October
Be Attentive to the Marvelous Works of God
p. 1
Be Attentive to the Marvelous Works of God
1 For three splendid days, we gathered at the “Doers of God’s Word” District Convention. We turned our attention away from the everyday cares of life and concentrated on the marvelous works of Jehovah. The program was designed to increase our faith in God and his Word, to strengthen our relationship with him, and to intensify our zeal for the ministry. How are we benefiting from the things we were taught?—John 13:17.
2 Families Obey God’s Word: The symposium “Be Obedient to God’s Word” helped us to examine the spiritual condition of our families. Children love to learn. Thus, godly parents were encouraged to make the family Bible study the foundation for building a spiritually strong household. Many family heads are discussing with their little ones the new brochure You Can Be God’s Friend! This will help them to develop a happy and secure relationship with Jehovah. Parents, teach your children how to be attentive to the feelings of God. Be expressive in your own love for him and his doings. (Ps. 103:2) Work together to set and attain spiritual goals and to be fully involved in serving Jehovah.
3 God’s Word Lights Our Way: We were delighted to receive the new book Isaiah’s Prophecy—Light for All Mankind I. How far along are you in reading this first volume? The book of Isaiah foretells the dark judgments for ungodly nations as well as the bright Kingdom blessings for God’s people. (Isa. 34:2; 35:10) It also builds faith and confidence in Jehovah and in his way of doing things.—Isa. 12:2-5.
4 When reading Isaiah’s Prophecy I, early on you can sense how Isaiah maintained his integrity to Jehovah while wickedness surrounded him. When extended an invitation to be God’s messenger, Isaiah replied: “Here I am! Send me.” (Isa. 6:8) Meditating on his willing spirit will encourage you to keep preaching the good news, having a full share in bearing “witness to all the nations.”—Matt. 24:14.
5 Our being attentive to Jehovah’s works will magnify his greatness. So cherish the privilege of being doers of God’s word!
Tools That Educate, Motivate, and Strengthen
pp. 1–7
Tools That Educate, Motivate, and Strengthen
1 They are powerful for educating people about the Bible and Jehovah’s Witnesses. They have motivated many to take a firm stand for the truth. They have strengthened the faith and the appreciation of God’s dedicated people. What are they? The videos produced by Jehovah’s organization. Have you viewed all ten of them? How recently? Do you use them in your ministry? The release of the 11th video, Our Whole Association of Brothers, was announced at the district convention. Have you ordered it? How can you benefit all the more from these wonderful tools?
2 The July 1, 1999, Watchtower article “Regularly Study God’s Word as a Family” made the recommendation to “set aside part of your study time to watch a portion of one of the Society’s instructive videos . . . and then discuss it.” In harmony with that good advice, a different video will be featured on the Service Meeting every other month. We encourage everyone in the congregation to watch the video at home prior to when it will be discussed at the Service Meeting.
3 This month we begin with the first video that we produced, Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name. Watch and listen for the answers to these questions:
◼ For what are Jehovah’s Witnesses best known?
◼ Everything done at Bethel is linked to what scripture?
◼ What Bible scene did you see being staged, photographed, and painted for use in the publications?
◼ What impresses you about the way our literature is prepared?
◼ From 1920 to 1990, how many pieces of literature were printed by the Society?
◼ Who especially among God’s people should reach out to qualify for Bethel service?—Prov. 20:29.
◼ In what ways does the Bethel family set an excellent example for all of Jehovah’s Witnesses?
◼ What impresses you about the work being done at Bethel to reach as many people as possible with the good news?
◼ How is the worldwide work financed?
◼ What activity can we zealously support, and with what spirit?—John 4:35; Acts 1:8.
◼ How do you feel about the organization behind our name?
◼ How can you use this video in the ministry?
In December we will review the video The Bible—Accurate History, Reliable Prophecy.
Service Meeting Schedule
p. 2
Service Meeting Schedule
Week Starting October 9
8 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.
12 min: “Be Attentive to the Marvelous Works of God.” Limit introductory comments to less than a minute, and follow with a question-and-answer discussion. Point out a few illustrations in the new book that build appreciation for Isaiah’s prophecy.
25 min: “The New Millennium—What Does the Future Hold for You?” Enthusiastic discussion by service overseer. After reading the announcement provided in the Society’s July 3, 2000, letter to the elders, distribute one copy of Kingdom News No. 36 to each person in attendance. Then proceed with a question-and-answer discussion of the article. Outline local arrangements for complete coverage of the territory. Consider how to help new ones and children to qualify as unbaptized publishers. Demonstrate a brief presentation. Stress the need for everyone to share fully in this campaign.
