OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

OCTOBER 1986

Vol. 29, No. 10 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5 Going from house to house 1. Why did Jesus instruct disciples to say: “May this house have peace”?—Luke 10:5.

2. How can we apply this same principle?

OCTOBER 6-12 What encouragement for field service is found in 1. Matthew 13:41,42?

• 2. Matthew 25:31-33?

• 3. Revelation 14:6?

OCTOBER 13-19 How can a positive attitude be maintained toward 1. The subscription offer?

2. Frequently worked territory? 3. Common objections?

OCTOBER 20-26 What introduction would you use for 1. An elderly person?

• 2. A parent?

• 3. A teenager?

OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 2 How can we display good manners

• 1. When walking or driving in field service?

• 2. When at the doors?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Lasting Happiness Only by Jehovah’s Government.

Eccl. 8:9—Man’s rule burdensome.

Mic. 4:3, 4—Jehovah’s government brings blessings.

• ¹ During his earthly ministry, Jesus Christ extended to thirsty sheeplike ones the warm invitation to come to him for spiritual refreshment. (John 7:37) In our generation, the Fine Shepherd lovingly continues to use the bride class to invite “a great crowd” of other sheep to drink freely of God’s provisions for everlasting life.—Rev. 7: 9,17; 22:17.

• ² The anointed remnant, impelled by God’s spirit and Word, have ‘kept on saying: “Come!”’ More than three million of the other sheep have responded to this invitation and are having their thirst quenched. It is also their privilege to obey the command: “Let anyone hearing say: ‘Come!’”

DIRECT TO GOD’S ORGANIZATION

• ³ When saying “Come,” we do not direct others to ourselves, as though we individually were the source of “life’s water.” Rather, we properly direct people to Jehovah and to his theocratic organization. When someone manifests a_sincere interest in learning more, do not hesitate to say to that onetJSome to our Christian meetings. There is where true spiritual refreshment is to be found.—Ps. 133:1-3.

• ⁴ Another fine way to introduce

  Convention Releases Equip Us to Do God’s Will

  
  

• ¹ The apostle Paul expressed the desire that “the God of peace” equip his servants “with every good thing to do his will.” (Heb. 13:20, 21) That is the desire of “the faithful and discreet slave” today and it prompts the providing of what is needed. (Matt. 24:45) Was that not evident at the “Divine Peace” District Convention, especially with regard to the new literature releases? We should not put off using these ‘good things’ provided to strengthen and equip us to accomplish our God-assigned work.

• ² On the first day of the convention, we were happy to receive the 32-page brochure "Look! I Am Making All Things New.” The new brochure has large, easy-to-read type and numerous teaching illustrations. Using the "Look!” brochure to start new home Bible studies will undoubtedly help many to get started on the way to life.

• ³ The second release of the convention was another magazine-size, four-color brochure entitled Jehovah’s Witnesses—Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide. The use of this brochure is discussed on page 7. people to God’s organization is through The Watchtower and Awake! A reader can learn that there truly is an international brotherhood of Christians living and working in unity. (Isa. 2:2-4; Zech. 8:23) This unity is observed in their ministry, at conventions, when building places of worship or helping one smother in times of disaster, and so forth. Our magazines invite millions of readers to visit the local Kingdom Hall and share in the spiritual banquet God’s people enjoy. With appreciation for God’s organization and a love for the truth that we have learned through the pages of the Awake! and The Watchtower, we will enthusiastically offer subscriptions for both of these fine publications during October.

LET NEW ONES SAY “COME"

• ⁵ Bible students who have gotten the sense of the good news in their hearts can be encouraged to share what they know with friends, relatives, business associates, and others. (Compare John 1:46, 47; 4: 28-30.) They should realize that not all will readily accept the truth, but there may be some who will appreciate the good news and (Continued on page 2, col. 2}

• ⁴ Following an absorbing talk on the fulfillment and modern-day application of the prophecies found at Isaiah chapters 7 to 9, we were delighted to receive the new pocketsize book entitled Worldwide Security Under the "Prince of Peace.” This publication was especially prepared for the encouragement of Jehovah’s people. If you have not yet done so, we urge you to read it carefully. You will be well rewarded. Your appreciation for Jehovah’s service will increase as you consider the modern-day fulfillment of two of Jesus’ parables recorded at Matthew 25:1-30. As you read about the tremendous work and privileges in Jehovah’s new system of things, it will build up your anticipation for what is in store for Armageddon survivors. The explanation of how Christ Jesus becomes an “Eternal Father” to redeemed members of the human family will draw you closer to Jehovah God and his “Prince of Peace.” (Isa. 9:6) The descriptions of Jehovah’s coming war against the nations are thrilling. Many spiritual treasures are waiting to be discovered in the pages of (Continued on page 8, col. 1)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 28

Song 192          '^c'2-

10 min: Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry that apply locally, local announcements, and Theocratic News. Animated discussion between two brothers. Do not just read. Emphasize fact that November has five full weekends and so would present a fine opportunity to auxiliary pioneer. Can request application from presiding overseer. Encourage all to share in field ministry the first Sunday of October.

