Our Kingdom Ministry

October 2001                      For United States of America km-E Us 10/01 Vol. 44, No. 10

Are You Applying What You Learned at the “Teachers of God’s Word” District Convention?

• ¹ Anyone who attended this year’s district convention could see that Jehovah’s people are intent on fulfilling their commission to be teachers of God’s Word. (Matt. 28:19, 20) As you returned home, what specific points of instruction were you determined to apply in your own life and in the field ministry?

• ² Inspired Scriptures Beneficial for Teaching: The first day’s theme highlighted 2 Timothy 3:16. The keynote address showed that to be “Completely Equipped as Teachers of God’s Word,” we must highly esteem God’s Word, respect it above any human opinion or tradition, and use it faithfully. We must also pray daily for holy spirit to help us in our ministry and work to cultivate its foremost fruitage—love. And we must allow Jehovah’s earthly organization to train us as ministers through all the congregation meetings.

• ³ Friday’s symposium, “Teaching Ourselves While Teaching Others,” explained that we must be exemplary in (1) adhering to God’s laws in all facets of Christian morality, (2) maintaining diligent study habits, and (3) eradicating attitudes and conditions of the heart and mind that the Devil can exploit. Next, we learned practical ways to protect our families from the worldly plague of pornography. Parents were urged to set the example in avoiding even a momentary look at a sexual scene and to monitor their children’s Internet use and television viewing. Which points from Friday’s program have you begun to apply?

• ⁴ The last talk of the day enhanced our resolve to cherish Jehovah’s light, to stay close to God’s faithful anointed class, and to contribute toward the peace of Jehovah’s people. Have you read the new release Isaiah's Prophecy—Light for AU Mankind II?

• ⁵ Adequately Qualified to Teach Others: The theme text for the second day was 2 Timothy 2:2. As you listened to the Saturday morning symposium, did you take note of suggestions on how to (1) search out deserving ones, (2) cultivate their interest, and (3) teach them to observe all that Christ commanded? Are you applying what you learned—to show householders at least one point from the Scriptures and to lay the groundwork for a future visit?

• ⁶ The afternoon program stressed the importance of imitating the Great Teacher, Jesus. In what ways are you endeavoring to be more like him? From what you learned in the second symposium of the day, how do you feel you can “Benefit More Fully From Theocratic Education”? What suggestions have you applied to increase your attention span during personal study and congregation meetings?

• ⁷ Without a doubt, the forthcoming provision Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education will help us to grow in our abilities as speakers and as teachers of God’s Word. Greater attention will be given to the speech qualities that characterized faithful servants of God in Bible times. Each lesson in the new textbook has boxes that concisely show what we need to do, why it is important, and how to do it. Practical exercises are included. Sisters will have 29 settings from which to choose when delivering their assignments. In time, the announced changes will be made in the format of the school. Do you have a good routine of study and preparation so as to benefit fully from the Theocratic Ministry School each week?

• ⁸ Be Teachers in View of the Time: Hebrews 5: 12 set the tone for Sunday. The morning symposium, “Malachi’s Prophecy Prepares Us for Jehovah’s Day,” urged us to give God our very best and to hate all forms of treachery so that we may survive the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah. The drama, “Respect Jehovah’s Authority,” forcefully showed how the pride, ambition, jealousy, and misplaced loyalty of ancient Korah and his associates led to acts of outright rebellion against Jehovah himself. The follow-up talk focused on the modern-day need to submit to godly authority within the family and the congregation. The public discourse, “Who Are Teaching All Nations the Truth?,” supplied proof that Jehovah’s Witnesses are doing so, in contrast with Christendom, which merely professes to teach Bible truth.

• ⁹ Clearly, Jehovah is training us to be better teachers of his Word. Let us apply what we learned, ‘paying constant attention to ourselves and to our teaching, that we may save both ourselves and those who listen to us.’—1 Tim. 4:16.

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting October 8

Song 109

10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Encourage everyone to view the video United by Divine Teaching in preparation for the discussion at the Service Meeting the week of October 22. Using suggestions on page 8, demonstrate two brief magazine presentations, one using the October 15 Watchtower and the other using the October 22 Awake!

35 min: “Are You Applying What You Learned at the ‘Teachers of God’s Word’ District Convention?” Audience discussion of the convention program, to be handled by the Watchtower Study conductor. After a one-minute introduction, allot 10-12 minutes for each day’s program. Briefly present the main points under each subheading, and then invite comments from the audience on (1) how they have endeavored to apply the instruction, (2) how they have benefited from doing so, and (3) what more they feel they need to do. Use thought-provoking questions to encourage a lively discussion. Help all to appreciate the need to use what they have learned.

Song 151 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting October 15

Song 113

1O min: Local announcements. Accounts report.

15 min: Do You Have “an Obedient Heart”? (1 Ki. 3:9) Talk by an elder, based on the July 15,1998, Watchtower, pages 29-31. Discuss ways in which we can demonstrate obedience in working with the congregation.

