Our Kingdom Ministry

October 2004                      For United States of America km-E Us 10/04 Vol. 47, No. 10

District Convention Stimulates Us to Walk With God

How the “Walk With God” District Convention echoed Jehovah’s clear direction: “This is the way. Walk in it, you people”! (Isa. 30:21) Applying the instruction we received will help us to ‘keep strict watch on how we walk.’ (Eph. 5:15) Meditating on what we learned will assist us as we “go on walking in the truth.”—3 John 3.

Use the following questions along with your personal notes to prepare for and participate in the review of this year’s convention program. The review will be conducted on the Service Meeting the week of October 18.

• 1. How was Enoch able to walk with God despite living in turbulent times? (Heb. 11:1, 5, 6; Jude 14, 15; “Walk With God in Turbulent Times”)

• 2. In what areas of life might the principle at Luke 16:10 be applied? (“Are You ‘Faithful in What Is Least’?”)

• 3. (a) Name four practical lessons found in Hosea chapters 6 through 9 that will help us to walk with God. (Hos. 6:6,7; 7:14; 8:7) (b) What additional points from Hosea chapters 10 through 14 help us to walk with God? (“Hosea’s Prophecy Helps Us to Walk With God”—Symposium)

• 4. What practical things can Christian husbands and wives do to keep their marriage strong? (Prov. 12:4; Eph. 5:29; “Do Not Put Apart ‘What God Has Yoked Together’ ”)

• 5. How do we show respect for our sacred gatherings? (Eccl. 5:1; Isa. 66:23; “Showing Respect for Our Sacred Gatherings”)

• 6. (a) What three important aspects of our preaching work should we analyze to ensure that we are having a meaningful share in it? (Isa. 52:7; Zech. 8:23; Mark 6:34) (b) What features of the publication Good News for People of All Nations do you find particularly useful? (“Good News for People of All Nations”; “Helping Those Who Speak Another Language”)

• 7. How might we help new ones to gain confidence in presenting the Kingdom message? (Judg. 7:17; “Helping Multitudes Join Us in the Ministry”)

• 8. How do we demonstrate our conviction that “the great day of Jehovah is near”? (Zeph. 1: 14; “Walking by Faith, Not by Sight”)

• 9. (a) How serious is the matter of stumbling? (Mark 9:42-48) (b) How can we avoid being stumbled? (Ps. 119:165) (c) How can we avoid stumbling others? (1 Cor. 10:24; “Avoid ‘Any Cause for Stumbling’ ”)

• 10. How can we maintain our balance when it comes to seeking a marriage mate, pursuing good health, and handling business affairs? (Ps. 26:4; Matt. 6:25; 1 Tim. 6:9; “Keep Your Senses Completely”)

• 11. (a) What is noteworthy about times when Jesus enjoyed the hospitality of others? (Luke 10: 42; 24:32) (b) How can we fill recreational needs in a way that leaves us and others feeling refreshed? (1 Cor. 10:31-33; “Wholesome Activities That Refresh”)

• 12. According to the 23rd Psalm, what blessings do we receive as Jehovah’s sheep, and what are our responsibilities? (1 Cor. 10:21; “Jehovah Is Our Shepherd”)

• 13. How do Christians heed the inspired advice to ‘buy out the opportune time’? (Eph. 5:16; “Buying Out the Opportune Time”)

• 14. (a) What does‘the hour of judgment’mentioned at Revelation 14:7 include? (b) How do we give evidence that we are truly separate from Babylon the Great? (“ ‘Keep on the Watch’—The Hour of Judgment Has Arrived”) (c) What points have you enjoyed from the Keep on the Watch! brochure?

• 15. Name three qualities that are needed to keep us from “abandoning the straight path.” (2 Pet. 2:15; “Guard Against ‘Abandoning the Straight Path’ ”)

• 16. How can youths shun “the path of the wicked ones”? (Prov. 4:14; “Youths—Walk in the Path of Righteousness”)

• 17. (a) In what ways was Paul an excellent example of endurance? (Acts 14:19, 20; 16:25-33) (b) Why is there no need to fear opponents of true worship? (Drama and the talk “Bear Thorough Witness Today Despite Opposition”)

• 18. What blessings come to those who walk with God? (“Walking With God Brings Blessings Now and Forever”)

May we be determined to heed ‘the word behind us’ so as to walk with our heavenly Father forever.—Isa. 30:21; John 3:36.

Week Starting October 11

Song 219

10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Encourage all to use the questions on page 1 to review their notes in preparation for the audience discussion of the “Walk With God” District Convention program at next week’s Service Meeting. Use the suggestions on page 8 (if appropriate for your territory) to demonstrate how to present the October 15 Watchtower and the October 22 Awake! Encourage publishers to include a scripture in their presentation. Other realistic presentations may be used.

15 min: Find Delight in Helping Others. (John 4:34) Interviews. It is a joy to see someone’s face light up at learning truths from God’s Word. (w94 3/1 p. 29 pars. 6-7) Interview two or three publishers or pioneers who are effective in using the Bible in the ministry and in starting and conducting Bible studies. How do they cultivate the interest they find? What joy do they find in doing so? Have them relate or reenact experiences from their ministry.

20 min: “Special Campaign to Distribute New Brochure.”* To be handled by the service overseer. Have the suggested presentations demonstrated. In one of the demonstrations, a householder shows minimal interest in the Scriptural presentation and is offered a tract instead of the brochure.

