October
God’s Prophetic Word Will All Come True!
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God’s Prophetic Word Will All Come True!
1 Jehovah’s Witnesses have always been interested in Bible prophecy. So we were thrilled to learn that the theme of this year’s district convention would be “God’s Prophetic Word.” We were eager to know what Jehovah had in store for us as “food at the proper time.” (Matt. 24:45) He did not disappoint us.
2 Convention Highlights: Friday’s keynote address, “Pay Attention to God’s Prophetic Word,” included an enlightening discussion of the transfiguration account. (Matt. 17:1-9) It stressed that right now we are on the threshold of the best of times because we are very, very deep into the time of the end, with the new system just ahead! An important way in which we need to pay attention to God’s Word is by reading it regularly. The symposium “Take Delight in Reading God’s Word” provided practical suggestions for making our Bible reading more profitable and enjoyable.
3 On Saturday afternoon we reviewed reasons why we should be convinced that we are living in the last days. Can you remember all of these? Sunday morning, Habakkuk’s prophecy came alive as we learned that our day closely resembles his day and that momentous events are soon to come when Jehovah destroys the wicked and saves the righteous. Did you get the point of the Bible drama about Jacob and Esau? We must actively pursue blessings from Jehovah, resisting the spirit of apathy and indifference.
4 An Intriguing New Book: How excited we were to receive the new book, Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy! No doubt you are already reading this engrossing publication. The speaker who released it stated: “Except for a few details, all the prophecies in the book of Daniel have been fulfilled.” Does that not underscore the urgency of our times?
5 The convention program has greatly strengthened our conviction that all of God’s promises that are yet unfulfilled will come true. We are stimulated to keep on declaring to others God’s prophetic word!
How to Get More Joy From Meetings
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How to Get More Joy From Meetings
1 Meetings are vital to our spiritual well-being. The joy that we derive from them is directly related to what we do before, during, and after meetings. How can we help ourselves and others to keep the joy in attending meetings at a high level?
2 Before Meetings: Preparation has a direct bearing on the enjoyment we get from meetings. When we are well prepared, we are more inclined to pay attention and to participate. Additionally, any meeting assignment that we receive should be prepared well, with the objectives of conveying the information accurately according to instructions and of holding the interest of the audience. We should rehearse thoroughly. When we contribute to lively and upbuilding meetings that benefit everyone, our personal progress becomes evident and we have greater joy.—1 Tim. 4:15, 16.
3 During Meetings: Commenting at meetings can help us enjoy them more. Parts that call for audience participation should be viewed as personal assignments for everyone in the congregation. Comments that are concise and to the point usually achieve the most good. Briefly relating upbuilding experiences can be very encouraging and invigorating, and we should be alert to include these whenever the program calls for them. (Prov. 15:23; Acts 15:3) When presenting a part on the meeting, we should speak with enthusiasm and conviction, making it interesting, realistic, and practical.
4 After Meetings: Sharing with others a kind word, a friendly greeting, and a few key points that were considered at meetings will benefit us all. Expressing our joy at seeing the young, the old, and the new ones participate deepens the love of the brotherhood. Instead of speaking negatively of some who may miss meetings, we should share with them our joy from attending, thereby encouraging them to attend.—Heb. 10:24, 25.
5 Let us not deprive ourselves of this essential provision for having an interchange of encouragement. (Rom. 1:11, 12) By conscientiously contributing every earnest effort, we can all maintain joy in attending Christian meetings.
Service Meetings for October
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Service Meetings for October
Week Starting October 4
10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.
17 min: “God’s Prophetic Word Will All Come True!” Limit introductory comments to less than a minute, and follow with a question-and-answer discussion. Point out a few details from the new book that highlight the significance of our times.
18 min: Be Magazine Conscious! State the total number of magazines placed by the congregation last month. How does this compare with the number received from the Society? If there is a large difference, what needs to be done? Invite the audience to comment on the following: (1) Each publisher should order an adequate but appropriate supply. (2) View every Saturday as Magazine Day. (3) Arrange your personal service schedule to include some magazine activity every month. (4) Plan to do more informal witnessing using magazines to start conversations. (5) Take specialized articles to business and professional people who are most likely to be interested in them. (6) Keep an accurate record of placements, and build up a magazine route, returning regularly with the latest issues. (7) Make good use of any older copies of the magazines so that none accumulate. Display the current magazines, and point out articles that are likely to stir interest. Have an adult and a youngster each demonstrate a brief magazine presentation.—See the September 1995 Our Kingdom Ministry insert.
