Our Kingdom Ministry

June 2003                         For United States of America km-E Us 6/03 Vol. 46, No. 6

'How quickly things can change! Overnight, a natural disaster, an economic crisis, a political upheaval, or a highly publicized tragedy can become the topic of conversation. Just as quickly, however, people may turn their attention elsewhere. (Acts 17:21; 1 Cor. 7:31) In this ever-changing world, how can we capture people’s attention so as to share the Kingdom message with them?

² Discern Others’ Concerns: One way of capturing people’s attention is by referring to current events. In urging his listeners to think seriously about their standing with God, on one occasion Jesus mentioned recent tragedies that were on their minds. (Luke 13:1-5) In like manner, when presenting the good news, we do well to tie in a current news item or local issue that touches the lives of those in our territory. However, when discussing such matters, we must use caution not to take sides on political or social issues.—John 17:16.

³ How can we tell what people are currently thinking about? Perhaps the best way is simply to ask a question and then listen. (Matt. 12:34) Interest in people will move us to note the viewpoint of others and tactfully inquire further. An offhand remark by a householder may reveal a concern held by many in the area and could open the way to give a witness.

• ⁴ Preparing a Presentation: In preparing for held service in an ever-changing world, we can make use of the Reasoning book. Helpful suggestions on how to incorporate current events into our presentation are set out on pages 1011, under “Crime/Safety” and “Current Events.” Similar information can be found in the September 2000 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 4. When preparing your presentation, be sure to include an appropriate scripture.

• ⁵ As we take note of the everchanging concerns of those in our territory, we need to adapt our presentation of the good news accordingly. In that way, we talk to people about what is close to their hearts. Thereby, we help many more come to know the One who is unchanging in his qualities and standards.—Jas. 1:17.

  The Christian Ministry

  —Our Main Work

  
  

• ¹ All of us have various kinds of work we must do. Providing for one’s household is a divine requirement. (1 Tim. 5:8) However, the work involved in that divine requirement should not overshadow the work of Kingdom preaching and disciple making.—Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20.

• ² Jesus provided a model for us to follow in “seeking first the kingdom.” (Matt. 6: 33; 1 Pet. 2:21) Though having little materially, he was fully absorbed in doing his Father’s will. (Luke 4:43; 9:58; John 4: 34) He exerted himself in giving a witness at every opportunity. (Luke 23:43; 1 Tim. 6: 13) He urged his disciples to have that same intense interest in the harvest work.—Matt. 9: 37, 38.

• ³ Imitating Jesus Today: We can imitate Jesus’ example by striving to live a simple life that centers on the Christian ministry. If we have the necessities of life, let us heed the Bible’s counsel not to go on acquiring more and more of this world’s goods. (Matt. 6:19, 20; 1 Tim. 6:8) How much better to seek to expand our share in the preaching work! If we face challenging circumstances, may we exert ourselves as Jesus did, not allowing the cares of life to overshadow our main work of declaring the good news of the Kingdom. —Luke 8:14; 9:59-62.

• ⁴ Even those with many responsibilities give priority to the preaching work. A brother who has a large family, holds a responsible job, and serves as an elder in the Christian congregation says: “I view the ministry as my career.” A pioneer sister says: “Pioneering is worth far more than a successful secular career.”

• ⁵ Regardless of our circumstances, may we follow Jesus’ example. How? By making the Christian ministry our main work.

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting June 9

Song 81

10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Using the suggestions on page 8, have two separate demonstrations of how to present the June 15 Watchtower and the June 22 Awake! In each case, both magazines should be offered as a set, even though only one is featured. Include a scripture in each presentation.

15 min: “The Christian Ministry —Our Main Work.”* Encourage youths to consider the blessings they can enjoy by entering full-time service. Include comments on the material under the subheading “When Culture and Conscience Clash,” in the November 1, 2000, Watchtower, pages 19-20.

20 min: “Retirement—A Door to Increased Activity?”* If possible, include a brief interview of a publisher who has used retirement from secular work to do more in Jehovah’s service. Ask what adjustments he has made and what blessings he has experienced as a result.

Song 190 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting June 16

Song 55

8 min: Local announcements. Accounts report.

12 min: Local needs.

