Wor’tal Ixerts

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DECEMBER 1983

Vol. 26, No. 12 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

for FM Serace

DECEMBER 5-11

What points of interest will you highlight in

• 1. The Bible?

• 2. The book?

• 3. The current magazines?

DECEMBER 12-18

When inviting interested ones to attend our meetings

• 1. What will you say?

• 2. How can the handbill be used?

• 3. How will you describe the meetings?

DECEMBER 19-25 During worldly holidays, how will you 1. Respond to a holiday greeting? 2. Use the occasion to give a witness?

3. Show consideration for householders?

DECEMBER 26-JANUARY 1

What will you say if asked:

• 1. “Why don’t you celebrate holidays?”

• 2. “Why do you call on a holiday?”

Schedule for congregation studies in the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth:

December 4: Pages 225 to 230

December 11: Pages 231 to 237

December 18: Pages 238 to 246*

December 25: Pages 247# to 255

‘•Include last paragraph on page.

# From subheading.

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

What Hope for a Happy Future?

John 17:3—Everlasting life is possible.

John 17:17—We can believe the Bible.

• ¹ Why has the Bible exercised such a powerful influence on the lives of millions of people for centuries? One reason is that it contains direction from man’s Creator. (Ps. 19:7-11; 119:105) Bible writers themselves testify that the Scriptures did not come by their own efforts but by inspiration from God. (2 Sam: 23:2) They wrote as they were directed by holy spirit. —2 Pet. 1:20, 21.

• ² When we study and apply the words written under the direction of holy spirit, we find they exert power in our lives. This can be seen by the way many persons have been moved to make great changes in their lives so that they come into harmony with God’s Word. Thousands have been influenced by God’s Word to dedicate their lives to Jehovah and do his will.

POWER IN OUR LIVES

• ³ Does the Word of God exert power in your life? We should be “intensely occupied with the word” and anxious to help others learn more about it. (Acts 18:5) Paul wrote: “When you received God’s word,... you accepted it, not as the word of men, but, just as it truth

  Punctuality—A Mark ©1? Thoughtfulness

  
  

• ¹ “Better late than never!” or “I may come late to the meetings, but I am there!” Have you heard someone make such expressions? But what has the individual missed by coming late to the meetings? Perhaps he missed the joyful singing, which is an essential part of our worship. Or, he missed the priv₇ ilege of uniting with the congregation in prayer. Latecomers are not there to benefit from an interchange of encouragement before the meetings. Also, when we arrive late, we may distract others and prevent them from receiving the full benefit of the program.—Eccl. 3:1; Rom. 1:11, 12.

• ² Punctuality is a mark of loving consideration and thoughtfulness. 14 requires good planning and foresight. It is true that there may be times when one is unavoidably late in arriving at a meeting. Public transportation may be delayed, or the car may break down. We must make sure, however, that a lack of good planning, indifference or simply not leaving home on time does not result in our being habitual latecomers. We ought to make a genuine effort to be present before the meetings begin.

• ³ Some persons may be tardy because they have not seen the importance of training themselves to fully is, as the word of God, which is also at work in you believers.” (1 Thess. 2:13) It takes a careful study of God’s Word to gain this conviction. God’s Word certainly was at,work in Paul’s life, as it motivated him to undertake his strenuous missionary tours, preaching the good news about the Christ. —Rom. 15:19.

• ⁴ For God’s Word to exert power in our life we have to know what it teaches and apply it. (Heb. 4:12) Some choose to ignore the direction it gives. (Elph. 4:25-32) But those who follow the direction of the Scriptures enjoy a fine relationship with their Creator.

HELPING OTHERS

• ⁵ Have you met people who question whether the Bible really is God’s Word? Some say it may be “inspired” in the sense of being from the pen of gifted writers, but they doubt that it is actually from God. Such persons, as well as others, owe it to themselves to examine the Bible, put it to the test and see that it actually is the truth. (John 17:17) For this reason our offer of the New World Transla-(Continued on page If, col. 1) be punctual. One who is habitually late, without good reason, may lose the respect of others. How so? In the minds of many he may be viewed as being thoughtless or unreliable and thus considered undependable in regard to other matters as well. On the other’hand, being punctual is a way of displaying the fruitage of Jehovah’s spirit.—Gal. 5:22, 23.

