February

Conduct Bible Studies in the Live Forever Book

¹ Referring to the Live Forever book, one woman exclaimed: “Next to the Bible itself, I have found this book to be the most accurate, inspiring, and motivating piece of literature I have ever read!” All of us agree that this book is one of the finest ever published to help people understand the Bible and especially to motivate them to become active praisers of Jehovah.

² In 1982, the year the Live Forever book was released, 613,007 publishers were conducting 344,493 Bible studies in the United States. At present, 904,963 publishers conduct 585,441 Bible studies. To date, 62 million copies of the Live Forever book have been printed in 115 languages. What an impact this book is having on our worldwide work!

³ Set Goals: This outstanding growth is the result of Jehovah’s blessing and his people’s eagerness to assist sincere ones with the Bible’s lifesaving message. (Rom. 10:13-15; 1 Tim. 2:4) We recognize the urgency of the times and the need for diligence in proclaiming God’s Kingdom.

⁴ While the organization is moving forward, how are we doing individually? Are we determined to have a full share in the vital disciple-​making work? To accomplish this, we should set personal goals. Can we be more diligent in following up interest? Why not set a goal of starting a new Bible study during the month of February?

⁵ Who Can Conduct a Bible Study?: Many publishers from a variety of backgrounds have had the joy of conducting a Bible study in the Live Forever book. The simplicity of its style makes conducting easier, enabling even newer publishers to have a share in this important work. In addition, many of us have studied it personally, so we are familiar with its contents. One publisher who had conducted no Bible studies before using the Live Forever book wrote in appreciation: “I have three studies and a fourth one ready to start. I cannot say thank you enough for making Bible studies easy to conduct.”

⁶ Young ones, too, are having an active share in the Bible study work by using the Live Forever book. One young brother leaves the book on his desk at school. This has paved the way for good discussions and several Bible studies. Some youngsters have used the direct approach by asking parents they meet in the door-​to-​door ministry for permission to have a Bible study with their children. Our children are never too young to talk about Jehovah’s promise of eternal life on a paradise earth.

⁷ Whether young or old, one of the greatest joys anyone can have in the ministry is that of conducting a home Bible study. So let each of us pray for Jehovah’s help and seize every opportunity to declare our hope publicly. Use the Live Forever book to help others to learn how they can have a share in praising our God, Jehovah.​—Ps. 148:12, 13.

Cooperating With Our Congregation Book Study Conductor

¹ The Congregation Book Study plays a vital role in the development of our abilities as ministers of the good news. The groups are purposely kept small to encourage a warm, familylike atmosphere for study of the Bible and one of the Society’s publications. These smaller units also provide ideal conditions for training us to be more effective in the field ministry. Personal encouragement and attention are readily available to individuals through the book study arrangement. How can we cooperate fully with the conductor and benefit from this fine provision?

² A Zealous Share in the Field Ministry: One of the most important responsibilities of the book study conductor is to help every member of the group to have a zealous share in the ministry. In this regard, the Our Ministry book reminds us on page 44 that “the regularity, zeal and enthusiasm that he shows for the field activity will be reflected in the publishers.” At times the conductor will work in the service with members of his own family, but he will also be happy to accompany others in various features of the ministry as his circumstances permit. Can you regularly support meetings for field service? Your doing so will be very much appreciated by your book study conductor and other publishers.

³ Meetings for field service are arranged at convenient locations so that all may have a zealous share in the preaching work. While giving consideration to local conditions, each group will want to get an early start in the ministry. Many publishers and pioneers have fine success when they continue in the ministry past the noon hour on the weekend.

⁴ Would you like to have assistance in some feature of the ministry? Perhaps your book study conductor can arrange for a capable publisher in the group to work with you. At the end of the month, be sure to turn in your field service report promptly. Both the book study conductor and the secretary will appreciate your cooperation in this important area as well.​—Compare Luke 16:10.

⁵ When the Service Overseer Visits the Group: The service overseer usually visits one book study group each month in order to encourage greater and more meaningful activity in the field ministry. Pay close attention to the 15-​minute talk he delivers at the conclusion of the book study, as it will provide specific counsel that will help the group to improve in various features of the preaching work. The service overseer is also eager to work with different members of the book study on the weekend. Be sure to take advantage of this special provision so that you can benefit from his experience and ability in the field.

⁶ Our personal example of cooperation and our willingness to assist less experienced ones will help create a warm, friendly atmosphere at the Congregation Book Study as we “work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.”​—Gal. 6:10.

Service Meetings for February

Week Starting February 1

Song 171

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Feature magazine presentation based on current issues.