Song 53 and concluding prayer.
Week Starting October 16
10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Remind publishers that during weekend activity the Watchtower and Awake! magazines are to be featured along with Kingdom News No. 36.
15 min: “Tools That Educate, Motivate, and Strengthen.” (Paragraphs 1 and 2 only.) A talk. Briefly review the history of the Society’s entry into video production. (See Proclaimers book, pages 600-601.) Encourage everyone to view the video Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name in preparation for the discussion at the Service Meeting the week of October 30. Those who have the video can share it with others who do not have it, or perhaps they can watch it together.
20 min: All of Us Can Demonstrate the Pioneer Spirit. Discussion between a book study conductor and his assistant, based on the October 15, 1997, Watchtower, pages 22-3. Consider why it would be good to have more pioneers in the congregation and how all can contribute toward reaching this goal. Also discuss ways to encourage those presently pioneering to continue and how all in the congregation can build up zeal for the ministry.
Song 131 and concluding prayer.
Week Starting October 23
10 min: Local announcements.
15 min: Local needs.
20 min: Prepare Well for Meetings. Talk and audience discussion. The benefit we derive from meetings depends a great deal on how much effort we put into preparation. Review practical suggestions offered in the March 1, 1998, Watchtower, pages 15-16, paragraphs 8-11. Invite the audience to make comments showing how they develop the necessary initiative and find the time needed to prepare well.
Song 211 and concluding prayer.
Week Starting October 30
8 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for October.
12 min: Experiences Offering Kingdom News No. 36. Ask a variety of publishers to relate encouraging results they have enjoyed so far in distributing Kingdom News No. 36. Invite regular and auxiliary pioneers to express their appreciation for the increased activity during this campaign and the opportunity they have to work with many different publishers.
25 min: Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name. Audience discussion. Consider the questions provided in paragraph 3 of “Tools That Educate, Motivate, and Strengthen.” Offer suggestions on how the video can be used to help interested ones get better acquainted with our organization. Include one or two brief experiences.—See the October 1, 1992, Watchtower, pages 30-1.
Song 15 and concluding prayer.
Week Starting November 6
15 min: Local announcements. Review progress of Kingdom News No. 36 distribution. Report on how much territory has been worked thus far and what will be needed to complete coverage by November 17.
20 min: What Do We Believe? A brother makes a return visit on a person who asked, “What do Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that makes them different from other religions?” Discuss points covered in the box on page 6 in the October 1, 1998, Watchtower. Explain how other religions ignore or reject these basic Bible truths in favor of man-made teachings.
10 min: Singing—An Important Part of Our Worship. A book study conductor converses with two publishers about their singing at congregation meetings. He has noticed that their singing seems to be somewhat subdued. He shares some points from the February 1, 1997, Watchtower, pages 27-8. They analyze the lyrics of one of the songs to be sung at the Watchtower Study for the current week, as suggested in the July 1, 1999, Watchtower, page 20, paragraph 12. By taking singing seriously, we put life into expressing heartfelt praise to Jehovah.
Song 223 and concluding prayer.
July Service Report
p. 2
July Service Report
Av. Av. Av. Av.
Number of: Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.
Sp’l Pios. 122 116.1 99.7 53.0 4.6
Pios. 88,441 60.2 40.7 19.4 1.6
Aux.Pios. 21,712 50.0 35.4 11.9 0.8
Pubs. 824,775 9.3 8.1 3.4 0.3
TOTAL 935,050 Baptized: 6,093
The total of 88,441 regular pioneers and the combined total of 110,153 regular and auxiliary pioneers are the highest ever reported for the month of July!
Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2001
pp. 3–6
Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2001
Instructions
During 2001 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], and Reasoning From the Scriptures [rs] 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, whether the student is in the main school or in an auxiliary school. 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 Reasoning From the Scriptures. 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 Reasoning From 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.
BIBLE READING SCHEDULE: Everyone in the congregation is encouraged to follow the weekly Bible reading schedule, which amounts to reading about one page a day.
