December

Speak About Jehovah Every Day

¹ People enjoy talking about whatever they hold dear to their heart, for out of the heart’s abundance the mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45b) What is close to our heart? The psalmist wrote: “Let my own tongue utter in an undertone your righteousness, all day long your praise.” (Ps. 35:28) He had deep appreciation for Jehovah and counted it a real privilege to speak about God and to praise him on every occasion. Being intimately acquainted with Jehovah, the psalmist had many good things to exult over. (Ps. 35:9) How can we imitate his fine example?

² Speak About Jehovah in Your Home: Jehovah should be a daily topic of conversation within the family circle. Parents who have a strong love for Jehovah will naturally speak of him in all their activities. (Deut. 6:5-7) As they do, the children will observe that their father and mother live by faith and cherish the law of God. The children will then view the family Bible study as a genuine expression of their parents’ godly devotion.​—2 Pet. 3:11.

³ Speak About Jehovah With Your Brothers: During our weekly theocratic routine, we have many opportunities to feed our minds and hearts on spiritual food. We are never lacking for good things to tell. (Luke 6:45a) Is there a point you gleaned from your personal study or weekly Bible reading that you especially enjoyed? Share it with your brothers, thereby helping them to increase their love for Jehovah.​—Ps. 35:18; Heb. 10:24.

⁴ Speak About Jehovah to Others: In our everyday dealings with people​—at work, in school, and with unbelieving family members—​it should be readily apparent that our focus in life is the bearing of witness about Jehovah. Rather than be tainted with crude and coarse expressions of the world, our speech should exalt God. Daily, at every opportunity, speak to others about the good news he has commissioned us to preach.​—Acts 5:42; Col. 4:6.

⁵ As true worshipers of Jehovah, may we daily seize occasions to speak about our incomparable God, Jehovah.​—Ps. 106:47.

You Are Missed!

¹ From time to time, we may miss one or more congregation meetings, feeling that ‘nobody will miss me; they won’t even notice I’m not there.’ That is not true! Like any member of our physical body, each of us plays a vital role in the functioning of the congregation. (1 Cor. 12:12) Our absence from a weekly meeting can affect the spiritual well-being of others who attend. If you are not there, be assured​—you are missed!

² The Vital Role You Play: Paul longed to associate with his brothers. Romans 1:11, 12 explains why: “That I may impart some spiritual gift to you . . . that there may be an interchange of encouragement among you, by each one through the other’s faith, both yours and mine.” Likewise, by our comments, our parts on the meeting, and our very presence, we do much to build one another up to continue in a faithful course.​—1 Thess. 5:11.

³ Do you not look forward to seeing others at congregation meetings? You listen closely to their comments and appreciate their expressions of faith. Their spiritual gifts contribute to your upbuilding. If they were not present at the meeting, you would feel that something important was missing. Your brothers and sisters feel the same way about you if you are not present.

⁴ The Vital Role Meetings Play: The Watchtower once commented on how vital the meetings are for our spiritual survival, saying: “In this strife-torn, immoral world, the Christian congregation is a real spiritual refuge . . . , a haven of peace and love. Therefore, be a regular attender at all of its meetings.” (w93 8/15 11) Each day, we are confronted by situations that drain us spiritually. If we are not careful, we could become so absorbed in our own anxieties that we might lose sight of the more important spiritual concerns. All of us are dependent on one another for the encouragement we need in order to remain united and zealous in God’s service.​—Heb. 10:24, 25.

⁵ Our attendance at meetings is vital. Illness or unforeseen occurrence may keep us away occasionally. Otherwise, let us be determined always to be counted among the congregated throngs who praise Jehovah together!​—Ps. 26:12.

Service Meetings for December

Week Starting December 1

Song 57

10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

15 min: “Speak About Jehovah Every Day.” Questions and answers. When covering paragraph 4, include comments from School Guidebook, study 16, paragraphs 14-16.

