recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Making Disciples

## Apply Yourself to the Field Service

**Making Disciples**: This student assignment may be handled by a male or a female student. The assistant should be of the same gender. (*km* 5/97 p. 2) The student and the assistant may sit or stand. This part should demonstrate a segment of a Bible study already in progress. There is no need for an introduction or a conclusion unless the student is specifically working on one of these study points. It is not necessary to have all of the assigned material read aloud, although this may be done.
Jehovah's Witnesses Congregational Discipline

Jehovah's Witnesses employ various levels of congregational discipline as formal controls administered by congregation elders. Members who engage in conduct that is considered inappropriate may be counseled privately by elders and congregational responsibilities may be withheld or restricted.

Private hearings involving "serious sin" are performed by formal *judicial committees*, in which guilt and repentance are determined by a tribunal of elders. A variety of controls can be enforced, from *reproof* and restriction of congregational duties to excommunication, known as *disfellowshipping*, which includes shunning. Individuals who are disfellowshipped may be reinstated after an extended period if they are deemed to demonstrate repentance. The practice of disfellowshipping, particularly the shunning of family members, has been criticized by many non-members and ex-members.

Counsel and guidance
Discipline involving "serious sin"
Unbaptized publishers
Critical view
Legality
Literature without charge

Jehovah's Witnesses previously offered their literature for a price determined by the branch office in each country, to cover printing costs. Since 2000, Jehovah's Witnesses have offered their publications free of charge globally. Printing is funded by voluntary donations from Witnesses and members of the public. Jehovah's Witnesses accept donations if offered by householders, and are instructed to invite donations in countries where soliciting funds is permitted.
Literature for members

Some publications, such as the hymnal *Sing to Jehovah*, *The Watchtower* Study Edition, and the textbook *Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education* are for use by those who attend congregation meetings. Others, such as the organizational manual *Organized to Do Jehovah's Will* and *Watchtower Library* (containing the *Watch Tower Publications Index* from 1930, issues of *The Watchtower* since 1950, and most other Watch Tower Society literature published since 1970), are intended for members. Certain publications are limited to members in appointed positions, such as the manual for congregation elders, *"Shepherd the Flock of God"*.

Some publications are typically distributed only to members, but may be supplied to other interested individuals on request or made available in public libraries. These include the Bible encyclopedia *Insight on the Scriptures* and Jehovah's Witnesses' official history book *Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom*. Many of these publications are also available from their website in the *Watchtower Online Library*.
Jehovah’s spiritual temple

## What is Jehovah’s spiritual temple?

What exactly is the spiritual temple, and where can we find the details that explain it?[1] The spiritual temple is not a literal building. It is ***Jehovah’s arrangement for offering acceptable worship based on Jesus’ ransom sacrifice.*** The apostle Paul explained this arrangement in the letter that he wrote to the first-century Hebrew Christians living in Judea.

### What It Is Not

• The spiritual temple is not the temple that Ezekiel saw in vision, which focuses on Jehovah’s standards for pure worship and its restoration in modern times.​—Ezek. 40:1-5.
• It is not the “holy temple for Jehovah,” which refers to anointed ones serving in the Christian congregation.​—Eph. 2:19-22; 1 Cor. 3:16, 17; 2 Cor. 6:16.
• It is not our spiritual paradise​—the unique, spiritually rich environment that identifies those who are serving in Jehovah’s spiritual temple.
Moses

**Moses** (/ˈmoʊzɪz, -zɪs/) is considered the most important prophet in Judaism and one of the most important prophets in Christianity, Islam, the Druze faith, the Baháʼí Faith, and other Abrahamic religions. According to both the Bible and the Quran, Moses was the leader of the Israelites and lawgiver to whom the authorship, or "acquisition from heaven", of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) is attributed.
Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs

The beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses are based on the Bible teachings of Charles Taze Russell —founder of the Bible Student movement —and successive presidents of the Watch Tower Society, Joseph Franklin Rutherford, and Nathan Homer Knorr. Since 1976, all doctrinal decisions have been made by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses , a group of elders at the denomination's headquarters. These teachings are disseminated through *The Watchtower* magazine and other publications of Jehovah's Witnesses, and at conventions and congregation meetings.
Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the present world order, which they believe to be under the control of Satan, will be ended by a direct intervention of Jehovah (God), who will use Jesus Christ to fully establish his heavenly government over earth, destroying existing human governments and non-Witnesses, and creating a cleansed society of true worshippers who will live forever. They see their mission as primarily evangelical, disseminating the good news, to warn as many people as possible in the remaining time before Armageddon. All members of the denomination are expected to take an active part in preaching. Witnesses refer to all their beliefs collectively as "the Truth".

Doctrine sources
Organization
Restorationism
Bible
God
Jesus Christ
Cross
Satan
Creation
God's Messianic Kingdom
Death
Salvation
Eschatology
Defection
Apostasy
Education
Notes
References
Bibliography
External links
MeekSpaceNG Wiki

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Welcome to MeekSpaceNG… pro-JW ONLINE Community!

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Bible Characters
Calendar

Parables
Scriptural Quotes

**MeekSpaceNG** is JW friendly. The contents displayed are specifically designed for educational and archival purposes only. Unless stated otherwise, contents are copyright © of their original publishers. We are home to the latest JW News, Updates and JW Broadcasting!

