Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2000
Instructions
During 2000 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], “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” (1990 Edition) [si], Insight on the Scriptures Volume 2 [it-2], and “Bible Topics for Discussion” as found in the New World Translation [td] will be the basis for assignments.
The school should begin ON TIME with song, prayer, and a brief welcome. There is no need to give a preview of what is on the program. As the school overseer introduces each part, he will mention the subject to be developed. 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 or “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial.” When based on The Watchtower, 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 talk, followed by a 3- to 5-minute oral review 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. Private counsel may be given if necessary or if requested by the speaker.
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. No theme is necessary. 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 “Bible Topics for Discussion” as found in the New World Translation. The setting may be an informal witness, a return visit, or a home Bible study, and the participants may be either seated or standing. The school overseer will be particularly interested in the way the student develops the assigned theme and helps the householder to reason on the scriptures. 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. Not the setting but the effective use of the Bible should be given prime consideration.
ASSIGNMENT NO. 4: 5 minutes. The subject for this assignment will be based on a Bible character or on “Bible Topics for Discussion” as found in the New World Translation. When this assignment is based on a Bible character, source material can be found under the Bible character’s name in Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2. 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 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 this part is based on “Bible Topics for Discussion,” the assigned theme should be used, and the student should endeavor to make practical application of the scriptures. A brother or a sister may be given Assignment No. 4. When assigned to a brother, it should always be a talk. When assigned to a sister, it should be presented as outlined for Assignment No. 3. Additionally, whenever the theme for Assignment No. 4 is preceded by #, it should preferably be assigned to a brother.
*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. 3 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 4-6
No. 1: Appreciate the Blessings of Jehovah (w98 1/1 pp. 22-4)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 6:4-19
No. 3: td 1A Why God Does Not Approve of Ancestor Worship
No. 4: Simon (No. 8)—Theme: #Serve God With a Pure Motive
Jan. 10 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 7-10
Song No. 49 [*Lamentations 1-5]
No. 1: Exalt the True God (w98 1/1 pp. 30-1)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 8:1-18
No. 3: td 1B Humans May Be Honored, but Only God Worshiped
No. 4: Sisera (No. 1)—Theme: The Victory Belongs to Jehovah
Jan. 17 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 11-14
No. 1: Why Plan Ahead for Loved Ones (w98 1/15 pp. 19-22)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 11:1-12
No. 3: td 2A Armageddon—The War to End Wickedness
No. 4: Solomon—Theme: #Guard Your Heart
Jan. 24 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 15-19
No. 1: The Transforming and Uniting Power of the Truth (w98 1/15 pp. 29-31)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 19:11-21
No. 3: td 2B Why Armageddon Is an Act of Love by God
No. 4: Sosthenes—Theme: Preach to All Sorts of Men
Jan. 31 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 20-23
No. 1: The Scriptural View of Praise and Flattery (w98 2/1 pp. 29-31)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 20:10-20
No. 3: td 3A Baptism—A Christian Requirement
No. 4: Stephanas—Theme: #Be Solid in the Truth
Feb. 7 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 24-27
No. 1: The Basis for True Optimism (w98 2/1 pp. 4-6)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 25:5-16
No. 3: td 3B Baptism Does Not Wash Sins Away
No. 4: Stephen—Theme: #Show That You Are Full of Spirit and Wisdom
Feb. 14 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 28-30
No. 1: Cultivate the Spirit of Gratitude (w98 2/15 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 28:1-14
No. 3: td 4A The Bible Is the Inspired Word of God
No. 4: Susanna—Theme: Use Your Possessions to Help One Another
Feb. 21 Bible reading: Deuteronomy 31-34
No. 1: Deuteronomy—Why Beneficial (si pp. 40-1 pars. 30-4)
No. 2: Deuteronomy 32:35-43
No. 3: td 4B The Bible—A Practical Guide for Our Day
No. 4: Syntyche—Theme: Continue to Live Peaceably With One Another
Feb. 28 Bible reading: Joshua 1-5
No. 1: Introduction to Joshua (si p. 42 pars. 1-5)
No. 2: Joshua 2:8-16
No. 3: td 4C The Bible—A Book for All People
No. 4: Tamar (No. 1)—Theme: Do Not Rush to Judgment
Mar. 6 Bible reading: Joshua 6-9
Song No. 164 [*Ezekiel 46-48–Daniel 1-2]
No. 1: Parents—Safeguard Your Children! (w98 2/15 pp. 8-11)
No. 2: Joshua 7:1, 10-19
No. 3: td 5A Blood Transfusions Violate the Sacredness of Blood
No. 4: Terah (No. 1)—Theme: Is the Religion of One’s Parents Always Right?