• ⁴ How encouraging it is to come to the meetings and find the elders and ministerial servants there, waiting to greet us, giving us a warm feeling of deep appreciation for the fine theocratic family of which we are a part.—Rom. 15:7.

• ⁵ Arriving on time is also important when meeting for field service. Punctuality results in more time being spent in the all-important preaching and disciplemaking work. But if circumstances make you late for the meeting for field service and you want to work with the group, you may be able to meet the publishers in the territory.

• ⁶ Our punctuality will build Ye-spect for us and for the organization we represent. Yes, punctuality reflects thoughtfulness. It demonstrates orderliness. (1 Cor. 14:40) For example, when invited for din-(Continued on page 2, col. 3)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 4

Song 20

5 min: Local announcements. Brief review of text for the. day. Encourage participation in magazine work on Saturday. Bring Our Ministry book next week.

15 min: “God’s Word Exerts Power.” Question-and-answer discussion. Highlight how God’s Word helps us and how we can use it to help others. Demonstrate presentation of offer illustrating use of questions in discussion. Arrange for return visit to discuss how we can be sure the Bible is inspired of God.

25 min: What Is School Like Today? Coverage of pages 8-11 of School brochure on “The Moral Principles We Follow.” In introduction comment on moral attitudes of the day and consequences to teenagers. Invite panel of young publishers to platform and discuss need to uphold Bible 'principles in view of attitude of worldly students on morals. Then discuss with panel and audience the sound moral principles covering six problem areas, starting with “Premarital Sex.” In conclusion emphasize “Value of Bible Principles” to congregation, showing the fine benefits that come from following Bible principles.

Song 100 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 11

Song 70

5 min: Local announcements and accounts report. Remind all to bring Live Forever and United in Worship books next week.

12 min: “Presenting the Good News —To Relatives.” Discuss main points with audience. Include upbuilding experiences as time permits.

14 min: Coping With Holidays and

• ¹ Having received the Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 1984 with the October Our Kingdom Ministry, you have no doubt had opportunity to observe some of the refinements that should serve to make the school even more effective in equipping us for the ministry.

• ² With so many new ones coming into the congregation today, it seems appropriate to continue using the Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook. Even those who have been enrolled in the school for many years can benefit from going over this information again. Talks based on “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” will continue to provide background information for our consideration of the Bible books of the Hebrew Scriptures. Brothers assigned the first and second talks may

  Celebrations. Question-and-answer coverage of material on “Birthdays” and “Christmas” on pages 17-19 of School brochure. Use introductory material under “Holidays and Celebrations” on page 17. Also include information on “New Year’s Day” on page 20. Emphasize that we are not against gift giving or showing honor to one another. Show pagan background of these holidays and celebrations and why Christians rightly avoid involvement.

  14 min: Question-and-answer discussion of Our Ministry book, page 65, paragraph 3 through page 72, paragraph 2.

  -Song 87 and concluding prayer.

  WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 18

  Song 79

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

  10 min: “Punctuality—A Mark of Thoughtfulness.” Question-and-answer coverage by elder. Kindly reason with publishers on why they should make genuine effort to be on time for meetings in congregation, for circuit assemblies and district conventions, and for field service.

  20 min: Elder to handle article on “Improving Our Teaching Ability —By the Use of Questions.” Discussion of material and demonstration. Have brief demonstration on material in paragraph 2. (Publisher studying with student in Live Forever book, page 226, paragraphs 4 and 5. Direct student to illustration on page 227, asking question next to picture.) Elder: On paragraph 3 discuss the value of “Review Discussion” box in United in Worship book.

  
  

choose a theme that will allow for the best coverage of the material.

• ³ Perhaps you have observed that the third and fourth talks for the entire year will be based on Bible Topics for Discussion. This will require more personal preparation on the part of the students but will allow them greater opportunity to make practical application of what they are learning from the Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook. Those preparing talks based on Bible Topics for Discussion will use the themes provided in the Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 1984. They will have opportunity to develop their own line of reasoning and argumentation, just as they would when encountering people in the field service.

{Continued on page 3, col. 2)

10 min: Talk on recent Watchtower article. Use December 15, 1983, Watchtower article “Do You Fear What Others Think?” or October 15, 1983, Watchtower article “Reject Worldly Desires’” Encourage all to share in magazine activity on Saturday.

Song 52 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 25 Song 33

10 min: Local announcements. Relate brief experiences enjoyed by witnessing during the holidays or through informal contacts with relatives. Review service arrangements, encouraging all to share on the first Sunday, January 1.

