October

What Do You Put First?

¹ How would you answer that question? Of course, all of us desire to put Kingdom interests first. (Matt. 6:33) But we might ask ourselves, ‘Do the choices I make show that I am?’ The Bible encourages us: “Keep proving what you yourselves are.” (2 Cor. 13:5) How can we prove to ourselves that we are putting the Kingdom first?

² Our Time: We could start by examining how we choose to spend our time. (Eph. 5:15, 16) How much time is spent each week socializing, watching television, surfing the Internet, or pursuing a hobby? If we write down how much time we spend on such things and compare that with the amount of time we spend in spiritual activities, we may be surprised. Do we spend long hours at work at the expense of sacred service just so that we can afford luxuries? How often do we sacrifice meetings or the ministry to take weekend trips for recreation?

³ Set Priorities: Most of us do not have enough time to do everything we would like. So to put Kingdom interests first, we need to assess our priorities and then schedule time for “the more important things.” (Phil. 1:10) These include studying God’s Word, sharing in the ministry, caring for one’s family, and attending Christian meetings. (Ps. 1:1, 2; Rom. 10:13, 14; 1 Tim. 5:8; Heb. 10:24, 25) Other activities, such as moderate exercise and wholesome recreation, are beneficial. (Mark 6:31; 1 Tim. 4:8) But these less important things must be kept in their place.

⁴ One young brother sought to put Kingdom interests first by entering the full-time ministry rather than pursuing higher education in preparation for a secular career. He learned another language and moved to serve where the need was greater. He said: “I am having the time of my life here. The ministry is so refreshing! I just wish that every young person would do something like this and feel what I feel. There is nothing better than to serve Jehovah with all we have.” Yes, putting the Kingdom first brings us blessings, but more important, it pleases our heavenly Father, Jehovah.​—Heb. 6:10.

Help Others to Become Friends of God

¹ Today, people out of all nations are being taught Jehovah’s ways. (Isa. 2:2, 3) For such ones to “bear fruit with endurance,” however, they must come to love Jehovah. (Luke 8:15; Mark 12:30) Without such love, they will not have the strength to resist unwholesome influences or the courage to do what is right. One way to help others develop a good relationship with Jehovah is to build in them appreciation for his qualities. Encourage them to give thoughtful consideration to the information in the book Draw Close to Jehovah.

² Your Example: Your personal actions can have a powerful effect on the hearts of Bible students. When they see that you treasure your friendship with Jehovah and see how it affects your life, they may be motivated to cultivate such a personal relationship themselves. (Luke 6:40) Indeed, our example often has a greater influence on others than what we say.

³ A major means by which parents teach their children to love Jehovah is by their example. (Deut. 6:4-9) One couple desirous of raising their children in the truth asked successful parents for advice. “The common thread with everyone I spoke to was parental example,” said the husband. Thus, by their entire way of life, parents can give their children a living example of what it means to be “Jehovah’s friend.”​—Jas. 2:23.

⁴ Heartfelt Prayer: You can also help others to cultivate friendship with Jehovah by teaching them to pray from the heart. You might direct them to Jesus’ model prayer, as well as to the many earnest prayers recorded in the Scriptures. (Matt. 6:9, 10) You can teach your children and Bible students how to pray by your own prayers. When they hear your heartfelt expressions, they sense your feelings toward Jehovah. Encourage them to “persevere in prayer” when they face trials. (Rom. 12:12) As they experience Jehovah’s help in times of need, they will come to trust him and love him as a true friend.​—Ps. 34:8; Phil. 4:6, 7.

Service Meeting Schedule

Week Starting October 9

Song 25

10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Using the suggestions on page 8 or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer the October 15 Watchtower and the October Awake! along with Kingdom News No. 37.

15 min: “Help Others to Become Friends of God.”a Invite the audience to comment on how the example of others and heartfelt prayer helped them to progress to the point of baptism.

20 min: Prepare to Distribute Kingdom News No. 37. Talk and audience discussion. Review arrangements for the campaign, as discussed in the September Our Kingdom Ministry. Urge all to have a full share. Encourage those with progressive Bible studies to consider whether their students qualify to share in the campaign as unbaptized publishers. Parents can also consider if their children qualify. Briefly outline the requirements from pages 79-81 of Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will.