20 min: Make Good Use of Our Magazines. The service overseer and the magazine servant discuss their concerns about local magazine distribution. They mention how many copies the congregation receives each month compared with the number reported as placed. Evidently, quite a few copies are being stored or thrown away. How can the publishers make better use of our magazines? The brothers discuss the seven points in the Service Meeting part “Be Magazine Conscious!” for the week of October 4, 1999. They review the experience in the February 15, 1998, Watchtower, pages 28-9, and consider some ways that the suggestions might be applied locally. Everyone is encouraged to try the sample presentations featured each month in Our Kingdom Ministry.

Song 156 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting October 22

Song 120

10 min: Local announcements. Using the suggestions on page 8, demonstrate two brief magazine presentations, one using the November 1 Watchtower and the other using the November 8 Awake!

10 min: How Would You Respond? Briefly point out pages 204-5 in the Reasoning book, where a clear answer is given to the question, “How do Jehovah’s Witnesses arrive at their explanation of the Bible?” Present a well-prepared demonstration of how to respond to this question on a return visit, followed by a warm invitation to attend the congregation meetings.

25 min: “United by Divine Teaching —A View of Real Brotherly Unity.” Audience discussion. Use the first and last paragraphs to introduce and conclude the part. To prompt a lively discussion of the video, ask each of the questions that are provided. If any in the congregation have attended conventions in other countries, have them share their feelings about seeing firsthand the international scope and unity of our organization. Otherwise, have some heartfelt experiences related from the 1994 Yearbook, pages 7-9, and the 1995 Yearbook, pages 8-11. In December we will review the video To the Ends of the Earth.

Song 47 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting October 29

Song 164

12 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for October. The literature offer for November is the Require brochure or the Knowledge book. Demonstrate this brief presentation: “In these economically challenging times, many people are finding it hard to make ends meet. Do you think human governments will solve this problem in a way that will be fair to everyone? [Allow for response.] I have found this promise in the Bible to be most encouraging.” Read Psalm 72:12-14. Then offer the Require brochure or the Knowledge book, tying in an appropriate comment from the publication.

15 min: Local needs.

18 min: J‘How Well Do You Eat Spiritually?”* Invite additional comments from the audience on the April 15, 1997, Watchtower, pages 28-31, to explain why and how we must exert ourselves to maintain good spiritual eating habits.

Song 181 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting November 5

Song 167

10 min: Local announcements.

18 min: Family Preparation for Meetings. Father discusses with his family how all can prepare to have a good share in the meetings. Using the guidelines in the July 1, 1999, Watchtower, pages 19-20, paragraph 9, they prepare comments to give during this week’s Watchtower Study. (1) Each family member selects a question or two on which to comment. (2) After reviewing the respective paragraphs, they formulate their comments in their own words. (3) They pick out the key cited scriptures, discuss how each relates to the subject, and plan what to say to apply them to the lesson. All are eager to participate in the meeting.

17 min: “What Is the Objective?”* Emphasize the importance of helping students to see the value of attending congregation meetings. Include a well-prepared demonstration of how to do this, using chapter 17, paragraphs 6-8, in the Knowledge book.

Song 186 and concluding prayer.

* Limit introductory comments to less than a minute, and follow with a question-and-answer discussion.

July Service Report
Number of:	Av. Hrs.	Av. Mags.	Av. R.V.	Av. Bi.St.
Sp’IPios. 134	116.4 100.5		52.8	4.5
Pios. 85,015	61.9	42.4	19.7	1.7
Aux. Pios. 21,760	50.0	36.6	11.9	0.9
Pubs. 836,647	9.3	8.4	3.4 O.3
TOTAL 943,556		Baptized: 4,013

© 2001 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.; M. H. Larson, President; G. F. Simonis, Secretary-Treasurer; 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483. Periodicals Postage Paid at Brooklyn, NY, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry, 1000 Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299.               Printed in U.S.A.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR 2002

INSTRUCTIONS

During 2002 the following will be the arrangements when conducting the Theocratic Ministry School.

SOURCE MATERIAL: The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures [bil2], The Watchtower [w], "All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” (1990 Edition) [sz], and Reasoning From the Scriptures [rs] will be the basis for assignments.

The school should begin ON TIME with song, prayer, and a brief welcome. There is no need to give a preview of what is on the program. As the school overseer introduces each part, he will mention the subject to be developed. Proceed as follows:

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1: 15 minutes. This should be handled by an elder or a ministerial servant, and it will be based on The Watchtower or "All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial.” When based on The Watchtower, this assignment should be delivered as a 15-minute instruction talk with no oral review; when based on the "All Scripture” book, it should be delivered as a 10- to 12-minute talk, followed by a 3- to 5-minute oral review using the printed questions in the publication. 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. The theme shown should be used.

