October

New Congregation Meeting Schedule

1, 2. What changes to the meetings will take place beginning in January 2009?

¹ During the week of April 21-27, 2008, the worldwide brotherhood heard an exciting announcement. “Commencing January 1, 2009, the Congregation Book Study will be held at the same time as the Theocratic Ministry School and the Service Meeting. The name of the Congregation Book Study will be changed to Congregation Bible Study.”

² Schedule for This Weekly Meeting: The total time for this meeting, including the songs and prayers, will be 1 hour and 45 minutes. The meeting will begin with song and prayer (5 min.), followed by the Congregation Bible Study (25 min.). The Theocratic Ministry School (30 min.) will follow directly thereafter. Then, a song (5 min.) introduces the Service Meeting (35 min.). The meeting concludes with song and prayer (5 min.). To assist you in preparing for these meetings, the schedule for the Congregation Bible Study, the Theocratic Ministry School, and the Service Meeting will be published month by month in Our Kingdom Ministry.

3. How will the Congregation Bible Study be conducted?

³ Congregation Bible Study: This meeting will be patterned after the Watchtower Study. There will be no need to begin with a review of the previous week’s material. Rather, the meeting should have only a very brief introduction. This will allow sufficient time for all present to give brief comments. The presiding overseer will supervise the assigning of elders to take turns conducting this meeting, a different elder each week.

4. To what extent will the Service Meeting change?

⁴ Service Meeting: The Service Meeting will remain the same but with shorter parts. Announcements will usually take five minutes. This should be sufficient time for essential announcements and certain letters from the branch. Such announcements as field service arrangements, cleaning schedules, accounts reports, and routine letters from the branch office do not need to be read from the platform but will be posted on the information board for the brothers to read. Those with assigned program parts should prepare well and adhere closely to the time allotted and to the instructions provided.

5. During the week of the circuit overseer’s visit, what will be the congregation meeting schedule?

⁵ Circuit Overseer’s Visit: The circuit overseer’s weekly schedule will not be adjusted. On Tuesday the Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting will be held followed by a song. Then the circuit overseer will give a 30-minute talk. As is currently done during the week of his visit, another evening will be designated for the Congregation Bible Study followed by a song and the circuit overseer’s service talk. The meeting will close with a song and prayer.

6. What is the role of the group overseer?

⁶ Meetings for Field Service: Group overseers will be assigned by the body of elders to care for field service groups and shepherd the individuals making up the group. When a ministerial servant is needed to fill that role, he should be designated as the “group servant.”

7. What can we anticipate with our new congregation meeting schedule?

⁷ As outlined, we will have the opportunity to enjoy an instructive, upbuilding evening of spiritual banqueting. This will enable us to be effective preachers and teachers, trained for a more fruitful ministry.​—Eph. 4:13, 14; 2 Tim. 3:17.

8. How will advance individual preparation benefit us as well as others?

⁸ Studying in advance for these meetings will help us focus clearly on the main points highlighted during each meeting. We will all have opportunity to share in commenting, contributing to a fine interchange of encouragement. (Rom. 1:11, 12; Heb. 10:24) Our aim should be to ‘make our advancement manifest’ by “handling the word of the truth aright.”​—1 Tim. 4:15; 2 Tim. 2:15.

9. What is our resolve, and why?

⁹ We rejoice in this significant change of our congregation meetings. May we all keep on availing ourselves of the guidance that “the faithful and discreet slave” provides and stay close to our Great Shepherd as he prepares us for the great “tribulation” now on the horizon.​—Matt. 24:21, 45; Heb. 13:20, 21; Rev. 7:14.

Service Meeting Schedule

Week Starting October 13

Song 174

10 min: Local announcements. Outline local arrangements for the special tract campaign to begin on October 20, and encourage all to pick up a supply of tracts if they have not already done so. Briefly review the sample presentations for the October 1 Watchtower and the October Awake! found on page 8. Since many publishers have been offering these magazines for a few weeks, invite those in the audience to relate an experience they have had.

35 min: “New Congregation Meeting Schedule.”a As time permits, read cited scriptures and invite audience to comment on them.