Song 221 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting October 16

Song 84

10 min: Local announcements.

20 min: Benefiting From the Congregation Book Study. Talk and audience discussion based on Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will, from the subheading on page 69 to the first subheading on page 72.

15 min: “What Do You Put First?”b Invite selected publishers to comment on how they have adjusted their schedule so as to put Kingdom interests first and on what blessings they have enjoyed as a result.

Song 172 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting October 23

Song 58

10 min: Local announcements. Read accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Using the suggestions on page 8 or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer the November 1 Watchtower and the November Awake! In one of the demonstrations, show how to handle the potential conversation stopper “Why do you people call so often?”​—See Reasoning book, p. 20.

15 min: Local needs.

20 min: “Benefit Fully From Meetings for Field Service.”c When discussing paragraph 3, include comments on the September 2001 Our Kingdom Ministry Question Box, paragraph 4, regarding how matters should be handled on occasions when no qualified brothers are present to conduct the meeting.

Song 143 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting October 30

Song 207

10 min: Local announcements. Remind all to turn in field service reports and to include on the back the number of Kingdom News No. 37 that they placed.

15 min: How Can I Preach to My Schoolmates? Talk and audience discussion based on the March 22, 2002, issue of Awake! pages 10-12. Invite audience to relate good experiences they have had when preaching to schoolmates.

20 min: Experiences Offering Kingdom News No. 37. Ask publishers to relate encouraging results they have enjoyed in distributing Kingdom News No. 37. Report on how much territory has been worked thus far and what will be needed to complete coverage by November 12. Demonstrate making a return visit using the Bible Teach book. Remind publishers to return any copies of the Kingdom News that they will not be able to distribute before the end of the campaign so that others may use them.

Song 136 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting November 6

Song 146

10 min: Local announcements. Using the suggestions on pages 3-4 of the January 2005 Our Kingdom Ministry or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer Learn From the Great Teacher during the second half of November. As time permits, invite the audience to comment on good results achieved from using the publication in the field or with their own family.

15 min: Increase the Joy and Dignity of Your Wedding Day. A talk by an elder based on the October 15, 2006, issue of The Watchtower, pages 28-31.

20 min: Preaching the Word Brings Refreshment. Talk and audience discussion based on the January 15, 2002, issue of The Watchtower, pages 8-9. Invite the audience to comment on how the ministry brings them refreshment. One or two comments may be arranged in advance.

Song 8 and concluding prayer.

[Footnotes]

June Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 201 102.8 74.7 42.0 4.4

Pios. 94,167 62.9 35.6 19.0 2.0

Aux.Pios. 28,485 49.9 29.6 11.5 1.1

Pubs. 872,786 9.8 7.4 3.4 0.4

TOTAL 995,639 Baptized: 2,864

Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2007

Instructions

During 2007 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 outlined below. After each part, the school overseer will introduce the next part.

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, qualified ministerial servants may be used.)

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1: 10 minutes. This should be handled by a qualified elder or 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. 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. 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 five 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 five minutes allotted for the opening portion. He should ensure that five 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 or less. This is a reading to be given by a brother. The student should read the assigned material without giving an introduction or a conclusion. 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 local territory. When no references are indicated as source material, the student will need to gather material for this part by doing research in our publications. 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. 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 our publications. When assigned to a brother, this part should 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 an asterisk next to them should always be assigned to brothers to develop as talks.

COUNSEL: 1 minute. The school overseer will not announce in advance the speech quality that a student is working on. After Assignments No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4, the school overseer will offer 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.

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 FORM: In textbook.

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 by ministerial servants.

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. If your congregation has a circuit assembly during an oral review week, then the review (and the rest of the weekly schedule) should be postponed one week and the subsequent week’s schedule should be used one week early. If the circuit overseer will be visiting your congregation during an oral review week, then the song, the speech quality talk, and Bible highlights should be presented as scheduled. The instruction talk (given after the speech quality talk) should be drawn from the following week’s schedule. The Theocratic Ministry School for the next week will proceed with the speech quality talk and Bible highlights as scheduled, followed by the oral review.