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

HIGHLIGHTS FROM BIBLE READING: 6 minutes. This should be handled by an elder or a ministerial servant who will effectively apply the material to local needs. No theme is necessary. This should not be just a summary of the assigned reading. A 30-to 60-second overall review of the assigned chapters may be included. The principal objective, however, is to help the audience to appreciate why and how the information is of value to us. The students will then be dismissed to their various classrooms by the school overseer.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 2: 5 minutes. This is a Bible reading of the assigned material to be given by a brother, whether the student is in the main school or in an auxiliary school. The reading assignments are usually short enough to permit the students to present brief explanatory information in the opening and concluding remarks. Historical background, prophetic or doctrinal significance, and application of principles may be included. All the assigned verses should be read without a break. Of course, when the verses to be read are not consecutive, the student may cite the verse where the reading continues.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 3: 5 minutes. This will be assigned to a sister. The subject for this presentation will be based on Reasoning From the Scriptures. Any setting that is appropriate for your territory may be used, and the participants may be either seated or standing. The school overseer will be particularly interested in the way the student develops the assigned theme and helps the householder to reason on the scriptures. The student assigned this part should know how to read. One assistant will be scheduled by the school overseer, but an additional assistant may be used. Not the setting but the effective use of the Bible should be given prime consideration.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 4: 5 minutes. The subject for this assignment will be based on Reasoning From the Scriptures. A brother or a sister may be given Assignment No. 4. When assigned to a brother, it should always be a talk. When assigned to a sister, it should be presented as outlined for Assignment No. 3.

BIBLE READING SCHEDULE: Everyone in the congregation is encouraged to follow the weekly Bible reading schedule, which amounts to reading about one page a day.

NOTE: For additional information and instruction regarding counsel, timing, written reviews, and the preparation of assignments, please see page 3 of the October 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry.

SCHEDULE

Jan. 7 Bible reading: Ecclesiastes 1-6

Song No. 59

No. 1: Introduction to Ecclesiastes (si pp. 112-13 pars. 1-8)

No. 2: Ecclesiastes 4:1-16

No. 3: * ‘Do You Believe in Healing?’ (rs p. 160 par. 6-p. 161 par. 1)

No. 4: Did We All Exist in the Spirit Realm Before Our Birth as Humans? (rs p. 161 par. 2-p. 162 par. 3)

Jan. 14 Bible reading: Ecclesiastes 7-12

Song No. 25

No. 1: Ecclesiastes—Why Beneficial (si p. 114 pars. 15-19)

No. 2: Ecclesiastes 8:1-17

No. 3: If Adam Had Not Sinned, Would He Eventually Have Gone to Heaven? (rs p. 162 pars. 4-5)

No. 4: Must a Person Go to Heaven to Have a Truly Happy Future? (rs p. 163 pars. 1-3)

Jan. 21 Bible reading: Song of Solomon 1-8

Song No. 11

No. 1: Introduction to Song of Solomon and Why Beneficial (si pp. 115-17 pars. 1-4,16-18)

No. 2: Song of Solomon 5:1-16

No. 3: What Does 1 Peter 3:19,20 Mean? (rs p. 163 par. 4)

No. 4: What Is the Meaning of 1 Peter 4:6? (rs p. 163 par. 5)

Jan. 28 Bible reading: Isaiah 1-6

Song No. 204

No. 1: Introduction to Isaiah (si pp. 118-19 pars. 1-8)

No. 2: Isaiah 2:1-17

No. 3: Is Heavenly Life the Hope for All Christians? (rs p. 164 pars. 1-3)

No. 4: WTiat Does the “New Testament” Say About Eternal Life on Earth? (rs p. 165 par. 1-p. 166 par. 2)

Feb. 4 Bible reading: Isaiah 7-11

Song No. 89

No. 1: We Need Jehovah’s Organization (wOO 1/1 pp. 30-1)

No. 2: Isaiah 8:1-22

No. 3: To How Many Does the Bible Hold Out Hope of Heavenly Life? (rs p. 166 pars. 3-4)

No. 4: Are the 144,000 Only Natural Jews? (rs p. 166 par. 5-p. 167 par. 3)

Feb. 11 Bible reading: Isaiah 12-19

Song No. 177

No. 1: How Do You View Yourself? (wOO 1/15 pp. 20-2)

No. 2: Isaiah 17:1-14

No. 3: What Is the Scriptural Hope of the “Great Crowd”? (rs p. 167 par. 4-p. 168 par. 1)

No. 4: What Will Those Who Go to Heaven Do There? (rs p. 168 pars. 2-6)

Feb. 18 Bible reading: Isaiah 20-26

Song No. 225

No. 1: Cultivate Intimacy With Jehovah (u'001/15 pp. 23-6)

No. 2: Isaiah 22:1-19

No. 3: Does the Bible Say That the Soul Survives the Death of the Body? (rs p. 169 pars. 1-5)

No. 4: What Sort of People Go to the Bible Hell? (rs p. 170

pars. 1-3)

Feb. 25 Bible reading: Isaiah 27-31

Song No. 192

No. 1: The Persecutor Sees a Great Light (zcOO 1/15 pp. 27-9)

No. 2: Isaiah 29:1-14

No. 3: Does Anyone Ever Get out of the Bible Hell? (rs p. 170 par. 4-p. 171 par. 1)

No. 4: Is There Eternal Punishment for the Wicked? (rs p. 171 par. 2-p. 172 par. 1)

Mar. 4 Bible reading: Isaiah 32-37

Song No. 98

No. 1: Success Through Perseverance (wOO 2/1 pp. 4-6)

No. 2: Isaiah 33:1-16

No. 3: What Is the ‘Eternal Torment’ Referred to in Revelation? (rs p. 172 pars. 2-3)

