Our Kingdom Ministry

June 2004                         For United States of America km-E Us 6/04 Vol. 47, No. 6

• ¹ Many people view money, power, and human ability as keys to success. (Ps. 12:4; 33:16, 17; 49:6) However, those who fear Jehovah and place their trust in him have the Bible’s assurance that “he is their help and their shield.” (Ps. 115:11) Let us consider two areas in which we need to demonstrate trust in Jehovah.

• ² As Christian Ministers: Whenever we handle assignments in the congregation or teach in the field ministry, we must rely on our God. Consider Jesus’ example. Although he was God’s Son, he did not trust in his own wisdom or ability but relied completely on his heavenly Father. (John 12: 49; 14:10) How much more so do we need to do the same! (Prov. 3:5-7) Only with Jehovah’s blessing will our humble efforts honor him and benefit others.—Ps. 127:1, 2.

• ³ We demonstrate our reliance on Jehovah by praying for his guidance and the help of his holy spirit. (Ps. 105:4; Luke 11:13) In addition, we show our trust in God by basing our teaching on his Word, the Bible. Its message has the power to touch hearts and transform lives. (Heb. 4:12) When we “minister as dependent on the strength that God supplies,” Jehovah is glorified.—1 Pet. 4:11.

• ⁴ Dealing With Problems: We also need to look to Jehovah for help when facing pressures and problems. (Ps. 46:1) For example, an employer may hesitate to give us time off to attend an assembly, or we may face a challenging situation in our family life. We show our trust in Jehovah by earnestly petitioning him and applying the guidance that he provides through his Word and organization. (Ps. 62:8; 119:143, 173) By so doing, Jehovah’s servants experience his helping hand in their lives.—Ps. 37:5; 118:13, 16.

• ⁵ Jehovah himself assures us: “Blessed is the able-bodied man who puts his trust in Jehovah, and whose confidence Jehovah has become.” (Jer. 17:7) May we demonstrate our trust in him in all that we do! —Ps. 146:5.

  The Angels Are Helping Us

  
  

• ¹ “Look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” How encouraging those words are to all those heeding Jesus’ command: “Go therefore and make disciples”! (Matt. 28:1820) One significant way that Jesus is with true Christians is by means of his angels. (Matt. 13:36-43) How thrilling it is to declare the “everlasting good news” in unison with these faithful spirit creatures!—Rev. 14:6, 7.

• ² In Our Ministry: The Bible reveals that the angels are sent “to minister for those who are going to inherit salvation.” (Heb. 1:14) In the first century, the angels were involved in directing Jesus’ followers to deserving ones. (Acts 8:26) Today, God’s servants continue to see evidence of angelic direction. On many occasions, householders have said that they had been praying for help when a Witness came to their door. How we, along with the angels, rejoice when such ones respond to the Kingdom message!—Luke 15:10.

• ³ Facing Opposition: Daniel, his three young Hebrew companions, the apostle Peter, and many others who have undergone great tests have experienced Jehovah’s protection by means of angels, “mighty in power.” (Ps. 103:20; Dan. 3:28; 6:21, 22; Acts 12:11) Although at times we may feel helpless in the face of opposition, we can be encouraged by the experience of Elisha’s attendant when he learned that “there are more who are with us than those who are with them.” (2 Ki. 6:15-17) Even if we are forcibly separated from our Christian brothers, we need not despair. God’s Word assures us: “The angel of Jehovah is camping all around those fearing him.”—Ps. 34:7.

• ⁴ Soon angelic armies will ride forth to remove all opposition to Christ’s kingship. (Rev. 19:11, 14, 15) While we await that day, may we continue boldly praising Jehovah, fully confident of the powerful support of heavenly armies under Christ’s command.—1 Pet. 3:22.

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting June 14

Song 168

10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Use the suggestions on page 4 (if appropriate for your territory) to demonstrate how to present the June 15 Watchtower and the June 22 Awake! In one presentation, show the publisher witnessing in business territory. Other realistic presentations may be used.

20 min: “Jehovah Helps Those Who Trust Him.”* When discussing paragraph 4, include comments on the December 1999 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 4, paragraphs 8-9, and the Ministry School book, page 67, paragraph 2.

15 min: Why Avoid the Abuse of Drugs? Audience discussion based on the Reasoning book, pages 106-9. The “recreational” use of drugs is common. Many insist that such use of drugs is not harmful; some even advocate legalization. Discuss how we might reason with such ones. Include comments in box on page 10 of November 8,1999, Awake!

