ORGANIZED TO ACCOMPLISH OUR MINISTRY, P.175-218, 1983 ed
(Note: Scripture citations and quotes have been eliminated, except where it is an integral part of the paragraph. This is done to save time.)
There are 130 main questions and 69 optional questions, for a total of 199 questions. Some questions are actually unnumbered in two or more parts. Some are numbered with letter designations in multi-part questions. They really sandwich in many sub questions. So, for the sake of counting, I am numbering them all “sequentially” so you can see there are really 227 total questions. Because many sub-questions are built on one another, it will help to consider the previous question in understanding certain questions.
(I have bolded some statements and phrases made by the Society that I think are rather interesting.)
QUESTIONS FOR THOSE DISIRING TO BE BAPTIZED
Part I – Elementary Bible Teachings
During your study of the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses you have become acquainted with the pattern of truth and very likely find it is quite different from what you formerly believed. What you have learned has brought you great spiritual refreshment and has no doubt set before you the hope of future life and blessings on a Paradise earth under God’s Kingdom. Your faith in his Word has been strengthened, and through association with his organized people you have come to appreciate how Jehovah is dealing with his chosen people today.
Now, as you prepare for water baptism in symbol of your personal dedication to Jehovah God, you will benefit from a review of elementary Bible teachings conducted by the congregation elders. If you do not understand some things so as to be able to give a reasonable answer to those who may ask or to persons you will approach in field service, the elders will kindly help you to improve your understanding.
Your desire should be in harmony with the words of the apostle Paul that we read at Hebrews 6:1-3: “For this reason, now that we have left the primary doctrine about Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying a foundation again, namely, repentance from dead works, and faith toward God, ... the laying on of the hands, the resurrection of the dead and everlasting judgment. And this we will do, if God indeed permits.”
May Jehovah continue to bless all your endeavors to take in knowledge of him, and may he grant you the promised reward.
The True God
(1) Who is the true God?
(2) What are some of Jehovah’s outstanding qualities?
(3) What does it mean to give Jehovah exclusive devotion?
(4) Why is he alone deserving?
(5) Why is it important for us to use God’s personal name in worship?
(6) How will Jehovah God sanctify his name?
(7) How can we have a share in it?
(8) Why would it be wrong for us to make an image of God or attempt to worship him through the use of images?
(9) Why should we endeavor to continue learning all we can about Jehovah?
(10) How can we do so?
Optional questions
(11) Has your study of the Bible caused you to reject certain teachings about God?
(12) What are they?
(13) Has the knowledge you now have about God moved you to want to serve him?
(14) What are you now doing to demonstrate your desire to serve Jehovah?
(15) What will you need to do in order to continue building your appreciation for Jehovah?
Jesus Christ and the Ransom
(16) Who is Jesus Christ?
(17) What is his position in relations to Jehovah God?
(18) Why did Jesus come to earth and die a sacrificial death?
(19) Why do we need the ransom?
(20) How does it affect you personally?
(21) How does Christ return and for what purpose?
Optional questions
(22) How is the ransom an expression of God’s love for mankind?
(23) In what way can you show appreciation for the ransom?
The Operation of the Holy Spirit
(24) What is the holy spirit and what has it accomplished as indicated by the following Bible texts?
(25) How does the holy spirit operate for our benefit today?
(26) Whose ideas are recorded in the Bible?
(27) Why should you regularly study God’s Word?
Optional questions
(28) Have you endeavored to read the entire Bible?
(29) Why would it be good for you to do so?
(30) When you have asked Jehovah to help you and direct you by holy spirit, why should you then endeavor to pay close attention to Bible-based counsel?
Prayer
(31) To whom should our prayers be directed?
(32) Does Jehovah listen to all prayers?
(33) Why do you so answer?
(34) What are some of the things you can pray about?
Optional questions
(35) When do you find time to pray?
(36) How can you keep your prayers from becoming routine?
(37) In your study of the Bible, what did you learn about prayer that you did not know previously?
(38) How has this affected your personal prayers to God?
The Kingdom of God
(39) By what right is Jehovah the Universal Sovereign?
