' OUR ' KINGDOM MINISTRY

OCTOBER 1987 Vol. 30, No. 10 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

OCTOBER 5-11

Presenting subscriptions

• 1. Review Topic for Conversation.

• 2. What introduction will you use?

• 3. How will you tie in subscription offer?

OCTOBER 12-18

Not-at-homes

• 1. What notations should we make?

• 2. When is it proper to leave free literature?

• 3. When should we call again?

OCTOBER 19-25

Why should we

• 1. Not interrupt our partner’s presentation?

• 2. Allow householder to express himself?

• 3. Remain calm even if householder becomes abusive? (Prov. 15:1)

OCTOBER 26-NOVEMBER 1

Topic for Conversation

• 1. What is it?

• 2. What introduction will you use?

• 3. How will you tie in the literature offer?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Why Study the Bible?

2 Tim. 3:16, 17—It is God’s Word.

John 17:3—Provides knowledge that leads to everlasting life.

• ¹ “As tor me and my household, we shall serve Jehovah." (Josh. 24: 14, 15) Such determination, on the part of Joshua and other family heads was absolutely necessary if Israelite families were to resist the pressures against true worship in the land of Canaan. Similarly today, we must be resolute in our stand for true worship in order to fortify ourselves and our families to withstand the unwholesome influences of the system of things that surrounds us.

• ² It is the God-given responsibility of family hearic to provide for their households. (1 Tim. 5:8) This is true not only regarding material things but much more so in a spiritual wav! Family heads, do you nave a good program of family worship, including practical Bible instruction, and do you take the lead with your family in the field ministry?

FAMILY BIBLE DISCUSSIONS

• ³ Since Jehovah’s acts of loving-kindness are “new each morning,” would it not be proper for the entire family to give thought to these each day? (Lam. 3:22, 23) An excellent way to do this is by discussing the day’s text from Examining the Scriptures Daily.—See suggestions in the foreword of 1987 edition.

• ⁴ In addition to the daily text discussion, many theocratic households have a regular time for family study and worship. (Deut. 4:9; 6:1,2) To help in this, the Society’s publica

  Help Others to Dedication and Baptism

  
  

• ¹ What a joy it is to see the increasing number of people who are studying the Bible and associating with Jehovah’s organization! And there is an even greater joy in helping them to develop and maintain a close spiritual relationship with Jehovah God himself.—Compare Acts 20:35.

• ² Commendably, many new ones have progressed to the point of becoming approved associates, and most of them are sharing regularly in the preaching work. Now they should be working toward dedication and baptism. How can we aid them in taking these important steps?—Matt. 28:19.

HOW WE CAN HELP

• ³ We need to help Bible students cultivate love and appreciation for Jehovah so that they will be moved by faith to dedicate themselves to him. (1 Chron. 28:9a) Accordingly, during the home Bible study, teach them to discern Jehovah’s qualities as you discuss his deeds and standards. Also, help the students appreciate tions have provided encouragement and suggestions that each family head would do well to follow.—See w86 11/1 p. 24:. School Guidebook pp. 36-8; km 2/79 pp. 1, 7.

FAMILY FIELD SERVICE

• ⁵ Since the field ministry is a major aspect of our worship, the family should share in this together. (Heb. 13:15) Family heads can do much to promote family unity and build spiritual strength by working in field service with.each member of the household. (Prov. 22:6) October presents a fine opportunity to do this, since we will be offering one-year subscriptions for either Awake! or The Watchtower, or both, for $5.00 each.

• ⁶ At times, parents may wish to make the introduction at. the door ancT then allow the child to read a scripture or simply to show the magazines and offer a subscription. If the subscription is refused, single issues can be offered for 25<t each. Do not underestimate wTmt_c.hifd£en can do in the ministry! Often householders are impressed by young ones who can express themselves well at the doors. —Matt. 21:16.

• ⁷ Are you, like Joshua, determined that you and your household will serve Jehovah faithfully? Pray for

itiTOniKIITEgi

suggestions presented above. He will bless, your determined efforts to serve him faithfully.

the ransom. Help them to get an accurate knowledge of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ.—John 17:3.

• ⁴ Highlight Jehovah’s loving purpose for man and the earth, as well as the sanctification of His holy name. Help the student to see clearly how he is involved and how he can provide an answer to the one taunting Jehovah. (Prov. 27:11) Take every opportunity to help the student in his spiritual growth so that he will “disown himself and pick up his torture stake," getting baptized as a disciple of Jesus Christ.—Matt. 16:24.

• ⁵ Help your Bible students see that Jehovah’s laws and principles are for our good. They must realize that if they wait until the last minute to take a stand for true worship, they could lose out on the prize of life. (Luke 21: 34, 35) Speak to them of your appreciation for his organization, the congregation, the meetings, and the brotherhood. (Ps. 100:2) Show them that God’s Word is alive and exerts (Continued on page 8, col. 1)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 4

Song 148

12 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Encourage all to share in the magazine service this Saturday. Suggest talking points from current magazines. Announce special field service arrangements for October 12 where this is a designated holiday.

