How can the bible help you in real time, or is it old school obsolete dust in the wind? Lesson 1,2

8;7. Friendship with Jehovah involves communication

Communication strengthens bonds of friendship. Read Psalm 86:6, 11, and then discuss these questions:

How can we communicate with Jehovah?

How does Jehovah communicate with us?

Collage: 1. A woman prays. An arrow over her head points up. 2. A woman reads the Bible. An arrow over her head points down.

We speak to Jehovah through prayer; he speaks to us through the Bible

SOME PEOPLE SAY: “It’s impossible to be close to God.”

What scripture would you use to show that we can be Jehovah’s friend?

SUMMARY

Jehovah wants to be your Friend, and he will help you draw close to him.
Review

How does Jehovah help his friends?

Why does Jehovah instruct his friends to make changes?

Do you think Jehovah expects too much of his friends? Why, or why not?

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He is directing the global invitation to his kingdom, deliverance thru the tribulation, to whom it may concern;
This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth and then the end will come. Mt28:19

[link to en.wikipedia.org (secure)]

EXPLORE

How can friendship with God affect your life?

“Jehovah—A God Worth Knowing” (The Watchtower, February 15, 2003)

Learn how to cultivate a friendship with God.

“How Can I Become God’s Friend?” (Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work, Volume 2, chapter 35)

Find out why one woman feels that her friendship with Jehovah saved her.

“I Did Not Want to Die!” (The Watchtower No. 1 2017)

Listen to teenagers express their feelings about Jehovah.

What Does It Mean to Be God’s Friend? (1:46)
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One of Jehovah’s Witnesses using the brochure “Enjoy Life Forever!” to study the Bible with a man.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Is the Bible Study Course Offered by Jehovah’s Witnesses?

With the free interactive program offered by Jehovah’s Witnesses, you can use any translation of the Bible. Feel free to invite your entire family or any friends to join you.

LESSON 9
Draw Close to God Through Prayer

Do you ever feel that you need guidance in life? Do you have important questions that you want answered? Do you need comfort or reassurance? Would you like to feel closer to Jehovah? Prayer can help you fill all of those needs. But what is the right way to pray? Does God listen to all prayers? What can you do to make sure that he will hear your prayers? Let us see.

9;1 To whom should we pray, and what can we pray about?

Jesus taught that we should pray only to our heavenly Father. Jesus himself prayed to Jehovah. He said: “You must pray, then, this way: ‘Our Father in the heavens . . .’” (Matthew 6:9) When we pray to Jehovah, we strengthen our friendship with him.

We can pray about practically any matter. Of course, for God to answer our prayers, they must be in harmony with his will. “No matter what we ask according to [God’s] will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14) Jesus gave examples of appropriate things to pray for. (Read Matthew 6:9-13.) In addition to praying about our personal concerns, we must not forget to thank God for what he has done for us and ask him to help others.

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9;2
2. How should we pray?

The Bible encourages us to “pour out [our] hearts before [God].” (Psalm 62:8) So our prayers should be sincere and heartfelt. We can pray aloud or silently and in any respectful body position. We can pray at any time and in any location..

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9;3. How does God answer our prayers?

He does so in a variety of ways. Jehovah has provided his Word, the Bible, where we often find answers to our questions. Reading God’s Word can “[make] the inexperienced one wise.” (Psalm 19:7; read James 1:5.) He can give us peace of mind when we face challenges. And he can move his worshippers to help us when we really need it.

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DIG DEEPER

Examine how you can offer heartfelt prayers that are pleasing to God, and find out how prayer can benefit you.
4. God has requirements for prayer

What factors determine if our prayers are acceptable to God or not? Play the VIDEO.

VIDEO: Does God Listen to All Prayers?—Excerpt (2:42)

Jehovah wants us to pray to him. Read Psalm 65:2, and then discuss these questions:

Do you think the “Hearer of prayer” wants you to pray to him? Why, or why not?

We must try to live according to God’s standards if we want him to hear our prayers. Read Micah 3:4 and 1 Peter 3:12, and then discuss this question:

How can we make sure that Jehovah will listen to our prayers?

9;5. Our prayers should come from the heart

Some people have been taught to repeat certain prayers word for word. But is that how God wants us to pray to him? Read Matthew 6:7, and then discuss this question:

How can you avoid saying “the same things over and over again” in your prayers?

Each day, you might think of one specific blessing in your life and then thank Jehovah for that blessing. Do this every day for a week, and you will have prayed about seven different topics without repeating yourself.

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9;6. Prayer is a gift from God

How can prayer give us strength, both in good times and in bad? Play the VIDEO.

VIDEO: Prayer Helps Us to Cope (1:32)

The Bible promises that prayer can help us to find real peace of mind. Read Philippians 4:6, 7, and then discuss these questions:

Although prayer does not always make our problems go away, how does it help?