20 min: “The Bible​—God’s Guide for All People.” An elder discusses article along with reasons why everyone should be motivated to examine the Bible. (See brochure A Book for All People, pages 30, 32.) Briefly interview two publishers as to how they have prepared to use the suggested presentations in paragraphs 3-8. Demonstrate one of these for the initial call and corresponding return visit.

Song 165 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 8

Song 58

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report.

20 min: Why Report What Is Bad? Talk by an elder based on the August 15, 1997, Watchtower, pages 26-30.

15 min: “You Are Missed!” Audience discussion conducted by an elder. Mention meeting attendance averages for the congregation. Invite some to relate reasons why they are refreshed by being together at meetings.

Song 172 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 15

Song 63

10 min: Local announcements. Offer suggestions on how to respond tactfully to worldly holiday greetings. Outline special field service arrangements for December 25 and January 1.

10 min: Local needs.

25 min: “We Ought to Be Teachers, Not Just Preachers.” Questions and answers. When covering paragraph 11, read School Guidebook, study 15, paragraph 11.

Song 174 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 22

Song 138

8 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to bring January 1998 Our Kingdom Ministry insert with them to meeting next week.

17 min: “The Theocratic Ministry School for 1998.” A talk by the school overseer. Review ways that all can benefit more fully from the school during the coming year. Encourage keeping up with the new “Supplemental Bible-Reading Schedule” each week.

20 min: Preach the Good News Everywhere. Audience discussion of Our Ministry book, pages 92-7, using these questions: (1) Why is the use of our literature effective in spreading the good news? Why should we offer literature at every opportunity? Why is it important to mention the donation arrangement? (2) Why should we be conscious of doing informal witnessing? What are some ways to witness informally? (Invite some to relate experiences of witnessing informally.) (3) Why should the congregation strive for good coverage of its assigned territory? Where territory is plentiful, what is the advantage of having a personal territory? (4) How do we benefit from arrangements for group witnessing? How can we plan our witnessing activity to make sure that we make the best use of our time?

Song 222 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting December 29

Song 181

8 min: Local announcements. Remind all to turn in field service reports. If your congregation will change meeting times for the new year, give kind encouragement urging all to maintain regular attendance with the congregation at its new times.

12 min: Review Literature Offer for January. Show older books that the congregation has an ample supply of, and mention interesting talking points that will be helpful in preparing presentations. Include one demonstration. We should continue our efforts to start studies either in the Require brochure or in the Knowledge book.

25 min: Prepare to Attend 1998 District Convention. Secretary handles question-and-answer coverage of convention information in January 1998 Our Kingdom Ministry insert. First, read December 15, 1997, convention assignment letter. Then, after considering paragraph 5 of article, read opening and closing paragraphs of Recommended Lodging List. As noted in the article, emphasize the Scriptural principles for following the Society’s direction in rooming matters. Commend the brothers for cooperating with the Society’s arrangement.

Song 215 and concluding prayer.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule For Congregation Studies In The Book The Secret Of Family Happiness.

December 1: Pages 59*-63

December 8: Pages 64-71*

December 15: Pages 71*-75

December 22: Pages 76-82*

December 29: Pages 82*-89

* To Or From Subheading.

We Ought to Be Teachers, Not Just Preachers

¹ It has been observed that “Jehovah’s Witnesses have literally covered the earth with their witnessing.” How has this been possible? Not by human might or power, but by God’s spirit operating upon his servants as they make use of various provisions to fulfill their preaching and teaching commission.​—Zech. 4:6; Acts 1:8.

² The printed page is an effective means to accomplish our preaching work. Over the years, billions of books, booklets, brochures, magazines, and tracts have been printed and distributed by Jehovah’s Witnesses to help make known the Kingdom good news. Reports in the 1997 Yearbook show that production of literature has reached record levels. To date, over 91 million copies of the New World Translation have been printed. In one year the number of Watchtower and Awake! magazines printed in the United States rose by 7.1 percent. In Germany, magazine production rose by 35 percent. Over one third of the magazines produced there were for the Russian field.