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. 1 Bible reading: 2 Kings 13-16
No. 1: An Act of Forgiveness Opens the Way for Salvation (w99 1/1 pp. 30-1)
No. 2: 2 Kings 14:1-14
No. 3: Abortion—Why Forbidden? (rs pp. 25-6 par. 4)
No. 4: Responding to Someone Who Says: ‘I Have a Right to Decide on Matters Affecting My Own Body’ (rs p. 26 par. 5)
Jan. 8 Bible reading: 2 Kings 17-20
No. 1: Counsel That Is Easier to Accept (w99 1/15 pp. 21-4)
No. 2: 2 Kings 18:1-16
No. 3: Adam and Eve—Actual Historical People? (rs pp. 27-8 par. 5)
No. 4: Responding to Someone Who Says: ‘Adam’s Sin Was God’s Will, God’s Plan’ (rs p. 29 pars. 1-2)
Jan. 15 Bible reading: 2 Kings 21-25
No. 1: 2 Kings—Why Beneficial (si p. 74 pars. 33-6)
No. 2: 2 Kings 21:1-16
No. 3: Why Is Ancestor Worship Futile? (rs pp. 29-31 par. 3)
No. 4: Why Ancestor Worship Displeases Jehovah God (rs p. 31 par. 4–p. 32 par. 1)
Jan. 22 Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 1-5
No. 1: Introduction to 1 Chronicles (si pp. 75-6 pars. 1-7)
No. 2: 1 Chronicles 1:1-27
No. 3: Who Are the Antichrists? (rs pp. 32-3)
No. 4: Identifying Apostates (rs pp. 34-6 par. 1)
Jan. 29 Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 6-10
No. 1: How True Humility Can Be Shown (w99 2/1 pp. 6-7)
No. 2: 1 Chronicles 9:1-21
No. 3: What Should Be Our Attitude Toward Apostates? (rs p. 36 par. 2–p. 37 par. 2)
No. 4: Christ Did Not Build Church on Peter (rs pp. 37-9 par. 3)
Feb. 5 Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 11-16
No. 1: Be a Source of Encouragement (w99 2/15 pp. 26-9)
No. 2: 1 Chronicles 11:1-19
No. 3: What Were the Keys Peter Used? (rs p. 39 par. 4–p. 41 par. 5)
No. 4: “Apostolic Successors” Not True Christians (rs p. 42 par. 1–p. 44 par. 3)
Feb. 12 Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 17-23
No. 1: Gird Yourselves With Lowliness of Mind (w99 3/1 pp. 30-1)
No. 2: 1 Chronicles 18:1-17
No. 3: Where Will Armageddon Be Fought? (rs pp. 44-6 par. 3)
No. 4: Who and What Will Be Destroyed at Armageddon? (rs p. 46 par. 4–p. 47 par. 2)
Feb. 19 Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 24-29
No. 1: 1 Chronicles—Why Beneficial (si pp. 78-9 pars. 22-5)
No. 2: 1 Chronicles 29:1-13
No. 3: Who Will Survive Armageddon? (rs p. 47 pars. 3-8)
No. 4: Armageddon—No Violation of God’s Love (rs p. 48 pars. 1-3)
Feb. 26 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 1-5
No. 1: Introduction to 2 Chronicles (si pp. 79-80 pars. 1-6)
No. 2: 2 Chronicles 1:1-17
No. 3: No Neutral Position Possible at Armageddon (rs p. 48 pars. 4-7)
No. 4: Whose Influence Is Pushing Nations Toward the Armageddon Situation? (rs p. 48 par. 8–p. 49 par. 1)
Mar. 5 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 6-9
No. 1: Do Not Be Overcome by Anxiety (w99 3/15 pp. 21-3)
No. 2: 2 Chronicles 8:1-16
No. 3: Identifying the Babylon of Revelation (rs p. 49 pars. 2-3)
No. 4: For What Was Ancient Babylon Noted? (rs p. 50 par. 1–p. 51 par. 5)
Mar. 12 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 10-15
No. 1: Who Molds Your Thinking? (w99 4/1 pp. 20-2)
No. 2: 2 Chronicles 10:1-16
No. 3: Why Professed Christian Religions Are Part of Babylon the Great (rs p. 52 par. 1–p. 53 par. 1)
No. 4: Why It Is Urgent to Get Out of Babylon the Great (rs p. 53 pars. 2-7)
Mar. 19 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 16-20
No. 1: Protect Your Heart From the Spirit of Baal Worship (w99 4/1 pp. 28-31)
No. 2: 2 Chronicles 16:1-14
No. 3: What Baptism Is, and Why Believers Get Baptized (rs p. 54 pars. 1-4)
No. 4: Christian Baptism—Not by Sprinkling, Not for Infants (rs p. 54 par. 5–p. 55 par. 4)
Mar. 26 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 21-25
