October

District and International Conventions Stir Us to Give God Glory!

The “Give God Glory” District and International Conventions held to date have given a tremendous witness. These significant theocratic events have served to magnify Jehovah’s name and enhance our ability to “ascribe to Jehovah the glory belonging to his name.” (Ps. 96:8) Truly, he deserves to be glorified because of his wonderful creative works, which reflect his marvelous attributes.​—Job 37:14; Rev. 4:11.

Using the following questions along with your personal notes, prepare for and participate in the review of the convention program to be held during the week of October 20.

1. How does inanimate creation declare God’s glory, and how does that differ from the way in which humans praise him? (Ps. 19:1-3; “Creation Declares the Glory of God”)

2. What present reality does the transfiguration foreshadow, and in what way are Christians today spurred on by this reality? (Keynote address, “Glorious Prophetic Visions Spur Us On!”)

3. How can we cultivate the kind of humility displayed by the prophet Daniel, and how will we benefit from doing so? (Dan. 9:2, 5; 10:11, 12; “Jehovah’s Glory Revealed to Humble Ones”)

4. (a) What three things about divine judgment can we learn from the prophecy of Amos? (Amos 1:3, 11, 13; 9:2-4, 8, 14) (b) What practical lesson can Jehovah’s Witnesses today draw from the warning example found at Amos 2:12? (“The Prophecy of Amos​—Its Message for Our Day”)

5. (a) What are the dangers of the immoderate use of alcohol, even if a person does not get drunk? (b) How may a problem with immoderateness be corrected? (Mark 9:43; Eph. 5:18; “Avoid the Snare of Alcohol Abuse”)

6. How are you benefiting from the new publication “See the Good Land”? (“‘The Good Land’​—Foregleam of Paradise”)

7. In what three ways may we “reflect like mirrors the glory of Jehovah”? (2 Cor. 3:18; “Reflect Like Mirrors the Glory of Jehovah”)

8. What is the source of unjustified hatred, and what can help us to maintain our integrity despite experiencing such hatred? (Ps. 109:1-3; “Hated Without Cause”)

9. What is the Christlike view of greatness, and how may a person determine that he needs to develop this viewpoint more fully? (Matt. 20:20-26; “Cultivating a Christlike View of Greatness”)

10. What can help us to stay spiritually vigorous despite physical weariness? (“Tired but Not Tiring Out”)

11. What are some of the agencies through which Satan promotes falsehood, and what is the appropriate Scriptural response to attempts at subverting our faith? (John 10:5; “Beware of ‘the Voice of Strangers’”)

12. (a) How can parents follow Jesus’ example as recorded at Mark 10:14, 16? (b) What do you like about the new book Learn From the Great Teacher? (“Our Children​—A Precious Inheritance”)

13. How are youths praising Jehovah? (1 Tim. 4:12; “How Youths Are Praising Jehovah”)

14. What scenes from the drama “Boldly Witnessing Despite Opposition” stand out in your memory?

15. How may we imitate the example set by (a) Peter and John? (Acts 4:10) (b) Stephen? (Acts 7:2, 52, 53) (c) the first-century Christian congregation? (Acts 9:31; drama and the talk “Declare the Good News ‘Without Letup’”)

16. (a) We resolved to give God glory in what ways? (b) Of what can we be assured as we apply what we learned at the “Give God Glory” Conventions? (John 15:9, 10, 16; “‘Keep Bearing Much Fruit’ to Jehovah’s Glory”)

By meditating on the fine spiritual instruction presented at the convention, we will be moved to put into practice the things that we learned. (Phil. 4:8, 9) This will strengthen our determination to “do all things for God’s glory.”​—1 Cor. 10:31.

Service Meeting Schedule

Week Starting October 13

Song 215

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Encourage all to use the questions on page 1 for reviewing their notes in preparation for the audience discussion of the “Give God Glory” Convention program at next week’s Service Meeting. Using the suggestions on page 8, have two realistic demonstrations of how to present the October 15 Watchtower and the October 22 Awake! In each case, both magazines should be offered as a set, even though only one is featured. In one of the presentations, demonstrate making a return visit on a magazine-route call. Lay the groundwork for the next visit by drawing attention to the box “In Our Next Issue.”​—See the October 1998 Our Kingdom Ministry, p. 8, pars. 7-8.

20 min: “Serve Jehovah With Rejoicing.”a (All should have the January 2002 Our Kingdom Ministry insert with them for this discussion.) After discussing paragraph 4, mention that during November we will be offering the Require brochure and the Knowledge book. Briefly review one of the suggested presentations from the January 2002 Our Kingdom Ministry insert. Then show a practice session in which that presentation is demonstrated. Encourage all to prepare well for the ministry.

15 min: Conducting Bible Studies Brings Blessings. Talk and audience discussion. Relate a few experiences from our publications involving progressive Bible studies. (w00 3/1 p. 6; yb98 pp. 55-60) Invite the audience to comment on what we learn from the experiences and how we benefit from conducting Bible studies.

Song 172 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting October 20

Song 86

5 min: Local announcements.

40 min: “District and International Conventions Stir Us to Give God Glory!” To be handled by an elder. Following an introduction of one minute or less, conduct an audience discussion of the convention program using the questions in the article. Apportion the time so as to accommodate all the questions, perhaps entertaining only one answer on some questions. Not all cited scriptures can be read in the time allotted; these are included for ease in locating answers. Comments should focus on the benefits of applying the things learned.