20 min: “Cooperating With Our Congregation Book Study Conductor.” Questions and answers.

15 min: “Simple and Effective Presentations.” Discuss with audience. When considering paragraph 3, have a demonstration showing how a publisher interests a householder in the Live Forever book. Householder should show obvious interest. When discussing paragraph 5, demonstrate how publisher uses a tract to continue the discussion where householder is only mildly interested.

Song 215 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting February 8

Song 126

10 min: Local announcements. Discuss talking points from the current magazines. Encourage all to share in field service this weekend.

20 min: “Conduct Bible Studies in the Live Forever Book.” Question-​and-​answer discussion. After consideration of paragraph 6, demonstrate how a young person could offer and start a Bible study using the Live Forever book. Relate any local experiences of young ones who have been able to start studies.

15 min: “Not Peddlers of God’s Word.” Talk by presiding overseer or other elder based on pages 26-9 of December 1, 1992, Watchtower. Warmly commend brothers for their share in supporting the Society’s worldwide work as well as the local congregation. Mention may also be made of what the congregation is doing in support of the Society Kingdom Hall Fund and any local building projects that may be under way at present.

Song 53 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting February 15

Song 143

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Relate Society’s expressions of appreciation for donations sent, and commend congregation for loyal support of local congregation needs. Encourage participation in weekend field activity, and outline any special field service arrangements for the holiday on February 22.

20 min: “Teaching . . . the Things I Have Commanded You.” Question-​and-​answer consideration with audience. When discussing paragraphs 4 and 5, give other examples of texts and publications that fit local circumstances. Have a well-​prepared demonstration showing how a transition can be made from your introductory discussion to one of the tracts. Consider one or two paragraphs of the tract as time permits. Encourage all to persevere in trying to start new Bible studies.

15 min: “Blood,” Reasoning book, pages 72-4. Use a return visit setting where householder asks the questions that appear in material in boldfaced type. Publisher’s responses should be based on Reasoning book comments.

Song 181 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting February 22

Song 150

10 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News.

20 min: “Showing Appreciation for the Ransom.” Talk by elder.

15 min: Local needs or positive talk based on the information in October 1, 1992, Watchtower article “Learn Obedience by Accepting Discipline.” Show how all of Jehovah’s servants​—both young and old—​receive discipline, and discuss benefits that come from viewing obedience positively.

Song 211 and concluding prayer.

Showing Appreciation for the Ransom

¹ The desire to show appreciation for a friend or a relative who has died is common to all cultures. This desire can be especially strong when the loved one died in the course of saving the lives of others. All who share the hope of everlasting life have the greatest reasons to show appreciation for the ransom by attending the Memorial of Christ’s death on April 6.​—2 Cor. 5:14; 1 John 2:2.

² Appreciate Jehovah’s Love: How fitting it is that we show our deepest appreciation for our greatest Benefactor, Jehovah God, who provided the ransom! (1 John 4:9, 10) The depth of Jehovah’s love is manifest in the unique gift he supplied as our ransom, not just one of the millions of righteous angels, but his only-​begotten, most beloved Son. (Prov. 8:22, 30) This Son who knows Jehovah best, Jesus Christ, reminded us: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-​begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.”​—John 3:16.

³ Appreciate Jesus Christ’s Love: Likewise, it is fitting that we show deep appreciation for Jesus Christ, who gave his soul as a ransom for many. (Matt. 20:28) His love is manifest in his willingly submitting to Jehovah’s will for him in connection with the ransom. Consider how he gave up his favorable circumstances in association with his Father and myriads of righteous angels in order to be our ransom. Neither the challenge of living among and being subject to sinful humans nor the knowledge that providing the ransom called for his death deterred him. Rather, he “took a slave’s form and came to be in the likeness of men. More than that, . . . he humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake.”​—Phil. 2:5-8.

⁴ How Do We Show Appreciation for the Ransom?: Our appreciation for the ransom must go beyond a mere thank-​you. We need to learn about God’s provision for salvation through Jesus Christ. (John 17:3) Then we must exercise faith in the ransom. (Acts 3:19) In turn, we must be motivated to give ourselves to Jehovah God in dedication and be baptized. (Matt. 16:24) As we live up to our dedication, we should buy out every opportunity to tell others about the wonderful ransom provision for salvation.​—Rom. 10:10.

⁵ It is not beyond the capability of any one of us to meet these requirements. Micah 6:8 assures us: “And what is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?” Similarly, David said to Jehovah: “Everything is from you, and out of your own hand we have given to you.”​—1 Chron. 29:14.

