Our Kingdom Ministry

May 2005                         For United States of America km-E Us 5/05 Vol. 48, No. 5

• ¹ Christians ardently desire the coming of Jehovah’s day, through which he will destroy the present system of things and usher in a new world of righteousness. (2 Pet. 3:12, 13, ftn.) Since we do not know exactly when that day will arrive, we must maintain our watchfulness and help others to do the same. (Ezek. 33:7-9; Matt. 24:4244) Meditation on God’s prophetic Word will strengthen our conviction that “the great day of Jehovah is near.”—Zeph. 1:14.

• ² March of World Powers: As recorded at Revelation 17:9-11, the apostle John mentions “seven kings,” representing a succession of seven world powers. John also refers to “an eighth king,” which now represents the United Nations. Are we to expect other world powers to come on the scene? No, the prophecy states that this eighth king “goes off into destruction,” after which no further earthly kings are mentioned. Does this prophecy help you to see where we are in the stream of time?

• ³ Daniel 2:31-45 helps us to understand the coming of Jehovah’s day. In that prophecy, the enormous image seen by Nebuchadnezzar in a dream represents a succession of world powers. Each of these powers has already made its appearance. Where in the course of history do we find ourselves today? In the period symbolized by the feet of the image. The prophecy vividly describes what will occur next. Human rulership will be completely destroyed, making way for “a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin.” Can you see how this shows that Jehovah’s day is near?

• ⁴ Further Evidence: We are eyewitnesses of further evidence that Jehovah’s day is near. We see the fulfillment of what the apostle Paul foretold regarding the traits of people “in the last days.” (2 Tim. 3:1-5) And we are sharing in the global witness that must be given before the end comes. (Matt. 24:14) May our public ministry continue to reflect the urgency of the angelic proclamation: “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of the judgment by him has arrived.”—Rev. 14:6, 7.

Conducting Progressive Bible Studies Part 9: Preparing Students to Witness Informally

• ¹ When Andrew and Philip realized that Jesus was the promised Messiah, they could not hold back from telling others the thrilling news. (John 1: 40-45) Likewise today, as Bible students begin to exercise faith in what they are learning, they are impelled to speak about it. (2 Cor. 4:13) How can we encourage them to witness informally and prepare them to do so effectively?

• ² You might simply ask the student whether he has spoken to others about what he has learned from the Bible. Perhaps there are friends and family members whom he could invite to sit in on the study. Ask him if any of his workmates, schoolmates, or other acquaintances have expressed interest. In this way he can begin to give a witness. Help him appreciate the need to exercise discernment and to be respectful and kind when speaking with others about Jehovah God and his purposes.—Col. 4:6; 2 Tim. 2:24, 25.

• ³ Sharing Their Beliefs: It is very important to train Bible students to use God’s Word when sharing their beliefs. At selected points during the study, ask the student: “How would you use the Bible to explain this truth to your family?” or “What Bible text would you use to prove this to a friend?” Note how he responds, and show him how to base his teaching on the Scriptures. (2 Tim. 2:15) By so doing, you will be preparing the student to witness both informally and, when he qualifies, in the organized preaching work with the congregation.

• ⁴ It is wise to prepare Bible students to face opposition. (Matt. 10:36; Luke 8:13; 2 Tim. 3: 12) When others raise questions or make comments about Jehovah’s Witnesses, this may open the way for students to give a witness. The brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe? can equip them to be “ready to make a defense.” (1 Pet. 3:15) It provides accurate information that new ones can use to help well-meaning friends and family members understand our Biblebased beliefs and activities.

  Service meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting May 9

Song 217

10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Use the suggestions on page 8 (if appropriate for your territory) to demonstrate how to offer the May 15 Watchtower and the May 22 Awake! Other realistic presentations may be used. In one of the presentations, demonstrate offering the magazines informally on public transportation.

