Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 1999
Instructions
During 1999 the following will be the arrangements when conducting the Theocratic Ministry School.
SOURCE MATERIAL: The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures [bi12], The Watchtower [w], Awake! [g], “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” (1990 Edition) [si], The Secret of Family Happiness [fy], and Insight on the Scriptures Volume 2 [it-2] will be the basis for assignments.
The school should begin ON TIME with song, prayer, and remarks of welcome and then proceed as follows:
ASSIGNMENT NO. 1: 15 minutes. This should be handled by an elder or a ministerial servant, and it will be based on The Watchtower, Awake!, or “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial.” When based on The Watchtower or Awake!, this assignment should be delivered as a 15-minute instruction talk with no oral review; when based on the “All Scripture” book, it should be delivered as a 10- to 12-minute instruction talk with a 3- to 5-minute oral review following, using the printed questions in the publication. The objective should be not just to cover the material but to focus attention on the practical value of the information being discussed, highlighting what will be most helpful to the congregation. The theme shown should be used.
The brothers assigned this talk should be careful to keep within the time limit. If they are given private counsel, appropriate notations should be made on their speech counsel slip.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM BIBLE READING: 6 minutes. This should be handled by an elder or a ministerial servant who will effectively apply the material to local needs. This should not be just a summary of the assigned reading. A 30- to 60-second overall review of the assigned chapters may be included. The principal objective, however, is to help the audience to appreciate why and how the information is of value to us. The students will then be dismissed to their various classrooms by the school overseer.
ASSIGNMENT NO. 2: 5 minutes. This is a Bible reading of the assigned material to be given by a brother. This will apply in the main school as well as in the auxiliary groups. The reading assignments are usually short enough to permit the students to present brief explanatory information in the opening and concluding remarks. Historical background, prophetic or doctrinal significance, and application of principles may be included. All the assigned verses should be read without a break. Of course, when the verses to be read are not consecutive, the student may cite the verse where the reading continues.
ASSIGNMENT NO. 3: 5 minutes. This will be assigned to a sister. The subject for this presentation will be based on The Secret of Family Happiness or Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2. (See Assignment No. 4 for information on how to develop the material based on a Bible character.) The setting may be an informal witness, a return visit, a home Bible study, or some other feature of field service. In some cases, it may include a parent sharing information with a minor child. The participants may be either seated or standing. The school overseer will be particularly interested in the way the student helps the householder or child to reason on the material and understand how the scriptures are applied. The student assigned this part should know how to read. One assistant will be scheduled by the school overseer, but an additional assistant may be used. The student may determine whether to have the householder read certain paragraphs when considering the Family Happiness book. Not the setting but the effective use of the material should be given prime consideration.
ASSIGNMENT NO. 4: 5 minutes. When this assignment is based on information dealing with a Bible character, it will be assigned to a brother or a sister. When it is based on the Family Happiness book, it will be assigned to a brother. For each assignment a theme is set forth in the schedule. When this assignment is based on a Bible character, information can be found in Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, under his name. The student should study Scriptural references in the material in order to get a clear picture of the Bible character—the events of his life, as well as his personality, traits, and attitude. Thereafter, the student should develop the assigned theme for this presentation and select appropriate scriptures to be used. Additional scriptures that highlight Bible principles that tie in with the theme may be included. The purpose of considering a Bible character is to show what can be learned from his example. Acts of faithfulness, courage, humility, and unselfishness furnish good examples to be followed; unfaithful acts as well as undesirable traits stand as strong warnings to turn Christians away from an improper course. When assigned to a brother, this talk should be given with the Kingdom Hall audience in mind. When a sister is given this part, it should be presented as outlined for Assignment No. 3.
*SUPPLEMENTAL BIBLE-READING SCHEDULE: This is set forth in brackets after the song number for each week. By following this schedule, reading about ten pages a week, the entire Bible can be read in three years. No parts on the school program or the written review are based on the supplemental reading schedule.