Song 216

Week Starting October 20

Song 113

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

20 min: Maintain Joy in the Ministry. Encouraging talk based on material from paragraphs 11-17 on pages 24-25 of The Watchtower of July 1, 2005. Include an interview of one or two longtime faithful servants of Jehovah. What has enabled them to maintain joy when people are unresponsive?

20 min: Prepare to Offer the November 1 Watchtower and the November Awake! After giving a brief overview of the magazines, ask the audience which articles they think might be of special interest to many people in the local territory. Have them relate why. Invite the audience to suggest an appropriate question that they plan to use to start a conversation and a scripture from the article to use before offering the magazines. Speaker concludes by demonstrating how each magazine might be offered, using the sample presentations on page 8 or another presentation designed to appeal to people in the local territory.

Song 148

Week Starting October 27

Song 30

5 min: Local announcements. Read accounts report and donation acknowledgments.

10 min: Local needs.

30 min: “Personal and Family Bible Study Are Vital!”b As time permits, read cited scriptures and invite audience to comment on them.

Song 142

Week Starting November 3

Song 100

10 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for October.

20 min: The Theocratic Ministry School for 2009. The school overseer discusses with audience the new Theocratic Ministry School as outlined under “Instructions” in the Theocratic Ministry School Schedule insert. Focus on adjustments being made. Encourage all to be diligent in fulfilling assignments, in preparing to comment on Bible highlights, and in applying the comments given weekly by the school overseer based on Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education.

15 min: Enhance Your “Art of Teaching.” Service overseer or other qualified elder identifies and comments briefly on five key factors involved in effective teaching as set forth in paragraphs 5-18 on pages 9-12 of the January 15, 2008, Watchtower. Interview one or two publishers who feel that this information has helped them improve their teaching ability.

Song 91

[Footnotes]

June Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

United States

Sp’l Pios. 533 107.6 56.8 40.8 4.4

Pios. 107,061 62.2 33.9 19.0 2.1

Aux.Pios. 37,000 49.5 29.5 11.3 1.1

Pubs. 895,436 9.9 7.5 3.5 0.4

TOTAL 1,040,030 Baptized: 4,677

Bermuda

Pios. 70 65.7 33.4 21.1 2.4

Aux.Pios. 10 43.9 20.2 12.1 1.7

Pubs. 372 10.2 9.1 4.2 0.4

TOTAL 452

Turks & Caicos

Sp’l Pios. 2 120.0 55.0 63.0 10.0

Pios. 17 75.8 26.8 29.8 6.5

Aux.Pios. 12 56.6 28.8 14.5 3.8

Pubs. 146 12.2 7.3 5.2 1.1

TOTAL 177

We are happy to report a new peak in the number of regular pioneers in Bermuda! The total of 70 regular pioneers reporting is an increase of one over the previous peak of 69 set in February 2008.

Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2009

INSTRUCTIONS

During 2009 the following will be the arrangements for conducting the Theocratic Ministry School.

SOURCE MATERIAL: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures [bi12], “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” (1990 Edition) [si], Learn From the Great Teacher [lr], and Reasoning From the Scriptures (1989 Edition) [rs].

The school should begin ON TIME with remarks of welcome and then proceed as outlined below. After each part, the school overseer will introduce the next part.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM BIBLE READING: 10 minutes. For the first four minutes, a qualified elder or ministerial servant should consider Scriptural points from the weekly Bible reading. The exception to this will be when the weekly Bible reading begins with the opening chapter of a Bible book. On such occasions, material for the first four minutes should be taken from the “All Scripture” book. For example, the first five chapters of Genesis will be considered the week of January 5, so the speaker should select a few key points from the introductory paragraphs on the book of Genesis as found in the “All Scripture” book. He should apply the material in a way that will be beneficial to the congregation. Whether discussing the weekly Bible reading or points from the “All Scripture” book, 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 four minutes allotted for the opening portion. He should ensure that six minutes are set aside for the audience to offer brief comments of 30 seconds or less on what they have appreciated in the weekly Bible reading. The school overseer will then dismiss the students who are assigned to other classrooms.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1: 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. 2: 5 minutes. This will be assigned to a sister. The student will either be given a setting or may select one from the list appearing on page 82 of Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education. The assigned theme should be used and be applied 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. 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. 3: 5 minutes. This may be assigned to a brother or a sister. 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. 2. Please note that themes with an asterisk next to them should always be assigned to brothers to develop as talks, and whenever practical, an elder or a ministerial servant should be used.

