(Contributed by jwfacts.com, original article is here.)
Historical Development of the Interpretation
Holy Spirit did not reveal an understanding of the seven times to Pastor Russell. It was promoted throughout the 1800’s prior to Russell by John Aquila Brown, William Miller, E. B. Elliott, Robert Seeley, Joseph Seiss and Barbour.
In 1823, John Aquila Brown published in The Even-Tide that the “seven times” of Daniel 4 were prophetic of 2,520 years, running from the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign in 604 B.C. to 1917 A.D. He did not equate this to the end of the Gentile Times.
In the 1830’s, a farmer named William Miller explained that a number of prophecies were to conclude in 1843, and so came to the conclusion that Daniel 4 was also to end in 1843. To do so, he claimed the seven times started when Manasseh was taken as a captive to Babylon in 677 B.C. This was to signify the ‘time of the end’, the destruction of Babylon and when the dead would be raised. Apollos Hale and Sylvester Bliss corrected this date by removing the year zero that Miller had used in the calculation, promoting the time of the end to the year 1844. At Miller’s suggestion, Samuel Snow calculated that the end would arrive on October 22. This was to correspond with the tenth day of the seventh Jewish month, the Day of Atonement for the year 1844. Rather than using the current Jewish calendar he used an older calendar invented by the Karaite Jews. Jehovah’s Witnesses still use the Karaite calendar in their calculations, including for the date of the memorial.
Millers Chart – Click on images to enlarge
In 1840, John Dowling predicted Miller’s 1843 prophecy would not come true. The following quote from Dowling’s article An Exposition of the Prophecies, Supposed by William Miller to Predict the Second Coming of Christ, in 1843 , is equally applicable to the Watchtower Society.
“Mr. Miller is not the first expounder of prophecy that has attempted dogmatically to decide upon the very year of the coming of Christ. I will not occupy these pages by relating the individual histories of the wise and positive interpreters of prophetic times, who have preceded Mr. Miller in fixing the year of the Judgment. Their histories were all alike. They succeeded as Mr. M. has, in awakening a degree of alarm in the bosoms of some simple people, who forgot that Christ has said “of that day and hour knoweth no man” — the time drew on — the year passed by, and the prophet and his doctrine were forgotten. ”
The reader but partially acquainted with the history of the world, and not aware of the manner in which Mr. M. continues to make his calculations all meet in the year 1843, thinks upon perusing the book that there are, to say the least, some very striking coincidences, and feels considerably staggered, if not convinced.
Let the reader peruse this passage and the chapter (Daniel 4) from which it is taken, and then imagine, if he can, by what stretch of ingenuity Mr. M. draws from it a proof of the coming of Christ to judgment in 1843.
He then looks into his Bible chronology, and finds that in the year BC 677 one of the kings of Judah, named Manasseh, was carried a prisoner to Babylon. Here, then, says Mr. M., must begin this punishment of seven times.”
When 1844 proved to be false prophecy it was reworked by Second Adventists, such as Barbour. The start date was moved to 606 B.C., based on an incorrect date for the destruction of Jerusalem, to end in 1914 A.D.
The Herald of the Morning, edited by Barbour, Cogswell and Paton, stated in 1875;
“I believe that though the gospel dispensation will end in 1878, the Jews will not be restored to Palestille, until 1881; and that the “times of the Gentiles,” viz. their seven prophetic, times, of 2520, or twice 1260 years, which began where God gave all, into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, 606 B.C.; do not end until A.D. 1914; or 40 years from this.” The Herald of the Morning 1875 Sep
Barbour wrote that the measurement of the great pyramid confirmed that the Gentile times would end in 1914.
“… this 33 inches added to the measure of the Grand Gallery floor 1881, make 1914, the date of the end of “The Times of the Gentiles.” The Herald of the Morning 1876 Jan
Russell became aware of Barbour in 1876, and joined with him in publish his doctrines. It was from Barbour that Russell took the idea that Daniel 4 is an end time prophecy, with the Gentile times expected to herald the conclusion of Armageddon, and that measurements of the great pyramid could be used to calculate prophetic fulfilment, all pointing to 1914.
Studies in the Scriptures Series III – Thy Kingdom Come
“We find it to be 3457 inches, symbolizing 3457 years from the above date, B. C. 1542. This calculation shows A.D. 1915 as making the beginning of the period of trouble; for 1542 years B.C. plus 1915 years A.D. equals 3416 years. Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1914 will be the beginning of the time of trouble such as was not since there was a nation-no, not ever shall be afterward. ” Studies In the Scriptures Series III – Thy Kingdom Come p.342
Did the Watchtower predict 1914 or 1874?