NOTE: For additional information and instruction regarding counsel, timing, written reviews, and the preparation of assignments, please see page 3 of the October 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry.
SCHEDULE
Jan. 4 Bible reading: Revelation 16-18
No. 1: How God Inspired the Bible (w97 6/15 pp. 4-8)
No. 2: Revelation 16:1-16
No. 3: Protect Your Child From Harm (fy pp. 61-3 pars. 24-8)
No. 4: Matthew—Theme: God Is Not Partial
Jan. 11 Bible reading: Revelation 19-22
No. 1: Revelation—Why Beneficial (si pp. 268-9 pars. 28-34)
No. 2: Revelation 22:1-15
No. 3: Parents—Keep the Lines of Communication Open (fy pp. 64-6 pars. 1-7)
No. 4: Matthias—Theme: God Requires That Overseers Be Spiritual Men
Jan. 18 Bible reading: Genesis 1-3
Song No. 84 [*1 Chronicles 1-6]
No. 1: Introduction to Genesis (si pp. 13-14 pars. 1-8)
No. 2: Genesis 1:1-13
No. 3: Teach Children Moral and Spiritual Values (fy pp. 67-70 pars. 8-14)
No. 4: Melchizedek—Theme: Jesus Christ, a High Priest According to the Manner of Melchizedek
Jan. 25 Bible reading: Genesis 4-6
Song No. 66 [*1 Chronicles 7-13]
No. 1: Beware of Imputing Wrong Motives (w97 5/15 pp. 26-9)
No. 2: Genesis 4:1-16
No. 3: Why Discipline and Respect Are Vital (fy pp. 71-2 pars. 15-18)
No. 4: Mephibosheth (No. 2)—Theme: Loving-Kindness—A Mark of God’s True Servants
Feb. 1 Bible reading: Genesis 7-9
Song No. 108 [*1 Chronicles 14-21]
No. 1: The Bible Account of the Flood Is True (g97 2/8 pp. 26-7)
No. 2: Genesis 7:1-16
No. 3: Teach Children the Godly View of Work and Play (fy pp. 72-5 pars. 19-25)
No. 4: Meshach—Theme: Maintaining Integrity During Youth Brings Rewards
Feb. 8 Bible reading: Genesis 10-12
Song No. 132 [*1 Chronicles 22-29]
No. 1: The Truth About Lying (g97 2/22 pp. 17-19)
No. 2: Genesis 12:1-20
No. 3: Child Rebellion and Its Causes (fy pp. 76-9 pars. 1-8)
No. 4: Micah (No. 7)—Theme: The Power of Illustrations
Feb. 15 Bible reading: Genesis 13-15
Song No. 49 [*2 Chronicles 1-8]
No. 1: Human Weakness Magnifies Jehovah’s Power (w97 6/1 pp. 24-7)
No. 2: Genesis 14:8-20
No. 3: Micaiah (No. 2)—Theme: Preach With Courage
No. 4: Do Not Be Permissive or Overly Restrictive (fy pp. 80-1 pars. 9-13)
Feb. 22 Bible reading: Genesis 16-19
Song No. 188 [*2 Chronicles 9-17]
No. 1: What Your Prayers Reveal (w97 7/1 pp. 27-30)
No. 2: Genesis 18:1-15
No. 3: Filling a Child’s Basic Needs Can Prevent Rebellion (fy pp. 82-4 pars. 14-18)
No. 4: Miriam (No. 1)—Theme: Beware of Murmuring
Mar. 1 Bible reading: Genesis 20-23
Song No. 54 [*2 Chronicles 18-24]
No. 1: How to Train Your Conscience (w97 8/1 pp. 4-6)
No. 2: Genesis 23:1-13
No. 3: Mordecai (No. 2)—Theme: Loyalty, a Rewarding Quality
No. 4: Ways to Help a Child Who Errs (fy pp. 85-7 pars. 19-23)
Mar. 8 Bible reading: Genesis 24-25
Song No. 121 [*2 Chronicles 25-31]