⁶ To deepen our appreciation for Jehovah’s marvelous provision, why not read and discuss chapters 112 to 126 in the Greatest Man book as a family before the Memorial date? In this way, all of us can prepare ourselves mentally to show appreciation for the ransom at the Memorial celebration that will be held on April 6, 1993.

Announcements

◼ Literature featured for February: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. March: Revelation​—Its Grand Climax At Hand! April and May: Watchtower subscription. NOTE: Congregations that will need the above-​mentioned campaign items should request them on their next monthly Literature Request Form (S(d)-14).

◼ The secretary and the service overseer should review the activity of all regular pioneers. If any are having difficulty meeting the requirement of hours, elders should arrange for assistance to be given. For suggestions, review Society’s letters (S-201) of October 1, 1992, and October 1, 1991. Also, see paragraphs 12-20 of the August 1986 Our Kingdom Ministry insert.

◼ On Saturday, May 8, 1993, the Brooklyn Bethel Home and factory, as well as Watchtower Farms buildings, will be closed for spring cleaning, so there will be no arrangements for tours or for congregations to pick up literature on that day.

◼ The Memorial celebration will be held Tuesday, April 6, 1993. Although the talk may start earlier, please remember that the passing of the Memorial bread and wine should not begin until after sundown. Check with local sources to determine when sundown occurs in your area. No meetings other than for field service are to be held on that date. If your congregation normally has meetings on Tuesday, you may want to switch those to another time of the week if the Kingdom Hall is available. If your Service Meeting is affected, it may be possible to incorporate into another Service Meeting any parts scheduled for that week that are particularly applicable to your congregation. Congregations having the visit of the circuit overseer should reschedule the meetings normally held on Tuesday evening.

◼ Publishers who wish to serve as auxiliary pioneers in March and April should make their plans now and turn in their application early. This will help the elders to make necessary field service arrangements and have sufficient literature on hand.

◼ All resident aliens in the United States who were issued green cards prior to 1978 must apply for and obtain a new card. The new card will have the photograph, fingerprint, and signature of the individual. Filing early is suggested. Application forms can be obtained by calling 1-800-755-0777 or the local INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) office. Compliance with this legal requirement will prevent certain employment and travel problems and is in harmony with Romans chapter 13.

◼ New Publications Available:

Amharic: United in Worship of the Only True God. Arabic: Revelation​—Its Grand Climax At Hand!; Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Armenian: Why You Can Trust the Bible (Tract No. 13); Life in a Peaceful New World (Tract No. 15). Chinese (Simplified): My Book of Bible Stories; Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). French: Sing Praises to Jehovah​—Large Print (Lyrics only). German: A Peaceful New World​—Will It Come? (Tract No. 17; for Jews); Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Italian: A Peaceful New World​—Will It Come? (Tract No. 17; for Jews). Korean: Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Kuna: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Large size). Macedonian: Why You Can Trust the Bible (Tract No. 13); Life in a Peaceful New World (Tract No. 15); What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? (Tract No. 16). Maltese: Why You Can Trust the Bible (Tract No. 13); What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe? (Tract No. 14); Life in a Peaceful New World (Tract No. 15); What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? (Tract No. 16). Norwegian: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Polish: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20). Portuguese: Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Russian: Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Life​—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? (Small size). Samoan: Does God Really Care About Us? Swahili: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Swedish: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Thai: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Enjoy Family Life (Tract No. 21); Who Really Rules the World? (Tract No. 22). Turkish: The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s?

◼ New Audiocassettes Available:

Spanish: The First of Kings (set of three audiocassettes).

◼ New Videocassettes Available:

French: Jehovah’s Witnesses​—The Organization Behind the Name. German: Jehovah’s Witnesses​—The Organization Behind the Name. Greek: Jehovah’s Witnesses​—The Organization Behind the Name. Korean: Jehovah’s Witnesses​—The Organization Behind the Name. Portuguese: Jehovah’s Witnesses​—The Organization Behind the Name.

Theocratic News

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Some relief shipments have been received from the brothers in Austria and Croatia. A number of the publishers, however, have fled this war-​torn area.

Fiji: Special assembly day programs were attended by 3,890, which is more than double the 1,404 publishers reporting in September.

Japan: The new publisher peak for September was 172,512.

Niger: The brothers were happy to start the new service year with new peaks of 169 publishers and 3,252 return visits.

Réunion: The new peak of 2,113 publishers in September also reported new peaks in return visits and Bible studies.

Swaziland: A new peak of 1,543 publishers was reached in September, and congregation publishers averaged 13.8 hours in the field service.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived.