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Also Visit

The Bible is made up of 66 smaller books. God used about 40 faithful men to write them. The first five books were written by Moses about 3,500 years ago. The last book was written by the apostle John over 1,900 years ago. God communicated with the Bible writers by means of his holy spirit (2 Samuel 23:2). They wrote down the thoughts of God, not their own thoughts. So God, in essence, is the Author of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21). We know that the Bible is from God because it accurately foretells the future in detail. No man can do that (Joshua 23:14). Only Almighty God can accurately foresee mankind’s future (Isaiah 42:9; 46:10).

What Does It Take To Be Christian?
The following articles discuss Doctrines, Believe and Faith in God's Word, the Bible...

* Do Christian Disciples Celebrate Christmas
* Why Christians Should Not Celebrate Birthday?
* Should a Christian Keep a Gun?
* Why Christian Neutrality?
* What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Belief?
* Scriptural Quotes

List of Biblical Wikis

Quick Links
Acknowledgement
Dedication
Index
References
History of Jehovah's Witnesses
Meetings, Assembly & Conventions
Bible Teachings
Magazines
Books & Brochures
Article Series
Meeting Workbooks
Guidelines
About Us
Terms of Use
Login
Magazines

* *The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom* (public edition) (annually as of 2022)

*The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom* (public edition) (four-monthly as of 2018)
*The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom* (public edition) (every two months as of 2016)
*The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom* (public edition) (reduced from 32 pages to 16 pages as of 2013)
*The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom* (public edition) (monthly as of 2008)
*The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom* (four-color edition as of 1986)
*The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom* (title change, March 1, 1939)
*The Watchtower and Herald of Christ's Kingdom* (title change, 1939)
*The Watchtower and Herald of Christ's Presence* (title change, October 15, 1931)
*The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence* (title and cover change, 1909)
*Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence* (semi-monthly as of 1892)
*Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence* (monthly, July 1879)
* *The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom* (study edition) (monthly, 2008)

*The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom* (simplified study edition) (July 15, 2011 – December 15, 2018)
* *Awake!* (annually as of 2022)

*Awake!* (four-monthly as of 2018)
*Awake!* (every two months as of 2016)
*Awake!* (reduced from 32 pages to 16 pages as of 2013)
*Awake!* (monthly as of 2006)
*Awake!* (four-color edition as of 1987)
*Awake!* (title change, semi-monthly, August 22, 1946)
*Consolation* (title change, October 6, 1937 to July 31, 1946)
*The Golden Age* ("every other Wednesday", October 1, 1919 to September 22, 1937)
### Other magazines

*Jehovas Jugend* (Jehovah's Youth, 1933 – 1936, Switzerland)[1]
*"Thy Word Is Truth"* (1943 – ?, Canada)
Ministerial servants

Ministerial servants—appointed in a similar manner as elders—fulfill clerical and attendant duties, but may also teach and conduct meetings. Witnesses do not use *elder* as a title to signify a formal clergy-laity division, though elders may employ ecclesiastical privilege regarding confession of sins.
Reinstatement

Disfellowshipped individuals may be reinstated into the congregation if they are considered repentant of their previous actions and attitude. If a disassociated or disfellowshipped individual requests **reinstatement**, a judicial committee, (preferably using the committee originally involved, if available) seeks to determine whether the person has repented. Such individuals must demonstrate that they no longer practice the conduct for which they were expelled from the congregation, as well as submission to the group's regulations. Individuals disfellowshipped for actions no longer considered serious sins are not automatically reinstated. Attending meetings regularly while being shunned is a requirement for eventual reinstatement. Once a decision is made to reinstate, a brief announcement is made to the congregation that the individual "is reinstated as one of Jehovah's Witnesses".
Elders are instructed to make an attempt each year to remind disfellowshipped individuals of the steps they can take to qualify for **reinstatement**. No specific period of time is prescribed before this can happen; however, the Watch Tower Society suggests a period of "perhaps many months, a year, or longer." Congregational restrictions are imposed on reinstated individuals. Participation at religious meetings, including commenting from the audience, is initially not permitted; such "privileges" may be gradually permitted over time if the individual is considered to have "progressed spiritually". Reinstated individuals may be ineligible for many years from serving in positions of responsibility such as an elder, ministerial servant or pioneer.
Parables

