Teresa Morales

I strongly disagree...
What Russell said doesn't, in my opinion, show his calculations for 1914 to be wrong. It only shows that his expectations of what that dates significance would mean for the immediate state of the world and its affairs were not taking several things into account. 
To buy into your reasoning would be like saying that because Noah built the ark big enough to support several other people getting onboard, the fact that no one else did proves that the flood wasn't actually a result of Jehovah bringing judgement upon mankind due to his displeasure concerning the conditions that prevailed at that time in history! Preposterous! 
The fact that the Gentile Times ended in 1914 did not ever hinge upon mankinds understanding of what exactly that would mean or not mean regarding the fulfillment of prophecy that may or may not have been fully understood at that time...

This is a BLATANT MISQUOTE!
 I'm not sure if it was manufactured by you or sent to you this way, however, I have poured over the Nov 2016 Watchtower magazine and the above comment is partly a quote(out of context) and mostly conjured from thin air! 
In light of this realization, I withdraw from this conversation as it is not necessary to banter with those who are willing to align themselves with Babylonish teachings and lack reasonableness and common sense. 
See jw.org to view this magazine for its actual comments. I believe the relevant points are in the article "Called Out Of Darkness."

Questions: Where is Russell now? What year did the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem? The 2,520 years mentioned in Revelation 12: 6 and 14 - Are they literal years? If so, what year would it be now? 
If 1914 is not the year of Christ's presence, then what year is it? Answer those questions, and I will present you with proof that it is indeed the year 1914.

Well @HollyW, I think that just about rounds it off for me. Your able grasp of the allegory, ability to reassemble it's detail and to imaginatively extend it's application indicates clearly that you have understood every word of my postings.
I will still track the topic in case any others contribute a useful perspective. 

Well, if you get the point of the analogy and feel it lines up with my posts which focus on Scriptural references.... then job done. This is a public forum remember.
Lifeboats enable an escape from the ship if the perception is that the ship is doomed. However, mutineers have also found them useful (Fletcher Christian comes to mind).
So for the purpose of the illustration, the crew are determined to continue their mission and, regardless of the attempts of the dissuaders, most of the passengers choose to stick with the ship. The dissuaders and those persuaded by their arguments board a number of the ship's lifeboats. The ship sails on into troubled waters to continue it's mission. The lifeboats return to shore. Time will tell who made the wisest choice.
As for the question, I have never suggested that it doesn't matter about the Gentile Times ending in 1914. What is significant however is that if it did not and the suggested domino effecton doctrine takes place, we will all be here to tell the tale. If it it did.... then who will the survivors be?

HollyW...  The light of spiritual truth continues getting brighter. Would it not benefit us to adjust our thinking accordingly? We expect, yes, we rely on the GB to make corrections on anything they have reason to feel needs it. We know this is done, only after much time, effort and prayer, and is always based on a clearer understanding of the scriptures. At times, Jesus revealed, quite gradually, the light of Kingdom truths to his disciples. Those loyal to him waited patiently, knowing an explanation would come in due time. We serve Jehovah because he is Almighty God, Creator of the Universe. Not because of the dates and times of prophecy fulfillment! Those things do, however,  serve as reminders that we need to keep a sense of urgency. It's exciting to know that we get to see the fulfillment of this most incredible prophesy, in our own lifetime! We get to witness the downfall of Satan and his demons!  Jehovah deserves our love and loyalty. enough said about that!   But, if you are having difficulty accepting 1914, then ask yourself how ALL of the signs that Jesus said would indicate the conclusion of this system of things is near, are happening NOW?  For the first and only time in history, all of the signs are occurring, so much so, that even some in the world can tell it's the "time of the end." Remember, even the demons believe, and they shudder! Why is Satan so angry? Because he knows his time is very short! If it wasn't, he wouldn't have the whole world in chaos... 

 
 

I respectfully remind you that Christ is the "head of the congregation." True followers of Christ Jesus do not lean so heavily on one mans opinions that if or when those opinions show themselves to be unreliable, they completely lose faith in their whole belief structure. Russell was instrumental in helping cleanse the Bible Stidents of false Christian beliefs and traditions of men. But the faith shared commonly among JW's is based on truths from the Bible, not opinions of men. 

It was the unbelievers who took no note of Noah wasn't it? Those who listened were expecting God to act, because He told them He would quite a few years before. Actually, Noah did know the day when the destruction would come didn't he? Keep that in mind when drawing the parallels. And keep Matt 24:43-44 in the picture too.

I strongly disagree...
What Russell said doesn't, in my opinion, show his calculations for 1914 to be wrong. It only shows that his expectations of what that dates significance would mean for the immediate state of the world and its affairs were not taking several things into account. 
To buy into your reasoning would be like saying that because Noah built the ark big enough to support several other people getting onboard, the fact that no one else did proves that the flood wasn't actually a result of Jehovah bringing judgement upon mankind due to his displeasure concerning the conditions that prevailed at that time in history! Preposterous! 
The fact that the Gentile Times ended in 1914 did not ever hinge upon mankinds understanding of what exactly that would mean or not mean regarding the fulfillment of prophecy that may or may not have been fully understood at that time...