No. 1: From What Does the Truth Set Us Free? (w97 2/1 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: Genesis 24:1-4, 10-21
No. 3: Moses—Theme: Appreciate Jehovah’s Training
No. 4: Handling a Determined Rebel (fy pp. 87-9 pars. 24-7)
Mar. 15 Bible reading: Genesis 26-28
Song No. 197 [*2 Chronicles 32-36]
No. 1: Music’s Place in Modern Worship (w97 2/1 pp. 24-8)
No. 2: Genesis 26:1-14
No. 3: Protect Your Family From Destructive Influences (fy pp. 90-2 pars. 1-7)
No. 4: Naaman (No. 2)—Theme: Humility Reaps Rich Blessings
Mar. 22 Bible reading: Genesis 29-31
No. 1: The Earth Will Not End in Fire (g97 1/8 pp. 26-7)
No. 2: Genesis 31:1-18
No. 3: Nabal—Theme: Do Not Repay Evil for Good
No. 4: God’s View of Sex (fy pp. 92-4 pars. 8-13)
Mar. 29 Bible reading: Genesis 32-35
Song No. 143 [*Ezra 8-10–Nehemiah 1-4]
No. 1: Miraculous Healing From God—When? (w97 7/1 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: Genesis 35:1-15
No. 3: Help Your Children to Choose Good Friends (fy pp. 95-7 pars. 14-18)
No. 4: Nadab (No. 1)—Theme: Abuse of Privileges Brings Jehovah’s Disfavor
Apr. 5 Bible reading: Genesis 36-38
No. 1: Salvation—What It Really Means (w97 8/15 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: Genesis 38:6-19, 24-26
No. 3: Nathan (No. 2)—Theme: Do Not Withhold Correction From the One Needing It
No. 4: Selecting Wholesome Family Recreation (fy pp. 97-102 pars. 19-27)
Apr. 12 Bible reading: Genesis 39-41
Song No. 34 [*Nehemiah 12-13–Esther 1-5]
No. 1: Why Report What Is Bad? (w97 8/15 pp. 26-9)
No. 2: Genesis 40:1-15
No. 3: Scriptural Insight for Single-Parent Families (fy pp. 103-5 pars. 1-8)
No. 4: Nathanael—Theme: Keep Free From Deceit
Apr. 19 Bible reading: Genesis 42-44
Song No. 124 [*Esther 6-10–Job 1-5]
No. 1: Why Anger Must Be Controlled (g97 6/8 pp. 18-19)
No. 2: Genesis 42:1-17
No. 3: The Challenge of Making a Living as a Single Parent (fy pp. 105-7 pars. 9-12)
No. 4: Nebuchadnezzar—Theme: Jehovah Humiliates Those Walking in Pride
Apr. 26 Written Review. Complete Revelation 16-22–Genesis 1-44
May 3 Bible reading: Genesis 45-47
No. 1: Do Harvest Festivals Please God? (w97 9/15 pp. 8-9)
No. 2: Genesis 45:16–46:4
No. 3: Maintaining Discipline in a Single-Parent Home (fy pp. 107-10 pars. 13-17)
No. 4: Nebuzaradan—Theme: Jehovah’s Word Never Fails
May 10 Bible reading: Genesis 48-50
No. 1: Genesis—Why Beneficial (si pp. 17-19 pars. 30-5)
No. 2: Genesis 49:13-28
No. 3: Winning the Battle of Loneliness (fy pp. 110-13 pars. 18-22)
No. 4: Nehemiah (No. 3)—Theme: Be an Example to the Flock
May 17 Bible reading: Exodus 1-4
No. 1: Introduction to Exodus (si pp. 19-20 pars. 1-8)
No. 2: Exodus 4:1-17
No. 3: Nicodemus—Theme: Trembling at Men Is What Lays a Snare
No. 4: How to Give Support to Single-Parent Families (fy pp. 113-15 pars. 23-7)