(40) With whom has he shared rulership over his creation?
(41) Is the Kingdom of God a condition or a government?
(42) What blessings will Kingdom rule bring for the earth and for mankind?
(43) What does it mean to seek first the Kingdom?
(44) How do we know that we have entered into the time of the end and that God’s Kingdom is ruling?
Optional questions
(45) How do you personally endeavor to put God’s Kingdom first in your life?
(46) In what practical way can you demonstrate that you are a loyal advocate of God’s Kingdom?
(47) As a loyal advocate of God’s Kingdom, what is your attitude toward involvement in the political affairs of the nations?
Satan and the Demons
(48) Who is the Devil?
(49) Where did he and his demons come from?
(50) What warnings do we have in the Bible to help us avoid spiritistic practices?
(51) How can we protect ourselves from the influence of Satan and the Demons?
(52) What do God’s words to Pharaoh indicate as to His reason for allowing Satan and his demons to continue living until now?
(53) What will become of Satan and his demons according to Jehovah’s judgment against them?
Optional questions
(54) What influence does Satan have on people today?
(55) What are some of the spiritistic practices of people today, and why should we avoid these?
The Soul, Sin, and Death
(56) What is the human soul?
(57) Can it die?
(58) What is sin?
(59) How did we all become sinners?
(60) What should you do if you commit a sin?
(61) What should be our attitude toward committing sins?
(62) What is death?
(63) Why do people die?
Optional questions
(64) How have you benefited from learning what the Bible teaches about the soul, sin and death?
(65) What are some of the false religious doctrines that are disproved by what you have learned?
(66) In what way do false religious teachings about the soul dishonor God?
Resurrection
(67) What hope is there for one who dies?
(68) How many from among mankind will be raised to heavenly life with Jesus Christ?
(69) What will they do there?
(70) What is the hope for the rest of mankind that will also be resurrected?
(71) Who will not be resurrected, and why?
(72) Why should we hold firmly to our hope in the resurrection of the dead?
Optional questions
(73) Has learning about the resurrection hope enhanced your appreciation for Jehovah’s love?
(74) How so?
(75) Why should you want to tell others about the resurrection hope?
Marriage and Divorce
(76) What is the Christian standard for marriage?
(77) What is the only scriptural basis for divorce that frees one to remarry?
(78) What does the Bible say about married persons separating from each other?
(79) Why should persons living together as husband and wife be properly married?
Optional questions
(80) What benefits are derived from adhering to Jehovah’s standard for marriage as regards the husbands?
(81) The wife?
(82) The children?
(83) The community?
(84) If you are a married person, are you sure that your marriage has been properly registered with the civil authorities?
Sanctity of Life
(85) Why is all life to be viewed as sacred?
(86) How does Jehovah view the unlawful shedding of human blood?
(87) Abortion?
(88) Suicide?
(89) How do the following scriptures show that Jehovah considers blood as something sacred?
(90) What do the following scriptures reveal as to different ways a person culd become bloodguilty?
Optional questions
(91) How has the scriptural view of blood affected your thinking on this matter?
(92) As a Christian, what local foods or medical practices will you henceforth avoid?
(93) How does the Bible teaching concerning the sanctity of life affected your view of certain dangerous sports or types of recreation?
(94) Does God’s view of life and blood seem reasonable to you?
(95) What stand should a Christian take if he is told that in order to save his own life or the life of a loved one a blood transfusion would be needed?
PART II – JEHOVAH’S RIGHTEOUS REQUIREMENTS
In your study of the Bible you have learned the importance of bringing your life into harmony with Jehovah’s righteous standards, Responding to what you learned may have entailed a number of adjustments in your attitude toward life itself and in your personal conduct. Making such changes, however, is not what is referred to in the Bible as sacred service. Rather, Jehovah God accepts sacred service only from those whose lives have been made to reflect his righteousness.
