December

Schedule for Week of December 9

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 9

Song 84 and Prayer

□ Congregation Bible Study:

jl Lessons 17-19 (30 min.)

□ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: 1 John 1-5; 2 John 1-13; 3 John 1-14–Jude 1-25 (10 min.)

No. 1: 1 John 5:1-21 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: How Should Jesus Christ Be Remembered?​—Luke 1:32, 33; John 17:3 (5 min.)

No. 3: The Right Religion Demonstrates True Faith in Jesus Christ​—rs p. 329 ¶1 (5 min.)

□ Service Meeting:

Song 5

15 min: The Theocratic Ministry School for 2014. Talk by the school overseer. Using the Theocratic Ministry School instructions for 2014, discuss points needing emphasis locally. Explain that if the Bible reading consists of the opening chapters of a book, the brother caring for the highlights will no longer develop material from the “All Scripture” book. In addition, when Assignments No. 2 and No. 3 refer to paragraphs in the Reasoning or Insight books, only paragraphs that are indented are to be counted. Encourage all to be diligent in fulfilling their assignments, in participating during the Bible highlights, and in applying the suggestions given weekly from the Ministry School book.

15 min: “How to Prepare Effective Introductions.” Questions and answers. Demonstrate two introductions for offering the Bible Teach book, one that is not effective and afterward, one that is.

Song 60 and Prayer

How to Prepare Effective Introductions

1. How important is it to have a good introduction?

¹ Just as a flavorful appetizer builds anticipation for the meal that follows, a good introduction opens the door to a positive Scriptural discussion. Effective introductions may vary in their length and content, but just like tasty food, they always require advance thought and preparation. (Prov. 15:28) What makes an introduction effective?

2. How may we prepare an introduction that is interesting?

² Choose Topics of Interest: Our introduction must arouse interest, or the householder may end the conversation. So when preparing, think about local interests. Are people in the community interested in good government, happy family life, or an end to war? People generally like to give their opinion, so prepare a thought-provoking viewpoint question. Could you use one of the sample introductions from Our Kingdom Ministry and adapt it to your territory? Why not occasionally practice some introductions during your Family Worship evening?

3. How may we tailor our introduction to the culture and background of those in our territory?

³ Consider Culture and Background: In some places, we are expected to state the reason for our visit right away. In other places, it is considered impolite if a visitor does not first inquire about the welfare of the householder and perhaps share some personal information. In some areas, the religious background of people allows us to refer freely to the Bible in our introduction. (Acts 2:14-17) However, where people belong to a non-Christian religion, or to no religion at all, it may be better to mention the Bible on a return visit, rather than at the outset.​—Acts 17:22-31.

4. What attention should we give to the opening words of our introduction?

⁴ The Opening Words: Prepare your opening words carefully. Short, simple sentences are usually best. The way we deliver our opening words is also vital. Be enthusiastic. Have a sincere, friendly smile that reflects personal interest in the householder. Following these suggestions will help us to prepare appetizing introductions that will encourage people in our territory to feed at “the table of Jehovah.”​—1 Cor. 10:21.

Schedule for Week of December 16

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 16

Song 116 and Prayer

□ Congregation Bible Study:

jl Lessons 20-22 (30 min.)

□ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Revelation 1-6 (10 min.)

No. 1: Revelation 3:14–4:8 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: The True Religion Is Not Formalistic But Is a Way of Life​—rs p. 329 ¶2 (5 min.)

No. 3: In What Ways Did Jesus “Set the Pattern” for His Disciples?​—John 13:15 (5 min.)

□ Service Meeting:

Song 44

10 min: What Did We Accomplish? Discussion by the service overseer. Inform the congregation how much of the territory was covered during the campaign for Kingdom News No. 38. Invite audience to comment on how they benefited from sharing in the campaign and to relate any outstanding experiences.

10 min: Let Youths Praise Jehovah. (Ps. 148:12, 13) Interview two or three exemplary youths. What challenges to their faith do they face at school? How have their parents and others helped them meet these challenges? What has given them the courage to speak up about their Christian beliefs? Invite them to relate experiences.