May 24 Bible reading: Exodus 5-8
No. 1: Poor yet Rich—How Can It Be? (w97 9/15 pp. 3-7)
No. 2: Exodus 7:1-13
No. 3: Noah (No. 1)—Theme: Obedience Is Essential for Life
No. 4: The Benefits of Facing Sickness With a Godly Attitude (fy pp. 116-19 pars. 1-9)
May 31 Bible reading: Exodus 9-12
No. 1: What It Means to Be No Part of the World (g97 9/8 pp. 12-13)
No. 2: Exodus 12:21-36
No. 3: The Value of a Healing Spirit (fy pp. 120-1 pars. 10-13)
No. 4: Obadiah (No. 4)—Theme: Be Fearless and Show Love for God’s Servants
June 7 Bible reading: Exodus 13-16
No. 1: How to Find Hope Amid Despair (w97 5/15 pp. 22-5)
No. 2: Exodus 15:1-13
No. 3: Set Priorities and Help Children to Cope With Illness in the Family (fy pp. 122-3 pars. 14-18)
No. 4: Onesimus—Theme: Hold a Good Conscience
June 14 Bible reading: Exodus 17-20
No. 1: How Christians Honor Elderly Parents (w97 9/1 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: Exodus 17:1-13
No. 3: Paul—Theme: Enemies of the Truth Can Change
No. 4: How to View Medical Treatment (fy pp. 124-7 pars. 19-23)
June 21 Bible reading: Exodus 21-24
No. 1: True Science and the Bible Agree (g97 7/8 pp. 26-7)
No. 2: Exodus 21:1-15
No. 3: How Can a Believing Wife Maintain Peace in a Divided Household? (fy pp. 128-32 pars. 1-9)
No. 4: Peter—Theme: Be Courageous and Energetic for True Worship
June 28 Bible reading: Exodus 25-28
No. 1: Know Jehovah, the Personal God (w97 10/1 pp. 4-8)
No. 2: Exodus 25:17-30
No. 3: Philip (No. 1)—Theme: Be Tactful and Prudent
No. 4: How Can a Believing Husband Maintain Peace in a Divided Household? (fy pp. 132-3 pars. 10-11)
July 5 Bible reading: Exodus 29-32
No. 1: Do Not Allow the Spirit of the World to Poison You (w97 10/1 pp. 25-9)
No. 2: Exodus 29:1-14
No. 3: The Scriptural Training of Children in a Divided Household (fy pp. 133-4 pars. 12-15)
No. 4: Philip (No. 2)—Theme: Be a Spiritual Person
July 12 Bible reading: Exodus 33-36
No. 1: Be Trustworthy and Keep Your Integrity (w97 5/1 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: Exodus 34:17-28
No. 3: Keeping a Peaceful Relationship With Parents Who Have a Different Religion (fy pp. 134-6 pars. 16-19)
No. 4: Phinehas (No. 1)—Theme: Be Decisive for What Is Right
July 19 Bible reading: Exodus 37-40
No. 1: Exodus—Why Beneficial (si pp. 24-5 pars. 26-31)
No. 2: Exodus 40:1-16
No. 3: The Challenge of Being a Stepparent (fy pp. 136-9 pars. 20-5)
No. 4: Phinehas (No. 2)—Theme: Never Treat Jehovah With Disrespect
July 26 Bible reading: Leviticus 1-4
No. 1: Introduction to Leviticus (si pp. 25-6 pars. 1-10)
No. 2: Leviticus 2:1-13
No. 3: Do Not Allow Material Pursuits to Divide Your Household (fy pp. 140-1 pars. 26-8)
No. 4: Phoebe—Theme: Defend Your Brothers With Courage
Aug. 2 Bible reading: Leviticus 5-7
No. 1: The Key to Real Happiness (w97 10/15 pp. 5-7)