Now that you have brought your life into harmony with Jehovah’s standard of righteousness, you are in a position to render sacred service as a minister of the good news. Reviewing the following questions along with the quoted and cited Scripture references will help you fix clearly in mind Jehovah’s righteous requirements and will remind you of some of the things you can do in order to become one of Jehovah’s approved servants. This information will impress upon you the importance of doing all things with a good conscience and to Jehovah’s honor.
Christian Law
(96) According to Jesus, what are the two greatest commandments of the Mosaic Law?
(97) Are Christians under the Mosaic Law covenant with its requirements of Sabbath-keeping and sacrifices?
Optional questions
(98) In what way do you demonstrate that you love Jehovah with your whole heart, mind, soul and strength?
(99) In what practical ways do you show that you love your neighbor as yourself?
Personal Relationships With Others
(100) What Christian quality should outstandingly characterize our relationship with our spiritual brothers and sisters?
(101) What Christian principles should govern our dealings with persons who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses?
(102) How should Christians view the shortcomings of fellow believers?
(103) If your brother sins against you personally and you find it difficult merely to overlook the transgression, or if his sin against you is of a serious nature and should not be covered over, what should you do?
(104) What is the fruitage of the spirit and how will cultivating it help us to maintain a fine relationship with others?
Optional questions No optional questions on this part
Elevated Christian Morals
(105) Why is moral cleanness of all individuals among Jehovah’s people important to every one of us?
(106) Why must lying be avoided?
(107) What is the Christian view of stealing?
(108) Does the Bible prohibit the use of alcoholic beverages in moderation?
(109) What is the Christian view of drunkenness?
(110) Why should Christians abstain from the nonmedical use of addictive or mind-altering drugs?
(111) What additional reasons are there for not using tobacco, betel nut or other similar addictive substances that are known to be harmful to physical and mental health?
(112) What does the Bible say about fornication, adultery, sexual relations with another person of the same sex (homosexuality) and other unlawful sexual conduct?
(113) By adhering to what the Bible counsel will you be able to ward off temptations and pressures that would induce you to engage in any form of sexual immorality, including sexual perversions?
(114) What is gambling?
(115) Why would a Christian avoid becoming involved in any form of gambling?
(116) If a person in weakness commits a serious sin but he wants help to be restored to Jehovah’s favor, what actions should he take immediately?
(117) In addition to confessing one’s own sins, what personal responsibility rests upon each Christian with regard to reporting serious wrongdoing by others that could threaten the spiritual or moral cleanness of the congregation?
(118) What is the proper viewpoint to have when one is Scripturally reproved?
(119) What action does the congregation take when a person in its midst proves to be a persistent and unrepentant violator of God’s commandments?
Optional questions
(120) Do you think that Jehovah’s moral standards and requirements for his servants are reasonable?
(121) How have you personally benefited from what you have learned about elevated Christian morals?
(122) Why would a person have to conform his way of life to Jehovah’s standards before he could be accepted for Christian baptism?
Idolatry
(123) What is idolatry?
(124) What warnings does the Bible give concerning idolatry?
(125) What are various forms of idolatry that Christians must guard against in this world?
[Optional questions No optional questions on this part
Separate From the World
(126) According to the Bible, who is “the ruler of the world” and “the god of this system of things.”?
(127) What is the position of Christians as to this world alienated from God?
(128) What was Jesus’ attitude toward participation in the political affairs of the world?
(129) When a person separates himself from the world and becomes a Christian, what treatment might he expect from those remaining in the world?
(130) How does being separate from the world affect the secular employment of a Christian?
(131) Adhering to what additional Bible principles will help a Christian to remain separate from the world with regard to his choice of entertainment and recreation?
Optional questions
(132) How has your study of the Bible helped you to keep yourself separate from the world?
(133) What pressures or enticements have you had to resist in order to come to a good relationship with Jehovah and maintain it?
(134) What Bible counsel have you found to be particularly helpful in maintaining separateness from the world?
Interfaith
(135) Would it be proper for true Christians to share in worship with other religious groups?
Optional questions
(136) What are some examples of interfaith activity that true Christians should avoid?
(137) Why would a person have to make sure that he has cut off all association with false religious before presenting himself for baptism as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?
(138) What would this include?