15 min: Use God’s Word to Reach the Heart. A talk based on the February 1, 2005, Watchtower, pages 28-31. Analyze how Jesus used the Scriptures to help Peter. Discuss how we can follow Jesus’ example when there is a need to adjust the thinking and feelings of our children, our Bible students, and even ourselves.

20 min: “Make a Practical Family Schedule.” In an introductory talk of less than two minutes, highlight the value of a written schedule and discuss how to fill out the blank schedule on page 6. Follow with a question-and-answer discussion of the article “Family Schedule —Congregation Meetings.” Invite audience to comment on how they keep other activities from interfering with congregation meetings. Additional aspects of the family schedule will be considered in the following weeks.

Song 176 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting May 16

Song 201

10 min: Local announcements. Remind all that the schedule and questions for the book study consideration of Keep on the Watch! can be found in the April 2005 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 6.

15 min: “Family Schedule—Family Field Service.”* Invite audience to comment on the benefits of regularly working together in the ministry as a family.

20 min: “Conducting Progressive Bible Studies—Part 9.”* When discussing paragraph 2, highlight one or two points from the December 2004 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 8. Include a brief demonstration of a Bible study. After having completed lesson 2 in the Require brochure, the study conductor asks the student: “How would you explain to a friend what God’s name is?” The student explains how he would use Psalm 83: 18, after which the study conductor commends him.

Song 134 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting May 23

Song 194

12 min: Local announcements. Read accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Using the suggestions on page 8 (if appropriate for your territory), demonstrate how to present the June 1 Watchtower and the June 8 Awake! Other realistic presentations may be used.

18 min: “Jehovah’s Day Is Near.”* When preparing this part, consult the Daniel’s Prophecy book, page 59, paragraph 28.

15 min: “Family Schedule—The Family Study.”* Arrange in advance for one or two to comment on how they schedule their family study and what effort is needed to hold it regularly.

Song 152 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting May 30

Song 190

10 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for May. Mention literature offer for June. Demonstrate how to present the offer, using one or two of the suggested presentations in the January 2005 Our Kingdom Ministry insert (if appropriate for your territory). Other practical presentations can be used.

20 min: “Family Schedule—The Daily Text.”* Invite audience to comment on how their family benefits from considering the daily text together and what schedule they have found practical for doing so.

15 min: Relate or reenact field service experiences that were enjoyed during March, April, and May. Arrange in advance for one or two to comment on the effort they put forth to increase their share in the ministry during the Memorial season and the blessings they enjoyed as a result.

Song 115 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting June 6

Song 155

10 min: Local announcements.

15 min: Local needs.

20 min: “Cultivate Interest With a Magazine Route.”* When discussing paragraph 3, draw attention to the Reasoning book, pages 227-32. This material could be used to prepare a series of one-scripture discussions on what God’s Kingdom will accomplish. Include a demonstration of how a publisher might have a one-scripture discussion with a person on his magazine route. Publisher should briefly discuss and illustrate the application of the scripture to help the householder understand it correctly and see its value in his life.

Song 107 and concluding prayer.

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

© 2005 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.

Make a Practical Family Schedule

• ¹ In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus urged his listeners: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness.” (Matt. 6:33) A practical way to plan the activities of the family so that spiritual matters are given priority is to have a written schedule. Take a few minutes to make your own weekly family schedule, using the blank schedule on page 6 of this insert. As a family project, some may wish to make cutouts and attach them to the schedule. Others may prefer to write in the activities.

• ² The sample schedule shown below may be helpful as you make your schedule. You will note that it includes just four basic activities: (1) attendance at congregation meetings, (2) family field service, (3) the family study, and (4) the consideration of the daily text. Including these on your schedule can help you to “make sure of the more important things.” (Phil. 1:10) Further suggestions on these four areas appear on pages 4-5.

• ³ Your family schedule need not be limited to just those four activities. If you prepare for certain meetings as a family, make a note of that on your schedule. If you read a portion of the Bible together after considering the daily text or do so at another time, indicate that. If you typically share in some form of family recreation, you may wish to include that on your schedule.