10 min: “Study of Draw Close to Jehovah Begins the Week of January 6.” Questions and answers.

Song 75 and Prayer

Study of Draw Close to Jehovah Begins the Week of January 6

1. Beginning the week of January 6, what opportunities will we have to draw closer to Jehovah?

¹ Jehovah wants us to draw close to him. (Jas. 4:8) To help us do that, beginning the week of January 6, we will study Draw Close to Jehovah at the Congregation Bible Study. Regarding the purpose of the book, the opening page states: “Pondering the way Jehovah manifests each of his qualities, seeing how Jesus Christ perfectly reflected them, and understanding how we too may cultivate them will draw us closer to God.” Congregations previously considered this book during 2004 and 2005. However, for many of the approximately two million publishers who have come into the truth since then, this will be the first time that Jehovah’s endearing qualities have been discussed in detail. For those who studied the book before, the review will help them to deepen their appreciation for Jehovah’s attributes.​—Ps. 119:14.

2. How will Draw Close to Jehovah be studied?

² How It Will Be Studied: The conductor will begin with a brief introduction, perhaps one or two sentences. The material does not stipulate which scriptures should be read, so during the study the conductor will select key scriptures to read. One or two questions may be asked at the end of each lesson as a review. If the material includes the box “Questions for Meditation,” this will be used as the review. As time permits, the conductor can have some of the cited verses in the box read and then ask auxiliary questions to draw out comments from the audience.

3. As the book is being considered, what should we do and why?

³ Benefit Fully: Prepare in advance even if you previously studied this book. Have a share in commenting, as this will bring praise to Jehovah, help you to remember the information, and benefit others in attendance. (Ps. 35:18; Heb. 10:24, 25) As you meditate on Jehovah’s matchless qualities, you will draw closer to him. (Ps. 77:11-13) In turn, you will be more determined to obey his commandments and more motivated to tell others about him.​—Ps. 150:1-6.

Schedule for Week of December 23

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 23

Song 127 and Prayer

□ Congregation Bible Study:

jl Lessons 23-25 (30 min.)

□ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Revelation 7-14 (10 min.)

No. 1: Revelation 9:1-21 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Ways in Which True Christians Can Show Genuine Hospitality​—Heb. 13:2 (5 min.)

No. 3: Members of the Right Religion Love One Another and Keep Separate From the World​—rs p. 329 ¶3-4 (5 min.)

□ Service Meeting:

Song 124

10 min: The Offer for January and February. Discussion. Consider features of the literature being offered, and have two presentations demonstrated.

20 min: “Helping Those Who Are Not Yet Ready for the Bible Teach Book.” Questions and answers. Demonstrate one of the suggestions from page 6.

Song 46 and Prayer

Helping Those Who Are Not Yet Ready for the Bible Teach Book

1. Will the Bible Teach book appeal to everyone initially? Explain.

¹ In order for someone to become a worshipper of Jehovah, he must learn what the Bible teaches. However, some belong to a non-Christian religion and do not consider the Bible to be God’s Word. Others do not believe in God at all and lack respect for the Bible. Which tools have proved to be helpful for those who are not initially inclined to accept the Bible Teach book? The suggestions below are based on the comments of publishers from some 20 different countries.

2. If someone tells us that he does not believe in God, what should we try to find out, and why?

² Those Who Do Not Believe in God: If someone says that he does not believe in God, it is beneficial to find out why. Is it because he believes in evolution? Has he lost faith in God because of the injustice in the world or the hypocrisy in religion? Is he from a land that suppressed belief in God? Perhaps he does not adamantly deny God’s existence, but he has never felt the need to believe in Him. Many publishers find that asking, “Have you always felt that way?” prompts the person to explain. Listen and do not interrupt. When we understand why the person does not believe in God, we will know how to reply and which publication to offer.​—Prov. 18:13.