³ Why is so much literature needed? Worldwide, there has been a tremendous response to the encouragement given for us to witness wherever people can be found. With more of us extending our witnessing work​—in public places, on the streets, and in business territory—​greater amounts of literature are being placed with people who show some interest. Many of these have rarely, if ever, had the opportunity to hear the Kingdom message previously. To meet this need, congregations keep on hand a variety of publications for use in all features of the ministry.

⁴ What Is Our Goal in Distributing Literature? Our goal is not just to place literature. The commission to make disciples involves two aspects​—preaching and teaching. First, we have the privilege of preaching the good news of the Kingdom, making people aware that it is the only hope for mankind. (Matt. 10:7; 24:14) Our Bible-based literature is a time-tested and effective means of stimulating interest and imparting knowledge about the Kingdom to others.

⁵ Second, if we are to make disciples, we must teach all the things Jesus commanded. (Matt. 11:1; 28:19, 20) Again, the literature plays an important role in our sounding the truth down into the hearts of students, helping them to become disciples.

⁶ Those who accept literature may be ‘hearers of the word,’ but it is unlikely that they will become doers of it if they are left on their own. (Jas. 1:22-25) Few will ever become disciples unless someone guides them. (Acts 8:30, 31) They need a teacher to help them prove to themselves the truth that is found in the Scriptures. (Acts 17:2, 3) Our goal is to help them progress to the point of dedication and baptism and to train them to become adequately qualified to teach others.​—2 Tim. 2:2.

⁷ The Greatest Need Is For More Teachers: When we preach, we declare the good news publicly. Teaching, however, involves instructing someone progressively. While preaching makes others aware of the Kingdom message, teaching helps individuals accept the good news and act on it. (Luke 8:15) A teacher does more than proclaim; he explains, reasons with good argumentation, offers proofs, and persuades.

⁸ As many of us as possible ought to be teachers, not just preachers. (Heb. 5:12a) Distributing literature is a vital part of our work, but achieving the second objective of our ministry ultimately depends upon what we do as teachers. Although we can be pleased when we are able to place literature, to accomplish our ministry fully, we should not view a placement as our final goal. (2 Tim. 4:5) Placements are an effective means of opening the door to opportunities to teach the truth to others.

⁹ Make Return Visits to Start Bible Studies: All of us have likely placed a number of books, brochures, and magazines, compiling a list of return visits. We should schedule a regular time to go back to stimulate interest. Our main purpose in returning is not just to place more literature but to encourage people to read and benefit from what they already have. How much spiritual progress would we ourselves have made had it not been that someone returned time and again to help us acquire accurate knowledge?​—John 17:3.

¹⁰ Follow up all interest with a view toward starting a Bible study either in the brochure What Does God Require of Us? or in the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. These two publications present the Kingdom message in a form that is easily understood. The Require brochure contains a well-rounded-out study course, covering the basic teachings of the Bible. The Knowledge book enables one to teach the truth in greater detail, yet with simplicity, clarity, and brevity.

¹¹ The simplified teaching program, as explained in the insert of the June 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry, makes it easy for the teacher to instruct and for the student to learn. Keep a copy of that insert readily available to review teaching methods and techniques that have proved effective. Some of the suggestions it gives involve how to take a genuine personal interest in the student, how much material to cover in one session, how to handle questions that do not pertain to the subject, how both teacher and student can prepare in advance for the study, and how to direct the student to Jehovah’s organization. By following the suggestions, more of us, including newer ones, will be able to conduct progressive studies.

¹² Reports of Good Success From the Field: The Require brochure and the Knowledge book have proved to be valuable aids in speeding up the process of making disciples. Upon receiving the Require brochure, a brother in Bolivia immediately used it to start a study with a man. Four months later at the district convention, this student was among the happy candidates for baptism!

