Shalom #5

The Offering for Transfiguration

March 15, 1989

 

 

        Shall we pray. Gracious Heavenly Father we realize that, how wonderful it was in the days of Your flesh, when You were incarnated in Your Own Son; You were present there, called Emmanuel, God with us. And all things were possible, every single thing that was in Your Word that You had ordained would come to pass was standing there, and the people didn’t recognize it. We pray tonight we’ll not be that unfortunate, but rather we’ll be of those who recognize, and recognizing, believe, and in believing gain the victory and the crown of the promises of almighty God.

        Help us tonight, Lord, to endure suffering, temptation, deprivation, whatever it might be, that what anything would cost us to come to this place, even as the apostle Paul so desired, and others of like stature. Father, may we also join in those ranks with those men of great faith, no matter what comes, what goes, that we believe Your Word and we want to strive to enter into those things which are set before us to believe You and receive that compensation which You give to believers. Bless us in our service tonight. Help us study Your Word, piling Word upon Word. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

        You may be seated.

 

1.     Now we’re at number five on “Shalom,” and we haven’t even come to the reading of the Scripture, which we’ll get there tonight, I trust. Now last Sunday we noticed in this sermon that which is pertinent in every sermon, and that is that Bro. Branham refers to his ministry as a vindicated prophet in the presence of God. You notice that was brought out already. And in his prayer, preceding his message, he asks that God might do as he did for Moses; that is, manifest and declare Himself to the people.

        So, we see the theme is constant, Bro. Branham reiterates, brings to our attention, that his presence in the presence of God and bringing us the revealed Word. Then he asks the Lord to do for us what He did for Moses and what would be attendant upon the presence of God especially in an exodus. And this exodus, of course, is a greater exodus.

2.     Now, immediately after praying for that, that God would manifest Himself as He did for Moses, to Moses, and for the people, he continues to pray in paragraph 23, wherein he actually sets forth the power of the unveiled Spirit, in transforming the last day Bride. And that’s what we’re going to go back to on page 5, paragraph 23, and we’ll go over what we took last Sunday, because this is to me a very important portion of the message.

        And Bro. Branham says:

[23]  And we have assembled here; Lord, not for some great glory, or to be known as leaders, an official something great. We are just here as humble believers. We're here because we love You, and we love one another. (Now this is a very important statement here, he said,) we’re here because we love You, we love one another. And we see each other and as we congregate together, we find that it seems to be more of God gathers together as each believer assembles himself in one certain place. And Jesus said, "If you'll do this in my Name, then I’ll be in your midst."

        Now, what I see here is the continual gathering together, as It says in the book of Hebrews, “so much the more as you see the day approach.” Now I think that’s over there in about chapter 10, somewhere in there, we’ll look at It. And It says here, in verse 19:

3.     [Hebrews 12]

(19)  Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

        Now remember, Bro. Branham in the “Unveiling of the Mighty God,” brought out the fact that it was death to enter in, to try to enter in back there, but now he said, “Now it’s death not to enter in.”

(20)  By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated (or dedicated) for us, through the veil, (that’s) to say, his flesh;

        In other words it couldn’t come to pass except through that process of the Word becoming flesh.

(21)  And having an high priest over the house of God;

(22)  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

        Now that’s a very peculiar statement, because the body washed with pure water, Bro. Branham mentioned, was the literal baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ in water, where the sacrifice was washed preparatory to being accepted by God. Now, what I’m looking at here is what Paul says in Romans 12:

(1)    Beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, (you) present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, (and) acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (sacrifice or your reasonable) service (a divine service).

(2)    And be not conformed to (the) world: but be (you) transformed by the renewing of your mind, that (you) may (know) what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

        Also you find that that Scripture actually says here that, “You be transfigured.” And transfigured is the understanding of metamorphosis. So, all right. Then everybody that’s born again, every member of the Bride, would literally desire to draw near in a heart of full assurance, having the heart sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. But I don’t believe that could take place until this hour.

5.     Now I’m looking at the fact we will discuss shortly, Bro. Branham’s use of the Word of Philippians, where Paul was pressing to receive the prize of the high calling of God, pressing into the second part of the First Resurrection—which he was doing. So I’m looking at this with the understanding here that we are facing an hour wherein the Bride is in the waters of separation, to be thoroughly cleansed by the Word inwardly and outwardly, putting on an inner garment—not an outward garment—being presented to God as a living sacrifice, and being accepted. Not as a sacrifice now, as we think in terms of sacrifice, but literally an offering of ourselves unto God for transfiguration.

        Now, to me this Scripture speaks of an hour that comes upon the earth wherein the Bride knows that this is that hour wherein she will be accepted. Any other time there would not be the process of acceptation. There couldn’t be, because only at one particular time can there be the Bride moving to the Tree of Life, and going into immortality. So, you see what I’m trying to show you here in the Scripture, as I see it.

