OUR KINGDOM SERVICE

NOVEMBER 1980

Vol. 23, No. 11

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

NOVEMBER 3-9

How Would You:

• 1. Introduce new Topic for Conversation?

• 2. Involve householder in consideration of scriptures?

• 3. Offer presentation?

NOVEMBER 10-16

What Good Is Accomplished:

• 1. When people are not interested?

• 2. Even when people are not at home?

• 3. When all we can do is sound a warning?

NOVEMBER 17-23

How May a Bible Study Be Started:

• 1. In the “Bible Stories" book?

• 2. In publication householder already has?

• 3. In the “Good News" booklet or another?

NOVEMBER 24-30 Why Should We Not:

• 1. Argue with opposers?

• 2. Always take issue with wrong statements?

• 3. Show irritation at householder?

Special Series of “Happiness” Talks

• ¹ How delighted we are to have the new book, Happiness—How to Find It. Many quickly read through this new publication shortly after receiving it, but in order for all to get a firm grasp on this excellent information about true happiness and how to find it, a (Continued on page 2, col. 3)

  Dependability— A Mark of Faithfulness!

  
  

• ¹ We all depend on many things in life. We need food ana water, and air to breathe. We are thankful for friends or family we can depend on.

• ² But most of all we are dependent on Jehovah, as He is the Life-Giver. We have come to appreciate also that it is through the ^r‘faithful and discreet slave’^r class that Jehovah provides us with spiritual food “at the proper time.” (Matt. 24:45-47) We are glad Jehovah has built up an organization of faithful servants throughout the earth who are willing to shoulder the load of directing the Kingdom interests in 97 branch offices and who work hard to print and distribute the spiritual food through this organization.

FAITHFUL EXAMPLES

^s As we examine the Bible record we find examples of many men and women who were dependable and showed their faithfulness to Jehovah. Think of Moses. Remember the many ways he showed both his faith and dependability in Jehovah’s service. (Heb. 11:27-29)

¹ How important are congregation meetings to you? How important is it to Jehovah that his people congregate before him regularly? Is your view of the meetings the same as his? He tells us how he feels about this aspect of our worship at Deuteronomy 4:10. (Read.)

• ² Jehovah directed those meetings through his holy angels. But today he is dealing with us through his mighty archangel enthroned at his right side. “That is why it is necessary for us to pay more than the usual attention to the things heard by us. . . . For if the word spoken through angels proved to be firm . . . how shall we escape if we have neglected a salvation of such greatness in that it began to be spoken through our Lord?” (Heb. 2:1-4) When we view our divine instruction from this lofty plane, it is little wonder that Paul later in this same letter said what he did at Hebrews 10:25. (Read.)

PROGRAM ADJUSTMENTS

• ³ Starting in January a slight change is being made in the length of the Theocratic School and service meeting. Each of the two meetings will be 45 minutes in length, not including the songs and prayers. This may help some elders Did not he and his brother Aaron return to Pharaoh time after time with the message that Jehovah commanded until they finally were told to appear no more on pain of death? (Ex. 10:11, 28) Was he not faithful in overseeing the building of the tabernacle just as Jehovah directed? And did not Moses faithfully stand before the people to judge them until Jehovah showed the way to give him assistance? —Ex. 18:13, 25, 26.

• ⁴ Others we could point to as examples of dependability are Mark ana Timothy. Although John Mark at one time turned back from accompanying his brothers on an evangelizing trip, thus raising questions about his dependability, he later showed himself to be both useful and dependable, even being privileged later to write one of the Gospels.—Acts 13:13; 2 Tim. 4:11.

• ⁵ Timothy also, though a young man, zealously followed the directions given him by his older brother Paul in carrying on the preaching work.—2 Cor. 1:18-20.

(Continued on page 4, col. 2)

and ministerial servants who need a little more time to care for their duties and responsibilities after these meetings. Others may find it helpful if they depend on public transportation. (Please see announcement on page 3 regarding arrangement for these meetings when circuit overseer visits congregation.)

♦ With these meetings being somewhat shorter, each of us will want to be better prepared to realize the greatest possible spiritual benefits. Elders in particular will be conscious of their teaching so all go away edified. The Sermon on the Mount was a short meeting, but what powerful teaching was demonstrated in that little time! Do you and your family have a set time to go over the material to be covered in these meetings?

