Thanks for the work put into this Winston. A few interesting thoughts.
Movies show the misuse of blood, and the shedding of innocent blood.
- "misuse" is usually code for transfusions. When was there a transfusion movie I missed?
Some like to find fault with the organisation, they cast aside the trust that comes loyal service.
- Well its not like we LIKE it, its just if the shoe fits...
Brothers, have you ever nicked your neck while shaving and got blood spots on your collar? Sisters, have you ever nicked your finger while preparing dinner and got blood on your dress? The blood is hard to get rid of. How on earth could one get rid of bloodguilt?
-Good grief. Was this really what passes as an illustration? Bloodguilt analgous to blood stain from shaving?
We commend those who sacrifice their Saturday mornings to out in the ministry. You may have to put personal things on hold, in order to do this life saving work, but by doing so, we free ourselves of bloodguilt.
- This is the constant theme I overlooked when I was an apologist. The "only we can do this for you" line of reasoning. You can die if you do not serve. Very interesting how this is related to so many other facets.
Each month, does the Governing Body get the elders to check up on how you counted your time? No, they have put the guideline in the book, and leave it up to our conscience.
- Yes of course! How nice of them not to harrass the friends with HOW they counted their time! Its not that the counting of time itself has no biblical basis of course.
Use the WT library to find out what information has been printed about a principle. When Jehovah sees us earnestly searching his word for answers, this pleases him. Once we have found information on a principle, reason and compare it to our situation. Use the guidelines provided to act on what we have ressoned out. It is an act of maturity to make a well thought out decision that is in harmony with he scriptures.
- This is angering. Just infuriating. It is making people THINK they are using their conscience by "researching" in publications, and of course the "mature" viewpoint is the one they are directing. Double talk and manipulation at its finest.
This should motivate us to not hold back in the preaching work. We demonstrate our desire to help Christ's brothers. Our work in the ministry will determine if we get that invitation from Jesus.
- Another example fo the 6 degrees of separation where every doctrine that revolves around salvation loosely ties back to you doing what the slave (read 8 dudes in Patterson) tell you to do. They have truely seated themselves in the seat of Moses.
Matthew 24:45-47. Without the help of the FDS class we would never understand what the holy spirit is telling us.
The balls on these guys....I have heard this alot recently. basically its the, its worse out there, and they are responsible for teaching you the correct things you do know about the bible, not just the hooey. I honestly have a hard time answering that question.