COUNSEL: 1-2 minutes. The school overseer will not announce in advance the speech quality that a student is working on. After Assignments No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3, the school overseer will offer positive observations on an aspect of the presentation that was commendable, drawing attention to specific reasons why it was effective and referring frequently to the Ministry School textbook. According to the need of each student, additional constructive counsel may be given privately after the meeting or at another time.

TIMING: No part should go overtime, nor should the remarks of the counselor. Assignments No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 should tactfully be stopped when the time is up. If brothers handling highlights from the Bible reading go overtime, they should be given private counsel. All should watch their timing carefully. Total program: 30 minutes.

COUNSEL FORM: In Ministry School 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 Bible highlights. It is not necessary that he offer counsel after each of such talks by fellow elders or by ministerial servants.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW: 20 minutes. Every two months, the school overseer will conduct a review. It will be preceded by highlights from the Bible reading as outlined above. The review will be based on material considered in the school during the preceding two months, including the current week. If your congregation has a circuit assembly or the visit of the circuit overseer during the week of the Theocratic Ministry School Review, then the review should be postponed one week and Assignments No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 of the following week’s schedule should be used. No changes should be made in the schedule of the weekly Bible reading or the presentation of Bible highlights.

SCHEDULE

Jan. 5 Bible reading: Genesis 1-5

No. 1: Genesis 3:1-15

No. 2: Why Jesus Was a Great Teacher (lr chap. 1)

No. 3: What Is Not Vanity? (1 Cor. 15:58)

Jan. 12 Bible reading: Genesis 6-10

No. 1: Genesis 9:1-17

No. 2: Responding to Objections About Belief in God (rs p. 150 ¶3–p. 151 ¶3)

No. 3: A Letter From a Loving God (lr chap. 2)

Jan. 19 Bible reading: Genesis 11-16

No. 1: Genesis 14:1-16

No. 2: The One Who Made All Things (lr chap. 3)

No. 3: How Does Jehovah Mold Us? (Isa. 64:8)

Jan. 26 Bible reading: Genesis 17-20

No. 1: Genesis 17:1-17

No. 2: Why Men Have Been Unable to Establish a Just Government (rs pp. 152-153 ¶1)

No. 3: God Has a Name (lr chap. 4)

Feb. 2 Bible reading: Genesis 21-24

No. 1: Genesis 22:1-18

No. 2: “This Is My Son” (lr chap. 5)

No. 3: a Ways That We Can Widen Out in Our Love for Others (2 Cor. 6:11-13)

Feb. 9 Bible reading: Genesis 25-28

No. 1: Genesis 25:1-18

No. 2: The Great Teacher Served Other People (lr chap. 6)

No. 3: Why Human Efforts to Bring Relief Cannot Succeed (rs p. 153 ¶2–p. 154 ¶2)

Feb. 16 Bible reading: Genesis 29-31

No. 1: Genesis 29:1-20

No. 2: Why We Should “Stop Being Anxious” (Matt. 6:25)

No. 3: Obedience Protects You (lr chap. 7)

Feb. 23 Bible reading: Genesis 32-35

Theocratic Ministry School Review

Mar. 2 Bible reading: Genesis 36-39

No. 1: Genesis 39:1-16

No. 2: Others Are Higher Than We Are (lr chap. 8)

No. 3: God’s Kingdom​—The Only Answer to Mankind’s Real Needs (rs p. 154 ¶3–p. 155 ¶1)

Mar. 9 Bible reading: Genesis 40-42

No. 1: Genesis 40:1-15

No. 2: We Need to Resist Temptations (lr chap. 9)

No. 3: b Beware of an Independent Spirit!

