We were to expect: War - Revolution - Anarchy - Jacob's Trouble and HERE THEY ALL ARE!

Welcome Truth seekers.  We're trying to find out what all, according to the Bible, was supposed to happen AFTER Pastor Russell died, yet BEFORE the Kingdom in it's blessing phase comes.  Here we go!

We were to expect:

War - Revolution - Anarchy - Jacob's Trouble

THE EDITOR'S PREFACE

"THE TITLE of this, the fourth volume of "THE STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES," suggests one of the three features of the great tribulation (Rev. 7: 14). According to Elijah's vision (1 Kings 19: 11, 12), this great tribulation was to have three stages:

(1) the World War (the wind); 
(2) the World Revolution or Armageddon (the earthquake); and 
(3) the World Anarchy (the fire). 

Ezek.14: 13-21 corroborates this with several additions; for by the sword he designates the World War and World Revolution and by the wild beasts he designates the anarchists who in their disregard of law and order are fittingly represented by wild beasts, which, of course, are lawless.

This passage also shows that famine and pestilence will play their part in the great tribulation, intermingling themselves with the above-mentioned three features of the Day of Vengeance. 

Rev. 7: 1 by the word "wind" refers to the World War; and Rev. 16: 16-18 
by the terms Armageddon and a great earthquake refers to the World Revolution, 
while 2 Thes. 1: 8 by the term "fire" refers especially to the anarchistic phase of the trouble. Many other Scriptures can be cited and quoted to show these three stages of the time of trouble..." [PSL Johnson]

We endorse the writings of Pastor Charles Taze Russell AND Prof. Paul Samuel Leo Johnson, quoted next, as the only trusted authors on these matters.  All other writers are mere speculation.  We seek to show how their writings fit exactly with what's happening today.  We don't claim to have all the answers or all the pieces.  We are sharing a very open puzzle box with everyone, and we see most of the pieces fit with just a few things left to complete.  

So, What remains? a few things including:

Ezekiel 38 and 39

continuing from PSL Johnson...

"our Pastor, in Studies, Vol. IV, applies this passage to Jacob's trouble in Palestine, which is to be not only after Armageddon, but also after Anarchy. The latter view is evidently right, for the conflict in Ezek. 38 and 39 will occur within one year, and that the last year of the trouble period, while Armageddon will last several years, a hectic peace for several years will follow it, then will follow Anarchy for several years, and thereafter Jacob's trouble will come."

So, we knew to expect after the war:  Armageddon which he said did start in 1914. 

We corroborate this view of CTR's where he said:

"ARMAGEDDON NEAR – GOD'S KINGDOM TO FOLLOW

The present great war in Europe [1914-1918] is the beginning of the Armageddon of the Scriptures. (Rev. 16:16-20.)"

 CT Russell Sermons Book Pg. 676

We weigh the views of these two Star Members of the Church

In the Hebrew of Ezek. 38: 8 the expression rendered, "in the latter years," is to be translated, "in the last one of the years;" and in v. 16 the expression rendered, "in the latter days," is to be translated, "in the last one of the days"—a day here standing for a year. This proves that Ezek. 38 and 39 refer to a period subsequent to Armageddon and Anarchy.

"The anarchists will terribly persecute spiritual Israel, as indicated by Elijah's whirlwind ascent, and by the last ones' being "violently seized by clouds," the literal translation of the Greek rendered in the A. V. of 1 Thes. 4: 17, "caught up … in the clouds";

PSLJ Merariism Vol. 6 pg. 580-81

We may have a slightly different view ourselves, that Ezek 38 has been in progress for decades, however we don't set aside PSLJ's view at all but wait until things develop and are proven exactly by world events.  We seek clues and find the best information available...

End of Part One. NEXT:

THE DATE is 2018?

"2018 is the shortest we might dare hope for as the end of The Anarchy, in order to see the completion of Jacob's Trouble at the end of this Anarchy.  

This date commends itself by being exactly 70 years from 1948 when Israel becomes a state, AND 70 YEARS IS ALSO (possibly) the correct length of what is Scripturally called a "generation". 

This marks an even stage for our study timeline on

War / Armageddon / Anarchy / Jacob's Trouble

Feel free to comment below and please share our study.

