Rapture
#17
Bro. Lee Vayle
January 4 1984
Shall we
pray? Heavenly Father we again are so happy to be in Your house Lord, and be
with Your people to seek Your face, to know Your words, to understand Your
thoughts, and to go on with You Lord, trusting that we are growing in grace and
in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Growing up unto Him,
Lord, understanding as never before, then Father being more conformed in all
things so that Your people are more and more, that Word, proving to the world,
not by any great manifestation of power but simply by having the revealed Word,
and living according to that Word in this hour. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
You may be seated.
1. Now,
remember the other day we brought to your attention. [1 Peter 3]
(1)
This second
epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
(2) That you
might be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets,
and of the commandments of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
2. Now also
in 2 Peter here, Peter also says in the 1st chapter.
(12) Wherefore
I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things,
though ye know them, and be established in the truth which is present before you.
3. And what
we derived from there is the fact that the book of 2 Peter is literally based
upon 1 Peter. But you’ll find more of the actual mechanics, or the literal
Presence of the Lord, and the Rapture as Bro. Branham brought to our attention,
2 Peter 3 was the Rapture; which would be occurring as a thief in the night,
but it would not have anything to do with us because we are children of the
light, not of darkness, and as Paul said also that we are, “Not of those who
were foreordained to condemnation, but unto salvation.” And 2 Peter, as we
showed you, goes greatly into the fact of Elijah appearing on the scene, the
revelation coming to us, how that that revelation would be changed by, not the
false prophets but the false teachers, and so on down the line.
4. Then we
went back to 1 Peter, and what we’re into in 1 Peter is that there’s more
warning there, and more Scripture to show that when it comes to this
understanding of the Rapture, it’s exactly as Bro. Branham put it. That we
don’t have any message different from Luther, or from Wesley, or from
Pentecost, it is just fuller. We at this time receive the full end time
revelation, and of course we have the Presence of Almighty God.
5. Now in
there is where we’re going to have to watch 1 Peter carefully, so we’ll see the
true relationship of 1 Peter to 2 Peter, that Peter is literally letting the
people know that nothing has changed in this hour as pertaining to the
doctrine, and as pertaining to the conduct. And by that we do not mean that we
do not have a fuller revelation, it means that we do not set aside any
revelation we have, nor do we set aside any conduct that is incumbent upon us.
6. Now
you’ll notice that when the Exodus of Israel took place out of
7. Now, when
Bro. Branham brought the Word, and the mighty Angel came down to bring us out
of
One of
which was the sex problem, which is with us today, and is a very messy
situation, and Bro. Branham had to deal with it in certain respects. And then
there was also the fact that people were not paying their debts, and they were
living in a way that literally constituted a very bad situation, and Bro.
Branham had to deal with that.
8. And
there’s always a dealing with these things wherein people seem to, not
understand the perfection that the Blood brings, the power that the Holy Spirit
brings, and the grace that is given to us in this rest that we have. All of
these things can be taken by people and they run with them and I’m going to be
very honest with you, it’s going on right now from what I teach. I’ve warned
you constantly that under this ministry you could die. That you could be hurt
very, very much by the type of preaching I do, because I do not deal so much
with the very legitimate, and very pertinent type of message which the church
needs so badly concerning conduct, and worship, and these things that are so
precious.
9. I don’t
deal with that as much as I would like to and it just seems that, perhaps, this
is the reason I’ve been on the road so much, but now again we have a particular
situation here in peculiar, in that the ministry I have from this church goes
far greater fields, and to far more people than if I went on the road and tried
to preach to them. So we have a problem here, and you’ll find as we go into 1
Peter that we’re dealing with things that are very pertinent with this
congregation, and with other congregations of the ministers who care to listen
to tapes that I preach, and then they take some thoughts out of those very sermons.
10. Now, I was
reading of course from the expanded translation by Dr. Wuest because it’s a
little more modern. You know Bro. Branham used a very modern language when he
gave the Word for our hour. And this Dr. Wuest is very good at his expanded
translation, in that it helps us to understand some things a little better. Now
we...when we looked at the Word, and I was reading to you in 1 Peter according
to this translation which is good. [1 Peter 3]
(2)
Let the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be eulogized, or greatly praised, who impelled
by his abundant mercy (In other words, the main springs are the motivation of
God, according to Peter, was His mercy was so great that He had to do this.)
(3) ...His
mercy caused us to be born again so that we have a hope which is alive, this
living hope having been made actual through the intermediate instrumentality of
the resurrection of Jesus Christ out from among those who are dead,
(3)
Resulting in an
inheritance imperishable, and undefiled, that does not fade away, which
inheritance has been laid up and is now kept guarded in safe deposit in heaven
for you,
(5) Who are
constantly being kept guarded by the power of God through faith, for his
salvation ready to revealed in the last season, in the last season which is
epochal and strategic in it’s significance.
11. Now you’ll
notice that that’s on par with the first chapter of Ephesians. And it takes you
right from Eph 1:3-14, which is the baptism with the Holy Ghost which keeps you
to the time when there is a change. Now that’s what Peter is saying here, “That
the Bride is kept.” So therefore he is
talking now concerning us, and we are the end time people who have come in, and
he speaks now of all of those who are kept, and we are kept, and we... our
names have been on that book, and we’re manifested now in our due season which
Peter calls a last season, which is epochal, and strategic in it’s
significance. Now there’s a season, that’s called the last season, which is
epochal, and strategic.
12. Now we
look at the word ‘epic’. A particular
period of time as marked by distinctive character, and events. A particular
period of time as marked by distinctive character and events. All right, this
period has distinctive characters, and certain events that no other period had.
Two: The beginning of any distinctive period in the
history of anything. All right, therefore this will be the ushering in of the
Millennium, which will be starting a new period. A point of time distinguished
by a particular event, or state of affairs. “For the Lord himself shall descend
from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, the trump of God”
and so on. And that’s what Peter was dealing with in the 2 Peter; 1st, 2nd, and
3rd chapters.
13. Now, the
word ‘epochal’ simply is: of or pertaining to epics or an epic. Of the nature
of an epic, epic making.
14. Now the
word ‘strategic.’ First of all it comes from the strategy, also strategies.
Means generalship, generalship. We’re going to have then the definitive change
in the generalshipping, of whatever is at hand, which is the church. The
epochal season demands a change. All right? The science or art, of combining
and employing the means of war in planning and directing large military
movements and operations. The use, or particular use, of this science or art.
Skillful management in getting the better of an adversary or attaining an end.
The method of conducting operations, especially by the aid of maneuvering or
stratagem.
A
distinction is made between strategy and tactics in military use. Strategy
dealing with the planning and directing of projects which involve the movements
of forces. And tactics, rather with the actual processes of moving or handling
forces.
15. So we’re
looking in here and we understand that there is a distinct change is taking
place in the last day which is very well marked so that we can understand this
change, wherein there is a marshaling, or the forces of a general are coming
into play. Now this is that last season. It is very significant that this
season therefore is epochal and strategic in it’s very essence. In other words,
this is the great drama of the close of the great drama of God in His acts of
redemption. It is where the Gentiles are being closed off and
16. Now, at
this particular time then Peter is giving them the spiritual food in their due
season. Now he also says:
(6)
In which last
season, you are to be constantly rejoicing with the joy that expresses itself
in a triumphant exuberance, although for awhile at present time, if per chance,
there is need for it you have been made sorrowful in the midst of many
different kinds of testings:
(7) In order
that the approval of your faith, which faith was examined by testing for the
purpose of being approved, that approval being much more precious than the
approval of gold which perishes, even though that gold be approved by fire
testing, may be discovered after scrutiny to result in praise and glory and
honour at the time (Now he’s talking about the last season.) of the revelation
of Jesus Christ: (So this last time there’ll be a definitive revelation of
Jesus Christ which wasn’t previous.)
17. Now watch
carefully, this hour is being described.
(7)
Whom not having
seen, you love, because of his preciousness; in whom now, (When He’s here.) not
seeing, yet believing, you are rejoicing with an inexpressible, and glorified
joy:
(9) Upon the
occasion of your receiving the promised, consummation of your faith which is
the final salvation of your souls.