What are some things you would like to pray about?

9;6
6. Prayer is a gift from God

How can prayer give us strength, both in good times and in bad? Play the VIDEO.

VIDEO: Prayer Helps Us to Cope (1:32)

The Bible promises that prayer can help us to find real peace of mind. Read Philippians 4:6, 7, and then discuss these questions:

Although prayer does not always make our problems go away, how does it help?

What are some things you would like to pray about?

7. Make time for prayer

Sometimes we may get so busy that we forget to pray. How important to Jesus was prayer? Read Matthew 14:23 and Mark 1:35, and then discuss these questions:

What did Jesus do to make time for prayer?

When could you find time to pray?

SOME PEOPLE SAY: “Prayer is just a mental crutch.”

What would you say?

SUMMARY

Sincere prayers draw us closer to God, give us peace of mind, and give us the strength we need to please Jehovah.
Review

To whom should we pray?

How should we pray?

What are some benefits of prayer?

EXPLORE

Find the answers to commonly asked questions about prayer.

“Seven Things You Need to Know About Prayer” (The Watchtower, October 1, 2010)

Learn about important reasons to pray and how to improve the quality of your prayers.

“Why Should I Pray?” (Web article)

Consider what the Bible teaches about whom we should pray to.

“Should I Pray to Saints?” (Web article)

In this music video, note whether it matters where or when we pray.

Pray Anytime (1:22)

LESSON 10
Have you been invited to a meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses? If you have not yet attended, you may feel a little nervous about attending for the first time. You may wonder: ‘What happens at these meetings? Why are they important? Why should I attend?’ In this lesson, you will learn how meeting with others can draw you closer to God and help you personally.
1. What is the most important reason for meeting together?

Note how a Bible writer expressed the most important reason for meeting with others: “In the great congregation, I will praise Jehovah.” (Psalm 26:12) Likewise, Jehovah’s Witnesses find great joy in meeting together. Around the world, they meet each week to praise God, to sing, and to pray. A few times each year, they also attend larger gatherings for worship.

10;3
48:17, 18.
3. How can you benefit from associating with others at our meetings?

Jehovah directs us to “consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking our meeting together.” (Hebrews 10:24, 25) At our meetings, you will meet people who truly care about one another and who, like you, are interested in learning more about God. You will hear them share encouraging thoughts from the Bible. (Read Romans 1:11, 12.) You will also be able to talk to others who are dealing successfully with the problems that single and married people face. These are just some reasons why Jehovah wants us to meet together regularly!

How did the early Christians worship Jehovah?

Today, the Witnesses also regularly meet together at their places of worship. To see what their meetings are like, play the VIDEO. Then, look at the picture of a congregation meeting, and discuss the questions that follow.

VIDEO: What Happens at a Kingdom Hall? (2:12)

What similarities did you notice between what happens at a Kingdom Hall and what you read at Colossians 3:16?

In the video or in the picture, did you notice anything else about the meetings that appeals to you?

Read 2 Corinthians 9:7, and then discuss this question:

Why are meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses free of charge?

Along with your teacher, look at what will be discussed at one of this week’s meetings.

What part of the meeting sounds most interesting or useful to you?

Our meetings include talks, demonstrations, and videos. Meetings begin and end with song and prayer

During some parts of the program, the audience is invited to comment

Everyone is welcome—families, single ones, the elderly, and children

Our meetings are free. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not charge admission or pass a collection plate

5. Effort is required to attend meetings

Consider the example of Jesus’ family. To attend a yearly event, they had to walk some 60 miles (100 km) through mountainous terrain from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Read Luke 2:39-42, and then discuss these questions:

Do you think that this journey to Jerusalem took effort?

Why might you have to put forth effort to attend meetings?

Do you think it is worth it? Why?

Collage: Joseph, Mary, Jesus, and one of Jesus’ siblings preparing for a journey. 1. Joseph loads bags onto a donkey, and Mary prepares food items. 2. A map shows the route from Nazareth to Jerusalem.

The Bible says that meeting together for worship is very important. Read Hebrews 10:24, 25, and then discuss this question:

Why should we attend meetings regularly?

SOME PEOPLE SAY: “You don’t need to meet with others. It’s enough to study the Bible at home.”

What scripture or Bible example reveals what Jehovah wants?

SUMMARY

Attending meetings will help you to learn more about Jehovah, to deepen your friendship with him, and to worship him with others.
Review

Why does Jehovah encourage us to meet together?

What will you learn at the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

How else do you think you could benefit from attending the meetings?

EXPLORE

What if you are nervous about attending a meeting? See how a man who felt that way came to love the meetings.

We Will Never Forget the Greeting (4:16)

See how a young man enjoyed the meetings and what he did to keep attending.

I Liked the Meetings So Much! (4:33)

Learn how others feel about attending meetings.

