Our kingdom ministry

SEPTEMBER 2013

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 9

Song 62 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 14 fl1-7 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: 1 Corinthians 10-16 (10 min.) No. 1: 1 Corinthians 14:7-25 (4 min. or less) No. 2: How Can a Sinful Human ‘Soften the Face of Jehovah’?—2 Chron. 33:12,13;Isa. 55: 6, 7 (5 min.)

No. 3: Why Does the Account at John 9:1, 2 Not Prove Reincarnation?—rs p. 319 fl2-p. 320 fl2 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 89

10 min: Youths—What Will You Do With Your Life?—Part 1. Talk based on paragraphs 1-9 of the Your Life tract. Warmly commend youths who are seeking to put the Kingdom first.

10 min: Experiences Using the Good News Brochure. Discussion. Invite audience to relate outstanding experiences they have had using the Good News brochure to start a Bible study. Include a demonstration showing how the brochure may be used to make a return visit on someone who previously accepted the maga-zines.—See the March 2013 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 7.

10 min: “Take as a Pattern the Prophets —Amos.” Questions and answers.

Song 96 and Prayer

Take as a Pattern the Prophets —Amos

¹ Have you ever felt unqualified to preach because of having a humble background? If so, you can take courage from the example of Amos. He was a sheep raiser and a seasonal laborer, yet Jehovah empowered him to proclaim a weighty message. (Amos 1:1; 7:14, 15)

1. Why can the example of Amos be a source of encouragement to us?

Similarly, in our day, Jehovah uses those who are humble and lowly. (1 Cor. 1:27-29) What other lessons for our ministry can we learn from the prophet Amos?

• ² Remain Firm in the Face of Opposition: When Amaziah, a calf-worshipping priest in the northern ten-tribe kingdom of Israel, heard the prophesying of Amos, he retorted, in effect: ‘Go home! Leave us alone! We have our own religion!’ (Amos 7:12, 13) In his appeal to King Jeroboam to ban the work of Amos, Amaziah twisted the words of the prophet. (Amos 7:7-11) But Amos was not intimidated. Today, some clergymen seek political support in their effort to persecute Jehovah’s people. However, Jehovah assures us that no weapon formed against us will have lasting success.—Isa. 54:17.

• ³ Declare God’s Judgment and Future Blessings: Although Amos prophesied judgment against the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel, he concluded the Bible book bearing his name with Jehovah’s promise of restoration and abundant blessings. (Amos 9:1315) We too speak of God’s coming “day of judgment,” but this is only part of the “good news of the kingdom” that we must declare. (2 Pet. 3:7; Matt. 24:14) Jehovah’s destruction of the wicked at Armageddon will clear the way for a paradise earth.—Ps. 37:34.

• ⁴ Preaching the Kingdom message in a world with many opposers certainly tests our determination to live up to our dedication and to do Jehovah’s will. (John 15:19) Nevertheless, we are certain that Jehovah will continue to qualify us to accomplish his will, as he did Amos.—2 Cor. 3:5.

• 2. Why can we remain firm in the face of opposition in the ministry?

• 3. What twofold message do we declare today?

• 4. What assurance do we have that we can accomplish Jehovah’s will?

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 16

Song 21 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 14 ^8-13 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: 2 Corinthians 1-7 (10 min.) No. 1: 2 Corinthians 1:15-2:11 (4 min. or less) No. 2: How Much of a Difference Is There Between Reincarnation and the Hope Held Out in the Bible?—rs p. 320 ^3-4 (5 min.)

No. 3: What Must One Do to Take Refuge in the Name of Jehovah?—Zeph. 3:12 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 41

10 min: Youths—What Will You Do With Your Life?—Part 2. Talk based on the Your Life tract, from paragraph 10 to the conclusion. Briefly interview someone who has pursued full-time service as a youth. What influenced his decision to do so? What blessings has he enjoyed?

10 min: When You Are Working Alone. Discussion. (1) When we preach without a partner, what will help us to maintain joy? (2) What cautions are in order when making return visits alone? (3) If no one usually meets for field service on the days that we share in the ministry, how can we encourage others in the congregation to join us? (4) What are the advantages of purposely working alone on occasion whenever and wherever it is safe to do so?