Song 105 and concluding prayer.
Week Starting October 11
10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report.
15 min: Local needs.
20 min: “How to Get More Joy From Meetings.” Questions and answers. Cite specific examples of how we can show consideration and be encouraging to one another at the meetings. Invite audience to relate examples from their own experiences.
Song 152 and concluding prayer.
Week Starting October 18
10 min: Local announcements and field service experiences.
13 min: “Are You Moving?” An encouraging talk by the secretary. When publishers find it necessary to move to another congregation, it is important that they get well established in their new surroundings so as to avoid any spiritual setbacks. Stress the need to let the elders know about such plans and to request their assistance in contacting the new congregation.
22 min: “What Will You Say to a Jewish Person?” Questions and answers. Explain the differences between Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative Judaism. (See Mankind’s Search for God, pages 226-7.) Point out areas where we are likely to establish common ground with a Jewish person. Demonstrate a well-prepared presentation. For more information on Judaism, see February 1998 Our Kingdom Ministry insert; Reasoning book, pages 22-3; and Mankind’s Search for God, chapter 9.
Song 142 and concluding prayer.
Week Starting October 25
15 min: Local announcements. Help all to prepare to offer the Require brochure or the Knowledge book during November. Explain how to put together a presentation that focuses on the question, “Does God answer prayers?” Use points from lesson 7 in the brochure or chapter 16, paragraphs 12-14, in the book. Demonstrate a simple presentation that incorporates one scripture.
15 min: Finding Answers to Bible Questions. A ministerial servant is approached by a publisher who has encountered an interested person with a Bible question. Rather than giving the answer, the ministerial servant explains how to find it. First, he reviews the suggestions found in the School Guidebook, study 7, paragraphs 8-9. Then, together they research a question commonly raised in the local territory. They look up specific references that deal with the subject and find convincing points that clarify the underlying reason for the Bible’s answer. Encourage the audience to do this kind of rewarding study to research Bible questions.
15 min: Goals We Might Set. Talk and audience discussion. Review the practical goals outlined in the box on page 11 of the March 15, 1997, Watchtower. Include encouragement to share in auxiliary or regular pioneer service. Explain how achieving these goals can personally benefit us. Invite audience to relate some of the joys experienced when they were able to reach certain theocratic goals.
Song 151 and concluding prayer.
Announcements
pp. 2–7
Announcements
◼ Literature offer for October: Individual copies of The Watchtower and Awake! Where interest is found on return visits, subscriptions may be offered. November: What Does God Require of Us? or Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. December: Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life with the New World Translation. January: Any 192-page book published prior to 1986 that the congregation may have in stock. Congregations that do not have a supply of such books may offer Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? or You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth.
◼ The insert in this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry is the “Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2000” and should be kept for reference throughout 2000.
◼ If the meeting times for your congregation will change January 1, there may be a need to order a new supply of handbills to show the adjusted meeting times.
◼ Memorial invitations for 2000 in the primary language of each congregation have been included with the annual shipment of forms. If other languages are spoken in your territory and you would like a supply of invitations in those languages, these should be requested immediately on a Literature Request Form (S-14). Memorial invitations are available in Arabic, Armenian, Cambodian, Chinese, Chinese (Simplified), Croatian, East Armenian, English, French, Greek, Gujarati, Hindi, Iloko, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Macedonian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Please request only those languages needed for your territory.
◼ Congregations should begin requesting Examining the Scriptures Daily—2000 with their October literature request. The booklets will be available in Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Bulgarian, Cambodian, Cebuano, Chinese, Chinese (Simplified), Croatian, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Iloko, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Macedonian, Norwegian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Samoan, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Tagalog, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. Until these booklets are available and shipments are made, they will appear as “Pending” on congregation packing lists. Examining the Scriptures booklets are special-request items.
◼ Beginning with the September 1, 1999, issue, The Watchtower will be available in Armenian as a semimonthly edition.
◼ New Publications Available:
New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (large size)—Portuguese (Not the four-volume set announced earlier.)
Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy!—English, French, Spanish
◼ New Videocassettes Available:
Young People Ask—How Can I Make Real Friends?—English
Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2000
pp. 3–6
Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2000
Instructions
During 2000 the following will be the arrangements when conducting the Theocratic Ministry School.
SOURCE MATERIAL: The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures [bi12], The Watchtower [w], “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” (1990 Edition) [si], Insight on the Scriptures Volume 2 [it-2], and “Bible Topics for Discussion” as found in the New World Translation [td] will be the basis for assignments.