• ⁴ Adapt your family schedule to accommodate the needs and circumstances of all in the household. Periodically evaluate how it is working, and make adjustments as needed.

Sample Family Schedule

• ¹ If you are a Christian parent, you want your children to grow up to love and serve Jehovah and, ultimately, to gain everlasting life in God’s promised new world. How can you help them to put the worship of Jehovah first in their lives? A major way is by your example. (Prov. 20:7) Recalling the example of her believing mother, one sister said: “There was never any question as to whether or not we were going to the meeting.” This made a lasting impression on her.

• ² Does your family appreciate the purpose of congregation meetings? The instruction that we receive at these gatherings invigorates us to go on doing God’s will, and the fellowship that we enjoy with our brothers is an invaluable source of encouragement. (Isa. 54:13; Rom. 1:11, 12) However, the primary purpose of such meetings is for praise to be lifted up to Jehovah “among the congregated throngs.” (Ps. 26:12) Christian meetings afford us opportunities to demonstrate our love for Jehovah and to worship him.

• ³ “Keep Strict Watch”: Appreciation for the sacred purpose of our meetings will move us to “keep strict watch” that we do not gradually develop the custom of missing meetings over matters of lesser importance. (Eph. 5:15, 16; Heb. 10:24, 25) When making your family schedule, you might begin by marking the times for congregation meetings. Then be careful not to allow other activities to interfere with them. Make sure that meeting attendance is a priority for your family.

• ⁴ Are we not moved when we read of our brothers overcoming obstacles to attend meetings and assemblies? Although your circumstances may be less dramatic, likely you too face challenges. Satan is making it increasingly difficult for God’s people to worship Jehovah. Yet, be assured that your children will without fail notice your family’s determined efforts to attend congregation meetings. Indeed, by so doing, you may impart to them a spiritual gift that will never be forgotten.

Family Schedule—Family Field Service

• ¹ Jehovah delights to see young ones praise his name. (Ps. 148:12, 13) In Jesus’ day even ‘babes and sucklings furnished praise’ to God. (Matt. 21:15,16) The same is happening today. Parents, how can you help your children develop into zealous praisers of Jehovah in the Christian ministry? Again, as emphasized in the above article on congregation meetings, a key factor is your example. One father spoke for parents everywhere when he said: “Children do not do as you say; they do as you do!”

• ² A sister reared by Godfearing parents recalled: “We never woke up on a Saturday morning asking if we were going in the ministry. We knew we were.” Similarly, you can instill in your children the importance of the preaching work by establishing a consistent weekly routine for sharing in field service as a family. Not only does this allow your children to learn from watching you but it also enables you to observe their attitude, manners, and developing skills.

• ³ Progressive Training: For children to enjoy the ministry, they need to be prepared in order to participate effectively. The sister quoted earlier also said: “We were never tagalongs who accompanied our parents in their work. We knew we had a share, even if it was only to ring a doorbell and leave a handbill. By careful preparation prior to each weekend’s activities, we knew what we would say.” You can provide such training for your children by taking a few minutes each week to prepare them for the ministry, either during the family study or at another time.

• ⁴ Preaching together as a family gives you added opportunity to inculcate the truth in your children. One Christian father would take his daughter along when he walked the six miles each way to distribute tracts to villagers in the next valley. “It was during those walks,” she fondly recalled, “that my father instilled the truth in my heart.” (Deut. 6:7) May you likewise be blessed for making field service part of your weekly family schedule.

Family Schedule—The Family Study

• ¹ The greatest gift that you as a Christian parent can share with your children is your love for Jehovah. An important setting in which this can take place is “when you sit in your house” for the weekly family Bible study. (Deut. 6: 5-7) Whether you have a believing mate, live in a religiously divided household, or are a single parent, you can help your children draw close to you and to Jehovah by having a regular family study.