No. 4: What Is the ‘Fiery Gehenna’ to Which Jesus Referred? (rs p. 173 pars. 1-3)

Mar. 11 Bible reading: Isaiah 38-42

Song No. 132

No. 1: A Mother’s Wise Counsel (U'00 2/1 pp. 30-1)

No. 2: Isaiah 42:1-16

No. 3: What Is the Penalty for Sin? (rs p. 174 pars. 1^1)

No. 4: Did Jesus Teach That the Wicked Would Be Tormented After Death? (rs p. 174 par. 5)

Mar. 18 Bible reading: Isaiah 43-47

Song No. 160

No. 1: Stay out of the Danger Zone (U'OO 2/15 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: Isaiah 44:6-20

No. 3: What Does the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus Mean? (rs p. 175 pars. 1-3)

No. 4: Is Christmas a Celebration Based on the Bible? (rs p. 176 pars. 1-4)

Mar. 25 Bible reading: Isaiah 48-52

Song No. 161

No. 1: The Power of Prayer («:00 3/1 pp. 3-4)

No. 2: Isaiah 49:1-13

No. 3: Who Were the Wise Men, or Magi, Who Were Led to Jesus by a Star? (rs p. 177 pars. 1-3)

No. 4: What Should We Consider When Examining Christmas Traditions? (rs p. 177 par. 4-p. 178 par. 2)

Apr. 1 Bible reading: Isaiah 53-59

Song No. 210

No. 1: Searching for Jehovah With a Prepared Heart (wOO 3/1 pp. 29-31)

No. 2: Isaiah 54:1-17

No. 3: What Principles Should Guide Us in Connection With Celebrations? (rs p. 178 par. 3-p. 179 par. 2)

No. 4: What Should We Know About Easter and New Year’s Celebrations? (rs p. 179 par. 3-p. 180 par. 2)

Apr. 8 Bible reading: Isaiah 60-66

Song No. Ill

No. 1: Isaiah—Why Beneficial (si p. 123 pars. 34-9)

No. 2: Isaiah 61:1-11

No. 3: What Underlies Holidays in Memory of the “Spirits of the Dead”? (rs p. 180 par. 3-p. 181 par. 3)

No. 4: What Do We Know About Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Nationalistic Ceremonies? (rs p. 181 par. 5-p. 182 par. 5)

Apr. 15 Bible reading: Jeremiah 1-4

Song No. 70

No. 1: Introduction to Jeremiah (si p. 124 pars. 1-5)

No. 2: Jeremiah 2:4-19

No. 3: What Does the Bible Say About Images as Objects of Worship? (rs p. 183 pars. 1-4)

No. 4: May Images Be Used Simply as Aids in Worship of the True God? (rs p. 183 par. 5-p. 184 par. 4)

Apr. 22 Bible reading: Jeremiah 5-8

Song No. 205

No. 1: Why Mankind Needs a Helper (wOO 3/15 pp. 3-4)

No. 2: Jeremiah 7:1-20

No. 3: Should We Venerate “Saints” as Intercessors With God? (rs p. 184 par. 5-p. 185 par. 2)

No. 4: How Does God View Images That Are Obj ects of Worship? (rs p. 185 par. 3-p. 186 par. 2)

Apr. 29 Written Review. Bible reading: Jeremiah 9-13

Song No. 46

May 6 Bible reading: Jeremiah 14-18

Song No. 224

No. 1: How Jesus Christ Can Help Us (wOO 3/15 pp. 5-9)

No. 2: Jeremiah 17:1-18

No. 3: How Should We Feel About Any Images That We May Formerly Have Venerated? (rs p. 186 pars. 3-5)

No. 4: What Effect Could Use of Images in Worship Have on Our Own Future? (rs p. 187 pars. 1-4)

May 13 Bible reading: Jeremiah 19-23

Song No. 73

No. 1: Modesty—A Quality That Promotes Peace (wOO 3/15 pp.21-4)

No. 2: Jeremiah 19:1-15

No. 3: When People Cast Aside Bible Standards, Do They Really Gain Freedom? (rs p. 187 par. 5-p. 188 par. 2)

No. 4: What Is the Bible’s Counsel on Materialistic Pursuits and Overindulgence in Alcohol? (rs p. 188 pars. 3-4)

May 20 Bible reading: Jeremiah 24-28

Song No. 140

No. 1: An Exemplary Man Who Accepted Correction (wOO 3/15 pp. 25-8)

No. 2: Jeremiah 25:1-14

No. 3: Treasure Your Relat ionship With Jehovah, and Avoid Bad Associations (rs p. 189 par. 2)

No. 4: Who Urged Humans to Ignore God’s Commands? (rs p. 189 par. 3-p. 190 par. 1)

May 27 Bible reading: Jeremiah 29-31

Song No. 42

No. 1: How Does God’s Spirit Operate Today? (wOO 4/1 pp. 8-11)

No. 2: Jeremiah 30:1-16

No. 3: What Attitudes Should We Avoid? (rs p. 190 par. 2-p. 191 par. 1)

No. 4: When Independence Leads One to Imitate the World, Under Whose Control Does One Come? (rs p. 191 pars. 2-3)

