Greetings again organgrinder,
I suggest that the Apostles and early disciples had a consistent view of these things. We have the two speeches by Peter in Acts 2 and 3, and we have the summary of what Philip preached to the Samaritans in Acts 8:5-6,12 as "the things" concerning the Kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ, and a similar summary concerning Paul's preaching in Acts 28:30-31. Now this thread suggests that the JWs have a consistent view and maintain this consistent view by means of their literature and suggesting that their members do not independently study the Bible and outside commentaries. My recommendation is that we should carefully examine the Scriptures for ourselves, also comparing the various claims of such as the JWs and many others, and principally allow the Word of God to guide us.
I like the following two references as starting points to building a proper, consistent and meaningful framework of understanding. Both talk about the return of Jesus, and the establishment of the Kingdom of God upon the earth.
Acts 3:19-21 (KJV): 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
2 Timothy 4:1,6-8 (KJV): 1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
I suggest that the above are contrary to the popular view about heaven going at death or at the return of Jesus. It is also contrary to the JW view of the 144,000 as this indicates one Kingdom, and one group of faithful.
Kind regards
Trevor