CBS/TSM/SM: November 22, 2010 Song 6 The Prayer of God’s Servant (Ephesians 6:18)
Prayer
Congregation Bible Study cf ch. 13 ¶18-21, box on p. 138|
Chapter 13 “I Love the Father”
Par 18 (Lu 10:27) In answer he said: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole strength and with your whole mind,’ and, ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”
(Joh 14:31) but, in order for the world to know that I love the Father, even as the Father has given me commandment [to do], so I am doing. Get up, let us go from here.
(Job 2:4-5) But Satan answered Jehovah and said: “Skin in behalf of skin, and everything that a man has he will give in behalf of his soul. 5 For a change, thrust out your hand, please, and touch as far as his bone and his flesh [and see] whether he will not curse you to your very face.”
Par 19
(Heb 10:24-25) And let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, 25 not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as YOU behold the day drawing near.
Par 20
(Ps 146:1) Praise Jah, YOU people! Praise Jehovah, O my soul.
Par 21
(1Jo 4:20) If anyone makes the statement: “I love God,” and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot be loving God, whom he has not seen.

How Can You Follow Jesus?
● When we pray, how can we show confidence in Jehovah, as Jesus did?—John 11:41, 42; Hebrews 11:6.
● How can we express heartfelt love for Jehovah in the way we use his name?—John 17:6-8.
● Why does love for Jehovah require that we imitate Jesus in remaining separate from the world?—John 17:14-16; James 4:8.
● How can we apply Jesus’ counsel about maintaining intense love for Jehovah?—Revelation 2:1-5.
(Joh 11:41-42) Therefore they took the stone away. Now Jesus raised his eyes heavenward and said: “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 True, I knew that you always hear me; but on account of the crowd standing around I spoke, in order that they might believe that you sent me forth.”
(Heb 11:6) Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please [him] well, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.
(Joh 17:6-8) “I have made your name manifest to the men you gave me out of the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have observed your word. 7 They have now come to know that all the things you gave me are from you; 8 because the sayings that you gave me I have given to them, and they have received them and have certainly come to know that I came out as your representative, and they have believed that you sent me forth.
(Joh 17:14-16) I have given your word to them, but the world has hated them, because they are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world. 15 “I request you, not to take them out of the world, but to watch over them because of the wicked one. 16 They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.
(Jas 4:8) Draw close to God, and he will draw close to YOU. Cleanse YOUR hands, YOU sinners, and purify YOUR hearts, YOU indecisive ones.

(Re 2:1-5) “To the angel of the congregation in Eph′e·sus write: These are the things that he says who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, 2 ‘I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance, and that you cannot bear bad men, and that you put those to the test who say they are apostles, but they are not, and you found them liars. 3 You are also showing endurance, and you have borne up for my name’s sake and have not grown weary. 4 Nevertheless, I hold [this] against you, that you have left the love you had at first. 5 “‘Therefore remember from what you have fallen, and repent and do the former deeds. If you do not, I am coming to you, and I will remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Theocratic Ministry School|

Bible Highlights: 2 Chronicles 1 - 5|
Note: No references suggested by the Branch Office
The audience should be invited to offer brief comments (30 seconds or less) on what they have appreciated in the Bible reading and its benefits.