June 3 Bible reading: Jeremiah 32-35

Song No. 85

No. 1: Take Comfort in Jehovah’s Strength (wOO 4/15 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: Jeremiah 34:1-16

No. 3: Where Is God’s Name Found in Bible Translations That Are Commonly Used Today? (rs p. 191 par. 4- p. 193 par. 7)

No. 4: Why Do Many Bible Translations Not Use the Personal Name of God? (rs p. 193 par. 8-p. 194 par. 4)

June 10 Bible reading: Jeremiah 36-40

Song No. 159

No. 1: Do You View Violent Ones as God Does? (irOO 4/15 pp. 26-9)

No. 2: Jeremiah 37:1-17

No. 3: Which Form of the Divine Name Is Correct, Jehovah or Yahweh? (rs p. 195 par. 1-p. 197 par. 7)

No. 4: Is Jehovah in the “Old Testament” Jesus Christ in the “New Testament"? (rs p. 197 par. 8-p. 198 par. 3)

June 17 Bible reading: Jeremiah 41-45

Song No. 26

No. 1: “Safeguard Your Heart” (wOO 5/15 pp. 20-4)

No. 2: Jeremiah 41:1-15

No. 3: How Can a Person Love Jehovah if He Is Also to Fear Him? (rs p. 198 par. 4-p. 199 par. 1)

No. 4: What Beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses Separate Them From Other Religions? (rs p. 199 par. 2-p. 200 par. 7)

June 24 Bible reading: Jeremiah 46-49

Song No. 15

No. 1: Perfect Life Is Not Just a Dream! (wOO 6/15 pp. 5-7)

No. 2: Jeremiah 49:1-13

No. 3: Are Jehovah’s Witnesses an American Religion? (rs p. 201 pars. 1-6)

No. 4: Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a Sect? (rs p. 202 par. 1-p. 203 par. 3)

July 1 Bible reading: Jeremiah 50-52

Song No. 100

No. 1: Jeremiah—Why Beneficial (si p. 129 pars. 36-9)

No. 2: Jeremiah 50:1-16

No. 3: Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe That Their Religion Is the Only Right One? (rs p. 203 pars. 4-5)

No. 4: True Religion Adheres to the Bible (rs p. 204 par. 1)

July 8 Bible reading: Lamentations 1-2

Song No. 8

No. 1: Introduction to Lamentations (si pp. 130-1 pars. 1-7)

No. 2: Lamentations 1:1-14

No. 3: How Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Arrive at Their Explanation of the Bible? (rs p. 204 par. 2-p. 205 par. 3)

No. 4: Why Have There Been Changes in the Teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses? (rs p. 205 par. 4)

July 15 Bible reading: Lamentations 3-5

Song No. 145

No. 1: Lamentations—Why Beneficial (si p. 132 pars. 13-15)

No. 2: Lamentations 3:1-30

No. 3: Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Preach From House to House? (rs p. 206 pars. 1-4)

No. 4: Why Are Jehovah’s Witnesses Persecuted? (rs p. 207

pars. 1-2)

July 22 Bible reading: Ezekiel 1-6

Song No. 94

No. 1: Introduction to Ezekiel (si pp. 132-3 pars. 1-6)

No. 2: Ezekiel 4:1-17

No. 3: * ‘Why Don’t You Get Involved in Making the World a Better Place to Live?’ (rs p. 207 par. 3-p. 208 par. 2)

No. 4: * ‘Christians Are Supposed to Be Witnesses for Jesus, Not for Jehovah’ (rs p. 208 par. 3)

July 29 Bible reading: Ezekiel 7-12

Song No. 221

No. 1: Benefit From Good Examples (wOO 7/1 pp. 19-21)

No. 2: Ezekiel 10:1-19

No. 3: Was Jesus Christ a Real Person? (rs p. 209 pars. 1-4)

No. 4: Was Jesus Christ Simply a Good Man? (rs p. 210 par. 1)

Aug. 5 Bible reading: Ezekiel 13-16

Song No. 106

No. 1: You Can Remain Chaste in an Immoral World (wOO 7/15 pp. 28-31)

No. 2: Ezekiel 13:1-16

No. 3: Was Jesus Just Another Religious Leader? (rs p. 210 par. 2)

No. 4: Why Did the Jews in General Not Accept Jesus? (rs p. 211 pars. 1-2)

Aug. 12 Bible reading: Ezekiel 17-20

Song No. 214

No. 1: Why Respect Authority? (w:00 8/1 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: Ezekiel 17:1-18

No. 3: Is Jesus Christ Actually God? (rs p. 212 pars. 1-2)

No. 4: Does John 1:1 Prove That Jesus Is God? (rs p. 212 pars. 4-6)

Aug. 19 Bible reading: Ezekiel 21-23

Song No. 86

No. 1: How Do You Handle Differences? (wOO 8/15 pp. 23-5)

No. 2: Ezekiel 22:1-16

No. 3: Does Thomas’ Exclamation at John 20:28 Prove That Jesus

Is Truly God? (rs p. 213 pars. 1-3)

No. 4: Does Matthew 1:23 Indicate That Jesus When on Earth

Was God? (rs p. 214 pars. 1-3)

