August

Schedule for Week of August 12

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 12

Song 112 and Prayer

□ Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 13 ¶1-7 (30 min.)

□ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Romans 5-8 (10 min.)

No. 1: Romans 6:21–7:12 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Why Are Some Christians Taken to Heaven to Be With Christ?​—rs p. 316 ¶5-8 (5 min.)

No. 3: Why Putting Material Security Ahead of Spiritual Pursuits Leads to Disaster​—Matt. 6:33; 1 Tim. 6:10 (5 min.)

□ Service Meeting:

Song 37

10 min: “God’s Word Is Beneficial for Teaching.” Questions and answers. Announce the dates of the circuit assembly if these are known.

10 min: How an Outline Can Help Us in the Ministry. Discussion based on the Ministry School book, page 167, paragraph 1, to page 168, paragraph 1. Using the offer for the month, include a soliloquy of a publisher taking a few minutes before going in the ministry to prepare a mental outline of his presentation.

10 min: What Do We Learn? Discussion. Have Acts 8:26-31 read. Consider how this account can help us in our ministry.

Song 61 and Prayer

God’s Word Is Beneficial for Teaching

1. What is the theme of the circuit assembly for the 2014 service year, and what question will be answered by the program?

¹ Our “Grand Instructor,” Jehovah, is the best teacher in the universe. (Isa. 30:20, 21) How, though, does Jehovah instruct us? He has provided a book that excels all others​—his inspired Word, the Bible. How can divine teaching benefit us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? The answer to this question will be considered during our circuit assembly program for the 2014 service year. The theme of the program, “God’s Word Is Beneficial for Teaching,” is based on 2 Timothy 3:16.

2. The main points will be highlighted by the answers to what questions?

² Look for These Main Points: The main points of the program will be highlighted by the answers to the following questions:

• What effect does divine teaching have on our lives? (Isa. 48:17, 18)

• If we seek to make changes in our circumstances so as to serve Jehovah full-time, of what can we be assured? (Mal. 3:10)

• What should be our reaction when confronted with “strange teachings”? (Heb. 13:9)

• How can we imitate Jesus’ “way of teaching”? (Matt. 7:28, 29)

• Why should teachers in the congregation teach themselves? (Rom. 2:21)

• For what is God’s Word beneficial? (2 Tim. 3:16)

• How are people affected by the “rocking” of the nations? (Hag. 2:6, 7)

• What confidence does Jehovah have in us? (Eph. 5:1)

• Why must we work hard to remain in Jehovah’s teaching? (Luke 13:24)

3. Why is it important for us to attend and pay close attention to this timely program?

³ Earlier in 2 Timothy chapter 3, just before writing the words on which the theme of this program is based, Paul described the critical times that would characterize the last days. He wrote: “Wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled.” (2 Tim. 3:13) So that we will not be misled, how important it is for us to listen to and apply divine teaching! Therefore, may we be determined to attend and pay close attention to this timely program.

Schedule for Week of August 19

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 19

Song 51 and Prayer

□ Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 13 ¶8-13 (30 min.)

□ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Romans 9-12 (10 min.)

No. 1: Romans 9:19-33 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: If Someone Says, ‘Do You Believe in the Rapture?’​—rs p. 316 ¶9–p. 317 ¶2 (5 min.)

No. 3: Scriptural Reasons Why We Should Not Fear Men​—Luke 12:4-12 (5 min.)

□ Service Meeting:

Song 113

10 min: “God’s Word Exerts Power.” Questions and answers. Announce the date of the special assembly day if this is known.

10 min: How to Reply to Local Conversation Stoppers. Discussion by the service overseer. Mention two or three potential conversation stoppers that are encountered in the local territory but are not considered in the Reasoning book. Invite audience to comment on how we might reply. Have one brief demonstration.

10 min: Preach With Boldness. (Acts 4:29) Discussion based on the 2013 Yearbook, page 49, paragraphs 1-6; and page 69, paragraphs 1-6. Invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.

