December
Schedule for Week of December 14
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Schedule for Week of December 14
WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 14
□ Congregation Bible Study:
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
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?
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
15 min: Why Am I Afraid to Share My Faith? Talk based on the July 2009 Awake! pages 24-27. Include a demonstration showing parents using Family Worship evening to prepare their child to answer questions at school. They do research and discuss one of the questions on page 25, then they have a practice session during which the child answers the question.
15 min: “Preach With Urgency!” Question-and-answer discussion. When considering paragraph 4, interview a zealous Kingdom publisher and ask the following questions: What steps have you taken to avoid being weighed down by unnecessary things of the world? In what ways have you benefited from preaching with urgency?
Preach With Urgency!
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Preach With Urgency!
1. What exhortation of Paul demands attention in our day?
1 “Preach the word, be at it urgently.” (2 Tim. 4:2) Why is Paul’s exhortation so important in our day? How can these words impact our lives and those of others?
2. Why do we diligently search for those who have not heard the good news?
2 Lives Are Involved: Millions of people around the world have yet to hear the good news that can lead to their salvation. (Rom. 10:13-15; 1 Tim. 4:16) Many honesthearted ones are being found in territory frequently worked. If we call on a different day or at another time of day, we may find a different person. Such diligent searching will leave us with a clean conscience and free of bloodguilt.—Acts 20:26.
3. How can we make wise use of our time in the ministry?
3 In spite of facing violent opposition, first-century Christians ‘filled Jerusalem with their teaching.’ (Acts 5:28) Are we equally determined to “give a thorough witness”? (Acts 10:42) When in the ministry, do we make wise use of time? If we are waiting as others make a return visit, do we take the initiative to speak with passersby?
4. How does preaching with urgency help us to keep on the watch?
4 Increases Our Alertness: With the end of this system of things near at hand, we must stay alert, keeping on the watch. (1 Thess. 5:1-6) When we regularly speak about our Kingdom hope, we avoid becoming weighed down by this system of things. (Luke 21:34-36) In turn, as we keep the day of Jehovah “close in mind,” we are moved to increase our share in the lifesaving preaching work.—2 Pet. 3:11, 12.
5. How does respect for life motivate us in the ministry?
5 When we preach with urgency, we reflect Jehovah’s view of life: “He does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9; Ezek. 33:11) May we be resolved to contact as many as possible in our territory, all to Jehovah’s praise!—Ps. 109:30.
Schedule for Week of December 21
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Schedule for Week of December 21
WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 21
□ Congregation Bible Study:
lv chap. 14 ¶10-14, box on pp. 164-165, app. pp. 222-223
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
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)
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
15 min: Prepare to Offer The Watchtower and Awake! Present a demonstration showing how a group overseer shares his presentation with a young publisher and explains why he selected it and which question and scriptures he will use. The young publisher explains that he had a presentation in mind but needs help refining it. Using the article he had in mind, they develop a question and select the scriptures he will use.
15 min: “‘Impart Your Soul’ to Your Students.” Question-and-answer discussion. After considering paragraph 2, interview a publisher regarding practical ways he endeavors to show personal interest in his students. What has been the result? Also interview a publisher who benefited from personal interest shown by the one conducting his Bible study.
‘Impart Your Soul’ to Your Students
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‘Impart Your Soul’ to Your Students
1. What is required to help a Bible student?
1 In order to help a Bible student to the point of dedication, more is required than simply conducting a regular Bible study with him. The apostle Paul compared his relationship with those he taught to that of a nursing mother cherishing her children. We too are pleased to impart “our own souls” in order to help our students to grow spiritually.—1 Thess. 2:7-9.
2. Why should we demonstrate personal interest, and how may that be done?
2 Take a Personal Interest: As a Bible student applies what he learns, his conscience will prompt him to discontinue close association with those who do not conform to Bible principles. (1 Pet. 4:4) His family may disown him. (Matt. 10:34-36) We can help fill the emotional void by demonstrating warm personal interest. One experienced missionary recommends: “Do not rush away from the study after it is over. If appropriate, stay and talk for a while.” Be alert to offer your student practical help. For example, could you telephone or visit him when he is sick? Can you sit with your student at meetings and help with the children, if fitting?
3. How can we help our student receive encouragement from the congregation?
3 Help From the Congregation: If you are working in the ministry near your student’s home, why not visit briefly to introduce your service companions? When appropriate, from time to time invite different publishers, including elders, to accompany you on the study. Also, soon after you establish a study, encourage your Bible student to attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall. This will enable him to enjoy upbuilding association with members of the congregation who may become his spiritual family.—Mark 10:29, 30; Heb. 10:24, 25.
4. How may our diligence be rewarded?
4 A parent who tirelessly assists his children spiritually is overjoyed when they take a stand for Jehovah and walk in the truth. (3 John 4) We can experience similar joy as we impart our souls to help our Bible students.
Schedule for Week of December 28
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Schedule for Week of December 28
WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 28
□ Congregation Bible Study:
lv chap. 14 ¶15-19, box on p. 167
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Joshua 12-15
Theocratic Ministry School Review
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements. Call attention to the article “Are You Ready to Sing to Jehovah at Our Meetings?” Encourage all to bring their new song book beginning January.
10 min: How to Respond. Audience discussion of objections common in your territory. Include a brief demonstration using one of these common objections. (See Reasoning book, pages 64-68.)
10 min: Starting Bible Studies. Announce the date for the next day for offering Bible studies. What has been accomplished locally when Bible studies were offered? Invite a pioneer or publisher to relate or demonstrate a presentation that has proved to be effective in the local territory.