10 min: “Who Are Doing Jehovah’s Will Today?” Questions and answers. Briefly review the design and features of the brochure.—See the March 2013 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 3.

Song 107 and Prayer

Who Are Doing Jehovah’s

Will Today?

¹ Beginning the week of October 28, Who Are Doing Jehovah’s Will Today? will be considered at the Congregation Bible Study. This new brochure, released at the “Safeguard Your Heart!” District Convention, is designed to di-

• 1. When will we begin considering Who Are Doing Jehovah’s Will Today? and how will this benefit us?

rect Bible students to the organization. Not only will consideration of this publication heighten our appreciation for being a part of Jehovah’s organization but it will also help us become well-acquainted with this valuable tool for the ministry.—Ps. 48:13.

• ² How It Will Be Studied: The conductor will need to apportion his time so that each lesson receives equal coverage. He will introduce each of the 28 lessons by reading the question that forms the title. Then, he will invite the reader to read the introductory paragraph. Next, the conductor will ask the audience a question that he has prepared for the introduction. Thereafter, each section that begins with a statement in bold print should be read and discussed separately. After the section is read, the conductor will invite comments on how it answers the question that is the title of the lesson. The brochure also has many illustrations that can be commented on. Key scriptures should be read as time allows. Before moving on to the next lesson, the conductor will review by asking the questions at the bottom of the page. If there is a “Find Out More” box, he will have it read, and then he will invite comments from the audience on how a Bible student will benefit from following the suggestion. If time allows at the conclusion of the study, the conductor may use the titles of the lessons as review questions. Keep in mind that this is not necessarily the procedure for conducting a home Bible study.

• ³ In order to benefit to the full, come to the meeting well-prepared. Endeavor to share in commenting. During the discussion, think about why the material is beneficial for Bible students. May our consideration of this new brochure equip us to help others to join us in doing God’s will so that they too may have the prospect of remaining forever.—1 John 2:17.

• 2. How will the brochure be studied in the congregation?

• 3. How may we benefit to the full from studying this brochure?

  © 2013 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 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 Patterson, NY, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry, 1000 Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299.                            Printed in Canada.

  
  

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 23

Song 109 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 14 ^14-19 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: 2 Corinthians 8-13 (10 min.) No. 1: 2 Corinthians 10:1-18 (4 min. or less) No. 2: If Someone Says, ‘I Believe in Reincarnation’—rs p. 321 fl1-3 (5 min.)

No. 3: How Are We to Understand 1 Corinthians 10:13? (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 43

5 min: “I’ll Take Your Literature if You Take Mine.” Discussion. Invite audience to comment on how they have successfully replied to this suggestion.

10 min: How Did We Do Last Year? Talk by the service overseer. Review the congregation’s activity during the past service year. Focus on the good things that were accomplished, and give appropriate commendation. Mention one or two aspects of the ministry that the congregation can work on during the coming service year, and offer practical suggestions.

15 min: What Do We Learn? Discussion. Have Acts 16:19-40 read. Consider how this account can help us in our ministry.

Song 44 and Prayer

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 30

Song 99 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 14 ^20-25 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Galatians 1-6 (10 min.)

No. 1: Galatians 1:18-2:10 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Why Are There So Many Religions?—rs p. 322 fl1-p. 323 fl2 (5 min.)

No. 3: Why Jehovah Is Worthy to Receive Worship—Rev. 4:11 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 108

10 min: “Could You Extend an Invitation?” Discussion. Afterward, demonstrate how a study may be started on the first Saturday in October.

10 min: Methods of Preaching the Good News —Witnessing to People of All Languages. Discussion based on the Organized book, page 104, paragraph 2, to page 105, paragraph 3. Include a demonstration.

10 min: Never Be Anxious. (Matt. 6:31-33) Discussion based on the 2013 Yearbook, page 138, paragraph 3, to page 139, paragraph 3. Invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.