18 min: “As for Me and My Household ...” Discussion of article with audience by elder or ministerial servant who has exemplary family. Reason on need for united worship to strengthen family against Satan’s attack. Encourage family heads to shoulder responsibility to arrange regular family field service and work with individual members personally. In connection with paragraphs 5 and 6, demonstrate parent and child concluding family practice session, followed by child offering subscription to householder.

15 min: “The Watchtower on Cassette” and “Reprint of Watchtower Bound Volumes.” Discuss articles with audience. Emphasize information explaining how individuals may obtain these items.

Song 63 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 11

Song 113

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Include acknowledgments of contributions on monthly statement. Give suggestions with brief demonstration for placing the October 15 issue of The Watchtower and October 22 issue of Awake!

18 min: Using the Reasoning Book Effectively. Many of us have used this publication with good results in the field or on calls. The more we are acquainted with it, the more it can help us. Demonstrate a family group discussing a few of the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses listed on pages 199 and 200. For example, on “Bible," refer to pages 58 and 59. Note 2 Timothy 3:16,17 and Revelation 1:1. Comment also on the statement ‘Men wrote the Bible,’ page 65. Next you might discuss how our belief in connection with God’s purpose for the earth is different, using appropriate points from pages 112-17. If time permits, another teaching of Jehovah’s Witnesses that is of local interest might be considered.

17 min: “Presenting the Good News —With Special-Interest Articles in Our Magazines." Brief introductory comments on paragraphs 1 and 2, followed by question-and-answer discussion of remainder of article. Highlight opportunities to place the magazines and need for good preparation. If time permits, local experiences may be given.

Song 133 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 18

Song 13

10 mln: Local announcements. Encourage all to support magazine day on the fourth Saturday of October. Review talking points in current issues of Awake! and The Watchtower.

20 min: “Help Others to Dedication and Baptism." Question-and-answer consideration of article. Emphasize need for approved associates to set goal of qualifying for baptism. Interview two or three newly baptized publishers regarding their spiritual progress and decision to get baptized.

15 min: Must Christians Keep the Sabbath? Audience discussion based on Reasoning From the Scriptures, pages 345-52.

(3 min.) Brief introductory talk using definition on page 345. Include quote on page 346 explaining how Sunday came to be the principal day of worship for much of Christendom.

• ¹ As announced at the 1987 district convention, beginning with the issue of January 1, 1988, The Watchtower in English will be available on cassette on a yearly subscription basis. ICTs’ hoped that this provision will prove especially helpful to those handicapped by physical impairment that prevents them from reading The Watchtower in print. The recordings will also aid children, and others who are endeavoring to improve their roading skills

• ² The subscription rates for The Watchtower on cassette will be as follows:

Congregation and public: $36.00

Pioneer:                  $30.00

Those certified as blind or physically unable to read normal reading material:                        $12.00

• ³ Cassettes will be provided with

(12 min.) Audience discussion of selected points from Reasoning book. Explain Scripturally that Christians are not obligated to observe weekly Sabbath. (Ex. 31:16, 17) However, there is a sabbath resting for Christians. (Heb. 4:9, 10) Highlight how we can reason if someone asks, ‘Why don’t you keep the Sabbath?’ Song 211 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 25

Song 14

5 min: Local announcements. Give loving encouragement for all to share in witnessing on first Sunday, November 1. Mention November literature offer and encourage publishers to get supplies for weekend service.

13 min: “Use New Releases to Do God’s Will.” Lively discussion with audience. Draw out personal reactions to announcement of new releases and to publications when actually received. Emphasis should be placed on the importance of using these provisions from Jehovah to preach and teach the good news.

15 min: “‘A Time to Speak’—When?” Talk by elder based on article in September 1,1987, Watchtower.

12 min: Local needs. Or review of encouragement and counsel given by circuit overseer on his most recent visit. Additional counsel by local elders may be included.

Song 170 and concluding prayer.

Braille labels if specified. All subscriptions are for one year only; there will be no six-month subscription rate. '

⁴ MoftUqf the articles in each issue of The Watchtower will be included on a single cassette that will be mailed directly to the subscriber semimonthly. The cassette should be received about the same time as the printed edition. In order to receive the first issue beginning in January, subscriptions should be sent in during the month of October. Special cassette subscription forms have been supplied to each congregation, which may be obtained from the brother handling^upscrinfinn? The completed form should be returned to him for forwarding to the Society, (Continued on page 7, col. 2)

Copyright © 1987 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 1988

INSTRUCTIONS

During 1988 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], Reasoning From the Scriptures [rs], and You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth [pe] 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 subjects for this talk will alternate between the Reasoning and Live Forever books, the latter to be mainly assigned to young or new students. 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. It is preferred that settings involve field service or informal witnessing. 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.