10 min: The Offer for January. Briefly review features of the offer. Discuss with a publisher ways that might be used to start a Bible study with the offer of the month in an informal setting. Encourage all to make it a goal to start a Bible study this month.
Are You Ready to Sing to Jehovah at Our Meetings?
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Are You Ready to Sing to Jehovah at Our Meetings?
1 Preparing to participate in our meetings includes preparing to sing songs of praise. Consider the following suggestions.
2 Understand the Lyrics: The theme scripture and additional scriptures listed at the end of each song help to emphasize the Scriptural basis for the lyrics.
3 Practice: A portion of Family Worship each week can be used to become familiar with the new songs. Sing along with the recorded piano accompaniment of songs to be used for each meeting. You may be able to learn the melody and the lyrics of some of the new songs by listening to Sing to Jehovah—Vocal Renditions, Disc 1.
4 Will you be ready this weekend when we begin using Sing to Jehovah at the Watchtower Study? You will if you take time to understand the meaning of the songs and practice singing them.
Theocratic Ministry School Review
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Theocratic Ministry School Review
The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning December 28, 2009.
1. How can Christians today apply the principle stated at Deuteronomy 14:1? [w05 1/1 p. 28; w04 9/15 p. 27 par. 5]
2. How can Deuteronomy 20:5-7 be applied in principle in the Christian congregation today? [w04 9/15 p. 27 par. 6]
3. How did Israel differ from other nations in matters involving warfare? (Deut. 20:10-15, 19, 20; 21:10-13) [cl pp. 134-135, par. 17]
4. What can help us serve Jehovah with joy of heart? (Deut. 28:47) [w95 1/15 p. 16 pars. 4-5]
5. How can parents benefit from the analogy given at Deuteronomy 32:9, 11, 12, which illustrates Jehovah’s love for Israel? [w01 10/1 p. 9 pars. 7-9]
6. How are we to understand Rahab’s misleading words to the king’s men who were searching for the spies? (Josh. 2:4, 5) [w93 12/15 p. 25 par. 1]
7. The Israelites’ example recorded at Joshua 3:15, 16 teaches us what lesson? [w04 12/1 p. 9 par. 6]
8. What can we learn from the way Joshua handled Achan’s theft? (Josh. 7:20-25) [w04 12/1 p. 11 par. 4]
9. How does Joshua 9:22, 23 highlight the sure fulfillment of God’s Word? [w04 12/1 p. 11 par. 3; si p. 44, par. 13]
10. What encouragement can be drawn from Caleb’s example? (Josh. 14:8, 10-12) [w04 12/1 p. 12 par. 2; w93 5/15 p. 29 par. 1]
Schedule for Week of January 4
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Schedule for Week of January 4
WEEK STARTING JANUARY 4, 2010
□ Congregation Bible Study:
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Joshua 16-20
No. 1: Joshua 17:1-10
No. 2: What Will Those Who Go to Heaven Do There? (rs p. 168 ¶2-6)
No. 3: Why “Limping Upon Two Different Opinions” Cannot Please God (1 Ki. 18:21)
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
10 min: Use Questions to Reach the Heart of Your Bible Student. Talk based on the two subheadings on page 239 of the Ministry School book.
10 min: Local needs.
10 min: Use Bible Literature in Your Ministry. Audience discussion of the three paragraphs under “Using Bible Literature” on pages 100 and 101 of the Organized book. Invite the service overseer or another elder to give suggestions on how to make good use of our literature and avoid waste.
Announcements
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Announcements
◼ Literature offer for December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. If there are children in the household, offer Learn From the Great Teacher. January: What Does the Bible Really Teach? If householders already have the book, publishers may offer any 192-page book published prior to 1992. February: Is There a Creator Who Cares About You? Publishers may also offer The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s? or The Secret of Family Happiness. March: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Endeavor to start Bible studies when the publication is placed or if a copy is already in the home.
◼ The Memorial for the year 2011 will be on Sunday, April 17, after sundown. This advance notice is given so that brothers may make necessary reservations or contracts for available halls when there are several congregations using the Kingdom Hall and other facilities must be found.
Field Service Highlights
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Field Service Highlights
The August 2009 report marked an important new milestone in theocratic progress for the United States branch. There were new peaks in Kingdom publishers in all three territories assigned to our branch. In the United States, the total of 1,154,275 publishers reporting is an increase of 48,165 over the previous peak of 1,106,110 set in July 2009. Truly, Jehovah ‘is speeding up the work in its own time.’—Isaiah 60:22.
What to Say About the Magazines
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What to Say About the Magazines
The Watchtower December 1
“During this time of year, many set up a Nativity scene to depict this Bible account. [Read Matthew 2:1, 11.] Did you notice the differences between what the Bible says occurred and what is usually depicted? [Allow for response.] This article discusses what really happened.” Feature the article on page 31.
Awake! December
“I would like to get your opinion on something Jesus said. [Read Matthew 5:3.] Since there are so many different religions, do you think it matters how we choose to fulfill our spiritual need? [Allow for response.] This article shows what the Bible says on how to find true spiritual satisfaction.” Feature the article that begins on page 12.
The Watchtower January 1
“There are conflicting religious opinions regarding the use of alcoholic beverages. How do you think God feels about a person’s drinking alcohol? [Allow for response.] Although the Bible reports that Jesus once miraculously turned water to wine, it also says this. [Read Proverbs 23:20a.] This magazine shows the Bible’s balanced viewpoint.”
Awake! January
“In these difficult times, many people feel overworked and stressed out. Have you felt that way? [Allow for response.] Notice this reasonable advice. [Read Ecclesiastes 4:6.] This magazine discusses how we can balance work, family, and relaxation. It also gives suggestions for those looking for a job.”