10 min: Review highlights of 1981/ Yearbook. Discuss benefits of daily consideration of text individually and as a family. Invite one or two family heads to explain how they arrange for the text discussion with their families. (If Yearbook is not available, use time for local needs.)

15 min: “Theocratic Ministry School Refinements.” School overseer gives talk based on article along with appropriate information from Our Ministry book, pages 72-74 and the Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 1984. Highlight benefits to be derived by all, whether newly enrolled or those in the school for many years. Call special attention to information under “Counsel and Remarks” in school Instructions.

10 min: “Brochure to Be Featured in Congregation Book Study.” Talk by elder. Encourage all to obtain a copy if they need it and be sure to attend when this is studied.

Song 91 and concluding prayer.

PunctuaSaty               (Cont’d)

ner, your being punctual shows consideration for your host and the other guests. Is it not true that being on time for spiritual meals with the congregation is even more important? We should always show respect for our Host, Jehovah God, and for his other guests, as well as for the provision of spiritual food.

⁷ Parents can set a good example for their children by being punctual. All of us, including our children, should recommend ourselves and the organization we represent by demonstrating punctuality. This may well be included in our application of Paul’s words: “In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling, that our ministry might not be found fault- with; but in every way we recommend ourselves as God’s ministers.”—2 Cor. 6:3, 4.

Announcemen ts

• Literature offer for December: New World Translation and any 192-page book for contribution of $3.75. If 192-page books are not available, offer the New World Translation and the brochure Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! for contribution of S3.25. January and February: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, for contribution of S2.50. March: Any two of the following books for a contribution of S1.00: Choosing, Commentary on James, "Eternal Purpose," Evolution, Holy Spirit, This Life and World Government. These publications, with the exception of the "Eternal Purpose” and Evolution books, may be ordered from the Society if none are in stock locally. These books used in the March offer may be obtained by congregation publishers for 50c each and at the regular rate by pioneers. Congregations may request 25c credit for each of those books. On the Remittance and Credit Request form, a line under “Other Items" can show the total number of such books placed for use in the March special offer and for which credit is requested.

• Presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit congregation’s accounts on December 1 or as soon as possible thereafter.

• Publishers and pioneers, please order your 1983 bound volumes of The Watchtower and Awake! through your congregation. Congregations should begin collecting requests for these volumes now. Then, on January 1, 1984, or as soon as possible thereafter, send this order to the Society, using the regular Literature Order form (S-14). Order only the number of volumes for which you have requests. In addition to English, the volumes will be available in Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish at $4.00 each. There is no pioneer rate. Payment should not accompany the congregation order sent to the Society. (See 1983 Cost List, paragraph 23.) Volumes will appear as “Back Ordered” on congregation invoices until they are available.

• • It is suggested that all congregations display the new yeartext by January 1, 1984.

• • New Publications Available:

Choosing the Best Way of'Life

—Yoruba You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth                —Efik, Tagalog

• • The following publications are available in grade-two English Braille. They may be obtained on loan, or they may be purchased.

School and Jehovah’s Witnesses

(1 volume) $1.00 to purchase United in Worship of the Only True God (4 volumes) $5.00 to purchase If purchased, a remittance should accompany all orders. Orders for Braille items should be sent to the Society’s BRAILLE DESK and should not be included on regular congregation literature orders.

SEPTEMBER SERVICE REPORT

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 1,382

The total regular pioneers for September is 3,412 more than the peak reached in the previous month of August. An exceptional increase, indeed! Our total publishers is 36,498 more than reported in September of last year. We rejoice In such a fine start for this new service year!

• ¹ “When he saw the crowds he went up into the mountain; and after he sat down his disciples came to him; and he opened his mouth and began teaching them.” (Matt. 5:1, 2) Jesus, as the Master Teacher, instructed with skill. Through his effective use of questions, he stimulated the thinking ability of his listeners. He sounded down the truth into their minds and hearts. As Jesus’ disciples, we want to copy his methods in our teaching activity.—Matt. 17: 5-7, 24-26; 18:12; Mark 11:29, 30.

THE VALUE OF QUESTIONS

• ² Much of our success in helping the student depends on the effective use of questions. When used properly, they become outstanding tools for teaching. They cap guide the student’s mind from one point to another in an orderly way, so that he reaches proper conclusions. Questions help in at least three basic ways.