S-38 10/87

COUNSEL AND REMARKS: After each student talk, 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 No. 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 already have made sure that he covers main points that should be highlighted and 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 what is 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 1987

SCHEDULE

Jan. 3 Bible reading: Isaiah 14 to 17

Song No. 46

No. 1: Ezra 1:1 to 10:44 (st pp. 86-7, pars. 8-13)

No. 2: Isaiah 14:1-20

No. 3: Abortion—Why Forbidden? (rs pp. 25-6)

No. 4: Adam and Eve, Actual Historical Persons? (rs pp. 27-8)

Jan. 10 Bible reading: Isaiah 18 to 22

Song No. 222

No. 1: Nehemiah: Facts Regarding It (si pp. 88-9, pars. 1-5)

No. 2: Isaiah 21:1-17

No. 3: Why Living Forever Is Not Just a Dream (pe chap. 1, pars. 1-10)

No. 4: Why Is Ancestor Worship Futile? (rs pp. 29-31, par. 3)

Jan. 17 Bible reading: Isaiah 23 to 26

Song No. 85

No. 1: Nehemiah 1:1 to 6:19 (si p. 89, pars. 6-9)

No. 2: Isaiah 25:1-12

No. 3: Why Ancestor Worship Displeases Jehovah God (rs pp. 31-2)

No. 4: Who Are the Antichrists? (rs pp. 32-3)

Jan. 24 Bible reading: Isaiah 27 to 29

Song No. 187

No. 1: Nehemiah 7:1 to 13:31 (si pp. 89-90, pars. 10-15)

No. 2: Isaiah 28:1-19

No. 3: Grand Blessings From God—Now Near! (pe chap. 1, pars. 11-19)

No. 4: Identifying Apostates (rs pp. 34-5)

Jan. 31 Bible reading: Isaiah 30 to 33

Song No. 98

No. 1: Esther: Facts Regarding It (si pp. 91-2, pars. 1-6)

No. 2: Isaiah 32

No. 3: What Should Be Our Attitude Toward Apostates? (rs pp. 36-7)

No. 4: Christ Did Not Build Church on Peter (rs pp. 37-9, first subheading)

Feb. 7 Bible reading: Isaiah 34 to 37

Song No. 105

No. 1: Esther 1:1 to 5:14 (si pp. 92-3, pars. 7-11)

No. 2: Isaiah 35

No. 3: Who Is the Ruler of the World? (pe chap. 2, pars. 1-12)

No. 4: What Were the Keys Peter Used? (rs pp. 39-40)

Feb. 14 Bible reading: Isaiah 38 to 40

Song No. 113

No. 1: Esther 6:1 to 10:3 (si pp. 93-4, pars. 12-15)

No. 2: Isaiah 40:12-31

No. 3: “Apostolic Successors” Not True Christians (rs pp. 42-4)

No. 4: Where Will Armageddon Be Fought? (rs pp. 44-6, first subheading)

Feb. 21 Bible reading: Isaiah 41 to 43

Song No. 34

No. 1: Job: Facts Regarding It (si pp. 95-6, pars. 1-6)

No. 2: Isaiah 43:1-17

No. 3: What Is the Devil Doing? (pe chap. 2, pars. 13-25)

No. 4: Who and What Will Be Destroyed at Armageddon?

(rs pp. 46-7, first subheading)

Feb. 28 Written Review. Complete Isaiah 14 to 43

Song No. 33

Mar. 6 Bible reading: Isaiah 44 to 46

Song No. 45

No. 1: Job 1:1 to 2:13 (si p. 96, pars. 7-10)

No. 2: Isaiah 46

No. 3: Who Will Survive Armageddon? (rs p. 47)

No. 4: Armageddon—No Violation of God’s Love (rs p. 48, first subheading)

Mar. 13 Bible reading: Isaiah 47 to 49

Song No. 146

No. 1: Job 3:1 to 14:22 (si pp. 96-7, pars. 11-17)

No. 2: Isaiah 48:1-19

No. 3: Religion That Is Not Good (pe chap. 3, pars. 1-10)

No. 4: No Neutral Position Possible at Armageddon (rs p. 48, second subheading)

Mar. 20 Bible reading: Isaiah 50 to 53

Song No. 3

No. 1: Job 15:1 to 25:6 (si pp. 97-8, pars. 18-26)

No. 2: Isaiah 52

No. 3: Whose Influence Is Pushing Nations Toward the Armageddon Situation? (rs pp. 48-9)

No. 4: Identifying the Babylon of Revelation (rs p. 49)

Mar. 27 Bible reading: Isaiah 54 to 57

Song No. 114

No. 1: Job 26:1 to 37:24 (si pp. 98-9, pars. 27-35)

No. 2: Isaiah 55:1-13

No. 3: What Makes Religion Pleasing to God? (pe chap. 3, pars. 11-22)

No. 4: For What Was Ancient Babylon Noted? (rs p. 50, first subheading)

Apr. 3 Bible reading: Isaiah 58 to 62

Song No. 143

No. 1: Job 38:1 to 42:17 (si p. 99, pars. 36-38)