Current Watchtower publications are not transparent about the history of their interpretation of 1914. Russell and Rutherford believed that Jesus’ invisible presence started in 1874. The end of the Gentile times in 1914 was to signify God’s visible rulership returning to earth.
“Our Lord, the appointed King, is now present since October 1874, A.D., according to the testimony of the prophets, to those who have ears to hear it: and the formal inauguration of his kingly office dates from April 1878, A.D.” Studies in Scriptures Series IV (1897) p.621
“The Scriptural proof is that the second presence of the Lord Jesus Christ began in 1874 A.D.” Prophecy (1929) p.65
“From 1874 onward is the time of the Lord’s second presence, as above stated his circumstantial evidence fulfilling prophecy is what constitutes the physical facts, and is proof corroborative of the Lord’s presence since 1874. … His presence beginning in 1874, he has carried on his harvest work from 1874 forward” Our Lord’s Return (1929) pp.27, 33, 37
It was not until the Golden Age 1930 p.503 that Rutherford stated for the first time that Christ’s return and “presence” were 1914, instead of 1874.
Knowing this, it is eye opening to find Watchtower articles dishonestly claiming that the Organization always understood that 1914 was the year that began Jesus presence and rulership.
“Why, then, do the nations not realize and accept the approach of this climax of judgment? It is because they have not heeded the world wide advertising of Christ’s return and his second Presence. Since long before World War I Jehovah’s witnesses pointed to 1914 as the time for this great event to occur.” Watchtower 1954 Jun 15 p.370
“… a prophecy providentially caused sincere 19th-century Bible students to be in expectation. By linking the “seven times” of Daniel 4:25 with “the times of the Gentiles”, they anticipated that Christ would receive Kingdom power in 1914.” Watchtower 1998 Sep 15 p.15
(For additional quotes see the section on 1914 under Changed Teachings)
What do the preceding mistruths suggest about the honesty and integrity of the Watchtower? If the Watchtower has no qualms about falsifying its own history, it should come as no surprise that they ignore the facts about the date 607 B.C.E. as well.
The original expectation that Jesus returned invisibly in 1874, and that the end of the Gentile times in 1914 would mark his kingdom’s visible return was far more logical than the current view that it started invisibly in 1914. If the prophecy of the seven times was to signify the time that the end of God’s visible rulership ended, then it would also be expected that it was to signify the time God’s visible rulership would return to replace the kings of the earth. With the current interpretation, there is no way to prove whether or not God’s invisible kingdom has begun ruling.
With the failure for the world’s end to eventuate in 1914, most Adventist groups came to recognise that Daniel 4 was not intended to have a second prophetic fulfilment and stopped referring to it.
Over the last century there has been an accumulation of evidence that proves beyond doubt that the destruction of Jerusalem occurred between 586 and 587 B.C. An objective reading of the Bible and history accepts this without issue. The Watchtower Society has a vested interest in 1914 and hence 607 B.C., and so stringently attempts to dismiss any evidence to the contrary.
Daniel 4 is the only Scripture used by the Watchtower to specifically pinpoint 1914 as the year Jesus started to rule. If the Watchtower misapplies Daniel 4, there is no reason to think that the Last Days began October 2nd 1914. Related to this topic is whether the signs of Jesus’ presence indicate the Last Days started in 1914.
1914 - The LAST DAYS of Chronology in the Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses (Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society) 
Excellent work. I had no problem understanding this.
The Amplified Bible reads Matt. 24:34 this way, “Truly I tell you, this generation (the whole multitude of people living at the same time, in a definite given period) will not pass away till all these things taken together take place.”
The question is: How many people left, from a given time period, amount to a generation? Is it 1000, 100, 10 or just 1? There is no answer to this question.
Nor will there be an answer. Mark 13:32; Acts 1:7.
Let’s….accept…..prophesy is man made …it is a dumbfounding phenomenon….it tickles ..it promises …it involves mathematics …
It makes us think we are smart ….it ends there …with nothing else
….except a saying….”.a wicked society wishes for a sign “ or a date
The ones eagerly waiting for a change are like my neighbor …..covered in debt….convinced that the only way out is an end to this wicked world …..when all his creditors will be forced to write off his debt
We have to live out our time ….we could commit sewerage pipes
But does that help !