25 min: “Be Diligent in ‘Bearing Thorough Witness.’ ”* Use the questions that are provided. After discussing paragraphs 5 and 6, include a brief demonstration of witnessing informally to a store clerk and offering the tract Would You Like to Know More About the Bible? Before discussing paragraphs 7 and 8, have them read aloud. In conclusion, read and discuss the box “Do Not Forget Them!” Song 131 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting June 23

Song 95

10 min: Local announcements. Using the suggestions on page 8, have two separate demonstrations of how to present the July 1 Watchtower and the July 8 Awake! In each case, both magazines should be offered as a set, even though only one is featured. In one of the demonstrations, show the publisher engaging in street witnessing.

20 min: What Can Be Done About Discouragement? A talk and audience discussion based on the November 15, 1999, Watchtower, pages 28-9, up to and Including the subheading “Maintaining a Good Attitude.” Review practical suggestions along with Scriptural counsel. Arrange In advance for one or two effective publishers to explain what helps them to maintain joy in their ministry.

15 min: “Preaching in an EverChanging World.”* When discussing paragraphs 2-3, ask audience what current events could be used to start conversations in the local territory. When discussing paragraph 4, have a brief demonstration, using one of the presentations noted.

Song 15 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting June 30

Song 3

IO min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for June. Mention literature offer for July and August. Review two or three of the suggestions on page 6 of the January 2002 Our Kingdom Ministry insert for starting Bible studies in the Knowledge book or Require brochure using the direct approach. Have a well-prepared demonstration of one of them.

15 min: “Disabled—Yet Fruitful.”* Include comments on how others can assist, based on the August 22, 1990, Awake!, pages 22-3, under the subheading “What Can Be Done?”

20 min: Use God’s Word Effectively to Preach the Kingdom. Audience discussion to be handled by the service overseer. With each person we meet in our ministry, we strive to share an upbuilding Scriptural thought about the Kingdom. However, we need to do more than just read Bible texts. We need to explain, illustrate, and apply them. Show how this can be done, using as examples some of the scriptures cited in the Reasoning book, pages 154-5, under the italicized subheading “Human rulers are not providing what mankind urgently needs.” Following the discussion, have a well-prepared publisher demonstrate how to use one scripture effectively on a return visit, giving a concise explanation, a simple illustration, and a brief application that shows the householder how Kingdom rule will benefit him personally. Begin the demonstration with the publisher reading the scripture. Following the demonstration, review how the text was explained, illustrated, and applied. Encourage all to develop the ability to use God’s Word effectively.

Song 171 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting July 7

Song 165

5 min: Local announcements.

15 min: Local experiences. Relate or reenact experiences that local publishers have had when (1) witnessing to various ethnic groups or people speaking other languages or (2) witnessing in settings other than house-to-house and street work. Encourage all to make good use of the booklet Good News for All Nations and the Please Follow Up (S-43) form when they meet those who speak another language.—See the September 1999 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 2, Announcements.

25 min: “Making Known the Divine Name.”* Use the questions that are provided. When considering paragraph 4, include comments on the box “Making Known the Name of God,” found on page 124 of the Proclaimers book. Have a capable publisher demonstrate a return visit. Using two or three scriptures from the Reasoning book, pages 196-7, show why it is important to know and use God’s personal name.

Song 197 and concluding prayer.

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

© 2003 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses; W. L. Van De Wall, President; W. H. Nonkes, Secretary-Treasurer; 2821 Route 22, Patterson, NY 12563-2237. 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.

Be Diligent in “Bearing Thorough Witness”

• ¹ Like Jesus and many other faithful servants of old, the apostle Paul was a zealous preacher of the good news, “bearing thorough witness” regardless of the setting. Even while under house arrest, he “would kindly receive all those who came in to him, preaching the kingdom of God to them and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with the greatest freeness of speech.”—Acts 28:16-31.

• ² We too can be diligent in “bearing thorough witness” at all times. That includes witnessing to people we meet in our travels to and from the “Give God Glory” District Convention and while in the host city.—Acts 28:23; Ps. 145:10-13.

  Publications Needed for Informal Witnessing

  ■ Would You Like to Know More About the Bible? (tract)

  ■ What Does God Require of Us?(brochure)

  ■ Good News for All Nations (booklet)

  ■ Other basic publications

  
  

• ³ Incidental or Informal Witnessing? Is there a difference? Yes. Something that is incidental occurs merely by chance or without intention, as if it was not planned or is of little importance. That certainly does not describe our ministry. As was true of Paul, giving God glory by our witnessing is important to us, and it should be our intention to give a witness wherever appropriate in the course of our travels this summer. However, the manner in which we approach others can rightly be described as informal—that is, relaxed, friendly, and unofficial. This approach can produce good results.