With respect, judge for yourself and not for me on that one.
Discussions and expectations about dates have presumably been going on one way or another ever since Jesus said he would return. (Matt. 24:3, Acts 1:7).  In fact, disputes over Christ's presence were foretold as a feature of the "last days" 2 Pet. 3:3-4. And this is not limited to religious entities either: Dan. 7:23-25. So there is nothing new or unexpected here.
Despite it all, Jehovah's Witnesses continue to develop, grow, prosper, and seem to be successful in whatever they turn their hands to, even if it means surviving and outliving vicious attempts to slander and persecute them and prevent their activity. And this in the face of changes, refinements, adjustments, (and whatever else you want to call it), to their doctrine, organisational structure, and procedure. So there is no reason to expect this to change in the future.
1Tim 2:1-6 is a big deal for me however. The supplications and prayers etc. requested by the apostle Paul appear to be having the desired effect.

Absolutely beautifully detailed artistry!!  What a gift this artist possesses!!
 
 

Isn't it beautiful the way we are guided by love, to follow the direction outlined in our publications? The world is so determined to desensitize us toward harmful trends that may on the surface seem innocent, yet beneath the surface, are designed to blur the line between modest and suggestive of an unwholesome lifestyle that some young ones may not even be aware of. 

Isn't it beautiful the way we are guided by love, to follow the direction outlined in our publications? The world is so determined to desensitize us toward harmful trends that may on the surface seem innocent, yet beneath the surface, are designed to blur the line between modest and suggestive of an unwholesome lifestyle that some young ones may not even be aware of. 

Me too! ;0)❤️?❤️

Thank you my brother, I agree, yes ! 

I wish all our brothers and sisters a fruitful service to our only God Jehovah. We must be faithful until Jehovah says the work is done no matter where we are assigned geographically.

Yes,  I  agree !

It is certainly wonderful to see these Gilead graduates giving there all in service to our Great God Jehovah.

New  current  pictures  of  our  Gilead - Graduation  Ceremony....

I can understand how someone completely ignorant of the content Gods's Word might draw this erroneous conclusion on the strength of comparing these lines from one of the 151 songs in the book, “Sing Out Joyfully” to Jehovah.
However, for the benefit of those genuinely making this error, Proverbs 3:9 shows the thought to be completely in harmony with the encouragement provided in God's word to contribute materially to the advancement of true worship. It reads there, (in context), 
"Honor Jehovah with your valuable things, with the firstfruits of all your produce; 
Then your storehouses will be completely filled, And your vats will overflow with new wine."

Yes, I have heard Stephen Lett use this scripture in his rather long presentation on the woes of the organization needing contributions in May, 2015.  
“We in no way want to be categorized with other organization, religious or otherwise that coerce their supporters to donate.“
Song 50 is proof that coercion can be quite subtle. 
The entire chapter of Proverbs 3 is about wisdom – the remembrance of God’s laws, writing them on the tablet of the heart and not trusting in our own understanding, which takes the power and discernment of the mind. (Deut 6:5)
Our intellect is our strength in perceiving, understanding, and reasoning on God’s laws when we set our minds on the spirit of Christ, walking in truth. Ps 86:11; 3 John 1:4 In order to serve God fully, we adopt the mind of Christ, placing his laws before us. 1 Cor 2:16; Heb 10:16; 1 Pet 4:1
 If Prov 3:9 was referring to literal possessions, firstfruits out of our own pocket, when the entire chapter speaks of obtaining wisdom that brings life, how do we discern the words following Prov 3:9, that say:
Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
 She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.   Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her. Prov 3:13-18
I doubt you believe that by offering monetary and material possessions to the organization, that your literal storehouse on this earth will be filled and your literal vat with new wine. Joel 2:24; 3:13
“Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?”  Luke 12:24
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  Matt 6:33
Matt 6:20,21 - “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
If one’s treasure is the organization, where one’s heart lies; then yes, one will give materially to it.  Rev 9:20; James 5:3  Storing up treasures in heaven is the taking in of wisdom from the tree of life, Jesus Christ.  Rev 3:17,18 ; Prov 25:11
As the words in Prov 3:9 are spiritual, signifying the blessings of the Kingdom, (Isa 55:1-5) so is the term “firstfruits”. 
Jer 2:3 - Israel was holiness to the Lord, The firstfruits of His increase. All that devour him will offend;
Disaster will come upon them,” says the Lord.’”
James 1:18 -  Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
1 Cor 15:20-26 -  “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.  But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.  Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.  The last enemy that will be destroyed is death”
John 1:13 - who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
These are the anointed ones, who follow Christ closely by offering up their lives in the same way as Christ.
Rev 14:4,5 -  “ These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.” 
This offering to God of firstfruits under the New Covenant produces both seed and the bread of “wisdom” to others.  John 12:24,25; Rom 6:5,3,4; 1 Cor 15:36-38; 2 Cor 9:10 Hos 10:12  
They are the first of the harvest, with more “children” of God to follow.  1 Tim 2:3,4; 4:10; John 5:24; 4:36; Matt 10:40,41; 1 John 2:2; John 3:16; Acts 26:18; 20:32; Col 1:6,10; Rom 8:17 
Since Christ came to the earth, and our worship made to God is through our whole spiritual heart, spiritual soul, and spiritual mind, material contributions specified as “firstfruits”, to an earthly organization are contradictory to Christ’s teachings.
2 Cor 2:17 - Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.
1 Cor 2:6 - We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
Godliness cannot be bought with material possessions in any form. 
Rom 8:5-7 - For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
It may seem a little thing, Eoin Joyce, by picking away at this discrepancy, but by eliminating the phrase in the song, “take my mind that I may serve, Fully, Lord, without reserve” and inserting “take my silver and my gold, Nothing, Lord, would I withhold”, the carnal mind takes precedence over the spiritual, as your teachers, the GB, have proven.  The spiritual food we receive from an anointed one should reflect whole souled, the words of Christ. Matt 12:33
1 Tim 6:3-5 - “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Matt 22:37) and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.”
If one serves Christ and sees his neighbor in need, we give directly to them; our possessions are not lost within a hierarchy that chooses where it goes.  The organization is materially rich, while thousands of its members live at or below the poverty line. 
 