¹³ Many are being moved to dedicate their lives to Jehovah after completing their study of the Knowledge book. In one congregation in Angola, the number of Bible studies conducted by the publishers increased from 190 to 260 and meeting attendance doubled in number from 180 to 360 in only four months after the Knowledge book began to be used in that area. Shortly thereafter, it was necessary to form another congregation.

¹⁴ After starting his first study in the Knowledge book, one brother said that conducting it is “simple if the conductor just asks the questions, reads some applicable scriptures, and makes sure that the student understands.” Although he always thought that only very qualified publishers could conduct progressive Bible studies and that he could never do it, he realized that he could, saying: “If I can, anyone can.”

¹⁵ It is by conducting Bible studies as a part of our ministry that we accomplish the objective of making disciples. Those who have developed the ability to share in this aspect of the ministry find it truly satisfying and richly rewarding. May it be said of us that we also are “preaching the kingdom of God . . . and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with the greatest freeness of speech.”​—Acts 28:31.

New Publications Available

◼ New Publications Available:

Apply Yourself to Reading and Writing​—Portuguese

Brochure No. 1 of Watchtower Study Articles​—Urdu

Is This Life All There Is?​—Arabic

Life​—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? (Small size)​—Serbian

The Secret of Family Happiness​—Hebrew

Watch Tower Publications Scripture Index 1991-1995​—Turkish

Watch Tower Publications Index 1991-1994​—Hungarian

What Does God Require of Us?​—Bengali, Marshallese, Myanmar

◼ New Audiocassettes Available:

Doing What Is Right in Jehovah’s Eyes (Drama, single cassette)​—Italian

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived (eight cassettes in an album)​—German, Korean

What Does God Require of Us? (single cassette)​—French, Korean

Why Respect Theocratic Arrangements? (Drama, single cassette)​—English

◼ New Compact Discs Available:

Kingdom Melodies, Volume 5

Kingdom Melodies, Volume 6

◼ New Videocassettes Available:

Jehovah’s Witnesses Stand Firm Against Nazi Assault​—Russian

Purple Triangles​—German

The Bible​—Mankind’s Oldest Modern Book—​Polish

The New World Society in Action​—Chinese (Cantonese), Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese

Theocratic Ministry School Review

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of September 1 to December 22, 1997. Use a separate sheet of paper to write down answers to as many of the questions as you can in the time allotted.

[Note: During the written review, only the Bible may be used to answer any question. References that follow the questions are for your personal research. Page and paragraph numbers may not appear on all references to The Watchtower.]

Answer each of the following statements True or False:

1. Although the record states that faithless King Jehoram ruled in the northern kingdom of Israel, we do not know who his parents were or how he died. [it-1 p. 1270 pars. 8, 12]

2. At Luke 22:30, “the twelve tribes of Israel” have the same significance as at Matthew 19:28, where the application broadens out beyond Jesus’ spirit-begotten underpriests to include all others of mankind. [Weekly Bible reading; see w87 3/1 p. 27 par. 10; p. 28 par. 12.]

3. The reason Jesus’ disciples expressed wonderment at his speaking with a Samaritan woman was that she had an immoral background. (John 4:27) [Weekly Bible reading; see w95 7/15 p. 15 pars. 1-2.]

4. The expression “from the beginning” at John 6:64 indicates that Jesus knew at the time Judas was chosen as an apostle that he would be the one to betray Him. [Weekly Bible reading; see it-2 p. 129 pars. 4-6.]

