Our kingdom ministry

OCTOBER 2010

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 11

Song 50

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cfchap.11 V15-21, boxon p.117

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 5-7

No.1:1 Chronicles 6:31-47

No. 2: Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a Sect or a Cult, and How Old Is Their Religion? (rs p. 202 V1—p. 203V3)

No. 3: How Can Imperfect Humans Be Holy?

(1 Pet. 1:16)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 81

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: How Should You Answer? Discussion based on the Ministry School book, page 69, paragraphs 1-5. Include a demonstration of a pioneer answering a Bible student who has to make a personal decision. The student asks, “What would you do in my situation?”

10 min: Physical Cleanliness Glorifies God. Talk based on the Organized book, page 137, paragraph 1, to page 138, paragraph 2. Invite audience to relate how the clean, neat, and modest appearance of Jehovah’s Witnesses attracted them to the truth.

10 min: “Do Not Be Afraid.” Questions and answers.

Song 67

“Do Not Be Afraid”

¹ Jeremiah, when commissioned as a prophet, had feelings of inadequacy. But Jehovah reassured him, “do not be afraid,” and kindly strengthened him to accomplish his assignment. (Jer. 1:6-10) In our day, shyness or lack of confidence may affect our participation in the ministry. Fear

1. What challenges similar to Jeremiah’s may we personally face?

of how people may respond or view us could cause us to hold back at times. How can we overcome such fears, and what personal blessings will result?

• ² Prepare in Advance: Adequate preparation can do much to allay our fears. For instance, if we review in advance potential conversation stoppers, we will be prepared to answer common objections. (Prov. 15:28) Why not use practice sessions during Family Worship to prepare for various challenges at school and in the minis-try?—1 Pet. 3:15.

• ³ Trust in Jehovah: A sure antidote for fear is reliance on our God. Jehovah guaranteed that he will help us. (Isa. 41:10-13) What greater security could we have? In addition, Jesus assured us that even when unexpected situations arise, God’s holy spirit will enable us to bear witness in a fine way. (Mark 13:11) Therefore, petition Jehovah regularly for his holy spirit.—Luke 11:13.

• ⁴ Blessings: As we persevere in the ministry despite challenges, we are strengthened to face future trials successfully. We develop courage and boldness—characteristics of those filled with holy spirit. (Acts 4: 31) Furthermore, as we overcome personal fears with Jehovah’s help, we fortify our faith and our trust in his saving arm. (Isa. 33:2) We also experience the joy and satisfaction that come from knowing that we are pleasing our heavenly Father. (1 Pet. 4: 13, 14) Let us, then, not be afraid to declare the Kingdom message with boldness, always confident of Jehovah’s backing!

• 2. How will preparation help us to allay our fears regarding the ministry?

• 3. How does trust in Jehovah help us to overcome fear?

• 4. What blessings result from persevering in the ministry despite challenges?

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 18

Song 45

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cf chap. 12 fl1-7

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 8-11 No.1:1 Chronicles 11:1-14

No. 2: In What Ways Do the Spirit and the Bride Say, “Come”? (Rev. 22:17)

No. 3: Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe That Their Religion Is the Only Right One? (rs p. 203 fl4-5)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 65

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: The Importance of Visual Contact in the Ministry. Discussion based on the Ministry School book, page 124, paragraph 1, to page 125, paragraph 4.

20 min: “New Brochure to Be Offered!” Questions and answers. When considering paragraph 1, briefly outline the contents of the brochure. After discussing paragraphs 2 and 3, have the sample presentations demonstrated. After discussing paragraph 4, demonstrate how to start a Bible study on the return visit.

Song 114

New Brochure to Be Offered!

¹ At our “Keep on the Watch!” District Convention in 2009, a new brochure was released entitled The Bible—What Is Its Message? During November congregations around the world will offer it for the first time. How will this publication benefit people in our territory? Most people, especially those in non-Christian religions, know little about the Bible. Therefore, the brochure explains on page 3 that it is designed to provide “an overview of the Bible.”

