarking on the courtship and the second one is during the courtship. How can we have Jehovah's viewpoint in those areas and how can we take on board the suggestions from his word? Well, the first one be observing the person even before beginning to date. Proverbs 20 and:e 18 says that by consultation plans will succeed and by skillful direction we can wage our war. So consultation how is that carried out? How can we go about discreetly observing the other person before a courtship is initiated? We want to of course be sure to avoid making the person feel uncomfortable. We have to respect their

6:59 privacy and their personal space. Remember, you're not married to them yet. So, it's a good idea to respect their space before a courtship is initiated. So, where can we observe them? Well, we can observe them at our meetings, in spiritual settings, at social gatherings. Notice things about that person's spiritual personality and conduct in all different types of settings. Who are his friends? What does he like to talk about? What are that person's goals? Are they compatible with your goals? That's an important question to ask, isn't it? And to be able to further observe, we might if especially if a person's in another congregation, we can ask the other congregation's elders what sort of reputation that individual has or other

7:45 mature Christians who know that person well. You might want to ask about the person's reputation and qualities. That's important to do. So that's before the courtship. So if a lot of those boxes are are figuratively ticked as it were, how can we get to know each other well during the courtship so that marriage doesn't bring about any unpleasant surprises? Well, let's turn to Proverbs 20 and verse 5. Proverbs 20 and verse 5. It says, "The thoughts of a man's heart are like deep waters, but the discerning man draws them out." So, how can we get to know what the other person is like deep down? Well, the best way is to communicate

8:32 openly and honestly, ask questions and then really listen to the answers. Engage in activities that lend themselves to conversation. Things like eating together, taking walks together in public areas, preaching together, and when you spend time with friends and family. They're good opportunities for the courtship to flourish and for that purpose to be realized. Plan activities that will uh show you how the other person acts in different circumstances and with different people, not always just being isolated. We can do simple things like prepare a meal together, do chores together, but most importantly, we could study together. Even though the marital arrangement hasn't started at that point, there's good reason to to

9:17 consider spiritual matters together as a couple. One person said that it could open the door to conversations on many important matters that might not have come up naturally. So, that's a good point to remember, too, with regard to studying during a courtship. So, there's some excellent suggestions that have come through from Jehovah's organization. We'd like to now look at our artwork on our monitors. And we see here a couple getting to know each other. They've taken on board the many suggestions that have come through Jehovah's organization. But they no doubt also remember the suggestion that's in the caption. It says remember a successful courtship does not always result in marriage but

10:04 in a good decision. Very important point to remember. And aren't we glad that that's been clarified in recent times as well. So in conclusion, friends, the key keys to a successful courtship are those three things that we considered today. Keeping in mind Jehovah's view of courtship, not our own, and having false viewpoints. Observing the person even before we begin to date. and then getting to know each other well during your courtship. There's nothing false about those statements. Thank you, brother Simone, for the fine handling of that part on keys to a successful courtship. Our next part of

10:51 course is our spiritual gems and handling this for us is brother Hyunjun. Thank you, brother. Thank you. Would you someone be able to read the scripture before we go over the question? Uh, thank you, brother Alto. The breath of a man is the lamb of Jehovah searching through his innermost being. Thank you. Nice reading. Uh the question is in what way is the breath of a man the lamp of Jehovah?

11:37 Uh thank you sister Higa. Just as the breath testing or RBT can examine a person's condition under alcoholic use, Jehovah can also use breath testing like a lamp to see or examine a person inside. By what a person breathe out or gives vent to whether good or bad intentions is exposed by his speech and by his actions. Thank you. Thank you, sister. Yeah.

12:23 Yes. And also reference is made to Acts chapter 9 verse one which describes how Saul was breathing um threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. However, after his conversion to Christianity, he became the Apostle Paul and breath in ways that benefited others. So those who continue taking in knowledge of the true God Jehovah and applying it in their lives will be influenced to work for the good of others, their breath will be that of love, peace, mercy and a desire for salvation of others. Thank you. Thank you sister Yongin. Uh this verse show that uh God can see deep into our heart our motives, thought, desires. Nothing is hidden. So

13:09 uh the person uh the human conscience when function imping properly can be a tool Jehovah uses to make people aware of sin, guilt or truth. So God has given people a uh conscience an inner moral sense that acts like a lamp and it is fun uh functioning properly. It helps shine light on our inner thought and motives and Jehovah can use this lamb uh to search deep into who we really are. Thank you. Uh let's move on the to the next question. What spiritual gems from this week's Bible reading would you like to share? Uh thank you Ashley Lim

13:55 J. Um, Proverbs 20:5 compares a person's thoughts to deep waters and uh, a Watchtower reference shows us that some ancient Israel wells were very deep and required steps to reach the water. So, in a sim similar way um, in the ministry or while conducting Bible studies, um, it's not about covering material, but trying to draw out what's in a person's heart by showing genuine interest, preparing well, and asking the right questions and by being patient. And while it might take effort like walking down into a deep well, it's worth every effort to reach their heart and help them to see how much Jehovah truly cares and loves them. Thank you. Uh thank you, Sister Insuk.