18. In other
words, at the time of the Token. The great and tremendous sealing in, the
Presence of God Himself, we are to be in position of triumphant exuberance,
which of course is, the Spirit of the Lord’s day. Knowing that at this
particular time, as we saw the Judge, and we’ll see that in this same
delineation here a little later on if we ever get that far, you’ll see the
Judge and you’ll understand at this particular time we are in 1 Cor 1:7-8,
which signifies that we are without blame in the day of the revelation of the
Lord Jesus Christ. All right.
19. (10) Concerning
which salvation prophets conducted an extensive inquiry and searched, those who
prophesied concerning the particular grace destined for you:
What? At
the last season.
(11) Searching
as to what season, or character of season, the spirit of Christ who was in them
was making plain, when he was testifying beforehand concerning the sufferings
of Christ, and the glories which had come after those sufferings.
(12) To whom
it was revealed, that not for themselves, were they ministering these things,
which thou had been reported to you through those who have announced the glad
tiding to you by the Holy Ghost, which was sent down on a commission from
heaven; which things angels have a passion and desire to stoop down and look
into.
20. Now it
tells you here that the very prophets, who prophesied concerning the suffering
of Jesus Christ, did not know exactly where it would end. Well it’s ending on
us. And they wanted to know the things about this end time particular season,
which was epochal and strategic, and which it’s epochal, you might say it’s
epochal, the...not the format but the actual epochal drama itself, and the
strategy of it, was not to be revealed except through a prophet as Peter
designated, who alone had the right to speak for God as God spoke through him,
which would be the prophet Elijah.
21. Now, he
did not know how this would take place. And the angels themselves we’re very
concerned, because remember, angels have a stake in this because it’s at the
end time of course that angels are going to be separated more from angels than
they ever were, judgment and all of these things set in. And now remember, that
the angels desired to stoop down and see these things.
22. Now angels
did come and they noticed the birth of Jesus because as He was born they were
allowed to come down and look. But in this end time you’ll notice the seven
mightily angels came down, according to 2 Th 1, and there brought the Word, the
whole mystery, the Third Pull, the opening of the Seven Seals, the whole thing
back there in about March 19, to about what, twenty five? Somewhere there in
that area, of 1963, when this was all brought to our attention and the strategy
of Almighty God, which was, that the devil could not get a hold of this or he
would do damage.
23. Well
there’s nothing can be done now. No matter what the devil does, there is
nothing that can be done. The strategy of Almighty God has completely worked,
and we are in this last day period, and the Pillar of Fire is leading us right
into the Millennium, and the Rapture is going on right now and nobody even
knows about it. They don’t even know the Rapture started to go on in the days
of Luther, because when the church begin coming out of the ground, she began
gaining her momentum, that there would be a people here as Luther desired to
see the Pillar of Fire, and Wesley, and Pentecostals knew about it--but we have
had, and do have the Pillar of Fire right now to lead us in. Now that’s where
we stand today.
24. Now:
(13)
Wherefore having
put out of the way once for all everything that would impede the free action of
your mind be calm and collected in spirit, and set your hope perfectly, holy,
unchangeably, without doubt and despondency upon the grace that is being
brought to you upon the occasion of the revelation of Jesus Christ;
(14) As
obedient children, not assuming an outward expression which does not come from
your inner being (and is not representative of,) an expression patterned after
the expression which you formerly had in the ignorance of your passionate
desires:
(15) But after
the pattern of the one who called you, the Holy One, you yourself also have
become Holy persons in every kind of behaviour;
(16) Because
it is written as it is on record, Be ye holy individual; I myself am holy.
25. Now it
tells you right here, that you will now have with this exuberant joy that you
carry because of the glory that has been brought to you, that once and for all
you do not impede the free action of your mind. Which means the action of the
mind is impeded through creeds, and dogmas, and a wrong understanding of what
the Word of God is. All right, at this time you can let your thinking go, it
wasn’t nothing but a bunch of manure anyway, forget what you ever knew and just
listen to the prophet.
26. Now a lot
of people can’t do that, because they can’t stand the idea that the prophet is
God to the people, and William Branham literally must of had either the
fullness of Godhead, or a measure pretty close to it within him, because he
said, “When you see God descend from
Heaven, stand before groups of men and declare Himself as ever He did, and this
Bible open before me,” he was saying that’s what he was. God to the people. And when they saw him, they saw God.
Even Tommy Osbourne saw that. But what did he mean? But he said it.
27. Now, at
the time of this grace of the revelation, you are now in the position to once
and for all, 100%, get this Word, and everything else is gone. In other words,
there is a complete dedication. See? By the vindication, you place everything
on this Word, His Presence, He’s here, He’s doing it, He’s going to do it, it’s
all through Him.
28. Now, at
this particular time, you order behavior according to it and you’ll come out in
His image as the Word guarantees it.
29. Now:
(17) And in
view of the fact that you call on as father, him who judges (Now there’s your
Judge. Now Bro. Branham categorically said, “That
that picture of that flame of Fire there, was identical to the one taken of the
angels.” If that’s the case,
that’s the case. It’s the same One.) Not with a partiality based upon a mere
outward appearance, but with an impartiality in accordance with each
individual’s work.
30. Now what’s
he saying there? Well he’s not saying that you cannot judge by an appearance,
because look, if I see a man walking down the street, I’m not going to say,
“Well it could be a horse. Well that could be a car.” Hogwash. That’s an organ,
and a man’s not a horse and a horse is not a man. I’m not stupid. What he’s
trying to tell you is: you don’t go judging by the outward, great big programs,
great big this, this thing and that thing. You’ve got to judge according to the
Word. Why? Because the Word is now here. The revelation has come.
So you
say, “This guys got a great big church. He’s got to be right. This guys got a
lot of money, he’s got to be right.” Then what about the guy that’s got a lot
of girlfriends? You say, “Well that’s not church.” Well I can prove it is. They
had polygamy back in the old day. What’s wrong today? What’s wrong with
concubinage? Then pretty soon you get way down, get down with the pigs and roll
with the sows, and the hogs. No, you have got here the fact of a Judge. Now the
Judge is the Word, and when you have the revelation, everything is based upon
the revelation.
31. So a man
comes over from
32. You’ve got
the Word for the first time the way It’s suppose to be. It’s an epochal, strategic season. People
say, “Well it’s going on just the way it always went on.” Oh it’s not going on
the way it always went on. There’s a change. People say, “Well it’s going to
get handed back to the Jews.” Then there’s a change. Elijah comes, then there’s
a change. The Seals are opened, then there’s a change. The Thunders, then
there’s a change. But they act as though there’s no change, and they go by
their same old standards. You can’t go by those standards. Those standards are
wrong. See?
33. Now
notice:
(17) Don’t judge
by appearance but with an impartiality in accordance with each individual’s
work.
Now
what’s behind what he’s doing? A fellow one day said to me, he said, “Lee, I
never could understand you, until I got to the point where I understand you
judged everything by the Word, not by what was going on.” That’s exactly what
you’re suppose to do.
(17)
With a wholesome
serious caution, order your behaviour, during the time of your residence as a
foreigner, in foreign territory,
(18) Knowing
as you do that not by means of perishable things, live according to the silver
and gold, you we’re set free.
34. Now
remember, at the end time the church declares herself rich, and she said,
“We’re increased with goods and don’t lack a thing.” And remember, the church
will be in a position by it’s wealth, as prestige and power to literally take
over everybody. And that’s what the church wants, bring them all into the
kingdom.
The
Catholic’s all but did do that. Come over here amongst the Indians and the
Indians don’t want Christ, so they tortured them until they want Christ. That’s
the way the Catholics have always done. Protestants are no different, they
bombard their brains until they come in, and the next thing you find they mixed
their idolatries with it. Why is the Roman Catholic church the way it is and
the Protestants? Because that’s what
they did. They had to step outside of the Word. See? They got their authority
and as soon as they got a little authority they just went hog wild.
35. Now,
(18) Not by
means of perishable things, like little silver and gold coins, you were set
free, once for all by the payment of ransom money out and away from your feudal
manner of life handed down from generation to generation;
36. Now what’s
the difference if you’re going to say, “Well, I’m going to be able to buy my
way in.” Whether you use silver or gold, you use your own good works. But
watch.