SUPPORT CONGREGATION MEETINGS

^sCONGREGATION BOOK STUDY: In January we will start studying the book God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached. This 416-page book, published in 1973, contains vital information that is even more apropos now than when it was

(Continued on page 3, col. 1)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 2

12 min: Song 99. Appropriate Announcements from Our Kingdom Service and local announcements. Discuss Psalm 22:22 In Introducing part on program.

25 min: “Congregation Meetings—Part I.’’ Question-and-answer discussion. Have qualified reader on platform sum up each paragraph. Elder handling part should get figures on meeting attendance from congregation records and analyze with audience when discussing paragraphs 5-9. Friends should be commended. Is there an area where Improvement is needed? If so, what are some f>roblems hindering some from attend-ng? When considering paragraph 4, let some tell how and when they prepare for Theocratic School and service meeting. Emphasize that only a few minutes may be needed for this each week In addition to the Bible reading assignment.

18 min: “Presenting the Good News —With My Book of Bible Stories.” Talk and discussion with audience. Let some In audience explain how they plan to present the book and what they will feature. If some have had an interesting experience when placing the Bible Stories book In the past, you may entertain one or two. Have pioneer or other qualified publisher demonstrate new Topic for Conversation.

5 min: Song 81 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 9

5 min: Song 75 and local announcements.

12 mln: Consider Stories 55 and 110 from the Bible Stories book with a group of children. Highlight the privilege young Samuel had of being a spokesman for God. Also, emphasize wonderful work that Timothy shared in by giving of himself and traveling with the apostle Paul.

20 min: “How Do You View Your Parents?" The following material Is based on chapter 10 of the Youth book. Certain paragraphs from that chapter are cited after the questions below, which should assist brothers In preparing comments. Elder with this part may assign youths beforehand scriptures to be read. Encourage youths to participate In discussion. Please pose the following questions, have texts read and discussed. Who has the responsibility of teaching and training children, and according to whose rules? (Eph. 6:4) If the parents of a young person are not serving Jehovah, must they still be respected and obeyed? Why? (par. 4) What are some of the things your parents have done for you from the time you were a baby until now? (pars. 5, 6) How can you show that you appreciate what they do? (Eph. 6:1, 2) Do parents ever make mistakes? (Rom. 5:12) How should you view mistakes made by your parents? (Matt. 6:14, 15) According to God, who has the final decision Tn matters pertaining to the family? (Col. 3:20) Why Is this so Important? (par. 10) Since God has given parents the responsibility of training their children, what do parents have the right to Impose on their children concerning dress, associations, and so forth? (Prov. 6:20) How did Jesus show respect for this God-given arrangement? (Gal. 4:1, 2) How does Jehovah view the matter of disobedience to parents? (Prov, 30:17;

par. 11) What are some of the rewards tor obedience now and In the future? (Gal. 6:7; pars. 13, 14; Prov. 3:1, 2) 18 mln: This part may be arranged locally according to needs, or talk may be given on article "Why ‘Be In Subjection'?" from Watchtower of May 15, 1980,_____________ ______

5 mln: Ask all to bring book Our Incoming World Government—God’s Kingdom to meeting next week. Prepare from page 162, paragraph 6, through page 166, paragraph 16. Song 94 and prayer.                         _

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 16

8 mln: Song 118, local announcements and accounts report.

18 mln: Our Position in the Dividing of Kingdom Supporters from Nonsupporters. Discussion by qualified teacher with congregation oi highlights of material in Our Incoming World Government—God’s Kingdom, page 162, paragraph 6, through page 166, paragraph 16. Highlight difference In position, but unity of work done by King’s “brothers” and “sheep" class. Paragraph 6: How and by whom are the nations being put on notice? How do scriptures indicate this?—2 Cor. 5:20; Isa. 43:9.

Paragraphs 7. 8: Read and discuss Matthew 25:31-33. When and on what basis does this separating work take place ?

Paragraphs 9, 10: Read and discuss Matthew 25:34, 35. Whom do the sheeplike ones who are separated to the King’s right hand picture? What did Jesus show them as doing?

Paragraphs 11-13: Read Matthew 25: 37-40. Whom did Jesus refer to as “my brothers”? How do “sheep” show their support of the King’s "brothers"? What circumstances have the King's "brothers” had to endure?