14:43 Verse 25 says that it is a snare for a man to cry out rashly, holy, and only later to give consideration to what he vowed. Uh one point that especially stood out to me is this. When we get married, we make a bow before Jehovah to love and respect our mate. Therefore, we treat our mate um affects our relationship with Jehovah and with ourselves. Thank you. Thank you, brother Aras. know that God's word speaks about wine being something that can bring joy to the man's heart. But it also highlights

15:29 to us here that it can become one can become a a ridiculer or alcohol is unruly and that takes place when one abuses such a drink. That's why it would be unwise or not wise to consume alcohol in excess. Thank you. Thank you, brother Bronost. By reflecting on the context of verse 4, we uncover a deeper lesson beyond its immediate meaning. Following a long dry summer, the soil will become hardened and resistant to plowing, and farmers thus relied on the early rains which arrived between autumn and winter to soften the ground, making it workable once again. Yet the the yet despite the softened soil, the cold and damp conditions made the made the task uncomfortable and challenging. This reminds me that when we face a difficult

16:15 assignment or trial, Jehovah may not remove the challenge, but he provides what we need to endure it. Just as the rain comes before the plowing season, preparing the way even if the work remains hard. Thank you. Uh thank you, Sister Lenty on Zoom. In today's world, uh many people try to get things as cheaply or easily as possible, even it means being dishonest. For example, um employee may unfairly criticize their employees regardless of how well they perform just to avoid giving them a pay rise or to justify a demotion. Or even maybe um some buyers seeks refund refunds for items that aren't actually faulty, falsely claiming

17:00 they are broken to get something for free. So uh the scriptures in proverb 204 verse14 uh warns us about dishonest bargaining which is say that is no good is no good says the buyers then goes off and boasts about the purchase. So this highlights how people may act deceitful to take advantage of others but Jehovah the readers of heart detest dishonesty and and as his worshipper we are called to be this different so that's why uh what set us apart we must treat others fairly and honor our agreements especially when it comes to paying for services or goods we have received and agreed upon. Thank you. Uh thank you Sister Cassro.

17:53 Verse 22 reminds us that we don't have to pay back evil or to take revenge to someone who did wrong to us. We should put our hope and trust to Jehovah that he sees our pain when a person intentionally intentionally hurts us. We don't need to them to pay back what they did to us. I learned that Jehovah wants us to live peacefully. That's why he is reminding us not to take vengeance because he wants us to be happy and to be to fully trust him. Thank you to everyone to who prepared everything so well. Thank you brother for the fine way you

18:39 you uh conducted that part and everyone that was able to give comments we'd like to thank as well. Well, this now we just move to our next part, our Bible reading. Proverbs chapter 20:es 1-15. And let's listen and pay attention as brother Gabriel test for Michael uh does this reading for us. Thank you. Thank you. Wine is a drink drinker. Alcohol is unruly. Whoever goes astray by them is not wise.

19:29 The terror of king is like the growing of a lion. However, progress his anger risk his own life. It is unable for a man to refrain from a dispate but every fool will beame employed in it. The lazy one does not below in winter. So he will be beginning during the harvest with the has nothing nothing. The thought of a man's heart are like

20:14 deep water but the dis discreening man draws them out. Many men draw proclaim their loyal love. But who can find faithful men? The righteous one is walking in his integrity. Happy are these children who come after him. When the king sit on the throne to judge, he seft out all evil with his eyes. Who can say, "I have cleaned my heart. I

21:02 am pure from my sin." Dishonest white and false measure both are distle to Jehovah. Even a child is know by his action whether his behavior is pure and right. The hearing ear and the sea eye Jehovah has made both of them. Do not love sleep or you will come to privity. Open your eyes and you will be satisfied with bread. It is no good. It is no good. Say the

21:50 bear. The he goes away and posts about himself. There is gold also much gold. But the leaves of knowledge are something precious. [Music] Thank you, brother Gabriel. We enjoyed your reading. And uh tonight you're working on study number five, accurate reading. And we all read at a different pace,

22:36 particularly if English is in our first language. And it's very good you read at a pace that we're able to understand you. Some people get overenthusiastic and read too fast. And unfortunately if they're even if their reading is accurate, we can't hear it properly. We can't understand it properly. But you read at a very good pace. We notice too a few times you put emphasis on things. Particularly that verse which talks about bargaining. Verse 14. It is no good is no good says the buyer. So you're able to put emphasis on this and some other things. So that that was very good. So as of course the more talks you do we see that you're progressing. So very happy that

23:24 you're able to progress and we look forward to your your next assignment. Thank you brother Gabri. Moving along now to our next part. Uh we're now in the section apply yourself to the field ministry. Our first part is starting a conversation in the house to housework says the person tells that he has recently immigrated from another country. So I'll hand over to brother sorry sister. I kept saying brother when I was practicing sister with others too. Sister Olivera and sister Arius. Hi there. It's nice to find you home. Oh you look busy. Are you moving in or out? Oh, no. We're We're moving in. It's been

24:10 a very long trip and yeah, just a lot happening right now. Sure. Wow. Okay. So, have you been without your stuff for a while? Yeah, actually for a few weeks. Um, and it's finally here. And um there's just so much and as you can see, so I've got a lot to go through. Oh, well, welcome. Can I ask where you're from? Yeah. Um, we've just immigrated from um, South America. Oh, oh, I'm afraid that's as far as my Spanish goes. It's quite embarrassing, actually, since my husband is South American. It's just I've never learned. Oh, where where is he from? You're very nice. It's a nice country. But you can still learn Spanish. Yeah, I guess

24:56 maybe. Um, look, I won't keep you long. I just wanted to introduce myself. My name's Limi. I'm a local. I'm actually one of your neighbors. Um I don't know if you've got family or friends here since you said you immigrated, but look, if you need anything, I'm happy to help you out. That's very kind of you. And no, I mean, it's just myself, my children, and my husband. So, I don't have family or friends, so it is a bit lonely and we're hoping to make new friends. Yay. Good. Okay. Well, look, I really feel for you. I know it must be hard to have no no family or friends around, but here look, I'll leave you this card. It's got my number on it. So, um, if you need a hand with anything or you just want to chat, I'll I'll be happy to. That's really kind of you. Oh my goodness. It is.