(19) But with
costly blood, highly honoured, blood as of a lamb, that is without blemish and
spotless, the blood of Christ:
(20) Who indeed
was foreordained before the foundation of the universe was laid, but was
visibly manifested at the closing years of the times,
37. Now
notice; what times? When the law was going out and Jesus was once and for all
taking away the life out of
(20)
...visibly
manifested at the closing years of the time.
(21) For your
sake who through him are believers in God, that the one who raised him up from
among those who are dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might
be in God.
38. Now he’s
telling you here, even as Bro. Branham said, “That the same yesterday, today and forever, Lord Jesus Christ, being
raised from the dead, He’ll do the very same things and manifest Himself as He
did back there two thousand years ago. It’s
close out time.” Now, there was
something that you want to watch here, and that is, the propensity of the
people is still to minimize the Blood.
39. Now, what
am I saying? I’m saying what Bro. Branham said, “The blood of the Lord Jesus Christ absolutely brings perfection to a
Bride. He said, God demands
perfection. Be ye holy as I am holy, and he said, be as holy as God. Now if God demanded it, God’s got to make a way for
it. Now how did He do it? He did it by the blood of Jesus Christ.’ And he
said, How can you call a man a sinner
when the blood of Jesus Christ scatters sin until there be no evidence.”
Now, I am a little alarmed, that there is too much of playing down of the Blood
of the Lord Jesus Christ, where preachers even talk about songs that have the
Blood in them, aren’t as vital as they once were.
Now don’t
you ever tell me that nonsense. I make a sweeping statement concerning the
Blood, I don’t care if it’s off the altar, or on the altar, or anything else.
Take any statement you want to make of Bro. Branham, you’ll get no where
without the Blood. In other words, the Blood is entirely exalted and made much
of--and there must not be any diminishing of any man’s thought concerning the
price that was paid.
40. Now Peter
is warning, at the end time people are going to be doing that. Now this in a
sense is in most of this message. Let’s get this and understand it flat, you
can say, “Well Bro. Vayle’s suppose to be a teacher.” Maybe I am, maybe I’m
not. I’ve got a gift of teaching whether it’s true or false, I’m not here to
really say. All I know is I’ve got it. The prophet said, His gift was like mine. So if his is false, mine’s false. If his is
true, mine’s true. And he said, Nobody
wants it. Which simply meant, they’d
like to have it, but they don’t want me to have it, didn’t want him to have.
it.
41. All right,
now we understand what I’m driving at here. There is no church that can even
begin to depend upon Lee Vayle, or a teaching ministry, or anything else,
because my teaching ministry can go on a certain direction and in one direction
alone if that’s the way I’m pointing it. And at the same time there is no gift
that cannot be used of the devil. Now this church is just as serious as any
other church. I’ve never tried to fool you, and I’m not about to fool you. If
you get fooled you’re on your own, because I warn and exhort day and night from
this pulpit here that there is nothing in Lee Vayle, and there isn’t any place
where you can take anything away from the Word--there’s no place.
42. Now it’s a
very serious matter because I’ve known this has been going on, but it’s
beginning to surface very, very, much. Now I’m going to tell you, I
disassociate myself from everything said, and from everybody that says
anything. I stand in this pulpit alone, and I care less. I am not my brother’s keeper when it comes to
ministries. Now that may sound tough but that’s the word of warning going out,
and it’s gone out because it’s on tape, it’ll be picked up. Now let’s watch
Peter. This is what Peter is talking about.
43. (22) Having
purified your souls by means of your obedience to the truth (That’s the very
same thing that Paul said in 2 Thessalonians concerning the end time.)
resulting in, not in an assumed, but a genuine affection and fondness for the
brethren, An affection and fondness that
springs from your hearts by reason of the pleasure you take in them.
44. Now I’m
going to tell you something right here. Let’s get this flat, there is a love in
the church, suppose to be in this hour, that supersedes all this humbug out
there. And I tell you, I’m sick and tired of nice people, but I am not sick and
tired of loving people, I want to see more loving people, and be more loving
myself--but that’s a far cry from niceness. Niceness to me is a sham and a
hypocrisy and don’t think there cannot be a hypocritic love because the Bible
said, “Let love not be in dissimulation,” which means a hypocrisy--a
hypocritical love.
45. Now what
are we to be like at the end time?
(22) Having
purified your souls by means of your obedience to the truth. The revelation of
the Word of God and that which is incumbent due to it’s manifestation, taken
through the Holy Spirit will result in an unassumed, genuine affection and fondness
for the brethren,
Now
that’s the local assembly as far as I’m concerned. How can you go loving
somebody out of some other church down the road? You’re not even around them.
Why if they come in, you treat them with respect and you find out if they’re
brethren. You don’t know. We’re not given a gift of discernment, bless God,
whereby we can look up everybody like an open book, or an atlas, or something.
I’m looking at local churches here.
46. (22) ...Affection
and a fondness does spring from your heart by reason of the pleasure you take
in them;
How much
pleasure is there taken in each one of us? Now I know we got families and
family’s a good thing, but I don’t have
family. Now that may shock the britches off of you, mentally speaking. I
don’t have family. You say, “You’ve got a wife.” That’s right I’ve got a wife.
That’s right, but I’ll tell you one thing, my wife does not supersede this
Word. It’s good to have family affection but there’s also a family of the
Bride, local.
47. Now you
say, “Well you offend me and offend my family, you’ve got trouble.” Well, your
the one that’s got the trouble, not me. I’m going to tell you something, in one
years time if I know my heart, and I lie not, I have never had such love and
tenderness for anybody in my life outside of this group here--and I speak as a
very tough old bird.
48. Not just
simply tolerance, although tolerance is there and tolerance ain’t the best
thing. Tolerance is one step, but it’s a far step from love. To tolerate a person doesn’t mean you love
them. It’s like one guy said, “The Bible said, ‘Love your wife,’ it doesn’t say
you had to like them.” That’s all right
for a little bit of you know, little catchy catch. But there is...but listen,
the condition of the local assembly, it must be one wherein they are looking to
love each other, and notice:
(22) ...From
the heart love each other with an intense recriprocal love that springs from your hearts because of
your estimation of the preciousness of the brother,
49. A certain
preacher went to preacher’s house, friend of mine, and so the guy just went all
out to give the guy the best offering he could.
So the guy said, “Well,” he said, “I need all this money very much,
thank you.” And he wired it right home to his wife. Now the guy needs a ticket
to go somewhere. So the preacher is stuck for the ticket. Now he wants to phone
home. So he phones home, runs up a big phone bill soon as he knows he can phone
on the preacher’s time. He takes each kid on prime time and talks, and talks,
and talks, and yaps, and yaps. What’s a $50.00 phone bill? He’s not paying it.
Now the next thing is he wants to send the kids presents. So they go to the
airport and when he finds out the preacher will pay for the gifts, he doesn’t
buy the kid the gift the kid would really like, he buys a more expensive gift.
Now what happens? His wife breaks down and cries to my wife, and she says,
“Sis. Vayle, if he’d of loved us, the way we loved him he couldn’t have done
that.”
50. People
wake up. Don’t make anybody a sucker. Spongy, the very word brought out in the
Greek, it’s a sign of the end time. Don’t take advantage of people’s love.
Give--I’m a funny guy. I’ve got a lot of funny qualities. You want it, you can
have it, but you’ll pay for it.
51. Now
listen, I’m not fussing with anybody here. I’m telling you what’s at the end
time--and 2 Peter comes out of 1 Peter, and many people just don’t know that
there’s such a thing as a message of conduct, message of devotion, message of
being right with each other. Now listen, I’ll go over it again.