No. 1: Do Not Hold Back From Expressing Appreciation (w99 4/15 pp. 15-17)
No. 2: 2 Chronicles 22:1-12
No. 3: Water Baptism Does Not Forgive Sins (rs p. 55 par. 5–p. 56 par. 1)
No. 4: Who Is Baptized With Holy Spirit? (rs p. 56 par. 2–p. 57 par. 3)
Apr. 2 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 26-29
No. 1: Does God Work in “Crooked” Ways? (w99 5/1 pp. 28-9)
No. 2: 2 Chronicles 28:1-15
No. 3: Baptism by Fire Not Same as by Holy Spirit (rs p. 57 par. 4–p. 58 par. 2)
No. 4: Reasons for Considering the Bible (rs pp. 58-60 par. 2)
Apr. 9 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 30-33
No. 1: How Can Humans Bless Jehovah God? (w99 5/15 pp. 21-4)
No. 2: 2 Chronicles 33:1-13
No. 3: Proof From Isaiah and Jeremiah of the Bible’s Inspiration (rs p. 60 par. 3–p. 61 par. 3)
No. 4: Fulfillment of Jesus’ Prophecies Prove Bible’s Inspiration (rs p. 61 par. 4–p. 62 par. 1)
Apr. 16 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 34-36
No. 1: 2 Chronicles—Why Beneficial (si p. 84 pars. 34-6)
No. 2: 2 Chronicles 36:1-16
No. 3: The Bible Is Scientifically Sound (rs p. 62 par. 2–p. 64 par. 3)
No. 4: aResponding to Objections About the Bible (rs p. 64 par. 4–p. 68 par. 1)
Apr. 23 Bible reading: Ezra 1-6
No. 1: Introduction to Ezra and Why Beneficial (si p. 85 pars. 1-7; p. 87 pars. 14-18)
No. 2: Ezra 4:1-16
No. 3: Why Do Christians Not Celebrate Birthdays? (rs pp. 68-70 par. 2)
No. 4: Why Do Christians Abstain From Blood? (rs pp. 70-2 par. 3)
Apr. 30 Written Review. Bible reading: Ezra 7-10
May 7 Bible reading: Nehemiah 1-5
No. 1: Introduction to Nehemiah (si p. 88 pars. 1-5)
No. 2: Nehemiah 1:1-11
No. 3: Why Do Christians Not Accept Blood Transfusions? (rs p. 72 par. 4–p. 73 par. 4)
No. 4: bResponding to Assertions About Blood Transfusions (rs p. 74 par. 1–p. 76 par. 2)
May 14 Bible reading: Nehemiah 6-9
No. 1: The Christian Congregation Is a Source of Strengthening Aid (w99 5/15 pp. 25-8)
No. 2: Nehemiah 9:1-15
No. 3: What Does It Mean to Be Born Again? (rs pp. 76-7 par. 7)
No. 4: Salvation Not Dependent Upon Being “Born Again” (rs p. 77 par. 8–p. 79 par. 1)
May 21 Bible reading: Nehemiah 10-13
No. 1: Nehemiah—Why Beneficial (si pp. 90-1 pars. 16-19)
No. 2: Nehemiah 12:27-43
No. 3: cResponding to Viewpoints About Being Born Again (rs p. 79 par. 3–p. 80 par. 2)
No. 4: Confessing to Priests—Why Not Scriptural? (rs pp. 80-1 par. 9)
May 28 Bible reading: Esther 1-4
No. 1: Introduction to Esther (si pp. 91-2 pars. 1-6)
No. 2: Esther 1:1-15
No. 3: Confessing Sins Against God and Man (rs p. 83 pars. 2-8)
No. 4: Why Should Serious Sins Be Confessed to Elders? (rs p. 83 par. 9–p. 84 par. 4)
June 4 Bible reading: Esther 5-10
No. 1: Esther—Why Beneficial (si p. 94 pars. 16-18)
No. 2: Esther 5:1-14
No. 3: Why Is It Reasonable to Believe in Creation? (rs pp. 84-6 par. 2)
No. 4: Understanding the Bible’s Account of Creation (rs p. 86 par. 3–p. 88 par. 4)
June 11 Bible reading: Job 1-7
No. 1: Introduction to Job (si pp. 95-6 pars. 1-6)
No. 2: Job 1:6-22
No. 3: Why Is Veneration of the Cross Unscriptural? (rs p. 92 par. 1–p. 93 par. 1)
No. 4: Why Do Humans Die? (rs pp. 98-9 par. 6)
June 18 Bible reading: Job 8-14
No. 1: Saul—A Chosen Vessel to the Lord (w99 5/15 pp. 29-31)
No. 2: Job 8:1-22
No. 3: Where Are the Dead, and What Is Their Condition? (rs p. 99 par. 7–p. 101 par. 4)
No. 4: Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Not Share in Traditional Mourning Customs? (rs p. 102 par. 1–p. 103 par. 2)
June 25 Bible reading: Job 15-21
No. 1: God Is Not Slow Regarding His Promise (w99 6/1 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: Job 17:1-16