6.     So, It says: [Hebrews 10]

(19)  Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus (that’s come right into the very Presence of Almighty God),

(20)  By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

(21)  And having an high priest over the house of God;

(22)  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,

        Now, when you notice that Abraham did not come to the full assurance of faith until it was time for the destruction of Sodom and Gommorrah—and God came down as a man, and addressed him and Sarah, rebuking Sarah, leading them on, to the place where they would be changed, in order to receive the son in flesh. Do you follow what I’m saying? So, that’s a very specific time we’re looking at according to the Old Testament.

        Now, watch what he says over here in Romans about transfiguration. This is the example of Abraham getting a renewed body. That’s what we’re looking at here, and looking for in this day.

7.     Now, let’s go further.

(23)  Let us hold fast the (confession) of our faith without wavering;

        That again is Abraham, who staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith giving God the glory. And he staggered not at the fact that his body was now seminally dead. Neither did he consider the deadness of Sarah’s womb. But he was strong in faith giving God the glory. Now let’s go further.

(24)  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works (now watch):

(25)  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another (now that means to cause people to draw near): and so much the more, as (you) see the day approach.

        Now that word in there, let us consider, ‘to provoke’. That means ‘to get people’ literally ‘excited to paroxysms’. In other words the excitement of this particular experience that we’re speaking of will literally excite people beyond anything that has ever excited them. Now, are you putting together what I’m telling?

        Now did you get what I’m trying to tell you? Or are you sort of fumbling around in the dark of piling Word upon Word upon Word, and knowing that this Omega expression that we have talked about, that they turned down in the days of Moses, they turned down in the days of Jesus, they didn’t have any choice in the time of Paul, because that was the starting of a new era, when the Holy Ghost Himself came to Paul, and gave him the Word—personally Himself giving him a part of His Spirit, the light, which would bring the seed up into life in Him. Now they couldn’t do anything about that. But you’re looking at this end time. You’re looking at a time in history when this occurs and can only occur now.

8.     And in here I’m trying to show you what I believe to be the crux of this whole message, what we’re looking at, that entering into a transformation, there will be a people who love each other, having already loved God, who love the Word and have only one true delight, and that is in the Word of God. That is where it is. And it’s the constant telling the people, don’t miss the services, come together, talk the Word. Listen, here’s where you get help. You’re not going to get it out in the street. You’re not going to get it down the road. You get it here, my brother/sister. And there’s never enough encouragement.

        Do you realize there are people who are going to lose eternity, because they haven’t got the right Word. You have an opportunity here to encourage everybody. Not to put pressure on him, but to realize, you do not get what we’re talking about in any other way. You don’t get it any other way. It’s this stupidity, this foolishness of preaching that does it! And I’m going to tell you, God didn’t have a bunch of insane people get in the pulpit—little half-wit people. He gave a ministry. I’m not talking about myself now; I’m talking about God-given ministries. They are marvelous and wonderful, and they will do exactly what God said. They’ll bring a Bride to perfection. You talk all you want about the Blood; but the Blood must stand there with the truth! You talk about grace; it’s grace and truth! Don’t talk to me about grace without truth; it’s grace that brings the truth, which is the living Word of Almighty God!

9.     So, what I’m trying to show you is: there is something great here when humble believers come together. There is a magnification of the presence of God! Like I tried to show you: back in the days of Moses they put a veil upon his face, because they knew the glory was going to fade. Listen, we have come to the place where every church age has gone down in disgrace and shame, because not one of those six church ages ever brought forth the Christ in flesh. This age will not go down in shame. There’s going to be a group of people standing here just the same as it was in the days of Abraham. And the Son is going to come down in flesh upon this earth and take over after the burning. See? But you got to type that with Abraham and Sarah. You got to understand what is being brought forth here.

10.   Now we say here about this Moses. The glory faded. They put a veil upon him. See? Couldn’t stand to look upon it, and that’s the truth. Every single age has faded. But this age doesn’t fade. What there was back in the days of Moses: had they not done that, had they listened. But you see Korah, Dathan and Abiram stuck their noses in. Some of the elders, they just couldn’t take that ‘one-man’ ministry. They wanted a share as it were. They wanted to show they had something. Look, if God hasn’t given you that ability, don’t presume that He has. But be a good augmenter of it! Pull for anybody. Bro. Branham said, “I tried to carry the ball, then they tried to carry me off the field—take the ball to themselves.” See?

11.   Now, what happened to Israel? They were left with gifts. The living Word of God left them, and for the first time since the time of Paul, the living Word of God has come into manifestation, demonstration, vindication, utter proof, and what has Pentecost got left? Nothing but gifts. We don’t want that here. I’ll tell you one thing, brother/sister, there are churches that have already gone back to gifts. That’s exactly what happened right back in the days of Moses. It’s got to happen in the exodus.