SCHEDULE

Jan. 1 Bible reading: Isaiah 24-28 Song 33

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

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

No. 2: Isaiah 26:1-18

No. 3: Abortion​—Why Forbidden? (rs pp. 25-6 ¶4)

No. 4: How Can We “Put On the Lord Jesus Christ”? (Rom. 13:14)

Jan. 8 Bible reading: Isaiah 29-33 Song 42

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

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

No. 2: Isaiah 30:1-14

No. 3: a Responding to Someone Who Says: ‘I Have a Right to Decide on Matters Affecting My Own Body’ (rs p. 26 ¶5)

No. 4: How We Know That Jehovah God Loves Children

Jan. 15 Bible reading: Isaiah 34-37 Song 222

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

No. 1: Cultivate Jesus’ View of Right and Wrong (w05 1/1 pp. 9-10 ¶11-15)

No. 2: Isaiah 34:1-15

No. 3: How to Cultivate Genuine Love

No. 4: Adam and Eve​—Actual Historical People? (rs pp. 27-8)

Jan. 22 Bible reading: Isaiah 38-42 Song 61

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

No. 1: Do Not Be Deterred by Opposition (w05 1/1 p. 15 ¶16-18)

No. 2: Isaiah 38:9-22

No. 3: b Responding to Someone Who Says: ‘Adam’s Sin Was God’s Will’ (rs p. 29 ¶1-2)

No. 4: Why Refrain From Attributing Bad Motives to Others

Jan. 29 Bible reading: Isaiah 43-46 Song 113

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

No. 1: Why We Accept Jehovah’s Judgments (w05 2/1 pp. 23-4 ¶4-9)

No. 2: Isaiah 45:1-14

No. 3: Why Is Ancestor Worship Futile? (rs p. 29 ¶3–p. 31 ¶3)

No. 4: c Why Christians Avoid Competitive Comparisons

Feb. 5 Bible reading: Isaiah 47-51 Song 79

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

No. 1: Jehovah’s Word Keeps Us Clean and Is an Aid to Faithfulness (w05 4/15 pp. 11-12 ¶5-11)

No. 2: Isaiah 50:1-11

No. 3: Why Ancestor Worship Displeases Jehovah God (rs p. 31 ¶4–p. 32 ¶1)

No. 4: Does the Bible Discourage the Giving of Gifts?

Feb. 12 Bible reading: Isaiah 52-57 Song 139

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

No. 1: Jehovah’s Word Imparts Courage (w05 4/15 pp. 12-13 ¶12-14)

No. 2: Isaiah 55:1-13

No. 3: Living a Life of Self-Sacrifice Is Worthwhile

No. 4: Who Are the Antichrists? (rs pp. 32-3)

Feb. 19 Bible reading: Isaiah 58-62 Song 189

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

No. 1: Isaiah​—Why Beneficial (si p. 123 ¶34-9)

No. 2: Isaiah 60:1-14

No. 3: Why Is Slavery to God an Agreeable Thing?

No. 4: d Identifying Apostates (rs p. 34 ¶1–p.36 ¶1)

Feb. 26 Bible reading: Isaiah 63-66 Song 141

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

Oral Review

Mar. 5 Bible reading: Jeremiah 1-4 Song 70

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

No. 1: Introduction to Jeremiah (si p. 124 ¶1-5)

No. 2: Jeremiah 3:1-13

No. 3: On What Does True Happiness Depend?

No. 4: e What Should Be Our Attitude Toward Apostates? (rs p. 36 ¶2–p. 37 ¶2)

Mar. 12 Bible reading: Jeremiah 5-7 Song 159

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

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

No. 2: Jeremiah 5:1-14

No. 3: Christ Did Not Build the Church on Peter (rs p. 37 ¶3–p. 39 ¶3)

No. 4: Applying the Lesson of Exodus 14:11 in Our Time

Mar. 19 Bible reading: Jeremiah 8-11 Song 182

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

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

No. 2: Jeremiah 10:1-16

No. 3: How Do We Know That Abraham, Job, and Daniel Had Faith in the Resurrection?