*** si pp. 79-80 Bible Book Number 14—2 Chronicles ***
Bible Book Number 14—2 Chronicles
Writer: Ezra Place Written: Jerusalem (?)
Completed: c. 460 B.C.E. Time Covered: 1037–537 B.C.E.
SINCE First and Second Chronicles evidently were originally one book, the arguments presented in the previous chapter as to background, writership, time of writing, canonicity, and authenticity apply to both books. According to the evidence presented, Ezra completed Second Chronicles about 460 B.C.E., probably in Jerusalem. It was Ezra’s purpose to preserve historical materials that were in danger of being lost. The help of the holy spirit, coupled with his ability as a historian to lay hold of and sort out details, enabled Ezra to make an accurate and permanent record. He saved for the future that which he regarded as historical fact. Ezra’s work was most timely, as now it was also necessary to collect together the entire body of sacred Hebrew writings that had been recorded over the centuries.
2 The Jews of Ezra’s day were benefited greatly by Ezra’s inspired chronicle. It was written for their instruction and to encourage endurance. Through the comfort from the Scriptures, they could have hope. They accepted the book of Chronicles as part of the Bible canon. They knew it was trustworthy. They could check it by other inspired writings and by numerous secular histories cited by Ezra. Whereas they allowed the uninspired secular histories to perish, they carefully preserved Chronicles. The Septuagint translators included Chronicles as part of the Hebrew Bible.
3 Jesus Christ and the writers of the Christian Greek Scriptures accepted it as authentic and inspired. Jesus no doubt had in mind such incidents as recorded at 2 Chronicles 24:21 when denouncing Jerusalem as a killer and stoner of Jehovah’s prophets and servants. (Matt. 23:35; 5:12; 2 Chron. 36:16) When James referred to Abraham as “Jehovah’s friend,” he perhaps had reference to Ezra’s expression at 2 Chronicles 20:7. (Jas. 2:23) The book also contains prophecies that were unerringly fulfilled.—2 Chron. 20:17, 24; 21:14-19; 34:23-28; 36:17-20.
4 Archaeology also testifies to the authenticity of Second Chronicles. Digging on the site of ancient Babylon has unearthed clay tablets relating to the period of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, one of which names “Yaukin, king of the land of Yahud,” that is, “Jehoiachin, the king of the land of Judah.” This fits in well with the Bible account of Jehoiachin’s being taken captive to Babylon during the seventh regnal year of Nebuchadnezzar.

5 The record of Second Chronicles traces events in Judah from the reign of Solomon, commencing in 1037 B.C.E., to Cyrus’ decree of 537 B.C.E. to rebuild the house of Jehovah in Jerusalem. In this 500-year history, the ten-tribe kingdom is referred to only as it becomes involved in the affairs of Judah, and the destruction of that northern kingdom in 740 B.C.E. is not even mentioned. Why is this so? Because the priest Ezra was concerned primarily with Jehovah’s worship at its rightful place, His house in Jerusalem, and with the kingdom of the line of David, with whom Jehovah had made His covenant. Thus, it is on the southern kingdom that Ezra concentrates attention in support of true worship and in expectation of the ruler to come out of Judah.—Gen. 49:10.
6 Ezra takes an uplifting viewpoint. Of the 36 chapters of Second Chronicles, the first 9 are devoted to Solomon’s reign, and 6 of these wholly to the preparation and dedication of the house of Jehovah. The record omits mention of Solomon’s defection. Of the remaining 27 chapters, 14 deal with the five kings who basically followed David’s example of exclusive devotion to Jehovah’s worship: Asa, Jehoshaphat, Jotham, Hezekiah, and Josiah. Even in the other 13 chapters, Ezra is careful to highlight the good points of the bad kings. He always emphasizes events relating to restoration and preservation of true worship. How stimulating!
CONTENTS OF SECOND CHRONICLES
7 The glory of Solomon’s reign (1:1–9:31). As Second Chronicles opens, we see Solomon the son of David growing in strength in the kingship. Jehovah is with him and keeps “making him surpassingly great.” When Solomon makes sacrifices at Gibeon, Jehovah appears to him at night, saying: “Ask! What shall I give you?” Solomon asks for knowledge and wisdom in order to govern Jehovah’s people properly. Because of this unselfish request, God promises to give Solomon not only wisdom and knowledge but also wealth and riches and honor “such as no kings that were prior to you happened to have, and such as no one after you will come to have.” So great is the wealth flowing into the city that in time Solomon comes “to make the silver and the gold in Jerusalem like the stones.”—1:1, 7, 12, 15.
8 Solomon conscripts laborers for the work of building the house of Jehovah, and King Hiram of Tyre cooperates by sending timbers and a gifted workman. “In the fourth year of [Solomon’s] reign,” the building gets under way, and it is completed seven and a half years later, in 1027 B.C.E. (3:2) The temple itself is fronted by a large porch that towers 120 cubits (175 ft) [53.4 m] high. Two immense copper pillars, one named Jachin, meaning “May [Jehovah] Firmly Establish,” and the other named Boaz, apparently meaning “In Strength,” stand in front of the porch. (3:17) The house itself is comparatively small, being 60 cubits (87.5 ft) [26.7 m] long, 30 cubits (43.7 ft) [13.4 m] high, and 20 cubits (29.2 ft) [8.9 m] broad, but its walls and ceiling are overlaid with gold; its innermost room, the Most Holy, is itself elaborately decorated with gold. It also contains the two golden cherubs, one on each side of the room, whose wings stretch across and meet in the center.
9 In the inner courtyard, there is a huge copper altar 20 cubits square (29.2 ft) [9 m] and 10 cubits (14.6 ft) [4.5 m] high. Another striking object in the courtyard is the molten sea, an immense copper bowl resting on the backs of 12 copper bulls that look outward, three in each direction. This sea is capable of holding “three thousand bath measures” (17,430 gal., U.S.) [66,000 L] of water, which is used by the priests to wash themselves. (4:5) Also located in the courtyard are ten small copper bowls resting on ornamented copper carriages, and in this water, things having to do with burnt offerings are rinsed. They are filled from the molten sea and wheeled to wherever the water is needed. In addition, there are the ten golden lampstands and many other utensils, some of gold and some of copper, for the temple worship.