Paragraphs 14, 15: How are the sheeplike Kingdom supporters rewarded? What must each one do to show he Is a Kingdom supporter? See also page 173, paragraph 31.

Paragraph 16: How do “sheep" "Inherit the Kingdom"? How is hope of the King’s "brothers” different? How can our congregation show we are Kingdom supporters ?

10 mln: Service overseer conducts discussion on how to follow up placements of My Book of Bible Stories with group of brothers and sisters who are active and effective In return visit work. We can offer to demonstrate the use of this publication in studying with children in the family, preferably while father or mother attends, so they will see how to teach their own children. Some are using book for studies with adults, using as basis for discussion the scriptures at the end of the story. Show how this can be done. If householder prefers something else, offer to study from a book or booklet of your choice, such as "This Good News of the Kingdom.” With the many placements of My Book of Bible Stones, a practical and realistic follow-up by congregation should be planned.

17 mln: Audience discussion of “Dependability—A Mark of Faithfulness!” Some can be assigned to read or comment briefly on scriptures shown. Be sure to read paragraphs six and seven.

7 mln: Encourage congregation to show themselves ‘supporters of the Kingdom’ by sharing in Held service on weekend. Song 54 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 23

5 mln: Song 114 and local announcements.

25 min: “Shake the Dust off Your Feet.” Question-and-answer consldera- . tlon of article. Look up all cited scriptures as time allows and discuss.

15 min: Experiences. “How I Got the Truth.” Elder interviews two or three individuals or families. Especially give consideration to favorable impression made by Witness who called on them because of mild and pleasant manner in dealing with them. Tie in Impression made with information presented in previous part. It is preferred that those interviewed do not read or memorize what they are going to say. Elder can skillfully ask questions and draw out Information.

15 min: Talk on article “Special Series of ‘Happiness’ Talks.” Song 14 and prayer.

"Happiness" Talks           (Cont'd)

series of eight talks will be presented during January and February, 1981. The titles for these talks are set out below.

1—“Where to Look for Happiness” (Chap. 1-3)

2—“Help in Coping with Life’s Problems” (Chap. 4-6)

3—“How to Find Success in Family Life” (Chap. 7, 8)

4—“A Healthier, Happier Life —How?” (Chap. 9, 10)

5—“You Can Overcome Sickness and Death” (Chap. 11-13)

6—“What Reason to Hope for a Better Future?” (Chap. 14, 15)

7—“A Christian View of Government and Law” (Chap. 16, 17)

8—“Will You Worship God in HIS Way?” (Chap. 18-20)

² Similar to last year’s arrangements, there will be no outlines provided for these talks. This is the only notice that congregations will receive on this matter. Each congregation should immediately make definite arrangements for this series to be presented. Qualified speakers should be assigned talks and in some cases capable ministerial servants may be used if needed. Since some congregations may have a limited number of capable speakers, neighboring congregations may wish to stagger the starting date of the series of talks, one beginning January 4 and the other on January 11. Thus, even with a limited number of qualified speakers, the same brother could give the same talk in each congregation and the sequence would be maintained in the order as listed above.

Congregation Meetings (Cant’d) first released. Think of the hundreds of thousands of new ones who have been baptized since it was first published. All of us, old or new in the faith, will benefit greatly from the spiritual “meat” contained in this book.

• SERVICE MEETING: The service meeting is directly related to our preaching and disciplemaking work. The more field service oriented we are, the more meaningful this meeting will be to us. Some take notes on exceptional field points and other information gleaned from the meeting and then use them in the various features of their field service. Our work is twofold: We sound a warning as well as search for sheeplike ones. Future service meetings will reflect this additional reason for our preaching. Let the service meetings motivate you to increased sacred service.

’ THEOCRATIC SCHOOL: As mentioned last month in Our Kingdom Service, the school has been revised for 1981. All will benefit from the counsel that will be given following the student talks and each student will have better in mind just where he needs to improve. This is helpful even to those in the audience who will be giving talks in the future as they may that will come by Jehovah’s hand.

BE MILD-TEMPERED AND RESPECTFUL

• ⁴ Peter wrote: “But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect.” (1 Pet. 3:15) These words reveal the mental attitude we should have.

• ⁵ The following experience shows the wisdom of pursuing peace and not retaliating. “A young brother and I walked up a driveway to call on a home while working house to house one morning. When we were about half way up the driveway, the man of the house burst out of the front door yelling for us to get off his property and telling us that he wanted nothing of what we had. The boy and I stood motionless until he had finished and we turned and walked back to the street without making any reply whatsoever. We went across the street and talked to a woman for some time, possibly a half hour.