No. 4: What Were the Keys Peter Used? (rs p. 39 ¶4–p. 41 ¶5)

Mar. 26 Bible reading: Jeremiah 12-16 Song 205

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

No. 1: The Ransom Magnifies God’s Righteousness (w05 11/1 pp. 13-14)

No. 2: Jeremiah 12:1-13

No. 3: “Apostolic Successors” Not True Christians (rs p. 42 ¶1–p. 44 ¶3)

No. 4: In What Way Should a Christian Be Proud?

Apr. 2 Bible reading: Jeremiah 17-21 Song 30

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

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

No. 2: Jeremiah 20:1-13

No. 3: Where Will Armageddon Be Fought? (rs p. 44 ¶4–p. 46 ¶3)

No. 4: f How Should We View Counsel?

Apr. 9 Bible reading: Jeremiah 22-24 Song 184

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

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

No. 2: Jeremiah 23:1-14

No. 3: Why Sharing in the Ministry Brings Us Joy

No. 4: Who and What Will Be Destroyed at Armageddon? (rs p. 46 ¶4–p. 47 ¶2)

Apr. 16 Bible reading: Jeremiah 25-28 Song 27

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

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

No. 2: Jeremiah 26:1-15

No. 3: Who Will Survive Armageddon? (rs p. 47 ¶3-8)

No. 4: In What Way Was the Ground Cursed? (Gen. 3:17)

Apr. 23 Bible reading: Jeremiah 29-31 Song 148

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

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

No. 2: Jeremiah 31:1-14

No. 3: Why Is Jehovah’s Greatness Without Limits?

No. 4: Armageddon​—No Violation of God’s Love (rs p. 48 ¶1-3)

Apr. 30 Bible reading: Jeremiah 32-34 Song 100

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

Oral Review

May 7 Bible reading: Jeremiah 35-38 Song 165

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: Jeremiah 36:1-13

No. 3: No Neutral Position Possible at Armageddon (rs p. 48 ¶4-7)

No. 4: How Can Christians Cope With Uncertainty?

May 14 Bible reading: Jeremiah 39-43 Song 56

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: Jeremiah 39:1-14

No. 3: Whose Influence Is Pushing Nations Toward the Armageddon Situation? (rs p. 48 ¶8–p. 49 ¶1)

No. 4: g Why True Christians Pursue a Chaste Courtship

May 21 Bible reading: Jeremiah 44-48 Song 122

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: Jeremiah 46:1-17

No. 3: What Is Self-Deception, and How Can We Guard Against It?

No. 4: Identifying the Babylon of Revelation (rs p. 49 ¶2-3)

May 28 Bible reading: Jeremiah 49-50 Song 95

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: Jeremiah 49:14-27

No. 3: For What Was Ancient Babylon Noted? (rs p. 50 ¶1–p. 51 ¶5)

No. 4: Why Parents Should Read to Their Children

June 4 Bible reading: Jeremiah 51-52 Song 166

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

No. 1: Jeremiah​—Why Beneficial (si p. 129 ¶36-9)

No. 2: Jeremiah 52:1-16

No. 3: Seeking Independence From God Is Foolish

No. 4: Why Professed Christian Religions Are Part of Babylon the Great (rs p. 52 ¶1–p. 53 ¶1)

June 11 Bible reading: Lamentations 1-2 Song 129

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

No. 1: Introduction to Lamentations (si pp. 130-1 ¶1-7)

No. 2: Lamentations 2:1-10

No. 3: Why It Is Urgent to Get Out of Babylon the Great (rs p. 53 ¶2-7)

No. 4: Why True Kindness Is Not Weakness

June 18 Bible reading: Lamentations 3-5 Song 140

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

No. 1: Lamentations​—Why Beneficial (si p. 132 ¶13-15)

No. 2: Lamentations 4:1-13

No. 3: What Baptism Is, and Why Believers Get Baptized (rs p. 54 ¶1-4)