3. How can we demonstrate respect for the person and his beliefs?

³ When replying, take care to avoid making the person feel that you are attacking his viewpoint. This suggestion came from the United States: “It is very important to respect the personal freedom of individuals to decide what they believe. Rather than seeking to win arguments, it is best to pose questions that make people think and reach their own conclusions.” After hearing the householder express himself, one traveling overseer often prefaces his reply by asking, “Have you ever considered this as a possibility?”

4. How may we help those who are Buddhist?

⁴ The concept of God is foreign to many who are Buddhist. Some publishers in Britain like to use the brochure Lasting Peace and Happiness​—How to Find Them when witnessing to such ones. After considering the introduction, they discuss the section “Is There Really a Most High Creator?” and then the section “A Guidebook for the Blessing of All Mankind.” Afterward, they may be able to introduce the Bible Teach book and tell the householder, “Even if you do not believe in God, studying the Bible is beneficial because it contains much practical guidance.” A pioneer in the United States who is serving in the Chinese field said: “Many in our territory enjoy reading. So they often read the entire publication before we return. But they may not understand the concept of a Bible study. So I like to offer the Good News brochure on the initial call because it is written in a way that encourages discussion.” A circuit overseer serving in a Chinese-language circuit in the United States reports that it is possible to introduce the Bible Teach book on the initial call. However, it may be better to start the study in chapter 2, which gives an introduction to the Bible, rather than in chapter 1, which discusses God.

5. Why is patience important?

⁵ It takes time for someone to build faith in God, so patience is vital. Our initial conversations may not move a person to agree that a Creator exists. But perhaps in time he will acknowledge that it might be possible, or he may say that he understands why someone could come to that conclusion.

6. Why may some people lack interest in the Bible?

⁶ Those Who Lack Interest or Confidence in the Bible: Often, however, a person who acknowledges that God may exist is not interested in what the Bible teaches because he does not believe that it is God’s Word. Perhaps he lives in a non-Christian land and associates the Bible with Christendom. Or he may live in a so-called Christian land that is very secular, and he may not think that the Bible will be useful to him. How can we help such ones to develop interest in the Bible and eventually accept a study in the Bible Teach book?

7. What is often a good way to stimulate interest in the Bible?

⁷ The branch office in Greece wrote: “The best way to help people who lack interest in the Bible is simply to open the Bible and show them what it contains. Many publishers have noticed that the influence of the Bible’s message on a person’s heart is more powerful than anything they personally might say. (Heb. 4:12) Seeing God’s name in the Bible has helped many to develop a desire to peer into the Bible.” The branch office in India wrote: “The truth about life and death really attracts many Hindus​—so does the Bible’s promise of a world without caste discrimination.” Alluding to problems of local concern often gives publishers an opportunity to show what the Bible says God’s Kingdom will do to rectify matters.

8. What could we say to those who have a negative view of the Bible because of Christendom?

⁸ If someone has a negative view of the Bible because of Christendom, let him know that Christendom has misrepresented the Bible and its teachings. The branch office in India wrote: “At times, we need to help individuals see that churches are not the custodians of the Bible.” They reported that Hindus are often impressed by section 4 of the brochure What Is the Purpose of Life? How Can You Find It?, which explains how the churches have tried to adulterate and destroy God’s Word. A pioneer in Brazil tells people: “Why not find out more about the Bible’s contents? Many people are doing this with an open mind, with no obligation to any religious affiliation. You may be surprised by what you learn.”

9. Why should we not give up if someone is not initially interested in what the Bible teaches?

⁹ Jehovah looks at each person’s heart. (1 Sam. 16:7; Prov. 21:2) He is drawing those with the right heart condition to true worship. (John 6:44) Many such ones were never taught about God or had little exposure to the Bible. Our ministry gives them a chance to “be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4) Therefore, if some are not initially interested in what the Bible teaches, do not give up! Use one of the tools available in your language to stimulate their interest. Eventually, you may be able to transfer the discussion to our primary tool for conducting Bible studies, the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?

[Box on page 4]

If the householder says he does not believe in God, try this:

• Ask, “Have you always felt that way?” to find out why.