Mar. 13 Bible reading: Joshua 10-13
No. 1: What the Bible Says About Charisma (w98 2/15 pp. 23-7)
No. 2: Joshua 11:6-15
No. 3: td 5B Is One’s Life to Be Saved at All Costs?
No. 4: Teresh—Theme: The Price of Disloyalty
Mar. 20 Bible reading: Joshua 14-17
Song No. 10 [*Daniel 8-12–Hosea 1-2]
No. 1: Faithful Men “With Feelings Like Ours” (w98 3/1 pp. 26-9)
No. 2: Joshua 15:1-12
No. 3: td 6A When Did the Gentile Times End?
No. 4: Thomas—Theme: #Why We Should Think Before We Speak
Mar. 27 Bible reading: Joshua 18-20
No. 1: Reliving Jesus’ Last Days on Earth (w98 3/15 pp. 3-9)
No. 2: Joshua 18:1-10
No. 3: td 7A What Is the Christian Church?
No. 4: Tiberius—Theme: Vices Can Make a Person Despicable
Apr. 3 Bible reading: Joshua 21-24
Song No. 144 [*Joel 1-3–Amos 1-7]
No. 1: Joshua—Why Beneficial (si pp. 45-6 pars. 21-4)
No. 2: Joshua 21:43–22:8
No. 3: td 7B Is Peter the “Rock-Mass”?
No. 4: Timothy—Theme: #Faith Without Hypocrisy Honors God
Apr. 10 Bible reading: Judges 1-4
Song No. 43 [*Amos 8-9; Obadiah 1-21; Jonah 1-4–Micah 1-5]
No. 1: Introduction to Judges (si pp. 46-7 pars. 1-7)
No. 2: Judges 3:1-11
No. 3: td 8A Proved Science Supports Bible’s Creation Account
No. 4: Titus—Theme: #Serve the Brothers Wholeheartedly
Apr. 17 Bible reading: Judges 5-7
Song No. 193 [*Micah 6-7; Nahum 1-3; Habakkuk 1-3–Zephaniah 1]
No. 1: Learn From Jesus’ Instructions to the 70 (w98 3/1 pp. 30-1)
No. 2: Judges 5:24-31
No. 3: td 8B Was Each Creative Day a 24-Hour Period?
No. 4: Tobiah (No. 2)—Theme: God’s Enemies Will Not Succeed
Apr. 24 Written Review. Complete Deuteronomy 4-34; Jos 1-24–Judges 1-7
Song No. 91 [*Zephaniah 2-3; Haggai 1-2–Zechariah 1-7]
May 1 Bible reading: Judges 8-10
Song No. 38 [*Zechariah 8-14–Malachi 1-4]
No. 1: Respect the Personal Dignity of Others (w98 4/1 pp. 28-31)
No. 2: Judges 9:7-21
No. 3: td 9A Did Jesus Die on a Cross?
No. 4: Trophimus—Theme: #Give Support to Those Taking the Lead
May 8 Bible reading: Judges 11-14
No. 1: Barnabas, the “Son of Comfort” (w98 4/15 pp. 20-3)
No. 2: Judges 13:2-10, 24
No. 3: td 9B Should Christians Worship the Cross?