No. 2: Leviticus 6:1-13
No. 3: The Damaging Effects of Alcoholism (fy pp. 142-3 pars. 1-4)
No. 4: Pilate—Theme: Giving In to the Crowd Incurs Responsibility
Aug. 9 Bible reading: Leviticus 8-10
Song No. 210 [*Psalms 126-143]
No. 1: Discerning the Principle Reflects Maturity (w97 10/15 pp. 28-30)
No. 2: Leviticus 10:12-20
No. 3: Helping a Family Member Who Is an Alcoholic (fy pp. 143-7 pars. 5-13)
No. 4: Rabshakeh—Theme: God Is Not to Be Mocked
Aug. 16 Bible reading: Leviticus 11-13
Song No. 80 [*Psalm 144-150–Proverbs 1-5]
No. 1: Beware of “Epicureans” (w97 11/1 pp. 23-5)
No. 2: Leviticus 13:1-17
No. 3: Domestic Violence and Ways to Avoid It (fy pp. 147-9 pars. 14-22)
No. 4: Rachel—Theme: Accept Life’s Adversities Without Jealousy or Despair
Aug. 23 Bible reading: Leviticus 14-15
No. 1: These Really Are the Last Days (w97 4/1 pp. 4-8)
No. 2: Leviticus 14:33-47
No. 3: Rahab—Theme: Faith Without Works Is Dead
No. 4: Is Separation the Answer? (fy pp. 150-2 pars. 23-6)
Aug. 30 Written Review. Complete Genesis 45-50; Ex 1-40–Leviticus 1-15
Song No. 145 [*Proverbs 15-22]
Sept. 6 Bible reading: Leviticus 16-18
Song No. 222 [*Proverbs 23-31]
No. 1: When Suffering Will Be No More (w97 2/15 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: Leviticus 16:20-31
No. 3: Rebekah—Theme: Include Jehovah When Choosing a Mate
No. 4: The Scriptural Way to Handle Marital Problems (fy pp. 153-6 pars. 1-9)
Sept. 13 Bible reading: Leviticus 19-21
Song No. 122 [*Ecclesiastes 1-12]
No. 1: Why Asceticism Is Not the Key to Wisdom (g97 10/8 pp. 20-1)
No. 2: Leviticus 19:16-18, 26-37
No. 3: Rehoboam—Theme: Reject Arrogance and Bad Advice
No. 4: Rendering the Marriage Due (fy pp. 156-8 pars. 10-13)
Sept. 20 Bible reading: Leviticus 22-24
Song No. 8 [*Song of Solomon 1-8–Isaiah 1-5]
No. 1: Is All Complaining Bad? (w97 12/1 pp. 29-31)
No. 2: Leviticus 23:15-25
No. 3: Reuben (No. 1)—Theme: Wrong Acts Can Have Lasting Consequences
No. 4: The Biblical Grounds for Divorce (fy pp. 158-9 pars. 14-16)
Sept. 27 Bible reading: Leviticus 25-27
No. 1: Leviticus—Why Beneficial (si pp. 28-30 pars. 28-39)
No. 2: Leviticus 25:13-28
No. 3: Ruth—Theme: True Love Is Loyal
No. 4: What the Scriptures Say About Separation (fy pp. 160-2 pars. 17-22)
Oct. 4 Bible reading: Numbers 1-3
No. 1: Introduction to Numbers (si pp. 30-1 pars. 1-10)
No. 2: Numbers 1:44-54
No. 3: Growing Older Together (fy pp. 163-5 pars. 1-9)
No. 4: Salome (No. 1)—Theme: Serve Jehovah With Modesty
Oct. 11 Bible reading: Numbers 4-6
No. 1: Jehovah Rules With Compassion (w97 12/15 pp. 28-9)
No. 2: Numbers 4:17-33
No. 3: Reinvigorating the Marriage Bonds (fy pp. 166-7 pars. 10-13)
No. 4: Samson—Theme: Guard Your Precious Relationship With Jehovah
Oct. 18 Bible reading: Numbers 7-9
No. 1: Where True Happiness Can Be Found (w97 3/15 p. 23)