• If he is a Buddhist, use the brochure Lasting Peace and Happiness​—How to Find Them, pages 9-12.

• If he believes in evolution, these references may be helpful:

The Awake! series “Was It Designed?”

The video The Wonders of Creation Reveal God’s Glory

The brochures A Satisfying Life​—How to Attain It, section 4; Was Life Created?; and The Origin of Life​—Five Questions Worth Asking

• If he has lost faith in God because of injustice and suffering, these references may be helpful:

The book Is There a Creator Who Cares About You?, chapter 10

The brochures Does God Really Care About Us?, part 6, and What Is the Purpose of Life?, section 6

• Switch to the Bible Teach book as soon as the householder is open to the idea that God may exist. It may be good to begin with chapter 2 or another subject appropriate for him.

[Box on page 5]

Try this if the householder does not believe in the Bible:

• Consider chapters 17 and 18 of the book Life​—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation?

• For Hindus, use the brochure Why Should We Worship God in Love and Truth?

• For Jews, use the brochure Will There Ever Be a World Without War?, pages 3-11.

• Discuss the benefits of following Bible principles. Publications that you can use to show someone the practical value of the Bible are:

The Awake! series “Help for the Family”

The video The Bible​—Its Power in Your Life

The brochures Good News From God!, lessons 9 and 11; A Book for All People, pages 22-26; and A Satisfying Life​—How to Attain It, section 2

For Buddhists, use the brochure The Pathway to Peace and Happiness, pages 3-7.

For Muslims, use the brochure Real Faith​—Your Key to a Happy Life, section 3.

If you are preaching in an area where there is prejudice against the Bible, it may be best not to identify the source of the wise sayings you are sharing until you have made several visits.

• Explain how Bible prophecies have come true. Publications you can use are:

The video The Bible​—Accurate History, Reliable Prophecy

The brochure A Book for All People, pages 27-29

• Switch to the Bible Teach book as soon as the person asks what the Bible teaches on various topics.

[Box on page 6]

If the householder says: “I don’t believe in God,” you might say:

• “May I briefly explain what has convinced me to believe in a Creator?” Then share points from the Reasoning book, pages 84-86, or make arrangements to bring the person a publication that you enjoyed reading.

• “But if there were a God, how would you like him to be?” Most householders reply that they would be drawn to a God of love, justice, and mercy, one who is impartial. Show him from the Bible that God has such qualities. (It may even be possible to use chapter 1 of the Bible Teach book, starting with paragraph 6.)

If the householder says: “I don’t believe in the Bible,” you might say:

• “There are many who feel that way. Some are of the impression that the Bible is not scientific or that Bible standards are impractical. Tell me, have you ever read the Bible before? [Allow for response. Then show the introduction on page 3 of the brochure A Book for All People, and offer the brochure.] Many have discredited the Bible because religion has misrepresented its teachings. Next time, I would like to discuss an example from pages 4 and 5.”

• “Many people share your view. May I show you something that impresses me about the Bible? [Read Job 26:7 or Isaiah 40:22, which show that the Bible is scientifically accurate.] The Bible also contains wise sayings to help families. Next time, I would like to show you an example.”

• “Thank you for telling me that. If God did write a book for mankind, what do you think it would contain?” Then show the person something from the Bible that agrees with his comment.

Experiences

◼ Australia: John, an educated man, went to church as a child but became a “staunch atheist.” A pioneer left him the brochure Was Life Created? and then on a subsequent visit left the Origin of Life brochure. The pioneer continued cultivating his interest by bringing him the latest magazines and featuring any articles on creation or Bible prophecy. When he thought John was ready, he offered him the book The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s? After reading it, John began describing himself as a “mild agnostic.” The pioneer then introduced the Bible Teach book, showing John paragraph 8 on page 20 and paragraphs 13-16 on pages 23-24. The scriptures cited in the material impressed John so much that he said, “Maybe I need to give the Bible another chance.”