No. 4: h Why True Christians Do Not Engage in Politics

June 25 Bible reading: Ezekiel 1-5 Song 1

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

Oral Review

July 2 Bible reading: Ezekiel 6-10 Song 26

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

No. 1: Introduction to Ezekiel (si pp. 132-3 ¶1-6)

No. 2: Ezekiel 7:1-13

No. 3: What It Takes to Draw Close to Jehovah (Jas. 4:8)

No. 4: Christian Baptism, Not by Sprinkling, Not for Infants (rs p. 54 ¶5–p. 55 ¶4)

July 9 Bible reading: Ezekiel 11-14 Song 112

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

No. 1: Do Not Give Up in Doing What Is Fine (w05 6/1 pp. 29-30)

No. 2: Ezekiel 11:1-13

No. 3: Does Water Baptism Wash Away Sins? (rs p. 55 ¶5–p. 56 ¶1)

No. 4: How Are We to Understand Revelation 17:9-11?

July 16 Bible reading: Ezekiel 15-17 Song 29

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

No. 1: Resist Wrong Thinking! (w05 9/15 pp. 26-8)

No. 2: Ezekiel 16:1-13

No. 3: What It Means to Be Shrewd (Prov. 13:16)

No. 4: Who Is Baptized With Holy Spirit? (rs p. 56 ¶2–p. 57 ¶3)

July 23 Bible reading: Ezekiel 18-20 Song 193

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

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

No. 2: Ezekiel 18:19-29

No. 3: Baptism by Fire Not Same as by Holy Spirit (rs p. 57 ¶4–p. 58 ¶2)

No. 4: Evidence That God’s Kingdom Is a Reality

July 30 Bible reading: Ezekiel 21-23 Song 35

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

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

No. 2: Ezekiel 23:1-17

No. 3: Reasons for Considering the Bible (rs p. 58 ¶3–p. 60 ¶2)

No. 4: What Is the Proper View of Greatness?

Aug. 6 Bible reading: Ezekiel 24-27 Song 37

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

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

No. 2: Ezekiel 24:1-14

No. 3: In What Ways Was Moses an Excellent Example for Christians?

No. 4: Proof From Isaiah and Jeremiah of the Bible’s Inspiration (rs p. 60 ¶3–p. 61 ¶3)

Aug. 13 Bible reading: Ezekiel 28-31 Song 123

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

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

No. 2: Ezekiel 28:1-16

No. 3: Fulfillment of Jesus’ Prophecies Proves Bible’s Inspiration (rs p. 61 ¶4–p. 62 ¶1)

No. 4: What Is Meant by “Hate” in the Scriptures?

Aug. 20 Bible reading: Ezekiel 32-34 Song 215

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

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

No. 2: Ezekiel 34:1-14

No. 3: How Does God’s Spirit Help Us?

No. 4: The Bible Is Scientifically Sound (rs p. 62 ¶2–p. 64 ¶3)

Aug. 27 Bible reading: Ezekiel 35-38 Song 94

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

Oral Review

Sept. 3 Bible reading: Ezekiel 39-41 Song 194

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

No. 1: Why Be Fond of God’s Word? (w05 4/15 pp. 15-16 ¶3-6)

No. 2: Ezekiel 40:1-15

No. 3: Can Humans Really Make God Rejoice?

No. 4: i Responding to Objections About the Bible (rs p. 64 ¶4–p. 68 ¶1)

Sept. 10 Bible reading: Ezekiel 42-45 Song 77

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

No. 1: When Old Age Becomes “a Crown of Beauty” (w05 1/15 pp. 8-9)

No. 2: Ezekiel 43:1-12

No. 3: Why Christians Do Not Celebrate Birthdays (rs p. 68 ¶2–p. 70 ¶2)

No. 4: j How Can We Recognize “the Voice of Strangers”? (John 10:5)

Sept. 17 Bible reading: Ezekiel 46-48 Song 164

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

No. 1: Ezekiel​—Why Beneficial (si p. 137 ¶29-33)