Yours in Truth,

Bro. Regan Balman

JOLLY VS. HOEFLE PART FIVE : FUNDS

JOLLY VS. HOEFLE 

a study of events that shaped the LHMM

Dear friend,

There were approximately 35 POINTS OF CRITICISM 

from Raymond G. Jolly made against Bro. John J. Hoefle in the March 1956 PT explaining his removal.  This study shows a grave injustice was done.  This an honest attempt to ascertain the Truth regarding what was done with the L.H.M.M. after Bro. Johnson left the scene vs. what was authorized.

Raymond G. Jolly = RGJ, words in brown
John J. Hoefle = JJH, words in black and white 
Researcher = RcB, words in purple

9.  Funds

[9.] *from PT 3/1956 He found fault with our use of the L.H.M,M, funds (e.g., he falsely accused us of squandering at least $1,000 in the original purchase of the Epiphany Tabernacle, whereas Bro. Johnson made the purchase, and to our knowledge there was no $1,000 squandered).

AUGUST 1, 1956

NO. 12: ABOUT THE JULY 1956 PRESENT TRUTH

by Epiphany Bible Students

In this written debate that has been going on between us, R. G. Jolly has now been completely silenced on The Faithful & Measurably Faithful on John's Beheading ­on the Star Members – on Brother Russell's Epiphany Parallels on Antitypical Hiram ­on his "parallel" between the funerals of Brother Russell and Brother Johnson on Elders conducting meetings – on "No punishment" by brethren to unruly brethren his inability rightly to divide the writings of the Star Members – his confusion on Matt. 18:15 – and his complete silence on the disappearance of the $20,000 from the Book Fund (the explanation for which is his bounden duty as Executive Trustee).  see also No. 14


[RCB] My findings: There is no answer yet on the missing $20,000. Hoefle says Jolly must explain.  If something comes up in the PT to explain it, the score may be adjusted.  Meanwhile, no word on this particular "$1000" unless it is the same incident under the guise of different figures to politely conceal the depth of concerns over Jolly's missing money issues.

Final note.  Since it was John J. Hoefle who virtually single-handedly financed the movement, since without him Bro. Johnson would not have been able to do the work that he did, it should at least bear investigation as to who may have defrauded whom financially.  From all my study thus far, there is no evidence that Bro. Hoefle ever did a thing wrong with money, in fact, he did everything right, giving his all to the Lord when he did to literally save the movement so that we could all benefit...

...Meanwhile, there is evidence that R. Jolly did slander the good name of Bro. Hoefle, using very lawyerly language to impugn his character at the same time as he's issuing fake assurances as to Bro. Hoefle's innocence, even though it was R. Jolly himself who cast doubt upon his good name in the first place, likely to conceal his own financial malfeasance. More in the next section.

SCORE

RGJ 0
JJH 9

---

10. Editorial Work

[10.] *from PT 3/1956 He criticized severely our editorial policies (which we defended against false charges from him, J.K. and others in P '54, pp. 44-47); ......also, more than anyone else he faulted us for various minor items; and often sought to put a wrong construction on our words..."


From No. 14 :  JJH:  Just as he “deals deceitfully” with our contention in the $20,000 item, so he re­peatedly “deals deceitfully” with the writings of the Star Members. He certainly did so with Brother Johnson's “Faithful and Measurably Faithful”; he also did so with “good” Levites and “cleansed” levites, using these expressions as though they were identi­cal in meaning until we showed his sophistry to be utterly ridiculous; he is now at­tempting to do the same thing with the 60 “Groups” and 60 “Posts”, as evidence page 60, col. 1 (top) of the July P. T. — of which much is yet to be said.

[RCB] My findings: This one is actually three items somewhat similar so they are placed together under the heading of "Editorial Work".  Certainly during the course of this study I have witnessed plenty of strange mistakes made by RGJ.  Some are perhaps "mistakes".  Some are outlandish claims that can't be supported through Scripture, such as his Pyramid calculations that were admittedly disproven.

SCORE

RGJ 0
JJH 10

---

After the first 10 accusations justifying RGJ's "DF'ing" of bro. Hoefle...

The Score so far...