25:44 Uh, Jehovah's Witness. Yes. Oh, yes. Yes, I am. Yes. Oh, how exciting. My family back home, my auntie and I have some friends. They're Jehovah's Witnesses. So, it's super You make me very happy. Oh, well, that's really great to hear. Look, yes, we have a big family worldwide. You know, no matter what country we go to, we can call on our brothers and sisters and just feel like we're at home. Um, in fact, that makes me think of a really beautiful scripture. Do you have a second? I can show it to you, please. Yeah, sure. It says Proverbs 17:17 and it says there, "A true friend shows love at all times and is a brother who is born for times of distress." That is such a beautiful

26:29 scripture. Thank you for sharing. Actually, my auntie um she's the one that said Jehovah's Witness. And when she'd visit, she'd always read me a scripture or or share something. And it just made her so happy. and what she said made a lot of sense and and I could see kept her balanced and in in a kind of way it made her grounded. That's a really good way to put it grounded. You know, having a positive outlook is actually a beautiful consequence of reading God's word. I know it helps me when I'm feeling down. But honestly, I couldn't imagine moving from another country with everything so unfamiliar. It must be very daunting for you. I imagine it is. I mean, it's been only a few weeks here and we speak English, as

27:16 you can see, and Spanish. Um, but yeah, we're getting around, but we don't have friends, so we're hoping to make new friends. But you know something, too, that I left behind, which I really regret. I left my Bible behind. I can bring you a Bible in your language, too. No, I'd be happy to do that. But, um, yeah, look, we can catch up then and we can share some scriptures together. I would really like that. Thank you. No problems. Look, anytime. Look, you've got my number now. Um, give me a call. Um, and if you need anything, um, but I'll bring the Bible along with me next time, too. I'll see how you're traveling. All right. I'd really like that. Thank you. No problems. Look, I didn't grab your name. Oh, I forgot. I'm Carmen. Oh, it's nice to meet you, Carmen. All the best with all your unpacking, but I'll be back soon with

28:01 the Bible. Good. Thank you, sisters. That was very well done and very natural, very relaxed. So, I could probably go on with more compliments, but I can only say so many things in the time that I'm given. But very good, Sister Limi, the way you're able to listen to the householder and you're able to listen to what was concerning her, the move and other things and things like that. And that's very good because it's very easy for us to just change the subject and you

28:47 didn't do that. You were able to listen to her. You're able to help her with a little problem of not having a Bible, which I'm sure you will. That's quite a good problem for someone to tell us about. I thought that was very good. And in tonight in the love people uh under kindness number three emphasize with the person and that's what you're able to do. You're able to emphasize empath I can't say it now with them and you're able to show love and that of course leads to talking to them on another occasion. So we look forward to your next assignment. Thanks brother. Sister, why am I the same brother? That's the worst mistake I make. That'll be all right. Sorry, sisters. Uh let's

29:32 move along to our nether our next part. Our next part is following up and in public witnessing. And uh this will be helping the person, not just showing them the the uh jw.org, but showing them the app as well. So handling this is brother Verino and brother Gallo. Thanks brothers. Hi Eli. Good to see you again. Oh hey Lucas. Good to see you again too. Thanks for coming back. I remember you saying you were worried about your family flying back from Europe. Are they okay or did the war affect them? Um they were delayed but thankfully nothing actually happened. You know thanks for checking up on that Lucas. No problem. Um did

30:18 that yellow tract help you at all that I gave you last time? Yeah, you know, it was really good timing. You know, I've been stressed about all these wars always starting and my family being right next to it. So, it was good to and to be and it was comforting to know that there was a reason for all these problems in the world and that there's going to be a solution on the way. Well, I'm glad I could make your day a little bit better. You know, I actually tried showing it to my mom and dad, but since the English isn't too good, they weren't able to fully understand it. Would you actually happy happen? Would you actually have a copy in Italian? I don't have a physical copy, but I have something even better. An app. Oh, an app. So, yeah, if you open up the app

31:03 store on your uh you've got a Android device. So, if you just open up the Play Store and you look up JW library. Yep. Here it is. Yep. Great. So, just click on it there. Wait for it to download and open it up. Yep, I got it open. Okay, good. So, now click on the library at the bottom and then scroll to who really controls the world? Okay, but isn't this still in English? Yes, it is. So, you see those three dots in the top right corner of your phone? Yeah. Just click on them and then click on languages and then find Italian. There it is. And there you go. Ah, thanks, Lucas. No problem. I'll

31:49 definitely show this to them and I'll let you know what they think. Okay. Um, have a look at the app because there's a lot of interesting articles and videos. There's also a brochure that I wanted to show you. It's called Enjoy Life Forever. So, if you back out of there, you go into library and then you go into books and then there it is. Enjoy life forever. Um, sorry. Sorry. Uh, that explains how the Bible can help us to find answers to life's big questions. Next week, I'd like to go through this with you. Uh, what do you think? Yeah, I'll be interested in that. Okay, no problem. See you next week. See you.