No. 3: dResponding to Incorrect Viewpoints About Death (rs p. 103 par. 3–p. 104 par. 1)
No. 4: Dreams: Inspired and Otherwise (rs pp. 104-6 par. 3)
July 2 Bible reading: Job 22-29
No. 1: Should You Broaden Your Viewpoint? (w99 6/15 pp. 10-13)
No. 2: Job 27:1-23
No. 3: Drugs—When Forbidden to Christians (rs pp. 106-8 par. 1)
No. 4: Why Christians Avoid Marijuana (rs p. 108 par. 2–p. 109 par. 2)
July 9 Bible reading: Job 30-35
No. 1: Why You Can Trust Bible Prophecy (w99 7/15 pp. 4-8)
No. 2: Job 31:1-22
No. 3: Why Do Christians Avoid Tobacco? (rs p. 109 par. 3–p. 111 par. 3)
No. 4: Overcoming Bad Habits—How? (rs p. 111 par. 4–p. 112 par. 3)
July 16 Bible reading: Job 36-42
No. 1: Job—Why Beneficial (si p. 100 pars. 39-43)
No. 2: Job 36:1-22
No. 3: Nations Will Not Frustrate God’s Purpose Regarding Earth (rs pp. 112-13 par. 5)
No. 4: Will Jehovah Destroy the Earth by Fire? (rs p. 113 par. 6–p. 115 par. 1)
July 23 Bible reading: Psalms 1-10
No. 1: Introduction to Psalms—Part 1 (si p. 101 pars. 1-5)
No. 2: Psalm 3:1–4:8
No. 3: Members of New Jerusalem Not to Return to Earth After Wicked Are Destroyed (rs p. 115 par. 2–p. 116 par. 1)
No. 4: Has God’s Original Purpose for Earth Changed? (rs p. 116 par. 2–p. 117 par. 2)
July 30 Bible reading: Psalms 11-18
No. 1: Introduction to Psalms—Part 2 (si p. 102 pars. 6-11)
No. 2: Psalm 11:1–13:6
No. 3: How Can We Encourage Sick Ones? (rs pp. 117-18 par. 1)
No. 4: How We Can Encourage Bereaved Ones (rs p. 118 pars. 2-6)
Aug. 6 Bible reading: Psalms 19-26
No. 1: Wholesome Communication—A Key to a Good Marriage (w99 7/15 pp. 21-3)
No. 2: Psalm 20:1–21:13
No. 3: Encouragement for Those Persecuted for Doing God’s Will (rs p. 118 par. 7–p. 119 par. 4)
No. 4: How Can You Encourage Those Disheartened by Injustices? (rs p. 119 par. 5–p. 120 par. 2)
Aug. 13 Bible reading: Psalms 27-34
No. 1: Philip—A Zealous Evangelizer (w99 7/15 pp. 24-5)
No. 2: Psalm 28:1–29:11
No. 3: What Encouragement for Those Pressed by Economic Problems? (rs p. 120 pars. 3-7)
No. 4: Encouragement for Those Disheartened by Shortcomings (rs p. 120 par. 8–p. 121 par. 3)
Aug. 20 Bible reading: Psalms 35-39
No. 1: Peer Pressure—Can It Be to Your Advantage? (w99 8/1 pp. 22-5)
No. 2: Psalm 38:1-22
No. 3: Evolution—A Scientific Dilemma (rs pp. 121-3 par. 1)
No. 4: Evolution, the Fossil Record, and Reasonableness (rs p. 123 par. 2–p. 126 par. 2)
Aug. 27 Written Review. Bible reading: Psalms 40-47
Sept. 3 Bible reading: Psalms 48-55
No. 1: Keep Anger From Stumbling You (w99 8/15 pp. 8-9)
No. 2: Psalm 49:1-20
No. 3: eResponding to Assertions by Evolutionists (rs p. 126 par. 3–p. 128 par. 3)
No. 4: Why Do Many People Lack Faith? (rs pp. 129-30 par. 2)
Sept. 10 Bible reading: Psalms 56-65
No. 1: Does the Devil Make Us Sick? (w99 9/1 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: Psalm 59:1-17
No. 3: How Can a Person Acquire Faith? (rs p. 130 par. 3–p. 131 par. 3)
No. 4: Faith in Prospect of Righteous New System Proved by Works (rs p. 131 par. 5–p. 132 par. 2)
Sept. 17 Bible reading: Psalms 66-71
No. 1: Choose “the Good Portion” (w99 9/1 pp. 30-1)
No. 2: Psalm 69:1-19
No. 3: How Can False Prophets Be Identified? (rs pp. 132-4 par. 2)
No. 4: True Prophets Did Not Always Understand How and When Things Foretold Would Happen (rs p. 134 pars. 3-8)
Sept. 24 Bible reading: Psalms 72-77
No. 1: Why Keep Your Promises? (w99 9/15 pp. 8-11)
No. 2: Psalm 73:1-24
No. 3: A True Prophet’s Pronouncements Promote True Worship (rs p. 135 pars. 1-2)
No. 4: True Prophets Identified by Fruits Produced (rs p. 135 par. 3–p. 137 par. 1)
Oct. 1 Bible reading: Psalms 78-81
No. 1: Gain Wisdom, and Accept Discipline (w99 9/15 pp. 12-15)
No. 2: Psalm 78:1-22