Aug. 26 Written Review. Bible reading: Ezekiel 24-28

Song No. 18

Sept. 2 Bible reading: Ezekiel 29-32

Song No. 40

No. 1: Why Be Self-Sacrificing? (wOO 9/15 pp. 21-4)

No. 2: Ezekiel 30:1-19

No. 3: What Is the Meaning of John 5:18? (rs p. 214 pars. 4-5)

No. 4: Does the Fact That Worship Is Given to Jesus Prove That He Is God? (rs p. 214 par. 6-p. 215 par. 2)

Sept. 9 Bible reading: Ezekiel 33-36

Song No. 49

No. 1: How You Can Draw Close to God (wOO 10/15 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: Ezekiel 33:1-16

No. 3: Do the Miracles Performed by Jesus Prove That He Is God? (rs p. 215 par. 3-p. 216 par. 1)

No. 4: Is Believing in Jesus Christ All That Is Required for Salvation? (rs p. 216 par. 3)

Sept. 16 Bible reading: Ezekiel 37-40

Song No. 34

No. 1: How Do You Measure Success? (wOO 11/1 pp. 18-21)

No. 2: Ezekiel 39:1-16

No. 3: Did Jesus Have a Heavenly Existence Before He Became a Human? (rs p. 216 par. 4-p. 217 par. 1)

No. 4: Does Jesus Have His Fleshly Body in Heaven? (rs p. 217 pars. 2-5)

Sept 23 Bible reading: Ezekiel 41-45

Song No. 50

No. 1: Serve God With a Willing Spirit (wOO 11/15 pp. 21-3)

No. 2: Ezekiel 42:1-20

No. 3: Is Jesus Christ the Same Person as Michael the Archangel? (rs p. 218 pars. 1-3)

No. 4: * ‘You Don’t Believe in Jesus’ (rs p. 219 pars. 1-3)

Sept. 30 Bible reading: Ezekiel 46-48

Song No. 112

No. 1: Ezekiel—Why Beneficial (si p. 137 pars. 29-33)

No. 2: Ezekiel 46:1-15

No. 3: * ‘Do You Accept Jesus as Your Personal Savior?’ (rs p. 219 pars. 4-5)

No. 4: * ‘I Have Accepted Jesus as My Personal Savior’ (rs p. 220 par. 1)

Oct. 7 Bible reading: Daniel 1-4

Song No. 10

No. 1: Introduction to Daniel (si pp. 138-9 pars. 1-6)

No. 2: Daniel 1:1-17

No. 3: Are the Natural Jews Today God’s Chosen People? (rs p. 220 par. 2-p. 221 par. 4)

No. 4: Will All the Jews Be Converted to Faith in Christ? (rs p. 222 pars. 1-2)

Oct. 14 Bible reading: Daniel 5-8

Song No. 191

No. 1: Must You Always Believe What “Wise” Men Say? (wO012/1 pp. 29-31)

No. 2: Daniel 5:1-16

No. 3: Must Jews Put Faith in Jesus to Be Saved? (rs p. 222 par. 3-p. 223 par. 1)

No. 4: Are the Events Taking Place in Israel Today in Fulfillment of Bible Prophecy? (rs p. 223 par. 2-p. 224 par. 2)

Oct. 21 Bible reading: Daniel 9-12

Song No. 108

No. 1: Daniel—Why Beneficial (si pp. 141-2 pars. 19-23)

No. 2: Daniel 10:1-21

No. 3: Do the Prophecies About Restoration of Israel Have Fulfillment Today? (rs p. 224 par. 3-p. 225 par. 3)

No. 4: Is God’s Kingdom a Real Government? (rs p. 226 pars. 1-2)

Oct. 28 Bible reading: Hosea 1 14

Song No. 23

No. 1: Introduction to Hosea and Why Beneficial (si pp. 143-5 pars. 1-8,14-17)

No. 2: Hosea 4:1-19

No. 3: Who Are the Rulers in the Kingdom? (rs p. 226 pars. 3-5)

No. 4: What Effect Will God’s Kingdom Have on Human Governments? (rs p. 227 pars. 1-2)

Nov. 4 Bible reading: Joel 1-3

Song No. 166

No. 1: Introduction to Joel and Why Beneficial (si pp. 146-8 pars. 1-5,12-14)

No. 2: Joel 1:1-20

No. 3: God’s Kingdom Will Sanctify Jehovah’s Name (rs p. 227 pars. 3-5)

No. 4: God’s Kingdom Will Unify All Creation in Pure Worship (rs p. 228 pars. 1-2)

Nov. 11 Bible reading: Amos 1-9

Song No. 80

No. 1: Introduction to Amos and Why Beneficial (si pp. 148-50 pars. 1-6,13-17)

No. 2: Amos 1:1-15

No. 3: God’s Kingdom Will Eliminate War and Corruption (rs p. 228 par. 3-p. 229 par. 2)

No. 4: God’s Kingdom Will Provide Food for All and Do Away With Sickness (rs p. 229 pars. 3-5)

Nov. 18 Bible reading: Obadiah 1-Jonah 4

Song No. 96

No. 1: Introduction to Obadiah and to Jonah and Why Beneficial (si pp. 151-3 pars. 1-5,10-14; pp. 153-5 pars. 1-4,9-12)

