Our kingdom m

JANUARY 2009

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 12

Song 162

• □ Congregation Bible Study:

jd chap. 131J1 -6

• □ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Genesis 6-10

No. 1: Genesis 9:1-17

No. 2: Responding to Objections About Belief in God (rsp.15OH3-p.151 113)

No. 3: A Letter From a Loving God (/rchap. 2)

• □ Service Meeting:

Song 16

5 mln: Local announcements.

10 min: The Value of a Positive Attitude in Our Ministry. Audience discussion. Jesus provided a good example for us in that he viewed those to whom he preached as sheep in need of help. (Matt. 9:36-38) Though Ananias was initially apprehensive about calling on Saul, what helped him to change his viewpoint? (Acts 9:13-15) How did his approach indicate a positive attitude on his part? (Acts 9:17) What reasons do we have for approaching people in our territory with a positive attitude? How will a positive attitude make our ministry more effective? Briefly interview one or two publishers whose positive attitude led to good results in their ministry.

10 min: How to Use Reasoning From the Scriptures. Talk by service overseer or other elder based on the Reasoning book, pages 7-8.

10 min: "How Will They Hear?"*

Song 38

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

How Will They Hear?

¹ With Jehovah's day fast approaching, there is an urgent need to assist yet countless others in obtaining an accurate knowledge of God and his purpose for mankind. (John 17:3; 2 Pet. 3:9, 10) This may be challenging at times, since many are apathetic or may ridicule us because of our preaching work. (2 Pet. 3:3, 4) Nonetheless, we have every reason to

1. Why may the preaching work be challenging, and why do we persist? believe that there are still those in our territory who will accept the good news once they hear it. How will such ones hear without someone to preach?—Rom. 10:14, 15.

• ² Facing Opposition: For the sake of those willing to hear the Kingdom message, we must not be deterred. Philippi was the first city in Europe to hear the apostle Paul preach the good news. When false accusations were leveled against him and Silas, both were beaten with rods and thrown into prison. (Acts 16:1624) However, that painful experience did not cause Paul to shrink back in fear. When he visited Thessalonica, the next city on his missionary tour, he 'mustered up boldness by means of God.' (1 Thess. 2:2) Does not Paul's example illustrate the reason for our 'not giving up'?—Gal. 6:9.

• ³ Many who have refused to listen for years have experienced a change of heart. Economic reversal, illness, a death in the family, or reports of disturbing events on the world scene may prompt such a change. (1 Cor. 7:31) Some whose parents were opposed have become adults and are willing to listen. Our continued preaching gives such ones the opportunity to 'call on the name of Jehovah' before it is too late.—Rom. 10:13.

• ⁴ "Without Letup": Our love for God and neighbor will motivate us to continue "without letup" in the preaching and disciplemaking work, just as the apostles did in the first century. (Acts 5:42) Many today are "sighing and groaning over all the detestable things" now taking place. (Ezek. 9:4) What hope and relief such ones receive when they hear the good news! Even when most people refuse to listen, we have Scriptural assurance that Jehovah is well pleased with our efforts. -Heb. 13:15, 16.

• 2. How does the example of the apostle Paul encourage us?

• 3. What may cause some to have a change of heart though previously not interested?

• 4. What motivates us to continue in the ministry “without letup"?

  For United States of America

  
  

  km09 01 -E Us Vol. 52, No. 1

  
  

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 19

Song 126

□ Congregation Bible Study:

/d chap. 13 U7-14

□ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Genesis 11-16

No. 1: Genesis 14:1-16

No. 2: The One Who Made All Things (/r chap. 3)

No. 3: How Does Jehovah Mold Us? (Isa. 64:8)

□ Service Meeting:

Song 90

5 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

10 min: Fear the True God and Keep His Commandments. Enthusiastic talk by an elder based on the Ministry School book, page 272 to page 273, paragraph 1.

10 min: The Offer for February. Briefly review the contents of the publications being offered, and have one or two presentations demonstrated.

10 min: "Keep Yourselves in God's Love."* Point out special features of the publication. Encourage all to be regular in attendance and to have a full share in commenting.