Song 112 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting October 27

Song 64

12 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for October. Encourage all to review their notes from the special assembly day program for the past service year in preparation for next week’s Service Meeting. Using the suggestions on page 8, have two separate demonstrations of how to present the November 1 Watchtower and the November 8 Awake! In each case, both magazines should be offered as a set, even though only one is featured. In one of the presentations, demonstrate how to handle the conversation stopper “I’m not interested.”​—See Reasoning book, p. 16.

20 min: Use the Sword of the Spirit. (Eph. 6:17) Audience discussion based on the Ministry School book, pages 143-4. Invite comments on these questions: (1) Why do we use the Bible when responding to questions? (2) What does the name Jehovah’s Witnesses indicate about us? (3) What example did Jesus set, and how can we imitate him? (4) In the local territory, what are some effective ways to introduce Biblical thoughts? (5) Why is it good to read directly from the Bible whenever possible? (6) How can elders encourage others to make good use of the Bible? Have a well-prepared demonstration based on the exercise on page 144 in which a capable publisher uses at least one scripture in answering a question. Encourage all to make it their goal to use the Bible each time they give a witness.

13 min: Local experiences. Invite audience to relate experiences enjoyed in connection with attending the district convention or while witnessing informally at work, at school, or elsewhere.

Song 52 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting November 3

Song 147

5 min: Local announcements.

15 min: Local needs.

25 min: Be Rich in Fine Works. (1 Tim. 6:18) Using the questions provided here, an elder conducts an audience discussion of the special assembly day program that was held during the past service year. Invite congregation to relate how they have been able to apply what they learned. (Portions can be assigned in advance.) Highlight the following program parts: (1) “Fine Works Bring Great Gain.” (Eccl. 2:11) Why do servants of God pursue the fine works described in God’s Word rather than the vain works of this world? (2) “Be Rich From God’s Standpoint.” (Matt. 6:20) How have some ‘stored up treasures in heaven,’ and with what benefits? (3) “Enrich Your Ministry With a Bible Study.” (om p. 91) What can help us to start and conduct a Bible study? (4) “Fine Works in This Time of Harvest.” (Matt. 13:37-39) What example of fine works did the early Christians set, and how has the Kingdom work expanded in our day? (5) “Let Your Fine Works Glorify Jehovah.” (Matt. 5:14-16) How have some ‘let their light shine’? (6) “Commending Youths for Fine Works in Praising Jehovah.” (Ps. 148:12, 13) How are Christian youths in our circuit giving praise to Jehovah? (7) “Continue in Fine Works and Reap Jehovah’s Blessings.” (Prov. 10:22) As we keep busy in fine works, what blessings can be reaped as an individual, as a family, as a congregation, and as a worldwide organization?

Song 180 and concluding prayer.

[Footnote]

July Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 174 104.5 92.0 48.5 4.5

Pios. 84,955 62.4 41.1 20.4 2.0

Aux.Pios. 23,039 50.4 35.1 12.2 1.1

Pubs. 878,013 9.5 8.4 3.6 0.4

TOTAL 986,181 Baptized: 4,948

Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2004

Instructions

During 2004 the following will be the arrangements for conducting the Theocratic Ministry School.

SOURCE MATERIAL: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures [bi12], The Watchtower [w], Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education [be], “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” (1990 Edition) [si], and Reasoning From the Scriptures (1989 Edition) [rs].

The school should begin ON TIME with song, prayer, and remarks of welcome and then proceed as follows:

SPEECH QUALITY: 5 minutes. The school overseer, the auxiliary counselor, or another qualified elder will discuss a speech quality based on the Ministry School textbook. (In congregations with a limited number of elders, a qualified ministerial servant may be used.) Unless otherwise indicated, the boxes appearing on the assigned pages should be included in the discussion. The exercises should be omitted. These are primarily for personal use and private counsel.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1: 10 minutes. This should be handled by an elder or a ministerial servant, and it will be based on The Watchtower, Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education, or “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial.” It is to be delivered as a ten-minute instruction talk with no oral review. The objective should be to cover the material while at the same time focusing 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. It is expected that brothers assigned this talk will be careful to keep within the time limit. Private counsel may be given as needed.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM BIBLE READING: 10 minutes. For the first six minutes, a qualified elder or ministerial servant should apply the material to local needs. He may comment on any portion of the assigned Bible reading for the week. This should not be just a summary of the assigned reading. The principal objective is to help the audience to appreciate why and how the information is of value. The speaker should be careful not to exceed the six minutes allotted for the opening portion. He should ensure that four minutes are set aside for audience participation. The audience should be invited to offer brief comments (30 seconds or less) on what they have appreciated in the Bible reading and its benefits. The school overseer will then dismiss the students who are assigned to other classrooms.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 2: 4 minutes. This is a reading to be given by a brother. The reading will usually be from the Bible. Once a month this assignment will cover material drawn from The Watchtower. The student should read the assigned material without giving an introduction or a conclusion. From week to week, the amount of material to be read will vary slightly but should take four minutes or less. The school overseer should look over the material before making the assignments, matching such to the age and ability of the students. The school overseer will be especially interested in helping students to read with understanding, fluency, proper sense stress, modulation, appropriate pausing, and naturalness.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 3: 5 minutes. This will be assigned to a sister. Students receiving this assignment will either be assigned a setting or select one from the list appearing on page 82 of the Ministry School textbook. The student should use the assigned theme and apply it to an aspect of field service that is realistic and practical for the territory of the local congregation. When no references are indicated as source material, the student will need to gather material for this part by doing research in publications provided by the faithful and discreet slave class. Newer students should be given assignments for which references are supplied. The school overseer will be particularly interested in the way the student develops the material and the way she helps the householder to reason on the Scriptures and to understand the key points of the presentation. Students assigned this part should know how to read. The school overseer will assign one assistant.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 4: 5 minutes. The student should develop the assigned theme. When no references are indicated as source material, the student will need to gather material for this part by doing research in publications provided by the faithful and discreet slave class. When assigned to a brother, this part may be given as a talk with the Kingdom Hall audience in mind. When a sister is given this part, it should always be presented as outlined for Assignment No. 3. The school overseer may give a brother assignment No. 4 whenever he sees fit to do so. Please note that themes with asterisks next to them should always be assigned to brothers to develop as talks.