Mar. 16 Bible reading: Genesis 43-46

No. 1: Genesis 44:1-17

No. 2: Jesus’ Power Over the Demons (lr chap. 10)

No. 3: Bible Prophecies Have Proved Completely Reliable (rs p. 155 ¶2-5)

Mar. 23 Bible reading: Genesis 47-50

No. 1: Genesis 48:1-16

No. 2: Should We Fear the Devil?

No. 3: Help From God’s Angels (lr chap. 11)

Mar. 30 Bible reading: Exodus 1-6

No. 1: Exodus 1:1-19

No. 2: Jesus Teaches Us to Pray (lr chap. 12)

No. 3: Is Healing Today Done by God’s Spirit? (rs pp. 156-157 ¶3)

Apr. 6 Bible reading: Exodus 7-10

No. 1: Exodus 9:1-19

No. 2: Those Who Became Jesus’ Disciples (lr chap. 13)

No. 3: c How Can We Harmonize Galatians 6:2 with Galatians 6:5?

Apr. 13 Bible reading: Exodus 11-14

No. 1: Exodus 12:21-36

No. 2: Why We Should Forgive (lr chap. 14)

No. 3: Difference Between Cures of Jesus and His Apostles and Those of Today (rs p. 157 ¶4–p. 158 ¶2)

Apr. 20 Bible reading: Exodus 15-18

No. 1: Exodus 15:1-19

No. 2: What Is Involved in Keeping Clear of False Worship?

No. 3: A Lesson on Being Kind (lr chap. 15)

Apr. 27 Bible reading: Exodus 19-22

Theocratic Ministry School Review

May 4 Bible reading: Exodus 23-26

No. 1: Exodus 24:1-18

No. 2: What Is Truly Important? (lr chap. 16)

No. 3: How True Christians Are Identified Today (rs p. 158 ¶3–p. 159 ¶1)

May 11 Bible reading: Exodus 27-29

No. 1: Exodus 29:1-18

No. 2: The Way to Be Happy (lr chap. 17)

No. 3: d Misplaced Loyalty and Its Dangers

May 18 Bible reading: Exodus 30-33

No. 1: Exodus 31:1-18

No. 2: Why Gifts of Healing Were Given in the First Century (rs p. 159 ¶2–p. 160 ¶2)

No. 3: Do You Remember to Say Thank You? (lr chap. 18)

May 25 Bible reading: Exodus 34-37

No. 1: Exodus 37:1-24

No. 2: Is It Right to Fight? (lr chap. 19)

No. 3: e What Is Permissiveness, and Why Should We Avoid It?

June 1 Bible reading: Exodus 38-40

No. 1: Exodus 40:1-19

No. 2: Do You Always Want to Be First? (lr chap. 20)

No. 3: What Hope Is There for Real Healing for All Mankind? (rs p. 160 ¶3-5)

June 8 Bible reading: Leviticus 1-5

No. 1: Leviticus 4:1-15

No. 2: Should We Brag About Anything? (lr chap. 21)

No. 3: f How Should Christians Exercise Authority?

June 15 Bible reading: Leviticus 6-9

No. 1: Leviticus 8:1-17

No. 2: ‘Do You Believe in Healing?’ (rs p. 160 ¶6–p. 161 ¶1)

No. 3: Why We Should Not Lie (lr chap. 22)

June 22 Bible reading: Leviticus 10-13

No. 1: Leviticus 11:29-45

No. 2: The Reason People Get Sick (lr chap. 23)

No. 3: Blessings That Baptized Disciples Enjoy

June 29 Bible reading: Leviticus 14-16

Theocratic Ministry School Review

July 6 Bible reading: Leviticus 17-20

No. 1: Leviticus 19:1-18

No. 2: Did We All Exist in the Spirit Realm Before Our Birth as Humans? (rs p. 161 ¶2–p. 162 ¶3)

No. 3: Never Become a Thief! (lr chap. 24)

July 13 Bible reading: Leviticus 21-24

No. 1: Leviticus 22:17-33

No. 2: Can Those Who Do Bad Things Change? (lr chap. 25)