Song 69 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting October 18

Song 127

5 min: Local announcements. Briefly review arrangements for the special campaign to distribute new brochure.

40 min: “District Convention Stimulates Us to Walk With God.” To be handled by an elder. Following an introduction of one minute or less, conduct an audience discussion of the convention program using the questions in the article. Apportion the time so as to give sufficient coverage to each question, perhaps entertaining only one answer on some questions. Not all cited scriptures can be read in the time allotted; these are included for ease in locatinganswers. Comments should focus on the benefits of applying the things learned.

Song 165 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting October 25

Song 56

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Demonstrate a presentation for offering the new brochure that has been getting good results in the local territory. As time permits, relate experiences from the special campaign.

15 min: Local needs.

20 min: Supply Evidence to Support God’s Word. Audience discussion based on the Ministry School book, pages 256-7. How can we use evidence from sources outside the Bible to help people appreciate the reasonableness of the Scriptures? Invite audience to comment on the following questions: What examples from the physical universe could we point to as evidence of a Creator? (rs pp. 85-6) How might we use the comments of scholars or experts to help others to see that the Bible really is the Word of God? (rs pp. 62-4) What illustration or analogy could we use to help others see why God permits wickedness? (rs p. 429) What experiences or examples have you used to help others appreciate the wisdom of following the Bible’s counsel?

Song 62 and concluding prayer.

Song 15

10 min: Local announcements. Remind all to turn in field service reports.

20 min: How to Help Those Who Speak Another Language. Talk and audience discussion based on the foreword of Good News for People of All Nations. Point out features of the new booklet. Discuss the three steps we can take to help those who speak a language that we do not understand. Include comments from the July 2003 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 4. Mention that the Please Follow Up (S-43) form should generally be filled out even if the individual does not show interest in the Kingdom message. Include a demonstration showing how to use the new booklet.

15 min: Local experiences. Invite audience to relate experiences enjoyed thus far during the special campaign to distribute the new brochure. Arrange in advance to reenact outstanding experiences. If the congregation’s supply of brochures is running low, request that extra copies be returned to the literature counter.

Song 175 and concluding prayer.

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

July Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Number of:              Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’IPios. 168 91.0 85.5 41.8 4.3

Pios 89,380 61.3 39.8 19.6 1.9

Aux.Pios. 23,351 50.1 35.0 12.2 1.1

Pubs. 881,765 9.6 8.5 3.6 0.3

TOTAL 994,664 Baptized: 5,536

© 2004 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.SA.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR 2005

INSTRUCTIONS

During 2005 the following will be the arrangements for conducting the Theocratic Ministry School.

SOURCE MATERIAL: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures [bil2], The Watchtower [w], Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education [be], “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” (1990 Edition) [si], and Reasoning From the Scriptures (1989 Edition) [rs].

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

SPEECH QUALITY: 5 minutes. The school overseer, the auxiliary counselor, or another qualified elder will discuss a speech quality based on the Ministry School textbook. (In congregations with a limited number of elders, a qualified ministerial servant may be used.) Unless otherwise indicated, the boxes appearing on the assigned pages should be included in the discussion. The exercises should be omitted. These are primarily for personal use and private counsel.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1: 10 minutes. This should be handled by a qualified elder or ministerial servant, and it will be based on The Watchtower, Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education, or “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial.” It is to be delivered as a ten-minute instruction talk with no oral review. 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. It is expected that brothers assigned this talk will be careful to keep within the time limit. Private counsel may be given as needed.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM BIBLE READING: 10 minutes. For the first six minutes, a qualified elder or ministerial servant should apply the material to local needs. He may comment on any portion of the assigned Bible reading for the week. This should not be just a summary of the assigned reading. The principal objective is to help the audience to appreciate why and how the information is of value. The speaker should be careful not to exceed the six minutes allotted for the opening portion. He should ensure that four minutes are set aside for audience participation. The audience should be invited to offer brief comments (30 seconds or less) on what they have appreciated in the Bible reading and its benefits. The school overseer will then dismiss the students who are assigned to other classrooms.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 2: 4 minutes. This is a reading to be given by a brother. The reading will usually be from the Bible. Once a month this assignment will cover material drawn from The Watchtower. The student should read the assigned material without giving an introduction or a conclusion. From week to week, the amount of material to be read will vary slightly but should take four minutes or less. The school overseer should look over the material before making the assignments, matching such to the age and ability of the students. The school overseer will be especially interested in helping students to read with understanding, fluency, proper sense stress, modulation, appropriate pausing, and naturalness.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 3: 5 minutes. This will be assigned to a sister. Students receiving this assignment will either be assigned a setting or may select one from the list appearing on page 82 of the Ministry School textbook. The student should use the assigned theme and apply it to an aspect of field service that is realistic and practical for the territory of the local congregation. When no references are indicated as source material, the student will need to gather material for this part by doing research in publications provided by the faithful and discreet slave class. Newer students should be given assignments for which references are supplied. The school overseer will be particularly interested in the way the student develops the material and the way she helps the householder to reason on the Scriptures and to understand the key points of the presentation. Students assigned this part should know how to read. The school overseer will assign one assistant.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 4:5 minutes. The student should develop the assigned theme. When no references are indicated as source material, the student will need to gather material for this part by doing research in publications provided by the faithful and discreet slave class. When assigned to a brother, this part should be given as a talk with the Kingdom Hall audience in mind. When a sister is given this part, it should always be presented as outlined for Assignment No. 3. The school overseer may give a brother Assignment No. 4 whenever he sees fit to do so. Please note that themes with asterisks next to them should always be assigned to brothers to develop as talks.