No. 2: Isaiah 60:4-22

No. 3: Why Professed Christian Religions Are Part of Babylon the Great (rs pp. 52-3)

No. 4: Why It Is Urgent to Get Out of Babylon the Great (rs p. 53)

Apr. 10 Bible reading: Isaiah 63 to 66

Song No. 41

No. 1: Psalms: Who Wrote Them and When? (si pp. 101-2, pars. 1-6)

No. 2: Isaiah 65:8-25

No. 3: God—Who Is He? (pe chap. 4, pars. 1-17)

No. 4: What Baptism Is and Why Believers Get Baptized (rs p. 54, first subheading)

Apr. 17 Bible reading: Jeremiah 1 to 3

Song No. 70

No. 1: Psalms: Their Characteristics and Authenticity (si p. 102, pars. 7-11)

No. 2: Jeremiah 1:1-19

No. 3: Christian Baptism—Not by Sprinkling, Not for Infants (rs pp. 54-5, first subheading)

No. 4: Water Baptism Does Not Forgive Sins (rs p. 55)

Apr. 24 Written Review’. Complete Isaiah 44 to Jeremiah 3

Song No. 135

May 1 Bible reading: Jeremiah 4 to 6

Song No. 112

No. 1: Psalms 1 to 72 (si pp. 102-3, pars. 12-14)

No. 2: Jeremiah 5:1-17

No. 3: God’s Name and Purpose (pe chap. 4, pars. 18-31)

No. 4: Who Is Baptized With Holy Spirit? (rs p. 56, first subheading)

May 8 Bible reading: Jeremiah 7 to 9

Song No. 5

No. 1: Psalms 73 to 106 (si p. 103, pars. 15-17)

No. 2: Jeremiah 9:12-26

No. 3: Baptism by Fire Not Same as by Holy Spirit (rs pp. 57-8)

No. 4: Reasons for Considering the Bible (rs pp. 58-9)

May 15 Bible reading: Jeremiah 10 to 12

Song No. 205

No. 1: Psalms 107 to 150 (si p. 104, pars. 18-22)

No. 2: Jeremiah 10:6-25

No. 3: What Jesus Accomplished on Earth (pe chap. 6, pars. 1-19)

No. 4: Proof From Isaiah of the Bible’s Inspiration (rs pp. 60-1, par. 1)

May 22 Bible reading: Jeremiah 13 to 15

Song No. 46                                  .

No. 1: Proverbs: Who Wrote It and When? (si pp. 106-7, pars. 1-5)

No. 2: Jeremiah 15:6-20

No. 3: Fulfillment of Jesus’ Prophecies Prove Bible’s Inspiration (rs pp. 61-2)

No. 4: Bible Is Scientifically Sound (rs pp. 62-3)

May 29 Bible reading: Jeremiah 16 to 19

Song No. 170

No. 1: Proverbs: Characteristics and Authenticity (si pp. 107-8, pars. 6-11)

No. 2: Jeremiah 17:1-18

No. 3: Jesus’ Miracles—What They Mean to Us (pe chap. 6, pars. 20-28)

No. 4: Answering Objections to Belief in the Bible (rs pp. 64-5)

June 5 Bible reading: Jeremiah 20 to 22

Song No. 59

No. 1: Proverbs 1:1 to 9:18 (si p. 108, pars. 12,13)

No. 2: Jeremiah 20:1-13

No. 3: The Bible Is Practical for Our Day (rs p. 66)

No. 4: Why Do Christians Not Celebrate Birthdays? (rs pp. 68-9)

June 12 Bible reading: Jeremiah 23 to 25

Song No. 37

No. 1: Proverbs 10:1 to 24:34 (si pp. 108-9, pars. 14,15)

No. 2: Jeremiah 25:15,16, 27-38

No. 3: Why We Are Here (pe chap. 7, pars. 1-18)

No. 4: Why Do Christians Abstain From Blood? (rs pp. 70-1)

June 19 Bible reading: Jeremiah 26 to 28

Song No. 51

No. 1: Proverbs 25:1 to 31:31 (si p. 109, pars. 16-18)

No. 2: Jeremiah 28:1-17

No. 3: Why Do Christians Not Accept Blood Transfusions? (rs pp. 72-3)

No. 4: Answering Objections to the Bible’s View on Blood (rs pp. 74-6)

June 26 Written Review. Complete Jeremiah 4 to 28

July 3 Bible reading: Jeremiah 29 to 31

Song No. 25

No. 1: Ecclesiastes: Who Wrote It and When? (si pp. 111-12, pars. 1-8)

No. 2: Jeremiah 31:23-40

No. 3: What Happens at Death? (pe chap. 8, pars. 1-14)

No. 4: What Does It Mean to Be “Born Again"? (rs pp. 76-7)

July 10 Bible reading: Jeremiah 32 and 33

Song No. 172

No. 1: Ecclesiastes 1:1 to 7:29 (si pp. 112-13, pars. 9-12)

No. 2: Jeremiah 33:1-3,10-26

No. 3: Salvation Not Dependent Upon Being “Born Again” (rs pp. 77-8)

