Daily text, Friday, December 16. 2016

[Queen Esther]

The word of Jehovah kept growing and prevailing.—Acts 19:20.

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2016/12/16

Christianity flourished in the first century. To fare well spiritually, each Christian had to put forth personal effort. Diligent study of the Scriptures, regular attendance at meetings for worship, and zealous activity in the Kingdom-preaching work were essential. Such activities contributed to the spiritual health and unity of Jehovah’s people at that time, even as they do today. Those associated with the well-organized early congregations benefited greatly from the willing and helpful efforts of overseers and ministerial servants. (Phil. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:1-4) And what a delight it must have been when traveling elders, such as Paul, visited the congregations! (Acts 15:36, 40, 41) The similarities between our worship and that of the first-century Christians are remarkable. How grateful we are that Jehovah organized his servants then as well as now! w14 5/15 3:15, 16