Song 40 and Prayer

“I’ll Take Your Literature if

You Take Mine”

That is the proposition of some householders. Since we do not exchange our Bible study aids for religious literature that disseminates error, how might we answer tactfully? (Rom. 1:25) We could say: “Thank you for your offer. What does this say about the solution to mankind’s problems? [Allow for response. If he invites you to read his literature to find the answer, you can remind him that you did not offer literature without telling him what it contains. Then read or quote Matthew 6:9, 10.] Jesus indicated that God’s Kingdom will cause God’s will to be done on earth. Therefore, the only religious literature that I read highlights God’s Kingdom. May I show you from the Bible some specific things that God’s Kingdom will accomplish?”

Could You Extend an Invitation?

In many congregations there are publishers whose share in the ministry is limited because of chronic health problems or advancing age. (2 Cor. 4:16) Could you invite one in such circumstances to accompany you on a Bible study? If the publisher is housebound, perhaps you could even conduct the study at his or her home. Could you occasionally make arrangements to take an infirm publisher with you to a few doors in the house-to-house ministry or on a return visit or two? Many elderly publishers have much experience in the ministry. Therefore, your efforts will not result only in encouragement to them. You too will benefit. (Rom. 1:12) In addition, your efforts to demonstrate love in this way will be rewarded by Jehovah.—Prov. 19:17; 1 John 3:17, 18.

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 7

Song 92 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 15 ^1-6, box on p. 184 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Ephesians 1-6 (10 min.)

No. 1: Ephesians 4:1-16 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: What It Means to Seek First God’s Righteousness—Matt. 6:33 (5 min.)

No. 3: Is It True That There Is Good in All Religions?—rs p. 323 ^3-5 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 59

10 min: Ideas for Offering the Magazines in October. Discussion. Take 30 to 60 seconds to relate why the magazines will have appeal in your territory. Then, using the cover subject of The Watchtower, invite the audience to give suggestions on an interest-arousing question to ask. Next, invite suggestions on a scripture to read. Do the same for Awake! and, if time allows, for one other article from either magazine. Demonstrate how each issue may be offered.

10 min: Local needs.

10 min: Those Who Are Working Hard. (1 Thess. 5:12, 13) Interview two elders. What are their congregation and other theocratic assignments? How are they able to care for these in addition to secular and family responsibilities? How do they make the ministry a priority? How have family members given them support?

Song 123 and Prayer

Announcements

■ Literature offer for September and October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. November: Special campaign distribution of Kingdom News No. 38, “Can the Dead Really Live Again?” If the congregation works all of its territory or places its entire supply of Kingdom News, publishers should offer What Does the Bible Really Teach? or Would You Like to Know the Truth? December: What Does the Bible Really Teach? or Would You Like to Know the Truth?

■ The special public talk for the 2014 Memorial season will be given during the week of April 21. The subject of the talk will be announced later. Those congregations having the visit of the circuit overseer or an assembly that weekend will have the special talk the following week. No congregation should have the special talk before April 21.

Sample Presentations

To Start Bible Studies on the First Saturday in October

“We’re making just a brief visit on our neighbors today. Many whom we have talked to say that one of the most difficult situations they have had to face is the death of a loved one. Is that how you feel too? [Allow for response.] I found this to be encouraging.” Show the back of the October 1 Watchtower, and consider together the material under the first question and at least one of the cited scriptures. Offer the magazines, and arrange to return to discuss the next question.

3a4hTO6E7® October 1

Announcing Jehovah’S Kingdom

“We’re visiting briefly to encourage Bible reading. We know that some people have an interest in the Bible; others do not. What about you? [Allow for response.] The Bible makes this bold claim. [Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13.] I’m sure you will agree that if it is true that the Bible is a book from God, then it is worth reading. This magazine briefly outlines what the Bible is all about and why it should interest us.”

!"#$ October

“I would like to hear your opinion on this question: Is contentment possible if we do not have a lot materially? [Allow for response.] Notice what the Bible says. [Read 1 Timothy 6:8.] This magazine presents a balanced view of material possessions and discusses three valuable things that money cannot buy.”

Field Service Highlights

On March 26, 2013, the Memorial of Christ’s death was attended by 2,504,114 in the United States, 4,227 in the Bahamas, 1,088 in Bermuda, and 1,242 in the Turks and Caicos Islands in obedience to Jesus’ command. (Luke 22:19) In addition, a total of 356,673 reported as auxiliary pioneers in these locations for the month of March.

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