32:47 Thank you, brother Lucas and uh brother brother Eli. Isn't it so handy now? We go to the door and just about everyone's got a device in their hand already. And when I saw you two, Eli already had the device. That's just how most people are now. So, it makes it very convenient to show them jw.org or help them put the app on their phone. and the the way you were able to uh Eli's question to you about language is certainly a good introduction for helping a person go down that path. So that was uh that was very good and also what you were able to do you just didn't show him jw.org or the app but you took it a step further

33:32 um to build something for next time you call uh and we think then about studying with the person. So that was very good v brother Verina and uh we look forward to your your next assignment. Our next part is entitled explaining your beliefs. Uh interesting theme do animals go to heaven? So we'll hand over to sister Katr and sister Smith. Thank you sisters. Hi Angelina. I popped by to share some information to answer your question. Do animals go to heaven? Well, that's great. I'm really interested to know what you actually found out. Well, it is

34:18 an interesting question because our feelings for our pets, they run deep and we form an attachment to them. So, let's see what the Bible teaches about who will go to heaven. Angelina, can I ask you to read Revelation 14:es 1 and 3, please? It says, "Then I saw and look the lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who have his name and the name of his father written on their foreheads, and they are singing what seems to be a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures, and the elders." And no one was able to master that song except the 144,000 who have been brought from the

35:04 earth. Thank you. Did you notice who qualified to go to heaven? Well, isn't it saying that only the 144,000 qualify? Yeah, that's correct. If we have a look at Revelation 5 and verse 10, it tells us why they have been bought um to heaven. It it actually says, "And you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth." So God has selected these ones that go to heaven for a specific reason. The scripture says that they're going to rule as kings over the earth. And something else that's interesting to consider is that there's

35:52 no mention of a Bible in the Bible, sorry, of a pet heaven or a dog heaven. And that's for good reason because animals can't take the steps that are needed to qualify for heavenly calling. Well, I can see that. But does that mean that God doesn't care about animals? Well, actually the opposite is true, Angelina. Um, God gave man the authority over the animal kingdom, but he didn't give them the right to mistreat them um but to care for them. And um we can see what it says here in in Proverbs 12 and verse 10, the first part of it. Can you

36:37 read that for us, please? Mhm. It says, "The righteous one takes care of his domestic animals." Thanks. So, who has God given the responsibility for the care of the domestic animals for their lifetime? Well, that would be us, isn't it? Yeah, that's true. And um as far as God caring about these creatures, let's look at one final scripture, and that's in Matthew 10 and 29. And you can be our reader again. Uh it says, "Two sparrows sell for a coin of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your father's knowledge." Thanks. So this provides us with the confidence that our creator

37:25 notices and cares about animals even when a small bird uh falls to the ground. So you see Angelina, we do very our very best to care for our pets and by doing that we're actually fulfilling God's purpose for us towards them. And then at the same time, those beautiful animals bring us much joy for as long as we care for them, which is God's purpose for them. Thanks very much, Levvenia, for the research that you put into that. It's really helped me to see like what what it says from the Bible.

38:17 Thank you, sisters. That was very well done. And for those that have pets and have had pets for a long time, that can be a very touchy subject for some. that uh Sister Katr you're able to hand that handle that very well. You just didn't come out at the start and say no, but you're able to direct the person to God's word. Explain a little bit about heaven and do all humans go to heaven? Well, that's something that the person would start understanding. So, you're able to speak to her in a very kind way. you're able to show compassion and your your tone of voice to show that it

39:02 didn't even though you sort of wondered whether the person well this is what I was thinking the person really fully understands but you were able to show them what the Bible says in a very calm way and a very relaxed way so they could they were able to listen so we uh like to compliment you on that talk. So, thank you very much, sisters. Well, we like to thank all the students cuz what a fine job they've done, but also we know all the effort they put into their parts. So, we're very thankful for them. Well, that now concludes our part, the section, sorry, apply yourself to the field ministry. We'll now move into the next section of our meeting, living as

39:48 Christians. So when we think about teaching, we think about how we're taught to help be able to teach the good news. And thinking about that, our next part, encourage others to try our Bible course. And handling this for us is brother Aris. Thank you, brother Arius. So when we think about encouraging others to try our Bible course, uh what perhaps comes to your mind, perhaps you're thinking about Jesus departing words when he was on earth and he said to the his disciples to go forth and

40:34 make more disciples. But at the same time in verse 20, he highlighted that they needed to teach. In other words, people needed to be taught in order for them later on to become disciples just like we went through that process. And when Paul wrote to the Roman congregation, it was interesting how he correlated that with that commandment because u he said in vers 13 to 15, everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved. Okay, but what would that involve? And later on he goes on to ask them questions. How will they come to call him if they have not put faith in him? How in turn will they put faith in him about whom they have not heard? How in turn will they hear without someone to preach or to teach

41:20 them in relation to this? So why not use the direct approach regularly when we think about our doortodoor work in offering a study. Perhaps at times we might feel very shy and find that it's easier perhaps to read a scripture or to place a track. But notice what our main purpose is when it comes to our door-to-door work is to make disciples. And we do this by teaching, by conducting Bible studies. So one of the things we can do is show the householder how a Bible study is practical and how this works. For example, if we take a moment to look our life and and ministry part, we see that there's a uh there's a link there that says try our Bible

42:07 course. Um have you touched it? Have you looked at what is involved? Uh for example, uh it says that it's a guided Bible study and it's based on the enjoyed life forever. And there are questions that will be considered. For example, how can I find happiness in life? Will evil and suffering ever end? Will I ever see my dead loved ones again? How does God really care about me? How can I pray and be heard by God? So these are some of the questions we could meditate so as to introduce the reason as to offering a study. But we need to be conscious of what the householder might be in need when we do offer such a study. So, for example, friends, uh there's a question for us to

42:52 meditate on, and I'd like to hear your thoughts. Uh how could you use the try our Bible course link to offer a Bible study? How do you think we could do that? Thank you, brother Katr. Please. or when we when we scroll to it um there's a number of questions that uh people often reflect on. So we can uh take them there and uh use those questions to provoke their thinking and uh explain how a Bible study will provide good answers uh to those questions. And the nice thing

43:38 is if we take them there on their device and they don't agree to a study still they have that link and when you click the next step on that they have an opportunity then to request a visit. So it can just be a nice backup for us. Yeah. Very good. Excellent. Brother Mlan at the back please. Yeah, there's also too those three areas it mentions. It mentions it's free of charge, so people are really concerned about that these days. Um that we can meet with you at a convenient time. And also too, there's no obligation. So they can counsel at any time. But just underneath that too is also the video.