 Dishonest Gain
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Just a few days ago, I had an interesting conversation on facebook with a young man from Gaza.  He used to like to read the Bible out loud to me but is somewhat agnostic/atheist at times.  He wanted may opinion of a video whereby an atheist said Mother Theresa accepted money from criminals for orphanages to bear her name and she basically kept women in oppression and poverty by renouncing forms of birth control. etc.
I told him I thought the atheist was overly critical and I could not judge being that families, businesses, corporations and tax payer money is used to support countries that oppress many including women and children, and start foundations, associations or agencies for namesake purposes.
 
I could only think of the verses below and I posted a commentary from the library:
 
Luke 16:8 And his master commended the steward, though unrighteous, because he acted with practical wisdom; for the sons of this system of things are wiser in a practical way toward their own generation than the sons of the light are. 9 “Also, I say to YOU, Make friends for yourselves by means of the unrighteous riches, so that, when such fail, they may receive YOU into the everlasting dwelling places. 10 The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much. 11 Therefore, if YOU have not proved yourselves faithful in connection with the unrighteous riches, who will entrust YOU with what is true?
 
*** it-2 p. 806 Riches ***
He urged his hearers: “Make friends for yourselves by means of the unrighteous riches, so that, when such fail, they may receive you into the everlasting dwelling places.” (Lu 16:9) Since the possession or desire for material riches can lead to lawless acts, they may for this reason have been designated as “unrighteous riches,” in contrast with spiritual riches. Also, material riches, particularly money, actually belong to and are under the control of “Caesar,” who issues money and assigns a particular value to it. Such riches are transitory, and loss may be experienced as a result of economic conditions or other circumstances. Hence, the person having such riches should not put his trust in them, nor should he use them as the world in general does for selfish purposes, such as the amassing of still greater wealth. (1Co 7:31) Rather, he should be alert and diligent to make friends of the possessors of the everlasting dwelling places.

The possessors of “the everlasting dwelling places” are Jehovah God and his Son Christ Jesus. (Compare Joh 6:37-40, 44.) Persons who do not use their “unrighteous riches” in a proper way (as in assisting those in need and in furthering “the good news”; Ga 2:10; Php 4:15) could never be friends of God and of his Son, Christ Jesus. Their unfaithfulness in the use of unrighteous riches would show that they are unfit to be entrusted with spiritual riches. (Lu 16:10-12) Such persons could never be fine stewards of God’s undeserved kindness, dispensing spiritual riches to others.—1Pe 4:10, 11.

Those old songbooks are no longer around. Here is what I found on the Internet. When I was a small child lots of our songs had words in common with the best songs/the most truthful songs of Christendom. They evolved to being more truthful according the enlightened understanding of truth. So maybe one of the older versions of this song probably had those words, and I probably remembered it faintly.
======
Take my life and let it be
consecrated Lord to Thee
Take my moments and my days,
let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee
Take my voice and let me sing always, only for my King
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee
 
Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold
 
Take my intellect and use every power as You choose
Here am I, all of me, take my life, it's all for Thee
Take my will and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine
Take my heart, it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne
Take my love, my Lord I pour at Your feet, it's treasure store
Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee
Songwriters Christopher Tomlin;Louie Giglio

Thanks a lot Millie!  Quite informational . . .