No. 2: Obadiah 1:1-16

No. 3: God’s Kingdom Will Provide Homes, Employment, and Security for All (rs p. 229 par. 6-p. 230 par. 2)

No. 4: God’s Kingdom Will Cause Righteousness and Justice to Prevail (rs p. 230 pars. 3-5)

Nov. 25 Bible reading: Micah 1-7

Song No. 138

No. 1: Introduction to Micah and Why Beneficial (si pp. 155-8 pars. 1-8,16-19)

No. 2: Micah 1:1-16

No. 3: God’s Kingdom Will Resurrect the Dead (rs p. 230 par. 6-p. 231 par. 3)

No. 4: God’s Kingdom Will Provide a World of Love and Harmony (rs p. 231 pars. 4-6)

Dec. 2 Bible reading: Nahum 1-Habakkuk 3

Song No. 137

No. 1: Introduction to Nahum and to Habakkuk and Why Beneficial (si pp. 158-60 pars. 1-7,11-12; pp. 161-3 pars. 1-5,12-14)

No. 2: Nahum 3:1-19

No. 3: God’s Kingdom Will Make the Earth a Paradise (rs p. 232 pars. 1-3)

No. 4: Did God’s Kingdom Begin to Rule in the First Century? (rs p. 232 pars. 4-6)

Dec. 9 Bible reading: Zephaniah 1-Haggai 2

Song No. 146

No. 1: Introduction to Zephaniah and to Haggai and Why Beneficial (Si pp. 163-6 pars. 1-6,10-12; pp. 166-8 pars. 1-7,13-16)

No. 2: Zephaniah 2:1-15

No. 3: Must the Coming of God’s Kingdom Await the Conversion of the World? (rs p. 233 pars. 1-2)

No. 4: * ‘God’s Kingdom Won’t Come in My Lifetime’ (rs p. 233 par. 4-p. 234 par. 1)

Dec. 16 Bible reading: Zechariah 1-8

Song No. 1

No. 1: Introduction to Zechariah (si pp. 168-9 pars. 1-7)

No. 2: Zechariah 6:1-15

No. 3: What Indicates That We Are Living in the Last Days? (rs p. 234 par. 2)

No. 4: How Are Wars and Food Shortages a Part of the “Sign”? (rs p. 234 par. 3-p. 235 par. 4)

Dec. 23 Bible reading: Zechariah 9-14

Song No. 176

No. 1: Zechariah—Why Beneficial (si pp. 171-2 pars. 23-7)

No. 2: Zechariah 9:1-17

No. 3: How Has Luke 21:11 Been Undergoing Fulfillment Since 1914? (rsp. 236 pars. 1-3)

No. 4: What Does the Increase in Lawlessness Indicate? (rs p. 237 pars. 1-2)

Dec. 30 Written Review. Bible reading: Malachi 1-4

Song No. 118

* As time permits, the student should reply to the householder’s assertions, objections, and so forth, so as to meet the needs in the territory.

Announcements

□ Literature offer for October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is found on return visits, subscriptions may be offered. November: What Does God Require of Us? or Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. If people already have these, Mankind’s Search for God or another older publication may be offered. December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. As an alternative offer, you may use My Book of Bible Stories, The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s?, or You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. January: Any 192-page book published prior to 1987 that the congregation may have in stock. Congregations that have on hand Mankind’s Search for God may also offer it.

□ The insert in this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry is the “Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2002” and should be kept for reference throughout 2002.

■ If the meeting times for your congregation will change January 1, the congregation secretary should notify the branch office of the changes by submitting the Congregation Meeting Information and Handbill Request form (S-5). If needed, a new supply of handbills can be ordered on the same form. Handbills should be requested at least eight weeks before you wish to receive them.

□ Congregations should begin requesting Examining the Scriptures Daily—2002 with their October literature request. The booklets will be available in Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Bulgarian, Cambodian, Cebuano, Chinese, Chinese (Simplified), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, East Armenian, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, noko, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Macedonian, Malayalam, Norwegian, Papiamento, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Samoan, Serbian, Slovak, Solomon Islands Pidgin, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Tagalog, Thai, Tigrinya, Turkish, Twi, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Until these booklets are available and shipments are made, they will appear as “Pending” on congregation packing lists. Examining the Scriptures booklets are special-request items.

□ New Publications Available:

A Satisfying Life—How to Attain It

—Arabic, Cebuano, Chinese, Chinese (Simplified), English, French, Greek, Hiligaynon, Ilo-ko, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese

Do You Have an Immortal Spirit? (Tract No. 25) — Arabic, Cambodian, English, French, Greek, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili

Isaiah’s Prophecy—Light for All Mankind II —English, French, Greek, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish

Would You Like to Know More About the Bible? (Tract No. 26)     —English,

Spanish

□ New Audiocassettes Available:

Respect Jehovah’s Authority—On Audiocassette (Drama, single cassette)

—English

□ New Compact Discs Available: Respect Jehovah’s Authority—On Com

pact Disc (Drama, single disc)

—English □ New Videocassettes Available: Faithful Under Trials—Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Soviet Union —English The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived—On Videocassette, Volume 2 —American Sign Language

A circuit overseer attended a Bible study conducted with a woman who had not yet begun attending congregation meetings. He invited her to watch the video United by Divine Teaching. That week she attended a meeting and said that she was very happy to be there. Why did this video get such quick results? She was impressed by its portrayal of our precious brotherly unity in action amid a violent, hateful world.—John 13:35.