Introduction To The Parables
(Mt 13:1-3,10-17)
Defining The Kingdom Of Heaven
(Mt 13:11)
The Sower [The Four Soils]
(Mt 13:3-9,18-23
The Wheat And The Tares
(Mt 13:24-30,36-43)
The Mustard Seed
(Mt 13:31-32)
The Leaven
(Mt 13:33)
The Hidden Treasure
(Mt 13:44)
The Pearl Of Great Price
(Mt 13:45-46)
The Dragnet
(Mt 13:47-50)
The Householder
(Mt 13:51-52)
The Unmerciful Servant
(Mt 18:21-35)
The Laborers In The Vineyard
(Mt 20:1-16)
The Two Sons
(Mt 21:28-32)
The Wicked Vinedressers
(Mt 21:33-46)
The Wedding Feast
(Mt 22:1-14)
The Wise And Foolish Virgins
(Mt 25:1-13)
The Talents
(Mt 25:14-30)
The Growing Seed
(Mk 4:26-29)
The Two Debtors
(Lk 7:41-43)
The Good Samaritan
(Lk 10:25-37)
The Friend At Midnight
(Lk 11:1-13)
The Rich Fool
(Lk 12:13-21)
The Barren Fig Tree
(Lk 13:6-9)
Taking The Lowest Place
(Lk 14:7-11)
The Great Supper
(Lk 14:15-24)
The Lost Sheep
(Lk 15:1-7)
The Lost Coin
(Lk 15:8-10)
The Prodigal Son
(Lk 15:11-32)
The Unjust Steward
(Lk 16:1-15)
The Rich Man And Lazarus
(Lk 16:19-31)
The Unprofitable Servants
(Lk 17:7-10)
The Persistent Widow
(Lk 18:1-8)
The Pharisee And The Tax Collector
(Lk 18:9-14)
The Minas
(Lk 19:11-27)

New cloth,
New wi

ne
**New Wine into Old Wineskins** (*οἶνον νέον εἰς ἀσκοὺς παλαιούς*, lit.: **New Wine into Old Bags**) is a parable of Jesus. It is found at Matthew 9:14–17, Mark 2:18–22, and Luke 5:33–39.
9The parables follow the recruitment of Levi as a disciple of Jesus, and appear to be part of a discussion at a banquet held by him (Luke 5:29). The parables are told in response to a question about fasting:

Lamp on a stand
Wise & foolish builders
Moneylender forgives unequal debts
Rich man builds bigger barns
Servants must remain watchful
Wise and foolish servants
Unfruitful fig tree.
Sower of seeds into four types of soil.
Weeds among good plants “Kingdom of Heaven”.
Growing seed
Mustard seed
Yeast. “Kingdom of Heaven”
Hidden treasure
Pearl
Fishing net
Owner of a house
“Kingdom of Heaven”.
Lost sheep
The sheep, gate, and shepherd.
Master and his servant
Unmerciful servant
Good Samaritan
Friend in need
Lowest seat at the feast
Invitation to a great banquet
Cost of discipleship
Lost sheep (sheep as sinners)
Lost coin
Lost (prodigal) son
Shrewd manager
Rich man and Lazarus
Workers in the vineyard, early and late.
Persistent widow and crooked judge.
Praying

Pharisee and tax collector.
King's servants given minas.
Two sons, one obeys, one does not
Wicked tenants
Invitation to a wedding banquet
Signs from a fig tree
Wise and foolish servants
Wise and foolish virgins
Servants must remain watchful
Three servants given talents
Sheep and goats will be separated
Judaism

**Judaism** (Hebrew: יַהֲדוּת‎ *Yahăḏūṯ*) is an Abrahamic, monotheistic, and ethnic religion. It comprises the collective spiritual, cultural, and legal traditions of the Jewish people, having originated as an organized religion in the Middle East during the Bronze Age. Contemporary Judaism evolved from Yahwism, the cultic religious movement of ancient Israel and Judah, around the 6th/5th century BCE, and is thus considered to be one of the oldest monotheistic religions. Religious Jews regard Judaism as their means of observing the Mosaic covenant, which was established between God and the Israelites, their ancestors. Jewish religious doctrine encompasses a wide body of texts, practices, theological positions, and forms of organization.
Among Judaism's core texts is the Torah, the first five books of the Tanakh, a collection of ancient Hebrew scriptures. The Tanakh, known in English as the Hebrew Bible, is also referred to as the "Old Testament" in Christianity. In addition to the original written scripture, the supplemental Oral Torah is represented by later texts, such as the Midrash and the Talmud. The Hebrew-language word *torah* can mean "teaching", "law", or "instruction", although "Torah" can also be used as a general term that refers to any Jewish text that expands or elaborates on the original Five Books of Moses. Representing the core of the Jewish spiritual and religious tradition, the Torah is a term and a set of teachings that are explicitly self-positioned as encompassing at least seventy, and potentially infinite, facets and interpretations. Judaism's texts, traditions, and values strongly influenced later Abrahamic religions, including Christianity and Islam. Hebraism, like Hellenism, played a seminal role in the formation of Western civilization through its impact as a core background element of Early Christianity.
List of publications

## Watch Tower Society publications

The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society produces religious literature primarily for use by [[Jehovah's Witnesses.. . The organization's international writing, artwork, translation, and printery workforce are all baptized Jehovah's Witnesses. Since 2001, the literature produced by the Watch Tower Society is said to have been "published by Jehovah's Witnesses". Prior to 1931, the Watch Tower Society produced literature for the Bible Student movement.
Unbulleted publications are generally out of print and considered obsolete. Indented publications are superseded by more recent publications. Some publications are out of print but are still officially available in PDF format, as indicated.
Literature for preaching

Most literature produced by Jehovah's Witnesses is intended for use in their evangelizing work. Publications for preaching are also routinely studied by members, both privately and at their meetings for worship. Their most widely distributed publications are:

* *New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures* (NWT), a translation of the Bible published in whole or part in over 130 languages. This is the Bible translation primarily used by Jehovah's Witnesses.
* *Awake!*, published in over 100 languages once per year, a general-interest annual magazine covering many topics from a religious perspective.
* *The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom*, published in 413 languages annually, focuses mainly on doctrine.