No. 3: Responding to Those Who Call Us False Prophets (rs p. 137 pars. 2-4)
No. 4: God Does Not Predestinate When Each Person Will Die (rs p. 138 pars. 1-3)
Oct. 8 Bible reading: Psalms 82-89
No. 1: Timothy—“A Genuine Child in the Faith” (w99 9/15 pp. 29-31)
No. 2: Psalm 88:1-18
No. 3: Not Everything That Happens Is God’s Will (rs p. 139 par. 1–p. 140 par. 2)
No. 4: God Does Not Foreknow and Foreordain Everything (rs p. 140 pars. 3-5)
Oct. 15 Bible reading: Psalms 90-98
No. 1: Fortified to Say No to Wrongdoing (w99 10/1 pp. 28-31)
No. 2: Psalm 90:1-17
No. 3: God’s Ability to Foreknow and Foreordain Events (rs p. 141 pars. 1-4)
No. 4: Why God Did Not Exercise His Foreknowledge Regarding Adam (rs p. 142 pars. 1-3)
Oct. 22 Bible reading: Psalms 99-105
No. 1: Learning the Excelling Way of Love (w99 10/15 pp. 8-11)
No. 2: Psalm 103:1-22
No. 3: God Did Not Predestinate Jacob, Esau, or Judas (rs p. 142 par. 4–p. 143 par. 2)
No. 4: In What Way Was the Christian Congregation Predestinated? (rs p. 143 par. 3–p. 144 par. 1)
Oct. 29 Bible reading: Psalms 106-109
No. 1: “Jehovah Himself Gives Wisdom” (w99 11/15 pp. 24-7)
No. 2: Psalm 107:1-19
No. 3: What Is the Scriptural View of Astrology? (rs p. 144 par. 2–p. 145 par. 2)
No. 4: What Are Some Sound Reasons for Believing in God? (rs pp. 145-6 par. 5)
Nov. 5 Bible reading: Psalms 110-118
No. 1: The Apocalypse—To Be Feared or Hoped For? (w99 12/1 pp. 5-8)
No. 2: Psalm 112:1–113:9
No. 3: Wickedness and Suffering Do Not Disprove God’s Existence (rs p. 146 par. 6–p. 147 par. 1)
No. 4: God Is a Real Person Capable of Emotion (rs p. 147 par. 2–p. 148 par. 3)
Nov. 12 Bible reading: Psalm 119
No. 1: Do Not Let Your Strength Become Your Weakness (w99 12/1 pp. 26-9)
No. 2: Psalm 119:1-24
No. 3: God Had No Beginning (rs p. 148 pars. 4-7)
No. 4: Use of God’s Name Essential for Salvation (rs p. 149 pars. 1-4)
Nov. 19 Bible reading: Psalms 120-137
No. 1: Psalms—Why Beneficial—Part 1 (si pp. 104-5 pars. 23-7)
No. 2: Psalm 120:1–122:9
No. 3: Are All Religions Good? (rs p. 149 pars. 5-8)
No. 4: What Kind of “God” Is Jesus? (rs p. 150 pars. 1-2)
Nov. 26 Bible reading: Psalms 138-150
No. 1: Psalms—Why Beneficial—Part 2 (si pp. 105-6 pars. 28-32)
No. 2: Psalm 139:1-24
No. 3: fResponding to Objections About Belief in God (rs p. 150 par. 3–p. 151 par. 3)
No. 4: Why Men Have Been Unable to Establish a Just Government (rs pp. 152-3 par. 1)
Dec. 3 Bible reading: Proverbs 1-7
No. 1: Introduction to Proverbs—Part 1 (si pp. 106-7 pars. 1-5)
No. 2: Proverbs 4:1-27
No. 3: Why Human Efforts to Bring Relief Cannot Succeed (rs p. 153 par. 2–p. 154 par. 2)
No. 4: God’s Kingdom Only Answer to Mankind’s Real Needs (rs p. 154 par. 3–p. 155 par. 1)
Dec. 10 Bible reading: Proverbs 8-13
No. 1: Introduction to Proverbs—Part 2 (si pp. 107-8 pars. 6-11)
No. 2: Proverbs 13:1-25
No. 3: Bible Prophecies Have Proved Completely Reliable (rs p. 155 pars. 2-5)
No. 4: Miraculous Healings Today Not Done by God’s Spirit (rs pp. 156-7 par. 3)
Dec. 17 Bible reading: Proverbs 14-19
No. 1: Proverbs—Why Beneficial—Part 1 (si pp. 109-10 pars. 19-28)
No. 2: Proverbs 16:1-25
No. 3: Difference Between Cures of Jesus and His Apostles and Those of Today (rs p. 157 par. 4–p. 158 par. 2)
No. 4: How True Christians Are Identified Today (rs p. 158 par. 3–p. 159 par. 1)
Dec. 24 Bible reading: Proverbs 20-25
No. 1: Proverbs—Why Beneficial—Part 2 (si pp. 110-11 pars. 29-38)
No. 2: Proverbs 20:1-30
No. 3: Why Gifts of Healing Were Given in the First Century (rs p. 159 par. 2–p. 160 par. 2)
No. 4: What Hope Is There for Real Healing for All Mankind? (rs p. 160 pars. 3-5)
Dec. 31 Written Review. Bible reading: Proverbs 26-31
[Footnote]