        Jesus never came to bring a real exodus! I know Bro. Branham talks of three exoduses. Go to a fourth if you want to, but when you get down to the deliberate, I mean really coming out and going to another nation, you only got one type. You’ve only got one type. Bro. Branham understood that. Nobody could go beyond the fact of the straight Word of God, but you have your types in there, in lesser degrees and higher degrees.

12.   Now, he said here, “Coming together brings more of God.” See? Now this is how he said it is done!  You understand you can only love God as you love each other. You can only serve God as you serve each other. You can only have a clear heart before God as you got a clear heart with each other. I’m talking of you and me. I’m not looking down at you and telling you to do something. I’m telling you what it is: it’s incumbent upon us as a people. We must understand this.

[23]  And it says, as we see each other, congregate to each other, it seems to be more of God gathers together.

        In other words that gathering brings more of the Presence of Almighty God. And he says in a certain place, “You just don’t think it and say, ‘Well, I gather with the true Bride, hallelujah. And there’s a true Bride over here, down this avenue, and down that avenue, and over here and over there in that country. And you see in my spirit I reach out…’” Not so. He’s talking about like a church like this—a church like that in some other town, where people really get together. Now we’ve seen a lot of that here. We’ve got to see a lot more, though, because I’ve been preaching this for years. Perhaps you haven’t caught it. You’ve got to understand. Now some of you are catching it, and it’s very pervasive. It’s very wonderful, and it gets more and more marvelous. In other words, if we want more and more of God, this is how it’s going to be done.

13.   Now, let’s go back to 2 Corinthians, and I’m taking a lot of time on this on purpose, because this is my stand—what I take with the Word of God. Anybody can take what he wants, but this is my stand. And Paul’s speaking in 2 Corinthians 3, speaking of the veil upon Moses’ face, then he said in 2 Cor 3:15:

(15)  But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon (the) heart.

        Even unto this day when Pentecost is read, when Wesley is read, when Luther is read, when Catholicism’s read, it’s upon the heart. They’re completely shut into it. Locked away. The truth, the light, the life has been negated.

(16)  Nevertheless when (it’ll) turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.

        Now there was a veil upon the Catholics’ face and their traditions and all. Luther came along; some of them turned. Wesley came along, some of them turned. Pentecost came along, some of them turned. Bro. Branham came along, that’s the last chance to turn. There is no more. You go right back to number one.

14.   Now It says in verse 17:

(17)  Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

(18)  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

        Now, look. You hold your finger right there and go back to 1 Corinthians 13. I wanted to show you this: verse 12. Paul is speaking.

(12)  For now we see through a glass, darkly (that’s in a mirror, in a riddle. You’re looking in it for a reflection, but it doesn’t come back the way it should be. Darkly, see through a glass, darkly); but then face-to-face: now I know in part; but then I (shall) know even as I am (also) known.

15.   Now, let’s go back to 2 Corinthians, again. Now watch, 2 Corinthians 4.

(1)    Therefore seeing we have this ministry,

        What ministry? It’s a ministry given to Paul. And he’s looking forward to it. It’s given to somebody. Actually Paul didn’t have it. He had the Alpha, but he never had the Omega. See? Because he says right there, “We didn’t get the full revelation.” Now he says here, “This change is going to take place from glory to glory. It ends in a transfiguration.”

(1)    Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as (we’ve) received mercy, we faint not;

(2)    But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, (not) handling the word of God deceitfully; but by (actual vindication that this is) the truth (we commend) ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

        Now he said, “I’m willing to stand right here and take the consequence of telling you how to reach through, to break through. And there isn’t any other way you’ll break through.”

16.   He said:

(3)    But if our gospel be hid, (it’s) hid to them that are lost:

(4)    In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

(5)    For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord (he says that in Galatians); and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

(6)    For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined (into) our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

        Now look, Paul was evidently looking down the road, by revelation, that this should happen. It’s something that is given to the Bride. She’ll break into that realm.

17.   Now, let’s go back to 1 Corinthians 13 and see what Paul was actually saying, in the face of saying this, that this was down the line. All right, we go to 1 Corinthians 13.

(1)    Though I speak with the tongue of men and angels, and have not (love), I become as sounding brass, a tinkling cymbal.

(2)    Though I have (all the gifts) the gift of prophecy, understand mysteries, and all knowledge; and have all faith, so I could remove mountains, and have not (love), I am nothing.

(3)    Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not (love), it profit(s) me nothing.

        Now listen, this is something here that evidently you can do, and something God Almighty will let you do, and you still haven’t got it.

(4)    (Love) suffer(s) long, is kind; (love) envieth not; (doesn’t) vaunt itself, is not puffed up,

(5)    Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

(6)    Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoice in the truth;

(7)    Bear(s) all things, believe(s) all things, hope(s) all things, endure(s) all things.

(8)    (Love) never fail(s): whether be prophecies, they shall fail; there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, (they) shall vanish away.