RGJ 0
JJH 10

It would be difficult to see how JJH deserves to be disfellowshipped over his views regarding the items of accusation, let alone to be called a devil by RGJ, who then tells everyone to avoid you and not shake your hand, which we wouldn't do to unbelievers or infidels.  This red flag on conduct stems from something that is explained in red letters by bro. Johnson.  Jolly had no business making any of the changes he did, errors           resulted, and these are the results.

from E vol 9 134

"It will be noted that while God has given the non-starmembered teachers of the General Church and the more prominent local elders visions and dreams, He has never given them to see as a thing new a doctrine. This privilege is limited exclusively to our Lord acting in the star-members. Any attempt on the part of a non-star-membered teacher or of a non-teacher as the first one to work out a doctrine would be speculation, and would, therefore, not result in uncovering a new truth, but would result in error. " PSLJ

..Next time

11. Matthew 18 : 15

shelved, to be decided

Personal note:  This writer has been away from computer activities for some time, yet the delay only made the case stronger in favor of our dear Bro. Hoefle.  

We hope to resume with more regular blog posts until we complete the entire study, God willing, as it deserves a fair hearing.

Thanks for reading,

RcB

Can Bible Standard Ministries please explain their very odd obituary? April 26 2017 What do you think of the odd wording of this obituary?  It's from Bible Standard Ministries written for a person who has a long legacy with that group, one that teaches the High Calling is forever closed and the earthly hope is all that remains. To be certain they teach the dead are not alive but asleep awaiting the resurrection Hope.   Out of respect for the departed and their loved ones, names are withheld. But would they explain? Obituary for: [blank - Bible Student]went home to be with our Heavenly Father on[!?] .... ... was a very devote Christian and a member of the Bible Standard Ministry (sic?)... favorite pastimes included listening to sermons, traveling to Church Conventions... ... will be missed by many, however, [blank] is reunited with loved ones that have gone before. There is no doubt, that [blank] is being held in Our Father’s loving arms.[??!!] In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “The Bible Standard Ministry”(sic) [once again not properly spelled "Ministries"]... 1156 St. Matthews Rd. Chester Springs, PA 19425-2700. I've got something I could donate, a set of Studies in the Scriptures, to remember what they teach about the unconscious state of the dead.  [Ecc. 9:10]   My how far they have fallen into the miasma of Babylonian confusion, or do you suppose they can offer an explanation? Yours in Truth, RcB

Stick to the O.G. Pastor Russell

Keep the old books handy and compare with new or electronic versions...

How many study classes / Ecclesias may have had this experience yesterday during their class? I don't know. 

First:  The manna for March 26th 

"We are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others." 1 Thes. 5: 5, 6.

Next: A sister reads the version from the biblestandard.com .  In brother Russell's remarks, she reads 

a pupil in the school of Christ, is being fitted for a place in the Millennial Kingdom-for a share in its "wonderful blessings and rewards." 

Yet the original book version says "glory honor and immortality." This is where Pastor Russell's words were changed in order to dumb it down for the modern student. 

Then we begin our first Passover study 

we always have 3 weeks prior to Memorial - The Passover of the New Creation chapter 11 volume 6   

When you begin to read, you again see the same words "glory honor and immortality."  Not "wonderful blessings and rewards." 

L.H.M.M altered manna hides the Truth

Without the original manna text we would have missed the connection between our manna lesson and our main study.  God often uses such connections and link-ups of apparent coincidences to impress the Truth upon our minds and hearts. 

How many times have we been in a class where the Manna lesson perfectly fit with the next study lesson when it wasn't planned that way? 

Octa-View

If any might insist upon keeping the original wording from That Servant, a Star Member, perfectly "as is" verbatim without alteration, they might be considered a muckraker in some circles. 

We don't mean for this blog to sound like too much muckraking but goodness, gracious, what a shame that someone during the 1980's took it upon himself to alter the text of our dear Pastor Russell who was the mouthpiece of Jesus Christ at his return to Earth in 1874. What hubris! What arrogance and what folly.  

Respect the Text

We don't like to see the Truth blurred, obfuscated, muddied, sullied or in any way changed or altered. As someone else wrote here:  

"Bro. Johnson never found it necessary to change Pastor Russell’s comments in the Manna – and his own comments were in harmony with Pastor Russell’s, even though he was well aware that all new consecrators would be prospective Youthful Worthies and a prominent class during the Epiphany."

Modern thinkers can figure out for themselves that IF the High Calling is closed (and it is), then Pastor Russell's words can be extrapolated to fit our day in our own reasoning minds.  Altered text is a dumbing down strictly for those who may not know the meaning of words such as "extrapolate" - let alone "glory, honor and immortality."