a As time permits, consider responses to assertions, objections, and so forth that will best meet needs in territory.
b As time permits, consider responses to assertions, objections, and so forth that will best meet needs in territory.
c As time permits, consider responses to assertions, objections, and so forth that will best meet needs in territory.
d As time permits, consider responses to assertions, objections, and so forth that will best meet needs in territory.
e As time permits, consider responses to assertions, objections, and so forth that will best meet needs in territory.
f As time permits, consider responses to assertions, objections, and so forth that will best meet needs in territory.
Announcements
p. 7
Announcements
◼ Literature offer for October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is found on return visits, subscriptions may be offered. Starting on October 16, Kingdom News No. 36 will be distributed. November: Distribution of Kingdom News No. 36 will continue. Congregations that complete their territory by reaching householders in each dwelling with a copy of Kingdom News No. 36 may offer the Require brochure or the Knowledge book. If people already have these, either the Live Forever book or the Creation book may be used. 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 have on hand Mankind’s Search for God may also offer it.
◼ The insert in this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry is the “Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2001” and should be kept for reference throughout 2001.
◼ If the meeting times for your congregation will change January 1, the congregation secretary should notify the Society of the changes by submitting the Congregation Meeting Information and Handbill Request form (S-5). If needed, a new supply of handbills can be ordered on the same form. Handbills should be requested at least eight weeks before you wish to receive them.
◼ Starting the week of February 5, 2001, the book Is There a Creator Who Cares About You? will be considered at the Congregation Book Study. Congregations needing a supply of these books should request them on their next monthly literature request. Beginning in November 2000, question booklets for use with the Creator book will automatically be included with literature shipments. Congregations will not need to request these booklets. Booklets will be shipped in lots of 25, according to the size of each congregation. If additional booklets are needed, these should be requested on a Literature Request Form (S-14). Booklets will be available in the following languages: Albanian, Arabic, Chinese, Chinese (Simplified), Croatian, Czech, Dutch, East Armenian, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Macedonian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swahili, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese.
◼ Congregations should begin requesting Examining the Scriptures Daily—2001 with their October literature request. The booklets will be available in Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Bulgarian, Cambodian, Cebuano, Chinese, Chinese (Simplified), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, East Armenian, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Iloko, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Macedonian, Malayalam, Norwegian, Papiamento, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Samoan, Serbian, Slovak, Solomon Islands Pidgin, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Tagalog, Thai, Tigrinya, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, 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.