No. 4: “Born Again”—Dealing With Misconceptions (rs pp. 79-80)

July 17 Bible reading: Jeremiah 34 to 37

Song No. 221

No. 1: Ecclesiastes 8:1 to 12:14 (si p. 113, pars. 13,14)

No. 2: Jeremiah 37:3-21

No. 3: What Kind of Place Is Hell? (pe chap. 9, pars. 1-22)

No. 4: Confessing to Priests: Why Not Scriptural? (rs pp. 80-1)

July 24 Bible reading: Jeremiah 38 to 41

Song No. 11

No. 1: Song of Solomon: Who Wrote It and When? (si p. 115, pars. 1-4)

No. 2: Jeremiah 39:1-18

No. 3: Confessing Sins Against God and Man (rs p. 83, first and second subheadings)

No. 4: Why Should Serious Sins Be Confessed to Elders? (rs pp. 83-4)

July 31 Bible reading: Jeremiah 42 to 45

Song No. 175

No. 1: Song of Solomon 1:1 to 8:14 (si pp. 115-17, pars. 5-15)

No. 2: Jeremiah 44:20-30; 45:1-5

No. 3: Who Are the Wicked Spirits? (pe chap. 10, pars. 1-12)

No. 4: Why Is It Reasonable to Believe in Creation? (rs pp. 84-6)

Aug. 7 Bible reading: Jeremiah 46 to 48

Song No. 79

No. 1: Isaiah: Who Wrote It <nd When? (si p. 118, pars. 1-4)

No. 2: Jeremiah 46:13-28

No. 3: Understanding the Bible’s Account of Creation (rs pp. 86-8)

No. 4: Why Is Veneration of the Cross Unscriptural? (rs pp. 92-3, par. 1)

Aug. 14 Bible reading: Jeremiah 49 and 50

Song No. 166

No. 1: Isaiah: Its Unity and Authenticity (si pp. 118-19, pars. 5-8)

No. 2: Jeremiah 50:1-16

No. 3: Be Informed and Resist Wicked Spirits (pe chap. 10, pars. 13-19)

No. 4: Why Do Humans Die? (rs pp. 98-9, first subheading)

Aug. 21 Bible reading: Jeremiah 51 and 52

Song No. 4

No. 1: Isaiah 1:1 to 6:13 (si p. 119, pars. 9-11)

No. 2: Jeremiah 52:1-16

No. 3: Where Are the Dead and What Is Their Condition?

(rs pp. 99-100)

No. 4: Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Not Share in Traditional Mourning Customs? (rs pp. 102-3)

Aug. 28 Written Review. Complete Jeremiah 29

to 52

Sept. 4 Bible reading: Lamentations 1 and 2

Song No. 47

No. 1: Isaiah 7:1 to 14:27 (si pp. 119-20, pars. 12-14)

No. 2: Lamentations 1:1-18

No. 3: Why Has God Permitted Wickedness? (pe chap. 11, pars. 1-14)

No. 4: Refuting Misconceptions Regarding Death (rs pp. 103-4)

Sept. 11 Bible reading: Lamentations 3 to 5

Song No. 140

No. 1: Isaiah 14:28 to 27:13 (si p. 120, pars. 15-17)

No. 2: Lamentations 3:1-3,19-33

No. 3: Dreams: Inspired and Otherwise (rs pp. 104-6)

No. 4: Drugs: When Forbidden to Christians (rs pp. 106-7)

Sept. 18 Bible reading: Ezekiel 1 to 4

Song No. 160

No. 1: Isaiah 28:1 to 35:10 (si pp. 120-1, pars. 18-20)

No. 2: Ezekiel 3:10-27

No. 3: You Are Involved in a Vital Issue (pe chap. 12, pars. 1-17)

No. 4: Why Christians Avoid Marijuana (rs pp. 108-9, first subheading)

Sept. 25 Bible reading: Ezekiel 5 to 8

Song No. 61

No. 1: Isaiah 36:1 to 39:8 (si p. 121, pars. 21-23)

No. 2: Ezekiel 8:5-18

No. 3: Why Do Christians Avoid Tobacco? (rs pp. 109-11, first subheading)

No. 4: Nations Will Not Frustrate God’s Purpose Regarding Earth (rs pp. 112-13)

Oct. 2 Bible reading: Ezekiel 9 to 11

Song No. 91

No. 1: Isaiah 40:1 to 48:22 (si p. 121, pars. 24, 25)

No. 2: Ezekiel 9:1-11

No. 3: The Importance of God’s Government (pe chap. 13, pars. 1-9)

No. 4: Will Jehovah Destroy the Earth by Fire? (rs pp. 113-15)

Oct. 9 Bible reading: Ezekiel 12 to 14

Song No. 6

No. 1: Isaiah 49:1 to 59:21 (si pp. 121-2, pars. 26-29)

No. 2: Ezekiel 14:6-23

No. 3: Members of New Jerusalem Not to Return to Earth After Wicked Are Destroyed (rs pp. 115-16)