5. The Society’s charter of 1884 referred only to its being a publishing organization. [jv p. 576 par. 1]

6. Exodus 21:22, 23 helps us to appreciate that God views the unborn human child as a precious life. [kl p. 128 par. 21]

7. The “festival of the Jews” mentioned at John 5:1 refers to the Passover of 31 C.E. [si p. 194 par. 8]

8. Spreading the Kingdom message through radio and television broadcasts is as effective as any other methods we may use. [jv p. 572 par. 3]

9. Since Jehoiachin had fathered seven sons, the Scriptural decree, “Write down this man as childless,” must have been an error. (Jer. 22:30) [it-1 p. 1267 par. 10]

10. Whether civil authorities are viewed as just or unjust, true Christians should have their marriage properly registered with them. [kl p. 122 par. 11]

Answer the following questions:

11. In harmony with the example of first-century Ephesian Christians, what is one necessary step that must be taken to resist wicked spirits? (Acts 19:19) [kl p. 114 par. 14]

12. How did certain angels sin in Noah’s day? [kl p. 109 par. 4]

13. Why did Jesus refuse to get involved in an inheritance dispute? (Luke 12:13, 14) [Weekly Bible reading; see w97 4/1 p. 28.]

14. Of what were the disciples unaware when they asked Jesus if he was going to restore the Kingdom to Israel, as recorded at Acts 1:6? [Weekly Bible reading; see w90 6/1 p. 11 par. 4.]

15. Why was Adolf Hitler unable to carry out his threat to exterminate Jehovah’s people? [jv p. 553 pars. 2-4]

16. How did Jairus demonstrate that he had faith in Jesus’ ability to cure? (Mark 5:22-24) [it-1 p. 1250 par. 14]

17. Why does the New World Translation say “the Word was a god” and not “the Word was God,” as other translations do at John 1:1? [Weekly Bible reading; see rs p. 212 par. 5.]

18. According to the book of Revelation, where will “those practicing spiritism” end up if they do not repent and change their ways? [kl p. 111 par. 8]

19. Since Jesus was a perfect man and he acknowledged his role as Teacher, why did he not accept being called “Good Teacher”? (Luke 18:18, 19) [Weekly Bible reading; see w95 3/1 p. 15 par. 7.]

20. What was new about the commandment stated at John 13:34? [Weekly Bible reading; see w90 2/1 p. 21 pars. 5-6.]

Provide the word(s) or phrase needed to complete each of the following statements:

21. The example of ․․․․․․․․, the Gittite, who demonstrated loyalty to ․․․․․․․․, should move us to demonstrate this same quality toward those taking the lead in Jehovah’s organization today. (2 Sam. 15:21) [it-1 p. 1237 par. 17]

22. The “ten minas” represent ․․․․․․․․ that spirit-begotten disciples could make use of in producing more ․․․․․․․․ of the heavenly Kingdom. (Luke 19:13) [Weekly Bible reading; see w89 10/1 p. 8.]

23. Three false charges that the Jews made against Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, included subverting the ․․․․․․․․, forbidding the paying of ․․․․․․․․, and saying He Himself was ․․․․․․․․. (Luke 23:2) [Weekly Bible reading; see w90 12/1 p. 9 par. 1.]

24. True Christians do not celebrate Christmas or any other holiday based on false religious beliefs because they give Jehovah ․․․․․․․․; they also do not observe holidays that ․․․․․․․․ sinful humans or nations. [kl p. 126 par. 16]

25. The book of Acts was written by ․․․․․․․․ while he was in ․․․․․․․․. [si p. 199 par. 3]

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

26. By 1992, over (2,500; 4,500; 6,500) students from (40; 80; 110) countries had been trained at Gilead and had thereafter served in over (100; 150; 200) lands and island groups. [jv p. 524 par. 2]

27. In (1877; 1879; 1881), Charles T. Russell published the booklet The Object and Manner of Our Lord’s Return, and in (1877; 1879; 1881) he began publishing Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. [jv p. 557 par. 1]

28. Our living a godly life guarantees that (we will always be treated well by others; we will enjoy an abundance of material things now; we will have God’s smile of approval because we are doing what is right). [kl p. 118 par. 2]

29. When Jesus asked the apostle Peter, “Do you love me more than these?,” He was asking Peter if he loved Him more than (he loved these other disciples; these other disciples loved Jesus; he loved these things, such as the fish). (John 21:15) [Weekly Bible reading; see w88 11/1 p. 31 par. 9.]