(Continued on page 4, col. 3)

need to improve along the same line. The school will be reduced to a total of four talks each week to accommodate the shorter meeting. With a total of eight minutes to be used for discussion of the Bible reading assignment, this important aspect of the school will receive added emphasis. This is truly a time when Jehovah congregates his people together that they may hear his words.

s "WATCHTOWER” STUDY: The Watchtower study could be likened to the main entree of a finely prepared, five-course meal. It contains the solid food we all need to withstand trials and pressures. Are there any who are not experiencing such? Who then can afford to miss even one Watchtower study? Remember, neglecting our spirituality intensifies most problems! Remain firm in the faith. Attend regularly.

»PUBLIC TALK: The Society plans to provide some new public talk outlines in March for those who are used as public speakers in the congregations. These will provide fresh information in line with the needs of God’s people.

¹⁰ We look forward to coming issues of Our Kingdom Service with additional information on each of the five congregation meetings.

• New Publications Available: Choosing the Best Way of Life

—Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish Good News—to Make You Happy

—Arabic, Clbemba, Tswana, TwI Happiness—How to Find It

—German Holy Spirit—The Force Behind the Coming New Order! —Czech True Peace and Security—From What Source!     —Bulgarian, Samoan.

Turkish

Your Youth—Getting the Best out of It                     —Croatian

A Secure Future—How You Can Find It                     —Chinese

Is There a God Who Cares !

—Chinese Study Questions for the Book Is This Life All There Is f        —Dutch

There Is Much More to Life!

—Chinese

• When ordering the 1981 Yearbook. publishers and pioneers are requested to do so through the congregation. Orders for the Yearbook In the following languages may be placed after the dates here listed: November 15, 1980 English; December 15, 1980 French, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish; February 1, 1981 Dutch, German, Japanese, Korean. PAYMENT SHOULD NOT ACCOMPANY ORDERS. Congregation accounts will be charged at the rate of 51.00 each for publishers. Regular and special pioneers on the list before July 1, 1980, may receive a free copy for which the congregation may request credit. Pioneers may obtain additional copies at 25 cents each.

© The August Issue of Our Kingdom Service on page 4 outlined that during the circuit overseer’s visit there would be an adjustment in the Theocratic School and service meeting. This adjustment remains In effect except that Assignment No. 1 will be 15 minutes in length, rather than 20 as formerly, ana the highlights from the Bible reading for the week will be 8 minutes In length, rather than 6, as formerly. There will be no student talks that week. Thus with the circuit overseer’s one-half hour talk and the regular service meeting conducted for 45 minutes, the whole program. Including songs and prayers, should not exceed about one hour and 55 minutes, beginning January 1, 1981.

• Literature offer for November: My Book of Bible Stories for $2.50. December: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures and the book Happiness—How to Find It for $3.10. January: Watchtower subscription for $2.50. February: One of the 192-page books you have In stock locally. Use any except Happiness or Truth books.

• Congregation secretary should send the Pioneer Information Report form (S-207) to the Society immediately If he has not already done so. This must be sent in even if there are no pioneers in the congregation.

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Choosing the Best Way of Life:

November 2: Pages 125¹ to 133¹

November 9: Pages 133¹ to 139

November 16: Pages 140 to 147

November 23: Pages 148 to 153 November 30: Pages 154 to 161¹

With “My Book of Bible Stories"

¹ "Only watch out for yourself . . . that you may not forget the things that your eyes have seen and that they may not depart from your heart all the days of your life; and you must make them known to your sons and to your grandsons.” (Deut. 4:9) With those words, Jehovah was preparing his people to enter into the Promised Land. Yes, it was not only important for the adults ‘not to forget the things’ Jehovah had done, hut also important that the sons and grandsons be taught. Is it any different today as we stand at the threshold of a far grander Promised Land, God’s new order?

² What a marvelous instrument Jehovah has provided to help us ‘watch out for ourselves’ and also to use in teaching our ‘sons and grandsons.’ We speak of Afy Book of Bible Stories, now printed in 35 languages. The stories of what Jehovah has done in the past must not depart from the hearts of our children all the days of their lives.