• ⁴ Prepare to Give a Witness: Paul had to make opportunities to witness while under house arrest in Rome. From his place of lodging, he took the initiative to invite the local Jewish leaders to his house. (Acts 28:17) Even 1, 2. What impresses you about Paul’s view of preaching the good news, and how can we imitate his example of “bearing thorough witness”?

• 3. How can we avoid having our informal witnessing turn into only an incidental effort?

• 4. What enabled Paul to witness at his place of lodging?

though there was a Christian congregation in Rome, Paul learned that the Jewish community in that city had little firsthand information about the Christian faith. (Acts 28:22; Rom. 1:7) He did not hold back from “bearing thorough witness” about Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God.

• ⁵ Think of all the people you may contact in your travels who have only a passing knowledge of Jehovah’s Witnesses. They may not even know that we offer free home Bible studies. Be alert to opportunities to witness to those you meet while traveling, making rest stops, refueling, shopping, staying in hotels, eating in restaurants, using public transportation, and so on. Determine in advance what you might say to initiate a conversation and to give a brief witness. Perhaps in the days ahead you can practice by witnessing informally to your neighbors, relatives, workmates, and other acquaintances.

• ⁶ You will need a supply of publications to use when

witnessing informally. Which ones? You might use the tract Would You Like to Know More About the Bible? Point to the first five paragraphs, where various reasons are given for reading the Bible. Show the coupon on the back for requesting a free home Bible study. When you find a responsive person, offer the Require brochure. In anticipation of meeting people who speak another language, take along the booklet Good News for All Nations. Page 2 explains how to use it to give a witness. If traveling by car, you may be able to take along a few other basic publications for those who show real interest in the Kingdom message.

5, 6. What opportunities may we have for witnessing informally, and what preparations can we make in order to do so effectively?

• ⁷ Consider Your Appearance and Conduct: We must make sure that our conduct as well as our dress and grooming will not give others a wrong impression or cause them to ‘speak against’ Jehovah’s organization. (Acts 28:22) This applies not only while attending the convention but also while traveling and during leisure time. The August 1, 2002, Watchtower, page 18, paragraph 14, cautioned: “Our appearance should not be showy, bizarre, provocative, revealing, or faddish. In addition, we should dress in a manner that reflects ‘reverence for God.’ That gives food for thought, does it not? It is not simply a matter of dressing appropriately when attending congregation meetings [or convention sessions] and then throwing all caution to the wind at other times. Our personal appearance should always reflect a reverent, honorable attitude because we are Christians and ministers 24 hours a day.” —1 Tim. 2:9,10.

• ⁸ We should dress modestly and with dignity. If our appearance and conduct always reflect our belief in God, we will never feel obligated to hold back from witnessing informally because our personal appearance leaves something to be desired.—1 Pet. 3:15.

• ⁹ Informal Witnessing Is Fruitful: During the two years that Paul was under house arrest in Rome, he saw good results from his witnessing efforts. Luke reported that “some began to believe the things said.” (Acts 28:24) Paul himself evaluated the effectiveness of his “bearing

• 7, 8. What caution about our personal appearance and conduct while traveling and during leisure time should we heed?

• 9. What success in witnessing did Paul have in Rome?

  Do Not Forget Them!

  Forget whom? All the interested ones who attended the Memorial of Christ’s death or the special talk. Have we invited them to attend this year’s district convention? Likely many of them, if given kindly encouragement, would attend. As they enjoy the upbuilding association at the convention and the encouraging spiritual program, they will be drawn closer to Jehovah and to his organization. Why not extend an invitation and see what happens? Give them all the details they need, including the dates of the convention, directions to the convention site, the times for the sessions to begin and end, and the preview of the program that is outlined on the back cover of the June 8, 2003, issue of Awake!

  
  

thorough witness” when he wrote: “My affairs have turned out for the advancement of the good news rather than otherwise, so that my bonds have become public knowledge in association with Christ among all the Praetorian Guard and all the rest; and most of the brothers in the Lord, feeling confidence by reason of my prison bonds, are showing all the more courage to speak the word of God fearlessly.”—Phil. 1:12-14.