The school should begin ON TIME with song, prayer, and a brief welcome. There is no need to give a preview of what is on the program. As the school overseer introduces each part, he will mention the subject to be developed. Proceed as follows:
ASSIGNMENT NO. 1: 15 minutes. This should be handled by an elder or a ministerial servant, and it will be based on The Watchtower or “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial.” When based on The Watchtower, this assignment should be delivered as a 15-minute instruction talk with no oral review; when based on the “All Scripture” book, it should be delivered as a 10- to 12-minute talk, followed by a 3- to 5-minute oral review using the printed questions in the publication. The objective should be not just to cover the material but to focus attention on the practical value of the information being discussed, highlighting what will be most helpful to the congregation. The theme shown should be used.
The brothers assigned this talk should be careful to keep within the time limit. Private counsel may be given if necessary or if requested by the speaker.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM BIBLE READING: 6 minutes. This should be handled by an elder or a ministerial servant who will effectively apply the material to local needs. No theme is necessary. This should not be just a summary of the assigned reading. A 30- to 60-second overall review of the assigned chapters may be included. The principal objective, however, is to help the audience to appreciate why and how the information is of value to us. The students will then be dismissed to their various classrooms by the school overseer.
ASSIGNMENT NO. 2: 5 minutes. This is a Bible reading of the assigned material to be given by a brother. This will apply in the main school as well as in the auxiliary groups. The reading assignments are usually short enough to permit the students to present brief explanatory information in the opening and concluding remarks. Historical background, prophetic or doctrinal significance, and application of principles may be included. All the assigned verses should be read without a break. Of course, when the verses to be read are not consecutive, the student may cite the verse where the reading continues.
ASSIGNMENT NO. 3: 5 minutes. This will be assigned to a sister. The subject for this presentation will be based on “Bible Topics for Discussion” as found in the New World Translation. The setting may be an informal witness, a return visit, or a home Bible study, and the participants may be either seated or standing. The school overseer will be particularly interested in the way the student develops the assigned theme and helps the householder to reason on the scriptures. The student assigned this part should know how to read. One assistant will be scheduled by the school overseer, but an additional assistant may be used. Not the setting but the effective use of the Bible should be given prime consideration.
ASSIGNMENT NO. 4: 5 minutes. The subject for this assignment will be based on a Bible character or on “Bible Topics for Discussion” as found in the New World Translation. When this assignment is based on a Bible character, source material can be found under the Bible character’s name in Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2. The student should study Scriptural references in the material in order to get a clear picture of the Bible character—the events of his life, as well as his personality, traits, and attitude. Thereafter, the student should develop the assigned theme and select appropriate scriptures to be used. Additional scriptures that highlight Bible principles that tie in with the theme may be included. The purpose of considering a Bible character is to show what can be learned from his example. Acts of faithfulness, courage, humility, and unselfishness furnish good examples to be followed; unfaithful acts as well as undesirable traits stand as strong warnings to turn Christians away from an improper course. When this part is based on “Bible Topics for Discussion,” the assigned theme should be used, and the student should endeavor to make practical application of the scriptures. A brother or a sister may be given Assignment No. 4. When assigned to a brother, it should always be a talk. When assigned to a sister, it should be presented as outlined for Assignment No. 3. Additionally, whenever the theme for Assignment No. 4 is preceded by #, it should preferably be assigned to a brother.
*SUPPLEMENTAL BIBLE-READING SCHEDULE: This is set forth in brackets after the song number for each week. By following this schedule, reading about ten pages a week, the entire Bible can be read in three years. No parts on the school program or the written review are based on the supplemental reading schedule.
NOTE: For additional information and instruction regarding counsel, timing, written reviews, and the preparation of assignments, please see page 3 of the October 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry.