So stick to the O.G. ("original") words of Pastor Russell.  Every class always should elect Pastor Russell as their elder and respect the text!

Yours in Truth, 

RcB

JOLLY VS. HOEFLE PART FOUR : "Witnessing"

JOLLY VS. HOEFLE 

a study of events that shaped the LHMM

Dear friend,

There were approximately 35 POINTS OF CRITICISM from Raymond G. Jolly made against Bro. John J. Hoefle in the March 1956 PT explaining his removal.  This study shows a grave injustice was done.  This an honest attempt to ascertain the Truth regarding what was done with the L.H.M.M. after Bro. Johnson left the scene vs. what was authorized.

Raymond G. Jolly = RGJ, words in brown
John J. Hoefle = JJH, words in black and white 
Regan C Balman = RcB, words in purple

PART FOUR  

Before we were delayed by a thrilling election, the possible prophetic significance of which we have written about on other blog posts here, we saw Brother Hoefle take a 4-0 lead after an obvious "no brainer," routing R.G. Jolly by proving that the Kingdom was not yet here...

 Next : 5-8 "Witnessing" 

5. Tracts

[5.] *from PT 3/1956 He found fault with our tract publishing; RGJ

JJH  re: RGJ:  "In fact, already in October 1953 (only three short years after the last member of antitypical Moses had departed) he already had his Flying Saucer tract with which to replace the “timeworn and threadbare” tracts for Antitypical Gideon’s Second Battle., and was strong in his emphasis that the brethren put forth a “special effort” every day to distribute his latest brainchild – a product which was not even mentioned this time in our hearing – ­so it would seem his Flying Saucer has become “timeworn and threadbare” in about six brief years – just as J. F. Rutherford’s “new” tracts and literature became, which he continued to replace with other sensational “works” until the same happened to them, and so on.

[RCB] My findings:  Hoefle was right, Jolly put out "flying saucers" tracts in place of the booklets effectively used at that time, "Bereaved Work" and tracts for Antitypical Gideon’s Second Battle. 

We always wondered how tracts were cycled out.  Who decides?  Now we know:  Star Members picked the topics, and RGJ,  a self described "crown loser", took it upon himself to change the tracts, the magazines, and even the books as we have seen.

SCORE 

RGJ 0
JJH 5

---

6. Witnessing in Babylon

[6.] *from PT 3/1956 our witnessing to the Truth at non-Epiphany-Truth conventions, camp meetings, churches in Babylon, etc. (though Bro. Russell and Bro. Johnson served similarly); RGJ

JJH:  "...as witness the changes in the Lord's arrangements, in seeking to attract the multitude by sensational methods and messages, e.g., high‑powered book selling, regional directors, Millions Now living, etc. (also Flying Saucers; $5 correspondence courses; Combinationism –such as Youth for Christ, a Babylonish method; beckoning to the world to consecrate now as Campers Consecrated, similar to J.F.R's “drives” of various kinds..."

[RCB] My findings : His "youth for Christ" adventure with Big Babylon is combinationism and results in milk, not meat.  Hoefle is resoundingly correct again.

SCORE 

RGJ 0
JJH 6

---

7. Bible Training Course

[7.] *from PT 3/1956 our Bible training course (which he misrepresented as a "complete failure"); RGJ

JJH:  "...$5 correspondence courses; Combinationism –such as Youth for Christ, a Babylonish method."

[RCB] My findings:  Nothing more need be said on this, another "no brainer" to the truly consecrated.  It is folly to attempt cooperative work within the Babylon system.

SCORE 

RGJ 0
JJH 7

---

8. Bible in Films

[8.] *from PT 3/1956 our "Bible in Films" program (he predicted failure for it, though the Lord has richly blessed it), etc. 

JJH:  Note now R. G. Jolly’s proclamation in his December Bible Standard:

“In many areas our visiting ministers can put on attractive Bible film and filmstrip showings... These are very suitable for churches, for Sunday Schools.. missions.”

