Posted by Luis [followthelamb] on October 28, 1999 at 12:15:28 {BrTq3yWfsYQr78U8rp0YTco2oJsp5U}:
In Reply to: *****Awake! 12/8/99 posted by Friend on October 28, 1999 at 09:51:13:
Hi Friend:
I also disagree with your statements. The Society's claim to being God's one and only true channel is itself a burden and a responsibility to bear in regards to ANY teaching, for James 3:1 states: "Not many of YOU should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment." The Society's "extreme confidence" has led them to extreme problems for themselves and for others. Consecuences that the Society brought upon themselves as a result of their "extreme confidence" which is nothing but presumptuousness. (Deut 18:22; Prov 11:2) "Personal disagreement" alone would suffice to disfellowship anyone. Let it be known that a JW personally doesn't think that the Society is the "faithful and discreet slave" to see what happens. I don't see how your reasoning can justify the Society as the one and only true channel when any other religion can excuse themselves also with the same words.
[In that case I would appreciate your comments regarding Luke 21:10 and 11. It says:
“Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.”—Luke 21:10,11 NIV]
Jesus did not say that these events were to be some sort of "sign" since the previous verse goes on to say: "Furthermore, when YOU hear of wars and disorders, do not be terrified. For these must occur first, but the end does not occur immediately." ["the end is not yet" Mt 24:6]
Jesus stated that no one knows the "day and hour" (Mt 24:36) nor "the times or seasons" (Acts 1:7) regarding any calculations that pinpoint the date of our Lord's Return or Parousia. "Pastor" Russell even wrote that the events of Matthew 24 are just events that would plague mankind throughout history. Nevertheless, in responding to his disciples' question regarding "the sign of your presence," Jesus uses the word "sign" in regards to, not the events you mentioned, but to "the sign of the Son of man" after mentioning the "signs in the heavens" that occur "after the tribulation." (Mt 24:29, 30) These "signs in the heavens" and the "sign of the Son of man" are still future even according to the Society.