SCHEDULE
Jan. 3 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 4-6
No. 1: Appreciate the Blessings of Jehovah (w98 1/1 pp. 22-4)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 6:4-19
No. 3: td 1A Why God Does Not Approve of Ancestor Worship
No. 4: Simon (No. 8)—Theme: #Serve God With a Pure Motive
Jan. 10 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 7-10
Song No. 49 [*Lamentations 1-5]
No. 1: Exalt the True God (w98 1/1 pp. 30-1)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 8:1-18
No. 3: td 1B Humans May Be Honored, but Only God Worshiped
No. 4: Sisera (No. 1)—Theme: The Victory Belongs to Jehovah
Jan. 17 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 11-14
No. 1: Why Plan Ahead for Loved Ones (w98 1/15 pp. 19-22)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 11:1-12
No. 3: td 2A Armageddon—The War to End Wickedness
No. 4: Solomon—Theme: #Guard Your Heart
Jan. 24 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 15-19
No. 1: The Transforming and Uniting Power of the Truth (w98 1/15 pp. 29-31)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 19:11-21
No. 3: td 2B Why Armageddon Is an Act of Love by God
No. 4: Sosthenes—Theme: Preach to All Sorts of Men
Jan. 31 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 20-23
No. 1: The Scriptural View of Praise and Flattery (w98 2/1 pp. 29-31)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 20:10-20
No. 3: td 3A Baptism—A Christian Requirement
No. 4: Stephanas—Theme: #Be Solid in the Truth
Feb. 7 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 24-27
No. 1: The Basis for True Optimism (w98 2/1 pp. 4-6)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 25:5-16
No. 3: td 3B Baptism Does Not Wash Sins Away
No. 4: Stephen—Theme: #Show That You Are Full of Spirit and Wisdom
Feb. 14 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 28-30
No. 1: Cultivate the Spirit of Gratitude (w98 2/15 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 28:1-14
No. 3: td 4A The Bible Is the Inspired Word of God
No. 4: Susanna—Theme: Use Your Possessions to Help One Another
Feb. 21 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 31-34
No. 1: Deuteronomy—Why Beneficial (si pp. 40-1 pars. 30-4)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 32:35-43
No. 3: td 4B The Bible—A Practical Guide for Our Day
No. 4: Syntyche—Theme: Continue to Live Peaceably With One Another
Feb. 28 Bible reading: Joshua 1-5
No. 1: Introduction to Joshua (si p. 42 pars. 1-5)
No. 2: Joshua 2:8-16
No. 3: td 4C The Bible—A Book for All People
No. 4: Tamar (No. 1)—Theme: Do Not Rush to Judgment
Mar. 6 Bible reading: Joshua 6-9
Song No. 164 [*Ezekiel 46-48–Daniel 1-2]
No. 1: Parents—Safeguard Your Children! (w98 2/15 pp. 8-11)
No. 2: Joshua 7:1, 10-19
No. 3: td 5A Blood Transfusions Violate the Sacredness of Blood
No. 4: Terah (No. 1)—Theme: Is the Religion of One’s Parents Always Right?
Mar. 13 Bible reading: Joshua 10-13
No. 1: What the Bible Says About Charisma (w98 2/15 pp. 23-7)
No. 2: Joshua 11:6-15
No. 3: td 5B Is One’s Life to Be Saved at All Costs?
No. 4: Teresh—Theme: The Price of Disloyalty
Mar. 20 Bible reading: Joshua 14-17
Song No. 10 [*Daniel 8-12–Hosea 1-2]
No. 1: Faithful Men “With Feelings Like Ours” (w98 3/1 pp. 26-9)
No. 2: Joshua 15:1-12
No. 3: td 6A When Did the Gentile Times End?
No. 4: Thomas—Theme: #Why We Should Think Before We Speak
Mar. 27 Bible reading: Joshua 18-20
No. 1: Reliving Jesus’ Last Days on Earth (w98 3/15 pp. 3-9)
No. 2: Joshua 18:1-10
No. 3: td 7A What Is the Christian Church?
No. 4: Tiberius—Theme: Vices Can Make a Person Despicable
Apr. 3 Bible reading: Joshua 21-24
Song No. 144 [*Joel 1-3–Amos 1-7]
No. 1: Joshua—Why Beneficial (si pp. 45-6 pars. 21-4)
No. 2: Joshua 21:43–22:8
No. 3: td 7B Is Peter the “Rock-Mass”?
No. 4: Timothy—Theme: #Faith Without Hypocrisy Honors God
Apr. 10 Bible reading: Judges 1-4
Song No. 43 [*Amos 8-9; Obadiah 1-21; Jonah 1-4–Micah 1-5]
No. 1: Introduction to Judges (si pp. 46-7 pars. 1-7)
No. 2: Judges 3:1-11
No. 3: td 8A Proved Science Supports Bible’s Creation Account
No. 4: Titus—Theme: #Serve the Brothers Wholeheartedly
Apr. 17 Bible reading: Judges 5-7
Song No. 193 [*Micah 6-7; Nahum 1-3; Habakkuk 1-3–Zephaniah 1]
No. 1: Learn From Jesus’ Instructions to the 70 (w98 3/1 pp. 30-1)
No. 2: Judges 5:24-31
No. 3: td 8B Was Each Creative Day a 24-Hour Period?