w05 12/1 pages 18-21, Highlights From Second Chronicles
As the Bible book of Second Chronicles opens, Solomon is ruling as king over Israel. The book ends with these words of Persian King Cyrus to the exiled Jews in Babylonia: "[Jehovah] himself has commissioned me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all his people, Jehovah his God be with him. So let him go up [to Jerusalem]." (2 Chronicles 36:23) Completed by the priest Ezra in 460 B.C.E., the book covers 500 years from 1037 B.C.E. to 537 B.C.E.
Cyrus' decree makes it possible for the Jews to return to Jerusalem and reestablish Jehovah's worship there. However, the long years of Babylonian captivity have taken their toll. The returned exiles lack knowledge of their national history. Second Chronicles provides them with a vivid summary of events under kings of the royal line of David. The narrative is also of interest to us because it highlights the blessings that come from obedience to the true God and the consequences of disobedience to him.
A KING BUILDS A HOUSE TO JEHOVAH (2 Chron. 1:1- 9:31)
Jehovah gives King Solomon the request of his heart Wisdom and knowledge along with riches and honor. The king builds a magnificent house to Jehovah in Jerusalem, and the people are 'joyful and feeling good at heart' (2 Chronicles 7:10) Solomon comes to be "greater than all the other kings of the earth in riches and wisdom." - 2 Chronicles 9:22.
After ruling over Israel for 40 years, Solomon 'lies down with his forefathers, and Rehoboam his son begins to rule in his place.' (2 Chronicles 9:31) Ezra does not record Solomon's deviation from true worship. The only negative points mentioned about the king are his unwise acquisition of many horses from Egypt and his marriage to the daughter of Pharaoh. The chronicler thus presents the account from a positive standpoint.
No. 1: 2 Chronicles 3:1-13|

No. 2: On What Basis Could Jehovah Forgive Sins Committed in Pre-Christian Times? (Rom. 3:24, 25)|
No reference material was provided.