(22) Having
your souls purified by means of your obedience to the truth, (There’s going to
be something going on here that’s qualitative as well as quantitative, and
qualitative is more than quantitative.) resulting not in an assumed but a
genuine affection and fondness for the brethren, an affection and fondness that
springs from your hearts by reason of the pleasure you take in them;
52. People,
we’re of more value than worlds, and worlds, and worlds. If we caused the Blood
of Jesus Christ to be shed for our redemption then how worthy are we? What is
our worth? There is no way, no calculator under Heaven and in Heaven could
estimate it. “Because God so loved the world, His own world, His order, God so
loved His order.” He doesn’t even let a sparrow fall. There’s not one blade of
grass that grows that He doesn’t know about. Not one hair of our head--nothing
He’s not going to bring back. God’s order and we’re the choice of all the
orders, it’s all done for us. Now,
53. (22) ...for
the brethren, an affection and fondness springs from your heart by reason of
the pleasure you take in them;
Now when
I preach rough don’t think I don’t believe that you don’t have this love. I’m
sure you’ve got this love. I’m sure it’s here in our church. I’m positive of
that much. Now you take pleasure in them. See? It doesn’t’ mean just to
indulge, it means to take real pleasure from the heart,
(22) ...From
the heart love each other with an intense reciprocal love, that springs from
your heart because of your estimation of the preciousness of the brother, which
is divinely self sacrificial in it’s essence,
(23) Having
been begotten again, (not a perishable seed, but of imperishable.)
54. There is a
lot of stuff out there that’s got perishable seed. Doesn’t say to love that.
You can be good to it, you can be kind to it but we’re talking of brethren who
love each other. See? Not taking advantage--now we’ll get into that. Not saying
anybody does but I just want you to know a few things. I’ve got to preach the
whole Word of God and this is part of the whole Word of God. So it’s happens to
be devotional, I’ve got to hit the devotional, and I ain’t going to get through
with this tonight. I wish I was going to get all of it done and go start
something else but I’m not going to do that. I just can’t do it. Now I want to
show you something.
55. (23) Having
been begotten again, (not of perishable seed, but of imperishable,) through the
word of God, which lives and abides;
(24) For every
kind of flesh is as grass, and every kind of glory is as the flower of
grass. The grass was caused to whither
away, and the flower fell off:
(25) But the
word of the Lord abides.
Now
what’s he talking about? He’s talking
that the same Word that was sown back there, how they loved each other and died
for each other, and gave for each other, it’s coming to perfection in this
hour. The same seed--that’s right.
56. Now
listen, there’s a lot of understanding here to go through, and a lot of taking
of discipline because this is a bad age. Out there is every corruption under
God’s high Heaven. Nepotism, bribes, spending of money to take advantage. The
spurious building up, scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. You love me and
I’ll love you, ends up in filthy, stinking mess. But here’s little old Bride,
she understands the worth of the Bride--because she’s...they’ve got that seed
and each one’s got that seed.
57. (25) And
this is the Word which we declare...and this is the Word which in the
declaration of the good news which is preached to you.
In other
words it was said...now look it, we’re coming to this epochal hour. This
strategic hour. This time here when we’re going to get out and the Word that
was planted, what was sown, where the life sprang forth from the Blood, you’re
going to see the same thing down here on earth.
You’re going to see a people one with that Word because that Word has
got to come to life and that Word was the imperishable Word, that was in God
Himself, when He took on a human body and shed His own blood for you and
me--and the life came out to come back upon you and me and bring us right back
to Him. Now that’s what we’re looking at. Now let’s not sell her short... sell
short. And remember it’s got to line with the Word--it’s got to line with the Word,
always lines.
58. (1) Wherefore,
having put away once for all every wickedness and every craftiness, (Now you
know that wickedness in there, and craftiness, that crafty is the seducer, and
wicked one is the guy that try’s to worship outside of the Word. He just
doesn’t want to line up.) and hypocrisies, and envies, and slanderings,
(2) As
newborn infants do, intensely yearn for the unadulterated spiritual milk in
order that by it, you may be nourished and make progress in salvation:
(3) In view of
the fact that you’ve tasted the Lord is kind, loving and benevolent. (In other
words, the character that was in Him, we’re drawn to, is the same character
that we want to manifest.)
(4) Toward whom we are constantly drawing near,
59. Now
they’ve been drawing near for two thousand years. Then what should this group
be like that is drawn near, and come to the very Headstone Himself, or the
Capstone? In other words, begin to lift our sights.
60. Now
there’s a certain guy, he took Bro. Branham’s word, and he said, “I will love
my brethren. I will love my brethren.” And he told me, and where is he today?
Oh brother, if that’s love, he can have it. His idea of love is to take
authority, and I’ll show you in a little while that’s not what love is. No way,
shape and form. See? This end time it’s to get you out from down and under.
See? All right, He’s benevolent.
61. (4) Toward whom we are constantly drawing near, Himself
in character a Living Stone, indeed by men repudiated after they had tested Him
for the purpose of approving Him, in which investigation they found Him to be
that which did not meet their specifications, but in the sight of God a chosen
one, highly honored, and precious.
62. As Bro.
Branham said, “He came according to the
Word, but not according to their
interpretation of the Word.”
So they judged Him according to their interpretation. I’m going to tell you,
that’s what they’re doing about this age too. You can’t do it. First of all
you’ve got to get right back to this Word and when you get back to It, you’ll
realize Elijah, literally, in figure, took the place of the Pillar of Fire to
you and me. And when that man spoke, God spoke, and we actually heard God, and
we’re taught by God.
Now
you’ve got to get right back to where you’re able to brace yourself 100% under
the authority of God and away from the authority of man. Because William
Branham said, “Those weren’t the words of
a man,” he said, “I was just a voice
I lent myself to.” See? You’ve
got to start way back there.
63. Now, people
don’t like the idea of Bro. Branham being what he was. They don’t like the idea
that we have to be what we are, which is absolutely in obedience to the Word at
the end time. Now we said...[end of side one]
64. Let me go
back over this just a second. Now you understand the fact that this stone, this
living stone, which was of this great character, he was certainly approved of
God and disapproved of man. He was chosen of God, in the sight of God, and
highly honored but the men said, “No,” they said, “No, he doesn’t live up to
what we want.” Now that’s what they’re saying right now. Okay. 1 Peter 5.
65. (5) And
you yourselves also living stones...
Now
there’s the great Stone, and living stones. That’s where you get where Jesus
said, “Peter,” He said, “Upon this rock, I’m the great rock and you’re a little
pebble.” All right? Now here’s the great rock and here’s a bunch of pebbles.
And the reason we’re stones is because we’re from one source. We’re both from
the great rock. See?
Now:
(5) ...Living
stones are built up a spiritual house to be a priesthood that is holy, bringing
up to God’s altars spiritual sacrifices which are acceptable to God, through
the mediatorship of Jesus Christ.
66. Now he’s
talking about the last days--they’re off of worship. Bro. Branham said, “The very God you worship is here to kill
you.” That’s right. The very Messiah they wanted to come they crucified.
Now you’re right here at the end time. How you going to...now you’re suppose to
be a priest. Now remember Peter said, “As a light that shines in a squalid
place; miserable, unkept, rundown, like an old shack.” Now that lights shining
in there. What’s it going to do? It’s to bring order and beauty. It’s to
restore, give beauty for ashes and the oil of joy for mourning.
67. Now, he
says going on here:
(6) Because
of this, it is contained in Scripture, (Now because of what? Because of this
very thing that is said, and this very thing that is done. Doesn’t matter which
way you look at it. It’s being done so now Scripture speaks on it. It was
prophesied.) Behold, I lay in Sion a Stone, one chosen out, a corner stone,
highly honored and precious and the one that rests his faith on Him shall
positively not be disappointed.
(7) For you
therefore who are believers is the honor and the preciousness, but to those who
are disbelievers, the Stone which the builders repudiated after they had tested
Him for the purpose of approving Him, finding Him to be that which did not meet
their specifications, the Stone became a Head Corner Stone,
(8) And an
obstacle stone, (Not just a corner stone, an obstacle stone.) against which one
cuts, and a rock which trips one, even to those because they are
non-persuaseable, stumble up against the Word, to which they were indeed
appointed.
68. Willfully
ignorant, you can’t tell them anything--You can’t persuade them. They’ve got
all the answers. Like I said, they say, “Well, He’s present, so what.” That!
[Bro Vayle points at picture] and so what? William Branham said, “If you only knew who I was, you’d all be
healed.” So what? Shows they
don’t have no more Holy Ghost than nothing. I don’t care, I’m sorry to say
these things but, what are you going to do? Am I supposed to leave the Word for
these fellows? They didn’t know the first thing about the fact that the dead
would come in a second Resurrection. They condemned me because it was in the
book and they found out I was right.