TIMING: No talk should go overtime, nor should the remarks of the counselor. Assignments No. 2 through 4 should tactfully be stopped when the time is up. If brothers handling the opening talk on a speech quality, Assignment No. 1, or highlights from the Bible reading go overtime, they should be given private counsel. All should watch their timing carefully. Total program: 45 minutes, excluding song and prayer.

COUNSEL: 1 minute. The school overseer will take no more than one minute after each student presentation to offer some positive observations on an aspect of the talk that was commendable. His aim is not simply to say “well done” but, rather, to draw attention to specific reasons why that aspect of the presentation was effective. According to the need of each student, additional constructive counsel may be given privately after the meeting or at another time.

AUXILIARY COUNSELOR: The body of elders may select a capable elder, if one is available in addition to the school overseer, to handle the assignment as auxiliary counselor. If there are a number of elders in the congregation, then a different qualified elder may care for this assignment each year. The auxiliary counselor’s responsibility will be to give private counsel, if needed, to brothers who present Assignment No. 1 and Bible highlights. It is not necessary that he offer counsel after each of such talks by fellow elders or ministerial servants. This arrangement will remain in effect during 2004 and may be adjusted thereafter.

COUNSEL FORM: In textbook.

ORAL REVIEW: 30 minutes. Every two months, the school overseer will conduct an oral review. It will be preceded by the consideration of a speech quality and highlights from the Bible reading as outlined above. The oral review will be based on material considered in the school over the preceding two months, including the current week.

SCHEDULE

Jan. 5 Bible reading: Genesis 1-5 Song 154

Speech Quality: Practical Value Made Clear (be p. 157 ¶1–p. 158 ¶1)

No. 1: Making an Outline (be pp. 39-42)

No. 2: Genesis 2:7-25

No. 3: Does the “New Testament” Refer to a Future Earthly Paradise, or Is That Only in the “Old Testament”? (rs p. 285 ¶1-3)

No. 4: aWhat We Can Learn From Bible Examples of Sins of Omission

Jan. 12 Bible reading: Genesis 6-10 Song 215

Speech Quality: Practical Application of Material (be p. 158 ¶2-4)

No. 1: Cleanliness​—What Does It Really Mean? (w02 2/1 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: Genesis 8:1-17

No. 3: Why Lying Is Wrong

No. 4: Why the “Paradise” Referred to at Luke 23:43 Cannot Be a Part of Hades or of Heaven (rs p. 286 ¶1–p. 287 ¶1)

Jan. 19 Bible reading: Genesis 11-16 Song 218

Speech Quality: Helping Others to Get the Point (be p. 159 ¶1-4)

No. 1: Godly Principles Can Benefit You (w02 2/15 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: Genesis 13:1-18

No. 3: What Points to the Paradise Referred to at Luke 23:43 as Being Earthly? (rs p. 287 ¶2–p. 288 ¶2)

No. 4: Why Jehovah’s Witnesses Share Their Hope With Others

Jan. 26 Bible reading: Genesis 17-20 Song 106

Speech Quality: Choice of Words (be p. 160 ¶1-3)

No. 1: Empathy​—Key to Kindness and Compassion (w02 4/15 pp. 24-7)

No. 2: w02 1/1 pp. 10-11 ¶9-11

No. 3: What Jesus’ Words Recorded at Luke 13:24 Mean

No. 4: How Can Any of Us Acquire True Knowledge and Wisdom? (rs p. 288 ¶3–p. 289 ¶2)

Feb. 2 Bible reading: Genesis 21-24 Song 64

Speech Quality: Language Easily Understood (be p. 161 ¶1-4)

No. 1: Preparing Student Assignments for the School (be p. 43 ¶1–p. 44 ¶3)

No. 2: Genesis 21:1-21

No. 3: What Is the Origin of Human Philosophies? (rs p. 289 ¶3–p. 290 ¶2)

No. 4: bWhy an Engagement to Marry Should Be Taken Seriously

Feb. 9 Bible reading: Genesis 25-28 Song 9

Speech Quality: Variety and Accuracy in Expression (be p. 161 ¶5–p. 162 ¶4)

No. 1: Working With a Subject and a Setting (be p. 44 ¶4–p. 46 ¶2)

No. 2: Genesis 28:1-15

No. 3: How to Find Inner Peace in This Troubled World

No. 4: Why Is It an Evidence of Clear Thinking to Study the Teachings of Jesus Christ Instead of Human Philosophy? (rs p. 290 ¶3–p. 291 ¶3)

Feb. 16 Bible reading: Genesis 29-31 Song 160

Speech Quality: Words That Convey Vigor, Feeling, and Color (be p. 163 ¶1–p. 164 ¶2)

No. 1: Integrity Leads the Upright Ones (w02 5/15 pp. 24-7)

No. 2: w02 2/1 pp. 15-16 ¶6-10

No. 3: Whose Prayers Is God Willing to Hear? (rs p. 292 ¶1–p. 293 ¶2)

No. 4: Why Virtue Is an Important Quality for Christians

Feb. 23 Bible reading: Genesis 32-35 Song 1

Speech Quality: Speech Conforming to the Rules of Grammar (be p. 164 ¶3–p. 165 ¶1)

Oral Review

Mar. 1 Bible reading: Genesis 36-39 Song 49

Speech Quality: Use of an Outline (be p. 166 ¶1–p. 167 ¶2)

No. 1: Preparing Talks for the Congregation (be p. 47 ¶1–p. 49 ¶1)

No. 2: Genesis 37:12-28

No. 3: Why Must Our Faith Be Linked With Endurance?