        Now, actually, what you don’t realize, and you should realize, that this is where it ends. The next few verses, down to verse 13, become an interpolation.

18.   Now, watch. This is what love is all about. Then, he says:

(13)  Now abideth faith, hope, (love), these three; but the greatest of these is (love).

        Now he mentions that all through Seven Church Ages there’s going to be an abiding love. But the abiding love does not take care of verse 9 and verse 10, because love doesn’t do that. Do you follow what I’m saying? You can love all you want. You can be next to Jesus Christ. You can be nicer than the kind old priest, and never have an unkind word come out of your mouth, an unkind thought, an unkind deed. Why, you walk just like God. That still won’t get verse 9-12. Do you see what I’m trying to tell you?

19.   (9)    We know in part, and we prophesy in part.

        So therefore, love abides, and love holds out. Now they can’t love what’s going to come, because it’s not there to be loved! They can love the idea of it. Do you follow what I’m saying? Every boy and girl that’s getting a little older can always love the idea of falling in love and getting married. But there’s got to come a time when the ability is there. Now they are looking forward to it.

(9)    We know in part; we prophesy in part.

(10)  But when that which is perfect is come, that which in part shall be done away.

(11)  When I was a child, I (spoke) as a child, understood as a child, thought as a child: when I became a man, I put away childish things.

20.   Now, while all this is abiding, watch what’s happening.

(12)  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am (also) known.

        See? He says here, we know in part. We prophesy. But what’s he looking forward to? We are looking for that which is perfection! Now you’re looking at something else. That’s why God came to Bro. Branham and said, “Love is not the evidence of the baptism with the Holy Ghost!” It’s believing the Word.

        Now, you see what I’m trying to show you here? Now, keep this in mind what I’m saying. You can miss this. I’ve read it a thousand times. But I’ve missed it every single time, because I’m just beginning to get aware of interpolations and understand them. You don’t come by these things just overnight. Maybe you are dull like me; it’s going to take you years and years.

21.   Now, let’s go back to 2 Corinthians 3 again.

(18)  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass (not an enigma, darkly! This is when perfect is come! It’s no longer in part, do you follow what I’m saying? You couldn’t have it any other way than what I’m trying to tell you. It won’t compute. It won’t come out.), are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

        In other words perfection has come, which means there’s nothing more to be added. And until this is added, you can’t come to the visualization and the understanding of the positive that God set forth in a negative. In other words your faith cannot be productive in this realm. You can move a mountain. You can give your body to be burned. I don’t care what you do! You cannot get here until God brings you here! Do you see what I’m trying to tell you?

22.   Now he said: [2 Corinthians 4]

(1)    Therefore seeing we have this ministry.

        Paul didn’t have it; he couldn’t do it. But it was resident in the church by the Word and the Holy Ghost! Because somebody had to say it. Then, somebody’s got to come on the scene at the time the promise is to be fulfilled and again say it! And God backs it up. We’ve had vindication here, brother/sister, that we’re ready for the Resurrection. I won’t talk anymore about that.

23.   Now what has Paul said.

(2)    (We’ve) renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, (not) handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of truth…

        That’s vindication. The vindication commends us to God that we are telling you the truth! William Branham stood there, [Bro. Vayle points to the picture of the Pillar of Fire.] and Paul was talking about him—that the man that comes down the road has got to be vindicated. And the vindication let’s you know he’s telling the truth. Therefore, every heart in this building is manifested. Listen, you couldn’t hide if you tried under William Branham, be it the preacher or the people. You know exactly where you stand tonight, whether you believe it or don’t; whether you just say you do, and you’re sitting on the fence. Whether you’re just hoping.

        Now I didn’t say you have to understand it all. I just said, are you thoroughly convinced that this is a vindicated message? And you’ll get your share. Now do you see what I’m talking about?

24.   All right. Now he said here:

(3)    If our gospel (is) hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

        You believe that? Well I’m going to tell you something. You’d better believe it, because that’s 2 Thessalonians 2. Beginning at verse 1; actually, beginning at chapter 1 and verse 7. When He’s revealed from heaven with His angels—flames of fire taking vengeance. Justifying and judging. See? Blinded their eyes. They’re lost.

(4)    In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,

        Believe what? They don’t believe this! When that which is perfect is come! And he said, “By God’s grace…” How’d he put it? He said, “There’s nothing perfect but God. And God is the Word. Therefore, by God’s grace we believe we have the perfect interpretation and revelation of the Word for this hour. And people stand back and say they believe this message? They say Bro. Branham made a mistake? Oh brother/sister, that is horrible. They’re wrong.

25.   Now It says here:

(4)    …Blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (Notice, you got Christ in there again.)

(5)    We preach not ourselves, but (Jesus) Christ the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

(6)    For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give (us) the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

(7)    But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

        Now, let’s go back to Eph 1:15.