• 1. What will we offer during November, and what is the purpose of this publication?

• ² How to Offer It: We could say something like this: “We would like to get your opinion on what this says. [Read 2 Timothy 3:16.] Many we talk to agree with these words; others feel that the Bible is nothing more than a good book. What do you think about the Bible? [Allow for response.] Whatever our religious beliefs may be, there are good reasons to examine the Bible for ourselves. [Read the introductory paragraph at the top of page 3.] As you read the fast-moving summary of the Bible found in this brochure, you will see something interesting: The Bible has one overall theme and message.”

• ³ Here is another option, especially when preaching where many people belong to a non-Christian religion: “We would like to get your opinion on what is stated here in the Scriptures (or in this holy book). [Read Psalm 37:11.] What do you think the earth will be like when this prophecy is fulfilled? [Allow for response.] This is an example of the hope and comfort that people of all cultures and faiths can receive from the Bible.” Read the paragraph at the top of page 3, and offer the brochure.

• ⁴ Start a Bible Study: When we return we could remind the householder of our previous conversation and consider a paragraph or two on the subject we discussed, using the questions at the end of the appropriate section. Or if we wish to introduce the Bible Teach book right away, we could read with him the back cover of the brochure, hand him the book, ask which of the chapter titles interests him, and consider a paragraph or two from that chapter together. May all of us have a full share in offering this brochure during November!

• 2. How might we offer the brochure?

• 3. What is another presentation that we might use, especially in territory where many belong to a non-Christian religion?

• 4. How may we use the brochure to start a Bible study?

  © 2010 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 OCTOBER 25

Song 2

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cf chap. 12 ^8-14

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 12-15

Theocratic Ministry School Review

Q Service Meeting:

Song 14

8 min: Announcements. “If You Need Foreign-Language Literature Quickly.” Talk.

12 min: Our International Unity Honors Jehovah. Talk based on the Organized book, page 165, paragraph 2, to the subheading on page 168. Have some in the audience relate published experiences in which our unity and love resulted in a witness.

15 min: Be Self-Sacrificing. (Luke 9:23) Discussion based on the 2010 Yearbook, page 45, paragraph 1; page 56, paragraph 2; and page 58, paragraph 1, to page 59, paragraph 1. After discussing each experience, invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.

Song 66

If You Need Foreign-Language Literature Quickly

At times we meet people who prefer to read our literature in a foreign language that our congregation does not have in stock. Did you know that if you have access to the Internet and a printer, you can print literature in about 400 languages yourself? Here is how:

• • Go to www.watchtower.org, our official

Web site.

• • On the right side of the home page is a partial list of languages. Click on the picture of the globe for a list of all the available languages.

• • Click on the language you want. A page will appear that shows the literature that you can print, such as tracts, brochures, and articles. Since this page is written in the language you have chosen, do not worry if you do not recognize the titles.

• • Click on any item. The material will appear on the screen and can then be printed using the print feature of your browser.

Our Web site contains only a sampling; additional publications are available through the congregation. Once you establish interest, it is best to request literature from the literature counter.

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning October 25, 2010. The school overseer will conduct a 20-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of September 6 through October 25, 2010.

• 1. What lesson can we learn by examining the life of King Azariah (Uzziah)? (2 Ki. 15:1-6) [w91 7/15 pp. 29-30]

• 2. Since Judean King Jotham is credited with ruling for only 16 years, why does 2 Kings 15:30 refer to “the twentieth year” of his reign? (2 Chron. 27:7, 8) [it-2 p. 119 par. 5]

• 3. Who were “the Samaritans” mentioned at 2 Kings 17:29? [it-2 p. 847 par. 7]

• 4. Why is Jehovah spoken of as ‘forming’ his purpose? (2 Ki. 19:25) [w99 8/15 p. 14 par. 3]