No. 4: Tryphaena—Theme: Appreciate Women Who Work Hard in the Lord
May 15 Bible reading: Judges 15-18
No. 1: World Security Without Armies (w98 4/15 pp. 28-30)
No. 2: Judges 17:1-13
No. 3: td 10A What Is the Cause of Death?
No. 4: Tychicus—Theme: #Be a Faithful and Trusted Christian
May 22 Bible reading: Judges 19-21
No. 1: Judges—Why Beneficial (si p. 50 pars. 26-8)
No. 2: Judges 19:11-21
No. 3: td 10B Can the Dead Harm You?
No. 4: Uriah (No. 1)—Theme: Be Wholly Devoted in Your Service to God
May 29 Bible reading: Ruth 1-4
No. 1: Introduction to Ruth and Why Beneficial (si pp. 51-3 pars. 1-3, 9-10)
No. 2: Ruth 3:1-13
No. 3: td 10C Can Humans Speak With Their Dead Relatives?
No. 4: Urijah (No. 2)—Theme: Fear the True God, Not Man
June 5 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 1-3
Song No. 191 [*Matthew 27-28–Mark 1-4]
No. 1: Introduction to 1 Samuel (si pp. 53-4 pars. 1-6)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 1:9-20
No. 3: td 11A Is the Devil a Real Person?
No. 4: Uzzah (No. 2)—Theme: #Good Intentions Do Not Excuse Disobedience
June 12 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 4-7
No. 1: Who Is Jehovah? (w98 5/1 pp. 5-7)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 4:9-18
No. 3: td 11B The Devil—The Invisible Ruler of the World
No. 4: Uzziah (No. 3)—Theme: #Humbly Respect Theocratic Order
June 19 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 8-11
No. 1: Integrity Is Rewarded (w98 5/1 pp. 30-1)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 8:4-20
No. 3: td 11C What the Bible Says About Fallen Angels
No. 4: Vashti—Theme: Be Modest and Walk With God
June 26 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 12-14
Song No. 172 [*Mark 15-16–Luke 1-3]
No. 1: Can Riches Make You Happy? (w98 5/15 pp. 4-6)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 14:1-14
No. 3: td 12A The Earth—Created to Be a Paradise
No. 4: Zacchaeus—Theme: #Avoid the Snare of Greed
July 3 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 15-17
No. 1: Eunice and Lois—Exemplary Educators (w98 5/15 pp. 7-9)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 16:4-13
No. 3: td 12B Life on Earth Will Never End
No. 4: Zadok (No. 1)—Theme: #Be a Loyal Servant
July 10 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 18-20
No. 1: Reach the Heart With Persuasion (w98 5/15 pp. 21-3)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 19:1-13
No. 3: td 13A Can You Recognize False Prophets?
No. 4: Zebah—Theme: Opposers of God’s People Will Be Brought to Justice
July 17 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 21-24
No. 1: Shoulder Your Family Responsibility (w98 6/1 pp. 20-3)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 24:2-15
No. 3: td 14A How Important Is Spiritual Healing?
No. 4: Zechariah (No. 12)—Theme: Jehovah Will Not Forget His Faithful Servants
July 24 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 25-27
No. 1: True Justice—When and How? (w98 6/15 pp. 26-9)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 25:23-33
No. 3: td 14B God’s Kingdom—The Means for Bringing Permanent Physical Cures
No. 4: Zechariah (No. 20)—Theme: #Encourage One Another in God’s Work
July 31 Bible reading: 1 Samuel 28-31
No. 1: 1 Samuel—Why Beneficial (si pp. 57-8 pars. 27-35)
No. 2: 1 Samuel 31:1-13
No. 3: td 14C Modern-Day Faith Healing Is Not From God
No. 4: Zechariah (No. 31)—Theme: Believe All That God Says
Aug. 7 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 1-4
No. 1: Introduction to 2 Samuel (si p. 59 pars. 1-5)
No. 2: 2 Samuel 2:1-11
No. 3: td 14D Is Speaking in Tongues Sure Proof of God’s Favor?