When That Servant was conducting his Attestatorial Service in 1914-16 he positively refused to show the Photo Drama in churches even when they requested it, saying he did not wish to appear to be placing his endorsement upon them (See E-14: 35). The present “cleansed” Levite does just the reverse – he is actually solicit­ing the churches to receive him and his (he is inviting them instead of refusing their invitation, as did That Faithful and Wise Servant). Is it any wonder that over nine years of his Attestatorial Service have proven such a dismal failure – ­whereas, the truly “cleansed” conductor of the Photo Drama had phenomenal success with his Attestatorial Service in two short years? Just one more instance of R. G. Jolly’s revolutionism against Parousia-Epiphany teachings.

[RCB] My findings: It was cooked up to be this great big parallel from 1914 to 1954 - from Photo Drama to Bible in Films, but there's no comparison.  And the parallel was possibly a forced manipulation, Jolly planning to fulfill parallel's that Krewson created for him.  In either event it was no big event, just another big idea.

SCORE 

RGJ 0
JJH 8

NEXT:  9. Funds

There are serious questions regarding the misuse of funds by RGJ, as we shall see next time.

Yours in Truth,

Regan

Damascus Bombed, Isaiah 17 ALERT

Hi friends,

If we are in "the Anarchy" phase of God's Plan as I propose, we should be aware as to what prophecies are yet to be fulfilled.  Many are being fulfilled now.  See:  http://octaman.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-us-government-has-attacked.html

One particular prophecy that Bible students have long been watching is:

Isaiah 17:1New International Version (NIV)

A Prophecy Against Damascus

17 A prophecy against Damascus:

“See, Damascus will no longer be a city
    but will become a heap of ruins.

This is sad to think about for such a huge city, but what we've witnessed in Aleppo proves worse is possible.  

Today - January 13, 2017

Breaking NEWS: Military Airport Near Damascus Bombed 8 Times

http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2017/01/breaking-military-airport-near-damascus-bombed-8-times-suspected-hezbollah-munitions-depot/

http://www.debka.com/article/25887/Mystery-blasts-in-Damascus-Syria-accuses-Israel

We trust that this is a hopeful sign to those in the Truth.  However long this takes, after the clouds of gloom are finally over, The Kingdom will be here.  Luke 11:2-4

Yours in Truth,

RcB

Obama's Play Against The Jews: bringing "Armageddon"

UN Resolution 2334: Obama unleashed

"Although Egypt was ultimately persuaded to abandon it, the Obama administration refused to veto the UN’s punitive pro-Palestinian resolution against Israel. Here is Obama unleashed, displaying his loyalty to the Muslim world and his contempt, hostility, even hatred for the Jewish state."

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/19952

Ezekiel 38 under way?

"The Sanhedrin letter had this to say about those prophecies: “In continuing this absurd process, you have denied the prophecies that are the foundation and cornerstone of your own religious beliefs, showing your ingratitude to God and the Jewish People. This will surely bring about your demise and ruin as is written in Zechariah.”

The group had even harsher words for the architect of the U.N. resolution, the one who didn’t have the courage to cast an affirmative vote for it at the Security Council, and his nuclear pact with Iran signed last year.

“As a result of the covenant Obama signed with Evil,” the Sanhedrin wrote, “the Middle East and other regions have become engulfed in war, causing the deaths of over 1 million people to date. Obama is going to great effort to leave behind scorched earth. His destructive influence is felt around the world and is bringing about the condition known as the War of Gog and Magog,” a war seen by many Christians and Jews alike as the final war, or Armageddon."

http://www.wnd.com/2017/01/the-u-n-vs-israels-sanhedrin/

The Fourth Watch of the Night - is NOW!

There are four direct references in the Bible re:  

The Fourth Watch of the Night 

This is a Bible viewpoint that we are now in the "fourth watch of the night" - chronologically and prophetically.  We are in the time when we should be truly "watching."   Please watch these Bible verses about the "fourth watch" with me.

Exodus 14
 24And it came to pass in the morning watch, that Jehovah looked forth upon the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and discomfited the host of the Egyptians.

In our Exodus verse, the Egyptians are the world of today - in Antitype.  We live in the time of the overthrow of Satan's empire.   RcB

Matthew 14

24But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves; for the wind was contrary. 25And in the fourth watch of the night he came unto them, walking upon the sea. 26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a ghost; and they cried out for fear. 27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid....