When interested individuals are encountered, Witnesses offer a home Bible study course, using a current publication, such as *What Does the Bible* Really *Teach?*, which outlines their primary beliefs and interpretations of the Bible. The Witness then visits the student on a regular basis, generally considering a chapter on each visit. Students are requested to examine the material prior to the arrival of the Bible study conductor, using the questions at the bottom of each page, to "help prepare the student for the Bible study".

Jehovah's Witnesses customarily read each paragraph aloud together with the student, and then ask the question(s) provided for that paragraph. Students are encouraged to read the scriptures cited in the material. Bible students are expected to be making progress to become baptized as a Jehovah's Witness by the time the course is completed, and may be asked to study a second publication, such as *"Keep Yourselves in God's Love"*.

Jehovah's Witnesses previously offered their literature for a price determined by the branch office in each country, to cover printing costs. Since 2000, Jehovah's Witnesses have offered their publications free of charge globally. Printing is funded by voluntary donations from Witnesses and members of the public. Jehovah's Witnesses accept donations if offered by householders, and are instructed to invite donations in countries where soliciting funds is permitted.
Jehovah's Witnesses congregational discipline

Jehovah's Witnesses employ various levels of congregational discipline as formal controls administered by congregation elders. Members who engage in conduct that is considered inappropriate may be counseled privately by elders and congregational responsibilities may be withheld or restricted.
Private hearings involving "serious sin" are performed by formal *judicial committees*, in which guilt and repentance are determined by a tribunal of elders. A variety of controls can be enforced, from *reproof* and restriction of congregational duties to excommunication, known as *disfellowshipping*, which includes shunning. Individuals who are disfellowshipped may be reinstated after an extended period if they are deemed to demonstrate repentance. The practice of disfellowshipping, particularly the shunning of family members, has been criticized by many non-members and ex-members.
Joseph Rutherford

## Joseph Franklin Rutherford

**Joseph Franklin Rutherford** (November 8, 1869 – January 8, 1942), also known as **Judge Rutherford**, was an American religious leader and the second president of the incorporated Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. He played a primary role in the organization and doctrinal development of Jehovah's Witnesses, which emerged from the Bible Student movement established by Charles Taze Russell.

 Born

 Died

 Occupation
 Spouse
 Children

Rutherford began a career in law, working as a court stenographer, trial lawyer and prosecutor. He became a special judge in the 14th Judicial District of Missouri at some time after 1895. He developed an interest in the doctrines of Watch Tower Society president Charles Taze Russell, which led to his joining the Bible Student movement, and he was baptized in 1906. He was appointed the legal counsel for the Watch Tower Society in 1907, as well as a traveling representative prior to his election as president in 1917. His early presidency was marked by a dispute with the Society's board of directors, in which four of its seven members accused him of autocratic behavior and sought to reduce his powers. The resulting leadership crisis divided the Bible Student community and contributed to the loss of one-seventh of adherents by 1919 and thousands more by 1931. Rutherford and seven other Watch Tower executives were imprisoned in 1918 after charges were laid over the publication of *The Finished Mystery*, a book deemed seditious for its opposition to World War I.

Rutherford introduced many organizational and doctrinal changes that helped shape the current beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses. He imposed a centralized administrative structure on the worldwide Bible Student movement, which he later called a theocracy, requiring all adherents to distribute literature via door to door preaching and to provide regular reports of their preaching activity. He also instituted training programs for public speaking as part of their weekly meetings for worship. He established 1914 as the date of Christ's invisible return, asserted that Christ died on a tree rather than a cross, formulated the current Witness concept of Armageddon as God's war on the wicked, and reinforced the belief that the start of Christ's millennial reign was imminent. He condemned the observance of traditional celebrations such as Christmas and birthdays, the saluting of national flags and the singing of national anthems. He introduced the name "Jehovah's witnesses" in 1931 and the term "Kingdom Hall" for houses of worship in 1935.

He wrote twenty-one books and was credited by the Society in 1942 with the distribution of almost 400 million books and booklets. Despite significant decreases during the 1920s, overall membership increased more than sixfold by the end of Rutherford's 25 years as president.
Kingdom Hall

A **Kingdom Hall** is a place of worship used by Jehovah's Witnesses. The term was first suggested in 1935 by Joseph Franklin Rutherford, then president of the Watch Tower Society, for a building in Hawaii. Rutherford's reasoning was that these buildings would be used for "preaching the good news of the Kingdom".