TIMING: No talk should go overtime, nor should the remarks of the counselor. Assignments No. 2 through No. 4 should tactfully be stopped when the time is up. If brothers handling the opening talk on a speech quality, Assignment No. 1, or highlights from the Bible reading go overtime, they should be given private counsel. All should watch their timing carefully. Total program: 45 minutes, excluding song and prayer.

COUNSEL: 1 minute. The school overseer will take no more than one minute after each student presentation to offer some positive observations on an aspect of the talk that was commendable. His aim is not simply to say “well done” but, rather, to draw attention to specific reasons why that aspect of the presentation was effective. According to the need of each student, additional constructive counsel may be given privately after the meeting or at another time.

AUXILIARY COUNSELOR: The body of elders may select a capable elder, if one is available in addition to the school overseer, to handle the assignment as auxiliary counselor. If there are a number of elders in the congregation, then a different qualified elder may care for this assignment each year. The auxiliary counselor’s responsibility will be to give private counsel, if needed, to brothers who present Assignment No. 1 and Bible highlights. It is not necessary that he offer counsel after each of such talks by fellow elders or ministerial servants. This arrangement will remain in effect during 2005 and may be adjusted thereafter.

COUNSEL FORM: In textbook.

ORAL REVIEW: 30 minutes. Every two months, the school overseer will conduct an oral review. It will be preceded by the consideration of a speech quality and highlights from the Bible reading as outlined above. The oral review will be based on material considered in the school over the preceding two months, Including the current week. If your congregation has a circuit assembly or the visit of the circuit overseer the week of the oral review, then follow the scheduling instructions found in the December 2003 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 6.

SCHEDULE

Jan. 3 Bible reading: Joshua 16-20               Song 6

Speech Quality: Understandable to Others (be p. 226 fll-p. 227 fll)

No. 1: Fear the True God (be p. 272 fl 1-p. 273 fl 1)

Nb. 2: Joshua 16:1-17:4

No. 3: Why Just Reading the Bible Is Not Sufficient (rs p. 328 112-3)

No. 4: Is Being Rich or Being Poor a Sign of True Godliness Today?

Jan. 10 Bible reading: Joshua 21-24            Song 100

Speech Quality: Explaining Unfamiliar Terms (be p. 227 fl2-p.228fll)

Nd. 1: Making Known God’s Name (be p. 273 fl2-p. 274 fl 1)

No. 2: Joshua 23:1-13

No. 3: The Right Religion Is Bible Based and Makes Known God’s Name (rs p. 328 fl4-5)

Nb. 4: Is It Proper to Worship Jesus?

Jan. 17 Bible reading: Judges 1-4                 Song 97

Speech Quality: Providing Needed Explanation (be p. 228 112-3)

No. 1: The Person Identified by the Name (be p. 274112-5)

No. 2: Judges 2:1-10

No. 3: The Right Religion Demonstrates True Faith in Jesus Christ (rsp. 329 fl 1)

Nb. 4: How Can You Protect Yourself From Harmful Music Videos?

Jan. 24 Bible reading: Judges 5-7               Song 47

Speech Quality: How the Heart Is Involved (be p. 228 114—p. 229 fl 1)

No. 1: God’s Name—“A Strong Tower” (be p. 274 fl6-p. 275 subheading)

No. 2: Judges 6:25-35

No. 3: How Should the Bible Affect Our Freedom of Choice?

No. 4: The True Religion Is Not Formalistic but Is a Way of Life (rs p. 329 fl2)

Jan. 31 Bible reading: Judges 8-10               Song 174

Speech Quality: Informative to Your Audience (be p. 230 fl 1-6)

No. 1: Bearing Witness to Jesus (be p. 275 subhead-ing-p. 276 fl 1)

No. 2: wO31/15 pp. 19-20 fl 16-18

No. 3: Members of the True Religion Love One Another and Keep Separate From the World (rs p. 329113-4)

No. 4: Materialism Means More Than Acquiring Possessions

Feb. 7 Bible reading: Judges 11-14              Song 209

Speech Quality: Making a Talk Informative Through Research (be p. 231 fl 1-3)

No. 1: Emphasizing Jesus’ Role as Redeemer (be p. 276112-3)

No. 2: Judges 12:1-15

No. 3: Why Jehovah’s Witnesses Are United

Nb. 4: Members of the True Religion Are Active Witnesses Concerning God’s Kingdom (rs p. 330 fl 1)

Feb. 14 Bible reading: Judges 15-18              Song 105

Speech Quality: Explaining Scriptures (be p. 231 fl4-5)

Nb. 1: Emphasizing Jesus’ Roles as High Priest and Head of the Congregation (be p. 277 fl 1-2)

No. 2: Judges 15:9-20

No. 3: «If Someone Says, ‘As Long as You Believe in Jesus, It Really Does Not Matter What Church You Belong To’(rsp. 332 fl2)

No. 4: Why Hypnotism Is Not for Christians

Feb. 21 Bible reading: Judges 19-21              Song 53

Speech Quality: Explaining the Meaning of Terms (bep. 232fll)