• ³ First, they help the student express thoughts in his own words. In that way the teacher can ascertain if the student really understands the points being made. Note that in the United in Worship book not only are questions found at the bottom of the page and within many paragraphs, but additionally there are questions in a “Review Discussion” box at the end of each chapter, drawing together the overall main points. These questions test the understanding of the student and help him to see how he can make practical application of the information he is learning. Also, questions and suggestions combined with an illustration are used throughout the book as teaching vehicles. Examples of these are found on pages 27, 34 and 101.

• ⁴ Second, questions can help the student to see the reasons for points made. They help him develop reason^ ing ability. He learns to put things in proper perspective, comparing his former beliefs with the truths he is now learning from God’s Word. See questions on paragraphs 13-19 on

Refinements             (Cont’d)

• ⁴ With these refinements, the appropriate method of giving counsel becomes more clearly defined for the benefit of the school overseer as well as for the students. As was pointed out in the Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 1983, the school overseer need not follow the program of progressive counsel outlined on the Speech Counsel slip, but rather he should concentrate on those areas where the student needs to improve. His objective in giving counsel is to help the student progress in the ministry. Instructions pages 61-63 and paragraphs 13-17 on pages 95 and 96 of the Live Forever book.

• ⁵ Third, you can use viewpoint questions to determine how the student feels personally about a point of truth. For example, during the Bible study you may have occasion to ask one or more of the following questions: Does this sound reasonable? How do you personally feel about what you are learning? Do you think it is important to apply these things in your life? By carefully listening to his answers, you can determine the best way to assist him to love Jehovah with his “whole heart.”—Matt. 22:37.

KINDS OF QUESTIONS

• ⁶ Questions basically ask for facts —Who? What? When? Where? Or, they may ask for conclusions or opinions—How? Why? Viewpoint questions are illustrated in the preceding paragraph. There are also multiplechoice, true-or-false, review and leading questions, to name a few others. Short, concise questions usually are the most effective because they involve only one main idea.

• ⁷ Our objective in asking questions is to help the student gain knowledge and grow in understanding. His answers help us evaluate his progress and heart attitude. (Eph. 3: 17-19) Also, well-worded questions can help lead the student’s mind to Bible answers that will educate his conscience. (Compare Paul’s method at Galatians 3:1-6, also his 17 questions in 1 Corinthians 9:1-14.) Questions skillfully used in teaching will move the student to put to work in his life the truths he is learning. —Isa. 25:9.

• ⁸ Rewards for being a good teacher are great. When we teach we share something valuable with another person. We give of ourselves to help someone else. Will you make the effort it takes to be a good teacher? Teaching others is an enriching experience that can add joy to life and bring a sense of wholesome accomplishment.

in the new School Schedule offer further clarifications on how this can be done, under the heading “Counsel and Remarks.”

• ⁵ If you have not done so already, take time now and carefully study this portion of the Instructions so that you will be able to take full advantage of the training available to you in the Theocratic Ministry School during 1984. You can be sure that Jehovah will richly bless whatever effort you are able to exert toward improving your ministry through this congregational arrangement.

  PRESENTING THE GOOD NEWS

  
  

To Relatives

• ¹ The Kingdom message is refreshing good news to our ears, but others, whose hearts are not inclined toward Jehovah, are not moved by it. (Matt. 13:15) When approached with the good news, they show little interest. Most of us have unbelieving relatives like this. Yet our family relationship may offer an opportunity to witness that may not be available otherwise. (Compare John 1:40, 41.) Many now in the truth got started through help from a relative. Have you tried to take advantage of this unique opportunity to witness? You may be the only one who can get your relatives to listen.

OPPORTUNITIES TO WITNESS

• ² Relatives not in the truth may come for a brief visit or to stay for a few days during vacation time. This may provide opportunities to give a tactful witness. Appropriate items of literature might be left in convenient places in your home. The prayers you offer at mealtimes may give you a chance to talk about your relationship with Jehovah. Invite your relatives to the meetings. Your faithfulness in attending meetings during this time may give you an opportunity to tell what goes on and why you feel it is important for you to attend. Their sitting in and listening during your family study could result in a real blessing to them. If you should be visiting in their home, you may find other ways to give an effective witness.