69. Now
they’re fussing at this. And yet Brother Branham said, “Luther knew the Pillar of fire would return, Wesley knew,” and don’t
tell me Pentecost didn’t know because they thought they already had it. Don’t
tell me, I know what I’m talking about. I was Pentecostal when I was eighteen
years old and I’m sixty-nine. You fool with somebody else, don’t fool with Lee
Vayle. You talk Pentecost, you better know your facts and figures kid. Don’t
tell me they weren’t looking for it--they thought they had it. Yes, they
thought they had it. And they gloried in the fact that no man started them.
They thought it was all of God. But they were the dregs of the face of the man.
And when the Pillar of Fire came, they no more recognize than nothing. They’ll
produce love and everything else under high Heaven, but it’s not from the Word
of the living God. Yes sir.
70. (8) They
stumbled against the Word, they were appointed.
(9) But as
for you, you are a race chosen out, king-priests, a set apart nation,
And people say because, a set apart nation of
kings and priests, they say, “That doesn’t belong to the Gentiles that’s
71. I got a
little bit...Brother Ungren sent me a little bit of strong theology. He quoted
a man on revelation. He said, “Well I want to tell you” He said, “The Catholic
church says, ‘we judge by the Catholic church.” He said, “That’s entirely
wrong, that’s outside.” The Protestants say, “We judge by the Bible.” He said,
“That’s outside.” He said, “There’s only one thing you can go by,” he said,
“Something on the inside, that’s revelation.” The guy telling Brother Branham
perfectly--that man had the Holy Ghost. Just ol’ ...?... had the Holy Ghost.
What do these people got? Leaked out. The best you can say is foolish virgin,
when you get to this end time, it’s chaff brother/sister. I didn’t say so, the
Bible says so. Don’t blame me.
72. (9) Now
but as for you, your a race chosen out, (Elected. See?) king-priests, a set
apart nation of people formed for God’s own possession; in order that you might
proclaim abroad the excellencies of the One who out of darkness called you into
participation in His marvelous light: (So what’s it all about? Light.)
(10) Who at
one time were not a people, but now are God’s people: (See that’s your Gentiles.)
who were not subjects of mercy but now become objects of mercy.
They
weren’t subjects of mercy. No, they’re objects of mercy--God’s the subject. Now
the subject has a great influence upon the object and the subject is Truth, the
Knower, that is the Giver of knowledge. And the down below one to know, the
object of the gift of knowledge--that’s you and I.
73. Now, we
are the gems according to the Word of God. Now notice in here it says that,
you’re a kingdom of priests. Well, Melchisedec. We don’t have to belong to
74. Now:
(11) Divinely
loved ones, I beg of you please as aliens and those who have settled alongside
of pagans, (Sounds like the dove and the crow on the same roost.) alongside of
pagan people, should be constantly holding yourselves back from the passion and
cravings which are fleshly by nature, cravings of such nature (Now watch:) that
like an army carrying on a military campaign they are waging war hurling
themselves down upon your soul;
75. Now you
say, “That’s been going on.” Well, I don’t doubt it has, but at the end time it
gets worse. You never saw pornography like you see today. You don’t see
licentiousness like you see it today. You don’t see Women’s Lib and all that
junk like you see it today. Listen don’t you realize 200,000 horsemen, spirits
were loosed against the Jews not long ago under the Sixth Seal. Where does it
put us? Just 144,000 of them and we’re being attacked worse than they are.
76. Now watch:
(11)
...Are waging
their war, hurling themselves down upon your soul;
(12) Holding
your manner of life among the unsaved (Now here’s what you do, “Hold your
manner of life among the unsaved”) steadily beautiful in it’s goodness, in
order that in the thing in which they defame you as those who do evil...(But
you don’t do it.)
What do
they defame you in? The fact that you worship according to the Word of God the
way you do. “Who needs this Elijah. What’s this stuff about One God? What’s
this junk about water baptism? Who said this? Who said that?” That’s your
heresy right there.
77. Now it
said:
(12) ...
because of your works beautiful in their goodness which they are constantly,
carefully, attentively watching; they may glorify God in the day of His
overseeing care.
Now
there’s no way you can convince anybody. All you can do is witness. The only
testimony you’ve got is in the hour of the overseeing care; is when God came
down and saved Abraham from destruction and took
78. Now people
say, “Well Lee Vayle doesn’t believe in character.” I believe that I’ve told
you time after time. If any hour needed character, this is the hour that needs
character but just because it’s not character that’s going to get you out of
here. People think, “Well who cares about character.” And the people who scream
character, they make me the sickest of all because they’re the biggest bunch of
liars under God’s high Heaven. I’ve never heard such lies, deliberate lies from
those guys. They’ll do anything to keep people under their control in a church.
Say they believe the prophets Message. They never did know what the prophet
taught.
79. Poor old
Brother Neville and I think he’s one of God’s dearest saints. That night I
heard myself say, “You weren’t looking at a man, you were looking at God.” He
took a double take and thought I was Deity. I’m going to tell you something,
that’s exactly the truth before God or the prophet was a blasted liar. For he
said, “’When you see God descend from
Heaven, stand before groups men and declare Himself, as ever He did.” That’s
God in the prophet. When I said, “Blasted liar.” I mean just what I said, “A
blasted liar.” Because he blasted himself plum into hell if he made a statement
in the face of God like that one.
80. You bet
the prophet’s God to the people, what do you think? “Oh that’s a tough one.”
Sure it’s tough but you say, “I’m full of the Holy Ghost.” Ha! How much Holy
Ghost? Oh sure it’s tough, you’ve been taught all your life. “Have no image,
don’t do this, don’t do that, don’t this.” When the Word of God comes you
listen to your creeds and dogmas. Well fap on your creeds and dogmas.
81. What kind
of character do they got? I’m going to tell you something brother/sister, the
character has got to come from that Word that’s in there and that Word is
Christ. And any character that’s not motivated by the true Logos within, in the
form of the Spirit isn’t worth having. See?
82. (12) ...
May glorify God in the day of His overseeing care. (What’s He doing? He set
Himself at the head of the church to raise the dead.)
(13) Put
yourself in the attitude of submission to, thus giving yourselves to the
implicit obedience of, every human regulation for the sake of the Lord:
Now there
again--never was a time when the government was rauchier now, outside the time
of Jesus Christ. Tax payers, I mean tax collectors--every new type of tax,
everything under God’s high Heaven. Just another Omega situation from the
Alpha. That’s what it is.
(13) ...Giving
yourself to the implicit obedience of every human regulation for the sake of
the Lord: whether to a king as one as supereminent;
(14)
Or to governor’s
as those sent by him to inflict punishment upon those who do evil, and to give
praise to those who do good.
(15) For so is
the will of God,
83. They’ve
got this mixed up of course today. You could be the most honest man in the
world, they’ll take you down the road. But if you have money like a Kennedy
it’s okay. If you have enough money, you can have the aids and they’ll call it,
well, they’ll call it fungus on the toe nail or something, or herpes and
they’ll call it a cold sore. You can’t win today. All you can do is live to the
Word of God and just let God do it. There’s nobody going to win anything today.
84. Nobody can
prove anything--he’s stuck. I’m going to tell you something, people are stuck
today, there isn’t one of us not stuck absolutely with the faithfulness of God
or there’s nothing to nothing. You think what you want to think. I’ve been
trying for some time now to keep my hair from going out and it’s just about all
gone, nothing’s going to work on my hair and nothing’s going to keep me outside
of God. And if God doesn’t do it, it’s not going to be done. That’s exactly why
we should just go ahead and just give way to everything. If they want this give
them that, if they want that just give it to them. Go the extra mile. That’s
right, I’ve done a little bit of that but I can do a whole lot more.
85. Now:
(15)
For so is the
will of God, that by so in doing you might reduce to silence the ignorance of
men who are unreflecting and unintelligent: (Unreflecting what? They don’t
reflect the Word of God and unintelligent. Now who’s intelligent? The Bride.
What’s out there? Unintelligence, insanity.)