No. 2: Ezekiel 47:1-14

No. 3: Why Do Christians Abstain From Blood? (rs p. 70 ¶3–p. 72 ¶3)

No. 4: k Why a Rich Spiritual Heritage Is the Best Gift Parents Can Give Their Children

Sept. 24 Bible reading: Daniel 1-3 Song 179

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

No. 1: Introduction to Daniel (si pp. 138-9 ¶1-6)

No. 2: Daniel 2:1-16

No. 3: Why the Number 144,000 Is Taken Literally (Rev. 7:4)

No. 4: Why True Christians Do Not Accept Blood Transfusions (rs p. 72 ¶4–p. 73 ¶4)

Oct. 1 Bible reading: Daniel 4-6 Song 14

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

No. 1: When Is There a Basis for Taking Offense? (w05 8/1 pp. 13-15)

No. 2: Daniel 4:1-17

No. 3: How Can We Imitate Mephibosheth’s Fine Qualities?

No. 4: l Responding to Assertions About Blood Transfusions (rs p. 74 ¶1–p. 76 ¶2)

Oct. 8 Bible reading: Daniel 7-9 Song 34

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

No. 1: Let Jehovah’s “Saying” Safeguard You (w05 9/1 pp. 28-31)

No. 2: Daniel 7:1-12

No. 3: What Does It Mean to Be Born Again? (rs p. 76 ¶3–p. 77 ¶7)

No. 4: What Special Joys Come From Sharing Regularly in the Field Ministry?

Oct. 15 Bible reading: Daniel 10-12 Song 210

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

No. 1: Daniel​—Why Beneficial (si pp. 141-2 ¶19-23)

No. 2: Daniel 11:1-14

No. 3: How Humility Can Help Us to Overcome Misunderstandings

No. 4: Salvation Not Dependent on Being Born Again (rs p. 77 ¶8–p. 79 ¶1)

Oct. 22 Bible reading: Hosea 1-7 Song 66

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

No. 1: Introduction to Hosea and Why Beneficial (si pp. 143-5 ¶1-8, 14-17)

No. 2: Hosea 5:1-15

No. 3: a Responding to Viewpoints About Being Born Again (rs p. 79 ¶3–p. 80 ¶2)

No. 4: Ways in Which True Christians Display Patience

Oct. 29 Bible reading: Hosea 8-14 Song 59

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

Oral Review

Nov. 5 Bible reading: Joel 1-3 Song 166

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

No. 1: Introduction to Joel and Why Beneficial (si pp. 146-8 ¶1-5, 12-14)

No. 2: Joel 2:1-14

No. 3: What It Means to Have “Perfect Love” (1 John 4:18)

No. 4: Confessing to Priests​—Why Unscriptural? (rs p. 80 ¶3–p. 81 ¶9)

Nov. 12 Bible reading: Amos 1-9 Song 211

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

No. 1: Introduction to Amos and Why Beneficial (si pp. 148-50 ¶1-6, 13-17)

No. 2: Amos 2:1-16

No. 3: Why Experience Is Not the Best Teacher

No. 4: Confessing Sins Against God and Man (rs p. 83 ¶2-8)

Nov. 19 Bible reading: Obadiah 1-21–Jonah 1-4 Song 220

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

No. 1: Introduction to Obadiah and Jonah and Why Beneficial (si pp. 151-3 ¶1-5, 10-14; pp. 153-5 ¶1-4, 9-12)

No. 2: Jonah 1:1-17

No. 3: Why a Spiritual Paradise Must Precede the Earthly Paradise

No. 4: b Why Should Serious Sins Be Confessed to Elders? (rs p. 83 ¶9–p. 84 ¶4)

Nov. 26 Bible reading: Micah 1-7 Song 18

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

No. 1: Introduction to Micah and Why Beneficial (si pp. 155-8 ¶1-8, 16-19)

No. 2: Micah 2:1-13

No. 3: What It Means to Be Mild-Tempered

No. 4: Why It Is Reasonable to Believe in Creation (rs p. 84 ¶5–p. 86 ¶2)