No. 2: Numbers 9:1-14
No. 3: Enjoy Your Grandchildren and Adjust as You Age (fy pp. 167-70 pars. 14-19)
No. 4: Samuel—Theme: Serve God From Your Youth Up
Oct. 25 Bible reading: Numbers 10-12
No. 1: Jehovah Cares for the Afflicted (w97 4/15 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: Numbers 10:11-13, 29-36
No. 3: Dealing With the Loss of Your Spouse (fy pp. 170-2 pars. 20-5)
No. 4: Sapphira—Theme: Have No Part in Deception
Nov. 1 Bible reading: Numbers 13-15
No. 1: Why Miracles Alone Do Not Build Faith (w97 3/15 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: Numbers 14:13-25
No. 3: Sarah—Theme: The Beauty of a God-Fearing Wife
No. 4: Christian Ways of Honoring Elderly Parents (fy pp. 173-5 pars. 1-5)
Nov. 8 Bible reading: Numbers 16-19
No. 1: Why Poverty Does Not Justify Stealing (g97 11/8 pp. 18-19)
No. 2: Numbers 18:1-14
No. 3: Show Love and Empathy (fy pp. 175-8 pars. 6-14)
No. 4: Saul (No. 1)—Theme: The Destructive Power of Envy and Presumptuousness
Nov. 15 Bible reading: Numbers 20-22
No. 1: How the Bible Came to Us—Part 1 (w97 8/15 pp. 8-11)
No. 2: Numbers 20:14-26
No. 3: Always Look to Jehovah for Strength (fy pp. 179-82 pars. 15-21)
No. 4: Sennacherib—Theme: Jehovah Delivers His People
Nov. 22 Bible reading: Numbers 23-26
No. 1: How the Bible Came to Us—Part 2 (w97 9/15 pp. 25-9)
No. 2: Numbers 23:1-12
No. 3: Develop Godly Devotion and Self-Control (fy pp. 183-4 pars. 1-5)
No. 4: Shadrach—Theme: Remain Without Blemish in an Ungodly World
Nov. 29 Bible reading: Numbers 27-30
Song No. 180 [*Jeremiah 14-21]
No. 1: How the Bible Came to Us—Part 3 (w97 10/15 pp. 8-12)
No. 2: Numbers 27:1-11
No. 3: The Proper View of Headship (fy pp. 185-6 pars. 6-9)
No. 4: Sheba (No. 4)—Theme: Instigators of Evil Reap What They Sow
Dec. 6 Bible reading: Numbers 31-32
Song No. 170 [*Jeremiah 22-28]
No. 1: The Roots of Modern Christmas (w97 12/15 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: Numbers 31:13-24
No. 3: The Vital Role of Love in the Family (fy pp. 186-7 pars. 10-12)
No. 4: Shechem (No. 1)—Theme: The Consequences of Sexual Immorality Can Be Devastating
Dec. 13 Bible reading: Numbers 33-36
No. 1: Numbers—Why Beneficial (si pp. 34-5 pars. 32-8)
No. 2: Numbers 36:1-13
No. 3: Shimei (No. 12)—Theme: Obedience Can Save Your Life
No. 4: Doing God’s Will as a Family (fy pp. 188-9 pars. 13-15)
Dec. 20 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 1-3
Song No. 159 [*Jeremiah 35-41]
No. 1: Introduction to Deuteronomy (si pp. 36-7 pars. 1-9)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 2:1-15
No. 3: Simeon (No. 1)—Theme: Uncontrolled Anger Brings Dishonor and Grief
No. 4: The Family and Your Future (fy pp. 190-1 pars. 16-18)
Dec. 27 Written Review. Complete Leviticus 16-27; Nu 1-36–Deuteronomy 1-3
Song No. 192 [*Jeremiah 42-48]