No …accept your responsibility ….children.. a wife …a job…Dont shirk helping your fellow man …continue to .thank our Creator for a planet …..so wonderfully equipped with unimaginable cycles …simply unstoppable
23%…oxygen available for billions years …nitrogen carbon cycles
…requiring no maintenance
.rather than spending time asking our Lord to destroy the wicked …all .wicked persons will succumb after 60years ….or so
Let’s do,the right thing …..every thing comes to those who wait
Psychics daily are talking to spirits in unseen dimensions…why are these connections allowed to continue undisturbed ….since Saul
Spoke to Samual …..this carries on relentlessly
To my mind if that is so it proves a whole lot of discrepancies ….which
….must be faced and addressed
Did man sin…..seems not ….eating an apple…human fossils are millions of years old…….proved
man therefore needs no savior ……human sacrifice is also a million years old …proved.
This makes every thing we were ever taught not factual
Can this be possible
If all of it was written by none other than our imperfect ancestors no more ablely equipped than any one of us …whether Moses Mathew or Paul
..then naturally ….something is amiss …..and we have willingly
….enjoyed all of this …it is too wonderful a story …..it just is so nice
..when one can offer his life for another …it brings rivers of tears
…sweet tears ….don’t stop me now…..The best story ever told
The Hebrews …held man captive for centuries …that is why the ones that told the story do not believe it…..they say they invented it….yet we believe it ….because it remains the most beautiful story ever told ..
.it is too lovely to abandon …in fact perhaps just a tad too late
OUR CREATOR….is eons ahead ….and has arranged matters
….that will shock your socks off
DEALING WITH GRIEVOUS SITUATIONS AND INJUSTICES
On his last night, before dying, Jesus said “My soul is deeply grieved even to death. … “My father if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me. Yet, not as I will but as you will. …” (Matthew 26:38-42) Jesus was facing a grievous situation, yet he yielded to Jehovah’s will.
God did not take away that grievous matter. He made Jesus deal with it. Today, we may have our own grievous situations. It may not make any sense as to why a thing has happened. Real or perceived injustices, involving imperfect responsible humans, may be going on for longer than we think; seemingly having no end.
We may be suffering damage and loss due to believing a faulty interpretation, having made serious life decisions because of forcefulness and undue influences that were used. Now we may be suffering financial loss or other problems and we regret those decisions that otherwise would not have been made, if it were not for faulty conclusions and pressure.
Perhaps some interpretations seem questionable. You may be grieved the meaning of the word “generation “(Matt. 24:34) has changed so many times, it appears to have no understandable meaning. Jesus assurance, “Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away…” will be fulfilled as intended, regardless of interpretations. People make up a generation. People die. Therefore “A generation is going and a generation is coming; …” (Eccl 1:4)
There are still a small number who were alive when the gentile times ended. (See internet: List of the verified oldest people – Wikipedia
List of oldest living people – Wikipedia
(Note: other research reports may also exist.)
Some may be grieved their personal dignity has been offended and feelings hurt. Perhaps an influential person’s comments caused others to mistreat or act disrespectfully to you, possibly causing depression, anger negative emotions; isolation.
Remember, “If someone, because of conscience toward God, bears up under grievous things and suffers unjustly, this is an agreeable thing.” Almighty God sees all the injustices done to others and their innocence; we must bear up. “Look! We pronounce happy those who have endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome Jehovah gave, that Jehovah is very tender in affection and merciful.”(James 5:11)
Don’t be infuriated, shaken from good sense or separate from doing God’s will. Realize the tested quality of one’s faith is far more valuable than gold. (1 Pet. 1:7) Wait for God’s reward, don’t fight for vindication. “…endure fully and be long-suffering with joy”. (Col.1:11) Everyone will suffer one way or another. (1 Pet. 5:9-11.)