Dec. 3 Bible reading: Nahum 1-3–Habakkuk 1-3 Song 137

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

No. 1: Introduction to Nahum and Habakkuk and Why Beneficial (si pp. 158-60 ¶1-7, 11-12; pp. 161-3 ¶1-5, 12-14)

No. 2: Habakkuk 1:1-17

No. 3: Understanding the Bible’s Account of Creation (rs p. 86 ¶3–p. 88 ¶4)

No. 4: Why Everlasting Life Will Not Be Boring

Dec. 10 Bible reading: Zephaniah 1-3–Haggai 1-2 Song 78

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

No. 1: Introduction to Zephaniah and Haggai and Why Beneficial (si pp. 163-6 ¶1-6, 10-12; pp. 166-8 ¶1-7, 13-16)

No. 2: Zephaniah 3:1-17

No. 3: Why Is Veneration of the Cross Unscriptural? (rs p. 92 ¶1–p. 93 ¶1)

No. 4: c How Does Spirituality Affect a Marriage?

Dec. 17 Bible reading: Zechariah 1-8 Song 209

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

No. 1: Introduction to Zechariah (si pp. 168-9 ¶1-7)

No. 2: Zechariah 7:1-14

No. 3: How Has the Transfiguration Vision Been Fulfilled?

No. 4: Were the Ages of People Before the Flood Measured by the Same Years That We Use? (rs p. 94 ¶4–p. 95 ¶1)

Dec. 24 Bible reading: Zechariah 9-14 Song 202

Speech Quality: Understandable to Others (be p. 226 ¶1–p. 227 ¶1)

No. 1: Zechariah​—Why Beneficial and Introduction to Malachi and Why Beneficial (si pp. 171-2 ¶23-7; pp. 172-5 ¶1-6, 13-17)

No. 2: Zechariah 10:1-12

No. 3: Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Say That God’s Kingdom Was Established in 1914? (rs p. 95 ¶2–p. 97 ¶2)

No. 4: How Can We Prepare for Persecution?

Dec. 31 Bible reading: Malachi 1-4 Song 118

Speech Quality: Explaining Unfamiliar Terms (be p. 227 ¶2–p. 228 ¶1)

Oral Review

[Footnotes]

Announcements

◼ Literature offer for October 1-15: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, offer the Keep on the Watch! brochure and seek to cultivate further interest in the Bible. October 16–November 12: Special campaign distribution of Kingdom News No. 37, “The End of False Religion Is Near!” November 13-30: Learn From the Great Teacher. If individuals say they have no children, offer the tract Would You Like to Know More About the Bible? 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: The Knowledge book or any book published prior to 1991 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 on hand that you can use. Congregations that do not have these books may offer the Keep on the Watch! brochure.

◼ Since December has five full weekends, it would be an excellent month to auxiliary pioneer.

◼ The insert in this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry is the “Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2007” and should be kept for reference throughout 2007.

◼ The video program No Blood​—Medicine Meets the Challenge will be considered at a Service Meeting in January. If needed, the DVD or videocassette should be requested through the congregation as soon as possible.

◼ The special public talk for the 2007 Memorial season will be given on Sunday, April 15, 2007. The subject of the talk will be announced later. Those congregations having the visit of the circuit overseer or an assembly that weekend will have the special talk the following week. No congregation should have the special talk before April 15.

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning October 30, 2006. The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of September 4 through October 30, 2006. [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. Why is poise important when speaking, and how can we reduce our anxiety? [be p. 135 par. 5–p. 137 par. 2, boxes]

2. When asked about our beliefs, why should we endeavor to use the Bible when replying? [be p. 143 pars. 1-3]

3. How can we become more proficient in using the Bible? [be p. 144, box]

4. Why is generous use of the Bible important when we teach in the ministry, and how can we encourage its use at congregation meetings? [be pp. 145-6, boxes]

5. What is our twofold objective when introducing a scripture? [be p. 147 par. 2]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

6. What living message is contained in Psalms? [si p. 104 par. 23]

7. When was Proverbs written and compiled? [si p. 107 par. 5]

8. What is a proverb, and why is the Hebrew title of the book fitting? [si p. 107 par. 6]

9. At Proverbs 2:1-5, what is implied by the encouragement to keep searching for knowledge, understanding, and discernment “as for silver, and as for hid treasures”? [be p. 38 par. 4]