February 1: Chapter 43

February 8: Chapters 44-47

February 15: Chapters 48-51

February 22: Chapters 52-54

November Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Number of: Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’l Pios. 191 124.4 58.5 50.5 5.2

Pios. 73,230 77.5 25.3 23.8 2.6

Aux.Pios. 27,962 57.4 19.6 15.5 1.5

Pubs. 771,660 9.7 4.9 3.7 0.5

TOTAL 873,043 Baptized: 3,236

The new peak of 73,230 regular pioneers is the third consecutive peak in regular pioneers for the new service year.

Simple and Effective Presentations

¹ Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God in a simple and straightforward manner. He knew that sheeplike ones would react favorably when they heard the truth. He also knew that people differ in their thinking, interests, and reasoning ability. Accordingly, he used a variety of uncomplicated introductions, questions, and illustrations in order to capture the attention of his listeners and to touch their hearts. We can imitate his example and make good use of simple and effective presentations.

² Use the Reasoning Book Effectively: The first introduction under the heading “Employment/​Housing” on page 11 of the Reasoning book is timely and easy to present.

You might say:

◼ “We’ve been talking with your neighbors about what can be done to assure that there will be employment and housing for everyone. Do you believe that it is reasonable to expect that human governments will accomplish this? . . . But there is someone who knows how to solve these problems; that is mankind’s Creator.” Read Isaiah 65:21-23. Then you could ask the householder how that sounds to him.

³ The introduction under the heading “Injustice/​Suffering” on page 12 will appeal to many today.

You could ask:

◼ “Have you ever wondered: Does God really care about the injustice and suffering that humans experience?” Allow householder to answer and then read Ecclesiastes 4:1 and Psalm 72:12-14. If it is appropriate to feature the Live Forever book, turn to the pictures on pages 150-3 and briefly show how world conditions today are a fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Then turn to pages 161-2 to show what God has further foretold for man’s blessing. Ask the householder which aspect appeals to him most.

⁴ After a brief discussion with the householder, you may decide that it will be more appropriate to direct his attention to an article in one of the magazines, to a brochure, or to a tract than to the Live Forever book.

For example, after using the introduction in paragraph 2 of this article, you might say:

◼ “This brochure, Does God Really Care About Us?, clearly explains what God has promised to do to care for our daily needs and shows how we can benefit.” Turn to pages 26 and 27 of the brochure, and call attention to paragraph 21.

⁵ Or after using the introduction in paragraph 3, the tract Will This World Survive? could be highlighted.

You might say:

◼ “There is so much misery and trouble in the world today. This tract shows that war, food shortages, and health problems were all prophesied in the Bible. But God has also promised to bring about a marvelous change for mankind.” Read the last paragraph on page 5 of the tract.

⁶ Our sincere interest in people, coupled with a simple and effective presentation that touches the heart, will surely appeal to sheeplike ones.​—John 10:16.

“Teaching . . . the Things I Have Commanded You”

¹ Making disciples involves teaching. Before an individual can become a disciple of Christ, he must be taught “to observe all the things” Jesus commanded. (Matt. 28:19, 20) The best way to accomplish this is through a home Bible study.

² Bible studies are not always easy to start. If you are having difficulty in finding a Bible study, do not be discouraged. Success in starting Bible studies requires determination and a sincere desire to impart the truth to others.​—Gal. 6:9.

³ Developing Interest: Your initial discussion may produce only limited interest. Depending on the circumstances, a tract, a brochure, or the magazines may be left with the householder. You may be able to use one of these to start a home Bible study. If the householder shows further interest in the message, he may be directed to another appropriate publication on a later visit.

⁴ Preparation is the key to success. Why not select ahead of time a Scripture text that is quoted in the tract, brochure, or magazine you plan to use on your return visit? In that way you will be able to link comments from the publication with your discussion. You may even be able to read one or two paragraphs directly from the publication.

⁵ You might say this:

◼ “We have been sharing some information about a remarkable prophecy that is undergoing fulfillment right now.” Read Matthew 24:3, then tie in the picture and the comments on page 24 of the “Look!” brochure. A similar approach may be used when presenting the tract Will This World Survive?

⁶ Once genuine interest has been discerned, it should be followed up promptly. Try to return within a week so that the last conversation will still be fresh in the householder’s mind. Each time you call, consider a few paragraphs from the publication that you left. Then, at an appropriate time, you can introduce the Live Forever book, continuing the same procedure.

⁷ Today there is still much work to do in the great harvest foretold by Jesus. (Matt. 9:37, 38) As we continue to teach honesthearted ones, we have Jesus’ strengthening assurance that he is ‘with us all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.’