20 min: “Jesus’ Life and Ministry.” Lively family discussion on how much they have benefited from material since it first appeared in April 1, 1985, 'Watchtower. Father asks specific questions of children on how they have personally benefited from recent articles in this series. Highlight Jesus’ devotion to true worship and importance of his ministry.—John 4:34, 35.. 15 min: Do You Prepare for the Field Ministry? Talk by service overseer stressing importance of being prepared before starting in service. Need to be familiar with contents of literature being offered and have Topic for Conversation well rehearsed. Not use Sunday for magazine witnessing if congregation features magazines on another day. Have publisher or pioneer demonstrate current Topic for Conversation and offer subscription. Keep presentation simple. Service overseer can also point out highlights of October 1 and 8 magazines: “Daniel’s Prophecy—Dreams That Affect You” and “Cancer—Can You Beat It?” Song 156 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 5

Song 211

• 10 min: Local announcements. Call attention to article “Awake! Also in Full Color,” suggesting that publishers consider their need for additional copies. Encourage all to share in magazine work this Saturday. Suggest talking points in current magazines for use in local territory.

• 17 min: “Let Anyone Hearing Say: ‘Come!’” Questions and answers. Arrange in advance local experiences of new ones witnessing to others.

• 18 mln: Christian Youths Offer Themselves Willingly. Elder in infor- mal setting has friendly conversation with two teenage publishers. Asks about school. They mention efforts to involve them in extracurricular activity in and away from school. Elder kindly gets their thoughts on such matters. Discusses Psalm 110:2,3 and symbolic “horses” of Revelation 9: 14-19. Includes points from March 1, 1981, Watchtower, pp. 18-22. Concludes conversation by encouraging magazine activity and arranges to work with them second Saturday of month.

Song 157 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 12

Song 180 C

10 min; Local announcements. Briefly discuss talking points in October 15 Watchtower and October 22 Awake! magazines: “The Global Power Struggle—Who Will Win?” and “How Safe Are the Banks?”

18 m i n: “Convention Releases Equip Us to Do God’s Will.” Question-and-answer discussion by elder. Ask for comments from audience on benefits gained already from use of convention releases.

17 min: “Developing the Art of Teaching.” Talk based on study 10 in Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook. Review instructions in Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 1987.

Song 78 and concluding prayer.

WEEjK STARTING OCTOBER 19 SEnglOG <-W / ^£>,v j. _t"■'* 12 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Include report of any contributions sent by congregation to Society for Kingdom work or for Society Kingdom Hall Fund as noted on September literature statement or other statements from Society. Encourage all to share in magazine activity on fourth Saturday. Have well-qualified publishers demonstrate two 30- to 60-second presentations. Remind publishers to be prepared for subscription offer by having subscription blanks with them. Review reasons for making out subscription slip

Say “Come!”               (Cant’d)

respond to a warm invitation to “come.”

⁶ Last October, an appreciative Bible student was moved to offer Watchtower and Awake! subscriptions to his many acquaintances. He went to factories in his area and spoke to the workers during their lunch hour. He told them simply: “You all know how I used to be; I did many bad things like everyone else, but I changed. These magazines helped me to change. They can also in triplicate.—See S-ll form, “How to Handle Subscriptions Properly.”

13 min: Continue Actively Praising ' Jehovah. Review with congregation what has been accomplished in recent S months in congregation’s field activity. Selected experiences may be shared, having these related by prepared publishers. As winter approaches, be alert to take advantage of all opportunities to preach. Where evening witnessing is practical, encourage brothers to continue this work. Regular arrangements to call on notat-homes or to make return visits can be productive.                         ’>

20 min: “Make Effective Use of New >, Brochure." Question-and-answer cov- ' erage. Feature two demonstrations by qualified publishers discussing material with Bible student. Use “Meetings for Inciting to Love and Fine Works” in first demonstration and “Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake” in second. Encourage all to pick up a supply of the brochure if congregation has received shipment.

Song 172 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 26

Song 32

12 min: Local announcements. Dis- | cuss new offer for November: New ~ World Translation of the Holy Scriptures along with True Peace book. Have demonstration adapting Topic for Conversation to Bible and book offer. Encourage all to share in field service on first Sunday of November.

18 min: “Presenting the Good News yj —On Return Visits.” Question-and- ³ answer coverage. In paragraph 3, demonstrate preparation for return visit, using subject of “Government” on page 152 of the Reasoning book. * 15 min: Local needs or talk on “What > Career Will You Choose?” from April 15,1986, Watchtower. Make encouraging local application.

Song 8 and concluding prayer.

help you because they deal with every problem that a person may encounter.”'In that one month he obtained 62 subscriptions!

⁷ It is a privilege for the “other sheep” to work closely with the remaining ones of Christ’s “bride” in saying to everyone everywhere: “Come.” If it is Jehovah’s will, may millions more drink “life’s water” and be numbered among the sheeplike ones who will hear the King say: ‘Come and share the blessings in the paradisaic earthly realm of God’s Kingdom.’—Matt. 25:34.

Copyright O 1986 by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., and International Bible Students Association. Our Kingdom Ministry (USPS 295-360) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn, N.Y., and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Watchtower, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. Printed in U.S.A.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR 1987

INSTRUCTIONS

During 1987 the following will be the arrangements when conducting the Theocratic Ministry School.

TEXTBOOKS: The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures [bil2], "All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” [si], and Bible Topics for Discussion [ td] will be the basis for assignments.

The school will begin with song, prayer, and remarks of welcome, and then proceed as follows:

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1: 15 minutes. This should be handled by an elder or by a qualified ministerial servant. It will be based on "All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial." This assignment should be delivered as a ten-minute instruction talk with a five-minute oral review following, using the printed questions for this section. The objective should be not just to cover the material but to focus attention on the practical value of the information being discussed, highlighting what will be most helpful to the congregation. Where needed, a theme should be selected. All are encouraged to make careful advance preparation so as to benefit fully from this material.