No. 3: How True Christians Show Concern for the Poor

July 20 Bible reading: Leviticus 25-27

No. 1: Leviticus 25:39-54

No. 2: Why It Is Hard to Do Good (lr chap. 26)

No. 3: If Adam Had Not Sinned, Would He Eventually Have Gone to Heaven? (rs p. 162 ¶4-5)

July 27 Bible reading: Numbers 1-3

No. 1: Numbers 3:1-20

No. 2: Why Mildness Requires Self-Control

No. 3: Who Is Your God? (lr chap. 27)

Aug. 3 Bible reading: Numbers 4-6

No. 1: Numbers 4:1-16

No. 2: How to Know Whom to Obey (lr chap. 28)

No. 3: Must a Person Go to Heaven to Have a Truly Happy Future? (rs p. 163 ¶1-3)

Aug. 10 Bible reading: Numbers 7-9

No. 1: Numbers 9:1-14

No. 2: Do All Parties Please God? (lr chap. 29)

No. 3: Ways in Which We Show Loyalty to Jehovah

Aug. 17 Bible reading: Numbers 10-13

No. 1: Numbers 13:17-33

No. 2: Help to Overcome Our Fears (lr chap. 30)

No. 3: What Does 1 Peter 3:19, 20 Mean? (rs p. 163 ¶4)

Aug. 24 Bible reading: Numbers 14-16

No. 1: Numbers 14:26-43

No. 2: What Does It Mean to Love God’s Law? (Ps. 119:97)

No. 3: Where to Find Comfort (lr chap. 31)

Aug. 31 Bible reading: Numbers 17-21

Theocratic Ministry School Review

Sept. 7 Bible reading: Numbers 22-25

No. 1: Numbers 22:20-35

No. 2: How Jesus Was Protected (lr chap. 32)

No. 3: What Is the Meaning of 1 Peter 4:6? (rs p. 163 ¶5)

Sept. 14 Bible reading: Numbers 26-29

No. 1: Numbers 27:1-14

No. 2: What Is Mental-Regulating, and Why Is It Important? (Eph. 6:4)

No. 3: Jesus Can Protect Us (lr chap. 33)

Sept. 21 Bible reading: Numbers 30-32

No. 1: Numbers 32:1-15

No. 2: What Will Happen if We Die? (lr chap. 34)

No. 3: Is Heavenly Life the Hope for All Christians? (rs p. 164 ¶1-3)

Sept. 28 Bible reading: Numbers 33-36

No. 1: Numbers 33:1-23

No. 2: We Can Wake Up From Death! (lr chap. 35)

No. 3: Ways That God’s Kingdom Is Superior to All Human Governments

Oct. 5 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 1-3

No. 1: Deuteronomy 2:1-15

No. 2: What Does the “New Testament” Say About Eternal Life on Earth? (rs p. 165 ¶1–p. 166 ¶2)

No. 3: Who Will Be Resurrected? Where Will They Live? (lr chap. 36)

Oct. 12 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 4-6

No. 1: Deuteronomy 4:15-28

No. 2: Remembering Jehovah and His Son (lr chap. 37)

No. 3: When Can It Be Said That Less Is Better? (Prov. 15:16)

Oct. 19 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 7-10

No. 1: Deuteronomy 9:1-14

No. 2: Why We Should Love Jesus (lr chap. 38)

No. 3: To How Many Does the Bible Hold Out Hope of Heavenly Life? (rs p. 166 ¶3-4)

Oct. 26 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 11-13

Theocratic Ministry School Review

Nov. 2 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 14-18

No. 1: Deuteronomy 15:1-15

No. 2: What Does the Fear of God Encompass?

No. 3: God Remembers His Son (lr chap. 39)

Nov. 9 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 19-22

No. 1: Deuteronomy 22:1-19

No. 2: How to Make God Happy (lr chap. 40)

No. 3: Are the 144,000 Only Natural Jews? (rs p. 166 ¶5–p. 167 ¶3)

Nov. 16 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 23-27

No. 1: Deuteronomy 25:1-16

No. 2: Children Who Make God Happy (lr chap. 41)

No. 3: g What Things Should We Hold Sacred?