No. 4: Zedekiah (No. 1)—Theme: Beware of False Prophets
Aug. 14 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 5-8
No. 1: “Exert Yourselves Vigorously” (w98 6/15 pp. 30-1)
No. 2: 2 Samuel 7:4-16
No. 3: td 15A Who Goes to Heaven?
No. 4: Zedekiah (No. 4)—Theme: #Always Obey Jehovah’s Commandments
Aug. 21 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 9-12
Song No. 107 [*John 19-21–Acts 1-4]
No. 1: Be a Good Neighbor (w98 7/1 pp. 30-1)
No. 2: 2 Samuel 11:2-15
No. 3: td 16A Hell Is Not a Place of Torment
No. 4: Zerubbabel—Theme: #Face Opposition With Courage
Aug. 28 Written Review. Complete Judges 8-21; Ru 1-4; 1Sa 1-31–2 Samuel 1-12
Sept. 4 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 13-15
No. 1: Give Your Children a Good Start in Life (w98 7/15 pp. 4-6)
No. 2: 2 Samuel 13:20-33
No. 3: td 16B Fire Is a Symbol of Annihilation
No. 4: Ziba—Theme: Trickery and Slander Call Into Question Motive for Good Works
Sept. 11 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 16-18
No. 1: A Christian View of Funeral Customs (w98 7/15 pp. 20-4)
No. 2: 2 Samuel 16:5-14
No. 3: td 16C The Rich Man and Lazarus Account Does Not Prove Eternal Torment
No. 4: Zimri (No. 2)—Theme: #Jehovah Does Not Tolerate Immorality
Sept. 18 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 19-21
Song No. 19 [*Acts 23-28–Romans 1]
No. 1: Can You Trust Your Conscience? (w98 9/1 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: 2 Samuel 20:1, 2, 14-22
No. 3: td 17A The Christian View of Celebrations
No. 4: Zimri (No. 3)—Theme: Unbridled Ambition Can Have Tragic Results
Sept. 25 Bible reading: 2 Samuel 22-24
No. 1: 2 Samuel—Why Beneficial (si p. 63 pars. 28-31)
No. 2: 2 Samuel 23:8-17
No. 3: td 18A The Use of Images Dishonors God
No. 4: Zipporah—Theme: Show Fear and Respect When Setting Matters Right
Oct. 2 Bible reading: 1 Kings 1-2
Song No. 36 [*Romans 10-16–1 Corinthians 1-3]
No. 1: Introduction to 1 Kings (si pp. 64-5 pars. 1-5)
No. 2: 1 Kings 2:1-11
No. 3: td 18B The Consequences of Image Worship
No. 4: Zophar—Theme: Harsh Criticism Is Unloving
Oct. 9 Bible reading: 1 Kings 3-6
Song No. 106 [*1 Corinthians 4-13]
No. 1: Put First Things First (w98 9/1 pp. 19-21)
No. 2: 1 Kings 4:21-34
No. 3: td 18C Jehovah Alone Is to Be Worshiped
No. 4: td 19A #The Way of Interfaith Is Not God’s Way
Oct. 16 Bible reading: 1 Kings 7-8
Song No. 76 [*1 Corinthians 14-16–2 Corinthians 1-7]
No. 1: Witnessing Before Dignitaries (w98 9/1 pp. 30-1)
No. 2: 1 Kings 7:1-14
No. 3: td 19B Are All Religions Good?