Jehovah's Witnesses use Kingdom Halls for the majority of their worship and Bible instruction. Witnesses prefer the term "Kingdom Hall" over "church", noting that the term often translated "church" in the Bible refers to the congregation of people rather than a structure.
Life and Ministry Meeting Overseer

## Life and Ministry Meeting Chairman

An elder selected by the body of elders will serve as the Life and Ministry Meeting overseer. He is responsible for ensuring that this meeting is well organized and handled according to these instructions. He should maintain good communication with the auxiliary counselor. As soon as the *Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook* becomes available, the Life and Ministry Meeting overseer will assign all the midweek-meeting parts for the two-month period. This includes the nonstudent assignments and the midweek-meeting chairmen from among those approved by the body of elders, as well as the student assignments
When making student assignments, he should take into consideration the student’s age, experience, and freeness of speech on the matter being discussed. He should use similar judgment when assigning the other parts of the meeting. Each of the assignments should be distributed *at least three weeks prior* to the date of the assignment. The *Our Christian Life and Ministry Meeting Assignment* (S-89) form should be used for the student assignments. The Life and Ministry Meeting overseer should ensure that a copy of the assignment schedule for the entire meeting is posted on the information board. The body of elders may assign another elder or a ministerial servant to assist him. However, on[y elders should be used to assign nonstudent parts.
Midweek Meetings

**Midweek Meeting**. A weekly congregation meeting that is typically scheduled on a weeknight. Comprised of a three-part program entitled Our Christian Life and Ministry, the meeting is designed to help the Witnesses be more effective ministers of God. Like all meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, attendance in person or virtually is free of charge and no collections are taken.
Judicial procedures

### Procedures

Evidence for actions that can result in congregational discipline is obtained by voluntary confession to the elders or by witnesses of the violation. A minimum of two witnesses is required to establish guilt, based on their understanding of Deuteronomy 17:6 and Matthew 18:16, unless the person confesses voluntarily. Members are instructed to report serious sins committed by other members. Failure to report a serious sin of another member is viewed as sharing in the sins of others, a sin before God. Witnesses are instructed that pledges of confidentiality may be broken to report what they believe to be transgressions.
A congregation's body of elders considers confessions or credible allegations of serious sin, and decides whether a *judicial committee* will be formed to address the matter. A judicial committee, usually consisting of three elders, investigates the details of the alleged sin further. The committee arranges a formal *judicial hearing* to determine the circumstances of the sin, whether the accused is repentant, and whether disciplinary actions will be taken.
In certain situations, a body of elders may handle a situation involving "serious sin" by a baptized Witness without a judicial committee:

* ***Minor or newly baptized***—A minor or newly baptized Witness might commit one or two acts of "serious sin" involving tobacco or overdrinking; repercussions as for 'non-judicial' situations may still be imposed.
* ***Repentance***—The body of elders may believe the sinner's repentance has been established and accepted. For example, if a member committed a "serious sin" several years ago, had formally repented in prayer, and the sin did not involve scheming. Witnesses are strongly discouraged from waiting years to resolve such matters; even if years have passed since the serious sin, it is typical for a judicial committee to be formed, and there may still be repercussions as for ‘non-judicial’ situations.
* ***Judicial abeyance***—Elders may become aware of a "serious sin" committed by a baptized Witness who has been inactive for some time and is not perceived as a Jehovah's Witness. If the alleged sinner is not associating with active Witnesses, the elders may indefinitely postpone a judicial committee and formal hearing unless and until the individual renews their association with the congregation.
Jehovah's Witnesses Practices

Jehovah's Witnesses's practices are based on the biblical interpretations of Charles Taze Russell (1852–1916), founder (c. 1881) of the Bible Student movement, and of successive presidents of the Watch Tower Society, Joseph Franklin Rutherford (from 1917 to 1942) and Nathan Homer Knorr (from 1942 to 1977). Since 1976, practices have also been based on decisions made at closed meetings of the group's Governing Body. The group disseminates instructions regarding activities and acceptable behavior through *The Watchtower* magazine and through other official publications, and at conventions and congregation meetings.

Jehovah's Witnesses endeavor to remain "separate from the world", which they regard as a place of moral contamination and under the control of Satan. Witnesses refuse to participate in any political and military activity and are told to limit social contact with non-Witnesses. The denomination requires adherence to a strict moral code, which forbids premarital sex, homosexuality, gender transitioning, adultery, smoking, drunkenness and drug abuse, and blood transfusions.

A system of judicial committees maintains discipline within congregations, exercising the power to expel members who breach the denomination's rules and to demand their shunning by other Witnesses. The threat of shunning also serves to deter members from dissident behavior.

Members are expected to participate regularly in evangelizing work and to attend congregation meetings and conventions that present material based on Watch Tower Society publications.

Worship
Evangelism
Watch Tower Society literature
Conversion
Ministers and ordination
Discipline
Family life
Morality
Blood
Spiritual warfare
Separateness
Celebrations
Construction
Humanitarian efforts
Funding of activities
List of Watch Tower Society publications

## Watch Tower Society publications

The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society produces religious literature primarily for use by [[Jehovah's Witnesses.. . The organization's international writing, artwork, translation, and printery workforce are all baptized Jehovah's Witnesses. Since 2001, the literature produced by the Watch Tower Society is said to have been "published by Jehovah's Witnesses". Prior to 1931, the Watch Tower Society produced literature for the Bible Student movement.
Unbulleted publications are generally out of print and considered obsolete. Indented publications are superseded by more recent publications. Some publications are out of print but are still officially available in PDF format, as indicated.
Jesus Christ