¹⁰ Last summer, after spending the day at the district convention, a couple had a fruitful experience witnessing informally to a waitress who asked them about their convention badge cards. They told her about the convention and also about the hope the Bible holds out for the future of mankind. They gave her the tract Would You Like to Know More About the Bible? and explained the free home Bible study arrangement. The woman said that she wanted someone to visit her, filled in her name and address on the back of the tract, and asked the couple to make the arrangements. What success might you enjoy this year by being diligent in “bearing thorough witness”?

¹¹ Thoroughly Advance the Good News: Imagine how happy Paul was when he heard that fellow Christians were imitating his zealous example! May we do all we can to advance the good news by witnessing informally about our Bible-based beliefs as we also benefit from this summer’s district convention.

• 10. What success in witnessing did a couple have last summer?

• 11. What qualities should we muster in order to advance the good news this summer by “bearing thorough witness”?

Retirement—A Door to Increased Activity?

• ¹ Many hardworking people long for the time when retirement will free them from the toil and pressures of secular work. All too often, though, retirement results in apathy, boredom, and premature aging. The lack of purposeful activity can leave the mind preoccupied with worry over self. A Brazilian newspaper reported that retired public employees complained of problems ranging from ‘dissatisfaction, irritability, insecurity, and loss of identity to depression and the feeling that their world was falling apart.’

• ² In contrast, many Christians view this new chapter in their life as a door to increased spiritual activity. One brother who began pioneering two weeks after reaching the age of 65 said: “I have never experienced a period in my life so richly filled with blessings as the past ten years of pioneering.” A couple wrote: “Our real golden years began when we started pioneering.” Yes, for many, retirement offers a golden opportunity to expand their ministry and reap rich blessings from Jehovah.

• ³ Keeping Busy and Productive: Many who are now retired grew up without the conveniences that are common today and learned to work hard from an early age. Although they may no longer have the vigor of youth, they are still very productive workers. In one branch territory, 22 percent of the pioneers—some 20,000 brothers and sisters—are at least 60 years of age. These older ones make a major contribution to the preaching work. Their experience and godly qualities enrich the congregations with which they serve.—Jas. 3:17, 18.

• ⁴ Keeping busy in the Christian ministry contributes to better health and an improved quality of life. An 84-year-old sister who started pioneering when she retired said: “Having many Bible studies with interested people has helped me to stay mentally active. I don’t have a car, so I walk a lot. That keeps me healthy.” An elderly pioneer couple commented: “The service keeps us fit mentally and physically. We are always together. We laugh a lot and enjoy life.”

• ⁵ Serving Where There Is a Need: Some retired Christians who have favorable financial circumstances have moved to serve where the need for Kingdom preachers is greater. Others have expanded their ministry to serve in a foreign-language field. Like the apostle Paul, these zealous publishers “do all things for the sake of the good news, that [they] may become a sharer of it with others.”—1 Cor. 9:23.

• ⁶ One couple started pioneering after raising their two sons. After several years of pioneering, they undertook the task of learning the Chinese language. Now well into their 70’s, they recently had the joy of seeing the Chinese group that they have been working with become a congregation. What a blessing couples like these have proved to be!

• ⁷ No Retirement From the Ministry: While most people eventually retire from their secular employment, there is no retirement for any Christian from God’s service. All must continue faithful “to the end.” (Matt. 24:13, 14) Of course, with advancing years, some are not able to do as much as they formerly did in Jehovah’s service. But how encouraging it is to see them doing what they can in a wholehearted way! God’s Word assures them that Jehovah will not forget their work and the love that they show for his name. —Luke 21:1-4; Heb. 6:10.

• ⁸ If you are approaching retirement age, why not prayerfully consider how you can make full use of your changing circumstances? With divine help, you may find that retirement opens for you a door to increased activity that brings praise to Jehovah and many blessings.—Ps. 148:12,13.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

The following questions will be considered orally at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning June 30, 2003. The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of May 5 through June 30, 2003. [Note: Where there are no references after the question, you will need to do your own research to find the answers.—See Ministry School, pp. 36-7.]