The brothers assigned this talk should be careful to keep within the time limit. Private counsel may be given if necessary.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM BIBLE READING: 6 minutes. This should be handled by the school overseer or another qualified elder or by a ministerial servant assigned by the school overseer. This should not be just a summary of the assigned reading. After giving a brief overall view of the assigned chapters, help the audience to appreciate why and how the information is of value to us. Check Watchtower issues for further highlight material. The students will then be dismissed to their various classrooms by the school overseer.

TALK NO. 2: 5 minutes. This is a Bible reading of the assigned material to be given by a brother. This will apply in the main school as well as in the auxiliary groups. The reading assignments are usually short enough to permit the student to present brief explanatory information in the opening and concluding remarks, and even at intermediate points. Historical background, prophetic or doctrinal significance, and application of principles may be included. All the assigned verses should actually be read.

TALK NO. 3: 5 minutes. This talk will be assigned to sisters. The student assigned should be able to read. When delivering the talk, the student may be either seated or standing. One assistant will be scheduled by the school overseer, but additional assistants may be used. Settings could include situations arising at home, in the field ministry, in the congregation, or elsewhere. The one giving the talk may either initiate the conversation to establish the setting or have her assistant(s) do so. Not the setting but the material should be given prime consideration. The student should use the theme shown.

TALK NO. 4: 5 minutes. Assigned to a brother or a sister. When assigned to a brother, this should be a talk to the entire audience. It will usually be best for the brother to prepare his talk with the Kingdom Hall audience in mind so that it will be truly informative and beneficial to those who actually hear it. However, if the material lends itself better to another practical and suitable audience-type setting, the brother may choose to develop his talk accordingly. The student should use the theme shown.

When assigned to a sister, the material should be presented as outlined for Talk No. 3.

COUNSEL AND REMARKS: After each student talk, S-38 10/86 the school overseer will give specific counsel, not necessarily following the program of progressive counsel outlined on the Speech Counsel slip. Rather, he should concentrate on those areas where the student needs to improve. If the student speaker merits solely a “G” and there is no other speech quality marked “I” or “W,” then the counselor should circle the box, where the “G,” “I,” or •<W” would normally appear, of the speech quality that the student should work on next. He will advise the student of this that evening as well as show this speech quality on the student’s next Theocratic Ministry School Assignment slip (S-89). Those giving talks should sit toward the front of the hall. This will save time and enable the school overseer to give his counsel directly to each student. As time allows after the giving of necessary oral counsel, comments may be given by the counselor on informative and practical points not covered by the students. The school overseer should be careful to use no more than a total of two minutes for counsel and remarks after each student talk.

PREPARING TALKS: Brothers giving Assignment No. 1 should select a theme where needed. Students assigned the second talk should choose a theme that will allow for the best coverage of the material. Students assigned the third and fourth talks should use the theme shown. Prior to giving the talk, students will want to read over the School Guidebook material dealing with the speech quality being worked on.

TIMING: No talk should go overtime. Neither should the counsel and remarks of the counselor. Talks Nos. 2 through 4 should tactfully be stopped when the time is up. The brother assigned to give the “stop signal” should do so promptly. When brothers handling Assignment No. 1 go overtime, they should be given private counsel. All should watch their timing carefully. Total program: 45 minutes, excluding song and prayer.

WRITTEN REVIEW: Periodically a written review will be given. In preparation, review the assigned material and complete the scheduled Bible reading. The school overseer will have covered main points that should have been highlighted but that were overlooked by the speakers. Only the Bible may be used during this 25-minute review. The balance of the time will be devoted to a discussion of the questions and answers. Each student will check his own paper. The school overseer will read off all answers and concentrate on the more difficult questions, helping all to understand the answers clearly. If, for some reason, local circumstances make it necessary, the written review may be used a week later than shown on the schedule.

LARGE AND SMALL CONGREGATIONS: Congregations with a school enrollment of 50 or more students may wish to arrange for additional groups of students to deliver the scheduled talks before other counselors. Of course, nondedicated persons who are leading lives that conform to Christian principles may also enroll in the school and receive assignments.

ABSENTEES: All in the congregation can show appreciation for this school by endeavoring to be present at every weekly session, by preparing their assignments well, and by participating in question sessions. It is hoped that all students will view their assignments conscientiously. If a student is not present when scheduled, a volunteer may take the assignment, making whatever application he feels qualified to make on such short notice. Or the school overseer may cover the material with appropriate audience participation.

3               OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY. OCTOBER 1986

SCHEDULE

Jan. 4 Bible reading: Psalms 70 to 73

Song No. 46

No. 1: The Bible: A Firm Foundation for Faith (si pp. 7-8, pars. 1-11)

No. 2: Psalm 72

No. 3: td 2B The Christian’s Part in God’s Final War

No. 4: td 3C “Baptism for the Dead” Is Unscriptural

Jan. 11 Bible reading: Psalms 74 to 77

Song No. 180

No. 1: God’s Word: The Process of Inspiration (si pp. 8-10, pars. 12-20)

No. 2: Psalm 76

No. 3; td 4B We Need Help to Understand God’s Word

No. 4: td 4D Quoting Scattered Texts Has Scriptural Backing

Jan. 18 Bible reading: Psalms 78 and 79

Song No. 98

No. 1: God’s Word: Who Wrote It and When? (si pp. 10-12, pars. 21-33)