(15)  Wherefore also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, love unto all the saints,

(16)  Cease not to give thanks for you, (make) mention of you in my prayers;

(17)  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

(18)  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that (you) may know (what’s) the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of (the) inheritance in the saints (is),

(19)  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

(20)  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead,

        Now, listen. The working of the mighty power of God cannot go into action until this revelation. Can’t do it. So, all right.

26.   Now, let’s go back to 2 Corinthians 4 again and read once more. He said:

(6)    For (if) God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, shined (into) our hearts, to give (us) the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

(7)    But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

        And he tells you right there, that the same power that vindicated him, would come at the end time with the mighty vindication of power, and say, “That is what you’re looking at.” You make the decision. I tell you what I preach and what I believe, and it’s vindicated.

        Now, let’s go back to 1 John—that’s the epistle—and we find what he says here.

27.   [1 John 1]

(1)    That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

(2)    (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

(3)    That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that (you) also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

(4)    And these things write we unto you, that your joy(s) may be full.

(5)    This then is the message which (you) have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

        That’s a far a cry from looking in a mirror, and you don’t get a good reflection! It’s not the same thing. Scripture doesn’t fight Scripture. You can see all through the Word of God here, there has to come a time of a clarity that we’ve never ever had.

28.   Now:

(6)    If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

(7)    If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

        That’s exactly what Bro. Branham talked about, of a Bride coming together at the end time, putting on more and more of Christ. And there was only one reason for the Bride to come together, and that was for the Word. The Word was going to do it, and nothing else would do it! So therefore, the only thing that you and I have to do is get out of the way and become receptacles to the Word in faith. This is a passive faith. This is not an active faith! It doesn’t say raising the dead and doing that, it was already done through William Branham by the power of Almighty God. The vindication is there. That’s a passive faith that you have nothing at all to do with, because back in the first day, all they could do was look in a glass darkly. At the end time they do not look in a glass darkly. It’s face-to-face. It’s God on the scene leading us into the Millennium.

29.   Let’s go to 1 John 3.

(1)    (Beloved), what manner of love the Father bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: (henceforth) the world knoweth us not, because it knew not (him).

(2)    Beloved, now are we the sons of God (never come into existence yet), we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

        You cannot reach glorification, immortality, unless it’s a face-to-face looking in the mirror, and there you see Christ revealed in His whole Word, and you see God in His Word, synonymous. Not this Rhema-Logos argument by this deceiver up there in Chicago. Nothing makes me angrier than to hear these people running around with their ideas contrary to what Bro. Branham taught! Let’s get to the Bible and see what was what! And until you can take this Word back and forth to the Bible, you’re not getting it; I don’t care who you are. And I don’t stand here proud to say I can do it. But I can do it, and I do—do it. And I’ll continue to do it, as long as God gives me breath or some kind of help.

        All right, we see the picture, then. Now, let’s go to 1 John 3—showed the love, what is in there. Now, let me read again—what Bro. Branham said—and we’ll move on.

30.   He said:

[23]  We’re here because we love You, and we love one another. And as we see each other…

        Now, as you see each other, let’s understand this. You and I are going to strengthen and develop our complexes and our attitude toward each other, because we just can’t help it. The more you hold your nose near the grindstone, the more skin it’s going to take off. And the more you and I associate, unless we begin to follow this Word of God, and we are Bride, we are not going to have what I’m talking about. Now I can assure you at this time I’m not so inane I don’t know what I’m talking about. And I do know this: I have seen evidence in this church that there are people who are actually moving into the realm I’m talking about.

31.   Now, if you can’t stand each other… And listen, let’s face it; we had trouble way back years ago. We never got together when we came together. There was the misunderstanding there. I tried to show you, but some of you wouldn’t listen. Now understand this: I am not lying to you, and I’m not trying to discourage you. I’m just telling you something! There has got to be a breaking down, a getting out of the way more and more, receiving what is being taught here in this church concerning this Message, according to the Word of Almighty God.

        Now you know as well as I do, when a marriage has gone sour, the worst thing a man can do is get up, you know, look at the woman beside him. You want to boot her out of bed; and she with him. A church is a marriage. And I’ve taught that here, and I’ve shown you. And there has to come to the place of the understanding, and that is a common understanding. We believe a commonly understood Word. That’s all we need. Everything else is gone by the board. Why? Because we have what it takes to get us there! If I’d look at you, and you look at me, and knew we couldn’t get off this ground, I’d get out of here right now because I don’t know if I can stand some of you, any more than some of you can stand me. And I’m not mad at anybody. That’s just a statement across the board to make you get the point I’m driving at, because I’ve got nothing against anybody. But I do know one thing, that it’s very easy to be rubbed the wrong way by anybody.