No. 4: cWhat Could Make a Person’s Prayers Unacceptable to God? (rs p. 293 ¶3–p. 294 ¶3)

Mar. 8 Bible reading: Genesis 40-42 Song 205

Speech Quality: Organizing Your Thoughts (be p. 167 ¶3–p. 168 ¶2)

No. 1: Preparing Service Meeting Parts and Other Talks (be p. 49 ¶2–p. 51 ¶2)

No. 2: Genesis 42:1-20

No. 3: How to Cultivate a Close Relationship With Jehovah

No. 4: dWhat Are Proper Matters About Which to Pray? (rs p. 294 ¶4–p. 295 ¶3)

Mar. 15 Bible reading: Genesis 43-46 Song 67

Speech Quality: Keeping Your Talk Outline Simple (be p. 168 ¶3–p. 169 ¶5)

No. 1: Earnest Effort​—When Is It Blessed by Jehovah? (w02 8/1 pp. 29-31)

No. 2: Genesis 43:1-18

No. 3: eIf Someone Says, ‘Pray With Me First, Then Give Me Your Message’ (rs p. 295 ¶4-5)

No. 4: How Can We Make Friends by Means of Unrighteous Riches?

Mar. 22 Bible reading: Genesis 47-50 Song 187

Speech Quality: Logical Development of Material (be p. 170 ¶1–p. 171 ¶2)

No. 1: Why Did Jehovah Accept Abel’s Sacrifice and Not Cain’s? (w02 8/1 p. 28)

No. 2: Genesis 47:1-17

No. 3: What Are Some of the Outstanding Bible Prophecies That Are Yet to Be Fulfilled? (rs p. 296 ¶2–p. 297 ¶3)

No. 4: Why Fear of Jehovah Is the Beginning of Wisdom

Mar. 29 Bible reading: Exodus 1-6 Song 52

Speech Quality: Presenting Information in a Logical Way (be p. 171 ¶3–p. 172 ¶5)

No. 1: How Can Thinking Ability Safeguard You? (w02 8/15 pp. 21-4)

No. 2: w02 2/15 pp. 19-20 ¶7-11

No. 3: How Jehovah Views Pride

No. 4: Why Should Christians Be Keenly Interested in the Bible’s Predictions? (rs p. 297 ¶4-8)

Apr. 5 Bible reading: Exodus 7-10 Song 61

Speech Quality: Using Only Relevant Material (be p. 173 ¶1-4)

No. 1: Preparing Discourses for the Public (be p. 52 ¶1–p. 54 ¶1)

No. 2: Exodus 8:1-19

No. 3: fIf Someone Says, ‘You Put Too Much Emphasis on Prophecy’ (rs p. 298 ¶1-2)

No. 4: Why Hope Is Like “an Anchor for the Soul”

Apr. 12 Bible reading: Exodus 11-14 Song 87

Speech Quality: Extemporaneous Delivery (be p. 174 ¶1–p. 175 ¶4)

No. 1: The Speaker’s Decisions (be p. 54 ¶2-4; p. 55, box)

No. 2: Exodus 12:1-16

No. 3: Why Should We Welcome Jehovah’s Discipline?

No. 4: On What Is the Teaching of Purgatory Based? (rs p. 299 ¶1-6)

Apr. 19 Bible reading: Exodus 15-18 Song 171

Speech Quality: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Extemporaneous Delivery (be p. 175 ¶5–p. 177 ¶1)

No. 1: How Should We View Trials? (w02 9/1 pp. 29-31)

No. 2: w02 3/1 pp. 15-16 ¶8-11

No. 3: Is Further Punishment for Sin Exacted After One’s Death? (rs p. 300 ¶2-6)

No. 4: gWhy Marriage Should Be a Lifelong Union

Apr. 26 Bible reading: Exodus 19-22 Song 59

Speech Quality: When Others Demand an Explanation (be p. 177 ¶2–p. 178 ¶2)

Oral Review

May 3 Bible reading: Exodus 23-26 Song 13

Speech Quality: Conversational Manner (be pp. 179-80)

No. 1: Develop Ability as a Teacher (be p. 56 ¶1–p. 57 ¶2)

No. 2: Exodus 23:1-17

No. 3: How Can Jehovah Help a Person to Overcome Bad Habits?

No. 4: From Where Did the Various Races Come? (rs p. 301 ¶1-4)

May 10 Bible reading: Exodus 27-29 Song 28

Speech Quality: Voice Quality (be p. 181 ¶1-4)

No. 1: “Make a Distinction” (be p. 57 ¶3–p. 58 ¶2)

No. 2: Exodus 28:29-43

No. 3: Where Did Cain Get His Wife if There Was Just One Family? (rs p. 301 ¶5–p. 302 ¶1)

No. 4: Why Racial Prejudice Is Wrong

May 17 Bible reading: Exodus 30-33 Song 93

Speech Quality: Properly Controlling Your Air Supply (be p. 181 ¶5–p. 184 ¶1; p. 182, box)

No. 1: Encourage Listeners to Think (be p. 58 ¶3–p. 59 ¶3)

No. 2: Exodus 30:1-21

No. 3: Why Be Mild-Tempered?