Consider Joseph’s multiple problems; betrayed by his brothers, enslaved, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and imprisoned. There’s no telling how many other problems he faced with prisoners and people throughout his long period of testing. (Gen. Chapter 37 to 50.) How do you think he felt? Probably like some of you. Yet he did not resort to retaliatory measures. “… Do not avenge yourselves beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah.”(Romans 12: 17-19)
Anointed first century Christians had problems among themselves. That’s why Col.3: 13 advises “Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint…. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also.” especially if, “they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke23:34)
Handling grievous problems requires forgiveness. Everyone has limitations and weakness. To demand or expect something from others unable to deliver because of a limited mental capacity or personality flaw lacks understanding, insight and mercy. (Must read: 1 Cor. 1: 26-31)
“If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matt. 6:14 (see Matt. 18:35) Happy are the merciful, since they will be shown mercy.” (Matt. 5:7, See also Matt 5:30 & 7: 1-5)
Love “Does not keep account of the injury”. (1 Cor.13: 4, 5) It’s our obligation to forgive even serious injury. Let it go, regardless of continued suffering.
“For there is no man righteous in the earth that keeps doing good and does not sin.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20) (See Psalm 130:3, Pr. 15:18)
“The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, and it is beauty on his part to pass over transgression.” (Proverbs 9: 11) “The one covering over a transgression is seeking love, and he that keeps talking about a matter is separating those familiar with one another.”(Proverbs 17:9) Stop complaining, talking and thinking about it; don’t victimize yourself!
If you have been the victim of serious wrongs, allowing anger to take root cultivates hatred. “However, I say to you that everyone who continues wrathful with his brother will be accountable to the court of justice; …” (Matt. 5:22, See also James 4:11)
Part of the sign Jesus gave about his presence was “Then, also, many will be stumbled and will betray one another, and will hate one another.” (Matt. 24:10) This would go on during the kingdom preaching work. (Matt. 24:14) That’s exactly what is happening now! It is seen by those who publically point the finger of blame, have a vengeful spirit, try bringing ruin, set up contrary web sites, give away faults, publish contrary literature, slander, gossip, ridicule and publicly protest. This can stumble others, cause divisions and prevent people from accepting the lifesaving kingdom message.
Jesus asserted”…It is unavoidable that causes for stumbling should come. Nevertheless, woe to the one through whom they come. It would be of more advantage to him if a millstone were suspended from his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to stumble one of these little ones.” (Luke 17: 1, 2)
Those who at one time took up the kingdom message are now betraying it by fighting against those who are faithfully bringing this message of mercy to the world before the great day of God the almighty. (Acts 20:30 mention those who draw away disciples after themselves.)
Failure to show mercy is a betrayal of the kingdom message, which is mercy in connection with Jesus ransom sacrifice, along with a merciful God, a kindly forgiving king and a heavenly government that restores sinful mankind willing to make changes in their lives.
Proverbs 11:13 “The one walking about as a slanderer is uncovering confidential talk, but the one faithful in spirit is covering over a matter.” (See also Pr. 20:19, James 3: 6 – 8, Proverbs 11:9)
The biblical message that God has established a heavenly government that will eliminate all corrupt earthly governments and bring the earth to paradise conditions is the only hope for mankind. Spending time and efforts to unveil the mistakes and sins of imperfect limited humans because of refusal to forgive, concealing a sin or being afraid to preach, reveals hatred, betrayal and self-deception.
Becoming like those religious leaders who prevented others from accepting Jesus message is evil. They were told, “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut up the kingdom of the heavens before men; for you yourselves do not go in, neither do you permit those on their way in to go in.” (Matt. 23:13)
Everyone will be judged. “Keep on blessing those who persecute; be blessing and do not be cursing.” (Romans 12: 14 see also vs. 19) “Also, just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them.” (Luke 6:31)
Putting oneself in the position of the“…good-for-nothing man” who “is digging up what is bad, and upon his lips there is as it were, a scorching fire.”, is unwise. (Pr. 16:27.) A person may be partially right but largely wrong. “There exists a way that is upright before a man, but the ways of death are the end of it afterwards,” (Pr. 14:12, see also James 4:11)
Fighting against Christ’s brothers, the kingdom preaching work and being unmerciful causes one to be “overreached by Satan”. Paul writes, “Anything you kindly forgive anyone, I do too. In fact, as for me, whatever I have kindly forgiven, if I have kindly forgiven anything, it has been for your sakes in Christ’s sight; that we may not be overreached by Satan, …” (2 Cor. 2:10 & 11) Satan overreaches an unmerciful person. He catches them alive! 2 Tim. 2:26 states “and they may come back to their proper senses out from the snare of the Devil, seeing that they have been caught alive by him for the will of that one.” Satan’s will is to fight against the kingdom preaching, its supporters and prevent others from listening and accepting the kingdom message.
Forgiveness, frees you from Satan’s grasp and condemnatory judgment.