        But, if you have your assurance that there will be a transfiguring amongst us, a metamorphosis, based upon a Word which contains a life which is common to all, I’ll tell you what you’re like. Then, you see every one of your children growing up to be fine Christians. Your girls aren’t running around, shacking up with some bum out there on the street—which I’m afraid has happened here or will happen, if you don’t watch yourselves—and the boys looking for an easy pickup. See? You don’t have to fear that! You see? I’m drawing a picture. You and I come to this place of this Word, brother/sister, and know that the conduit of the Holy Ghost is the Word, and the conduit of the Word is human beings; we can come to a place of beauty and marvelous love, honor and glory unto Jesus Christ in this church.

32.   Now I’m talking rough, but I’m not angry. I want you to understand, I’m not picking on anybody. I’m just laying it on the line—Look!—what lies ahead of us, and what we’re going to lose, if we don’t keep moving on and on. Thank God we’ve been moving on. But, you see, there’s no place to come to church with any grumpiness or fussing at anybody. It gets a spirit on the people. And I’ve watched, and it gets on me, and I don’t like it. Now you take your bad spirit, if you got one, and do something about it, such as ‘putting on moderation’. Look, listen, you will be accountable on the day of judgment, just like I will be. And it’s White Throne right now. It’s not down the road, brother/sister. Right!

        Now, if I seem hard it’s because I’ve got to get this across. This means a lot to me. I preached this sermon under duress back in Quincy [Ohio]. I didn’t know whether you folk would throw me out of the church or not, then I sat right there waiting to be called upon. I was called upon. And I preached it, it went plumb over your heads. It won’t go over your heads now, because this is White Throne. And I’m still not at odds with anybody. Yeah, Lloyd, you wonder which way it was going to go. Pete, you knew which way it was going to go. You sat there. And I challenged the whole bunch. You didn’t know it or not, but I challenged you. And I’m challenging myself, and you, tonight. We have the golden opportunity of eternity. And maybe I don’t speak enough on love and sweetness and kindness. Look, I’m just a bit unrestrained up here I guess. But I want you to know something: don’t try to put anything over anybody. Get all those spirits off of you. Don’t have any deals going. Listen to me! This Word was handled honestly by William Branham, and it’s got to be handled honestly by us, or we’re not going to get off the ground. Now we’re earthen vessels. See?

33.   But, if we ever get the picture I’m trying to draw here, and you are getting it. And I thank God, though I sound irked tonight, as though you weren’t getting it, but you are getting it. But I merely say these things as hard clinchers, and clinching those nails in there. There is one thing I’ve stood on in my eight solid—I think it’s about eight years with you—I’ve stood on this one principle, I’ve never gone back on it: if God doesn’t do it, it’s not going to be done. And Bro. Branham taught us how God does it. The Word is the conduit of the Holy Ghost, and we are the conduits of the Word, and this Word here becomes the tie-post. See?

        So, in other words, I can forgive anybody anything. You can forgive anybody anything. Start every new day with no matter what goes on, or what has gone on, or what will be. Stand there in that faith. And I’m not saying every single one is going to achieve it, but look, there’s enough here, brother/sister, to know if the rapture takes place, there’s going to be a bit of a hole in the well. I preached to people, I believe, like Bro. Branham said here. I believe you’re a portion of that Bride. I preached the same way; I believe that. I believe I’m going to—in spite of myself—I’m going to get out of here. You know why? Because I’ve got one hope in this Word. I preached it. I’ve stood with it, and I’ve seen things happen. I’m just going to stay with it. See? What we’re looking at here.

34.   Now he said, “We’re here because we love You, we love one another.”

        What is it that brings it? It is that common tie-post of the Word. The common tie-post. You say, “Bro. Vayle are you throwing everything on that this church here will grow to a beautiful, strong church, every single member categorically a living sacrifice to God? Categorically the Christians that the Bible speaks of? Motivated by the Holy Ghost, piling Word upon Word?” Bro. Branham categorically said, “Piling Word upon Word until you become a living, moving statue unto God.” Then, where do you start? You start with an understanding that this is what it’s all about.

        Now this is why you have come to church, the way you have come to church, expecting to pull words out of this pulpit. You could bring almost a man carved of wood up here, and with that kind of faith you’d get something to build your souls up and build your lives up. So, you just keep it up.

35.   Now, do you get the picture here? Just don’t let go of it. I want to hit this so hard you understand where I’m coming from, that you never ever have any doubts in your heart and mind and soul. It is that Word that came forth by the Spirit, and it’s constantly moving and going back. And, as it goes and moves around and around, it accelerates; and as Bro. Branham categorically told Bro. Hickerson… That’s one of the most wonderful things that anybody’s ever told me, an experience he had with Bro. Branham. He said, “Hick,” he said, “You’re down here, and I’m up here; but when I’m gone, you’ll be up there.” The acceleration of the flow of the Word of Almighty God in people’s lives.