SPEECH QUALITIES

• 1. Why is modulation important when giving a talk, and how may this be achieved? [be p. Ill box; p. 112 box]

• 2. Even though a speaker believes what he is saying and loves Jehovah, why may he lack enthusiasm? [be p. 115 pars. 3-4; p. 116 par. 1]

• 3. What will help a speaker to express warmth and feeling in a talk, and why is this important? [be p. 119 pars. 1-4]

• 4. What determines appropriate enthusiasm, warmth, and other emotions conveyed in a talk? [be p. 120 pars. 2-5]

• 5. True or False: Gestures and facial expressions are of value only if your audience is looking at you. Explain. [be p. 121 par. 3]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

• 6. What helped Josiah choose the right course in spite of a terrible childhood? (2 Chron. 34:1, 2) [wOl 4/15 p. 27 pars. 1-6; p. 28 par. 4]

• 7. What is the meaning of Proverbs 9: 7,8a, and how can this be applied to the field ministry? [wOl 5/15 p. 29 pars. 4-5]

• 8. What did Jehovah mean when he told the Israelites, ‘You must not forget,’ and how can we avoid forgetting? (Deut. 4:9; 8:11) [be p. 20 pars. 1-3]

• 9. How do David’s sincere expressions at Psalm 32:1, 5 and at Psalm 51: 10, 15 show that a person need not feel worthless after committing a serious sin but expressing genuine repentance? [wOl 6/1 p. 30 pars. 1-3]

• 10. What can be learned about caring for the needy from Paul’s instructions set out at 1 Timothy 5:3-16? [wOl 6/15 p. 11 par. 1]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

• 11. To what was Jesus referring when he used the expression “born again,” as recorded at John 3:3? [w95 7/1 pp. 9-10 pars. 4-5]

• 12. In what way did Jesus use his education, and what valuable lesson can we learn from this? (John 7:1518) [w96 2/1 pp. 9-10 pars. 4-7]

• 13. Why is John 7:53-8:11 not included in the main text of the New World Translation?

• 14. How did Jesus “come thus in the same manner” in which he ascended to heaven? (Acts 1:11) [w90 6/1 p. 11 par. 5]

• 15. Why was it that “not a one of the others had the courage to join himself to [the disciples],” as stated at Acts 5:13?

Announcements

■ Literature offer for June, July, and August: Offer the Knowledge book or the Require brochure. When householders already have these publications, use another appropriate brochure that the congregation has in stock. September: Life —How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? Before requesting additional supplies from the branch office, congregations should use what is available locally and check if nearby congregations have a surplus on hand.

■ The branch facilities in Brooklyn, Patterson, and Wallkill, New York, will be closed on the following Saturdays: September 13, 2003 (Gilead graduation); October 4, 2003 (annual meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania); March 13, 2004

Please note that whereas the “Give God Glory” District Convention program begins on Friday at 9:30 a.m., the program for international conventions will begin on Thursday at 1:20 p.m.

(Gilead graduation); and May 15, 2004 (spring cleaning). There will be no arrangements for tours or for congregations to pick up literature on those dates.

• ¹ If you are among the many Witnesses of Jehovah who have a disability, you can still have a fruitful ministry. In fact, your circumstances may provide special opportunities for you to give a witness and encourage others.

• ² Giving a Witness: Many who must contend with a disability are having a full share in the ministry. For example, one sister whose mobility and speech were seriously affected by an operation found that she could share in magazine work if her husband parked their car near a busy sidewalk. On one occasion, she placed 80 magazines in just two hours! Your special circumstances may also bring you into contact with people who are otherwise hard to reach. If so, view them as your special territory.

• ³ Your preaching can be very effective! As others observe your determination and the good effect that Bible truth has had on your life, they may be attracted to the Kingdom message. Moreover, when you meet people who are suffering adversity, your experience in life may equip you to provide them with comfort from God’s Word.—2 Cor. 1:4.

• ⁴ Strengthen Others: Were you not encouraged by the life story of Laurel Nisbet, who was confined to an iron lung for 37 years yet helped 17 individuals to come to an accurate knowledge of Bible truth? In like manner, your example can inspire fellow believers to exert themselves in Jehovah’s service.—p93 1/22 pp. 18-21.

• ⁵ Even if your circumstances prevent you from getting out in the ministry as much as you would like, you can still strengthen others. One brother said: “I have learned that even a severely disabled person can be of great service to others. My wife and I have been a sort of anchor for various ones in the congregation. Because of our circumstances we are always here, always available.” However, because of your disability, it is understood that you may not always be able to perform in accord with your zeal. Still, with some help you may be able to have an active share in the ministry. Therefore, if you require some assistance, do not hesitate to bring this to the attention of the elders or others in the congregation who can assist you.