Nb. 1: Emphasizing Jesus’ Role as Reigning King (be p. 277 113-4)

No. 2: u)03 2/1 pp. 17-18 fl 18-21

Nb. 3: «If Someone Says, ‘What Makes You Think There Is Only One Religion That Is Right?’ (rs p. 332 fl3)

No. 4: What Are Some of the “Deep Things of God”? (1 Cor. 2:10)

Feb. 28 Bible reading: Ruth 1-4                Song 120

Speech Quality: Reasoning on Texts (be p. 232 fl2-4)

Oral Review

Mar. 7 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 1-4             Song 221

Speech Quality: Choosing Information That Will Benefit Your Audience (be p. 233 fl 1-5)

No. 1: Laying Christ as the Foundation (be p. 278 fll-4)

No. 2: 1 Samuel 2:1-11

No. 3: Jesus Did Not Go to Heaven in a Physical Body (rs p. 334 fl 1-3)

No. 4: Why Genuine Christians Do Not Consult Horoscopes

Mar. 14 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 5-9            Song 151

Speech Quality: Use of Assigned Material (be p. 234 fll-p. 235fl3)

No. 1: This Good News of the Kingdom (be p. 279 fll-4)

No. 2: 1 Samuel 5:1-12

No. 3: Why Jesus Appeared in Materialized Bodies (rs p. 334 fl4-p. 335fl2)

No. 4: How We Can Strengthen Our Friendship With Jehovah

Mar. 21 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 10-13          Song 166

Speech Quality: Effective Use of Questions (be p. 236 fl 1-5)

No. 1: Explaining What the Kingdom Is (be p. 280 fl 1-5)

No. 2: 1 Samuel 10:1-12

No. 3: How Should Christians Treat Loved Ones Who Do Not Share Their Faith?

No. 4: Those Resurrected to Rule With Christ Will Be Like Him (rs p. 335 fl4-p. 336 fl2)

Mar. 28 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 14-15          Song 172

Speech Quality: Questions to Introduce Important Thoughts (be p. 237 fl 1-2)

No. 1: Explaining How the Kingdom Affects Us (be p. 281 fll-4)

No. 2: u>03 3/15 pp. 19-20 fl 17-21

No. 3: Why Christians Pay Their Taxes

No. 4: What the Resurrection Will Mean for Mankind in General (rs p. 336 fl3-p. 337 fl3)

Apr. 4 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 16-18             Song 27

Speech Quality: Questions to Reason on a Subject (be p. 237 fl3-p. 238 fl2)

No. 1: Why Education Is Important for Christians (w03 3/15 p. 10 fll-p.Ilfl5)

No. 2: 1 Samuel 17:41-51

No. 3: Why Resurrected Ones Will Not Be Condemned for Their Past Deeds (rs p. 338 fl 1)

Nb. 4: Meditating on Consequences Can Help Us to Love What Is Good and Hate What Is Bad

Apr. 11 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 19-22           Song 73

Speech Quality: Questions to Draw Out Inner Feelings (be p. 238 fl3-5)

No. 1: How Youths Can Make Spiritual Advancement (w03 4/1 pp. 8-10)

No. 2: 1 Samuel 20:24-34

No. 3: Why Genuine Modesty Is an Endearing Quality

No. 4: How the “Rest of the Dead” Come to Life on Earth (rs p. 338 fl2-p. 339 fl2)

Apr. 18 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 23-25           Song 61

Speech Quality: Questions to Add Emphasis (be p. 239 fl 1 -2) No. 1: Trust in Jehovah With All Your Heart (w03 11/1 pp. 4-7) No. 2: W03 5/1 p. 17 fl 11-14

No. 3: Those Who Are Included in the Earthly Resurrection (rs p. 339 fl3-p. 340 fl3)

No. 4: Why the Abrahamic Covenant

Apr. 25 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 26-31          Song 217

Speech Quality: Questions to Expose Wrong Thinking (be p. 239 H3-5)

Oral Review

May 2 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 1-3              Song 91

Speech Quality: Similes and Metaphors That Teach (be p. 240 H 1-p. 241 UI)

No. 1: Education Is Not for Employment Only (w03 3/15 p. 11 116-p. 14U5)

No. 2: 2 Samuel 2:1-11

No. 3: The Events Associated With Christ’s Presence Take Place Over a Period of Years (rs p. 341 U1-2)

Nb. 4: The Many Benefits of Being Honest

May 9 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 4-8             Song 183

Speech Quality: Using Examples (be p. 241 H 2-4)

Nb. 1: Jehovah Is Genuinely Interested in Young People (W03 4/15 p. 29114-p. 31 fl4)

Nb. 2: 2 Samuel 5:1-12

Nb. 3: What Did the Law Covenant Accomplish?

No. 4: Christ’s Return Is Invisible (rs p. 341 H3-p. 342 U2)

May 16 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 9-12             Song 66

Speech Quality: Examples in Scripture (be p. 242 U1-2)

No. 1: Does Jehovah Notice What You Do? (u>03 5/1 pp. 28-31)

Nb. 2: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Nb. 3: The Manner of Jesus’ Return and How Every Eye Will See Him (rs p. 3421|4-p. 343 H 5)

Nb. 4: In What Ways Is the Word of God Alive? (Heb. 4:12)

May 23 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 13-15           Song 103

Speech Quality: Will It Be Understood? (be p. 242 U3-P.243UD

Nb. 1: Noah’s Log—Does It Have Meaning for Us? (w03 5/15

PP- 4-7)

No. 2: 2 Samuel 13:10-22

No. 3: How Are We to Understand John 11:25,26?