No. 4: What Explains the Various Racial Characteristics? (rs p. 302 ¶2–p. 303 ¶2)

May 24 Bible reading: Exodus 34-37 Song 86

Speech Quality: Relaxing Tense Muscles (be p. 184 ¶2–p. 185 ¶3; p. 184, box)

No. 1: Provide Application and Set a Good Example (be p. 60 ¶1–p. 61 ¶3)

No. 2: Exodus 36:1-18

No. 3: Are All Humans Children of God? (rs p. 303 ¶3–p. 304 ¶4)

No. 4: Why Be Faithful in Little Things?

May 31 Bible reading: Exodus 38-40 Song 202

Speech Quality: Interest Shown in the Other Person (be p. 186 ¶1-4)

No. 1: How to Improve Conversation Skills (be p. 62 ¶1–p. 64 ¶1)

No. 2: w02 5/1 pp. 19-20 ¶3-6

No. 3: How Can Understanding 1 John 3:19, 20 Comfort a Person?

No. 4: Will People of All Races Ever Truly Be United as Brothers and Sisters? (rs p. 304 ¶5–p. 305 ¶3)

June 7 Bible reading: Leviticus 1-5 Song 123

Speech Quality: Listening Attentively (be p. 187 ¶1-5)

No. 1: How to Continue a Conversation (be p. 64 ¶2–p. 65 ¶4)

No. 2: Leviticus 3:1-17

No. 3: How Was the Death of Jesus Christ Different From That of Others Who Have Become Martyrs? (rs p. 306 ¶1-4)

No. 4: What Is Wrong With Dabbling in the Occult?

June 14 Bible reading: Leviticus 6-9 Song 121

Speech Quality: Helping Others to Progress (be p. 187 ¶6–p. 188 ¶3)

No. 1: Discerning the Questioner’s Viewpoint (be p. 66 ¶1–p. 68 ¶1)

No. 2: Leviticus 7:1-19

No. 3: How Can We Learn to Hate What Is Bad?

No. 4: Why Was It Necessary for the Ransom to Be Provided in the Manner That It Was? (rs p. 306 ¶6–p. 307 ¶2)

June 21 Bible reading: Leviticus 10-13 Song 183

Speech Quality: Giving Practical Assistance (be p. 188 ¶4–p. 189 ¶4)

No. 1: Know How You Ought to Answer (be p. 68 ¶2–p. 70 ¶3)

No. 2: Leviticus 11:1-25

No. 3: Why Did God Not Simply Decree That All Who Would Obey Could Live Forever? (rs p. 307 ¶3–p. 308 ¶1)

No. 4: How Jehovah Views Cheating

June 28 Bible reading: Leviticus 14-16 Song 216

Speech Quality: Respect Shown to Others (be p. 190 ¶1-4)

Oral Review

July 5 Bible reading: Leviticus 17-20 Song 54

Speech Quality: Respectful Acknowledgment (be p. 191 ¶1–p. 192 ¶1)

No. 1: Communicating Through Letters (be pp. 71-3)

No. 2: Leviticus 17:1-16

No. 3: Trust Jehovah’s Organization

No. 4: To Whom First Was the Merit of Jesus’ Sacrifice Applied, and With What Objective? (rs p. 308 ¶2-3)

July 12 Bible reading: Leviticus 21-24 Song 138

Speech Quality: Respectful Delivery (be p. 192 ¶2–p. 193 ¶2)

No. 1: Be Progressive​—Make Advancement (be p. 74 ¶1–p. 75 ¶3)

No. 2: Leviticus 22:1-16

No. 3: Who Else in Our Day Are Experiencing Benefits From Jesus’ Sacrifice? (rs p. 309 ¶1-3)

No. 4: Was Jehovah the Tribal God of the Jews?

July 19 Bible reading: Leviticus 25-27 Song 7

Speech Quality: Expressed With Conviction (be p. 194 ¶1–p. 195 ¶2)

No. 1: Use Your Gift (be p. 75 ¶4–p. 77 ¶2)

No. 2: Leviticus 25:1-19

No. 3: How Terrorism Will End

No. 4: What Future Blessings Will Be Enjoyed as a Result of the Ransom? (rs p. 310 ¶1-4)

July 26 Bible reading: Numbers 1-3 Song 30

Speech Quality: How Conviction Is Manifested (be p. 195 ¶3–p. 196 ¶4)

No. 1: Should Christians Be Jealous? (w02 10/15 pp. 28-31)

No. 2: w02 6/15 pp. 18-19 ¶6-9

No. 3: What Is Required of Us in Order to Benefit From Jesus’ Sacrifice? (rs p. 310 ¶5–p. 311 ¶3)

No. 4: Is It Wrong to Mourn the Death of a Loved One?

Aug. 2 Bible reading: Numbers 4-6 Song 128

Speech Quality: Tactful yet Firm (be p. 197 ¶1-3)

No. 1: Making Our Days Count Before Jehovah (w02 11/15 pp. 20-3)

No. 2: Numbers 6:1-17

No. 3: How Can the Bible Help People to Stop Hating One Another?