Avoid extended problems with others. Paul said “Why do you not rather let yourselves be wronged?” (1 Cor. 6:7) Let it go, keep quiet, have peace, serve kingdom interests, give “… a sacred service with your power of reason”. (Romans 12:1)
Regardless of the deep short falling of imperfect individuals keep in mind that judgment has been committed to Christ. “The Father judges no one at all, but he has committed all the judging to the Son. (John 5:22)
Jesus said, “Many will say to me in that day, ’Lord Lord’, did we not prophecy in your name and perform many powerful works in your name?” And yet I will confess to them: I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.” (Matt 7:22, 23) When Jesus denies those individuals the use of his ransom sacrifice, they are doomed!
Jesus brothers are human and imperfect like everyone else. They do not perform miracles, are not infallible and are not inspired like the apostles. This may be why Jesus refers to some of them as “the least of these my brothers.” (Matt 25:40, 41, 1 Co.1: 26-31) Yet, “And in reply the king will say to them,” Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. …he will say, in turn, to those on his left, “Be on your way from me, you who have been cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels.” (Matthew 25:40)
As long as those proclaiming the pure kingdom message do not commit a sin that incurs death, no accusation will stand. Even if the problem continues, causing suffering. “If anyone catches sight of his brother sinning a sin that does not incur death, he will ask, and he will give life to him, yes, to those not sinning so as to incur death. There is a sin that does incur death. It is concerning that sin that I do not tell him to make request. All unrighteousness is sin; and yet there is a sin that does not incur death.” 1 John 5: 16, 17
Being unmerciful is a sin that incurs death. (See Matt. 6:14 & 15)
Regardless of complaints; nothing will stand. “Who will file an accusation against God’s chosen ones? God is the one who declares them righteous. Who is he that will condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died, who is on the right hand of God, who also pleads for us.” (Romans 8: 33, 34) “Who are you to judge the house servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for Jehovah can make him stand.” “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.” (Romans 14:4. 10)
“Jehovah is redeeming the soul of his servants; And none of those taking refuge in him will be held guilty.” (Psalm 34:22: See also Heb.2:11; 11:16)
You can’t go wrong showing mercy, obeying Jehovah’s laws, having a repentant attitude and preaching the kingdom!
BAPTISM:
Repentance and baptism are required first steps to salvation. (See 1 Pet. 3:21, Acts 2:38, Matt. 28:19, 20)
BIBICAL MORALS:
Those wanting Jehovah’s approval must obey his moral standards without exception. When someone commits an error, true repentance is required. “Each of us will render an account for himself to God.” (Romans 14:12 See also 1 John 5:17 & Heb. 10: 26, 27)
SIGN OF THE LAST DAYS
Concerning the sign of his presence and the conclusion of the system of things, Jesus stated “For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.” (Matt.24: 3 to 14)
When the Great War, which was later renamed World War I by historians, began, that is exactly what happened. Between the years of 1914 to 1918 there were 46 declarations of war making up World War I. Those who argue that World War One was not a world war but a European war are evading the issue if they use it to deny the presence of Christ. (See Matt. 24 and the internet:
Timeline of World War I – Wikipedia
Timeline of Major War Declarations in World War I – Family Tree
World War I: Declarations of War from Around the Globe | Law Library…
Today this unified message of Matt.6:10 “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place as in heaven, also upon earth.” in accord with Daniel 2:44 “…the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. …” is being preached in 240 lands by imperfect humans. It is the most historical and unified preaching work that has ever taken place on earth since the first century. It is the greatest act of mercy to all mankind before God passes judgment. (Matt 24; 14 & Zeph1:14-18) Billions of pieces of literature have been printed and distributed. Jehovah’s Witnesses are the only ones going door to door with this message and fulfilling the prophecy of the world wide preaching work! (Matt.24:14)
The message of God’s kingdom to replace all human governments would only take place during the presence of the king, Jesus Christ. It could have never been accomplished if Christ were not enthroned. When it’s finished, Christ will say, “Well done, good and faithful slave …” (Matt. 25:21-23)
To argue against the sign of Christ’s presence, is to deny he is in kingdom power and a betrayal of the kingdom message. A lack of faith! (Heb. 3:12-14)
TEACHINGS / INTERPRETATIONS:
To keep up with current changes see http://www.jw.org , click “Clarifications of Beliefs”.