No. 4: td 20A Christians Should Use God’s Personal Name
Oct. 23 Bible reading: 1 Kings 9-11
Song No. 97 [*2 Corinthians 8-13–Galatians 1-4]
No. 1: The Christian View of Bride-Price (w98 9/15 pp. 24-7)
No. 2: 1 Kings 11:1-13
No. 3: td 20B Truths About God’s Existence
No. 4: td 20C #Identifying God’s Attributes
Oct. 30 Bible reading: 1 Kings 12-14
Song No. 113 [*Galatians 5-6; Ephesians 1-6–Philippians 1-2]
No. 1: Is God Real to You? (w98 9/15 pp. 21-3)
No. 2: 1 Kings 13:1-10
No. 3: td 20D Not All People Serve the Same God
No. 4: td 21A Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a New Religion?
Nov. 6 Bible reading: 1 Kings 15-17
Song No. 123 [*Philippians 3-4; Colossians 1-4–1 Thessalonians 1-5]
No. 1: Keep Making Spiritual Progress! (w98 10/1 pp. 28-31)
No. 2: 1 Kings 15:9-24
No. 3: td 22A Jesus Christ—God’s Son and Appointed King
No. 4: td 22B Why Belief in Jesus Is Essential to Salvation
Nov. 13 Bible reading: 1 Kings 18-20
Song No. 159 [*2 Thessalonians 1-3; 1 Timothy 1-6–2 Timothy 1-3]
No. 1: Solve Problems Peacefully (w98 11/1 pp. 4-7)
No. 2: 1 Kings 20:1, 13-22
No. 3: td 22C Is Just Believing in Jesus Enough to Be Saved?
No. 4: td 23A #The Blessings That God’s Kingdom Will Bring
Nov. 20 Bible reading: 1 Kings 21-22
Song No. 179 [*2 Timothy 4; Titus 1-3; Philemon 1-25–Hebrews 1-7]
No. 1: 1 Kings—Why Beneficial (si pp. 68-9 pars. 23-6)
No. 2: 1 Kings 22:29-40
No. 3: td 23B Kingdom Rule Begins While Christ’s Enemies Are Still Active
No. 4: td 23C Kingdom of God Does Not Come Through Man’s Efforts
Nov. 27 Bible reading: 2 Kings 1-3
Song No. 148 [*Hebrews 8-13–James 1-2]
No. 1: Introduction to 2 Kings (si p. 69 pars. 1-4)
No. 2: 2 Kings 2:15-25
No. 3: td 24A What “the End of the World” Means
No. 4: td 24B #Keep Spiritually Awake to Evidence of the Last Days
Dec. 4 Bible reading: 2 Kings 4-6
Song No. 109 [*James 3-5; 1 Peter 1-5–2 Peter 1-3]
No. 1: Beware of Simony (w98 11/15 p. 28)
No. 2: 2 Kings 5:20-27
No. 3: td 25A Everlasting Life Is Not Just a Dream
No. 4: td 25B Who Goes to Heaven?
Dec. 11 Bible reading: 2 Kings 7-9
Song No. 117 [*1 John 1-5; 2 John 1-13; 3 John 1-14; Jude 1-25–Revelation 1]
No. 1: Bible Principles to Follow When Lending or Borrowing Money (w98 11/15 pp. 24-7)
No. 2: 2 Kings 7:1, 2, 6, 7, 16-20
No. 3: td 25C No Limit to Number of Those Who Will Receive Everlasting Life on Earth
No. 4: td 26A #The Marriage Union Must Be Honorable
Dec. 18 Bible reading: 2 Kings 10-12
Song No. 181 [*Revelation 2-12]
No. 1: The Real Story of Jesus’ Birth (w98 12/15 pp. 5-9)
No. 2: 2 Kings 11:1-3, 9-16
No. 3: td 26B Christians Must Respect the Principle of Headship
No. 4: td 26C The Parents’ Responsibility to Children
Dec. 25 Written Review. Complete 2 Samuel 13-24; 1Ki 1-22–2 Kings 1-12
Song No. 217 [*Revelation 13-22]