No. 4: What Effect Should the Ransom Have on How We Use Our Lives? (rs p. 311 ¶4-6)

Aug. 9 Bible reading: Numbers 7-9 Song 35

Speech Quality: Tactful When Witnessing (be p. 197 ¶4–p. 198 ¶5)

No. 1: Is a Classless Society Really Possible? (w02 1/1 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: Numbers 8:1-19

No. 3: When the Apostle Paul Said That Christians Would Be “Caught Up” to Be With the Lord, What Subject Was Being Discussed? (rs p. 312 ¶1-2)

No. 4: Who Is the Antichrist?

Aug. 16 Bible reading: Numbers 10-13 Song 203

Speech Quality: The Right Words at the Right Time (be p. 199 ¶1-4)

No. 1: Trust in Jehovah​—The God Who Is Real (w02 1/15 pp. 5-7)

No. 2: Numbers 12:1-16

No. 3: Is God’s Vengeance Consistent With His Love?

No. 4: Will Christ Appear Visibly on a Cloud and Then Take Away Faithful Christians Into the Heavens While the World Looks On? (rs p. 313 ¶1-3)

Aug. 23 Bible reading: Numbers 14-16 Song 207

Speech Quality: Using Tact With Family and Others (be p. 200 ¶1-4)

No. 1: Brothers Who Developed Different Attitudes (w02 1/15 pp. 21-3)

No. 2: w02 7/15 pp. 23-4 ¶15-19

No. 3: Is It Possible for Christians to Be Taken to Heaven With Their Physical Bodies? (rs p. 314 ¶1-2)

No. 4: hWhy Violent Video Games Are Not for Christians

Aug. 30 Bible reading: Numbers 17-21 Song 150

Speech Quality: Upbuilding and Positive (be p. 202 ¶1–p. 203 ¶2)

Oral Review

Sept. 6 Bible reading: Numbers 22-25 Song 22

Speech Quality: Keeping the Tone Positive (be p. 203 ¶3–p. 204 ¶1)

No. 1: Why Did That Ancient World Perish? (w02 3/1 pp. 5-7)

No. 2: Numbers 22:1-19

No. 3: Will Faithful Christians Be Taken to Heaven Secretly Without Dying? (rs p. 314 ¶3–p. 315 ¶2)

No. 4: iWhy Christian Parents Should Read to Their Children

Sept. 13 Bible reading: Numbers 26-29 Song 71

Speech Quality: When Conversing With Fellow Believers (be p. 204 ¶2–p. 205 ¶4)

No. 1: How Disabilities Will End (w02 5/1 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: Numbers 29:1-19

No. 3: What Protection Will There Be for True Christians During the Great Tribulation? (rs p. 315 ¶3–p. 316 ¶3)

No. 4: How Have God’s Promises Become Yes by Means of Jesus Christ?

Sept. 20 Bible reading: Numbers 30-32 Song 51

Speech Quality: Repetition for Emphasis (be p. 206 ¶1-4)

No. 1: Sow Righteousness, Reap God’s Loving-Kindness (w02 7/15 pp. 28-31)

No. 2: Numbers 30:1-16

No. 3: Why Are Some Christians Taken to Heaven to Be With Christ? (rs p. 316 ¶5-8)

No. 4: jWhy Flee From Pornography

Sept. 27 Bible reading: Numbers 33-36 Song 100

Speech Quality: Repetition in the Field Ministry and in Talks (be p. 207 ¶1–p. 208 ¶4)

No. 1: How Can True Saints Help You? (w02 9/15 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: w02 8/1 pp. 18-19 ¶15-19

No. 3: k‘Do You Believe in the Rapture?’ (rs p. 316 ¶9–p. 317 ¶2)

No. 4: Why Avoid Thrill Seeking

Oct. 4 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 1-3 Song 191

Speech Quality: Theme Developed (be p. 209 ¶1-3)

No. 1: Comfort in the Accurate Knowledge of God (w02 10/1 pp. 5-7)

No. 2: Deuteronomy 1:1-18

No. 3: What It Means to Make the Truth Your Own

No. 4: Does a Strange Feeling of Being Familiar With Entirely New Acquaintances and Places Prove Reincarnation to Be a Fact? (rs p. 317 ¶3–p. 319 ¶1)

Oct. 11 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 4-6 Song 181

Speech Quality: Using an Appropriate Theme (be p. 210 ¶1–p. 211 ¶1; p. 211, box)

No. 1: Counting Back From 537 B.C.E. to 997 B.C.E. (si p. 285 ¶5-7)

No. 2: Deuteronomy 4:1-14

No. 3: Why Does the Account at John 9:1, 2 Not Prove Reincarnation? (rs p. 319 ¶2–p. 320 ¶2)

No. 4: What Is Involved in ‘Minding the Spirit’?

Oct. 18 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 7-10 Song 78

Speech Quality: Main Points Made to Stand Out (be p. 212 ¶1–p. 213 ¶1)

No. 1: Counting Back From 997 B.C.E. to 2370 B.C.E. (si pp. 285-6 ¶8-11)

No. 2: w02 8/15 pp. 15-16 ¶3-6

No. 3: How Much of a Difference Is There Between Reincarnation and the Hope Held Out in the Bible? (rs p. 320 ¶3-4)

No. 4: lHow Jehovah Views Apostates

Oct. 25 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 11-13 Song 57

Speech Quality: Not Too Many Main Points (be p. 213 ¶2–p. 214 ¶5)

Oral Review

Nov. 1 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 14-18 Song 26

Speech Quality: Interest-Arousing Introduction (be p. 215 ¶1–p. 216 ¶5)

No. 1: Counting Back From 2370 B.C.E. to 4026 B.C.E. (si pp. 286-7 ¶12-15)

No. 2: Deuteronomy 14:1-23

No. 3: aIf Someone Says, ‘I Believe in Reincarnation’ (rs p. 321 ¶1-3)

No. 4: Why Christians Should Keep Their Life Simple

Nov. 8 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 19-22 Song 182

Speech Quality: Getting People’s Attention in the Field Service (be p. 217 ¶1-4)

No. 1: Jesus’ Earthly Residence (si p. 291 ¶16-17)

No. 2: Deuteronomy 21:1-17

No. 3: Why Are There So Many Religions? (rs p. 322 ¶1–p. 323 ¶2)

No. 4: How Can Bible Examples Help Us to Cope With Discouragement?