Watch this video to see and feel the peace and love that are enjoyed among Jehovah’s Witnesses around the earth. Then meditate on these questions:

• (1) Why was “Divine Teaching” a fitting theme for the 1993-94 conventions?—Mic. 4:2.

• (2) What has Bible truth meant to some families? What has it meant to yours?

• (3) Why is it important to be taught by Jehovah?—Ps. 143:10.

• (4) What sort of challenges must be met to prepare for large international conventions?

• (5) How have you seen Psalm 133:1 and Matthew 5:3 proved true at the Christian conventions you have attended?

• (6) What public evidence is there of the powerful effects of divine teaching?—Rev. 7:9.

un What was the largest mass baptism of true Christians ever?

(8) What words of Micah, Peter, and Jesus are being fulfilled among Jehovah’s Witnesses?

(®) What proves to you that a happy, united human family is not just a dream?

(HO} To whom are you going to show this video, and why?

After seeing this video, one sister summed it up nicely: “The video will help me increasingly to keep in mind that so many Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world are at this very moment loyally serving Jehovah. . . . How precious is our brotherly unity!”—Eph. 4:3.

How Well Do You Eat Spiritually?

• ¹ It has been said that ‘we are what we eat.’ Indeed, our physical strength and health are affected by our eating habits. Since Jesus said: “Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth,” our spiritual eating habits likewise affect us for better or for worse. (Matt. 4:4) So, then, how well do you eat spiritually? Are you a picky eater? Do you eat on the run? Or do you delight in taking the time to enjoy regular, balanced, and nourishing spiritual meals?

• ² AnaOyze Your Diet: Jehovah provides “food at the proper time” and “a banquet of well-oiled dishes,” through “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45; Isa. 25:6) To bene

  What Is the Objective?

  
  

• ¹ Why do we conduct home Bible studies? Just to impart knowledge, to improve people’s lives, or to brighten their outlook for the future? No. Our ultimate objective is to xpakeTdisciple^ of Jesus Christ! (Matt. 28:19; Acts 14:21) That is why the ones with whom we study need to associate^ with the^congregation.^Theirjspirn-Iual_prqgres§Is directly linked to their appreciation far'the’’ Christian organization.

• 2 How to Achieve it: Right from the start, continually urge the student tcTattelid’ congregation meetings. (Heb. 10: 24, 25) Explain how these will strengthen his faith, aid him in doing God’s will, .jamLprovide Cyvholesome association_v with others who also wish to praise Jehovah. (Ps. 27:13; 32:8; 35:18) fit fully from these loving provisions, we must put forth the effort to eat well spiritually.

• ³ You might ask yourself: ‘Do I read the day’s text and comments each day? Dol daily read and meditate on the Bible? Do I prepare for congregation meetings by studying the material in advance? Have I read through our latest publications, including both volumes of Isaiah’s Prophecy—Light for All Mankind?’

• ⁴ Jesus promised: “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need . . . Happy are those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, since they will be filled.” (Matt. 5:3, 6) So eat well spiritually by filling your mind and heart with the knowledge of God.

Your personal expressions of love and appreciation for the congregation and the meetings will stimulate his desire to attend.

• ³ New ones need to understand that Jehovah’s organization is an international brotherhood. Show them the videos Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name and Our Whole Association of Brothers. Help them to appreciate that- Jehovah is using millions of dedicated Individuals worldwide to accomplish his will. Let these new ones'know that they are invited to serve God too.—Isa. 2:2, 3.

• ⁴ It is a cause for immensejoy to see„a Biblestudent become" a truedisciple ofJesus. That is our objective!—3 John 4.

  -WATCHTOWER Oct. 15 Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom

  “What would it take to create a better, happier world? [Allow for response.] Man has tried one type of government after another to improve things. But notice God’s view of this. [Read Jeremiah 10:23.] This article reveals ‘The Key to a Happy World,’ showing how this will soon come about.”

  AwajkgT Oct. 22

  “Would you agree that people today seem to live under more pressure than ever before? [Allow for response.] The Bible foretold this. [Read 2 Timothy 3:1.] Many people find life so hard that they give up. This magazine gives real encouragement. It shows how to fight despair and make life worth living.”

  -Watchtower Nov. 1

  Announcing Jehovah s Kingdom

  After mentioning a disturbing news item, ask: “Why do people do such wicked things? We all should know right from wrong, but people still do bad things. Why? [After a response, read Revelation 12:9.] This magazine explains how to protect ourselves by safeguarding our conscience.”

  Awake! Nov. s

  “Likely you agree that we live in violent times. [After a response, read 2 Timothy 3:3.] Often ‘fierce’ acts occur even in the family circle. This article, ‘Help for Battered Women,’ presents a message of hope. You may know someone with whom you can share it.”

  
  

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