No. 2: Psalm 79

No, 3: td 4E Other “Holy Books” Are Not Inspired

No. 4: td 4G “Old" and “New” Testaments Both Important

Jan. 25 Bible reading: Psalms 80 to 85

Song No. 82

No. 1: Genesis: Who Wrote It and When? (si pp. 13-14, pars. 1-9)

No. 2: Psalm 83

No. 3: td 4H Canonicity of Bible Books Determined Best From Internal Evidence

No. 4: td 6B 70 Weeks: Prophecy of Messiah’s First Coming

Feb. 1 Bible reading: Psalms 86 to 89

Song No. 64

No. 1: Genesis 1:1 to 25:12 (st pp. 14-16, pars. 10-22)

No. 2: Psalm 86

No. 3: td 6C 2 B.C.E. Is Date of Jesus' Birth

No. 4: td 6D Christ’s Ministry 3 1/2 Years Long

Feb. 8 Bible reading: Psalms 90 to 94

Song No. 135

No. 1: Genesis 25:13 to 50:26 (si pp. 16-17, pars. 23-32)

No. 2: Psalm 90

No. 3: td 7B Christ’s Church Limited to 144,000

No. 4: td 7C Meeting in Homes or Building Halls Proper

Feb. 15 Bible reading: Psalms 95 to 101

Song No. 194

No. 1: Exodus: Who Wrote It and When? (si pp. 19-20, pars. 1-8)

No. 2: Psalms 100 and 101

No. 3: td 7D Christian Congregation Not Built Upon Peter

No. 4: td 7E Christ Established No Pope as Successor

Feb. 22 Written Review. Complete Psalms 70 to 101

Song No. 91

Mar. 1 Bible reading: Psalms 102 to 104

Song No. 1

No. 1: Exodus 1:1 to 13:16 (si pp. 21-2, pars. 9-17)

No. 2: Psalm 103:1-14, 21, 22

No. 3: td 8A Moral Standard of Bible Must Be Upheld

No. 4: td 8B True Adornment Is of the Heart

Mar. 8 Bible reading: Psalms 105 and 106

Song No. 201

No. 1: Exodus 13:17 to 40:38 (si pp. 22-3, pars. 18-25)

No. 2: Psalm 106:1-12, 47, 48

No. 3: td 11D Honoring the Dead Is Wrong

No. 4: td 12A Dedication to Jehovah Essential for Life

Mar. 15 Bible reading: Psalms 107 to 109

Song No. 139

No. 1: Leviticus: Who Wrote It and When? (si pp. 25-6, pars. 1-10)

No. 2: Psalm 108

No. 8: td 13A Bible Answer to Problem of Juvenile Delinquency

No. 4: td 14C The Devil Is Responsible for World Distress

Mar. 22 Bible reading: Psalms 110 to 115

Song No. 17

No. 1: Leviticus 1:1 to 15:33 (si pp. 27-8, pars. 11-21)

No. 2: Psalms 110 and 114

No. 3: td 15A Scriptural Basis for Disfellowshipping

No. 4: td 15B Causes for Disfellowshipping

Mar. 29 Bible reading: Psalms 116 to 119:32

Song No. 125

No. 1: Leviticus 16:1 to 27:34 (si p. 28, par's. 22-27)

No. 2: Psalm 116

No. 3: td 15C Repentance Essential for Divine Forgiveness

No. 4: td 16A Christians Shun Addictives

Apr. 5 Bible reading: Psalm 119:33-112

Song No. 160

No. 1: Numbers: Who Wrote It and When? (si pp. 30-1, pars. 1-10)

No. 2: Psalm 119:97-112

No. 3: td 17B From Paradise Lost to Paradise Restored

No. 4: td 17D Men Unable to Destroy the Earth

Apr. 12 Bible reading: Psalm 119:113-176

Song No. 159

No. 1: Numbers 1:1 to 12:16 (si pp. 31-2, pars. 11-19)

No. 2: Psalm 119:161-176

No. 3: td 18A Evolution Is Unscriptural

No. 4: td 20A Christian’s Relationship to World Governments

Apr. 19 Bible reading: Psalms 120 to 130

Song No. 65

No. 1: Numbers 13:1 to 36:13 (si pp. 33-4, pars. 20-31)

No. 2: Psalms 122 and 123

No. 3: td 20B Christian’s First Responsibility Is to God

No. 4: td 20C Christians Must Maintain Neutrality in World’s Affairs

Apr. 26 Written Review. Complete Psalms 102 to 130

Song No. 217

May 3 Bible reading: Psalms 131 to 136

Song No. 168

No. 1: Deuteronomy: Who Wrote It and When? (si pp. 36-7, pars. 1-9)

No. 2: Psalm 132

No. 3: td 20D Christian Warfare a Protection for All

No. 4: td 20E Right Attitude Toward Reverence to Emblems

May 10 Bible reading: Psalms 137 to 140

Song No. 165

No. 1: Deuteronomy 1:1 to 11:32 (si pp. 37-8, pars. 10-19)

No. 2: Psalms 137 and 138

No. 3: td 21A What Constitutes Good Works?