**Jesus** (c. 6 to 4 BC – AD 30 or 33), also referred to as **Jesus Christ**, **Jesus of Nazareth**, and many other names and titles, was a first-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the central figure of Christianity, the world's largest religion. Most Christians believe Jesus to be the incarnation of God the Son and the awaited Jewish messiah, the Christ that is prophesied in the Hebrew Bible.
Virtually all modern scholars of antiquity agree that Jesus existed historically. Accounts of Jesus' life are contained in the Gospels, especially the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament. Academic research has yielded various views on the historical reliability of the Gospels and how closely they reflect the historical Jesus. Jesus was a Galilean Jew who was circumcised, was baptized by John the Baptist, began his own ministry, and was often referred to as "rabbi". Jesus often debated with fellow Jews on how to best follow God, engaged in healings, taught in parables, and gathered followers. He was arrested in Jerusalem and tried by the Jewish authorities, turned over to the Roman government, and crucified on the order of Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect of Judea. After his death, his followers believed he rose from the dead, and the community they formed eventually became the early Christian Church. Accounts of his teachings and life were initially conserved by oral transmission, which was the source of the written Gospels.
Christian theology includes the beliefs that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, was born of a virgin named Mary, performed miracles, founded the Christian Church, died by crucifixion as a sacrifice to achieve atonement for sin, rose from the dead, and ascended into Heaven, from where he will return. Commonly, Christians believe Jesus enables people to be reconciled to God. The Nicene Creed asserts that Jesus will judge the living and the dead, either before or after their bodily resurrection, an event tied to the Second Coming of Jesus in Christian eschatology. The great majority of Christians worship Jesus as the incarnation of God the Son, the second of three prosopons of the Trinity. The birth of Jesus is celebrated annually on 25 December and 7 January as Christmas. His crucifixion is honored on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. The world's most widely used calendar era—in which the current year is AD 2023 (or 2023 CE)—is based on the approximate birthdate of Jesus.
Jesus is also revered in the Baha'i faith, the Druze faith, and Islam. In Islam, Jesus (often referred to by his Quranic name *ʿĪsā*) is considered the penultimate prophet of God and the messiah, who will return before the Day of Judgement. Muslims believe Jesus was born of the virgin Mary but was neither God nor a son of God. Most Muslims do not believe that he was killed or crucified but that God raised him into Heaven while he was still alive. In contrast, Judaism rejects the belief that Jesus was the awaited messiah, arguing that he did not fulfill messianic prophecies, was not lawfully anointed and was neither divine nor resurrected.
Life and Ministry Meeting Chairman

Each week, one elder will serve as the chairman for the duration of the Life and Ministry Meeting. (Where the number of elders is limited, qualified ministerial servants may be assigned as needed.) He is responsible for preparing the introductory and concluding comments. He also introduces all the parts]], and depending on the size of the body of elders, he may be responsible for handling other parts on the meeting, especially parts that simply call for a video to be shown without additional discussion. Comments between parts should be very brief. The body of elders will determine which elders are qualified to fill this role. The qualified elders are assigned as chairmen periodically. Depending on local circumstances, the Life and Ministry Meeting overseer may be used as chairman more frequently than the other qualified elders. If an elder is qualified to conduct the Congregation Bible Study, likely he is qualified to serve as the meeting chairman. Please keep in mind, however, that the elder who serves as chairman is required to offer loving and helpful commendation and, as needed, counsel to those who have student assignments. The chairman is also responsible for ensuring that the meeting concludes on time. If the chairman wishes and if there is adequate space, a standing microphone may be positioned on the platform so that he can introduce each ensuing part while the brother giving the part is taking his position at the speaker stand. Likewise, the chairman may wish to sit at a table on stage during the student Bible reading assignment and the Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry section of the meeting. This may conserve time.
Ten Commandments

The **Ten Commandments** (Biblical Hebrew עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדְּבָרִים‎, *ʿĂsereṯ haDəḇārīm*, lit. '**The Ten Words**', cf. Mishnaic Hebrew עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדִּבְּרוֹת, *ʿĂseret haDībbərōt*, lit. **The Ten Sayings**, **The Ten Utterances**), or the **Decalogue** (from Latin *decalogus*, from Ancient Greek δεκάλογος [dekálogos], lit. "ten words"), are a set of biblical principles relating to ethics and worship that play a fundamental role in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The text of the Ten Commandments appears twice in the Bible: at Exodus 20:2–17 and Deuteronomy 5:6–21.
According to the Book of Exodus in the Torah, the Ten Commandments were revealed to Moses at Mount Sinai, told by Moses to the Israelites in Exodus 19:25 and inscribed by the finger of God on two tablets of stone.
Scholars disagree about when the Ten Commandments were written and by whom, with some modern scholars suggesting that they were likely modeled on Hittite and Mesopotamian laws and treaties.
THEOCRACY

```
   **Theocracy** is a form of government in which one or more deities are recognized as supreme ruling authorities, giving divine guidance to human intermediaries who manage the government's daily affairs.

   The word **theocracy** originates from the Greek: θεοκρατία (theocratia) meaning "**the rule of God**". This, in turn, derives from θεός (theos), meaning "god", and κρατέω (krateo), meaning "to rule". Thus the meaning of the word in Greek was "rule by god(s)" or human incarnation(s) of god(s).

```
Jehovah's Witnesses and the United Nations

Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the League of Nations and the United Nations were set up as a counterfeit of God's Kingdom. Joseph F. Rutherford, second president of the Watch Tower Society, condemned politicians, business leaders and clergy in their support of the League of Nations. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the United Nations will soon destroy all other religions, and then turn against Jehovah's Witnesses. Jehovah's Witness representatives have sought the services of UN bodies such as the United Nations Department of Public Information and the United Nations Human Rights Committee.
Jehovah's Perfect Attributes

Jehovah's perfect attributes.