No. 4: Events Associated With the Presence of Christ (rs p. 344 Ul-5)

May 30 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 16-18           Song 132

Speech Quality: Illustrations From Familiar Situations (bep. 2441)1-2)

No. 1: Think Straight and Act Wisely (w03 7/15 pp. 21-3)

No. 2: W03 5/15 pp. 16-17 U8-11

No. 3: Christians Are Not Required to Keep the Sabbath (rs p. 345112-p. 346 U3)

No. 4: Why Humility Is Not a Weakness

June 6 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 19-21           Song 224

Speech Quality: Illustrations Appropriate for Your Audience (be p. 244 U3-p. 245 H 4)

Nb. 1: Appreciating the Purpose of Discipline (W0310/1 p. 20 Ul-p. 21U5)

Nb. 2: 2 Samuel 19:1-10

No. 3: How Can a Christian Enter God’s Rest?

No. 4: No Bible Record of Adam’s Keeping a Sabbath Day (rs p. 346 U4-p. 347 U2)

June 13 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 22-24           Song 74

Speech Quality: Effective Use of Visual Aids (be p. 247 U1-2)

No. 1: Be Teachable and Guard Your Tongue (toO3 9/15 p. 21 Ul-p-221)3)

No. 2: 2 Samuel 24:10-17

Nb. 3: Jesus Did Not Divide the Mosaic Law Into “Ceremonial” and “Moral” Parts (rs p. 3471J3-p. 3481(1)

No. 4: In What Ways Must a Christian Be Separate From the World?

June 20 Bible reading: 1 Kings 1-2               Song 2

Speech Quality: How Jesus Employed Visual Aids (be p. 247 U3)

Nb. 1: Learning the Secret of Self-Sufficiency (w03 6/1 pp. 8-11)

No. 2: W03 6/1 pp. 12-13 K1-4

No. 3: What Was Especially Significant About the Tenth Commandment?

No. 4: The Ten Commandments Passed Away With the Mosaic Law (rs p. 348112-3)

June 27 Bible reading: 1 Kings 3-6             Song 167

Speech Quality: Ways to Employ Visual Aids (be p. 248 U1-3)

Oral Review

July 4 Bible reading: 1 Kings 7-8               Song 194

Speech Quality: Using Maps, Printed Assembly Programs, and Videos (be p. 248U4-p. 2491J2)

No. 1: Treasure Elderly Fellow Believers (w03 9/1 pp. 30-1)

No. 2: 1 Kings 8:1-13

No. 3: How Did Jesus Conquer the World?

No. 4: Why Moral Restraint Was Not Removed When the Ten Commandments Passed Away (rs p. 349 U1-2)

July 11 Bible reading: 1 Kings 9-11              Song 191

Speech Quality: Using Visual Aids for Larger Groups (be p. 249 U3-p. 250 UI)

No. 1: Evidence That Jesus Christ Walked the Earth (w03 6/15

PP- 4-7)

No. 2: 1 Kings 9:1-9

No. 3: What the Sabbath Means to Christians (rs p. 349

U3-p. 351 U 2)

No. 4: Drug Addiction Can Be Overcome by Following Bible Principles

July 18 Bible reading: 1 Kings 12-14             Song 162

Speech Quality: Why a Reasoning Manner Is Important (be p. 251 Ul-3)

No. 1: From Thoughts to Actions to Consequences (w031/15 p. 30 Ul-3)

No. 2: 1 Kings 12:1-11

No. 3: How Faith Can Help Us to Meet Trials

No. 4: Whom the Bible Refers to as Saints (rs p. 352

Ul-p. 353 UD

July 25 Bible reading: 1 Kings 15-17             Song 158

Speech Quality: Where to Begin (be p. 251 U4-p. 252 U3)

No. 1: How to ‘Perceive What the Will of Jehovah Is’ («X)312/1

p. 21 U3-p. 23 U3)

No. 2: M)03 7/15 p. 19 U15-17

No. 3: Why We Do Not Pray to “Saints” (rs p. 353 U2-4)

No. 4: How Does the Holy Spirit Comfort Christians?

Aug. 1 Bible reading: 1 Kings 18-20              Song 207

Speech Quality: When to Yield (be p. 252 U4-p. 253 U2)

No. 1: Youths, Walk Worthily of Jehovah (W0310/15 p. 23

Ul-p. 24 UD

No. 2: 1 Kings 18:1-15

No. 3: All Christians Can Bear Much Fruit

No. 4: The Truth About Venerating Relics and Images of “Saints” (rs p. 354 Ul-p. 355 u 1)

Aug. 8 Bible reading: 1 Kings 21-22              Song 92

Speech Quality: Asking Questions and Giving Reasons (be p. 253 U3-p. 254 U2)

No. 1: The Permanent Solution to Poverty (uX)3 8/1 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: 1 Kings 21:15-26

Nb. 3: True Christian Saints Are Not Free From Sin

(rs p. 355 U2)

Nb. 4: Why Must We Have Courage, and How Can We Cultivate It?