Nov. 23 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 28-31

No. 1: Deuteronomy 30:1-14

No. 2: Why We Need to Work (lr chap. 42)

No. 3: What Is the Scriptural Hope of the “Great Crowd”? (rs p. 167 ¶4–p. 168 ¶1)

Nov. 30 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 32-34

No. 1: Deuteronomy 32:1-21

No. 2: What Is “the Great Day of Jehovah”? (Zeph. 1:14)

No. 3: Who Are Our Brothers and Sisters? (lr chap. 43)

Dec. 7 Bible reading: Joshua 1-5

No. 1: Joshua 5:1-15

No. 2: Our Friends Should Love God (lr chap. 44)

No. 3: What Is God’s Kingdom? How to Show We Want It (lr chap. 45)

Dec. 14 Bible reading: Joshua 6-8

No. 1: Joshua 8:1-17

No. 2: Water Destroys a World​—Will It Happen Again? (lr chap. 46)

No. 3: Why Is Ecclesiastes 7:21, 22 Practical Counsel?

Dec. 21 Bible reading: Joshua 9-11

No. 1: Joshua 9:1-15

No. 2: How We Can Tell Armageddon Is Near (lr chap. 47)

No. 3: God’s Peaceful New World​—You Can Live There (lr chap. 48)

Dec. 28 Bible reading: Joshua 12-15

Theocratic Ministry School Review

[Footnotes]

Announcements

◼ Literature offer for October 1-19: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, present and discuss the tract Would You Like to Know More About the Bible? with a view to starting a Bible study. October 20–November 16: Special campaign distribution of the tract Would You Like to Know the Truth? November 17-30: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Make a diligent effort to start Bible studies. December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. If individuals say they have children, offer Learn From the Great Teacher. January 2009: What Does the Bible Really Teach? If householders already have the book, publishers may offer any 192-page book printed on paper that discolors or any book published prior to 1992 with the exception of Creation, Greatest Man, Mankind’s Search for God, and Young People Ask.

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

◼ Note to presiding overseer and Theocratic Ministry School overseer: The new congregation meeting schedule begins the week of December 29, 2008, and this adjusted schedule will be noted as such in the December 2008 Our Kingdom Ministry. When conducting the Theocratic Ministry School Review for that week, be sure to adhere to the instructions under Theocratic Ministry School Review in the Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2009. There will be no consideration of a speech quality on that evening.

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

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning October 27, 2008. The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of September 1 through October 27, 2008.

SPEECH QUALITIES

1. How can we find out why other people believe as they do? [be p. 259 pars. 1, 2]

2. How might we help a person to remove prejudice or hatred from his heart? [be p. 260 par. 2]

3. How might we assist our students to examine their own heart with a view to continued spiritual growth? [be p. 261 par. 3]

4. What should we bear in mind as we strive to reach the heart of our listeners? [be p. 262 par. 5]

5. Why should we give attention to timing at congregation meetings? [be p. 263 pars. 1, 3, box]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

6. What moved Paul to write his first letter to the Corinthians? [si p. 210 par. 3]

7. What were some of the reasons for Paul’s writing his second letter to the Corinthians? [si p. 214 pars. 1-2]

8. What view should Christians have of the ministry? [si pp. 216-217 par. 18]

9. How can we today, like the brothers at Philippi, gain God’s approval and become a joy to our brothers? [si p. 225 par. 12]

10. What positive effects did Paul and his companions have on the congregation in Thessalonica? [si p. 231 par. 13]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

11. What does it mean to “hand [the wicked] man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, in order that the spirit may be saved”? (1 Cor. 5:5) [w08 7/15 “Jehovah’s Word Is Alive​—Highlights From the Letters to the Corinthians”]

12. How “often” is Jesus’ death to be commemorated, and “until” when? (1 Cor. 11:26) [w08 7/15 “Jehovah’s Word Is Alive​—Highlights From the Letters to the Corinthians”]

13. What vision does 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 mention, and who likely had it? [w04 10/15 p. 8 par. 4; p. 10 par. 9]

14. Why did Paul liken the Law of Moses to a “tutor leading to Christ”? (Gal. 3:24) [w08 3/1 pp. 18-21]

15. What did Paul mean when he prayed that “the spirit and soul and body of you brothers be preserved”? (1 Thess. 5:23) [w08 9/15 “Jehovah’s Word Is Alive​—Highlights From the Letters to the Thessalonians and to Timothy”]

Personal and Family Bible Study Are Vital!