Song 133

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

"Keep Yourselves in God's Love"

¹ How keenly we anticipate considering the new book "Keep Yourselves in God's Love" at the Congregation Bible Study beginning the week of February 23! The letter that the Governing Body addressed to each lover of Jehovah concludes with these words: "It is our sincere hope that this publication will help you to contin-

• 1. For what purpose was “Keep Yourselves in God's Love’’ published? ue to apply the truth in your life and thus keep yourself 'in God's love ... with everlasting life in view.'—Jude 21."

• ² What to Anticipate: How do Bible principles apply in areas such as association, entertainment, respect for authority, personal habits, marriage, speech, and customs? Our consciences will be molded according to the lofty standards of righteousness revealed in God's Word. (Ps. 19:7, 8) As our understanding of Jehovah's way of thinking increases, our obedience in all areas of life will be motivated by a desire to please him.—Prov. 27:11; 1 John 5:3.

• ³ Be Determined to Participate: As you prepare, make it your goal to praise God among his congregated people. (Heb. 13:15) The entire congregation will consider this new study publication together. The smaller portion of material will allow all of us to prepare thoroughly, giving us confidence to share what we have learned. Our well-prepared, concise comments will incite others to love and fine works and will contribute to a lively, meaningful consideration of the material. (Heb. 10:24) Also, our joy will be made full as we individually make expressions of our faith.

• ⁴ On his final night on earth as a human, Jesus linked observing Jehovah's commandments with remaining in God's love. (John 15:10) With the assistance of the "God's Love" book, we will be more resolved than ever to apply Bible principles in everyday life and to 'keep ourselves in God's love.'—Jude 21.

• 2. In what areas of life will this new book help us?

• 3. Why should we do our best to participate in each week's lesson?

• 4. Why is it imperative that we observe Jehovah's commandments?

  C 2009 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; C. I. Woody, 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.

  
  

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 26

Song 32

• □ Congregation Bible Study:

jd chap. 131115-22

• □ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Genesis 17-20

No. 1: Genesis 17:1-17

No. 2: Why Men Have Been Unable to Establish a just Government (rs pp. 152-153 HI) No. 3: God Has a Name (/rchap. 4)

• □ Service Meeting:

Song 197

5 min: Local announcements.

10 min: Prepare to Offer the February 1 Watchtower and the February Awake! Audience discussion. After giving a brief overview of the magazines, ask the audience which articles may appeal to people in the territory and why. Using some of these articles, invite the audience to suggest a question that they would use to start a conversation, then a scripture from the article that they would read before offering the magazines. Conclude by demonstrating how each magazine might be offered using the

sample presentations on page 4 or other presentations that were suggested by the audience.

20 min: "Do You Know Your Options?"* To be handled by an elder. In conclusion, read the last paragraph.

Song 180

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

Do You Know Your Options?

Bloodless surgery is being performed at an increasing number of medical centers around the world. Are you fully informed of the options that are available in the field of bloodless medicine? You need to know so that you can make informed decisions involving medical treatment and surgery. Watch the video No Blood—Medicine Meets the Challenge. Afterward, prayerfully review what you learned with the help of the questions set out below. —Note: Because the video includes brief surgical scenes, parents should use discretion in viewing the video with young children.

(1) What is the main reason why Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions? (2) When it comes to medical care, what do Jehovah's Witnesses desire? (3) What basic right do patients have? (4) Why is it rational and responsible to choose transfusion alternatives? (5) When severe blood loss occurs, what two urgent priorities do doctors have? (6) What are the four principles of transfusion-alternative strategies? (7) How may doctors (a) minimize blood loss, (b) conserve red blood cells, (c) stimulate blood production, and (d) recover lost blood? (8) Describe the procedures known as (a) hemodilution and (b) cell salvage. (9) What should you want to be informed about regarding any transfusion alternative? (10) Can serious and complicated surgeries be performed without the use of blood transfusions? (11) What positive development is taking place within the medical community?