10. How does the book of Proverbs itself make known its beneficial purpose? [si p. 109 par. 19]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

11. How did David ‘soothe and quiet his soul like a weanling upon his mother,’ and how can we imitate him? (Ps. 131:1-3)

12. What comfort can be found in the inspired words of Psalm 139:7-12?

13. What are some examples of Jehovah’s greatness mentioned in Psalm 145 for which we can praise him in our prayers and in the public ministry? (Ps. 145:3)

14. In what way is the fear of Jehovah “the beginning of knowledge” and “the start of wisdom”? (Prov. 1:7; 9:10)

15. At Proverbs 7:1, 2, what is included in “my sayings” and “my commandments”?

Benefit Fully From Meetings for Field Service

1. How can meetings for field service help us?

¹ Effective meetings for field service provide real encouragement and practical instruction before we go in the ministry. They enable us to share in group witnessing so that we can work along with others for mutual support and training. (Prov. 27:17; Eccl. 4:9, 10) What can we do to benefit fully from these meetings?

2. What are some things the conductor might consider?

² The Conductor: Specific information to be considered at these meetings is not normally outlined in advance. Therefore, good preparation is needed if you will be conducting. Do not automatically plan to consider the daily text, though you may choose to include it in the discussion if it directly relates to the ministry. Think about what will provide practical help for those witnessing that day. For example, you may want to discuss or demonstrate a presentation. You might choose to review something from the Reasoning book, the Ministry School book, or a recent Service Meeting part. At other times, you might consider how to deal with a challenge that may arise in your territory, or you might discuss how to cultivate interest and start Bible studies, especially if many will be making return visits. Regardless of what is considered, be enthusiastic and positive.

3. How long should the meeting last, and what should be accomplished during that time?

³ Start the meeting on time, even if you know that some will be late. Use good judgment in organizing the groups, and provide territory to those who need it. The length of the meeting should be no more than 10 to 15 minutes and shorter if it follows a congregation meeting. Before you end the meeting, all should know with whom and where they are going to work. The meeting should be concluded with prayer.

4. What will help all to benefit fully from meetings for field service?

⁴ You Can Help: As with congregation meetings, we show respect for Jehovah and consideration for others by arriving on time. Participate in the discussion. You may let the conductor assign you to work with someone, or you may choose to make your own arrangements in advance of the meeting. If you prefer to make your own arrangements, endeavor to “widen out” by working with a variety of publishers, rather than working with close friends each time. (2 Cor. 6:11-13) Once the meeting has concluded, avoid changing the arrangements, and depart promptly for the territory.

5. What is the purpose of meetings for field service?

⁵ The purpose of meetings for field service is the same as that of congregation meetings. They are arranged so that we can “consider one another to incite to love and fine works.” (Heb. 10:24, 25) If we strive to benefit from these meetings, we will be helped to carry out our ministry​—a ‘fine work’ indeed!

What to Say About the Magazines

The Watchtower Oct. 15

“Since God is in heaven, some conclude that it is impossible to get to know him. Have you ever felt that way? [Allow for response. Then read John 17:3.] This magazine explains how we can take in knowledge of God.”

Awake! Oct.

“Most of us have lost loved ones in death. Do you think there are things that we can do to help them even after they die? [Allow for response.] This article gives the Bible’s answer to that question. It also considers this comforting promise.” Read John 5:28, 29. Then feature the article that begins on page 10.

The Watchtower Nov. 1

“There are many conflicting opinions on child rearing today. Do you think that it is possible for parents to obtain reliable advice? [Allow for response. Then read Psalm 32:8.] This magazine presents practical instruction from the Bible on child rearing.”

Awake! Nov.

“Have you ever wondered why there is so much suffering if there is a loving, just, and powerful God? [Allow for response.] Notice what this scripture says about the cause of suffering. [Read 1 John 5:19.] This magazine explains from the Bible what God is doing to eliminate suffering.”