No. 4: td 21B Sincerely Keeping “Golden Rule" Not Sufficient

May 17 Bible reading: Psalms 141 to 145

Song No. 41

No. 1: Deuteronomy 12:1 to 33:29 (si pp. 39-40, pars. 20-29)

No. 2: Psalm 144

No. 3: td 21C Faith Without Works Is Dead

No. 4: td 21D Charitable Works a Part of Christian Living

May 24 Bible reading: Psalms 146 to 150

Song No. 183

No. 1: Joshua: Who Wrote It and When? (si pp.42-3, pars. 1-5)

No. 2: Psalm 148

No. 3: td 21E Community Interests Best Served by Kingdom Preaching

No. 4: td 23A Heaven Is God’s Home, Earth Is Man’s

May 31 Bible reading: Proverbs 1 and 2

Song No. 138

No. 1: Joshua 1:1 to 12:24 (si pp. 43-4, pars. 6-15)

No. 2: Proverbs 2:1-19

No. 3: td 23C Requirements for Heavenly Life

No. 4: td 24A Hell (Sheol, Hades) Provides Temporary Rest With Resurrection Hope

June 7 Bible reading: Proverbs 3 and 4

Song No. 132

No. 1: Joshua 13:1 to 24:33 (si pp. 44-5, pars. 16-20)

No. 2: Proverbs 3:1-17

No. 3: td 24D Heaven’s Existence No Proof That Hell Exists

No. 4: td 25A Observance of Feast Days Not Required of Christians

June 14 Bible reading: Proverbs 5 and 6

Song No. 152

No. 1: Judges: Who Wrote It and When? (si pp. 46-7, pars. 1-8)

No. 2: Proverbs 6:1-19

No. 3: td 27C Only One Way, but It Is Open to All

No. 4: td 28A Interpretations Belong to God

June 21 Bible reading: Proverbs 7 and 8

Song No. 14

No. 1: Judges 1:1 to 9:57 (si pp. 47-8, pars. 9-17)

No. 2: Proverbs 8:22-36

No. 3: td 28B Only One Correct Interpretation of Bible

No. 4: td 29B God’s Name to Be Made Known

June 28 Written Review. Complete Psalms 131 to Proverbs 8

Song No. 42

July 5 Bible reading: Proverbs 9 and 10

Song No. 9

No. 1: Judges 10:1 to 21:25 (si pp. 49-50, pars. 18-26)

No. 2: Proverbs 10:16-32

No. 3: td 29E God Is the Creator; to Deny Him Is Fatal

No. 4: td 29G Jehovah Not God of Jews Only

July 12 Bible reading: Proverbs 11 and 12

Song No. 73

No. 1: The Book of Ruth (si pp. 51-2, pars. 1-8)

No. 2: Proverbs 11:1-14

No. 3: td 30B Not Primarily “Christ’s” but “Jehovah’s Witnesses"

No. 4: td 31A God’s Provision of Jesus Christ

July 19 Bible reading: Proverbs 13 and 14

Song No. 191

No. 1: 1 Samuel: Who Wrote It and When? (si pp. 53-4, pars. 1-6)

No. 2: Proverbs 14:1-16

No. 3: td 31C Jesus Is God’s Greatest Prophet

No. 4: td 31F Jewish Hopes Fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah

July 26 Bible reading: Proverbs 15 and 16

Song No. 145

No. 1: 1 Samuel 1:1 to 15:35 (si pp. 54-5, pars. 7-17)

No. 2: Proverbs 15:1-16

No. 3: td 32A Judgment of AU People

No. 4: id 32B The Thousand-Year Judgment Day

Aug. 2 Bible reading: Proverbs 17 and 18

Song No. 4

No. 1: 1 Samuel 16:1 to 31:13 (si pp. 56-7, pars. 18-26)

No. 2: Proverbs 18:1-15

No. 3: td 33A Purpose and Importance of God’s Kingdom

No. 4: td 33D Christ Not Given FuU Power as King at Pentecost

Aug. 9 Bible reading: Proverbs 19 and 20

Song No. 155

No. 1: 2 Samuel: Who Wrote It and When? (si p. 59, pars. 1-5)

No. 2: Proverbs 19:8-23

No. 3: rd 34C The Last Days Began 1914 (Physical Facts)

No. 4: rd 34D Chronological Proof Last Days Began 1914

Aug. 16 Bible reading: Proverbs 21 and 22

Song No. 164

No. 1: 2 Samuel 1:1 to 12:31 (si pp. 60-1, pars. 6-16)

No. 2: Proverbs 22:1-16

No. 3: td 35A The Purpose of the Law Covenant

No. 4: td 35B Decalogue Abolished With Rest of Law Covenant

Aug. 23 Bible reading: Proverbs 23 and 24

Song No. 89

No. 1: 2 Samuel 13:1 to 24:25 (si pp. 61-3, pars. 17-27)

No. 2: Proverbs 24:1-16

No. 3: td 35C More Required Than Decalogue to Gain Life

No. 4: td 35D Decalogue Righteous but Not Binding on Christians

Aug. 30 Written Review. Complete Proverbs 9 to 24

Song No. 177

Sept. 6 Bible reading: Proverbs 25 and 26

Song No. 215

No. 1: 1 Kings: Who Wrote It and When? (si pp. 64-5, pars. 1-5)

No. 2: Proverbs 25:1-13

No. 3: td 36A Life Is God's Gift for Faithful Service

No. 4: td 36C Heavenly and Earthly Life Both Within God's Promises

Sept. 13 Bible reading: Proverbs 27 and 28

Song No. 170

No. 1: 1 Kings 1:1 to 14:20 (si pp. 65-6, pars. 6-14)

No. 2: Proverbs 28:1-14

No. 3: td 37A Distribution of Bible Literature Not Done for Profit

No. 4: td 37B Reading Bible Literature Is Not Confusing

Sept. 20 Bible reading: Proverbs 29 to 31

Song No. 82

No. 1: 1 Kings 14:21 to 22:53 (si pp. 67-8, pars. 15-22)