44:25 So it shows them how a Bible study course works. So they might be thinking, "Oh no, I'm going to be up to my, you know, uh, arms in paperwork and everything like that." But it really shows how easy and simple it is. Yeah. Very good. Excellent. So let's consider our next question. What methods have you found to be effective in offering Bible studies where you live? So what have we've done? What have we found it to be effective? our brother there, please. Thank you. Yeah, the direct method seems to work pretty well actually. Uh we're chatting with them. There's some interest. So, we return and if the interest continues,

45:12 uh it's simple enough just to say, "You seem interested in the Bible. Would you like to learn more about the Bible?" And then, uh show them the brochure and uh we could leave it with them. Yeah. Very good. Excellent. Our sister, please. Specific. Sharing a specific article from uh jw.org that fits their interests also works well as a first step before offering a Bible study. Thank you. And sister Hoga, please. I usually I usually show a video on selected topics like um why did God create the

45:58 earth or what is the kingdom of God? I would say oh which one would you like to watch? It's only three minutes and I can offer the Bible study much easier after I highlight the questions at the end of the selected video. Yeah. Very good. And friends, if we think about it, what is the worst thing that can happen? What is the worst thing the householder could say to us if we're using the direct approach in offering a study? I had it all weekend this weekend on Sunday. What's the worst answer that they can give you? Um, brother at the front, please, brother Bick. Well, of course, the worst thing they can say is no. But the thing is we've

46:44 given them that opportunity. Yeah. Absolutely. And you know what? We can try the next household. We can try the next householder. So friends, if our heart desire is to conduct a Bible study, let's give Jehovah something to bless by using the direct approach and offer a Bible study. We invite brother Bayick back to the platform. Moving along to our next part. The next part is our congregation Bible study. And uh handling this for us is brother Pablo Verino with brother Danny Ferman reading. Thank you brothers.

47:35 Yes. Uh welcome to uh our study tonight and uh uh we will continue with our with the chapter 28 the last chapter of the bearing witness book and uh last week uh we started considering the information to the most distant part of the earth and the uh the focus of this uh chapter that really will help us is to see how Jehovah witnesses today. Well, we continue the work that was started with the followers of Christ, the first Christians. So, we can see how um the blessings and the help they receive uh

48:21 happens today as well to us in our ministry. uh we just enjoy this video and that that is also an example of how um Jehovah is directing and through his holy spirit uh us to really get access to information that can help people to really get to know uh the kingdom's message. So uh as Jesus promised to his followers the when he was uh about to ascend to heaven uh he will um uh provide the help of the Holy Spirit for them. So and we're really interested in see how that applies to us today the same way that it was um uh applying to

49:09 the early Christians. So we will consider today from the subtitle empowered by holy spirit and we start considering paragraph 8 and n. So brother furman we really appreciate your reading tonight. Thank you. When Jesus commissioned his disciples to be witnesses he told them you will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you under the direction of God's spirit or active force. Jesus followers would ultimately serve as witnesses in all the earth. By Holy Spirit, Peter and Paul affected cures, expelled demons, even raised the dead. However, the power received through Holy

49:55 Spirit had a more important purpose. It enabled the apostles and other disciples to impart accurate knowledge. That means everlasting life. On the day of Pentecost 33 CE, Jesus disciples spoke in different languages just as the spirit enabled them to speak. They thus bore witness regarding the the magnificent things of God. We do not miracul miraculously speak in different languages today. With the help of God's spirit, however, the faithful slave is producing Bible literature in many languages. For example, millions of copies of the Watchtower and Awake are printed every

50:42 month, and our website jw.org offers Bible-based publications and videos in well over 1,000 languages. All of this enables us to declare the magnificent things of God to people of all nations, tribes, and tongues. Thank you very much for the reading on paragraph 8 and nine. Part A first says, "The Holy Spirit enabled Jesus disciples to do what?" Sister Cindy Simone, thank you. Well, we know under the direction of God's spirit, Peter and Paul were able to cure the sick, expel demons, and

51:27 raise the dead. So, the Holy Spirit also enabled the apostles and other disciples to impart accurate knowledge in all the earth. Yes, very good. and why this was so important according to John 17:3 uh sister Rowena Raymond Malencio thank you because this is the main purpose of Jehovah's Holy Spirit where it says here that um this means everlasting life they're coming to know you the only true God and the one whom you sent Jesus Christ so it's taking the accurate knowledge es that will give them everlasting life. Yes. Very good. Thank you. Uh brother

52:14 Horgeas, thank you. That's why we can see how then in Pentecost 33 CE uh Jesus disciples were able to speak in different language because the Holy Spirit uh allowed them to speak in the native language of those who were happened to be in the city. So that was how important uh everlasting life or the life of those who were in the market was important for them to come to an accurate knowledge. Yes, that's right. Thank you. So and the part B says the question is what is the faithful slave producing with the help of God's spirit? Uh yes I think sister Sarah thank you. Um with help of Jehovah spirit the

53:01 faithful slave is producing Bible lecture in many languages and also it's included million of copy of the watch hour and awake magazine each months and also the base the Bible basic publication and video in JW more than of 1,000 languages. Yes, very good. Thank you. So as we know there are constant updates in the way the publications are uh prepared, presented and adapted also to the online or the website requirements. Uh what did you notice in the uh in the update we had just before this study? Uh brother Don Dy, thank you.

