Meetings for Field Service

DECEMBER 5-11

What points of interest will you highlight in

1. The Bible?

2. The book?

3. The current magazines?

DECEMBER 12-18

When inviting interested ones to attend our meetings

1. What will you say?

2. How can the handbill be used?

3. How will you describe the meetings?

DECEMBER 19-25

During worldly holidays, how will you

1. Respond to a holiday greeting?

2. Use the occasion to give a witness?

3. Show consideration for householders?

DECEMBER 26–JANUARY 1

What will you say if asked:

1. “Why don’t you celebrate holidays?”

2. “Why do you call on a holiday?”

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth:

December 4: Pages 225 to 230

December 11: Pages 231 to 237

December 18: Pages 238 to 246*

December 25: Pages 247# to 255

* Include last paragraph on page.

# From subheading.

Topic for Conversation

What Hope for a Happy Future?

John 17:3—Everlasting life is possible.

John 17:17—We can believe the Bible.

God’s Word Exerts Power

¹ Why has the Bible exercised such a powerful influence on the lives of millions of people for centuries? One reason is that it contains direction from man’s Creator. (Ps. 19:7-11; 119:105) Bible writers themselves testify that the Scriptures did not come by their own efforts but by inspiration from God. (2 Sam. 23:2) They wrote as they were directed by holy spirit.—2 Pet. 1:20, 21.

² When we study and apply the words written under the direction of holy spirit, we find they exert power in our lives. This can be seen by the way many persons have been moved to make great changes in their lives so that they come into harmony with God’s Word. Thousands have been influenced by God’s Word to dedicate their lives to Jehovah and do his will.

POWER IN OUR LIVES

³ Does the Word of God exert power in your life? We should be “intensely occupied with the word” and anxious to help others learn more about it. (Acts 18:5) Paul wrote: “When you received God’s word, . . . you accepted it, not as the word of men, but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God, which is also at work in you believers.” (1 Thess. 2:13) It takes a careful study of God’s Word to gain this conviction. God’s Word certainly was at work in Paul’s life, as it motivated him to undertake his strenuous missionary tours, preaching the good news about the Christ.—Rom. 15:19.

⁴ For God’s Word to exert power in our life we have to know what it teaches and apply it. (Heb. 4:12) Some choose to ignore the direction it gives. (Eph. 4:25-32) But those who follow the direction of the Scriptures enjoy a fine relationship with their Creator.

HELPING OTHERS

⁵ Have you met people who question whether the Bible really is God’s Word? Some say it may be “inspired” in the sense of being from the pen of gifted writers, but they doubt that it is actually from God. Such persons, as well as others, owe it to themselves to examine the Bible, put it to the test and see that it actually is the truth. (John 17:17) For this reason our offer of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures along with any one of the older 192-page books will provide them with what they need to make this examination. The contribution of $3.75 is nominal.

⁶ It is not just the placement of literature that is important. The question is, Can more persons be helped so that God’s Word will exert beneficial power and influence in their lives and on their families as it has for us? Our Topic for Conversation, “What Hope for a Happy Future?” is appropriate, as the Bible is the only book that gives a sure hope and accurately foretells the future. John 17:3 shows that our hope includes everlasting life, and at John 17:17 Jesus testifies that God’s Word is truth.

⁷ Use questions to involve the householder and help him see that a happy future is possible. For example, you could ask, “Did you know that at John 17:3 Jesus talks about living forever?” Or in commenting on John 17:17, we might say: “Did you know that the person who taught and influenced more people than any other man who ever lived pointed to God’s Word as the source of truth? That Teacher was Jesus, and he said: [Read.].”

⁸ During the month of December we will also have opportunity to offer the brochure Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! for a contribution of 25c. This will be of special interest to persons who may have reading difficulties. Also, many families will enjoy having this brochure to discuss with their children. It can help them learn more about the Kingdom and how Jehovah will carry out his will to make the earth a Paradise.

⁹ Interested persons need to study the Bible and become convinced that it is really the Word of God. Keeping that in mind, we should try to start Bible discussions. If the person is not convinced that the Bible is inspired, you could talk about this when you make a return visit.—See Watch Tower Publications Index under “Bible, inspiration.”

¹⁰ Only by learning the truth and being convinced that the Bible is inspired of God will sincere persons be motivated to follow its direction, which leads to everlasting life. (Prov. 2:1, 20, 21) If we do our part, we will see the influence of the Word of God grow in our territory as new ones become obedient to the faith.—Acts 6:7.

Punctuality—A Mark of Thoughtfulness

¹ “Better late than never!” or “I may come late to the meetings, but I am there!” Have you heard someone make such expressions? But what has the individual missed by coming late to the meetings? Perhaps he missed the joyful singing, which is an essential part of our worship. Or, he missed the privilege of uniting with the congregation in prayer. Latecomers are not there to benefit from an interchange of encouragement before the meetings. Also, when we arrive late, we may distract others and prevent them from receiving the full benefit of the program.—Eccl. 3:1; Rom. 1:11, 12.

² Punctuality is a mark of loving consideration and thoughtfulness. It requires good planning and foresight. It is true that there may be times when one is unavoidably late in arriving at a meeting. Public transportation may be delayed, or the car may break down. We must make sure, however, that a lack of good planning, indifference or simply not leaving home on time does not result in our being habitual latecomers. We ought to make a genuine effort to be present before the meetings begin.

³ Some persons may be tardy because they have not seen the importance of training themselves to be punctual. One who is habitually late, without good reason, may lose the respect of others. How so? In the minds of many he may be viewed as being thoughtless or unreliable and thus considered undependable in regard to other matters as well. On the other hand, being punctual is a way of displaying the fruitage of Jehovah’s spirit.—Gal. 5:22, 23.

⁴ How encouraging it is to come to the meetings and find the elders and ministerial servants there, waiting to greet us, giving us a warm feeling of deep appreciation for the fine theocratic family of which we are a part.—Rom. 15:7.

⁵ Arriving on time is also important when meeting for field service. Punctuality results in more time being spent in the all-important preaching and disciple-making work. But if circumstances make you late for the meeting for field service and you want to work with the group, you may be able to meet the publishers in the territory.

⁶ Our punctuality will build respect for us and for the organization we represent. Yes, punctuality reflects thoughtfulness. It demonstrates orderliness. (1 Cor. 14:40) For example, when invited for dinner,