No. 2: Proverbs 31:10-31

No. 3: td 38A Marriage a Sacred Institution of God

No. 4: td 37C Church Literature Does Not Fill Need for Family Study

Sept. 27 Bible reading: Ecclesiastes 1 and 2

Song No. 149

No. 1: 2 Kings: Who Wrote It and When? (si p. 69, pars. 1-4)

No. 2: Ecclesiastes 1:1-15

No. 3: td 38G Cain’s Wife Was His Sister

No. 4: td 37E Forbidding to Read Comforting Literature Unreasonable

Oct. 1 Bible reading: Ecclesiastes 3 and 4

Song No. 105

No. 1: 2 Kings 1:1 to 8:29 (si pp. 70-1, pars. 5-12)

No. 2: Ecclesiastes 3:1-9,18-22

No. 3: td 39B Mary, a Virgin, Became Jesus’ Mother and Later a Disciple

No. 4: td 37F Deciding What to Read Is Each One’s Responsibility

Oct. 11 Bible reading: Ecclesiastes 5 and 6

Song No. 112

No. 1: 2 Kings 9:1 to 16:20 (si pp. 71-2, pars. 13-24)

No. 2: Ecclesiastes 5:1-8,18-20

No. 3: td 39D Prayers to Be Directed to God Through Christ, Not Saints

No. 4: td 37G Much Literature Being Published; Being Selective Is Practical

Oct. 18 Bible reading: Ecclesiastes 7 and 8

Song No. 95

No. 1: 2 Kings 17:1 to 25:30 (si pp. 72-3, pars. 25-32)

No. 2: Ecclesiastes 7:1-12

No. 3: td 41A God’s Kingdom Provision Is for All Men

No. 4: td 37H Those Having Bible Helps Need Study, Spiritual Progress

Oct. 25 Written Review. Complete Proverbs 25 to Ecclesiastes 8

Song No. Ill

Nov. 1 Bible reading: Ecclesiastes 9 and 10

Song No. 118

No. 1: 1 Chronicles: Who Wrote It and When? (si pp. 75-6, pars. 1-7)

No. 2: Ecclesiastes 9:1-11

No. 3: td 41B Non-Christians Have Equal Opportunity to Be Saved

No. 4: td 371 One Does Not Need Money to Get Truth

Nov. 8 Bible reading: Ecclesiastes 11 and 12

Song No. 161

No. 1: 1 Chronicles 1:1 to 12:40 (si pp. 76-7, pars. 8-13)

No. 2: Ecclesiastes 12:1-14

No. 3: td 41C Jewish Fathers Had Hope in Kingdom

No. 4: td 41D Suffering of Jews Foretold in Prophecy

Nov. 15 Bible reading: Song of Solomon 1 to 4

Song No. 66

No. 1: 1 Chronicles 13:1 to 29:30 (si pp. 77-8, pars. 14-21)

No. 2: Song of Solomon 2:1-14

No. 3: td 42B Persecution Can Come From Many Sources; None to Be Feared

No. 4: td 42E Apostates Cannot Prevent God's “Sheep” From Hearing Truth

Nov. 22 Bible reading: Song of Solomon 5 to 8

Song No. 11

No. 1: 2 Chronicles: Who Wrote It and When? (si pp. 79-80, pars. 1-6)

No. 2: Song of Solomon 8:1-14

No. 3: td 42F God's Warning to Persecutors

No. 4: td 43B Prayers for This World Are Not Authorized

Nov. 29 Bible reading: Isaiah 1 to 3

Song No. 212

No. 1: 2 Chronicles 1:1 to 9:31 (si pp. 80-1, pars. 7-13)

No. 2: Isaiah 1:1-13

No. 3: td 44B “Once Saved, Always Saved" Is Unscriptural

No. 4: td 45A All Races Are Equal, Not Separate Creations

Dec. 6 Bible reading: Isaiah 4 to 7

Song No. 61

No. 1: 2 Chronicles 10:1 to 26:23 (si pp. 81-3, pars. 14-24)

No. 2: Isaiah 6:1-13

No. 3: td 45B Racial Problems Will Be Solved by God’s Kingdom

No. 4: td 45C The Black Race Not the Result of a Curse

Dec. 13 Bible reading: Isaiah 8 to 10

Song No. 53

No. 1: 2 Chronicles 27:1 to 36:23 (si pp. 83-4, pars. 25-33)

No. 2: Isaiah 9:1-12

No. 3: td 47B Many Religions; How True One Can Be Identified

No. 4: td 47D Exposure of False Leaders Required to Protect God’s “Sheep”

Dec. 20 Bible reading: Isaiah 11 to 13

Song No. 195

No. 1: Ezra: Who Wrote It and When? (si pp. 85-6, pars. 1-7)

No. 2: Isaiah 11:1-10

No. 3: td 47F Even Those Professing a Religion Need to Walk Carefully

No. 4: td 47H False Religion’s Badness Not Proof No True Religion Exists

Dec. 27 Written Review. Complete Ecclesiastes 9 to Isaiah 13

Song No. 181

Announcements

• Literature offer for October: Subscription for either Awake! or The Watchtower, or both, for a contribution of $4.00 for each one-year subscription. November: New World Translation and True Peace and Security—How Can You Find It? The contribution is $4.50. December: My Book of Bible Stories for contribution of $2.50. New "Look!” brochure will be used as alternate offer for 30e. January and February: Any of the following books for a contribution of 50c: Choosing, Commentary on James, Evolution (old edition), Holy Spirit, Life Does Have a Purpose, Peace and Security (old edition), This Life, World Government. Congregations may request credit for all books obtained by publishers and pioneers. The pioneer rate for the pocket-size books for this campaign is 30c each for regular and special pioneers. Supplies of Choosing, Commentary on James, and Holy Spirit may be ordered from Brooklyn.

