AWAKE!

Question: Why is it important to prepare for disasters?

Scripture: Pr 27:12

Offer: This magazine highlights what we should do before, during, and after a disaster.

TEACH THE TRUTH

Question: How do we show love for God?

Scripture: 1Jo 5:3

Truth: We show love for God by obeying his commandments.

CAN THE DEAD REALLY LIVE AGAIN? (T-35)

Question: Many sincere people around the world hold annual festivals to honor the dead. Can we hope to see our dead loved ones again?

Scripture: Ac 24:15

Offer: This tract discusses what the resurrection hope can mean for you. [If possible, play the video Is There Hope for the Dead?]

BUILD YOUR OWN PRESENTATION

Use the format in the preceding examples to create your own field service presentation.

• Song 95 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (3 min. or less)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

• “Daniel’s Prophecy Foretold the Messiah’s Arrival”: (10 min.)

  • Da 9:24​—The Messiah’s sacrifice opened the way for forgiveness of sins (it-2 902 ¶2)

  • Da 9:25​—The Messiah arrived at the end of the 69th week of years (it-2 900 ¶7)

  • Da 9:26, 27a​—The Messiah was put to death in the middle of the 70th week of years (it-2 901 ¶2, 5)

• Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

  • Da 9:24​—When was “the Holy of Holies” anointed? (w01 5/15 27)

  • Da 9:27​—What covenant was kept in force for the many until the end of the 70th week of years, or 36 C.E.? (w07 9/1 20 ¶4)

  • What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?

  • What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?

• Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Da 7:1-10

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

• Prepare This Month’s Presentations: (15 min.) Discussion based on “Sample Presentations.” Play each presentation video, and then discuss the highlights. Encourage publishers to follow up on any interest promptly.

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

• Song 78

• “How to Become a Diligent Student of the Scriptures”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video Research Tools for Discovering Spiritual Treasures.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) kr chap. 19 ¶1-7, boxes “The New Light Church” and “Branch Construction​—Adjusting to Changing Needs”

• Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)

• Song 101 and Prayer

9:24-27

• 

  “7 WEEKS” (49 YEARS)

  455 B.C.E. “The word to restore . . . Jerusalem”

  406 B.C.E. Jerusalem rebuilt

• “62 WEEKS” (434 YEARS)

• 

  “ONE WEEK” (7 YEARS)

  29 C.E. Messiah arrives

  33 C.E. Messiah “cut off”

  36 C.E. End of the “70 weeks”

Would you like to be faithful under trial as Daniel was? Daniel diligently studied God’s Word, including deep prophecy. (Da 9:2) Diligent Bible study can help you to remain faithful. How so? It can increase your faith that Jehovah’s promises will come true. (Jos 23:14) It can also help you to increase your love for God, which will motivate you to do what is right. (Ps 97:10) But where should you begin? Consider the following suggestions.

• What should I study? A good study routine includes preparing for congregation meetings. The weekly Bible reading will be more rewarding if you take time to research points that you do not understand. In addition, some have chosen to learn more about Bible prophecy, the various aspects of the fruitage of God’s spirit, the missionary journeys of the apostle Paul, or even Jehovah’s physical creation. If you think of a Bible question during the day, write it down and make it the subject of your next study project.

• Where can I find information? For some options, watch the video Research Tools for Discovering Spiritual Treasures. To test your skills, research the identity of the world powers that are portrayed by the beasts in Daniel chapter 7.

• How much time should I devote to study? Regular study is a key to spiritual health. You can start with shorter study periods, if needed, and gradually increase the length. Studying God’s Word is like digging for hidden treasures; the more treasure you find, the more you will want to dig! (Pr 2:3-6) Your longing for God’s Word will increase, and regular Bible study will continue to be your routine.​—1Pe 2:2.

WHAT DO THE BEASTS OF DANIEL CHAPTER 7 REPRESENT?

• 

  Da 7:4

• 

  Da 7:5

• 

  Da 7:6

• 

  Da 7:7

EXTRA QUESTION:

How was Daniel 7:8, 24 fulfilled?

NEXT PROJECT:

What do the beasts of Revelation chapter 13 represent?

• Song 63 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (3 min. or less)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

• “Jehovah Foresaw the Future of Kings”: (10 min.)