(Ro 3:24-25) and it is as a free gift that they are being declared righteous by his undeserved kindness through the release by the ransom [paid] by Christ Jesus. 25 God set him forth as an offering for propitiation through faith in his blood. This was in order to exhibit his own righteousness, because he was forgiving the sins that occurred in the past while God was exercising forbearance;

No. 3: Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Preach From House to House? (rs p. 206 ¶1-4)|
Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses preach from house to house?
Jesus foretold for our day this work: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” He also instructed his followers: “Go . . . and make disciples of people of all the nations.”—Matt. 24:14; 28:19.
When Jesus sent out his early disciples, he directed them to go to the homes of the people. (Matt. 10:7, 11-13) The apostle Paul said regarding his ministry: “I did not hold back from telling you any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching you publicly and from house to house.”—Acts 20:20, 21; see also Acts 5:42.
The message that the Witnesses proclaim involves the lives of people; they want to be careful to miss no one. (Zeph. 2:2, 3) Their calls are motivated by love—first for God, also for their neighbor.
A conference of religious leaders in Spain noted this: “Perhaps [the churches] are excessively neglectful about that which precisely constitutes the greatest preoccupation of the Witnesses—the home visit, which comes within the apostolic methodology of the primitive church. While the churches, on not a few occasions, limit themselves to constructing their temples, ringing their bells to attract the people and to preaching inside their places of worship, [the Witnesses] follow the apostolic tactic of going from house to house and of taking advantage of every occasion to witness.”—El Catolicismo, Bogotá, Colombia, September 14, 1975, p. 14.

Citations:
(Mt 24:14) And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.
(Mt 28:19) Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit,
(Mt 10:7) As YOU go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.’
(Mt 10:11-13) “Into whatever city or village YOU enter, search out who in it is deserving, and stay there until YOU leave. 12 When YOU are entering into the house, greet the household; 13 and if the house is deserving, let the peace YOU wish it come upon it; but if it is not deserving, let the peace from YOU return upon YOU.
(Ac 20:20-21) while I did not hold back from telling YOU any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching YOU publicly and from house to house. 21 But I thoroughly bore witness both to Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.
(Ac 5:42) And every day in the temple and from house to house they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus.
(Zep 2:2-3) Before [the] statute gives birth to [anything], [before the] day has passed by just like chaff, before there comes upon YOU people the burning anger of Jehovah, before there comes upon YOU the day of Jehovah’s anger, 3 seek Jehovah, all YOU meek ones of the earth, who have practiced His own judicial decision. Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably YOU may be concealed in the day of Jehovah’s anger.

Service Meeting: Week Starting November 22|
Song 103 From House to House” (Acts 20:20)
5 min: Announcements |

10 min: The Literature Offer for December.|
Discussion. Consider features of the publications being offered, and have one or two presentations demonstrated.
▪ Literature offer for December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. If there are children in the household, offer Learn From the Great Teacher.
*** km 1/05 p. 5 Suggested Field Service Presentations ***
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived
“During this season many people are thinking about Jesus. However, because so many bad things are happening all over the world, some may wonder if Jesus really cares about us. How do you feel about that?” Allow for a reply. Turn to chapter 24, and discuss briefly why Jesus came to earth. Then read John 15:13, emphasizing Jesus’ heartfelt love for others.
“When someone mentions Jesus Christ, many people think of him either as a baby or as a suffering man about to die. Their concept of Jesus involves only his birth and his death. The marvelous things he said and did during his lifetime often go unnoticed. What he accomplished affects every person who has ever lived on this earth. That’s why it’s vital that we learn as much as we can about the wonderful things he did in our behalf.” Read John 17:3. Turn to the first page of the introduction, and read the fourth paragraph.
Learn From the Great Teacher
“Do you think that the world would be a better place if people lived by this saying? [Read Matthew 7:12a. Then allow for response.] This book contains many lessons from the greatest teacher who ever lived.” Highlight the pictures and captions in chapter 17.
“Most parents today try to instill wholesome values in their children. Do you feel that this is important? [Allow for response. Then read Proverbs 22:6.] Notice that parents are encouraged to start training their children from an early age. This book is designed to help them to do that.” Highlight the pictures and captions in chapter 15 or 18.
“Often parents are amazed at the questions their children ask. Some of those questions can be hard to answer, isn’t that so? [Allow for response. Then read Ephesians 6:4.] This book can help parents answer questions for their children today.” Highlight a few of the pictures and captions in chapters 11 and 12 or 34 to 36.