Song 92 and Prayer

God’s Word Exerts Power

1. What is the theme of the special assembly day for the 2014 service year?

¹ Unlike anything that originates with imperfect men, the Bible has the power to transform us, bringing our thoughts and ways into harmony with Jehovah’s will. Just how powerful is the Word of God? How can we fully utilize its power in our lives? How can we use it more effectively to assist others? We are confident that all will be built up spiritually as these points are considered during the special assembly day program prepared for the 2014 service year. Its theme is “God’s Word Exerts Power,” drawn from Hebrews 4:12.

2. We should listen for the answers to what questions?

² Find Answers to These Questions: As you listen to the program, make note of the answers to the questions listed below.

• Why should we have confidence in Jehovah’s Word? (Ps. 29:4)

• How can we experience the power of God’s Word in our own lives? (Ps. 34:8)

• How can you unleash the power of God’s Word in your ministry? (2 Tim. 3:16, 17)

• How can we avoid falling prey to the deceptive power of Satan’s world? (1 John 5:19)

• How can you as a youth attain spiritual success? (Jer. 17:7)

• How can we become powerful even when we are weak? (2 Cor. 12:10)

• What is the key to ongoing transformation, even with regard to strongly entrenched habits and attitudes? (Eph. 4:23)

3. Besides listening to the program, how else can we benefit from the special assembly day?

³ How we will benefit from hearing this important information! In addition, the special assembly day, like the circuit assembly and the district convention, will give us opportunities to widen out and to enjoy fellowship with brothers and sisters from outside our congregation. (Ps. 133:1-3; 2 Cor. 6:11-13) So allow time to associate with old friends and to make new ones. If a visiting speaker such as a district overseer or a brother from Bethel has been assigned to your special assembly day, why not take the opportunity to welcome him and his wife? Indeed, we have many reasons to look forward to the upcoming special assembly day!

Schedule for Week of August 26

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 26

Song 63 and Prayer

□ Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 13 ¶14-19 (30 min.)

□ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Romans 13-16 (10 min.)

Theocratic Ministry School Review (20 min.)

□ Service Meeting:

Song 11

10 min: “Emphasize Starting Bible Studies on the First Saturday.” Talk. Afterward, demonstrate how a study may be started on the first Saturday in September. Encourage all to have a share.

10 min: Methods of Preaching the Good News​—Group Territory and Personal Territory. Discussion of Organized book, page 102, paragraph 3, to page 104, paragraph 1. Interview the territory servant regarding local arrangements for requesting and working territory.

10 min: Why We Are Not False Prophets. Discussion based on the Reasoning book, page 136, paragraph 2, to the end of page 137. Have one suggestion from page 137 demonstrated.

Song 116 and Prayer

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning August 26, 2013. The date when each point is scheduled for discussion is included so that research can be done when preparing for the school each week.

1. What very important lesson can we learn from King Herod’s willing acceptance of undue praise and glory from men? (Acts 12:21-23) [July 1, w08 5/15 p. 32 par. 7]

2. How can Christian youths benefit themselves by analyzing and following Timothy’s example? (Acts 16:1, 2) [July 8, w08 5/15 p. 32 par. 10]

3. After hearing Apollos “speak boldly” in the synagogue in Ephesus, how did Aquila and Priscilla lovingly assist him? (Acts 18:24-26) [July 15, w10 6/15 p. 11 par. 4]

4. What Scriptural basis is there for Jehovah’s Witnesses to utilize the courts of the land to protect their right to preach? (Acts 25:10-12) [July 22, bt p. 198 par. 6]

5. How did the apostle Paul continue to find ways to witness even while imprisoned in Rome, and how do Jehovah’s servants today follow his example? (Acts 28:17, 23, 30, 31) [July 29, bt pp. 215-217 pars. 19-23]

6. Why does the Bible denounce homosexual acts as unnatural and obscene? (Rom. 1:26, 27) [Aug. 5, g 1/12 p. 28 par. 7]

7. How could “the ransom paid by Christ Jesus” in 33 C.E. cover “the sins that occurred” before it was paid? (Rom. 3:24, 25) [Aug. 5, w08 6/15 p. 29 par. 6]

8. What loving provision has Jehovah made for the times when we find ourselves facing extremely perplexing situations and do not know exactly what to pray for? (Rom. 8:26, 27) [Aug. 12, w08 6/15 p. 30 par. 10]

9. What is implied by the admonition to “follow the course of hospitality”? (Rom. 12:13) [Aug. 19, w09 10/15 pp. 5-6 pars. 12-13]

10. How do we “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” as the apostle Paul advises? (Rom. 13:14) [Aug. 26, w05 1/1 pp. 11-12 pars. 20-22]

Emphasize Starting Bible Studies on the First Saturday

Beginning in May of 2011, publishers were encouraged to try to start Bible studies on the first Saturday of each month. To help us do that, a regular feature of the public edition of The Watchtower entitled “Bible Questions Answered” has been prepared. Therefore, the meeting for field service held on the first Saturday should highlight how this feature can be used to start Bible studies and should include a demonstration of a presentation.