        Listen; depend on it, brother/sister, because where would you turn if this isn’t truth? Tell me, what are you going to do? Every church I’ve seen that’s told something different, where are they today? Where are they? Some in abject sins, sexual sins. Some fallen apart at the seams. Others have abused people. How they slobbered and cried, and got on the floor and wept and testified, and mentioned names and tried to make things right. I said, if that happens around here… well, Norman’s not here, but we’ve got a few big guys, they’ll carry you out. They’ll throw you out. We won’t tolerate that nonsense. That’s not how you get it, brother/sister. You know what your confession is? Tell that to God. Be at a communion table. Got something about somebody? Go and tell the fellow, if it’s bad. If it’s something, little old scar or something, forget it! Throw it under the rug and burn the rug! Don’t be one of those guys that always want confrontations. That’s a bad spirit; that spirit of confrontation is not of God. No! That’s not of God, the spirit of confrontation. Humility is the spirit of God. Kindness and sweetness of prayer.

        But you believe that this Word, and believe with me this… I’ve seen it happen. Look, I’ve told you over the pulpit, and I’ll tell you again. My heart is absolutely changed concerning people in this church because of the Word in your lives coming back to me, and going back over and over again, until there’s a love there that never was before. I’m telling how it works. If I’m wrong, God help me. I don’t believe I’m wrong. No, I don’t. There’s no place, brother/sister, outside this Message; there’s nothing has any life in it. [End of side one of the audio tape.]

36.   Now he said, “If you’ll do this in My Name, I’ll be in your midst.”

        What’s he talking about? If you come to church with that true understanding, what that Word’s going to do: how it’s going to change your life. See? It’s not a matter now of a motivation that you and I have, because we want to be good people. It’s not the kind old priest deal. See? Love did its job, but you’re at another place today. You’re at the place of the light of Almighty God.

        Well, that’s enough. I think you see what I’m trying to tell you. I’ve taken a lot of time, full forty-five minutes on this, and I took some last Sunday. I taken the time before, but this to me is the Omega reflection. This is where we see Jesus face-to-face and get changed. This is where we see Him unveiled in the Word. This is where the power of God comes in to bring about a resurrection and bring an absolute transfiguration in our bodies. And, brother/sister, It tells you, it starts by the revelation.

37.   Now Bro. Branham is praying, he says:

[24]  Speak to us, Lord. And if these little notes that I’ve got written out here, and the Scriptures I refer to, are off the path, this morning, of the thought that You would have us to think, then, Lord, we just omit that, and do as You tell us to do. Bless us now, for we ask this in Jesus Christ's Name. Amen.

        See right there he said, “Now I’ve got to have help. I know what I’m going to say, but if you want me to change it Lord, I’ll do it.”

[25]  Now, in the reading of the Scripture, it used to be before I got so much age on me, I could remember it good. And in those days, my young days that is, I didn't take a long message, maybe thirty minutes or something, I plowed right into one thought and kept it on my mind. And now the reason I hold these long meetings, is because I'm taping. See? And this tape, which the boys are taping, will start at a certain time, perhaps now, at the beginning of the prayer, and it goes many, many places, around the world practically. So we are now going to speak this morning on what we call my new-year's Message. I preached three Christmas messages, and I know you people down here at the back of the desert get those tapes. And on my last Message up at the church, or rather next to last Message, was on The Light. And if you haven't got that tape, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I enjoyed it very much, that is the inspiration of it, which the Lord gave me.

        In other words he felt the joy of piling Word upon Word, and getting these things in divine order, because, you know God had him there to deliver God’s message.

38.   [26]  Now, today, as we face the new year, I want not to think of the past, instead I want to look to the future. See? As Paul said, "Forgetting those things that are in the past, I press towards the mark (See?), of the high calling." And as it's expressed, like looking back through the mirror of a car. We are looking what we have passed, when we're looking in a rear-view mirror. Now, we're not trying to place the Message today as looking through a rear-view mirror. It would take too long (See?), the things that the Lord has done.

        In other words he’s not going to look back now and tell them about vindication. The Message has been vindicated. So therefore, what he’s going to preach is based upon vindication. You just go from there and move on to the future. That’s what he’s saying, forgetting those things which are behind.

[ ]     And you’re all acquainted with the great things our Lord has been doing, and they’re some of the mightiest things that I've ever seen in all my life. Just those things passing in the last few months. And, though we’re thankful for what has been, now we're looking forward. We're looking where we're headed for, and into this 1964.

        Then, he quotes Paul. Concerning his New Year Message, he says with Paul that he does not want to consider the things that are past. He wants to consider the future, which, of course, will be what could be transpiring in 1964 and what will be transpiring down the road, but more particularly, I believe, because he quotes the apostle Paul here, in the particular place that he quotes him, that he’s talking about the First Resurrection, or the second half of the First Resurrection.

39.   Now he said, “I press toward the mark for the prize, the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Let’s go back, then, to Philippians 3 and see what we come up with, because I would say that this is important.