Song 179 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting June 21

Song 29

10 min: Local announcements.

15 min: “The Angels Are Helping Us.”* Invite audience to comment on cited scriptures as time permits.

20 min: The Wisdom From Above Is Reasonable. (Jas. 3:17) Talk and audience discussion based on the Ministry School book, pages 251-2. What does it mean to be reasonable? Why is it important in our ministry? What can we learn from the apostle Paul’s example? How can publishers take into consideration the background of people in the local territory? How can we help Bible students to display reasonableness? Arrange in advance for one or two to relate experiences that show the benefits of a reasonable approach.

Song 53 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting June 28

Song 139

12 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for June. Using the suggestions on page 4 (if appropriate for your territory), demonstrate how to present the July 1 Watchtower and the July 8 Awake! In each case, have the publisher make a brief, friendly comment at the outset. Mention that doing so can help to put the householder at ease.

15 min: Local needs.

18 min: “The Congregation Book Study—Why We Need It.”* Use the questions that are provided. Include comments on the article “Assist Your Congregation Book Study Overseer,” which appeared on page 1 of the November 2002 Our Kingdom Ministry.

Song 20 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting July 5

Song 3

10 min: Local announcements.

15 min: What Will You Say? Talk and audience discussion. During July and August, we will be offering the Knowledge book and Require brochure. Review a few of the suggested presentations from the January 2002 Our Kingdom Ministry insert. Demonstrate one of the suggested presentations in the box “The Direct Approach” on page 6, including a brief consideration of one paragraph. Encourage all to be prepared to demonstrate our offer of a Bible study whenever the opportunity presents itself.

20 min: What Children Need From Parents. Talk and audience discussion based on Learn From the Great Teacher, pages 6-7. It is vital for children to learn the Bible principles governing true worship and to understand the key role played by parents in the training process. Discuss the suggestions made for studying the book. Invite parents to comment on how they have made use of the study aid. Have one or two children tell why they appreciate this publication.

Song 65 and concluding prayer.

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

March Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

© 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.S.A.

Announcements

■ Literature offer for June: 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. 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: Is There a Creator Who Cares About You? As an alternative offer, you may feature Life—How

Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation?

■ The branch facilities in Brooklyn, Patterson, and Wallkill, New York, will be closed on the following Saturdays: September 11, 2004 (Gilead graduation); October 2, 2004 (annual meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania); March 12, 2005 (Gilead graduation); and May 14, 2005 (spring cleaning). There will be no arrangements for tours or for congregations to pick up literature on those dates.

■ In order to ensure the security of the Kingdom Hall, the last person to leave the building should lock the door and engage any other security measures. If that person is unable to secure the building, he should call someone who can and then wait until that one arrives before leaving. The elders should maintain an updated list of responsible publishers who have been issued Kingdom Hall keys.

■ A consideration of the video Respect Jehovah’s Authority will be outlined in the September issue of Our Kingdom Ministry. Copies of the video are available in American Sign Language, Chinese, English, Japanese, and Spanish. All congregations are reminded to request these with their next literature request as needed.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

The following questions will be considered orally at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning June 28, 2004. The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of May 3 through June 28, 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. What factors may cause us to lack conversational style or to sound too formal when speaking from the platform? [be p. 179 par. 4]

• 2. Why is improvement of our voice quality not merely a matter of breathing properly and relaxing tense muscles? [be p. 181 par. 2]

• 3. As we share Bible truths with others, what practical steps can we take to “become all things to people of all sorts”? (1 Cor. 9:2023) [be p. 186 pars. 2-4]

• 4. What is involved in listening attentively in our ministry? [be p. 187]

• 5. Why is it important to show respect for everyone we meet in our ministry? [be p. 190]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

• 6. What is the goal of those who impart theocratic instruction, and what will help us to reach this goal? (Matt. 5:16; John 7:16-18) [be p. 56 par. 3-p. 57 par. 2]

• 7. Why is it beneficial to draw contrasts when teaching, and how did Jesus employ this teaching method? [be p. 57 par. 3; p. 58 par. 2]

• 8. In contrast with the Pharisees, how did Jesus’ teaching reach for the hearts of people? [be p. 59 pars. 2-3]

• 9. How can we help those whom we teach to apply what they learn, without making decisions for them? [be p. 60 pars. 1-3]

• 10. How should we respond to questions from others about matters for personal decision? [be p. 69 pars. 4-5]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

• 11. Why did Moses have to follow closely “the pattern of the tabernacle and pattern of all its furnishings”? (Ex. 25:9) [it-2 p. 1058 par. 7]

• 12. What can we learn from Aaron’s response to Moses regarding the golden calf incident? (Ex. 32:24)

• 13. What can we learn from the Israelites’ demonstration of faith in obedience to Jehovah’s command at Exodus 34:23, 24?