10 min: Can You Reach Out to an Unbelieving Mate?|
Questions and answers. Interview a publisher who used to be an unbelieving mate. How did the congregation help him or her to take an interest in the truth?
1. Why are Christians living in a divided household not the only ones interested in helping their unbelieving mate to accept the truth?
1 Do some publishers in your congregation have an unbelieving husband or wife? If so, no doubt these publishers desire that their mate join them in true worship. But they are not the only ones. The entire congregation mirrors God’s desire that “all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4) How may we reach out to the unbelieving mates of publishers in our congregation?
2. How will having insight help us to assist an unbelieving mate?
2 First, we should try to see matters from the unbeliever’s viewpoint. Many unbelieving mates love their family and try to be a good marriage mate and parent. Perhaps they have sincere religious beliefs that are different from ours. They may know little about Jehovah’s Witnesses except what uninformed or prejudiced associates have told them. Some resent the time their spouse uses for worship that was formerly spent with the family. Insight will help us to treat an unbeliever kindly and respectfully and avoid being unduly nervous when we are around him.—Prov. 16:20-23.
3. What may be the best way to win over an unbeliever?
3 Personal Interest: The best way to win over an unbelieving mate to the truth, at least initially, may be through our actions, not through a Bible discussion. (1 Pet. 3:1, 2) Important in this regard is showing personal interest. Sisters in the congregation can take an interest in an unbelieving wife, and brothers can do the same with an unbelieving husband. How?
4. How may we demonstrate personal interest?
4 If you have not yet met the spouse, perhaps you could do so after consulting with the Christian mate. Do not be disappointed if the unbeliever’s initial response is lukewarm. Our friendliness and personal interest may move him to view Jehovah’s Witnesses more favorably. (Rom. 12:20) Some mature Christians have invited an unbeliever and his family to dinner, with a view to getting better acquainted and breaking down any prejudice that may exist. They have talked about his interests, rather than forcing the conversation toward spiritual subjects. Later, when the unbeliever feels more comfortable, a Scriptural discussion may be possible. Or he may be receptive to an invitation to attend one of our meetings to see what his wife is learning, especially since he already knows some in the congregation. Even if he is not ready to investigate the truth, he can certainly be commended for the support given to his believing mate.

5. How may elders reach out to an unbeliever?
5 Elders especially should reach out to unbelieving mates and be alert for opportunities to give a witness. An unbeliever who has not been receptive to a Bible discussion may listen to Scriptural encouragement when he is in the hospital or encounters serious health problems. If a divided household experiences a crisis, such as the death of a family member, the elders may invite the unbeliever to sit in when they give comfort to the family.
6. What reasons are there to reach out to unbelieving mates?
6 Imagine the joy that will be experienced by a Christian in our congregation if his or her spouse responds and comes into the truth! Such a happy event would also bring great joy to Jehovah, the angels, and the rest of the congregation. (Luke 15:7, 10) However, if the unbeliever is not initially responsive, we can still rejoice that our continued efforts please Jehovah, who “does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.”—2 Pet. 3:9.
Citations:
(1Ti 2:4) whose will is that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.
(Pr 16:20-23) He that is showing insight in a matter will find good, and happy is he that is trusting in Jehovah. 21 The one that is wise in heart will be called understanding, and he that is sweet in [his] lips adds persuasiveness. 22 To its owners insight is a well of life; and the discipline of the foolish ones is foolishness. 23 The heart of the wise one causes his mouth to show insight, and to his lips it adds persuasiveness.
(1Pe 3:1-2) In like manner, YOU wives, be in subjection to YOUR own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of [their] wives, 2 because of having been eyewitnesses of YOUR chaste conduct together with deep respect.
(Ro 12:20) But, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals upon his head.”
(Lu 15:7) I tell YOU that thus there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner that repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who have no need of repentance.
(Lu 15:10) Thus, I tell YOU, joy arises among the angels of God over one sinner that repents.”
(2Pe 3:9) Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with YOU because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.

Song 107 Come to Jehovah’s Mountain (Isaiah 2:2-4) and concluding prayer