• With this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry, we are including the Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 1987. This will enable school overseers to become familiar with the instructions and make assignments well in advance. All should become familiar with the instructions so as to prepare and present assignments properly.

• New Publications Available:

Life—How Did It Get Here! By Evolution or by Creation? (Small size)

—English, Spanish True Peace and Security—How Can

You Find It?           —Tagalog

Aid to Bible Understanding

(Volume 38, Qua-Ret)     —Italian

(Volume 39, Ret-Rut)     —Italian

(Volume 40, Rut-San)     —Italian

(Volume 41, San-Sco)     —Italian

(Volume 42, Ser-Sim)     —Italian

(Volume 43, Sin-Spi)      —Italian

"Look! I Am Making All Things New”

(Brochure)              —Sepedi

Watch Tower Publications Index for

1983                    —Italian

Kingdom News No. 31    —Japanese

• New Cassette Recordings Available: Genesis (set of four; congregation and public: $6.00; pioneers: $5.00)

—German

Exodus (set of three; congregation and public: $4.50; pioneers: $3.75)

—German

Leviticus (set of two; congregation and public: $3.00; pioneers: $2.50)

—German

Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (set of two; congregation and public: $3.00; pioneers: $2.50)           —German

• Examining the Scriptures Daily—1987: Publishers and pioneers, please order your Examining the Scriptures booklets through the congregation. Congregations should begin collecting requests for these booklets now. Then on October 1,1986, or as soon as possible thereafter, send this order to the Society using the regular Literature Order form (S-14). Examining the Scriptures booklets in other languages should be listed under “Other Language Publications,” showing the quantity for each language separately as well as the year 1987. The Examining the Scriptures booklets will be available in Arabic, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japa-

• ¹ A highlight of last summer’s “Divine Peace” District Convention was the release of the brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses—Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide. This new brochure was produced with the object of helping our Bible students to become acquainted with the only visible organization Jehovah is using today to accomplish his will.

• ² For many years the Society has been suggesting that at the conclusion of each Bible study we take a few minutes to discuss at least one feature or aspect of the modern theocratic organization. In this way newly interested people can more readily appreciate the significance and value of the Bible truths they are learning. The new brochure, with its many color illustrations, should prove to be most valuable in conducting these instructive discussions.

HOW TO USE IT

• ³ The brochure features 15 headings, from “We Want to Be of Help” to “United in Doing God’s Will.” There is enough information under some of the headings for several discussions. Take time to read all the cited scriptures with the Bible student. You will find several review questions at the conclusion of most of the sections. These can be used to good advantage in highlighting the main points. Remember, though, the discussions should be brief and should not overshadow the material considered in the Bible study itself.

¹ You will want to become familiar with the brochure as soon as possible. Carry your personal copy with you in the field ministry. There may be opportunities to use it in the door-to-door work. Sincere people we meet may have heard false statements about Jehovah’s Witnesses,

nese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Samoan, Spanish, and Swedish. Until the Examining the Scriptures booklets are available and shipments are made, these will appear as “Back Ordered" on congregation invoices. The Examining the Scriptures booklets are controlled stock items and will be charged to the literature account at 30c each, which is the publisher rate. Regular and special pioneers on the list before July 1, 1986, may receive one free copy and obtain additional copies at 20c each. A separate entry should be made on the monthly remittance (S-20) showing free copies to pioneers. (See the 1986 Cost List, pars. 23-25.)

• The following publications are now available in grade-two English Braille:

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Genesis through Judges; bound in durable vinyl, set of four and the brochure can be used to help correct their mistaken views of our work and beliefs. The most important use of the brochure, however, will be as a basis for discussions about the organization at the conclusion of a Bible study.

• ⁵ One section of the brochure deals with “Meetings for Inciting to Love and Fine Works.” You can use this information to emphasize the importance of Christian meetings and encourage the student to attend regularly. When talking about the Congregation Book Study, you can explain how it is conducted and show the student the publication currently being studied. Especially now you can highlight the timeliness of the information in the True Peace book. Since the Congregation Book Studies are conducted at a pace that allows for reading all the cited scriptures, it should be easy for even beginning students to follow along and participate in the study by reading scriptures and commenting if they wish to do so. The small groups give opportunity for all to share and to get acquainted with one another.

• ⁶ How favored we are to be alive at this time of the end when Jehovah has restored true worship among his chosen ones here on earth. Millions are recognizing the lead of the spirit-anointed followers of Christ and are beginning to say: “We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.” (Zech. 8:23) The new brochure is yet another timely instrument that we can use to help these newly interested ones continue their progress as they grow in appreciation of Jehovah’s modern-day theocratic organization. Let us use it to good advantage in directing newly interested persons to Jehovah’s organization.

volumes: $32.00, or $8.00 per volume, arranged as follows: Volume 1, Genesis through Exodus chapter 11;

Volume 2, Exodus chapter 12 through Leviticus; Volume 3, Numbers through Deuteronomy chapter 22; Volume 4, Deuteronomy chapter 23 through Judges.)

True Peace and Security—How Can You Find It? (Four volumes. May be requested on a loan basis or purchased for $5.00.)