53:48 Yeah, if we check uh today about on the number of languages our website is being translated, we see we'll see that number has increased to,00 languages plus. Thank you very much. Um brother Philoti, thank you. Yeah, things like the um those bulletin boards uh translated into many languages before they're actually posted. So, it's not like you have to wait 6 months. And it used to be a real struggle for us to talk to people in our territory. We've got such a cosmopolitan makeup in the population here in

54:33 Blacktown. But now irrespective of the language that people uh we meet speak, we can show them the website and we can inevitably find their language and show them something in their own language. And when you do that, you can see their eyes light up and all of a sudden uh this is something different to what they thought. Now that's something that is intelligible to them. So this is how important Jehovah sees the message that so much effort has been put into this. Yes, absolutely. We don't speak languages miraculously but still it's a lot of emphasis in that isn't it? It's um um sister at the back

55:18 sister. Yes. Thank you. Yeah, when when we remember that we are taking part in the fulfillment of these prophecy in Revelation 7:9, it helps us approach our ministry uh not just out of sense of responsibility but with joy and gratitude. Yeah. Thank you, sister. So we really uh can see how the Holy Spirit still is doing the same job that was doing uh in the first century. So we now uh yeah ask brother um Ferman if we can go to uh paragraph 10. Thank you. Since 1989,

56:05 the faithful slave has placed emphasis on making the new world translation of the holy scriptures available in many languages. This Bible has already been translated into more than 200 languages and tens of millions of copies have been printed with many more to come. Only God and his spirit could have made these efforts successful. Thank you. Uh paragraph 10. Since 1989, what has been done with regard to Bible translation? I think sister Iris at the back ranking. Thank you. The faithful slave has placed emphasis on making the new world translation of the holy scriptures

56:53 available in many languages. That's right. Uh yeah, the numbers of languages is constantly changing and uh um uh yes, this is um Ivan at the back. Thank you. It has now been translated into more than 200 languages and there has been um 10 tens of millions of copies that's been printed and what more with the digital downloads that we already have. And this couldn't happen without Jehovah God and his holy spirit. Thank you very much. So again uh the Bible is is available to many to more people in the world even if

57:38 it's an uh not the whole Bible but still the uh um many many language are able to enjoy at least part of the Bible. So now we I would like to go to paragraph 11. Thank you brother. Translation work is being done by thousands of Christian volunteers in over 150 countries and lands. This should not surprise us for no other organization on earth is led by Holy Spirit in bearing thorough witness worldwide regarding Jehovah God, his messianic king and the established heavenly kingdom. Thank you. Paragraph 11. The question says, "What has been done with respect

58:24 to the translation of witness publications as brother Randy here. Thank you." Well, we can see the we can see the train station uh happening all over the world. uh Christian volunteers uh brothers and sisters over 150 countries and land. So uh we can appreciate how only God's spirit could accomplish this. Um as the brother uh in the in the writing department in translation work said that um this is how the good news is being preached in all the nations. Yes. Very good. Thank you.

59:09 Uh we may remember uh from Acts 28:23 what uh the Apostle Paul did when he arrived in Rome and had like a a new audience to preach was sort of arrangement he did maybe we can read the scripture someone would like to read Acts 28:23 Brother Eli, thank you. They now arranged for a day to meet with him. And they came in greater even greater numbers to him in his lodging place. And from morning to evening he

59:56 explained the matter to them by bearing through thorough witness concerning the kingdom of God to persuade them about Jesus from both the law of Moses and the prophets. Thank you very much. So um we might remember that when the apostle Paul arrived in Rome, he was able to contact the local Jews and what was he able to do with them. Uh brother Steve Simone, thank you. Yeah, he uh really engaged with these ones and he didn't just give a witness to say, "Well, that's that's one job

1:00:43 done when it's out of the way." But he, as it says there in scripture, he be he bore thorough witness. He wanted to make sure that the kingdom truths were were proclaimed and this news about Jesus Christ being the promised Messiah uh was uh thoroughly explained to those Jewish listeners. Yes, that's right. Thank you very much. Can we see a parallel with these billboard articles like for instance the one that was show about showed about the um the school shooting uh how are these articles used the way the subjects are selected but then what's the um what's the focus of the information of how we are trying

1:01:30 to use this information. Uh, sister Rowena, thank you that it brought back to the main solution of that is about God's kingdom. Yes, basically that. Yeah, that's good. So we really can see how the Holy Spirit guides us in a very similar way that uh did with the early Christians. So now we invite uh brother Ferman to read paragraph 12. Thank you. When Paul bore witness to Jews and Gentiles at Antioch in Pacidia, those who were rightly disposed for everlasting life

1:02:16 became believers. As Luke concludes the book of Acts, Paul is preaching the kingdom of God with the greatest freess of speech without hindrance. Where is the apostle witnessing? Why in Rome, the capital of a world power? Whether through discourses or by other means, Jesus early followers did all their witnessing work with the help and guidance of Holy Spirit. Thank you. Paragraph 12. How are Paul and other Christians able to do the work of bearing witness?

1:03:01 Um the sister at the back. Thank you. So it is with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. So whether speaking to Jews or Gentiles like in Anthio in Pacidia or preaching in a world power such as Rome uh they shared the message of God's kingdom uh boldly. Very good. Thank you. Um brother Steve Simone. Thank you. Just thinking of our part tonight about offering the free Bible study course. We can follow the example of our first century brothers and sisters. They spoke with great freess and without any hindrance. But what was interesting was that who they were speaking to were

1:03:47 people who were either rightly disposed or not disposed to everlasting life. So our role is just to follow the spirit's leadings, speak with freess of speech and without hindrance. And then of course Jehovah's spirit will draw those who are rightly disposed to everlasting life. Yes, that's that's right. And that's why it's so important to try and offer the uh the Bible cause you know as it was mentioned if the person says no well but if we keep trying some might say yes and that really is what um what really matters the ones that are rightly disposed to take this um Bible course. And um

1:04:33 and we can see like um how far the uh the good news came in the first century because we um uh earlier in this study um Jesus um uh when I gave the commission to his followers to um to preach the good news, they would start in Judea, Samaria and said and to the most distant part of the earth. But what um where did the apostle Paul go with the preaching workarius? Thank you.