30. For the most part, those who have taken the lead in spreading the good news have been (wealthy people; people looked up to by the world; common people). [jv p. 548 par. 3]

Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below:

2 Ki. 10:15, 16; Prov. 3:9, 10; Luke 9:60, 62; 13:4, 5; Rom. 9:10-12

31. Jesus argued against fatalistic reasoning, referring to a tragedy that was well-known to his listeners and that he evidently attributed to time and unforeseen occurrence. [Weekly Bible reading; see w96 9/1 p. 5 par. 5.]

32. Jehovah demonstrated his ability to detect the genetic bent of the unborn and to exercise his foreknowledge and right to select beforehand whom he chooses for his purposes. [it-1 p. 1242 par. 6]

33. Single-minded devotion is needed in order to enter the Kingdom. [si p. 192 par. 32]

34. Jehovah will bless us as we use our time, energy, and other resources, including our funds, to promote true worship. [kl p. 120 par. 8]

35. One must loyally support those taking the lead in Jehovah’s worship. [it-1 p. 1269 par. 8]

Announcements

◼ Literature offer for December: New World Translation with the book The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s? January: Any 192-page book published prior to 1985 that the congregation may have in stock. Congregations that do not have a supply of such books may offer You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. February: Revelation​—Its Grand Climax At Hand! March: Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. Concentrate on starting home Bible studies.

◼ Since the Gilead graduation will be held on Saturday, March 14, 1998, no tours will be conducted that day at the Society’s facilities at Brooklyn, Patterson, and Wallkill, New York. Any who have planned to visit on that Saturday should reschedule their visit to another convenient time.

◼ Congregations should begin requesting bound volumes of The Watchtower and Awake! for 1997 with their December literature request. The bound volumes will be available in Chinese, Croatian, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish. Until the bound volumes are available and shipments are made, these will appear as “Pending” on congregation packing lists. Bound volumes are special-request items.

◼ The presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit the congregation’s accounts on December 1 or as soon as possible thereafter. Make announcement to the congregation when this has been done.

◼ The Memorial for 1999 will be on Thursday, April 1, after sundown. This advance notice is given so that brothers may make necessary reservations or contracts for available halls when there are several congregations using the Kingdom Hall and other facilities must be found. The elders should have an agreement with the management ensuring that there will be no disturbances from other activities in the building so that the Memorial observance can proceed in a peaceful and orderly manner. Because of the importance of the occasion, in assigning a Memorial speaker, the body of elders should select one of the more qualified elders instead of simply taking turns or using the same brother each year.

September Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 163 122.1 98.2 52.3 4.2

Pios. 72,651 81.2 53.7 24.0 1.7

Aux.Pios. 24,459 59.2 39.8 14.6 0.9

Pubs. 828,401 9.4 7.5 3.4 0.3

TOTAL 925,674 Baptized: 2,180

The Theocratic Ministry School for 1998

To be schooled means to be “taught or drilled in a specific knowledge or skill.” Through the Theocratic Ministry School, we are constantly being trained in the knowledge of God. Also, our participation in this school allows us to develop our speaking and teaching skills. The school program for 1998 will afford us many opportunities to make further spiritual progress.

As you examine next year’s school schedule, you will note that occasionally Assignment No. 3 will be based on a Bible character as found in the Insight volumes. What is more, the Family Happiness book has been added to the curriculum for 1998, and Assignments No. 3 and No. 4 will cover it progressively. Whenever the Family Happiness book is the basis for Assignment No. 4, a brother should handle it as a talk to the congregation. And, as a reminder, no one on the school program should go overtime.

A New Feature: For our personal benefit, a “Supplemental Bible-Reading Schedule” is set forth in brackets right after the song number for each week. Although no parts on the weekly school program are based on it, make it your goal to follow it. This will enable you to get into the habit of reading the Bible daily if you are not already doing so.