Aug. 15 Bible reading: 2 Kings 1-4               Song 16

Speech Quality: Sound Arguments Based Firmly on God’s Word (be p. 255 Ul-P- 2561(2)

No. 1: You Received Free, Give Free (irt)3 8/1 pp. 20-2)

Nb. 2: 2 Kings 3:1-12

Nb. 3: Why Did People Before the Flood Live So Long?

No. 4: Universal Salvation Is Not Scriptural (rs p. 356 U3)

Aug. 22 Bible reading: 2 Kings 5-8              Song 193

Speech Quality: Support Arguments by Corroborative Evidence (be p. 256 U3-5)

No. 1: Learning the Art of Being Tactful (tzX)3 8/1 pp. 29-31)

No. 2: u>03 8/1 p. 19 U18-22

No. 3: Will All Humans Eventually Be Saved? (rs p. 357 U1)

No. 4: What Good Qualities of Jonah Should We Emulate?

Aug. 29 Bible reading: 2 Kings 9-11             Song 129

Speech Quality: Presenting Sufficient Evidence (be p. 256 fl6-p. 257 H3)

Oral Review

Sept. 5 Bible reading: 2 Kings 12-15             Song 175

Speech Quality: Effort to Reach the Heart (be p. 258 fl1-5)

No. 1: Are You Earnestly Seeking Jehovah? (w03 8/15 pp. 25-8)

No. 2: 2 Kings 12:1-12

No. 3: Why Pursue Mildness?

No. 4: “All Sorts of Men” Will Be Saved (rs p. 357112)

Sept. 12 Bible reading: 2 Kings 16-18            Song 203

Speech Quality: Drawing People Out (be p.259 fl1-3)

No. 1: What Did People Remember About Jesus? (w03 8/15 p. 6 fl6-p.8fl6)

No. 2: 2 Kings 16:10-20

No. 3: The Bible Says That Some Will Never Be Saved (rs p. 358 II1-3)

No. 4: How Can We Make Sure of What Is Acceptable to the Lord?

Sept. 19 Bible reading: 2 Kings 19-22             Song 89

Speech Quality: Stirring Up Beneficial Feelings (be p. 259 fl4-p. 260 fl 1)

No. 1: “Keep Holding the Pattern of Healthful Words” (rc>031/1 p. 29 fl3-p. 30 H4)

No. 2: 2 Kings 19:20-28

No. 3: Once Saved Does Not Mean Always Saved (rs p. 358 fl4-p. 359 Hl)

No. 4: What Can We Learn From Our Christian Brothers in Ancient Smyrna?

Sept. 26 Bible reading: 2 Kings 23-25            Song 84

Speech Quality: Helping Others to Cultivate Godly Fear (be p. 260fl 2-3)

No. 1: The Bible and Its Canon—Part 1 (si p. 299 fl 1-6)

No. 2: w03 8/15 p. 20 U6-10

No. 3: We Are Optimistic About the Future

No. 4: Why Faith Must Have Works (rs p. 359 fl2-5)

Oct. 3 Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 1-4            Song 51

Speech Quality: Our Conduct Matters to God (be p. 260 fl4-p. 261 fll)

No. 1: The Bible and Its Canon—Part 2 (si pp. 300-2 fl7-16)

No. 2: 1 Chronicles 4:24-43

No. 3: How We Know There Really Is a Devil (rs p. 361 fl2-p. 362112)

No. 4: Jehovah Loves Us as Individuals

Oct. 10 Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 5-7          Song 195

Speech Quality: Helping Others to Make an Examination (be p. 261 fl2-4)

No. 1: The Bible and Its Canon—Part 3 (si pp. 302-5 fl 17-26)

No. 2: 1 Chronicles 5:18-26

No. 3: What We Know About “the Day of Jehovah”

No. 4: Satan Is Not Just the Evil Within People (rs p. 362 fl3-p.363fll)

Oct. 17 Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 8-11         Song 201

Speech Quality: Promoting Heartfelt Obedience (be p. 262 fl 1-4)

No. 1: The Hebrew Text of the Holy Scriptures—Part 1 (si pp. 305-6 fl 1-5)

No. 2: 1 Chronicles 10:1-14

No. 3: God Did Not Create the Devil (rs p. 363 fl2)

No. 4: With Whom Should We Be Tactful?

Oct. 24 Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 12-15         Song 80

Speech Quality: Cooperating With Jehovah in Reaching People’s Hearts (be p. 262 fl 5)

No. 1: The Hebrew Text of the Holy Scriptures—Part 2 (si pp. 306-7 fl 6-9)

No. 2: W0311/1 pp. 10-11 fllO-13

No. 3: What It Really Means to Walk in Jehovah’s Name

No. 4: Why God Did Not Destroy Satan Promptly After He Rebelled (rs p. 363 fl3-p. 364 fl 1)

Oct. 31 Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 16-20 Song 129

Speech Quality: Achieving Good Timing (be p. 263 fll-p. 264 fl4)

Oral Review

Nov. 7 Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 21-25         Song 215

Speech Quality: Effective Exhortation (bep.265fll-3)

No. 1: The Hebrew Text of the Holy Scriptures—Part 3 (si pp. 307-10 fl 10-16)

No. 2: 1 Chronicles 22:1-10

No. 3: Do Not Underestimate the Devil’s Power (rs p. 364 fl2-p. 365112)