32And when they were gone up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And they that were in the boat worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

and SEE:

Mark 6 48And seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them, about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking on the sea; and he would have passed by them: 49but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; 50for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he straightway spake with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. 51And he went up unto them into the boat; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves;

SEE also: 

John 6 16...And it was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18And the sea was rising by reason of a great wind that blew.19When therefore they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they behold Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the boat: and they were afraid. 20But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. 21They were willing therefore to receive him into the boat: and straightway the boat was at the land whither they were going.

HOW DISTRESSED are the Truth groups to see the rising tide of the sea of anarchy by reason of the great world war in it's two phases and it's aftermath?

This is reflected in Pastor Russell's remarks re: Matt. 14:25-32, 

"O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" Learn that I am a spirit being, no longer visible to human sight. I thus reveal myself by the lamp of the Word to the eyes of thine understanding, that as in coming days I shall walk upon the stormy sea of the world's unparalleled trouble, thou needst not fear, but "Be of good cheer." Remembering that it is I, be not afraid.

HOW THIS REMINDS us of Habakkuk 3:17, rejoicing during the time when although the Church is gone, the Worthies have not appeared yet...

3 17For though the fig-tree shall not flourish, Neither shall fruit be in the vines; The labor of the olive shall fail, And the fields shall yield no food; The flock shall be cut off from the fold, And there shall be no herd in the stalls:

AND IT REMINDS US of Luke 21 and how Jesus would come amidst trouble and thick darkness, when the state of Israel would renew in 1948! 

And might we determine "furlongs" refers to time?  e.g. The "1600 furlongs" of Rev. 14? 

One more reference to the fourth watch:

I Samuel 11:11

11And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch, and smote the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they that remained were scattered, so that not two of them were left together.

12And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death. 13And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day; for to-day Jehovah hath wrought deliverance in Israel.

14Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there. 15And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king

HERE the Antitypical Ammonites are scattered at the time Jah saves Israel to "renew the kingdom" for "all the people".  RcB

Psalm 90 Provides evidence regarding the time of the destruction of nations, followed by the resurrection. 

• Resurrection referenced verse 3,
• Night Watch referenced verse 4,
• Time of Trouble referenced verse 7

Psalm 90

1Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.

2Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.

3You turn man to destruction; and say, Return, you children of men.

4For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

5You carry them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which grows up.

6In the morning it flourishes, and grows up; in the evening it is cut down, and wither.

7For we are consumed by your anger, and by your wrath are we troubled.

8You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance.

9For all our days are passed away in your wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.

10The days of our years are three score years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

11Who knows the power of your anger? even according to your fear, so is your wrath.

12So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.

13Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent you concerning your servants.

PLUS: 

• Length of a Generation:*  verse 10 
• Admonition to do the math:  verse 12
• In regards to The Lord's Return:  verse 13

*We recall the Lord Jesus said "this generation shall not pass until all these things be accomplished" once the budding of the fig tree occurred, which we believe is the founding of the State of Israel in May of 1948.
Adding 70 years to that yields May of 2018 (16 months away at the time of this writing.)  Adding 80 years brings us to the year 2028.

Here's a reference to the 2nd and 3rd watch

Luke 12  37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and shall come and serve them. 38And if he shall come in the second watch, and if in the third, and find them so, blessed are those servants .

39But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have left his house to be broken through. 40Be ye also ready: for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Matthew 24:43 refers the the watch of the night where the master of the house failed to watch for the thief like presence of the Lord...  verse 32 refers to the leaves of the fig tree.  We see That Servant praised... 1874-1878  This refers to the four stage binding of the adversary Bro. Johnson wrote about.  This is exciting.  Please feel free to add and comment.

  Yours in Truth,

RcB


P.S.  This study is thanks to Bro. John J. Hoefle who held to the Truth presented by the Star Members faithfully to the end.  His article is found HERE:

http://epiphanybiblestudents.com/blog/2015/7/21/no-18-the-third-watch



P.P.S.  There's a pretty thorough Jewish based study on Exodus 12:42 from whence we get "Watch-Night"...

“It is a night of vigils to YHVH for having brought them out from the land of Egypt; this night is for YHVH, of vigils to the sons of Israel throughout their generations.”

Here is the Young’s Literal translation:

Exodus 12:42⁴² night of watchings it is to Jehovah, to bring them out from the land of Egypt; it is this night to Jehovah of watchings to all the sons of Israel to their generations.