◼ Mexico: One man told a publisher that he did not believe that the Bible was inspired by God. The publisher offered to show him proof of the Bible’s inspiration. After some discussions, the man’s heart began to be affected by what he was learning from the Bible. He was especially moved when he learned about godly standards. He told the publisher: “At first when you and I would read the Bible together, it seemed like advice from any other book and it didn’t affect me. But now when we read from it, particularly its counsel about morality, my heart hurts.”

◼ United States: While engaging in special metropolitan witnessing, a couple met a woman from Taiwan who believed in God but felt that the Bible was for Westerners. She came to their literature display because she felt lost even though she had a privileged life. She was hoping that the Bible would help her find purpose in life. The couple started a study with her using the Bible Teach book along with the brochure Lasting Peace and Happiness​—How to Find Them. Instead of studying chapter 2 in the book, they discussed the section in the brochure entitled “A Guidebook for the Blessing of All Mankind.” After considering the first six paragraphs in that section, the woman expressed amazement that the Bible is so unique in comparison to other religious writings. After considering Bible prophecies that have been fulfilled, she said, “There is no other book that I can think of that is as accurate as the Bible!”

◼ Japan: Although a householder told a publisher that he did not believe in God, the publisher continued making brief calls on him, sharing the articles in Awake! entitled “Was It Designed?” Gradually, the man changed his viewpoint and began admitting that there may be a Creator. Now he believes that there is a God, and the publisher is studying with him out of the brochure Good News From God!

◼ Canada: A sister placed the latest magazines with a woman who was leaving her house and walking to her car. When the sister returned later, the woman adamantly told her that she was not interested and did not believe in God. The sister decided not to give up but to bring her the brochure A Satisfying Life​—How to Attain It. When the sister found the woman at home, she told her that although she knew that the woman did not believe in God, she had been thinking of her because the sister knew that she was a single parent. She showed the woman paragraph 6 on page 4 of the brochure, which discusses where to find good advice. Then she encouraged her to read the suggestions in lesson 2 regarding raising children. The woman was very happy to take the brochure.

Schedule for Week of December 30

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 30

Song 126 and Prayer

□ Congregation Bible Study:

jl Lessons 26-28 (30 min.)

□ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Revelation 15-22 (10 min.)

Theocratic Ministry School Review (20 min.)

□ Service Meeting:

Song 43

10 min: “Help Them Be ‘Stabilized in the Faith.’” Talk. Afterward, briefly demonstrate how to use the magazines to start a study on the first Saturday in January. Encourage all to have a share.

10 min: Help Your Child to Become a Publisher. Talk based on page 82, paragraphs 1-2, of the Organized book. Interview an exemplary parent with a child who is an unbaptized publisher. How did he help his child to progress and qualify to become a publisher?

10 min: We Are Never Alone. (2 Ki. 6:16) Discussion based on the 2013 Yearbook, page 48, paragraphs 1-3. Invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.

Song 119 and Prayer

Help Them Be “Stabilized in the Faith”

It is exciting to see how Jehovah is blessing the ingathering, with over a quarter of a million people being baptized each year. (Deut. 28:2) Once a publisher helps a student to baptism, the tendency may be for the publisher to discontinue the study and focus on helping others. The student may also be inclined to stop the study in order to devote more time to the ministry. However, it is important for Bible students to have a good foundation in the truth. They need to be “rooted” in Christ and “stabilized in the faith.” (Col. 2:6, 7; 2 Tim. 3:12) Therefore, after a student gets baptized, he should continue his Bible study until he has completed both the Bible Teach and the “God’s Love” books.​—See the April 2011 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 2.