Acceptance of some of the treatments featured in the video is a matter for private decision In accord with each one's Bible-trained conscience. Have you taken a clear position on which medical treatments and procedures you are willing to accept for yourself and your children and then filled out a DPA card? For a complete discussion of these matters, carefully review "Questions From Readers" in the June 15, 2004, and October 15, 2000, issues of The Watchtower. Then use the work sheets in the November 2006 Our Kingdom Ministry insert, "How Do 1 View Blood Fractions and Medical Procedures Involving My Own Blood?," to make your personal decisions about what options you would accept or refuse. Finally, be sure you have accurately transferred your choices to your DPA card. Your selected health-care agents and any non-Witness family members should be fully informed of your decisions.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 2

Song 136

□ Congregation Bible Study:

jd chap. 141J1-9

□ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Genesis 21 -24

No. 1: Genesis 22:1-18

No. 2: "This Is My Son" (/rchap. 5)

No. 3: Ways That We Can Widen Out in Our Love for Others (2 Cor. 6:11-13)

□ Service Meeting:

Song 220

5 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for January.

10 min: Local needs.

10 min: Potential Conversation Stoppers. After a brief introduction, demonstrate how we might respond to some of the most common potential conversation stoppers in our territory using the Reasoning book, pages 15-20.

10 min: Help Those Who Lack Faith in the Bible. Audience discussion based on the Reasoning book, pages 64-68. Discuss how various objections about the Bible may be handled. Have a demonstration showing how to overcome an objection that is common in your territory.

Song 23

Announcements

■ Literature offer for January: What Does the Bible Really Teach? If householders already have the book, publishers may offer any 192-page book printed on paper that discolors or any book published prior to 1992 with the exception of Creation, Greatest Man, Mankind’s Search for God, and Young People Ask. February: Offer one of the following, as available: Is There a Creator Who Cares About You?, The Bible—God's Word or Man's?, or The Secret of Family Happiness. March: W7i<rt Does the Bible Really Teach? Make a diligent effort to start Bible studies. April: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. When making return visits on interested people, including those who attend the Memorial or other theocratic events but who are not actively associated with the congregation, concentrate on starting studies using the Bible Teach book.

■ Starting the first week in March, the new public talk for circuit overseers will be "Reject Worldly Fantasies, Pursue Kingdom Realities."

■ Congregations should make appropriate arrangements to observe the Memorial this year on Thursday, April 9, after sundown. Each congregation should try to hold its own Memorial observance. Where a number of congregations normally use the same Kingdom Hall, perhaps one or more congregations can obtain the use of another facility for that evening. Where possible, we suggest a minimum of 40 minutes between the programs so that all may benefit fully from some association after the Memorial.

■ It is necessary for the branch office to maintain an up-to-date record of addresses and telephone numbers for all coordinators of the bodies of elders and secretaries. If there is a change at any time, the Congregation Service Committee should complete, sign, and send an S-29 form to the branch office promptly. This includes any changes in telephone area codes.

Field Service Highlights

We are happy to report a new peak of 116,083 regular pioneers in the United States in September! This is an increase of 4.751 over the previous peak of 111.332 In December 2007.

What to Say About the Magazines

■"Watchtower. January i

"Do you think God is concerned about the ruining of the environment? [Allow for response. Then read Revelation 11:18.] This article provides Scriptural reasons for being optimistic about the future of the earth." Feature the article on page 18.

Awake! January

"When faced with problems, many people feel they are being punished by God. Have you ever felt that way? [Allow for response. Then read James 1:13.] This article explains the true source of our problems and why we can be confident that our adversities will soon end." Feature the article that begins on page 28.

""WATCHTOWER- February 1

"Do you think that all religions are acceptable to God? [Allow for response.] Notice the concern expressed here by Jesus. [Read Matthew 15:8, 9.] This article considers whether God accepts all forms of worship." Feature the article on page 9.

Awake! February

"Everything about the earth indicates that it was made to support life. Do you feel that this is just an accident, or do you believe it shows design by a Creator? [Allow for response.] Many people agree with this Bible verse. [Read Psalm 104:24.] This magazine examines the scientific and Scriptural evidence of a Creator."

4