1:05:22 Yes, it's been highlighted to us to Rome the capital of the world power. That's right. So um this help us to to appreciate that even if we don't intend sometimes to do things certain way the Holy Spirit can take us to places and circumstances that allowed to spread the good news. So um so we now go to our second section of our study under the subtitle persevering despite persecution and we ask brother Ferman to read for us paragraph 13. Thank you.

1:06:09 When Jesus early disciples experienced persecution, they petitioned Jehovah for boldness. The result, they were filled with Holy Spirit and empowered to speak God's word with boldness. We too pray for wisdom and strength to keep on witnessing despite persecution. Because we are blessed by God and helped by his spirit, we press on in kingdom service. Nothing stops the work of bearing witness, neither intense opposition nor brutal persecution. When we are being persecuted, we certainly need to pray for Holy Spirit and for wisdom and courage to declare the good news.

1:06:56 Thank you. Paragraph 13. Why should we pray when we experience persecution? Uh, sister Tommy here. Thank you. James 15 says, "If any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generous generously to all." And God generously gave his holy spirit to Jesus' disciples when they kept praying to him after facing bitter persecution. And they were able to keep preaching with boldness. So, we know nothing will ever stop the preaching work. But if we keep asking, Jo will empower us with wisdom and courage to keep declaring the good news despite persecution. Yes. Very good. Thank you.

1:07:44 Um yes, the brother at the back. Thank you. Um we should pray when we experience persecution to be guided by the Holy Spirit and to be inspired. A simpler a simple prayer can help us to endure and deal with hard times. Yes. Very good. Thank you. So why you think it's so important prayer when we are uh preaching the good news and maybe the situation is not really an an easy one or we cannot see a way out maybe of the situation. why it's so important that we rely on prayer.

1:08:29 Um, brother Randy Higa, thank you. Well, we know that um nothing it says in the paragraph, nothing stops the work of bearing witness. And this is because of God's spirit. And so Jehovah, if we pray for uh God's spirit, we know Jehovah wants to give this uh help to us because this is his will that we keep preaching. And so uh that's why it's important we really should uh be always praying for Jehovah's spirit. Yes. Very good. Thank you. That's that's according to the spirit of Luke 11:13. Thank you very much. So now we go to the final two paragraphs, paragraphs 14 and

1:09:17 15. Thank you, brother Ferman. Steven gave a bold witness before he met his death at enemy hands. In the great persecution that arose at that time, all the disciples except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. But that did not stop the work of bearing witness. Philip went to Samaria to preach the Christ and did so with excellent results. Moreover, we are told those who had been scattered by the tribulation that arose over Steven went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, but they spoke the word only to the Jews. However, some of the men among them from

1:10:03 Cyprus and Sirene came to Antioch and began talking to the Greekeaking people, declaring the good news of the Lord Jesus. At that time, persecution spread the kingdom message. In our time, something similar occurred in the former Soviet Union, especially in the 1950s. Thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses were exiled to Siberia because they were scattered in various settlements. The good news was constantly spreading in that vast land. In no way could so many witnesses have found the money needed to travel perhaps as much as 6,000 mi or 10,000 km to proclaim the good news.

1:10:50 However, the government itself sent them across the country. As it turned out, said one brother, the authorities themselves enabled thousands of sincere people in Siberia to come to know the truth. Thank you very much uh brother Furman for the excellent reading and helping us to really understand the information. So paragraph 14 and 15 part A. What happened as a result of the tribulation that arose over Steven? Was that the end of the preaching?

1:11:36 Brother Gary Vick, thank you. We know the disciples listened to Jehovah as Jesus direction. If you're persecuted, move to the next place and preach there. And so that's what happened with this great persecution that happened after uh Steven's death. Many of our brothers had to move from where they were. They went to other parts, not only within Judea and Samaria, but even further a field. And they didn't just preach to Jews uh but also those who are Greekeaking in various places were able to uh receive a witness as well. That's right. Thank you very much. Um sister, thank you.

1:12:28 scattering that happened as a result of the persecution in Judea actually aided in the preaching of the good news to other lands and as what has me been mentioned not just to the Jews but to the Gentiles we cannot discount the tribulations that they experienced but something good came out of it. Yes, very good. Thank you. So the Holy Spirit has its ways to make from a situation that might seem difficult for the preaching of the good news make it or create an opportunity to reach areas that might be we couldn't reach before and that's the case of our part B question in the paragraph 15 in our time how did many people in Siberia

1:13:16 come to learn the truth. Sister Abelera, thank you. Sons of Jehovah's Witnesses were in Siberia because they were scattered in various settlements. The good news was constantly spreading in the vast land. Yes, very good. Thank you. Uh we have uh brother Bob Bachek on Zoom. Thank you. And we can see that uh if there's one big mistake governments, some governments, not only the Soviet Union, a government at the time, have made it was to to congregate Jehovah's Witness or relocate them somewhere else thinking