• ³ Children are often the center of attention when families get together. Having that in mind, parents might review some basic aspects of the Kingdom message with the children beforehand. Some casual state

God’s Word               (Cont’d)

tion of the Holy Scriptures along with any one of the older 192-page books will provide them with what they need to make this examination. The contribution of’$3.75 is nominal,

• ⁶ It is not just the placement of literature that is important. The question is,. Can more persons be helped so that God’s Word will exert beneficial power and influence in their lives, and on their families as it has for us? Our Topic for Conversation, “What Hope for a Happy Future?” is appropriate, as the Bible is the only book that gives a sure hope and accurately foretells the future. John 17:3 shows that our hope includes everlasting life, and at John 17:17 Jesus testifies that God’s Word is truth.

• ⁷ Use questions to involve the ment or incident might prompt the children to speak up in an appealing way that touches the heart of other family members. At times such expressions have a more telling effect than much witnessing by older ones.

• ⁴ Occasionally relatives are brought together under sad circumstances, such as when someone is seriously ill or there has been a death in the family. Comforting thoughts based on God’s Word may give cause for hope and touch a heart that has been unresponsive in the past.

• ⁵ Opportunities may present themselves under other unfavorable circumstances. The relatives may insist on an explanation because you decline to participate with the family in observing some holiday or family custom. Let them know in a tactful manner what you believe and wjiy. (1 Pet. 3:15) Your sincere response without criticizing their beliefs could make a lasting impression.—Prov. 25:11.

WITNESSING BY YOUR CONDUCT

• ⁶ Even if your relatives are strongly opposed, you are still able to give a witness by your conduct. ('1 Pet. 2:12) Always conducting yourself in a thoughtful, respectful manner may favorably impress others. This is especially important when they say things to provoke you or test your determination to be guided by Bible principles.—1 Cor. 10:31-33; 2 Cor. 6:3, 4.

• ⁷ There is cause for special joy when a family member accepts the truth. Perhaps nothing could bring us more satisfaction than to see a loved one find the way to life. That prospect should be enough to motivate us to seek opportunities to witness to our relatives.

householder and help him see that a happy future is possible. For example, you could ask, “Did you know that at John 17:3 Jesus talks about living forever?” Or in commenting on John 17:17, we might say: “Did you know that the person who taught and influenced more people than any other man who ever lived pointed to God’s Word as the source of truth? That Teacher was Jesus, and he said: [Read.].”

• ⁸ During the month of December we will also have opportunity to offer the brochure Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! for a contribution of 25c. This will be of special interest to persons who may have reading difficulties. Also, many families will enjoy having this brochure to discuss with their children. It can help them learn more about the Kingdom and how Jehovah will car

Brochure to Be Featured) m Congregation Book Study

• ¹ As announced in the October issue of Our Kingdom Ministry, Congregation Book Studies for the weeks of January 1 through February 5, 1984, will be conducted in the brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century (1979 revised edition). The material in this publication is especially designed to inform inquiring people about Jehovah’s Witnesses—their background, work, beliefs and goals. A careful study of this brochure will help equip us to use it effectively in field service.

• ² It will be necessary for the study conductors to prepare appropriate questions, since none are provided. Simple questions designed to emphasize the Scriptural basis for our work would be best. Time should be allowed to look up and make application of some of the cited scriptures.

• ³ The study for the week of February 5 has been set aside for considering page 13, dealing with “What Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe.” Forty-two fundamental beliefs are listed along with supporting Scripture texts. In covering this material, we recommend that the conductor state each belief; then comments should be made on the cited Scriptural references, pointing out how they support the belief. Key Scripture texts can be read as time permits.

• ⁴ The study of this brochure should heighten our own appreciation for Jehovah’s modern-day organization. Endeavor to be present at the Congregation Book Study each week and become equipped to use this information to good advantage in the field ministry.

ry out his will to make the earth a Paradise.

⁹ Interested persons need to« study the Bible and become convinced that it is really the Word of God. Keeping that in mind, we should try to start Bible discussions. If the person is not convinced that the Bible is inspired, you could talk about this when you make a return visit.—See Watch Tower Publications Index under “Bible, inspiration.”

¹⁰ Only by learning the truth and being convinced that the Bible is inspired of God will sincere persons be motivated to follow its direction, which leads to everlasting life; (Prov. 2:1, 20, 21) If we do our part, we will see the influence of the Word of God grow’ in our territory as new’ ones become obedient to the faith.—Acts 6:7.

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