(16) Doing all
this as those who have their liberty, and not as those who are holding their
liberty as a cloak of wickedness, but as those that are God’s bondmen. (They
could say, “Well hey I belong to the
(17) Pay honor
to all, be loving the brotherhood, be fearing God, be paying honor to the king.
86. See? You
can’t reject the situation today, we can’t do it. And in the face of 1 Cor 1:7
where the Bible tells us that we come to that place. “We’re holy without blame
before Him in love” and so on. The devil can slip right in and say, “Well it
doesn’t matter what you do, it’s okay.” Well it does matter.
87. (18) Household
slaves, put yourself in constant subjection with every fear to implicit
obedience to your absolute lords and masters;
Now we
don’t have slaves today but we do have this understanding. That we are to be
stewards in the House of God and in the world. And he tells you here that if
you do wrong and they beat you up for it and you patiently endure that. “What is that?” he said. He said, “It’s when
you do right, they descend on you.”
88. Now you’ll
notice he’s talking concerning the gospels sake. Because the same prophet
William Branham said, “You don’t need to
let people walk all over you, just because you’re a Christian.” There’s a
difference there when he talked about the woman who’s husband used to get drunk
and be mean to her, because she had a witness for God. His witness to God...Her
witness is what brought on the trouble. Now if the witness to God brings on the
trouble, that’s exactly where you learn to turn the other cheek, go the extra
mile. And just stand back, if they do it, they do it. You’ve got to take what
they want to hand to you. When it comes to other things, it’s not necessary.
Paul didn’t stand back and say, “Okay then, I’ll let the Jews cut my head off
and kill me.” He said, “I’ll appeal to Caesar.” See, you’ve got to put the
Bible in perspective.
89. Now:
(21)
For to this very
thing were you called: (To be patient you see, even when they unjustly treat
you.) because Christ also suffered on your behalf leaving behind for you a
model to imitate, (But I’m going to tell you, he withstood the Pharisees. He
stood up for the Word.) in order that by
close application you might follow in his footprints:
(22) Who never
in a single instance committed a sin, and whose mouth, after careful scrutiny,
there was found not even craftiness: (He didn’t do what he did to make a name
for himself and be somebody, he did it because it was the right thing.)
(23) Who when
his heart was being wounded with an accursed sting, (That’s in death.) and when
he was being made an object of harsh rebuke and biting, (He never retaliated.)
who while suffering never threatened but rather kept on delivering all into the
keeping of the One who judges righteously:
90. Now that
was at the endtime, but he sure blasted those guys before time. He had his
witness to stand up to. When the day came, he had to suffer, then he said, “All
right go ahead.” “Why,” he said, “I could call ten league’s of angels, 100,000
angels right now. I won’t do it though,” he said. See, in other words: there’s
differences.
(24)
Who himself
carried up to the cross our sins and his body, offered himself there as an altar, (See, Christ was the
altar, the body was the altar.) doing this in order that we, having died with
respect to our sins, might live with respect to righteousness: by means of
who’s bleeding stripe (The Bible does not say stripes, it says stripe. His back was one wound, one big mass of
wounds.) you were healed.
(25) For you
were a sheep that are going astray and wandering about but now have been turned
back to the shepherd an overseer of your souls.
91. Okay, he
came against the Scribes and Pharisees but when the chips were down to take it
for the sake of the Lord, he did it. Now it goes on and talks about women. [1
Peter 3]
(1)
In like manner,
wives, put yourself in subjection (Many times it won’t be nice, but the thing
is--the husband is not supposed to be a rude type of person. There are some
things maybe a woman wants to have, but she’s got to let it go by the board.
But listen:) In like manner wives, put yourself in subjection to your own (through
implicit obedience:) in order that even though certain ones obstinately refuse
to be persuaded by the Word and are therefore disobedient to it, they may
through your manner of life of wives without the Word be gained;
(2) Having
viewed attentively your pure manner of life which is accompanied by a
reverential (fear;)
(3) Let your
adornment not be that of an adornment which is from without and merely
external, namely an elaborate gathering of the hair into knots lavished with
big gold ornaments or the dawning of beautiful apparel;
(4) But let
that adornment be the hidden personnel of the heart, the imperishable quality,
the adornment of a meek and quiet disposition, which in the sight of God very
costly.
92. Now here
the woman suffers because her husband doesn’t want to receive the Lord. And the
Bible says here, “If he’s ever going to receive the Lord, he’s not going to
listen to her, he’s going to watch her.” So therefore she must not attempt to
win him by some lavish display, you know--pretty flowers in the hair which are
fine. Which is fine, but don’t try to win him with or try to look extra
beautiful. That’s good, look your best for your husband, that’s wonderful, no
problem there. But that’s not going to do the work. It’s going to be the inner qualities
that do it.
Now:
(5) For thus
formerly also holy women, the ones whose hope is directed to and rests in God
were accustomed to adorn themselves, putting themselves in subjection with
implicit obedience to their own husband:
(6) As Sarah
was in the habit of rendering obedience to Abraham, calling him lord: whose
children you become if the whole course of your life is in the doing of good,
and your not being caused to fear by even one particle of terror.
93. Now it
tells you right there, “Don’t be afraid.” Don’t be afraid, where you’re going
to give in and crumble because God’s going to take care of you. And it’s okay
to adorn yourselves. People say, “Well you shouldn’t wear rings, shouldn’t...”
Ah come on, if that’s the case--shouldn’t wear clothes. Because it says, “Don’t wear clothes.” It’d
be nice to go out there in the snow wouldn’t it? “Go on girls just strip and go
in the snow.” You’ve got to be nuts. God never said any stupid thing like that.
He’s talking about don’t let your clothes be extreme. The Christian is not
extreme except in his love of God, love of each other, and he won’t deviate.
What you’re talking about here is this is what the world does. Beautiful big
church, lovely offerings, this, that--it won’t work. It’s got to be the way of
the cross and the way of the Blood.
94. (7) Husbands,
in like manner, let your homelife with them be governed by the dictates of
knowledge, (Now it tells you right there that men are to respect their wives
because they’re the weaker vessel and also because of the fact that they bear
children. They’re not supposed to be just simply a sex pot. Now let’s
understand that because that word ‘knowledge’ is carnal knowledge.) the
feminine, the weaker instrument, the feminine, holding in reserve for them particularly
honor, as those who are fellow inheritors with you of the grace of life and
this in order that no inroads (That’s the devils inroads.) be made into your
prayers.
Now
that’s the same that Paul says. He’s talking about the same subject. A lot of
men just think, well, they can do what they want. That’s not true, that’s why
Brother Branham called their bluff in a sermon when people said, “Oh Brother
Branham said well a women shouldn’t touch...A man shouldn’t touch his wife.”
And so you know what we do we just go right to the authority and find out. And
the authority said no such thing. What he said, Women..”.Men are doing things to their wives that not even a man should do,
let alone a Christian.”
95. Now let’s
face it. Today there’s certain books written on sexual compatibility by
Christians--and I suppose they’re good, I haven’t read any of them myself, but
I suppose they are very good--they might discuss this subject. But I tell you
what, men just aren’t so gung-ho that they can do anything they want and women
are supposed to suffer. I’ve seen that in preachers lives, I’ve seen in peoples
lives and they made me sick. And it doesn’t go with this Message. It doesn’t go
with this Message.
96. (8) Now
to come to a conclusion. Be all of you likeminded (Now he tells you right there
listen, when you come together as a church, you blend together to be one unit.
Your striving to be one people. Not pulling apart.) be sympathetic, have
brotherly affection for one another. Be tenderhearted. Be humbleminded:
(9) Not
giving back evil in exchange for evil or verbal abuse in exchange for verbal
abuse: but instead in the contrary be constantly blessing; since for this very
purpose you were called, that you might inherit a blessing.
(10)
For he who
desires to be a loving life, and see good days, let him stop the natural
tendency of his tongue from evil, the natural tendency of lips to the end that
they speak no craftiness:
(11) But let
him rather once and once for all turn away from evil and let him do good; let
him seek peace and pursue it.
(12) Because
the eyes of the Lord direct an affable attitude towards the righteous and his
ears are inclined to their petitions: but the Lord’s face is against those that
practice evil things.