No. 4: *How Marriage Can Be Strengthened

Nov. 14 Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 26-29         Song 35

Speech Quality: Exhorting on the Basis of Love (be p. 266 1H-4)

No. 1: The Hebrew Text of the Holy Scriptures—Part 4 (si pp. 310-121117-25)

No. 2: 1 Chronicles 29:1-9

No. 3: Why Jehovah’s Servants Are Persecuted

No. 4: Relief From Satan’s Wicked Influence Is Near (rs p. 365 fl4-p. 366 H3)

Nov. 21 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 1-5           Song 46

Speech Quality: Exhortation Rooted in Scripture (be p. 267 111-2)

No. 1: The Hebrew Text of the Holy Scriptures—Part 5 (si pp. 312-141J26-31)

No. 2: 2 Chronicles 2:1-10

No. 3: Appreciate the Purpose of Discipline

No. 4: * Are Afi Sexual Relations Sinful? (rs p. 367 fl 1-p. 368 fl 2)

Nov. 28 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 6-9          Song 106

Speech Quality: Having “Freeness of Speech” (be p. 267 fl3-4)

No. 1: The Christian Greek Text of the Holy Scriptures —Part 1 (si pp. 315-16 fl 1-7)

No. 2: w0312/1 pp. 15-16 fl3-6

No. 3: How We Show That We Take Exquisite Delight in Jehovah

No. 4: * What the Bible Says About Homosexuality (rs p. 368 114-p. 369fl2)

Dec. 5 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 10-14         Song 116

Speech Quality: Why It Is Important to Be Encouraging (bep. 268 fl 1-3)

No. 1: The Christian Greek Text of the Holy Scriptures —Part 2 (si pp. 316-17 fl8-16)

No. 2: 2 Chronicles 12:1-12

No. 3: Why We Need God’s Undeserved Kindness

No. 4: Changes That Must Be Made to Please God (rs p. 369 U3-p. 370fll)

Dec. 12 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 15-19 Song 182

Speech Quality: Calling to Mind What Jehovah Has Done (be p. 268 fl4-p. 269 fl2)

No. 1: The Christian Greek Text of the Holy Scriptures —Part 3 (si pp. 317-19 H17-25)

No. 2: 2 Chronicles 19:1-11

No. 3: Why a Perfect Man Could Sin (rs p. 371 fl2-p. 372 fl 3)

No. 4: What We Can Learn From Jesus’ Family

Dec. 19 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 20-24 Song 186

Speech Quality: Showing How Jehovah Has Helped His People (be p. 269 fl3-5)

No. 1: The Christian Greek Text of the Holy Scriptures —Part 4 (si pp. 319-201126-32)

No. 2: U>0312/15 pp. 16-17 fl 13-15

No. 3: Benefits From Learning the Secret of Self-Sufficiency

No. 4: Why We Recognize Sin for What It Is (rs p. 373 fll-p. 374fll)

Dec. 26 Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 25-28 Song 137

Speech Quality: Showing Delight in What God Is Doing Now (be p. 270 fll-p. 271fl2)

Oral Review

*Assign to brothers only.

« As time permits, consider responses to assertions, objections, and so forth, that will best meet needs in the local territory.

Announcements

■ Literature offer for October 1-17: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, offer the Require brochure, making a special effort to start Bible studies. October 18-November 14: Special campaign distribution of Keep on the Watch! November 15-30: Learn From the Great Teacher. If individuals say they have no children, offer the Require brochure. When using the brochure, concentrate on starting home Bible studies. 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 book published prior to 1990 that the congregation may have in stock. If you do not have any of these in stock, please check if nearby congregations have a surplus of older publications on hand that you can use. Congregations that do not have older books may offer Worship the Only True God.

• ■ Since October will have five full weekends, it would be an excellent month to auxiliary pioneer.

• ■ The insert in this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry is the “Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2005” and should be kept for reference throughout 2005.

■ Beginning immediately, the following videos are approved for use in jails, prisons, state hospitals, and substance-abuse facilities: Faithful Under Trials—Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Soviet Union; Jehovah’s Witnesses Stand Firm Against Nazi Assault; Broadcast Edition of Jehovah’s Witnesses Stand Firm Against Nazi Assault (56 minutes); Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name; Noah—He Walked With God; No Blood—Medicine Meets the Challenge; Our Whole Association of Brothers; Respect Jehovah’s Authority; The Bible—Accurate History, Reliable Prophecy; The Bible—Its Power in Your Life; The Bible—Mankind’s Oldest Modern Book; To the Ends of the Earth; Transfusion-Alternative Health Care—Meeting Patient Needs and Rights; Transfusion-Alternative Strategies—Simple, Safe, Effective; United by Divine Teaching; Warning Examples for Our Day; and Young People Ask—How Can I Make Real Friends? Videos not included on this list should not be shown in the abovenamed facilities. Requests for any of these videos should be made by including them on the regular monthly Literature Request Form (S-14).