• 5. How does 2 Kings 25:8, 25, 26 accurately describe the starting point of the fulfillment of the seventy years Jerusalem would lie desolate? [it-1 p. 415 par. 6p. 416 pars. 1-2; p. 463 par. 4]

• 6. Why does 1 Samuel 16:10, 11 record David as the eighth son of Jesse, while Ezra records him as the seventh? (1 Chron. 2: 15) [w02 9/15 p. 31]

• 7. How can we imitate the example of the ancient Gileadites? (1 Chron. 5:10, 18-22) [w05 10/1 p. 9 par. 7]

• 8. What lesson can be learned from the Levite gatekeepers? (1 Chron. 9:26, 27) [w05 10/1 p. 9 par. 8]

• 9. How important was singing in ancient Israel? (1 Chron. 9:33) [it-2 p. 452 par. 9]

• 10. What was wrong with David’s reaction described at 1 Chronicles 13:11? [w05 10/1 p. 11]

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 1

Song 22

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cf chap. 12 ^15-21, box on p. 127

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 16-20

No.1:1 Chronicles 17:1-10

No. 2: Do Other Religions Adhere to the Bible?

(rs p. 204 fl1)

No. 3: Scriptural Warnings About Things From Which True Christians Must Flee

Q Service Meeting:

Song 115

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: We Endure Various Trials. Talk based on the Organized book, page 176, paragraph 2, to page 178, paragraph 2. Briefly interview a publisher regarding what helps him to remain zealous in the ministry despite having serious health problems.

10 min: Local needs.

10 min: Prepare to Offer the Magazines During November. Discussion. Take one or two minutes to review the contents of the magazines. Then choose two or three articles, and invite audience to suggest questions and scriptures that could be used in a presentation. Demonstrate how each issue may be offered.

Song 3

Announcements

■ Literature offer for October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, present the tract Would You Like to Know the Truth? and endeavor to start a Bible study. November: The Bible —What Is Its Message? December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. If there are children in the household, offer Learn From the Great Teacher. January: What Does the Bible Really Teach? If householders already have the book, congregations that have a stock of Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life and Worship the Only True God may offer either of these books. Otherwise, publishers may offer any older field publications on hand in the congregation.

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

■ Congregation publishers must not put handbills, tracts, magazines, or any other literature in householders’ mailboxes since that is prohibited by postal regulations in the United States.

Field Service Highlights

What a joy to report that 5,042 publishers were baptized during the month of June in the United States! Also, the number of regular pioneers has increased by 7.7 percent over the previous service year. Publishers in the Turks and Caicos Islands are indeed “aglow with the spirit,” as noted in the exceptional 44.3 percent increase in return visits and 48.9 percent increase in Bible studies during this same period! (Rom. 12:11) They reached a new all-time peak of 251 publishers in June.

What to Say About the Magazines

WA4HT06E7® October 1

Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom

WA4HT06E7® November 1

Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom

“Many wonder if our personal anxieties and sorrows are of any concern to God. What do you think? [Allow for response. Then read Psalm 34:18.] The article that begins on page 19 discusses how God helps us to combat negative feelings such as worthlessness, overwhelming sadness, and excessive guilt.”

!wa#e! October

“Some view God as being an impersonal force. Others consider him to be a person with emotions. What’s your opinion? [Allow for response.] Notice this interesting statement. [Read 1 Peter 5:6, 7.] The article that begins on page 29 answers from the Bible the question, Is God a real person?”

“All of us want to feel a sense of contentment. Do you think that we need money in order to be content? [Allow for response.] One Bible writer learned how to be content when he had little. [Read Philippians 4:11, 12.] This magazine gives five secrets of contentment found in the Bible.”

!"#e$ November

“Some atheists point to the bad things done in God’s name and feel that the world would be better off without religion. What do you think? [Allow for response.] Here is one reason why false religion has caused suffering. [Read 2 Timothy 4:3, 4.] This magazine points out some flaws in the atheists’ reasoning.”

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