# ************Awake! 12/8/99

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Posted by Friend [Friend] on October 28, 1999 at 19:44:18 {BrTq3yWfsYhxaL3hj3H2OgnjR4Br/g}:

In Reply to: ***********Awake! 12/8/99 posted by Luis on October 28, 1999 at 18:00:58:

Luis

> As far as it being an out-dated letter, do you know of a more recent one that states differently? My own personal experience says otherwise.

Yes, the letter of May 8th, 1986 to All Bodies Of Elders regarding an adjustment in responding to individuals joining other religious organizations. It states:

> > "Please note that this adjustment does not affect how we would deal with a person who still professes to be a member of the congregation but who tries to practice interfaith, who promotes a sect, or who endeavors to subvert the faith of others. (2 Corinthians 6:14-17; Titus 3:10,11; 2 Timothy 2:16-18) Some who are still in the congregation may be causing divisions or undermining confidence in Jehovah’s arrangement. This may involve or lead to apostasy. Any of such persons who do not respond to repeated admonitions in harmony with Titus 3:10,11, but who unrepentantly promote false teachings in the congregation, should be dealt with by a judicial committee and may need to be disfellowshipped."

Regarding deviant views the statement above requires promotion of those ideas toward causing divisions. Anything less than that is not susceptible to shunning action. You should also consider the following Watchtower references:

Maintain Unity in These Last Days, The Watchtower, 1996 7/15: 17 par. 7

Maintaining Unity in Difficult Times, The Watchtower, 1964: 305 par. 8

Overseers Ruling For Justice Itself, Pay Attention To Yourselves And All The Flock, 1991: 94 par. 6-10

> I don't see that [Luke 21:10,11] holds all events mentioned as equals regarding some kind of "sign." The word "signs" is equated with celestial phenomena: "great signs in heaven." As I previously said, "The wars and disorders that Jesus mentions in Mt 24 and Lk 21 are a series of events ever since the first century that would plague mankind all throughout history until Christ's Return or Parousia."

As you continue considering Jesus’ answer for a sign that text will take on more meaning that you presently attribute to it. Just keep paying attention to what our master had to say.

> But since you ask, it is safe to say that at Christ's Return the world will still be experiencing wars, disorders, pestilences, etc. Wouldn't that be so? Christ's Parousia is still future not since 1914.

Yes, according to Jesus’ answer for a sign wars, earthquakes and pestilences should be evident. The question is how will they be evident. Read Jesus answer carefully and you will detect that he indicated more than that these events would be evident, he described also to what extent they would be evident. The extent of observation is as important as what should be observable. Read that link and perhaps you will better grasp what I am saying.

Whether Jesus’ answer for a sign has been uniquely evident at or around 1914 AD is for each individual Christian to determine or not. I am not of the opinion that each Christian will recognize Jesus’ answer for a sign or that they must recognize that sign. Instead I maintain that Jesus’ answer for a sign is discernible to Christians, not that it will be or must be discerned for salvation.

Friend

Follow Ups:

- *************Awake! 12/8/99 Luis 05:07:26 10/29/99 (1)
  - **************Awake! 12/8/99 Friend 06:49:51 10/29/99 (0)

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