No. 4: Tobiah (No. 2)—Theme: God’s Enemies Will Not Succeed
Apr. 24 Written Review. Complete Deuteronomy 4-34; Jos 1-24–Judges 1-7
Song No. 91 [*Zephaniah 2-3; Haggai 1-2–Zechariah 1-7]
May 1 Bible reading: Judges 8-10
Song No. 38 [*Zechariah 8-14–Malachi 1-4]
No. 1: Respect the Personal Dignity of Others (w98 4/1 pp. 28-31)
No. 2: Judges 9:7-21
No. 3: td 9A Did Jesus Die on a Cross?
No. 4: Trophimus—Theme: #Give Support to Those Taking the Lead
May 8 Bible reading: Judges 11-14
No. 1: Barnabas, the “Son of Comfort” (w98 4/15 pp. 20-3)
No. 2: Judges 13:2-10, 24
No. 3: td 9B Should Christians Worship the Cross?
No. 4: Tryphaena—Theme: Appreciate Women Who Work Hard in the Lord
May 15 Bible reading: Judges 15-18
No. 1: World Security Without Armies (w98 4/15 pp. 28-30)
No. 2: Judges 17:1-13
No. 3: td 10A What Is the Cause of Death?
No. 4: Tychicus—Theme: #Be a Faithful and Trusted Christian
May 22 Bible reading: Judges 19-21
No. 1: Judges—Why Beneficial (si p. 50 pars. 26-8)
No. 2: Judges 19:11-21
No. 3: td 10B Can the Dead Harm You?
No. 4: Uriah (No. 1)—Theme: Be Wholly Devoted in Your Service to God
May 29 Bible reading: Ruth 1-4
No. 1: Introduction to Ruth and Why Beneficial (si pp. 51-3 pars. 1-3, 9-10)
No. 2: Ruth 3:1-13
No. 3: td 10C Can Humans Speak With Their Dead Relatives?
No. 4: Urijah (No. 2)—Theme: Fear the True God, Not Man
June 5 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 1-3
Song No. 191 [*Matthew 27-28–Mark 1-4]
No. 1: Introduction to 1 Samuel (si pp. 53-4 pars. 1-6)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 1:9-20
No. 3: td 11A Is the Devil a Real Person?
No. 4: Uzzah (No. 2)—Theme: #Good Intentions Do Not Excuse Disobedience
June 12 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 4-7
No. 1: Who Is Jehovah? (w98 5/1 pp. 5-7)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 4:9-18
No. 3: td 11B The Devil—The Invisible Ruler of the World
No. 4: Uzziah (No. 3)—Theme: #Humbly Respect Theocratic Order
June 19 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 8-11
No. 1: Integrity Is Rewarded (w98 5/1 pp. 30-1)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 8:4-20
No. 3: td 11C What the Bible Says About Fallen Angels
No. 4: Vashti—Theme: Be Modest and Walk With God
June 26 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 12-14
Song No. 172 [*Mark 15-16–Luke 1-3]
No. 1: Can Riches Make You Happy? (w98 5/15 pp. 4-6)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 14:1-14
No. 3: td 12A The Earth—Created to Be a Paradise
No. 4: Zacchaeus—Theme: #Avoid the Snare of Greed
July 3 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 15-17
No. 1: Eunice and Lois—Exemplary Educators (w98 5/15 pp. 7-9)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 16:4-13
No. 3: td 12B Life on Earth Will Never End
No. 4: Zadok (No. 1)—Theme: #Be a Loyal Servant
July 10 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 18-20
No. 1: Reach the Heart With Persuasion (w98 5/15 pp. 21-3)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 19:1-13
No. 3: td 13A Can You Recognize False Prophets?
No. 4: Zebah—Theme: Opposers of God’s People Will Be Brought to Justice
July 17 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 21-24
No. 1: Shoulder Your Family Responsibility (w98 6/1 pp. 20-3)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 24:2-15
No. 3: td 14A How Important Is Spiritual Healing?
No. 4: Zechariah (No. 12)—Theme: Jehovah Will Not Forget His Faithful Servants
July 24 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 25-27
No. 1: True Justice—When and How? (w98 6/15 pp. 26-9)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 25:23-33
No. 3: td 14B God’s Kingdom—The Means for Bringing Permanent Physical Cures
No. 4: Zechariah (No. 20)—Theme: #Encourage One Another in God’s Work
July 31 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 28-31
No. 1: 1 Samuel—Why Beneficial (si pp. 57-8 pars. 27-35)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 31:1-13
No. 3: td 14C Modern-Day Faith Healing Is Not From God
No. 4: Zechariah (No. 31)—Theme: Believe All That God Says
Aug. 7 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 1-4
No. 1: Introduction to 2 Samuel (si p. 59 pars. 1-5)
No. 2: 2 Samuel 2:1-11
No. 3: td 14D Is Speaking in Tongues Sure Proof of God’s Favor?