Nov. 15 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 23-27 Song 162

Speech Quality: Identifying Your Subject in the Introduction (be p. 217 ¶5–p. 219 ¶3)

No. 1: Time Features of Jesus’ Ministry (si p. 291 ¶18-19)

No. 2: Deuteronomy 24:1-16

No. 3: How to Identify Those Who Have God’s Backing

No. 4: Is It True That There Is Good in All Religions? (rs p. 323 ¶3-5)

Nov. 22 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 28-31 Song 32

Speech Quality: Effective Conclusions (be p. 220 ¶1-3)

No. 1: Counting the Years in Apostolic Times (si pp. 291-2 ¶20-3)

No. 2: Deuteronomy 29:1-18

No. 3: Is It Proper to Leave the Religion of One’s Parents? (rs p. 324 ¶1-3)

No. 4: Why Christians Should Be Modest

Nov. 29 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 32-34 Song 41

Speech Quality: Points to Keep in Mind (be p. 220 ¶4–p. 221 ¶4)

No. 1: Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (si pp. 292-3 ¶24-5)

No. 2: w02 10/15 p. 11 ¶10-13

No. 3: Ways We Can Sanctify God’s Name

No. 4: What Is the Bible’s Viewpoint as to Interfaith? (rs p. 325 ¶1–p. 326 ¶1)

Dec. 6 Bible reading: Joshua 1-5 Song 40

Speech Quality: In the Field Ministry (be p. 221 ¶5–p. 222 ¶6)

No. 1: Paul’s Third Missionary Tour and the Closing Years, 56-100 C.E. (si p. 293 ¶26-30)

No. 2: Joshua 4:1-14

No. 3: Is Belonging to an Organized Religion Necessary? (rs p. 326 ¶2–p. 327 ¶2)

No. 4: Is Christmas a Christian Celebration?

Dec. 13 Bible reading: Joshua 6-8 Song 213

Speech Quality: Accuracy of Statement (be p. 223 ¶1-5)

No. 1: Apologizing​—A Key to Making Peace (w02 11/1 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: Joshua 6:10-23

No. 3: Why Continue to Preach From House to House?

No. 4: Is Loving One’s Fellowman What Really Counts? (rs p. 327 ¶4)

Dec. 20 Bible reading: Joshua 9-11 Song 135

Speech Quality: “Holding Firmly to the Faithful Word” (be p. 224 ¶1-4)

No. 1: Strengthen Your Hands (w02 12/1 pp. 30-1)

No. 2: w02 11/15 pp. 18-19 ¶19-23

No. 3: Is Having a Personal Relationship With God the Really Important Thing? (rs p. 327 ¶5–p. 328 ¶1)

No. 4: bWhat It Means to Be Peaceable

Dec. 27 Bible reading: Joshua 12-15 Song 210

Speech Quality: Checking the Accuracy of Information (be p. 225 ¶1-3)

Oral Review

[Footnotes]

Announcements

◼ Literature offer for October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, offer the Require brochure, making a special effort to start Bible studies. November: What Does God Require of Us? or Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. If people already have these, Worship the Only True God or an older publication may be offered. December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. As an alternative offer, you may use My Book of Bible Stories, The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s?, or You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. January: Any book published prior to 1988 that the congregation may have in stock. If you do not have any of these in stock, please check if nearby congregations have a surplus of older publications on hand that you can use. Congregations that do not have older books may offer Mankind’s Search for God.

◼ The insert in this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry is the “Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2004” and should be kept for reference throughout 2004.

◼ If the meeting times for your congregation will change January 1, the congregation secretary should notify the branch office 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.

◼ The video Transfusion-Alternative Health Care​—Meeting Patient Needs and Rights will be considered at the Service Meeting in December. English and Spanish copies are available for request through the congregation.

◼ Beginning November 1, 2003, requests for the following music and drama programs will be available on compact disc only and will no longer be filled in audiocassette format: Kingdom Melodies, Volumes 1-9; Sing Praises to Jehovah (single album with eight cassettes); and Respect Jehovah’s Authority. As additional music and drama audiocassette programs become available on compact disc, congregations will be informed when to discontinue requesting audiocassettes.

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered orally at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning October 27, 2003. The school overseer will conduct a 30–minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of September 1 through October 27, 2003. [Note: Where there are no references after the question, you will need to do your own research to find the answers.​—See Ministry School, pp. 36-7.]