1:14:02 that we would die out. But the opposite happens. Jehovah's behind it and we always expand and and the government paid for everything. it was financed by the by the uh by the Soviet Union government at the time. So we can see that Jehovah nothing will stop the spread of the good news. Yes. Excellent. Thank you uh sister Mara here. Thank you. I always think in a positive way that that persecution or those exiled uh brothers in Siberia are the best missionaries because they don't have to be controlled in numbers but by hundreds

1:14:50 of them they actually work like missionaries in spreading the good news right there in Siberia. Yes. Excellent. Thank you, brother Steimmore. Thank you. Out of something out of something seemingly is that right? Out of something seemingly negative uh something very positive arose. And just thinking of this same region of the earth, we know that we're very concerned about our brothers and sisters who are being imprisoned in Russia and who are facing courts and so on. But one of our brothers very interestingly put it this way to the courts. He said, "I'd like to thank uh you because I've never been able to

1:15:36 speak and preach to people in the court system or to solicitors or to people who work in this particular area, even the uh police authorities and so on, and you've given me that opportunity." So he was very thankful to them. He wasn't being cheeky at all, but he actually recognized that this was Jehovah's spirit moving our brothers and sisters to take advantage of what might have been a seemingly negative situation and turning into a positive and preaching the good news. Yes, undoubtedly. So, that's a great um source of encouragement for us. Uh yes, the last comment, the sister at the back. Thank you. So, so instead of uh stopping the ministry, it actually helped to spread the kingdom message even further and uh

1:16:23 the authorities unknowingly help in this by relocating witnesses and making it possible for many sincere individuals uh to come to know the truth. Yes, very good. No doubt that Jehovah will continue blessing our efforts and um he will giving us his holy spirit to continue this work. So we really appreciate um you sharing the your comments this evening and we we ask um give the meeting back to our chairman. Thank you.

1:17:11 Thank you, brother Villa Villerino. Well, what good things we're able to learn tonight and uh I'm sure there are things we'll talk about uh after this meeting's finished. And uh sometimes we have a little review, but uh tonight we have quite a few announcements. So, we'll uh need to not have our review, but we'll concentrate on our announcements. So, that concludes our announcements and that concludes uh our meeting. We we'd like to thank everyone that's had parts and all the effort that they've put in. And let's now uh stand and sing our final song, song number 150. And it's entitled Seek God for Your

1:18:00 Deliverance. So, let's stand and sing song number 150 together. And then after that, our concluding prayer will be given by brother Steve Simone. Hello everybody. Welcome back to our channel. In this video, we're going to be considering the congregation Bible study for the week of June 30th to July 6th, 2025. So friends, we welcome you. And now, let's jump right in. For this week, we're considering Paras 8:15, chapter 28. Empowered by Holy Spirit. Paraphs 8 and 9. Question A. The Holy

1:18:48 Spirit enabled Jesus disciples to do what? The Holy Spirit allowed Peter and Paul and the other apostles and Christians to heal the sick ones, expel demons, and even raise the death, performing miracles. Another comment, this Holy Spirit gave first century Christians the power to do something even more important. convey the accurate knowledge that leads to everlasting life despite all the giants golads before them all the

1:19:35 obstacles. Question B, what is the faithful slave producing with the help of God's spirit? The faithful slave is producing Bible-based publications in a vast number of languages. For example, millions of copies of the Watchtower and Awake magazines are printed each month and our website jw.org. Biblebased publications and videos are available in over a thousand languages. That's a miracle. Some lessons we learned from this. If we struggle to speak about the kingdom, let

1:20:20 us pray for courage and wisdom. We don't need to perform miracles to be useful to God. The real matter is teaching Bible truths clearly, effectively. When studying the Bible with someone, focus on helping them or the person understand how to apply what he learns. Pair of 10. Since 1989, what has been done regard to Bible translation? Since 1920 1989, the faithful slave has placed emphasis on making the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures

1:21:07 available in many languages. The fir the first one was a green one cover, then a purple one, and then a black one, and a scarlet one, and now the current version, the silver one cover. This Bible has already been translated into more than 200 languages and tens of millions of copies have been printed with many more to come. 11. What has been done with respect to the translation of witness publications?

1:21:55 Translation work is being done by thousands of Christian volunteers in over 150 countries and lands. Originally this work was done at Bethl in at the branch of every country and now there are different external locations where a group of brothers and sisters local brothers and sisters they are doing translation work by their aunt. Of course, they are not they're not Bethlites is a privilege, an external privilege. Number 12. How were Paul and other

1:22:41 Christians able to do the work of bearing witness? And was possible? It was thanks to the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit was guiding them, speaking to them, helping them, revealing them the way. There is no doubt that for those early Christians, the Holy Spirit was their source of power. Now a lesson we learn from this. Not everyone will accept the message we preach. But our work is to sew the seed.

1:23:28 Our work is to spread the message. The Holy Spirit makes it grow in those with a receptive heart, with the right attitude. If someone rejects the message, let's not be discouraged. Let's keep searching for people with the right attitude as Paul did. Persevering despite persecution. 13. Why should we pray when we experience persecution? Because that's our spiritual weapon. We pray for wisdom and strength. We need to be specific about these qualities. We need wisdom and strength to keep on

1:24:15 witnessing despite persecution. We also ask beg Jehovah for wisdom and strength to keep preaching even when persecuted. And because he blesses us and gives us his spirit, we can continue doing so. 14 and 15. Question A. What happened as a result of the tribulation that aroused over Stephen? That didn't stop the preaching work. Philip went to Samaria to preach the Christ and did so with excellent results. Some went to Antioch and began preaching to Greekeaking people. as we see that

1:25:02 persecution only helped spread the preaching to more places. Question B. In our time, how did many people in Siberia come learn the truth? And we noticed this was thanks to the government authorities. In the 1950s, thousands of witnesses

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