If you disagree with certain teachings or interpretations don’t be bothered or distracted. The full truth will be made known as hidden information is uncovered. Wrong teachings have and will be dropped.
The core teaching about the kingdom of God is a pure message. Prophets of old spoke about it. Today “…Many will rove about, and the true knowledge will become abundant.” “…those having insight will understand.”(Daniel 12:4, 10)
”For we have partial knowledge and we prophecy partially; but when that which is complete arrives, that which is partial will be done away with.” (1 Cor. 13:9, 10) Part of what we believe will be right and part will be temporarily wrong.
HANDLING PROBLEMS:
If you think a person or group are wrong, it’s best to take it up with those individuals. If you’re successful be happy. If not, don’t broadcast it worldwide, causing divisions, stumbling and disharmony; making trouble. Remember, “Therefore just as the weeds are collected and burned with fire, so it will be in the conclusion of the system of things. The Son of man will send forth his angles, and they will collect out from his kingdom all things that cause stumbling and persons that are doing lawlessness, and they will pitch them into the fiery furnace. …” (Matt. 13: 40 – 42) Don’t be one of those!
Those who teach will receive a heavier judgment. (James 3:1)
REPENTANCE:
“Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
Repentance means changing your mind to agree with God’s thinking, doing what’s required.
If any have strayed due to faulty interpretations, expectations, or teaching; if some fleshly weakness has overtaken you, or some treatment you received; realize the sacrifice of Christ runs deep and forgiveness is through the open door of repentance. With new information comes a new mind on matters.
It is hoped this information will return all sheep to Christ before final judgment arrives. (Matt. 24:34)
When enduring personal injustices, be patient, don’t retaliate. By keeping quiet, the matter will be dead on your side: it may end sooner. Fighting back extends trouble. Jesus’, enemies did what they could to discredit and stop him. Jesus continued with the kingdom preaching work, so did his apostles. Pointing out what we think is wrong isn’t necessarily going to change it. (See Micah 7:1-3) Micah said “I will show a waiting attitude (wait patiently) for the God of my salvation.” (Micah 7:7)
At 1 Peter 2:21-23 “…even Christ suffered for you leaving for you a model for you to follow. …When he was being reviled he did not go reviling in return, When he was suffering he did not go threatening , but kept on committing himself to the one who judges righteously.” The model is in suffering, both inside and outside the Christian congregation. Remember, “… a slave is not greater than his master…” John 13:16) Jesus had trouble with others and so will we. (Luke 4:16-30)
The best thing one can do is stop ridiculing, finger pointing, tattle tailing, complaining, and protesting publically. Shut down and stop hosting negative web sites for unmerciful, complainers and fault finders. Benefit with works of repentance
Change to a mental attitude of mercy. Keep quiet over things you don’t agree with. “Be agitated, but do not sin. Have your say in your heart, upon your bed and keep silent. “(Psalm4:4) Join in with the pure unified kingdom preaching work.
Have lowliness of mind and humble yourself under the mighty hand of God. (1Pet. 5:5, 6) Its sound advice, you can’t go wrong. Some may have to swallow their pride and apply for reinstatement.
The generation that was alive when the gentile times ended will still be alive when “the end” comes. To those who are unrepentant or unprepared it will come as a snare. (Luke 21:35)
This message is an act of mercy to those who have fallen into a pit of inactivity or opposition to the kingdom work. It’s meant to pull them out of the pit. “…If a certain man comes to have a hundred sheep and one of them gets strayed, will he not leave the ninety-nine upon the mountains and set out on a search for the one that is straying? And if he happens to find it, I certainly tell you, he rejoices more over it than over the nine-nine that have not strayed. Likewise, it is not a desirable thing with my Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish.” (Matt. 18:12-14)
”Pursue peace with all people, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord, carefully watching that no one may be deprived of the underserved kindness of God, that no poisonous root may spring up and cause trouble and that many may not be defiled by it.” (Hebrews 12:14, 15)
Some have been away from this work for so long, those who have caused problems most likely have moved, are incapacitated or dead. Newer ones have taken their place and may not be aware of past issues.
If you, the reader, know anyone who needs this information or help recovering from stumbling, please pass it along.
If you have heard negative reports about imperfect people, don’t let that prevent you from inheriting everlasting life. Keep in mind there were negative things said about the apostles. Even Jesus, who “…committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth” was criticized. (See 1 Pet 21-25) Read the Christian Greek scriptures (New Testament) and see for yourself.
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