• 14. What was the purpose of a communion sacrifice? (Lev. 3:1)

• 15. How does the installation procedure in connection with Aaron, recorded at Leviticus 8:23, apply antitypically to Jesus? [it-2 p. 1113 par. 4; w68 p. 399 par. 24]

The Congregation Book Study —Why We Need It

• ¹ In 1895, study groups of the Bible Students, as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then called, came to be known as Dawn Circles for Bible Study. Volumes of Millennial Dawn were used as the basis for study. Later, these meetings were called Berean Circles for Bible Study. (Acts 17: 11) Often a group of moderate size met in a private home on an evening convenient to the group. These meetings were the forerunners of the Congregation Book Study.

• ² Encouragement and Assistance: Since book study groups are purposely kept small, there is greater opportunity for those in attendance to make expressions of their faith. The result is “an interchange of encouragement ..., each one through the other’s faith.”—Rom. 1:12.

’Observing the book study overseer’s manner of teaching can help us to ‘handle the word of the truth aright.’ (2 Tim. 2:15) Take note of how he emphasizes the Scriptural basis of the material. If appropriate for the publication being considered, he may highlight key points by means of a concluding review, using just the Bible. His good example can help us to improve our teaching in the Christian ministry. —1 Cor. 11:1.

• ⁴ In addition to conducting the weekly lesson, the book study overseer takes the lead in evangelizing. In cooperation

• 1. What were the early beginnings of the Congregation Book Study arrangement?

• 2. How can we contribute to “an interchange of encouragement” at the book study?

• 3, 4. How does the book study arrangement help us to accomplish our ministry? with the service overseer, he makes practical arrangements for field service. He seeks to assist all in the group to fulfill their Christian responsibility to preach the good news and make disciples.—Matt. 28:19,20; 1 Cor. 9:16.

• ⁵ The book study overseer is Interested in the spiritual welfare of each one in the group. He demonstrates this interest at congregation meetings and as he works with others in field service. He also uses occasions when he visits the brothers in their homes to share a spiritual gift. All should feel welcome to approach the book study overseer for spiritual assistance whenever they have a need.—Isa. 32:1, 2.

• ⁶ Strengthen One Another: In lands where the activity of God’s people is restricted, the brothers often meet in smaller groups. One brother recalled: “Even though our Christian activities were banned, whenever possible we held our weekly meetings in groups of between 10 and 15. From the meetings we derived spiritual strength, from both our Bible study and our association after the study. We would compare our experiences, and this helped us to realize that each of us had the same struggle.” (1 Pet. 5:9) May we, likewise, strengthen one another by fully supporting the Congregation Book Study arrangement.—Eph. 4:16.

• 5. What personal assistance is available through the book study?

• 6. (a) How have our brothers in certain lands been strengthened by meeting in smaller groups? (b) How have you personally benefited from the book study arrangement?

™Watchtower June is

Announcing Jehovah-s Kingdom

“Wouldn’t you agree that training children in today’s modern world is a challenge? [Allow for response.] Notice this assurance that parents can succeed. [Read Proverbs 22:6.] This issue of The Watchtower offers practical advice to help parents meet this challenge.”

Awake! June 22

“Some feel it is unscientific to believe in God. But did you know that there are scientists who say that science actually supports belief in a Creator? [Allow for response.] This issue of Awake! considers some of the evidence that has caused them to reach that conclusion.” Read Romans 1:20.

WATCI HOWER July 1 Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom

“In times of tragedy, many question whether God really cares about people and notices their suffering. Have you ever wondered about that? [Allow for response.] This magazine discusses how God shows concern for us today and how he has provided the basis for eliminating all suffering.” Read John 3:16.

Awake! July 8

“For many people, the teen years are a time of both joys and challenges, wouldn’t you agree? [Allow for response.] This magazine discusses the changes that adolescents undergo. It also examines some sage advice that can help them make the best of their teen years.” Read Ecclesiastes 12:1.

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