For more information about assignments, counsel, and written reviews, please read carefully the instructions found in the “Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 1998,” as well as page 3 of the October 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry.

If you are not yet enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School, we invite you to enroll now. This unique school continues to play an important role in training humble and devoted servants of Jehovah to become better qualified as his ministers.​—1 Tim. 4:13-16.

The Bible​—God’s Guide for All People

¹ An estimated four billion Bibles have been printed in more than 2,100 languages and dialects, making God’s Word available to over 90 percent of earth’s population. Yet, there exists a famine in the world “for hearing the words of Jehovah.” (Amos 8:11) Many people who have a copy of the Bible either do not read it or do not understand its contents. How can we motivate them to use the Bible as a practical guide in their life?

² In December we will offer the book The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s? Where interest is found, we may also offer the Bible translation that has benefited us for the past 47 years​—the New World Translation. This can be done by illustrating its clear, modern speech. (See “All Scripture” book, page 328, paragraph 6.) We will demonstrate our keen appreciation for this gift from Jehovah by enthusiastically helping others to accept the Bible as God’s guide for all people.

³ You could introduce a presentation by using the tract “Why You Can Trust the Bible.” You might say:

◼ “Even though the Bible is available to over 90 percent of the world’s population, few people regularly read it. What do you think is the reason?” Read the first two paragraphs of the tract, along with 2 Timothy 3:16. Offer the God’s Word book. If the book is accepted, mention the donation arrangement. If refused, ask the householder to read the rest of the tract. Highlight the final subheading, “Foretelling the Future.”

⁴ When returning to people with whom you left the tract “Why You Can Trust the Bible,” you might try this:

◼ After reintroducing yourself, read the last two paragraphs of the tract. Ask the householder if he ever considered the possibility of living forever on earth. After he responds, say: “Jehovah’s Witnesses are certain that all the prophecies found in the Bible will be fulfilled, including the ones that predict a wonderful future for all people who meet God’s requirements.” Show the illustration on page 13 in the Require brochure, turn back to lesson 5, and offer to discuss the answers to the listed questions, thus starting a study.

⁵ In territory where people are religious, you might try this initial approach:

◼ “We are encouraging greater respect for the Bible. Many families have a Bible, but they seldom consult it when they are having serious problems. Have you noticed this? [Allow for response.] Perhaps they believe that the Bible is outdated. This book, The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s?, gives convincing proof that the Bible is scientifically accurate and that it provides practical solutions for today’s pressing problems.” Highlight a few points from chapter 8 or chapter 12 of the book, and then offer it.

⁶ When following up a placement of the “God’s Word” book, you could say:

◼ “When I visited you last, we discussed how the Bible helps solve today’s complex problems. Those who have accepted it as God’s Word have also been helped to live happier, more contented lives. I would like to show you one of the practical Bible principles that is explained in the book I left you.” Discuss one of the Scriptural principles found in chapter 12, paragraphs 3-6, and conclude by reading paragraph 7. If interest is shown, offer a study either in the Knowledge book or in the Require brochure.

⁷ The following presentation may interest older people:

◼ “There was a time when the Bible was read in most homes and when families lived by its principles. Was it so in your family? [Allow for response.] Today it seems that many are too distracted to devote time to Bible reading or they feel that its moral principles are old-fashioned. Chapter 13 of this book, The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s?, presents three true-life experiences of individuals whose lives changed for the better after studying the Bible. If you would like to read how the power of God’s Word helped them, I will be happy to leave this book with you.”

⁸ On the return visit, you could say:

◼ “When we last spoke, we agreed that the Bible’s moral principles are being ignored in today’s society. Should that disregard concern us? [Allow for response.] Jesus Christ placed a high value on taking in Bible knowledge.” Read John 17:3. Then share paragraph 5 of chapter 1 in the Knowledge book. Explain our free Bible study program, and offer to demonstrate it.

⁹ Pray that Jehovah will bless all your efforts to turn attention to the Bible​—God’s guide for all people.