>
> >
> > *\*\*\* Rbi8  Numbers 23:19 \*\*\**
> > 19 God is not a man that he should tell lies, Neither a son of mankind that he should feel regret. Has he himself said it and will he not do it, And has he spoken and will he not carry it out?
> > *\*\*\* Rbi8  Psalm 19:6-9 \*\*\**
> > 7 The law of Jehovah is perfect, bringing back the soul. The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise.8 The orders from Jehovah are upright, causing the heart to rejoice;The commandment of Jehovah is clean, making the eyes shine.9 The fear of Jehovah is pure, standing forever. The judicial decisions of Jehovah are true; they have proved altogether righteous.
> > *\*\*\* Rbi8  Deuteronomy 32:4 \*\*\**
> > 4 The Rock, perfect is his activity, For all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice; Righteous and upright is he.
> > *\*\*\* Rbi8  Malachi 3:6 \*\*\**
> > 6 “For I am Jehovah; I have not changed.
> > *\*\*\* Rbi8  Hebrews 6:18 \*\*\**
> > 18 in order that, through two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie,
>
>
Newsletters

## Newsletter

* *Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook* (title change, January 2016), a periodical intended to improve members' preaching skills

*Our Kingdom Ministry* (title change, 1982)
*Our Kingdom Service* (title change, 1976)
*Kingdom Ministry* (title change, September 1956)
*Informant* (title change, July 1936)
*Director for Field Publishers* (title change, October 1935)
*Bulletin for Jehovah's Witnesses* (title change, 1931)
*Watch Tower Bulletin* (title change, 1930)
*Bulletin* (title change, 1919)
*Suggestions from Colporteurs* (title change, 1918)
*Suggestive Hints to New Colporteurs* (title change, 1914)
*Suggestive Hints to Colporteurs* (1896 to 1913)
*Public Meeting Campaign* (1945 to 1946)
*Instructions for Car Drivers* (1933)
*Outline for Transcription Meetings* (1933)
*Your Work With Transcription Machines* (1933)
*Bearing Testimony* (1932)
*To Whom the Work Is Entrusted* (1919)
Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

The **Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania** is a non-stock, not-for-profit organization headquartered in Warwick, New York. It is the main legal entity used worldwide by Jehovah's Witnesses to direct, administer and disseminate doctrines for the group and is often referred to by members of the denomination simply as "the Society". It is the parent organization of a number of Watch Tower subsidiaries, including the Watchtower Society of New York and International Bible Students Association. The number of voting shareholders of the corporation is limited to between 300 and 500 "mature, active and faithful" male Jehovah's Witnesses. About 5,800 Jehovah's Witnesses provide voluntary unpaid labour, as members of a religious order, in three large Watch Tower Society facilities in New York. Nearly 15,000 other members of the order work at the Watch Tower Society's other facilities worldwide.

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
 Formation
 Founder
 Founded at
 Tax ID no.
 Legal status
 Headquarters
 President
 Subsidiaries
 Website
 Formerly called
* Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (1896–1955)

The organization was formed in 1881 as *Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society* for the purpose of distributing religious tracts. The society was incorporated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on December 15, 1884. In 1896, the society was renamed *Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society*. Following a leadership dispute in the Bible Student movement, the society remained associated with the branch of the movement that became known as Jehovah's Witnesses. In 1955, the corporation was renamed ***Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania***. In 1976, all activities of the Watch Tower Society were brought under the supervision of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Living as Christians

After a song, the next 15 minutes of this section will consist of one or two parts designed to help the audience apply God’s Word. Unless otherwise indicated, these parts may be assigned to elders or qualified ministerial servants, with the exception of a local needs part, which is to be handled by an elder. When a part is designated as a discussion, the speaker may ask questions throughout the part in addition to the ones provided. He should keep his introduction brief to allow for sufficient time to cover the main points and for audience participation. If an interview is called for, it is preferable for the one being interviewed to give his comments from the stage rather than from his seat, if possible.
Quran

```
 The **Quran** (/kʊrˈɑːn/, *kuurr-AHN*; vocalized Arabic: اَلْقُرْآنُ‎, Quranic Arabic: ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ‎, *al-Qurʾān* [alqurˈʔaːn], lit. 'the recitation' or lit. 'the lecture'), also romanized **Qur'an** or **Koran**, is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be a revelation from God. It is organized in 114 chapters (pl.: سور *suwar*, sing.: سورة *sūrah*), which consist of verses (pl.: آيات *ʾāyāt*, sing.: آية *ʾāyah*, cons.: *ʾāyat*). In addition to its religious significance, it is widely regarded as the finest work in Arabic literature, and has significantly influenced the Arabic language.

 Muslims believe that the **Quran** was orally revealed by God to the final prophet, Muhammad, through the archangel Gabriel incrementally over a period of some 23 years, beginning on Laylat al-Qadr, when Muhammad was 40, and concluding in 632, the year of his death at age 61–62. Muslims regard the **Quran** as Muhammad's most important miracle, a proof of his prophethood; and as the culmination of a series of divine messages starting with those revealed to Adam, including the Tawrat, the Zabur (Psalms) and the Injil (Gospel).