SPEECH QUALITIES

1. What is meant by the counsel given at 1 Timothy 2:9 to adorn oneself in “well-arranged dress,” and how might this affect our presentations from the platform or in the field ministry? [be p. 132 pars. 4-5]

2. How should the Bible principles set out at 1 John 2:15-17, Ephesians 2:2, and Romans 15:3 influence our personal appearance? [be p. 133 pars. 2-4]

3. Why is poise important, and how can we acquire poise when speaking from the platform or sharing in the ministry? [be p. 135 box; p. 136 par. 5, box]

4. As “the faithful and true witness,” how did Jesus set the example for us in using the Bible in the ministry? (Rev. 3:14) [be p. 143 pars. 2-3]

5. How can we become more proficient in the use of the Bible? (Titus 1:9) [be p. 144 par. 1, box]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

6. What does study involve, and what are some of the benefits of a regular study of God’s Word? [be p. 27 par. 3; p. 32 par. 4]

7. In harmony with James 1:5, 6, what is essential when we are faced with an important decision? [w01 9/1 p. 28 par. 4]

8. What are pivotal dates, and why are they of great value? [si p. 282 par. 27]

9. In what way is “the one bringing forth a bad report” stupid? (Prov. 10:18) [w01 9/15 p. 25 par. 3]

10. How will humans come to appreciate Jehovah’s view of time more fully in the new world? [si p. 283 par. 32]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

11. True or False: At 1 Corinthians 2:9, the apostle Paul is referring to things that Jehovah has prepared for his faithful people as an inheritance. Explain. [ip-2 p. 366 box]

12. To what temptations do the words recorded at 1 Corinthians 10:13 apply, and how does Jehovah “make the way out”? [w91 10/1 pp. 10-11 pars. 11-14]

13. How does Jesus’ example of generosity affect Christians? (2 Cor. 8:9) [w92 1/15 p. 16 par. 10]

14. How was the Law a “tutor leading to Christ”? (Gal. 3:24) [w02 6/1 p. 15 par. 11]

15. What are “the elementary things of the world” that we must be on guard against so as not to be led astray? (Col. 2:8)

“Serve Jehovah With Rejoicing”

1. What can be a source of great joy for servants of Jehovah?

¹ “Always rejoice in the Lord,” wrote the apostle Paul. “Once more I will say, Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4) The privilege of sharing the good news and helping sheeplike people to worship Jehovah is a source of great joy. (Luke 10:17; Acts 15:3; 1 Thess. 2:19) However, if we find that at times joy is lacking in our ministry, what can we do?

2. How can keeping in focus the source of our commission contribute to our joy?

² A God-Ordained Work: Remember that our preaching commission comes from Jehovah. Yes, how privileged we are to be “God’s fellow workers” in proclaiming the Kingdom message and making disciples! (1 Cor. 3:9) Christ Jesus is with us in this never-to-be-repeated work. (Matt. 28:18-20) The angels are also actively involved and work with us in the great spiritual harvest now taking place. (Acts 8:26; Rev. 14:6) The Scriptures, along with the experiences of God’s people, give unmistakable evidence that Jehovah is backing this work. When we preach, therefore, we go forth “as sent from God, under God’s view, in company with Christ.” (2 Cor. 2:17) What a powerful reason for joy!

3. What role does prayer play in maintaining our joy in God’s service?

³ Prayer is essential to maintaining our joy in God’s service. (Gal. 5:22) Since we can do God’s work only in his strength, we need to beseech him for his spirit, which he gives generously to those asking him. (Luke 11:13; 2 Cor. 4:1, 7; Eph. 6:18-20) Praying about our ministry will help us to maintain the right perspective when we encounter negative responses. It will enable us to continue preaching boldly and cheerfully.​—Acts 4:29-31; 5:40-42; 13:50-52.

4. How does good preparation help to increase our joy in preaching, and what are some practical ways that we can prepare?

⁴ Prepare Well: A practical way to increase our joy when we share in the ministry is that we prepare well. (1 Pet. 3:15) Such preparation need not entail a lot of time. It takes just a few minutes to review the suggested presentations for the current magazines or a presentation that is suitable for the literature you plan to offer. For an appropriate introduction, you can consult the Reasoning book or past issues of Our Kingdom Ministry. Some Kingdom publishers find it helpful to jot down a brief presentation on an index card. Periodically, they glance at the card to refresh their memory. This helps them to overcome nervousness and gives them confidence to preach with boldness.

5. How does joy benefit us and others?

⁵ Joy brings with it many benefits. A joyful disposition enhances the appeal of our message. Joy strengthens us to endure. (Neh. 8:10; Heb. 12:2) Above all, our joyful service glorifies Jehovah. Therefore, let us “serve Jehovah with rejoicing.”​—Ps. 100:2.

What to Say About the Magazines

The Watchtower Oct. 15

“Many decisions we face have far-reaching effects on our life. What can help us to avoid making unwise decisions? [Allow for response. Then read Proverbs 3:6.] This issue of The Watchtower presents five Bible-based guidelines that can assist us in making wise decisions.”

Awake! Oct. 22

“Have you noticed that more and more, we hear about germs that are resistant to medical treatment? [Allow for response.] This magazine examines the reasons for this and suggests what we can do to protect ourselves. It also discusses the Bible’s promise of a world where no one will be sick.” Read Isaiah 33:24.

The Watchtower Nov. 1

“All of us have had our trust betrayed at some time. Have you ever asked yourself, ‘Is there anyone I can trust?’ [Allow for response. Then read Proverbs 3:5.] This magazine explains why we can put our full trust in God. It also considers how we can determine which people are worthy of our trust.”

Awake! Nov. 8

“Products made from petroleum touch virtually every aspect of our lives. Have you ever wondered what life would be like without them? [Allow for response.] This magazine discusses how oil came to play such a prominent role in modern society. It also explains why we need not fear that one day the oil will run out.”