■ If you are admitted to a hospital and want visiting local elders and, in larger cities, elders serving on a Patient Visitation Group to have access to your name, what must you do? When identifying yourself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, you should also explain that you are willing to have a minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses visit you. A recently enacted federal law, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), protects your privacy, but with your consent, the law allows for the elders to learn of your admission and provide spiritual encouragement.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

The following questions will be considered orally at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning October 25, 2004. The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of September 6 through October 25, 2004. [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. How can we keep the tone positive when giving a talk about some aspect of our Christian activity? [be p. 203 pars. 3-4]

• 2. What is repetition, and why is it important? [be p. 206 pars. 1-4]

• 3. How can we emphasize the theme of our talks? [be p. 210 pars. 1-5, box]

• 4. How can we determine the main points in a talk that we are assigned to give? [be p. 212 pars. 1-4]

• 5. Why should we be careful not to have too many main points? [be p. 213 pars. 2-4]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

• 6. What developments before the Flood might have made it difficult for people to believe that everything around them was going to end? [w02 3/1 pp. 5-6]

• 7. Why is it noteworthy that Jesus’ contemporaries addressed him as “Teacher” and not “Healer”? (Luke 3:12; 7:40) [w02 5/1 p. 4 par. 3; p. 6 par. 6]

• 8. How does Proverbs 11:24, 25 highlight the value of having a full share in the field ministry? [w02 7/15 p. 30 pars. 2-4]

• 9. What moral issue was raised by the rebellion in Eden, and what have been the results of that rebellion? (Gen. 3:1-6) [w02 10/1 p. 5 par. 6; p. 6 pars. 2-3]

• 10. How is the date for the restoration of true worship in Jerusalem determined? [si p. 285 par. 5]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

• 11. Since Jehovah told Balaam to go with Balak’s men, why was He angry when Balaam went with them? (Num. 22:20-22)

• 12. Can a Christian woman’s husband set aside her vows? (Num. 30:6-8)

• 13. What do the “cities of refuge” represent today? (Num. 35:6) [w95 11/15 p. 17 par. 8]

• 14. Is the command at Deuteronomy 6:6-9 to ‘tie God’s law upon the hand and upon the head as a frontlet band’ to be understood literally?

• 15. Does the expression “your mantle did not wear out” mean only that the clothing supply of the Israelites was replenished? (Deut. 8:4)

  Special Campaign to Distribute New Brochure

  
  

• ¹ Many people today are troubled by world conditions, but few understand why things are the way they are, what lies ahead, and what they must do in order to be preserved alive through the coming judgment. (Ezek. 9:4) To help them wake up to the significance of our times, a special campaign to distribute the new brochure Keep on the Watch! will be conducted from Monday, October 18, through Sunday, November 14.

• ² The brochure may be offered when engaging in the house-to-house ministry, when making return visits, when witnessing informally, or when in a public setting. However, Keep on the Watch! should not be distributed indiscriminately. Rather, the brochures will be placed only with those who demonstrate interest in what the Bible says about the meaning of world events. Those who show minimal interest in the message might be offered a tract instead.

• ³ You might capture a person’s attention by saying:

■ “Many people are concerned about the serious problems and shocking events that are common today. [Cite an example known locally.] Did you know that such things were foretold in the Bible? [Allow for response. Then read a scripture text appropriate for the example cited, such as Matthew 24:3, 7, 8; Luke 21:7, 10, 11; or 2 Timothy 3:1-5.] The Bible reveals the meaning of our times and what lies ahead for mankind. Would you like to know more? [Allow for response. Offer brochure if sincere interest is shown.] The brochure is available without charge. If you desire to make a modest donation to our worldwide work, we would be pleased to accept it.”

• ⁴ Or you might find this approach effective:

■ “Many today are distressed by shocking events or by severe personal loss. Some wonder why God does not intervene to prevent such things. The Bible assures us that God will soon act to relieve mankind’s suffering. Notice what benefits God will bring to mankind. [Read Psalm 37:10, 11.] Would you like to know more?” Conclude as outlined above.

• ⁵ Try to obtain the name and address of each person who accepts a copy of the brochure, and arrange to return to cultivate the interest. Suggestions on how this can be done will appear in the November 2004 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry. If a person shows keen interest on the initial call, you may be able to start a Bible study on the spot using either Keep on the Watch! or another publication, such as the Require brochure.

• ⁶ Copies of the new brochure will be available following the Service Meeting in which this article is discussed. It is suggested that publishers and pioneers initially take only what they will need for the first few days of the campaign. May Jehovah bless this special activity to his praise and to the benefit of honesthearted ones everywhere.—Ps. 90:17.

What to Say About the Magazines --

^WiScHTOWER Oct. 15

Announcing Jehovah ^-s Kingdom

“Some people believe that the more money they have the more satisfying their life will be. Do you think that is true? [Allow for response.] Notice what a man who was enormously wealthy wrote. [Read Ecclesiastes 5:10.] This magazine discusses values that transcend material wealth.”

Awake! Oct. 22

“Many people see the importance of training children from an early age. Do you see a need for this today? [Allow for response. Then read Proverbs 22:6.] This issue of Awake! discusses specific things parents can do to help their children develop into upright and successful adults.”

WATCHIOWI'R Nov. 1 Announcing Jehovah-s Kingdom

“Many people lack confidence in the ability of human leaders to solve today’s problems. Do you think there is anyone who can fulfill what is foretold in these verses? [Read Psalm 72:7, 12, 16. Then allow for response.] This magazine explains who this foretold leader is and what he will accomplish.”

Awake! Nov. 8

“Children need guidance to withstand the pressures they face today, wouldn’t you agree? [Allow for response. Then read Ephesians 6:4.] This magazine examines the true meaning of discipline. It also discusses how parents can provide guidance and correction without disheartening their children.”

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