No. 4: Has God’s Original Purpose for Earth Changed? (rs pp. 116-17)

Oct. 16 Bible reading: Ezekiel 15 and 16

Song No. 182

No. 1: Isaiah 60:1 to 66:24 (si p. 122, pars. 30-33)

No. 2: Ezekiel 16:44-63

No. 3: Arranging for God’s Government (pe chap. 13, pars. 10-18)

No. 4: How Can We Encourage Sick Ones? (rs p. 117)

Oct. 23 Bible reading: Ezekiel 17 to 19

Song No. 185

No. 1: Jeremiah: Who Wrote It and When? (si pp. 124-5, pars. 1-6)

No. 2: Ezekiel 18:19-32

No. 3: How We Can Encourage Bereaved Ones (rs p. 118)

No. 4: Encouragement for Those Persecuted for Doing God’s Will (rs pp. 118-19)

Oct. 30 Written Review. Complete Lamentations 1 to Ezekiel 19

Song No. 217

Nov. 6 Bible reading: Ezekiel 20 and 21

Song No. 27

No. 1: Jeremiah 1:1 to 6:30 (si p. 125, pars. 7-10)

No. 2: Ezekiel 20:27-44

No. 3: Who Go to Heaven, and Why? (pe chap. 14, pars. 1-20)

No. 4: How Can You Encourage Those Disheartened by Injustices? (rs pp. 119-20)

Nov. 13 Bible reading: Ezekiel 22 and 23

Song No. 103

No. 1: Jeremiah 7:1 to 12:17 (si pp. 125-6, pars. 11-14)

No. 2: Ezekiel 22:17-31

No. 3: What Encouragement for Those Pressed by Economic Problems? (rs p. 120)

No. 4: Encouragement for Those Disheartened by Shortcomings (rs pp. 120-1)

Nov. 20 Bible reading: Ezekiel 24 to 26

Song No. 207

No. 1: Jeremiah 13:1 to 19:15 (si p. 126, pars. 15-17)

No. 2: Ezekiel 25:1-17

No. 3: What Is Required to Be a Subject of God’s Government? (pe chap. 15, pars. 1-19)

No. 4: Evolution: A Scientific Dilemma (rs pp. 121-2)

Nov. 27 Bible reading: Ezekiel 27 to 29

Song No. 180

No. 1: Jeremiah 20:1 to 25:38 (si pp. 126-7, pars. 18-23)

No. 2: Ezekiel 28:1-19

No. 3: Evolution and the Fossil Record (rs pp. 123-4)

No. 4: Refuting Evolutionists' Common Objections (rs pp. 126-7)

Dec. 4 Bible reading: Ezekiel 30 to 32

Song No. 14

No. 1: Jeremiah 26:1 to 34:22 (si pp. 127-8, pars. 24-26)

No. 2: Ezekiel 31:1-18

No. 3: What Marked the Beginning of Kingdom Rule? (pe chap. 16, pars. 1-13)

No. 4: Why Do Many People Lack Faith? (rs pp. 129-30)

Dec. 11 Bible reading: Ezekiel 33 and 34

Song No. 144

No. 1: Jeremiah 35:1 to 44:30 (si p. 128, pars. 27-31)

No. 2: Ezekiel 34:1-16

No. 3: How Can a Person Acquire Faith? (rs pp. 130-1, par. 3)

No. 4: Faith in Prospect of Righteous New System Proved by Works (rs pp. 131-2)

Dec. 18 Bible reading: Ezekiel 35 to 37

Song No. 195

No. 1: Jeremiah 45:1 to 52:34 (si pp. 128-9, pars. 32-36)

No. 2: Ezekiel 37:10-28

No. 3: Identifying the Time for Kingdom Rule to Begin (pe chap. 16, pars. 14-22)

No. 4: How Can False Prophets Be Identified? (rs pp. 132-3, first subheading)

Dec. 25 Written Review. Complete Ezekiel 20 to 37

Announcements

• Literature offer for October: One-year subscription for either Awake! or The Watchtower, or both, for contribution of $5.00 each. Six-month subscriptions and subscriptions for monthly editions are $2.50 each. November: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures along with book “Let Your Kingdom Come" for contribution of $4.50. December: My Book of Bible Stories for a contribution of $2.50. The “Look!” brochure can also be offered for a contribution of 30c. January and February: Any two of the older pocketsize books the congregation has in stock for a contribution of $1.00. May include Choosing, Commentary on James, “Eternal Purpose,” Evolution (old edition), Good News, Holy Spirit, Peace and Security (old edition), This Life, Truth, and World Government.

• With this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry, we are including the Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 1988. 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.