1. What special concern does the Governing Body have for us at this time, and why so?

¹ As in the first century, the Governing Body has deep concern for the welfare of Jehovah’s people. (Acts 15:6, 28) As the dark clouds of the great tribulation draw closer, it is vital that every Kingdom publisher have a solid relationship with Jehovah. How will you use the time previously allocated to the Congregation Book Study? All are encouraged to use this time for family worship. Wise use of this time will permit us to dig deeper into God’s inspired Word and draw from its life-giving waters.​—Ps. 1:1-3; Rom. 11:33, 34.

2. How might our personal family worship evening be arranged?

² Family Worship Evening: Family heads are encouraged to shoulder their responsibility before Jehovah to ensure that a meaningful, regular program of family Bible study is followed. (Deut. 6:6, 7) Single brothers and sisters with no family responsibilities will be able to use this time for personal Bible study and research. It is vital for all of us to ‘buy out the opportune time’ for study and meditation in order to maintain the spiritual strength needed in the face of ‘wicked days.’​—Eph. 5:15, 16.

3, 4. What suggestions are offered as to material that we may use, and with what focus in mind?

³ What to Consider: The Watch Tower Publications Index or Watchtower Library on CD-ROM can help you locate information that will make your Bible study periods a delight. Families may consider articles from The Watchtower, such as the regular features “Keys to Family Happiness,” “Teach Your Children,” and “For Our Young People.” Also, Awake! contains the “Young People Ask” series and fascinating articles about the wonders of creation.

⁴ Unhurried Bible reading can impress godly principles and lessons on the minds and hearts of all in the family. (Heb. 4:12) On other occasions, you might watch and discuss one of the videos produced by the organization. There is ample opportunity for ingenuity and creativity. Why not ask your family members what they would enjoy?

5. Why is personal and family Bible study so important in our life now?

⁵ Why Important Now: Strengthening our spirituality will prepare us to “stand firm and see the salvation of Jehovah.” (Ex. 14:13) Parents need divine guidance for raising children “in among a crooked and twisted generation.” (Phil. 2:15) Children need help to deal with the deteriorating moral climate in schools today. (Prov. 22:3, 6) Couples do well to strengthen their “threefold cord” with Jehovah. (Eccl. 4:12) Let us, then, make wise use of the time remaining to build ourselves up on our “most holy faith”!​—Jude 20.

What to Say About the Magazines

The Watchtower Oct. 1

“Experts recognize the importance of the father’s role in family life. What do you think makes a good father? [Allow for response.] Jesus stressed how the example of his Father helped him. [Read John 5:19.] This article isolates six important aspects of a father’s role.” Feature the article that begins on page 18.

Awake! Oct.

“People of various religions have conflicting views about the true nature of God. But how did the Son of God describe Him? Notice Jesus’ words at John 4:24. [Read.] In just two pages, this article presents the Bible’s viewpoint on the question, “What is the nature of God?” Feature the article on pages 24 and 25.

The Watchtower Nov. 1

“Many people are unable to reconcile their belief in a loving God with the teaching of eternal torment. What are your thoughts? [Allow for response.] The Bible clearly teaches that God is not malicious or vindictive. [Read Ezekiel 18:23.] You will appreciate the Scriptural reasoning presented in this magazine.”

Awake! Nov.

“People often associate success with fame, fortune, or power. How would you define success? [Allow for response.] Note what leads to success according to the Bible. [Read Psalm 1:1-3.] This article discusses six keys to success.” Highlight the article that begins on page 6.