“Why Attend Meetings at the Kingdom Hall?” (Web article)

Find out how a violent gang member’s life changed after attending a meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“I Never Went Anywhere Without My Gun” (The Watchtower, July 1, 2014)

LESSON 11
How You Can Get the Most Out of the Bible


Have you ever felt overwhelmed at the thought of starting a big project? To make it seem less challenging, you might have broken it up into smaller, easier tasks. The same is true when it comes to reading the Bible. You may ask, ‘Where do I start?’ In this lesson, we will consider some simple things you can do that will help you enjoy reading and studying the Bible.
1. Why should we read the Bible regularly?

A person who regularly reads the Bible, or “the law of Jehovah,” will be both happy and successful. (Read Psalm 1:1-3.) To start with, try reading for just a few minutes each day. The more you get familiar with God’s Word, the more you will enjoy your Bible reading.

11:2. What will help you to benefit from reading the Bible?

To benefit the most from reading the Bible, we need to pause and think about what we are reading. We should both read it and “meditate on it.” (Joshua 1:8, footnote) As you read, ask yourself questions such as: ‘What does this tell me about Jehovah God? How can I apply this in my life? How can I use these verses to help others?’

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11;3. How can you make time to read the Bible?

Do you struggle to find time for Bible reading? Many of us do. Try to make “the best use of your time.” (Ephesians 5:16) You can do this by setting aside a specific time to read the Bible each day. Some people make time to read the Bible early in the morning. Others choose a time later in the day, perhaps during their lunch break. Still others read the Bible in the evening before going to bed. What would be the best time for you?
DIG DEEPER

Learn how to make your Bible reading more interesting. See how to prepare well so that you get the most out of your Bible study.
Collage: A boy learning to like a certain type of food over a period of time. 1. The boy plays with the food. 2. Later in life, the boy eats the food. 3. Slightly older, the boy enjoys eating the food.

Just as we can learn to like eating different foods, we can learn to enjoy reading the Bible

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11;4. Learn to enjoy Bible reading

It may not be easy to begin reading the Bible. However, we can “form a longing” to do so, just as someone can develop a taste for a new food. Read 1 Peter 2:2, and then discuss this question:

Do you think that if you read the Bible every day, it could become something you would enjoy and look forward to doing?

Play the VIDEO to see how some people started to enjoy reading the Bible. Then discuss the questions that follow.

VIDEO: Youths Learning to Love God’s Word (5:33)

In the video, what challenges did the young people overcome?

What helped them stick to their goal of Bible reading?

How did they make their Bible reading more interestin

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Tips to help you get started:

Choose a reliable, modern-language translation. Try the New World Translation if it is available in your language.

First read portions that appeal to you the most. For ideas, see the chart “Get Started Reading the Bible.”

Keep track of what you read. Use the “Track Your Bible Reading” chart in this publication.

Use the J Library® app. With it, you can read and listen to the Bible anywhere, using a smartphone or other such device.

Use the appendixes in the New World Translation. They include maps, charts, and a glossary that can make your reading more interesting.

11;5. Prepare for your Bible study

Read Psalm 119:34, and then discuss this question:

Why is it good to pray before reading the Bible or preparing for your Bible study?

How can you get the most out of each study session? As you prepare a lesson in this course, try the following method:

Read the opening paragraphs of the lesson.

Look up and read the scriptures, and try to understand how they relate to the material.

Highlight key words or phrases that answer each question; this will help you to discuss the lesson with your teacher.

Collage: A woman preparing for her Bible study session. A. She reads the first page of the lesson. B. She reads the cited scriptures from the Bible. C. She highlights key words and phrases in the lesson.
Did you know?

Jehovah’s Witnesses have used several different Bible translations. However, we especially appreciate the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures because it is accurate, it is clear, and it uses God’s name.—See the Web article “Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Have Their Own Bible?”

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SOME PEOPLE SAY: “Studying the Bible is too much work. I don’t have the time or the energy.”

What do you think?

SUMMARY

To get the most out of the Bible, schedule time to read it, pray to understand what you read, and prepare for your Bible study sessions.
Review

What will help you to get the most out of the Bible?

When can you set aside time to read and study the Bible?

Why is it worthwhile to prepare for your Bible study sessions?

LESSON 12
What Will Help You to Keep Studying the Bible?
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Studying the Bible is a rewarding journey. However, it may not always be an easy one. At times, you may wonder if you will be able to keep studying the Bible. Why is it worth making an effort to continue? What can help you to persevere despite difficulties?
1. Why is Bible study valuable?

“The word of God is alive and exerts power.” (Hebrews 4:12) The Bible is valuable because it reveals God’s thoughts and his feelings toward you. It helps you to gain not only knowledge but also true wisdom and hope. Most important, the Bible helps you to become Jehovah’s friend. When you study the Bible, you allow its power to have a positive effect on your life.