• Congregations should begin ordering Examining the Scriptures Daily—1988 with their October literature order. (See 1987 Cost List, paragraphs 7-10.) Examining the Scriptures booklets will be available in Arabic, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Iloko, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Samoan, Spanish, Swedish, and Tagalog. Until these booklets are available and shipments are made, they will appear as “Back Ordered” on congregation invoices. Examining the Scriptures booklets are controlled stock items and will be charged to the literature account at 30e each, which is the publisher rate. Regular and special pioneers on the list before July 1, 1987, may receive one free copy and obtain additional copies at 20e each. A separate entry should be made on the monthly remittance form (S-20), showing free copies to pioneers. (See the 1987 Cost List, paragraphs 23-25.)

• New Publications Available:

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—1987 Edition (Regular; bil2 with marginal references)

—French

Aid to Bible Understanding (Volume 7, Ri-Zo)                 —French

Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! —Polish "Look! I Am Making All Things New”

—Malagasy, Polish The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever                —Polish

Tract No. 13       —Dutch, French,

German, Swedish

• A quarterly edition (four issues per year) of the A wake! magazine in Hungarian is being made available by the Society. Congregations should send in a Distributors’ Order form (M-202) listing the quantity they will require. Please note there is no subscription arrangement for this quarterly magazine.

• ¹ Without doubt, Jehovah God has ‘equipped us with every good thing to do his will.’ Accordingly, as we effectively use the things he provides, Jehovah ‘performs in us through Jesus Christ that which is well-pleasing in his sight.’—Heb. 13: 20, 21.

• ² The modern history of his people clearly shows that Jehovah God has provided direction and has equipped us with the publications we need in order to accomplish the work he has given us to do. (Matt. 24:14; 28: 19, 20; Rev. 9:17, 19) Jehovah has blessed the effective use of these provisions, and the Christian congregation continues to experience outstanding growth.

NEW RELEASES

• ³ Recently, at our “Trust in Jehovah” District Conventions, we were thrilled to receive new publications to help others establish their trust in God. At the close of his address Friday morning, the chairman released a new tract, Why You Can Trust the Bible. Then, in the afternoon appropriate demonstrations showed us how to use it.

• ⁴ Have you been using this tract? It goes well with our current Topic for Conversation. Some who need to use a simple presentation will And this tract very helpful. Most of us will be able to use it effectively in our ministry in a variety of ways—perhaps to introduce our presentation, | to offer when a householder is busy, and to leave when we find no one at home.

• ⁵ It was a pleasure to know that three more tracts are now available. They are What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe?, Life in a Peaceful New World, and What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? These tracts will also

Cassette                  (Cont’dl

following the same procedure as for regular subscriptions.

• ⁵ For the benefit of the blind and those physically unable to use or read conventionally printed matter, the Society is making The Watchtower on cassette available at a reduced rate that is less than production cost. Those qualified for this reduced rate will receive their cassettes postage free as “Free Matter for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.” In order to qualify, it will be necessary tn prnvirTn~cprti»-cation of impairment with each reduced-rate subscription. This may be in the form of a certificate, such help others learn what the Bible teaches and why they can trust God’s promises. Be sure to carry some of them with you for use in both regular and informal witnessing.

• ⁶ A most treasured new release at the “Trust in Jehovah” District Convention is the pocket edition of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Over the years, we have used different Bibles in the field ministry, but now we have one that can be carried in pocket or purse. Here is another evidence that Jehovah God has ‘equipped us with every good thing to do his will.’ So whether we are engaging in the regular features of service or witnessing informally, we can have a copy of God’s Word handy to support what we express. How happy we are to have this new pocket edition of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures!

PUT THEM TO GOOD USE

• ⁷ These new convention releases brought forth spontaneous applause when they were announced. Immediately we could see the good to be accomplished in the preaching and teaching work with the aid of these timely provisions from Jehovah, ‘the Giver of every good and perfect gift.’ (Jas. 1:17) To the extent that we use these publications, we can expect our joy to increase because of the fine Kingdom fruitage that will result.—John 15:8.

• ⁸ Taking a lesson from Jesus’ parable of the talents, we know that Jehovah expects us to put to good use all that he has given us. Therefore, let us fully accomplish our ministry with the use of his provisions, including these new releases. As a result, we will receive our Lord’s approval and blessing.

as provided by organizations for the blind, doctors, rehabljilation professionals, and so fort hfOy the congregation secretary. on The basis of his-personal acquaintance with the subscriber, rqay sign the certification statement on the reverse side of the special subscription slip. Please note that illiteracy alone does not qualify one for the reduced rate.

⁶ While The Watchtower on cassette will be most appreciated by those with visual impairment, the Society is pleased to make these cassette recordings available to anv who may desire, to benefit from The Watchtower on tape in addition to the printed magazine.

With Special-Interest Articles in Our Magazines

• ¹ When Jesus foretold that “this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations,” none of his disciples could have foreseen the scope of the work as we now see it being accomplished. (Matt. 24:14) There were no printing presses in those days, nor could anyone have conceived of MEPS (Multilanguage Electronic Phototypesetting System), which is currently capable of setting type in 186 different languages.