• ⁶ Jehovah sees everything you do in order to serve him, and he takes delight in your whole-souled service. (Ps. 139:1-4) As you rely on him, he can empower you to have a fruitful and meaningful ministry.—2 Cor. 12:7-10.

Making Known the Divine Name

• ¹ How did you respond when you first learned God’s name? The reaction of many is similar to that of a woman who said: “When I first saw God’s name in the Bible, I wept. I was so moved by the knowledge that I could actually know and use the personal name of God.” For her, learning the divine name was an important step in getting to know Jehovah as a person and being able to build a relationship with him.

• ² Why Make It Known? God’s name is linked with his qualities, purposes, and acts. It is also linked with salvation. “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved,” wrote the apostle Paul. But “how will they call on him,” Paul reasoned, unless people first learn about Jehovah and exercise faith in him? Hence, it is urgent for Christians to make known to others God’s name and all that it represents. (Rom. 10:13, 14) However, there is an even greater reason why the divine name must be made known.

• ³ In the 1920’s, God’s people discerned from the Scriptures the universal issue involving the vindication of God’s sovereignty and the sanctification of his name. Before Jehovah destroys the wicked to remove the reproach that has been heaped upon his name, the truth about him must be “made known in all the earth.” (Isa. 12:4, 5; Ezek. 38: 23) Therefore, our foremost reason for preaching is to praise Jehovah publicly and to sancti-

• 1. What effect can learning God’s personal name have on people?

• 2. Why is it urgent for us to teach others about Jehovah?

• 3. What is our foremost reason for preaching? fy his name before all mankind. (Heb. 13:15) Love for God and neighbor will move us to share fully in this God-ordained work.

⁴ “A People for His Name”: In 1931 we adopted the name Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Isa. 43:10) Since then, God’s people have made known the divine name to such an extent that the Pro-claimers book, page 124, notes: “Internationally, anyone who freely uses the name Jehovah is quickly identified as being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Are you thus identified? Gratitude for Jehovah’s goodness should move us to ‘bless his name,’ speaking about him on every appropriate occasion.—Ps. 20:7; 145:1, 2, 7.

⁶ As “a people for his name,” we must uphold his standards. (Acts 15:14; 2 Tim. 2:19) Often what people first notice about Jehovah’s Witnesses is their fine conduct. (1 Pet. 2:12) Never would we want to profane his name by flouting godly principles or by relegating his worship to a secondary place in our lives. (Lev. 22:31, 32; Mal. 1:6-8, 12-14) Rather, may our way of life show that we cherish the privilege of bearing the divine name.

• ⁶ Today, we see being fulfilled Jehovah’s declaration: “From the sun’s rising even to its setting my name will be great among the nations.” (Mal. 1:11) Let us continue to make known the truth about Jehovah and “bless his holy name to time indefinite, even forever.”—Ps. 145:21.

• 4. How have Jehovah’s Witnesses come to be identified with God’s name?

• 5. How is our conduct involved in bearing God’s name?

• 6. What privilege can we enjoy both now and forever?

-Watchtower June 15

Announcing Jehovah'S Kingdom

“Some people feel that Jesus was the greatest man in history. Others question whether he even existed. Do you think it matters what we believe about him? [After response, read Acts 4: 12.] What evidence is there that Jesus actually walked the earth? This magazine examines that question.”

Awake! June 22

“Many people are concerned about the environment. Do you think it will be possible to preserve the world’s tropical rain forests? [Allow for response.] This magazine describes current efforts to save the rain forests. It also discusses how this beautiful promise from God will be fulfilled.” Read Isaiah 11:9.

(-XJWV-j

™WVTCHTOWER July 1 AnnouncingJehovah's Kingdom

“One of our most basic needs as humans is to love and be loved. [Read caption quote on page 4.] Yet, have you noticed that modern society tends to give priority to other things? [Allow for response.] This magazine discusses what genuine love is and how it can be developed.” Read 1 Corinthians 13:2.

Awake! July 8

“Many people find the increase in acts of senseless violence disturbing. [Cite an example known locally, and allow for response.] This magazine examines some of the factors contributing to violent crime. It also explains how God will eliminate crime and violence once and for all.” Read Psalm 37:10, 11.

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