97. Now it
just tells you plain and simple--what you sow, you reap. I’ve said it many a
time, if you and I want to start reaping something different, start sowing
different. When I used to preach my series on faith, I never stopped to include
that. I’ve done it in certain areas and it always proves out. Men prove it out
time, after time, after time, after time.
98. Now what
he’s telling you here is local problems can arrive, can be aroused in the local
assembly. Treat them right. Don’t think you’ll get anywhere by having a fight
or a showdown. In the sense of just a war against each other. It’s to honestly
and sincerely look at the problem and do what is right concerning the problem.
Because if you don’t do it, I can tell you straight--words are not going to
settle anything. They won’t settle anything. The bickering won’t settle a
thing--it’s to do something. And then when it’s done, fine. In other words, he
tells you here: there are certain things you ought to practice, certain ways
you ought to do things, and you do them.
99. Now he tells
you, “To have brotherly affection for one another, be tender hearted, be
humbleminded, don’t start exchanging evil, start exchanging good.” Then of
course if something comes up where you can’t do anything but what you can do,
you just, what can you do? I’m not going
to say you can sit here and let somebody drag you down. If there’s going to be
a drag down, you’ve got to say, “There’s
no way we’re going to let the Word be taken from us, no way we’re going to
allow these things to happen.” But in the mean time, you’ve got to practice
love to the place, where nothing more can be done. That’s what you can do. He’s
against evil practice. See, so it’s a practice, what we’re looking at.
Practice, practice, practice, practice, practice. Do everything you can to be
right.
100. (13) And
who is he that will do you evil if you become zealots of the good?
(14) But if
even you should perchance suffer...
Now he
says here, “Who will do evil if you are zealous for good?” Well the answer
would be, “Well hey, nobody.” Hogwash, they won’t. No, they’ll do it. But even
if they should--See?--turn, and you suffer for righteousness. You watch, you’ll
come out happy and blessed in the end.
101. (14) ...Moreover
do not be affected with fear of them by the fear which they strive to inspire
in you, neither become agitated;
(15) But set
apart Christ as Lord in your heart always being those who are ready to present
a verbal defense to anyone who asks you for a logical explanation concerning
the hope which is in all of you, but doing this with meekness and wholesome
serious caution:
In other
words, don’t ever pretend that you’ve arrived or talk as though you have
arrived. Now don’t think for one minute
I don’t know that our teaching can go just that way. Say, “Well He’s here,
nobody’s got anything.” We could be wrong. I don’t believe we are wrong. I’m
positive we’re right, but who can prove anything. Take it back to the Word. We
took it back to the Word--it bore out what the Word said, if we understand the
Word.
Now:
(15) ...With a
meekness and wholesome serious caution:
(16) Having a
conscious unimpaired, in order that in the very thing in which they defame you,
they may be put to shame, those who spitefully abuse insult, and traduce your
good behavior which is in Christ.
(17) For it is
better when doing good, if perchance it be the will of God that you be
suffering rather than doing evil.
102. Now he
said, “Perchance.” Now there’s the thing right there. Try to find out from God
if you’ve got to suffer and take it or you don’t. Now they kicked Brother Branham out of his
church. He got in the car and God said, “You go back and kick them out.” He
went back and kicked them out. Now remember there’s one thing nobody but nobody
can take from you, what God gave you. And your not obligated to be made a fool
with it and act as though you don’t have something. Let’s understand that.
Paul the
Apostle stood up and was counted and when Peter came on the scene--and Peter
was...Peter’s writing this by the way--Peter, who opened the doors and stood
there and had Barnabas circumcised. How much did he know about God in the long
run. Now let’s get this flat brother,
I’m not excoriating Peter, I’m just letting you know. Ain’t nobody knows what
he thinks he knows, and ain’t nobody as great as he thinks he’s great. There
was only one and that’s God. And we better watch out, we think we know
something and are somebody. That’s why Peter is preaching caution. Don’t get to
all fired smart. But then, don’t let somebody push you around either, when
you’ve got the truth.
103. In other
words, what are we looking at? We’re
looking at the subject of temperance in the hour of extremities. Try to find
out, exactly every move you make. And I believe we can know, if we’ll just
stand still and listen to what this man learned. Because he wrote this I
suppose just before he died because he said, “I’m shortly going to be taken off
the scene.” He got over all his fananglings. I don’t know we ever will. They
had more than we did in a sense but they don’t have anymore in another sense.
104. (18) Because
Christ also died once for all in relationship to sins, the just one on behalf
for the unjust ones, in order that he might provide you with an entrance into
the presence of God,
The death
did it. Why can God stand here in the form of the Pillar of Fire, the form of
the Holy Ghost and we not be pbbbt, just destroyed? Because of Blood. Don’t
ever sell the Blood short brother/sister, think for one minute that death of
Jesus Christ didn’t mean something.
You’ll never ever take away the Lamb. On
(18) ...Put to
death with respect to the flesh, (That’s the human body.) but made alive with
respect to the spirit:
(19) In which
also having proceeded he made a proclamation to the imprisoned spirits;
(20) That were
at one time rebels, when the long-suffering of God waited out to the end of the
days of Noah, while the ark was being made ready;
105. And that’s
the same thing going down in this age. Notice he’s coming back now to this
hour. He’s leaving conduct a little bit now. And He’s going back to what’s
going on, in this endtime. This strategic, epochal season.
(20) ...In
which, eight souls were brought safely through by means of intermediate agency
of water,
(21) Which
also is a counterpart and now saves you, baptism; not putting off the filth of
flesh, but the witness of a good conscience toward God, through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ:
(22)
Who is at the
right hand of God, having proceeded into Heaven, there having been made subject
to him, angels and authorities and powers. (He’s telling you that when you
listen to him, you’ve got the greatest authority in the world on your side,
he’ll get you through.)
(23)
106. [1 Peter 4]
(1) Therefore
in view to the fact that Christ suffered respect to the flesh, you also put
yourselves...put on the armor of the same mind: because the one who has
suffered respect to the flesh has done with sin;
Now that
tells you simply in plain English. When you suffer enough for getting in
trouble, you’ll stop getting in trouble. You know, you can prove that, just put
up a fence with a wire. Greg, put up one wire with electric shock. How many
times does a pig have to be hit with that electric shock before he’s cured? Two
or three times, right? One good time will do it.
You know
what I used to do to those pigs? I was mean, I was mean, I was meaner than the
pig was. I used to stand there by the electric fence, of course it wasn’t much
of a shock, just a little bit you know. And I’d hold the pig some nice stuff
and he’d come over and chnnkk, and man he’d squeal. The day came when I’d hold
something and he’d just stand there and squeal and squeal. He wanted what I had
in my hand, but you couldn’t get him near that fence--so is a Christian. God’s
electric shock fence will teach you as nothing else.
107. He’ll even
stop making you a nice guy. “I was always the nice guy, oh yeah, I love my
brethren. I would put them forward, oh yes. I’d help in ministry’s.” Forget it.
Because the day God said, “You’ve taken my place. It is I who make room for men
by gifts and ministry’s.” That’s why you’ll notice; if you want to do
something, you’ll do it on your own. There’s a guy trying to get me to do
something now. I said, “I’m not at home,” to him, “I’m sorry.” You say,
“Brother Vayle.” Don’t Brother Vayle me. I have had the electric fence,
treatment. I’m tired of making God a liar.
That’s
right. I’ve made God a liar for too many people, I’ve had faith in people. Spit
right in the face of God, because I thought I loved people. That’s not love,
that’s stupidity. That’s stupidity, that’s what Peter is talking about. Not
some outward thing to make everybody think you’re some nice guy. What have you
got inside, that really counts when the chips are down?
Some blow
off...I haven’t got very much. And I’m learning...But just, I’ll tell you I
don’t feel to bad. Moses had forty years to play around. He had forty years to
learn and forty years to do good. I ain’t even going to get eighty years to
play around and learn and do good. So I’m not worried. Grace is grace. I’m
learning a little bit. I know He’ll be good to me. That’s perfectly true, He’ll
be good to all of us.
108. (1) Therefore
in view of the fact that Christ suffered respect to the flesh, you also
yourself put on the armor of the same mind: because the one who suffered
respect of flesh has done with sin with a view;
(2) To his no
longer living the rest of his life, while in his physical body the sphere of
the cravings of men, but in the sphere of the will of God. (That’s right.)