```
Pioneers

**Pioneer**. The designation used for a baptized Witness who endeavors to devote a specified number of hours in the public ministry. Most often used as an abbreviation for “Regular Pioneer,” someone who devotes 600 hours each year (50 hours each month). At times, used to abbreviate “Auxiliary Pioneer,” someone devoting 15 or 30 hours for one month or for a consecutive number of months. Pioneers are not paid for their public ministry and are not employees of their respective congregation or any corporation associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Most pioneers work secularly to support themselves. The term is not used as an honorific title.
Reproof

***Reproof*** involves actions for which a person could be disfellowshipped, and is said to be an effort to 'reach the heart' and convince a person of the need to hate the sanctioned actions and repent. **Reproof** is considered sufficient if the individual is deemed repentant. **Reproof** is given before all who are aware of the transgression. If the conduct is known only to the individual and the judicial committee, **reproof** is given privately. If the sin is known by a small number, they would be invited by the elders, and **reproof** would be given before the sinner and those with knowledge of the sin. If the action is known generally by the entire congregation or the wider community, an announcement is made at the midweek meeting that the person "has been reproved". A related *local needs* talk may be given, separately to the announcement, without naming anyone.
In all cases of **reproof**, restrictions are imposed, typically prohibiting the individual from sharing in meeting parts, commenting during meetings, and giving group prayers. A reproved Witness cannot enroll as a pioneer or auxiliary pioneer for at least one year after **reproof** is given.
Regional Conventions

**Regional Convention**. An annual three-day meeting of multiple congregations within a specified region, designed to encourage spirituality. It is open to the public. The program includes suggestions to help attendees of all ages to benefit from the Bible’s advice. Enactments of everyday scenarios and of Bible accounts are presented, demonstrating how to apply Bible principles. Conventions are often held in large rented venues, such as arenas, stadiums, and convention centers. Smaller regional conventions may also be held in nearby Assembly Halls of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Typically, in-person sessions are scheduled Friday through Sunday. In recent years, recordings have been made available online. Like all meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, attendance is free of charge and no collections are taken.
V-W *

## ALPHABETS

**#-9 \* A \* B \* C \* D \* E \* F \* G \* H \***
**I \* J \* K \* L \* M \* \* N \* O \* P \***
**Q \* R \* S \* T \* U \* **V-W \*** X-Y-Z \***
**OTHERS \***

**V**
**V**
### V

**vacation pioneering**
**Vajezatha**
sprinkling the chamber
**van Selm Hermanus**
**Vaniah**
nourishment, or weapons, of Jehovah
**Vashni**
the second; changed; a tooth
**Vashti**
that drinks; thread
**VCR**
**VDM**
**Venezuela**
**version**
**Video Lessons**
**Video List**
**Video Themes**
**Videos**
**Videos (Children)**
**Videos** See also **Children (Videos)**
**Videos and Audio**
**View of Money**
**Viewpoints on the Origin of Life**
**vindicate**, **vindication**
**Virgin Mary**
**Vophsi**
**fragrant**; **diminution**
**vow**
**vow offering**
**Vulgate**
### W

**W**
**W**
**Wadi**
**Wallkill**
**Walls Ralph**
**warp**
**Warwick**
**was**
**Was It Designed?**
**Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania**
**Watch Tower Society, Watchtower Society**
**Watching the World**
**Watchman**
**Watchtower**
**Watchtower - (Public Edition)**
**Watchtower - (Special Edition)**
**Watchtower - (Study Edition)**
**Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc**
**Watchtower Educational Center**
**Watchtower Farms**
**Watchtower Library**
**Watchtower LIBRARY ONLINE**
**Watchtower study**
**Watchtower Study conductor**
**water immersion**
**wave offering**
**Way, the**
**WBBR**
**WCL**
**we**
**weak**
**Weaver Leon, Jr.**
**Web**, **WEB**
**wedding**
**Wednesday**
**weekend meeting(s)**
**weekend warrior**
**Westcott**
**Brooke Foss**
**What Does Jehovah Requires of Us?**
**What Does the Bible Really Teach?**
**what question(s)**
**What Your Peers Say**
**What's New**
**where the need is greater**
**whiteboard animations**
**Who Is Jehovah?**
**Who Is Jesus?**
**whole-souled**
**Why Believe in Jehovah?**
**Why Pray?**
**Why So Much Suffering?**
**wicked**
**Wickedness**
**Wicked one, the**
**widen out**
**Wilderness**
**wily**
**window**
**Winepress**
**wineskin**
**wisdom**
**wise King Solomon**
**without charge**, **without cost**
**Witness of Jehovah**
**Witness**, **witnesses**
**witnessing bag**, **witnessing case**
**womenfolk**
**Woof**
**Word of Jehovah**
**word whisker**
**work**
**Worksheets for Teenagers**
**World**
**World Headquarters**
**World Headquarters Audio/Video Construction**
**world report**
**World Wide Web**
**world, worldly**
**worldling**
**worldly holiday**
**worldwide work**
**Wormwood**
**Would you like...?**
**Writing Committee**
**written review**
**wrongdoing**, **wrongdoer**
**WT**
**WTBTS**, **WTB&TS**, **WTS**