  • Da 11:2​—Four kings arose for the Persian Empire (dp 212-213 ¶5-6)

  • Da 11:3​—Alexander the Great appeared (dp 213 ¶8)

  • Da 11:4​—Alexander’s kingdom was divided into four parts (dp 214 ¶11)

• Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

  • Da 12:3​—Who are “those having insight,” and when do they “shine as brightly as the expanse of heaven”? (w13 7/15 13 ¶16, endnote)

  • Da 12:13​—In what way will Daniel “stand up”? (dp 315 ¶18)

  • What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?

  • What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?

• Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Da 11:28-39

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

• Initial Call: (2 min. or less) g17.5 cover​—Lay the groundwork for a return visit.

• Return Visit: (4 min. or less) g17.5 cover​—The magazine was featured on the preceding visit. Continue the conversation, and lay the groundwork for the next visit.

• Talk: (6 min. or less) w16.11 5-6 ¶7-8​—Theme: How Should We Imitate Jehovah’s Example of Giving Encouragement?

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

• Song 94

• Fortified by Bible Prophecy: (15 min.) Play the video Fortified by “the Prophetic Word.”

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) kr chap. 19 ¶8-18, review box “How Real Is the Kingdom to You?”

• Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)

• Song 91 and Prayer

11:2

Four kings would stand up for Persia. The fourth would “rouse up everything against the kingdom of Greece.”

1. Cyrus the Great

2. Cambyses II

3. Darius I

4. Xerxes I (believed to be King Ahasuerus, who married Esther)

11:3

A powerful king of Greece would arise and rule an extensive empire.

• Alexander the Great

11:4

The Greek Empire would be divided among four of Alexander’s generals.

1. Cassander

2. Lysimachus

3. Seleucus I

4. Ptolemy I

• Song 108 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (3 min. or less)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

• “Jehovah Delights in Loyal Love​—Do You?”: (10 min.)

  • [Play the video Introduction to Hosea.]

  • Ho 6:4, 5​—Jehovah was displeased by the Israelites’ lack of loyal love (w10 8/15 25 ¶18)

  • Ho 6:6​—Jehovah is pleased when we show loyal love (w07 9/15 16 ¶8; w07 6/15 27 ¶7)

• Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

  • Ho 1:7​—When was the house of Judah shown mercy and saved? (w07 9/15 14 ¶7)

  • Ho 2:18​—What are the past and future fulfillments of this verse? (w05 11/15 20 ¶16; g05 9/8 12 ¶2)

  • What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?

  • What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?

• Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Ho 7:1-16

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

• Initial Call: (2 min. or less) 1Jo 5:3​—Teach the Truth. Invite the person to the meetings.

• Return Visit: (4 min. or less) De 30:11-14; Isa 48:17, 18​—Teach the Truth. Direct attention to jw.org. (See mwb16.08 8 ¶2.)

• Bible Study: (6 min. or less) lv 12-13 ¶16-18​—Show how to reach the heart.

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

• Song 100

• Local Needs: (15 min.) Talk by an elder. Give a five-minute Scriptural introduction based on the November 15, 2015, Watchtower, page 14, and then play the video Tutorial for Making Donations Electronically. After the video, show the page “How to Donate to the Worldwide Work” on jw.org, and review the options for electronic donations listed for your country.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) kr chap. 20 ¶1-6, boxes “Our First Large-Scale Relief Effort in Modern Times,” “Preparation for a Disaster,” and “When Disaster Strikes!”

• Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)

• Song 107 and Prayer

Loyal love is love motivated by commitment, integrity, loyalty, and deep attachment. Jehovah used the experience of Hosea and his unfaithful wife, Gomer, to teach a lesson in loyal love and forgiveness.​—Ho 1:2; 2:7; 3:1-5.

How did Gomer show a lack of loyal love?

How did Israel show a lack of loyal love?

How did Hosea show loyal love?

How did Jehovah show loyal love?

FOR MEDITATION: How can I show loyal love for Jehovah?

• Song 76 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (3 min. or less)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

• “Offer Your Very Best to Jehovah”: (10 min.)

  • Ho 14:2​—Jehovah highly values “the praise of our lips” (w07 4/1 20 ¶2)

  • Ho 14:4​—Jehovah grants forgiveness, approval, and friendship to those offering their best to him (w11 2/15 16 ¶15)

  • Ho 14:9​—Walking in Jehovah’s ways is good for us (jd 87 ¶11)

• Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

  • Ho 10:12​—What must we do to “reap loyal love” from Jehovah? (w05 11/15 28 ¶7)

  • Ho 11:1​—How were these words fulfilled in Jesus? (w11 8/15 10 ¶10)

  • What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?