• ² Getting Started: The first step is to establish the custom of studying as a family. If you are not sure when to hold the study, why not discuss this as a family? (Prov. 15:22) If you have younger children, you may prefer to have several short sessions throughout the week. Determine what works best for your household. Set a specific time for the study on your family schedule, and be resolved to stick to it.

• ³ What might you study? Some prepare the lesson that will be considered at the upcoming Congregation Book Study or Watchtower Study. Others enjoy material designed especially for young people. The father of a young son and daughter said: “One thing that makes our study a high point in the week for the children is that we act out scenes from My Book of Bible Stories. The depth of impression and the comprehension that result are far more important than how many paragraphs we cover.”

• ⁴ Study Each Week: The family study should be held on a regular basis and be joyfully anticipated by all family members. Some flexibility as to day and time may be allowed for handling unexpected situations. There also may be occasions when an adjustment in the subject matter is needed. But any necessary adjustment should not cause a prolonged deviation from an established family study schedule. In one household, the daughter comments: “If the time of our study has to be changed, Dad always puts the new time on the refrigerator door so that all of us know when it will be.” How commendable such efforts are to maintain a regular family study! As you go on bringing your children up “in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah,” you demonstrate your love both for them and for our heavenly Father.—Eph. 6:4.

Family Schedule—The Daily Text

• ¹ Loving parents put forth much effort each day to provide good food for their children. Providing them with spiritual nourishment from God’s Word is even more important. (Matt. 4:4) One way you can help your children develop a healthy spiritual appetite and “grow to salvation” is by taking time each day to consider the daily text and comments as a family. (1 Pet. 2:2) When might you include this in your family schedule?

• ² At Mealtimes: Starting your day with a discussion of the text can help your family to keep Jehovah in mind throughout the day. (Ps. 16:8) One mother made it a point to read and discuss the text and comments with her son while he ate breakfast and to say a prayer with him before he went to school. This fortified him to take an uncompromising stand in the face of nationalism, to resist improper advances, and to give a courageous witness to students and teachers alike. Although he was the only Witness at school, he never felt alone.

• ³ If discussing the text in the morning is not practical, you might consider it as a family later in the day, perhaps during the evening meal. Some also discuss experiences from the field ministry and points enjoyed from their personal Bible reading at this time. Many fondly recall such occasions around the table as among the happiest times spent together as a family.

• ⁴ At Night: For some families, the best time to consider the daily text is just before retiring at night. This can also be a fine occasion to pray together. As your children daily hear you speak about Jehovah and pray to him, he becomes a real person to them.

• ⁵ May Jehovah bless your efforts to instill the truth in your children as you make good use of Examining the Scriptures Daily.

  	Sun.	Mon.	Tues.	Wed.	Thurs.	Fri.	Sat.
  Morning
  Afternoon
  Evening

  Daily Text	Daily Text	Daily Text	Daily Text	Daily Text	Daily Text	Daily Text
  Public Talk and Watchtower Study	Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting	Congregation Book Study	Family Study	Family Field Service	Family Bible Reading	Family Recreation

Announcements

■ Literature offer for May: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. When making return visits on interested people, including those who attended the Memorial or other theocratic events but who are not actively associated with the congregation, concentrate on placing the Worship God book. The objective should be to start a home Bible study, especially with individuals who have already studied the Knowledge book and the Require brochure. June: Learn From the Great Teacher. If Individuals say they have no children, offer the Family Happiness book or the Knowledge book and make an effort to Start Bible studies. July and August: Worship the Only True God. If a Bible study is started, it is recommended that the Knowledge book and the Require brochure be studied before the Worship God book.

■ The presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit the congregation’s accounts on June 1 or as soon as possible thereafter. If a separate checking account is maintained, such as for maintenance or construction, arrangements should also be made to audit this account. Completion of the audit(s) should be announced to the congregation with the next accounts report.