The elders can choose to have each field service group meet separately on the first Saturday, or they can decide to have the groups combine and perhaps meet at the Kingdom Hall. However, if multiple congregations use the Kingdom Hall, no congregation should move this special day for starting Bible studies to another day in order to have a combined meeting for field service.

Schedule for Week of September 2

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 2

Song 47 and Prayer

□ Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 13 ¶20-26 (30 min.)

□ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: 1 Corinthians 1-9 (10 min.)

No. 1: 1 Corinthians 4:18–5:13 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: 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 (5 min.)

No. 3: How Christians Maintain Joy in Spite of Illness​—Phil. 4:6, 7 (5 min.)

□ Service Meeting:

Song 72

10 min: Ideas for Offering the Magazines in September. Discussion. Take 30 to 60 seconds to relate why the magazines will have appeal in your territory. Then, using the cover subject of The Watchtower, invite the audience to give suggestions on an interest-arousing question to ask. Next, invite suggestions on a scripture to read. Do the same for Awake! and, if time allows, for one other article from either magazine. Demonstrate how each issue may be offered.

10 min: Local needs.

10 min: Imitate the Example of Barnabas. Discussion. Invite comments from the audience on how imitating Barnabas’ example can help us as evangelizers.

Song 65 and Prayer

Announcements

◼ Literature offer for August: Feature one of the following 32-page brochures: Good News From God!, Listen to God, or Listen to God and Live Forever. September and October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. November: Special campaign distribution of Kingdom News No. 38, “Can the Dead Really Live Again?” If the congregation works all of its territory or places its entire supply of Kingdom News, publishers should offer What Does the Bible Really Teach? or Would You Like to Know the Truth?

◼ Beginning the week of October 28, 2013, the brochure Who Are Doing Jehovah’s Will Today? will be considered at the Congregation Bible Study. After completing this brochure, the book Draw Close to Jehovah will be considered beginning the week of January 6, 2014. Congregations needing a supply of these publications should request them on their next literature request.

◼ Starting in September, circuit overseers will give the public talk entitled “How Love and Faith Conquer the World.”

Sample Presentations

To start Bible studies on the first Saturday in September

“Hello. We’re visiting briefly to provide a reliable resource to help couples make marriage a success. In your opinion, what’s the biggest obstacle to a happy marriage?” [Allow for response.] Show the back of the September 1 Watchtower, and consider together the material under the first question and at least one of the cited scriptures. Offer the magazines, and arrange to return to discuss the next question.

The Watchtower September 1

“We’re visiting because many in our community wonder why God has allowed so much suffering. Have you ever wondered about that? [Allow for response.] It’s interesting that the Bible promises that there will be a time when mourning and pain will be gone. [Read Revelation 21:4.] This magazine examines five fundamental reasons why there is so much suffering. It also shows what the Bible says about how God will end suffering.”

Awake! September

“We’re here to provide information regarding a popular holiday that’s approaching​—Halloween. Some have chosen not to celebrate, pointing to warnings such as this one from the Bible. [Read Leviticus 19:31.] Other people do not believe in supernatural spirits and view Halloween as harmless fun. What’s your opinion about this holiday? [Allow for response.] This magazine reveals the dark origins of Halloween.”

Field Service Highlights

When comparing the first six months of this service year with the same period the previous year, the number of regular pioneers increased by 8.8 percent in the Bahamas and by 7.3 percent in the United States. Also during this same period, the number of return visits increased by 6.8 percent in Bermuda and by 13.4 percent in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We rejoice that Jehovah’s servants take seriously their responsibility of ‘watering’ seeds of Kingdom truth.​—1 Cor. 3:6.