  • What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?

• Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Ho 8:1-14

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

• Initial Call: (2 min. or less) T-35

• Return Visit: (4 min. or less) T-35​—The tract was placed on the preceding visit. Continue the conversation, and overcome an objection raised by the householder.

• Bible Study: (6 min. or less) lv 152 ¶13-15​—Show how to reach the heart.

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

• Song 69

• “Live to Praise Jehovah!”: (15 min.) Discussion. Play the video Use Your Talent for Jehovah.

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) kr chap. 20 ¶7-16, box “An Added Tool for Relief Workers”

• Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)

• Song 124 and Prayer

14:2, 4, 9

Offering your very best to Jehovah pleases him and benefits you

1. You offer Jehovah sacrifices of praise

2. Jehovah grants you forgiveness, approval, and friendship

3. You appreciate the benefits of obeying Jehovah’s commands, and your motivation to praise him increases

In what ways can I offer my very best to Jehovah?

Life is a precious gift. How we use this gift each day reveals how much we appreciate it. As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we strive to use our talents and abilities to honor and glorify Jehovah, the Life-Giver. (Ps 36:9; Re 4:11) Yet, the anxieties related to everyday life in this wicked world could easily push spiritual pursuits to the background. (Mr 4:18, 19) Each of us does well to ask himself: ‘Am I really giving my best to Jehovah? (Ho 14:2) Where is my job or career leading me? What are my spiritual goals? How can I further expand my ministry?’ If you see room for improvement, pray to Jehovah for help and make the necessary adjustments. Without a doubt, praising Jehovah each day leads to a life of satisfaction and happiness!​—Ps 61:8.

WATCH THE VIDEO USE YOUR TALENT FOR JEHOVAH, AND THEN ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• Why is it unwise to offer your talents to Satan’s world? (1Jo 2:17)

• What blessings come to those who give their very best to Jehovah?

• In what avenues of sacred service might you volunteer your talents and skills?

• Song 77 and Prayer

• Opening Comments (3 min. or less)

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

• “Your Sons and Your Daughters Will Prophesy”: (10 min.)

  • [Play the video Introduction to Joel.]

  • Joe 2:28, 29​—Anointed Christians serve as spokesmen for Jehovah (w02 8/1 15 ¶4-5; jd 167 ¶4)

  • Joe 2:30-32​—Only those who call on the name of Jehovah will be saved during his awe-inspiring day (w07 10/1 13 ¶2)

• Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

  • Joe 2:12, 13​—What do these verses teach us about true repentance? (w07 10/1 13 ¶5)

  • Joe 3:14​—What is “the valley of the decision”? (w07 10/1 13 ¶3)

  • What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?

  • What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?

• Bible Reading: (4 min. or less) Joe 2:28–3:8

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

• Initial Call: (2 min. or less) JW.ORG contact card

• Return Visit: (4 min. or less) JW.ORG contact card​—The card was placed on the preceding visit. Continue the conversation, and conclude by introducing a video from jw.org.

• Bible Study: (6 min. or less) lv 196-197 ¶3-5

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

• Song 30

• Jehovah Helps Us to Endure Trials: (9 min.) Play the video Jehovah Is a Strong Tower for Me. Then ask the audience: What trials did the Henschel family face? What impact can the faith and integrity of parents have on their children? How can Jehovah strengthen you as he did Brother Henschel?

• Become Jehovah’s Friend​—Jehovah’s Name: (6 min.) Play the video Become Jehovah’s Friend​—Jehovah’s Name. Then invite selected young children to the stage, and ask them: What does Jehovah’s name mean? What did Jehovah create? How can Jehovah help you?

• Congregation Bible Study: (30 min.) kr chap. 20 ¶17-19; boxes “It Shaped the Course of His Life” and “Volunteers Around the World Bring Relief”; review box “How Real Is the Kingdom to You?”

• Review Followed by Preview of Next Week (3 min.)

• Song 106 and Prayer

2:28, 29

Anointed Christians share in the work of prophesying. They speak about “the magnificent things of God” and proclaim the “good news of the Kingdom.” (Ac 2:11, 17-21; Mt 24:14) The other sheep support them by participating in this work

2:32

What does it mean to ‘call on the name of Jehovah’?

• To know the name

• To respect the name

• To rely on and trust in the One who bears that name

Ask yourself, ‘How can I support the anointed in their work of prophesying?’