Holidays and Celebrations
(139) Are Christians under obligation to observe certain days as holidays? Notice how this one is worded.
(140) What is the only religious celebration that Christians are commended to observe?
(141) What are some of the Bible principles that will help you to determine whether or not you should observe or participate in celebrations that are popular in your community?
(142) What mention is made in the Bible of birthday celebrations?
(143) How does this affect your view of birthday celebrations?
Optional questions
(144) What are some of the holidays or celebrations popular in your community that true Christians avoid?
(145) What do you need to do to keep from getting involved in worldly holidays or celebrations that run counter to Christian principles?
(146) If you have minor children, how can you help them avoid unchristian practices related to worldly holidays?
Baptism
(147) Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses baptize in water those who embrace the Christian faith?
(148) Who should be baptized?
(149) When?
(150) What does it mean to be baptized in the name of the Father?
(151) The Son?
(152) The holy spirit?
Optional questions
(153) Why do you want to be baptized?
(154) Have you already brought your life into harmony with Jehovah’s righteous requirements according to what you have learned from your study of the Bible?
(155) Are you at present sharing the good news of the Kingdom with others, demonstrating that you understand that this is Jehovah’s will for you at this time?
(156) Have you expressed to Jehovah in prayer your desire to be one of his dedicated Witnesses and to serve him in unity with his organized people?
PART III – SUBNISSION TO JEHOVAH’S ARRANGEMENT OF THINGS
While still in Eden the first man and woman joined the rebellion led by “the original serpent,” Satan the Devil. They ceased being submissive to Jehovah’s arrangement of things. Having been introduced to a course of independence from God, they set out on their own. From that time forward the course taken by mankind has only served to confirm the truthfulness of Jeremiah’s words recorded at Jeremiah 10:23, where we read: “I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.”
Through your study of the Bible you have learned about Jehovah’s purpose to bring all things back into subjection to himself, just as they were in the beginning. Having reached this point in your study you are also desirous of finding your place in Jehovah’s arrangement of things and of being submissive to his rule. The following questions and related Scripture references will help you to examine your own understanding of submission to Jehovah’s arrangements as regards congregation organization, Christian family life and the political rulers of the day.
Submission in the Congregation Arrangement
(157) What is the basic principle underlying Jehovah’s arrangement of things within the Christian congregation?
(158) Why is there a particular need for submitting to Jehovah’s arrangement of things in the Christian congregation?
(159) What are some of the examples of Jesus’ disciples submitting to his instructions in order to carry out their ministry in an orderly way?
(160) How does Jesus exercise headship over the Christian congregation today?
(161) By what visible means is Christ’s headship represented in the congregation?
(162) How do members of the congregation demonstrate submission to the headship of Christ in the congregation?
Optional questions
(163) Are you able to identify “the faithful and discreet slave” today?
(164) How?
(165) What is the Governing Body of the Christian congregation?
(166) What purpose does it serve?
(167) What legal agencies are used by the Governing Body today to accomplish the publishing of the good news worldwide?
(168) Why would submitting to Jehovah’s arrangement in the congregation include giving material support to the work of the congregation to the extent of your ability?
Submission in Christian Family Life
(169) In God’s arrangement of things, who is the head of the married woman?
(170) How should a husband exercise headship over his wife?
(171) Whose example does he have to follow as a pattern?
(172) If the wife whose husband is not a believer freed from his headship?
(173) Who is responsible before God for the training and the disciplining of children?
(174) What responsibility do children have in the family arrangement?
Optional questions
(175) If you are a married woman, in what way can you demonstrate your submission to your husband?
(176) Does this seem to be righteous and just to you?
(177) If your husband does not appreciate your cooperation in this regard, how do you still benefit?
(178) If you are a man with family responsibilities, what worldly attitudes must you avoid if you are to exercise your headship in a Christlike manner?
(179) If you are a minor child, what benefits will come to you and your family as a result of your being submissive to your parents?
(180) What factors may make it difficult for you to be submissive at times?
Submission to Civil Authorities
(181) What is the proper attitude for Christians to maintain toward worldly rulers?