• ² Watch Tower publications are making the good news available to interested people everywhere. The Watchtower is published in 103 languages with an average printing of 12,315,000, and Awake! is now in 54 languages with an average printing of 10,610,000. It is our privilege to use these magazines in presenting this good news to “all sorts of men.” —1 Tim. 2:4.

FEATURE SPECIAL-INTEREST ARTICLES

• ³ When you get a new issue of the magazines, do you enjoy reading it through in order to find out how Jehovah is benefiting us by the material prepared? (Isa. 48:17) After that, why not decide which article you would like to present in the field and thus be ready for service? Perhaps you will note something that would be of particular interest to certain

Help Others                (Cont’d)

power. Use it to move the students to associate with God’s people at meetings, assemblies, conventions, and otherwise. This will help them develop a desire to have a close personal relationship with Jehovah.

DO NOT DELAY

• ⁶ The Ethiopian eunuch to whom Philip spoke did not delay in getting baptized. He searched his own mind and heart and asked Philip if there were any factors that prevented him from getting baptized. Finding no cause for delay, he promptly got baptized. (Acts 8:26-38) That is the spirit we want to cultivate in Bible students today.—Compare John 14:23; 2 Corinthians 5:14,15.

• ⁷ Only those ‘marked’ for salvation will survive into Jehovah's new system. (Ezek. 9:2-6) How happy those who submit to this ‘marking’ for survival will be because of their dedicated relationship with Jehovah God, as symbolized by water baptism! people in your territory. A judge in Ohio wrote a letter of appreciation to a Witness couple who brought him an issue of Awake! dealing with the problem of drinking and driving.

• ⁴ In addition to presenting the magazines from house to house, do you show articles you find particularly interesting to people where you work? Do you visit business places to offer the magazines at times when the proprietors are not rushed? Do you share the truth with others on the streets as you have occasion? Many brothers and sisters, including those who find it difficult to climb stairs in city territory, do this work very effectively, approaching people who cannot be reached otherwise. In this way they give a modern application to Proverbs 1:20.

A GOOD EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW

• ⁵ When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman who had come to a well for water, he said: “If you had known ... who it is that says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:7-10) Just as that woman did not know Jesus or the life-giving truth he had, so the people today may not know who we are or the importance of the message we bring them. Jesus spoke with the people on every appropriate occasion and everywhere—a good example for us to follow.

• ⁶ As we enjoy the fine spiritual food in the well-illustrated magazines now reaching us, may we do what we can to share it with others! They too may respond as did the Samaritan woman who said to Jesus: “Sir, give me this water.” Indeed, those now receiving with appreciation this fine spiritual food may finally be guided to the “fountains of waters of life.” —John 4:11-15; Rev. 7:17.

Schedule for congregation studies in the book United in Worship of the Only True God:

October 4: Pages 23, par. 7 to 26, (2)

October 11: Pages 26, (3) to 30, par. 4

October 18: Pages 31, par. 5 to 33, (4)

October 25: Pages 33, par. 9 to 39, par. 4

Numbers in parentheses refer to questions within the text.

JULY SERVICE REPORT

Av    Av   Av

Pubs.  Hrs.  Mags.  R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’IPios. 219 121.9 83.2 49.1 5.5

Pios.      51,482  72.3  37.0 25.4

Aux. Pios. 33,953  60.0  29.8 15.2

Pubs. 658,114 10.0   6.9  3.6 0.5

TOTAL 743,768

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 9,188

Reprint of Watchtower Bound Volumes

• ¹ What a wonderful provision the Watch Tower Publications Index 1930-1985 is for research and study! However, many brothers do not have in their personal or Kingdom Hall library all the publications referred to in the Index. In order to help provide some of this material, the Society is planning a reprint of The Watchtower bound volumes for the years 1960 through 1979, in English only. These reprints will be produced as we are able to work them into our schedule. It is our intention to make these available five volumes at a time. Orders for the years 1960 through 1964 will be accepted during November.

• ² The Society does not intend to stock a supply of these reprint volumes. Therefore, we urge all to consider the matter carefully and place orders for what they need. If congregations decide to stock one or two volumes for future needs, these should be paid for out of the congregation cash account and not kept on the shelf at the Society’s expense. Since these are controlled stock items, they are to be paid for upon receipt. The price will be $6.00 each. The Literature Order form (S-14 6/87) lists the volumes that are available for ordering at this time.

• ³ Congregations and individuals desiring to have these volumes for their library should determine the total number of volumes they desire for each year and submit their request through the congregation. The total quantity should be entered on the Literature Order form (S-14) and be submitted during the month of November. The reprint volumes will be shown as back ordered on the congregation invoice until they are shipped.

• ⁴ The Society will announce each group of bound volumes to be made available. Please be guided by such future announcements, and place your orders accordingly. At this time, do not place orders other than for the five years now being made available. The presiding overseer and the secretary should make sure that everyone has an opportunity to order the volumes desired and see that this order is placed during the month of November.

• ⁵ We trust that these Watchtower reprints will enhance the value of the Watch Tower Publications Index 1930-1985 by making available many spiritual treasures the organization has provided.

8