◼ New Publications Available:
Isaiah’s Prophecy—Light for All Mankind I—English, French, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese
Jehovah—Who Is He? (Tract No. 23)—Dutch, Hindi
Jehovah’s Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe?—English, French, Greek, Italian, Spanish
Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life—Haitian Creole, Kwangali, Nepali
Watch Tower Publications Index 1998—German, Italian, Portuguese
Will Suffering Ever End? (Tract No. 75)—Cambodian
You Can Be God’s Friend!—Armenian, Chinese, English, French, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese
◼ New Audiocassettes Available:
Kingdom Melodies Volume 9 (single cassette)
Numbers (set of three cassettes)—Dutch
The Good News According to Matthew (set of three cassettes)—Chinese (Mandarin)
The Good News According to Mark (set of two cassettes)—Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch
The Secret of Family Happiness (five cassettes in an album)—Korean
Warning Examples for Our Day (Drama, single cassette)—English
What Does God Require of Us? (single cassette)—Cambodian, Ukrainian
◼ New Compact Discs Available:
Kingdom Melodies Volume 9
◼ New Videocassettes Available:
Our Whole Association of Brothers—English
“The New Millennium—What Does the Future Hold for You?”
p. 8
“The New Millennium—What Does the Future Hold for You?”
1 That question has been on the minds of people around the earth. Although mankind has accomplished much over the centuries, people are disillusioned because the basic problems that have plagued humans for millenniums still exist. (Job 14:1; Ps. 90:10) Where can mankind find relief?
2 During the months of October and November, we will have a special opportunity to provide our neighbors with the answer to that question. How? Through the distribution of Kingdom News No. 36. It is entitled “The New Millennium—What Does the Future Hold for You?” During the first half of October, we will offer the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Then from Monday, October 16, through Friday, November 17, we will engage in an intensive distribution of Kingdom News No. 36. During this campaign, we will concentrate on placing Kingdom News No. 36 on weekdays. On weekends, we will present it along with the current magazines.
3 Will You Have a Full Share? Elders, ministerial servants, and pioneers will want to take the lead in this campaign, since they are at the forefront of the work. Many publishers have adjusted their circumstances to auxiliary pioneer during one or both months of the distribution. Others plan to spend more time than usual in the ministry.
4 Congregation Book Study conductors can be instrumental in encouraging every member of their group to have a full share in the distribution of Kingdom News No. 36. There may be some publishers who have become inactive in the preaching work. Elders should visit these to see what can be done to help them. Perhaps arrangements can be made for an experienced publisher to accompany each inactive person in the field during these months. The simple presentation of Kingdom News No. 36 could be just what is needed to reactivate these publishers.
5 This will also be a good opportunity for Bible students who are well along in the Knowledge book and who qualify as unbaptized publishers to begin sharing in the ministry. Even young ones can have a fine share in this exciting work.
6 A simple presentation is all that is needed. You might say:
◼ “I have volunteered my time to help distribute this very important message to every family in [name of city or county]. This is your copy. Please read it.” It may be advantageous not to carry a witnessing case when distributing Kingdom News No. 36.
7 Well-Planned Meetings for Field Service: The elders must see to it that witnessing arrangements are both convenient and practical. The service overseer especially should ensure that plenty of house-to-house and business territory is on hand so that everyone can share fully in the work. Wherever possible, meetings for service should be organized for each weekday, for the weekends, and for the evenings. Arrangements can be made to meet in the late afternoons for the benefit of school students, shift workers, and others.
8 What to Do About Not-at-Homes: Our goal is to speak to as many householders as possible. If no one is at home when you call, take note of the address and call at a different time of day. If by the last week of the campaign you have not succeeded in contacting these householders, you may leave them a copy of Kingdom News No. 36 in a place out of sight of passersby. The local elders may instruct the congregation to leave a copy of Kingdom News No. 36 at not-at-homes on the first call when working rural areas and areas where there is more territory than can be covered during the campaign.
9 Let’s Get Busy! Congregations should endeavor to cover their territory before the campaign ends on November 17. If your territory is quite large, some publishers may work alone where this is practical and safe. This arrangement will make it easier to reach as many deserving ones as possible. Be sure to keep a good record of all the interest found.
10 The elders should anticipate how many extra magazines the congregation will need and order accordingly. There is no need to order Kingdom News No. 36, since a consignment is being sent to each congregation. Special, regular, and auxiliary pioneers will receive 250 copies each to distribute, while congregation publishers will be allotted 50 copies each. So are you ready and eager to get busy in this special activity? How privileged we are to let all our neighbors know what God has promised for the near future!