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning December 30, 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 will help us to exhibit mildness when dealing with secular authorities? (Titus 3:2) [Nov. 4, w03 4/1 p. 25 pars. 18-19]

2. What can we learn from Paul’s words to Philemon as recorded at Philemon 4, 5, and 7? [Nov. 4, w08 10/15 p. 31 pars. 1, 2; w92 4/15 p. 25 par. 2]

3. How do we enter into God’s rest? (Heb. 4:9-11) [Nov. 11, w11 7/15 p. 28 pars. 16, 17]

4. What can we learn from Samuel and the faithful judges and prophets who effected “righteousness”? (Heb. 11:32, 33) [Nov. 18, w11 1/1 p. 25 pars. 5, 6]

5. Why did James write that “the wisdom from above is first of all chaste, then peaceable”? (Jas. 3:17) [Nov. 25, w11 8/15 pp. 30-31 par. 15]

6. Who were “the dead” to whom “the good news was declared”? (1 Pet. 4:6) [Dec. 2, w08 11/15 p. 21 par. 8]

7. According to 1 John 2:7, 8, what commandment is John speaking of as being “old” as well as “new”? [Dec. 9, w08 12/15 p. 27 par. 6]

8. To whom do the titles “the Alpha and the Omega” and “the First and the Last” refer? (Rev. 1:8, 17) [Dec. 16, w09 1/15 p. 30 par. 6]

9. In what two ways are anointed Christians “sealed”? (Rev. 7:3) [Dec. 23, w07 1/1 p. 31 par. 2]

10. Why can we be absolutely certain that foretold blessings under Kingdom rule will become a reality, and how should we be affected by this knowledge? (Rev. 21:5, 6) [Dec. 30, re p. 304 par. 9]

Schedule for Week of January 6

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 6, 2014

Song 132 and Prayer

□ Congregation Bible Study:

cl p. 3 and chap. 1, ¶1-9 (30 min.)

□ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Genesis 1-5 (10 min.)

No. 1: Genesis 4:1-16 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Members of the Right Religion Are Active Witnesses Concerning God’s Kingdom​—rs p. 330 ¶1 (5 min.)

No. 3: Aaron​—Ways in Which Aaron Was a Good Example for Christians—​it-1 pp. 9-10 ¶3 (5 min.)

□ Service Meeting:

Song 125

10 min: Ideas for Offering the Magazines in January. 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: What Do We Learn? Discussion. Have 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 read. Consider how these verses can help us in our ministry.

Song 7 and Prayer

Announcements

◼ Literature offer for December: What Does the Bible Really Teach? or Would You Like to Know the Truth? January and February: Feature one of the following 32-page brochures: Good News From God!, Listen to God, or Listen to God and Live Forever. March: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines.

◼ The Memorial for 2015 will be Friday, April 3, 2015.

◼ Donations for the worldwide work that are sent directly to the branch office should be made payable to “Watchtower.” The branch office’s financial address is Watchtower, c/​o Accounting Office, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483. If you would like to donate electronically, ask your congregation secretary about the July 8, 2013, letter to all congregations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Sample Presentations

To start Bible studies on the first Saturday in January

“Most people have their own opinion about God. Some think of God as a mysterious force. Others picture him as a loving heavenly Father. What do you imagine God to be like?” Allow for response. Show the back of the January 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 January 1

“We are making brief visits to talk about something that affects all of us​—the death of a loved one. Would you agree that losing a dear friend or relative is one of the hardest things to deal with? [Allow for response.] Many have found this Bible verse to be comforting. [Read Isaiah 25:8.] This magazine discusses the Bible’s encouraging promise to end death and bring our loved ones back to life.”

Awake! January

“Would you agree that families face many pressures today? [Allow for response.] This Bible proverb tells us what families must have in order to build up and fortify their household. [Read Proverbs 24:3.] Many have found the Bible to be a reliable source of wisdom. This magazine discusses a unique, Bible-based Web site that has some free tools to help families.”

Field Service Highlights

During the first ten months of the 2013 service year, 66 brothers graduated from three classes of the Bible School for Single Brothers in the United States. Additionally, 432 brothers and sisters graduated from 18 classes of the Bible School for Christian Couples. For the 2014 service year, 47 classes of these schools are planned in the United States and Puerto Rico. Jehovah is equipping these willing brothers and sisters with “every good thing to do his will.”​—Heb. 13:21.