Examining the Scriptures Daily—1987 (Four volumes: $5.00)

Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 1987 (Free upon request.)

To obtain Braille publications, send separate order, including remittance if purchased, and name and address of the person that will use them. Mark order: ATTENTION: BRAILLE DESK.

On Return Visits

• ¹ As ministers of the good news, we are commanded to make disciples. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Making return visits, therefore, is a vital part of our disciple-making work. When making return visits, we are calling on people who have shown interest in the Kingdom message. They are in need of additional spiritual nourishment in order to make advancement in the truth. They need to be made more keenly aware of their spiritual need. (1 Pet. 2:2; Matt. 5:3) Return visits afford us the opportunity to fill this need as we help people to gain wisdom from God’s Word.

• ² Plan ahead. Set aside time for return visits. Many arrange to make return visits after they do house-to-house work. In addition, other arrangements can be made each week for this activity. Some find that by returning in the early evening they are more likely to find people at home and in a relaxed frame of mind, willing to listen. Can you make time for return visits in your schedule? With persistence on your part, your prospects for starting a home Bible study will be greatly increased.

MEETING THE CHALLENGE

• ³ Making return visits may present a challenge for some, causing them to feel apprehensive. Is this true in your case? If so, advance preparation may be the remedy. Since we are calling on those who have shown some interest, we already have a basis to start a conversation. Keeping an accurate record of what you talked about on the initial call is important. It is easier to renew interest by referring to your previous conversation and then building on it. Take note of anything they say that will provide clues as to their interests and goals in life. Then, with the help of the Reasoning book, prepare additional

Convention Releases (Cont’d) our new Worldwide Security book. Are you searching them out?

• ⁵ We were delighted on Sunday morning to hear an excerpt from the new cassette tape Kingdom Melodies No. 7. Many are already enjoying its refreshing musical arrangements.

• ⁶ As a happy surprise at the close of the “Divine Peace” District Convention, we learned that the Society has prepared a single-volume information. Bring up these points when you cedi again and share what you have prepared. This will show the householders that you are genuinely interested in them, encouraging them to respond to the message of hope.

¹ For others, the challenge is finding the interested person at home again. A sister left magazines with a man but for the next two years was unable to find him home. When she finally did find him, he told her he enjoyed the magazines and would like to continue receiving them. But his work schedule still made it very difficult to find him. Finally, after many attempts to make contact, the sister again found him home and ready to talk. He greeted her by asking: ‘What must I do to become a Witness?” He studied and is now serving as an elder. Finding such people brings real joy. It makes all our effort worthwhile. Jehovah blessed this sister’s hard work. (Eccl. 11:1) He will also take notice of ours. We can enjoy similar blessings. But where can further help and encouragement be found?

⁵ Service overseers can give assistance and set a fine lead in making return visits. When visiting the book study groups, they can give a talk on the importance of return visits. They can demonstrate how to start Bible studies. When working with a group in field service, they can personally help publishers make return visits and start Bible studies. If you need help in this feature of the ministry, ask your service overseer for assistance.

OUR FRUITAGE

¹⁵ Each one who dedicates himself to Jehovah should feel a responsibility to share in the disciple-making work. If we prepare well and regularly make effective return visits, we will reap fruitage that will bring rich blessings both to ourselves ‘and to those who listen to us.’—1 Tim. 4:16.

Watch Tower Publications Index for 1930-1985. It will surely be an aid for research and a stimulus to our personal study!

⁷ These valuable gifts through Jehovah’s organization demonstrate once again that Jehovah knows what things we need in order to do his will. (Matt. 6:8) Through the faithful slave he has fully equipped us for the work ahead. May we show our support and deep appreciation by putting these fine provisions to good use.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

♦ A new all-time peak of 61,000 publishers was reached In Argentina In May. a 14-percent increase over last year’s average. They also reported a new peak of 79,026 Bible studies.

* Guadeloupe had a peak of 4,558 publishers in May, a 19-percent Increase.

♦ Haiti had a new peak of 4,410 publishers and their fifth consecutive peak In Bible studies, with 8,006 being reported in May.

♦ Nigeria reported another new peak of 126,201 publishers for May, a 9.7-percent increase over last year's average.

A wake/Also in Full Color

• ¹ Beginning with its January 8, 1987, issue, Awake! joins The Watchtower as a four-color publication. In addition to making individual copies more attractive, this should enhance our presentation of the subscription offer in the future. As we anticipate a wider distribution of these two magazines in the months ahead, congregations are encouraged to increase their distributors’ orders in accord with local needs. This should be done without delay.

• ² The special four-color editions of Awake! published last October were well received by the brothers and by the public in general. They contributed to the success of the subscription campaign at that time. Now that all issues of both The Watchtower and Awake! will be in full color, we anticipate a wider distribution, with significant increases in the placement of individual copies as well as the number of subscriptions obtained.

• ³ May we all share enthusiastically in the distribution of these excellent publications that continue to play a major role in making Jehovah’s name known everywhere.

Schedule for congregation studies in the book True Peace and Security-How Can You Find It?:

October 5: Pages 67* to 74*

October 12: Pages 74* to 83*

October 19: Pages 83* to 91*

October 26: Pages 91* to 98

* To or from subheading.

JULY SERVICE REPORT

Av Av Av Av Pubs. Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’l Pios.     256 120.6  83.4 51.0

Pios.      45,095  72.8  38.4 26.9

Aux. Pios.  31,081  60.2  30.1  16.0

Pubs.    645,533  10.0   6.9   3.7

TOTAL 721,965

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 8,073

8