(3) For
adequate has been the time that has now past and done with, for you to have
carried to it’s ultimate conclusion, the council of pagans, conducting yourself
as they have done in disgusting sensualities, in cravings, in wine-guzzlings,
in carousals, in drinking bouts, and unlawful idolatries: (Now he tells you,
the flesh hankers for the ol’ swill pots, piggy, piggy.)
(4) In which
it a thing alien to you, that you do not run to troop like a band of revellers
with them in the same slough of dissoluteness, speaking evil of you:
(5) Who shall
give an account to the One who is holding Himself in readiness to judge the
living and dead.
109. There’s the
Judge again. See? He’s going to judge the living and dead. How’s He going to do
it? He’s going to take them out from among the dead. The Bride. He knows where
their bodies are, and how they’re going to come out. He’s not going to get some
other fellows body mixed up. Any atom the Holy Spirit touches is going to come
on back, it’s going to be new and different. Sure, and what about us? He’s
judging us now. See?
110. (6) For
this purpose also to those who are now dead, was the good news preached in
order that they might be judged according to men, with respect to their spirit
existence.
He tells
you: He went down, prison, did the same thing--He’s doing the same thing now.
The Word went forth to people here that are, that are going to go to the
111. (7) But
of all things the end has come near: be of sound mind therefore, (Notice the
soundness of the mind.) and be calm and collected in spirit with view to
prayer.
(8) Before
all things in order of importance having fervent love among yourselves: because
love will hide a multitude of sins.
(9) Show
hospitality to one another without murmuring.
(10) In
whatever quality or quantity each one has received to get, be ministering to
it, be ministering among yourselves as good stewards of the variegated grace of
God. (That’s the multifaceted grace of God. But it’s all one grace. Variegation
is where you take one thing and move it right on through.)
(11) If anyone
speaks, as utterances of God let them be, (In other words don’t say anything
unless you know it’s the Word of the hour.) if anyone ministers, let hem
minister out of the strength which God supplies: in order that in all things
God may be glorified through Christ, in whom there is the glory and the power
forever and ever.
112. Now that’s
what Paul said. That we’re to minister according to God who is within us. In
other words God is the one Who uses His own life and ministry within us. In
other words: you don’t do God a service apart from His will, even though you’ve
got gifts.
113. (12) Divinely
loved ones, stop thinking that the smelting process which is operating among
you which is come to you for the purpose of testing you, is a thing alien to
you:
(13) But in so
far as you share in common with the sufferings of Christ, be rejoicing in order
that also at the time of the unveiling of his glory you may rejoice exultingly.
In other
words: if we get really to the place where we understand--the pressure is on.
It’s normal, it’s common, without it you wouldn’t be Bride. Then you begin to
rejoice and exult. In other words: the word ‘exult’ means to crow. You’ve got
the advantage, you’ve got the upper hand, you’ve got the victory. Why? Because
your in the faith.
114. (14) In
view of the fact that you have cast in your teeth as it were revilings because
of the name of Christ, (The world does that Jesus baptism hogwash. One God,
Jesus name fap. Sure they hate it.) spiritually prosperous (are you) blessed,
because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God is resting with refreshing
power upon you. (In other words, that’s where your strength will come from.
See?)
(15) Let no
one continue to be suffering as a murderer, a thief, or an evildoer, self
appointed over seeing in other men’s matters. (That means a busybody.)
(16) But if
you suffer reproach as a Christian, let him not continue to be ashamed; but let
him be glorifying God because of his name.
(17) For the
time is now, of the judgment beginning at the house of God:
115. It’s got to
be manifest where it’s all at. How could Christ be the one to die upon Calvary,
if someone didn’t rise up and hit him? How could we be the true saints of
Christ, if someone doesn’t level their shotgun at us? That’s the one that I
don’t like but I’ve got to admit, it’s the truth. I just hate the constant barrage I go
through. I get it every single place I turn my head. And I’m ready to just
about say forget it. But I come back. I
get mad to, I shouldn’t. I’m honest, I’m not living up to this right here. No
I’m not, I’m not living up to it at all. Better get happy--momma, let’s get
happy. What are we going to do tomorrow?
I ain’t going to get drunk. It says you can’t get drunk. You get happy
in the Lord. All right. Amen, we got that straightened up. See, you got to get
right, you’ve got to get happy now in the Lord.
116. Now it says
here:
(17) ...Judgment
begins at the house of God: but if it start first with us, (See? The cleansing process.)
what shall the end of those who are not obeying the good news of God?
(18) And if he
who is righteous is with difficulty being saved, he that is impious and a
sinner, where shall he appear?
(19) Therefore
also let those that are suffering according the will of God be constantly
committing the safe keeping of the souls by a continuance in the doing of good,
to a faithful Creator.
[1 Peter 4]
(1) Elders
therefore among you, I exhort, who am also an elder and one who saw the
sufferings of Christ, who has been retained as a witness to bear testimony
concerning them, who also am a fellow partaker of the glory which is about to
be unveiled: (That’s right, he was there on the mount. Say, “Now, it’s coming
right now.”)
(2) Shepherd
of the flock of God which is among you, doing so not by reason of constraint
put upon you, but willingly according to God; not in fondness for dishonest
game but freely;
(3) Nor as
lords, lording it in a high manner over the portion of flock assigned to you,
but as becoming patterns for the flock. (Now that really bothers me, I’m not
much of a pattern.)
(4) And when
the Chief Shepherd appears, you shall receive the victorious unfailing crown of
glory.
(5) Likewise
younger ones, be in subjection to the elders. (Now in other words, he tells
you. Every single Christian; man, woman, child, five-fold ministry, appointed
ministry, elected ministry’s, every one has their role to be a model example to
others in Christ.) Moreover, all of you, (everybody) clothe yourself with humility
toward one another: because God opposes Himself to those who set themselves
above others, but gives grace to those who are lowly. (That’s right,
Nicolaitanism is hated.)
(6) Permit
yourselves therefore to be humbled in the mighty hand of God, (Now sometimes we
don’t do it, I don’t do it. That’s right.) in order that you He may exalt in an
appropriate season:
(7) Having
deposited with Him once and for all the whole of your worry; because to Him
it’s a matter concern respecting you.
117. Now I want
you to notice something, Peter knows he’s going to die shortly. This is why he
talks that way. He’s made peace with himself. I want to tell you something, you
don’t need to wait til your about ready to die to make peace with yourself.
It’s one of the saddest things in the world, to even get out of the mouth of an
apostle. I don’t say that Peter was that bad off, but the thing is this: he did
have a fight with Paul. He did boo-boo in certain respects, and that’s all
right. I’m not being critical, I just want to let you know that we can take
comfort from that, that we’re all fallible. But you don’t take comfort to run
around and try to find something to do that’s goofy, or messed up and sinful.
Anyone can be trapped, anyone can be caught. Just don’t let it get you
down--confess and try to go on. But he said, “Once for all, come to grips with
yourself.”
118. (8) Be
sober of mind, be watchful; your adversary who is a slanderer (So it’s not the
people, it’s the devil.) namely the devil, as a roaring lion in fierce anger,
constantly walks about, seeking someone to devour:
(9) Stand
immovable against his onslaught, solid as a rock in faith, knowing that the
same kind of sufferings are being accomplished in your brotherhood which is all
over the world. (Local assembly take note of that.)
(10) But the
God of every grace, the One who has summoned you in Christ with the view to His
eternal glory, after you’ve suffered awhile shall Himself make you complete,
shall establish you firmly, shall strengthen you, shall ground you on a
foundation.
(11) To Him
let there be ascribed this power forever and forever. Amen.
119. Now he says
right there, he said, “Now look it, God at the end time has promised you a
tremendous thing that is reserved for you at this hour.” In other words,
Brother Branham said, He’ll make you a
pillar in the church of our God. He said, “What’s a pillar? It’s a part of the foundation.” And Peter says the same thing here.
And he said...It’s okay, you can forget the rest of it. [Bro. Vayle is
referring to the tape running out.] He said, “Let...[End of tape.]