No. 4: Zedekiah (No. 1)—Theme: Beware of False Prophets
Aug. 14 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 5-8
No. 1: “Exert Yourselves Vigorously” (w98 6/15 pp. 30-1)
No. 2: 2 Samuel 7:4-16
No. 3: td 15A Who Goes to Heaven?
No. 4: Zedekiah (No. 4)—Theme: #Always Obey Jehovah’s Commandments
Aug. 21 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 9-12
Song No. 107 [*John 19-21–Acts 1-4]
No. 1: Be a Good Neighbor (w98 7/1 pp. 30-1)
No. 2: 2 Samuel 11:2-15
No. 3: td 16A Hell Is Not a Place of Torment
No. 4: Zerubbabel—Theme: #Face Opposition With Courage
Aug. 28 Written Review. Complete Judges 8-21; Ru 1-4; 1Sa 1-31–2 Samuel 1-12
Sept. 4 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 13-15
No. 1: Give Your Children a Good Start in Life (w98 7/15 pp. 4-6)
No. 2: 2 Samuel 13:20-33
No. 3: td 16B Fire Is a Symbol of Annihilation
No. 4: Ziba—Theme: Trickery and Slander Call Into Question Motive for Good Works
Sept. 11 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 16-18
No. 1: A Christian View of Funeral Customs (w98 7/15 pp. 20-4)
No. 2: 2 Samuel 16:5-14
No. 3: td 16C The Rich Man and Lazarus Account Does Not Prove Eternal Torment
No. 4: Zimri (No. 2)—Theme: #Jehovah Does Not Tolerate Immorality
Sept. 18 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 19-21
Song No. 19 [*Acts 23-28–Romans 1]
No. 1: Can You Trust Your Conscience? (w98 9/1 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: 2 Samuel 20:1, 2, 14-22
No. 3: td 17A The Christian View of Celebrations
No. 4: Zimri (No. 3)—Theme: Unbridled Ambition Can Have Tragic Results
Sept. 25 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 22-24
No. 1: 2 Samuel—Why Beneficial (si p. 63 pars. 28-31)
No. 2: 2 Samuel 23:8-17
No. 3: td 18A The Use of Images Dishonors God
No. 4: Zipporah—Theme: Show Fear and Respect When Setting Matters Right
Oct. 2 Bible reading: 1 Kings 1-2
Song No. 36 [*Romans 10-16–1 Corinthians 1-3]
No. 1: Introduction to 1 Kings (si pp. 64-5 pars. 1-5)
No. 2: 1 Kings 2:1-11
No. 3: td 18B The Consequences of Image Worship
No. 4: Zophar—Theme: Harsh Criticism Is Unloving
Oct. 9 Bible reading: 1 Kings 3-6
Song No. 106 [*1 Corinthians 4-13]
No. 1: Put First Things First (w98 9/1 pp. 19-21)
No. 2: 1 Kings 4:21-34
No. 3: td 18C Jehovah Alone Is to Be Worshiped
No. 4: td 19A #The Way of Interfaith Is Not God’s Way
Oct. 16 Bible reading: 1 Kings 7-8
Song No. 76 [*1 Corinthians 14-16–2 Corinthians 1-7]
No. 1: Witnessing Before Dignitaries (w98 9/1 pp. 30-1)
No. 2: 1 Kings 7:1-14
No. 3: td 19B Are All Religions Good?
No. 4: td 20A Christians Should Use God’s Personal Name
Oct. 23 Bible reading: 1 Kings 9-11
Song No. 97 [*2 Corinthians 8-13–Galatians 1-4]
No. 1: The Christian View of Bride-Price (w98 9/15 pp. 24-7)
No. 2: 1 Kings 11:1-13
No. 3: td 20B Truths About God’s Existence
No. 4: td 20C #Identifying God’s Attributes
Oct. 30 Bible reading: 1 Kings 12-14
Song No. 113 [*Galatians 5-6; Ephesians 1-6–Philippians 1-2]
No. 1: Is God Real to You? (w98 9/15 pp. 21-3)
No. 2: 1 Kings 13:1-10
No. 3: td 20D Not All People Serve the Same God
No. 4: td 21A Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a New Religion?
