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Presenting the Good News—With the Goal of Starting StudiesKingdom Ministry—1983 | June
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Presenting the Good News—With the Goal of Starting Studies
1 Jesus commanded his disciples to be preachers. (Matt. 10:7) A preacher is defined as one who speaks in public, usually offering religious advice. Later, Jesus made it clear that they were to be more than just preachers. They were to become teachers, ones who show how, train, give lessons. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Preaching would make others aware of the Kingdom message, but in order to make disciples it is necessary to teach, and that means starting and conducting home Bible studies.
2 Paul told his brothers that they “ought to be teachers in view of the time.” (Heb. 5:12) The present times are critical. We are being trained to be teachers. Have you made progress in this area? Our primary means to teach others is through Bible studies. Are you sharing in this activity? If not, is there more you could do to start a study so that you can share in teaching others?
3 Our attitude largely determines our success. Some say their territory is unresponsive and there is little hope of finding sincere ones who will study. Without realizing it, they may have judged those in their territory as unworthy of help. Yet, we can all recall examples of bitter opposers who have later on accepted the truth.—Gal. 1:13, 23.
4 All of us would like to find joy in what we do, especially in the disciple-making work. What brings the greatest joy? Not simply an impressive report. Genuine joy comes from helping others. Paul described those whom he had assisted as his “joy.” (1 Thess. 2:19, 20) We find joy in diligently searching for ones who want to know Jehovah. Once we locate them, we will use our abilities to the full to present the message in the most understandable, appealing manner possible. Where there is response, our goal is to convey some Scriptural truth that will touch the person’s heart. Keeping a record and making definite plans to return will confirm our sincere concern. This positive mental attitude assures that we, too, will reap “great joy” in our ministry.—Acts 15:3.
5 A positive approach may determine how much we accomplish. If we really want to help someone, we can usually find a way. Genuine love does not give up easily. (1 Cor. 13:7) A positive attitude shows we are sincere and convinced that what we have is good. If we offer to study with others and mean it, that in itself may produce a favorable response.
6 Jesus had a positive mental attitude. He was moved by genuine love for others. (Matt. 9:36) He felt very strongly about doing his work well. (John 4:34) He was convinced that the truth could change people’s lives. (John 8:32) He was willing to sacrifice his own comfort to help them. (Mark 6:31-34) Everything he did in his Father’s service reflected the happiness that he promised would come from giving. (Acts 20:35) How appropriate that we earnestly ask Jehovah to help us be like Jesus!—1 John 5:14.
7 Jehovah continues to make fine provisions to help us in the ministry. The book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth is especially designed to help both teacher and student. Its eye-catching appearance makes it easy to place. The material answers many questions that are on the minds of people everywhere. Its concise and simple message is appealing to the heart. Colorful illustrations bring Bible events to life, making a vivid impression on the mind. In what better way could Jehovah answer our request for his aid in becoming teachers? Of course, it is Jehovah who brings the increase and he is due the praise for what is accomplished. However, if we maintain a positive attitude, take advantage of the help he provides and do the best we can with our abilities, then we will receive our own reward as God’s fellow workers.—1 Cor. 3:5-9.
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March Service ReportKingdom Ministry—1983 | June
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March Service Report
Av. Av. Av. Av.
Pubs. Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.
Sp’l Pios. 386 134.0 90.9 58.3 6.3
Pios. 23,281 88.4 50.8 35.4 3.8
Aux. Pios. 29,696 60.7 33.3 20.0 1.7
Pubs. 558,388 8.9 6.8 3.9 0.5
TOTAL 611,751
Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,261
The report for March is a very encouraging one. We reached our seventh consecutive peak in regular pioneers. A total of 413,055 home Bible studies was reported, exceeding the peak in February of this year by 10,456. Let the light continue to shine forth so that others may glorify God as a result of seeing our fine works.—Matt. 5:16.
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Congregation Book StudyKingdom Ministry—1983 | June
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Congregation Book Study
Schedule for congregation studies in the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth:
June 5: Pages 7 to 15
June 12: Pages 16 to 24
June 19: Pages 25 to 33
June 26: Pages 34 to 46
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Question BoxKingdom Ministry—1983 | June
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Question Box
● How should family Bible studies or studies conducted with nonbaptized minor children of dedicated Christians be reported?
Caring for the responsibility to teach children Jehovah’s way requires much time and effort on the part of dedicated Christian parents. (Deut. 6:6, 7; Eph. 6:4) Whether all the time involved is reported as field service has no bearing on the seriousness of the parental responsibility.
The congregation’s field service report is compiled to represent primarily what is being accomplished in the field ministry preaching the good news publicly and teaching the truth to persons who are not dedicated and baptized Witnesses. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) However, if a dedicated Christian parent regularly conducts a family Bible study and minor nonbaptized children are involved, he or she may report a total of no more than one hour and one return visit each week that the study is conducted and one home Bible study for the month. This will be the case even if the study is extended for more than one hour at a time or conducted more than once a week. Additional studies or time spent teaching the children individually would not be included in a field service report, but would rather be viewed as an expression of the parent’s earnest desire to train up the children in godly devotion.—Prov. 22:6.
What if, for some reason, parents should need help in sounding down the truth into the heart of their children? They may ask others to give them the needed assistance. If another publisher is asked to render such assistance, it would be well to discuss this with the presiding overseer or the service overseer. If the parents are new in the truth or otherwise need help with their children and it would be advisable for another publisher to conduct a Bible study with them, that may be done. In such a case, the one conducting the study would be able to count the time, return visit and study if the children are not baptized.—See “Are You the Only Member of Your Family in the Truth?” in the January 1980 Our Kingdom Service and “Working What Is Good Toward Younger Ones” in the August 1980 issue.
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