(182) Must a Christian pay all taxes and assessments demanded by law?
(183) Are there any circumstances under which a Christian would refuse to obey the worldly rulers?
(184) Should Christians comply with legal requirements such as the registering of marriages and births, respond to census inquiries or obtain required licenses and permits that do not conflict with God’s laws?
Optional questions
(185) Why is it important for you to be submissive to the civil authorities even when their rule may seem oppressive?
(186) How can you be submissive to the political rulers without violating Christian neutrality?
PART IV – WORKS THAT DEMONSTRATE CHRISTIAN FAITH
[There is some discussion, but I will add it in later]
Relationship Between Works and Faith
(187) Why must approved works accompany our Christian faith?
Optional questions
(188) In what way are Christian works different from works of the Law?
(189) Why would it not be proper for us to compare our works of faith with those of fellow believers?
Christian Meetings
(190) Why is it beneficial to attend the meetings arranged by the congregation?
(191) What is the proper attitude for us to have toward opportunities to meet together with our spiritual brothers and sisters?
(192) What information beneficial to Jehovah’s people is considered at congregation meetings?
(193) Whose teaching and instruction is given at the congregation meetings?
(194) Why should you endeavor to participate in congregation meetings by commenting and otherwise, as you have opportunity?
(195) Who should attend the congregation meetings in order to be instructed in righteousness?
Optional questions
(196) What effort have you personally put forth in order to be in regular attendance at congregation meetings?
(197) How have you benefited from regular association with Jehovah’s Witnesses at congregation meetings?
(198) Why is it beneficial for you to prepare well for each congregation meeting?
(199) How do you find time to do so?
Our Kingdom Ministry
(200) What urgent work does the Bible set out for all Christians as this time?
(201) According to the following scriptures, what are some of the various ways in which our ministry may be accomplished?
(202) Is this work done in our own strength?
(203) Why should you be willing to preach the good news to all kinds people in your assigned territory?
(204) Why should you take most seriously your responsibility to share the good news with others?
Optional questions
(205) Are you at present having a regular share each month in Kingdom service, preaching the good news to others?
(206) Is someone helping you and training you to be effective in the field ministry?
(207) Why is working from house to house in the field ministry so important?
(208) When you find a person who manifests genuine interest in the good news, what further assistance should you endeavor to give that person?
(209) While exerting yourself in the field ministry, why would it be wrong for you to make comparisons between your ministry and that of others?
Honoring Jehovah With Your Valuable Things?
(210) What pattern set in ancient Israel serves as a model for giving material support to the Kingdom work today?
(211) What lesson did Jesus teach about generous giving?
(212) What example of giving in support of the congregation was set by first-century Christians?
(213) Why must we be concerned about our brothers and sisters who come to be in need of material assistance?
(214) In addition to any material contributions to advance the good news, what should we offer that is even more important?
(215) What should be our attitude toward giving of ourselves and of our material possessions in Jehovah’s service?
Optional questions
(216) What are some of the needs of the local congregation that are taken care of by the voluntary contributions of the members of the congregation?
(217) How do contributions made directly to the nearest branch office of the Watch Tower Bible and tract Society assist in the advancement of the good news?
(218) Why should all contributions be made on a voluntary basis and not solicited or assessed?
Dedication and Baptism
(219) What should always be our attitude toward the doing of Jehovah’s will?
(220) Why should this joyful and willing attitude prevail even when we are persecuted or undergoing any form of trial?
(221) What does it mean for a person to dedicate himself to Jehovah?
(222) When a person has sincerely repented, turned around and made a decision to follow Christ, why should he be baptized?
(223) Why is it appropriate for dedicated and baptized Christians to be called Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Optional questions None for this part
CONCLUDING QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
(224) Following your baptism in water, why will it be vital for you to maintain a good schedule for personal study and to share regularly in the ministry?
(225) How will staying in close association with the congregation help you to carry out your dedication to Jehovah?
(226) How will you go about proving to Jehovah that your dedication has been made in sincerity and from your heart?
(227) Are you now thoroughly convinced that you should be baptized at the first opportunity?