Nov. 6 Bible reading: 1 Kings 15-17
Song No. 123 [*Philippians 3-4; Colossians 1-4–1 Thessalonians 1-5]
No. 1: Keep Making Spiritual Progress! (w98 10/1 pp. 28-31)
No. 2: 1 Kings 15:9-24
No. 3: td 22A Jesus Christ—God’s Son and Appointed King
No. 4: td 22B Why Belief in Jesus Is Essential to Salvation
Nov. 13 Bible reading: 1 Kings 18-20
Song No. 159 [*2 Thessalonians 1-3; 1 Timothy 1-6–2 Timothy 1-3]
No. 1: Solve Problems Peacefully (w98 11/1 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: 1 Kings 20:1, 13-22
No. 3: td 22C Is Just Believing in Jesus Enough to Be Saved?
No. 4: td 23A #The Blessings That God’s Kingdom Will Bring
Nov. 20 Bible reading: 1 Kings 21-22
Song No. 179 [*2 Timothy 4; Titus 1-3; Philemon 1-25–Hebrews 1-7]
No. 1: 1 Kings—Why Beneficial (si pp. 68-9 pars. 23-6)
No. 2: 1 Kings 22:29-40
No. 3: td 23B Kingdom Rule Begins While Christ’s Enemies Are Still Active
No. 4: td 23C Kingdom of God Does Not Come Through Man’s Efforts
Nov. 27 Bible reading: 2 Kings 1-3
Song No. 148 [*Hebrews 8-13–James 1-2]
No. 1: Introduction to 2 Kings (si p. 69 pars. 1-4)
No. 2: 2 Kings 2:15-25
No. 3: td 24A What “the End of the World” Means
No. 4: td 24B #Keep Spiritually Awake to Evidence of the Last Days
Dec. 4 Bible reading: 2 Kings 4-6
Song No. 109 [*James 3-5; 1 Peter 1-5–2 Peter 1-3]
No. 1: Beware of Simony (w98 11/15 p. 28)
No. 2: 2 Kings 5:20-27
No. 3: td 25A Everlasting Life Is Not Just a Dream
No. 4: td 25B Who Goes to Heaven?
Dec. 11 Bible reading: 2 Kings 7-9
Song No. 117 [*1 John 1-5; 2 John 1-13; 3 John 1-14; Jude 1-25–Revelation 1]
No. 1: Bible Principles to Follow When Lending or Borrowing Money (w98 11/15 pp. 24-7)
No. 2: 2 Kings 7:1, 2, 6, 7, 16-20
No. 3: td 25C No Limit to Number of Those Who Will Receive Everlasting Life on Earth
No. 4: td 26A #The Marriage Union Must Be Honorable
Dec. 18 Bible reading: 2 Kings 10-12
Song No. 181 [*Revelation 2-12]
No. 1: The Real Story of Jesus’ Birth (w98 12/15 pp. 5-9)
No. 2: 2 Kings 11:1-3, 9-16
No. 3: td 26B Christians Must Respect the Principle of Headship
No. 4: td 26C The Parents’ Responsibility to Children
Dec. 25 Written Review. Complete 2 Samuel 13-24; 1Ki 1-22–2 Kings 1-12
Song No. 217 [*Revelation 13-22]
July Service Report
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July Service Report
Av. Av. Av. Av.
Number of: Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.
Sp’l Pios. 125 118.5 97.0 53.9 4.8
Pios. 77,066 57.7 40.3 19.4 1.6
Aux.Pios. 28,514 49.9 35.1 11.8 0.8
Pubs. 836,676 9.3 7.9 3.4 0.3
TOTAL 942,381 Baptized: 6,299
The figure of 77,066 regular pioneers is the highest ever reported during the month of July! Also, the combined total of 105,580 regular and auxiliary pioneers is the highest number ever reported for the month of July!
Are You Moving?
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Are You Moving?
When the answer to that question is yes, there are many things that you and others need to take the initiative to do. By following the basic steps outlined below, you will quickly get established in your new congregation.
(1) Once you know where you are going, your present congregation secretary may be able to obtain the address of the Kingdom Hall of your new congregation. Upon arriving in that area, immediately locate the hall and confirm the congregation meeting times. If more than one congregation uses the Kingdom Hall, ask the elders to tell you in which congregation’s territory you are living. Do not delay in attending the meetings and in getting acquainted with the local elders.