⁸ Many have said that this book is the easiest one to offer of any we have ever had. Perhaps that is why it has reached the remarkable circulation figure of over 13 million copies in just two years. Obviously many who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses are interested in giving spiritual help to their sons and grandsons.

⁴ We can assist them by presenting My Book of Bible Stories in field service during November. What have you found to be the best way to present it? While it is true that we are placing an attractive book on a remarkably low contribution, we do not want that to be the chief aspect of our presentation, do we? We want to highlight the spiritual benefits of the offer. How can we accomplish this?

⁵ Our Topic for Conversation shows two basic reasons why the Bible was written, namely (1) to sound a warning and (2) to make you wise for salvation. You might say: “Hello, we are calling today to help people understand why the Bible was written. Have you ever wondered about that? [Allow response.] One reason that some are not aware of is to sound a warning. That is the thought expressed here at 1 Corinthians 10: 11. [Read.] God’s warnings are not to frighten but to move people to seek salvation, a second reason why the Bible was written. Second Timothy 3:15 helps us to appreciate that young and old alike need the Holy Writings for salvation. [Read.] Let me show you an example of the happy salvation foretold by one Bible writer, Isaiah, here in one of the stories in this book, My Book of Bible Stories.” Turn to Story 71 and read first and last paragraphs. Offer the book.

• ⁸ You may encounter some who already have the Bible Stories book. What then? Why not offer to study it with them and the family? There is also the possibility of placing some other appropriate Bible study aid.

• ⁷ Have you thought of offering the Bible Stories book to people on the street? Many have and some have had fine results.

• ⁸ Let all of us assist others during November to know why the Bible was written by offering My Book of Bible Stories on a contribution of $2.50.

"Shake the Dust ..." (Cont’d.) When we came out from her house, the previously violent man was standing at the end of his driveway waiting for us. We expected another tirade. Instead, he had regained his composure, was very mild and apologized for the way he had spoken to us. We feel this sudden change in his attitude was due to the fact that we did not retaliate.”—Rom. 12:17, 18.

• ^{2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9} Regardless of how bitter or indifferent individuals may be, they cannot rob us of our joy and peace if we maintain a proper mental attitude and fine Christian conduct.

MAKE FIELD SERVICE A PLEASURE

• ⁷ Due to not having this right mental attitude, some 'have been discouraged. Some adjustment in thinking may be needed. Be positive. Present the Kingdom message in a kindly and friendly manner. If people listen and respond, it is to their benefit. If not, you have provided a warning.—Ezek. 33:9.

• ⁸ Many of those whom we contact in the territory do not want to serve Jehovah. (Matt. 7:13) Those who are deserving will manifest themselves. Hence, continue displaying loving-kindness, mildness, and even maintaining silence when necessary. As the occasion demands, “shake the dust off your feet,” symbolically speaking, knowing that Jehovah, Jesus Christ and the holy angels are witnesses to your faithful work. —Matt. 24:14; Ezek. 33:33.

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Why the Bible Was Written

1 Cor. 10:11—Sounds a warning. 2 Tim. 3:15—Makes wise for salvation.

4

¹

To or from subheading.

²

Dependability . . .            (Cont’d)

³

SHOWING OUR DEPENDABILITY

⁴

⁸ In line with our dedication, are we dependable in our field activity? If we are elders and ministerial servants and are privileged

⁵

to give instruction to the congregation through a part on the meeting or to take the lead in the field service, do we show ourselves depend

⁶

able? It is important that we do so

⁷

as Luke 16:10 shows.

⁸

When we enroll in the Theocratic School, can we be depended on to take the talks assigned to us? And when we speak about the truth is it according to accurate knowledge and the fine instruction we have received through Jehovah’s loyal organization?—2 Tim. 1:13.

⁹

When it comes to cleaning the Kingdom Hall, can we be depended on? Do we uphold the decisions of the elders, appreciating that their appointment is in harmony with the direction given in God’s Word through holy spirit? Are we on time for theocratic appointments? Do we turn in our field service and Bible study reSorts promptly? Do we support the lingaom Hall as the center of true worship in our area, contributing to keep it in good condition?

⁸ Surely we all want to be found dependable both by Jehovah and by our brothers. Just as we depend on Jehovah to supply our daily needs, along with spiritual food and guidance, we want to be used by Him in a way so that others can depend on us in time of need. —1 Pet. 4:10, 11.