■ Donations made by check and put in the local Kingdom Hall contribution boxes for the worldwide work and the Kingdom Hall Fund should be made payable to “Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Donations made by check at district conventions and those sent to the branch office should be made payable to “Watch Tower.” The branch office financial address is Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, c/o Office of the Secretary and Treasurer, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483.

Cultivate Interest With a Magazine Route

• ¹ Many people whom we meet in the ministry welcome our visits and gladly accept our literature but hesitate to agree to a regular Bible study. One way to cultivate their interest is by means of a magazine route. When you place magazines, make a record of the person’s name and address, the date of the call, the issues that were accepted, and the scripture that was discussed, along with anything you noticed that might indicate the person’s interests. As each new issue of the magazines arrives, look for points that will appeal to those on your route, and feature them when you visit. (1 Cor. 9:19-23) In time, something they read in our journals may spark their interest and cause them to want to learn more.

• ² We recognize, though, that most people will not become servants of Jehovah simply by reading the magazines on their own. Since it is urgent for people to seek Jehovah now, what more can we do to help them? (Zeph. 2:2, 3; Rev. 14:6, 7) We can cultivate their interest by sharing a carefully selected scripture each time we deliver the magazines.

• ³ One-Scripture Discussions: Think about those on your magazine route, and prepare a series of one-scripture discussions for each one’s specific needs. (Phil. 2:4) For example, if someone

• 1. How can we use a magazine route to cultivate interest?

• 2. Why is it urgent for people to seek Jehovah now, and what more can we do to help them?

• 3. (a) How can we prepare a series of one-scripture discussions? (b) What subjects are of greatest concern to people in your territory? has recently lost a loved one in death, you might use a number of return visits to discuss what the Bible says about the condition of the dead and the hope of the resurrection. Material in the Reasoning book under the principal subjects “Death” and “Resurrection” could be used to prepare these one-scripture discussions. Additional discussions on related subjects, such as how sickness, old age, and death will be completely eliminated, might naturally follow. The key is to find a subject that interests the person and progressively show him what the Bible says about it.

• ⁴ Impart Understanding: Although it is usually best to keep such discussions simple and brief, more is needed than just reading the selected scripture. Satan has blinded people’s minds to the good news. (2 Cor. 4:3, 4) Even those who are familiar with the Bible need help to understand it. (Acts 8:30, 31) Hence, take time to explain and illustrate the text, much as you would in a talk in the Theocratic Ministry School. (Acts 17:3) Make sure the person sees the practical value of God’s Word in his own life.

• ⁵ If the person enjoys what he is learning, gradually extend the discussions to include two or three Bible texts each visit. Look for an opportunity to introduce the Require brochure or the Knowledge book. In this way, a magazine-route call may eventually become a Bible study.

• 4. Why is it important to impart understanding when we use the Scriptures, and how can we do so?

• 5. How can a magazine-route call become a Bible study?

-Watchtower May 15 Announcing Jehovah 'S Kingdom

“Do you think that we will ever see a world without poverty? [Allow for response.] Notice what God promises. [Read Isaiah 65: 21.] This issue of The Watchtower discusses how this promise will become a reality.” Arrange to return to consider the question: When will this promised change take place?

Awake! May 22

“Most people have heard that exercise is important for good health, yet many admit that they don’t exercise enough. Isn’t that so? [Allow for response.] This magazine examines the benefits of regular exercise and suggests some ways that we can fit it into our busy lives.”

WATCH IOWER June 1 Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom

“Although almost everyone talks of peace, world unity has eluded mankind. Do you think that achieving it is just a dream? [Allow for response.] This magazine draws attention to a government that is capable of uniting the world.” Read Psalm 72:7, 8, and arrange to return to discuss how this will take place.

Awake! June 8

“Have you noticed that many people are concerned about the increasing prevalence of skin cancer? [Allow for response.] This issue of Awake! examines why we today may be at greater risk and what we can do to protect ourselves.” Conclude by sharing the comforting promise found at Job 33:25.

8