(2) The secretaries of both your present congregation and your new one will cooperate in the transfer of the Congregation’s Publisher Record cards for you and your family. A letter of introduction will also be sent to the elders of your new congregation. (See the February 1991 Our Kingdom Ministry Question Box.) The Congregation Service Committee there should advise the appropriate book study conductor of your arrival so that he can contact you and help you locate your new book study group.—Rom. 15:7.
(3) All publishers in your new congregation have a joyful part to play—that of getting acquainted with you and making you feel welcome. (Compare 3 John 8.) Of course, this means that you must be present at the meetings so that you can enjoy an encouraging and upbuilding interchange with the brothers and sisters.
(4) You should not wait until all the work involved in moving is completed before sharing in the field ministry with your new congregation. As you put Kingdom interests first, other matters will be cared for, and you will feel very comfortable in your new surroundings. (Matt. 6:33) When you are settled in your new home, likely you will want to invite some from the congregation to visit and get better acquainted.—Rom. 12:13b.
Moving is a big project. However, when everyone involved does what is recommended, there will be no spiritual setbacks. All will be favorably impressed with our loving Christian brotherhood.
What Will You Say to a Jewish Person?
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What Will You Say to a Jewish Person?
1 In the first century, many of “the sons of Israel” responded appreciatively to the preaching of Jesus and his apostles. (Acts 10:36) As was true then, a number of sincere Jews today are wholeheartedly embracing the truth—not only in Israel but also in Russia, the United States, and other countries. Would you like to be more successful in reaching out to Jewish people? The following suggestions will help you give a tactful witness both to religious and to secular Jews.
2 Witnessing to Religious Jews: It should be realized that religious Jews are often more concerned with observing the traditions of the rabbis than with defining specific doctrines. Indeed, they generally view tradition as having authority equal to the Scriptures. Hence, they are not necessarily interested in discussing deep Bible subjects. They also tend to think of the Bible as a Christian book. For that reason, it is usually best when referring to the Bible to use the terms “the Hebrew Scriptures,” “the Torah,” or “the Scriptures.” An excellent publication prepared especially for the Jewish population is the brochure Will There Ever Be a World Without War?
3 What topics might interest religious Jews? Well, they believe that there is one God, who is keenly interested in man. They also believe that God does intervene in human affairs. You might use these points to establish common ground. In addition, most Jews are keenly aware of the suffering of their people during World War II. They wonder why God permitted such injustice and when wickedness will come to an end. We are well equipped to answer such questions, referring, for example, to what our brothers experienced during the Holocaust.
4 Of course, to avoid alienating the householder, it is best not to bring up the matter of the identity of the Messiah too soon in the conversation. Instead, you might discuss the role that Moses played in Israel’s history and ask the householder if he believes that Moses’ teachings are relevant today. When it seems appropriate to discuss the identity of the Messiah, you might first read Deuteronomy 18:15, which states: “A prophet from your own midst, from your brothers, like me, is what Jehovah your God will raise up for you—to him you people should listen.” Ask the householder who it was that Moses had in mind when he spoke of a prophet like himself. Then cover a few points in the World Without War brochure, page 14, paragraphs 17 and 18.
5 Secular Jews View Matters Differently: Not everyone who identifies himself as Jewish accepts the teachings of Judaism. Many Jews are secular in their outlook. They are more interested in promoting a separate Jewish identity, with its culture, tradition, and education, than in practicing the Jewish religion. Some secular Jews are agnostics—a few are even atheists. Initially, little would be gained by quoting extensively from the Hebrew Scriptures. It would be more beneficial to approach the conversation as you would any discussion with a person who is not religious. You might explain, for example, how the Bible is practical for our day. If the householder does not believe that the Bible is inspired, some points in the World Without War brochure may be helpful, particularly those found in the section on page 3 entitled “The Bible—Inspired by God?”
6 When witnessing to a Jewish person, you might say:
◼ “Most of us have had the sad experience of losing a loved one in death. What do you think happens to us when we die?” Allow for a response. Then direct the householder to the box entitled “Death and the Soul—What Are They?” on page 22 of the World Without War brochure. The box compares what the Scriptures say about life after death with what the rabbis teach. Then turn to paragraph 17 on page 23, and show that according to the Scriptures, the dead will be resurrected to life on a paradise earth. Offer the brochure. In preparation for the return visit, you might mention that the patriarch Job entertained the resurrection hope. Refer to the scriptures cited at the end of paragraph 17, and offer to return and discuss them.
7 The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts record experiences of Jews who listened to and acted on the truth. Jehovah is still holding the way to everlasting life open. Many sincere Jews may yet learn about Jehovah, the true God, so that they too can live forever in God’s new world.—Mic. 4:1-4.