        Now, if you want to go sometime, take out the little book that you got from Bro. David Mamalis [for example, his Concordance to Sermons by Rev. W. M. Branham Vol I and Vol II] or somebody, and in there you’ll see all the sermons listed in 1964. And it will give you quite a jolt to see the sermons he preached in 1964, which he said, “We’re looking into 1964, and my New Year’s Message, based upon the Scripture I’m reading.” See? Would think in terms of the messages that Bro. Branham was going to deliver. And we’ll look at what Scripture he read and try to get to it very, very shortly.

40.   All right, in Phil 3:7:

(7)    But (those) things (which) were gain to me, those I counted loss.

        Now that’s the same as in 1 Corinthians 13. Nothing will profit you except love is motivating it. Now, let’s say the love was motivating it. Then you are profited. Now the point is, can that bring you to this place? No! It was right for its day, as Bro. Branham said. You could even join a church. You could get by with it. But, when the token comes… Now, what is the token given for? Well, that’s to baptize me in. No, it’s not. He’s always been doing that. That’s to bring you the revealed Word. The revelation. To bring you into the Presence of God. Right to the Tree of Life, one more time. See? You’re looking at something different here, because it’s a different hour and in a different part of the Body, as it’s coming up to the Head.

(7)    (Those) things were gain to me, I counted loss for Christ. (See, even for the good Christians now. Never mind a guy like Paul.)

(8)    Yea doubtless(and all), I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus (Christ) my Lord:

41.All right. In Eph 1:13-14:

(13)  In whom (you) trusted, after that (you) heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also (you) believed, (you) were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

(14)  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

        Now that’s great! Now, tell me, what good is that going to do you without going down further? And the Spirit of God in revelation comes. See, the very fact that you’re sealed to redemption doesn’t end it. You need something further. You need the One Who raises the dead! You’ve been sealed by the Holy Ghost to this end. But that doesn’t mean you’ve got it. And you don’t get it, until you come to this certain place. Now you can die and go to your theophonic form. That’s great. And so, you will. But without this, you won’t get to your glorified body. You’ll stay in your theophonic form. And Paul said, “I am of all men, most miserable.” Now, let that sink in. That jars you right in the cranium.

        You say, “Paul you got to be stupid.”

        No, Paul isn’t stupid. Paul wants what God wants. Most of us don’t want what God wants. We want God to want what we want! Wrong; entirely wrong. You’re not going to get it. Just eat a gasoline sandwich. Or pour coal oil on your tarpaper, and just eat it, go ahead, have a good time. Can’t. No, you can’t argue with God and fool with God. He wrote it here.

42.   Now Paul says: [Philippians 3]

(8)    …(hey, all these things, I’ve) suffered loss, count them but dung, I may win Christ,

(9)    And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of (Jesus) Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

(10)  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his suffering, being made conformable unto his death;

(11)  If by any means I might attain (to) the (out) resurrection (from among) the dead.

        He already told us in Ephesians, “You’ll be in the First Resurrection, if you’re sealed by the Holy Ghost.” Now, watch what he says right here and ask yourself a question. Is this man blowing out of both sides of his mouth? Is he like the kid that saw the cow with the two horns? And the cow made a big ‘moo’ and the kid said, “Which horn did she blow out of?” Was Paul blowing out of a horn like a cow? Oh, it’s okay, you got the Holy Ghost. You’re sealed in. You’ll make it!

43.   But now he says, as if there is a doubt:

(11)  If by any means I might attain…

(12)  Not as though I had already attained…

        Look, being made conformable to the death of Christ. How could he conform to the death of Christ? Christ already died! What about you and me conforming to the death, where they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh? We’re here. Can you take it? The squeeze hasn’t come down yet. Who knows what’s going to come.

(11)  If by any means I might attain (to) the (out) resurrection (from among) the dead.

        Is that a reward? How can it be a reward, if Christ paid the purchase price? Now I’m going to work for what Jesus gave me. That’s not grace. And that’s not faith. That’s not humility. That’s a falsehood; almost a blasphemy. But watch what he said:

(12)  Not as though I had already attained, either already perfect: (That’s 1 Corinthians 13.) but I follow after…

        What did he follow after? Love. Love that covered the multitude of sins! Here’s where Jones and his gang couldn’t understand me.

        “Lee Vayle’s got no love.”

        But he had lots of erotic love, so he took a young girl. This is White Throne. I got no love? Who said I needed it? I’m going to tell you something. Compassion is doing the will of God, not some harebrained thing you and I think we got. If a person loves the Word, he loves God. And he won’t be like Cain out there, trying to kill somebody and destroy somebody. But I tell you; neither will he be some kind of a fool to desert a ship. He’ll stay with the Word of Almighty God.

44.   Let’s read the Scripture here.

(12)  Not as though I had already attained, were perfect (perfection hadn’t come): but I follow after, if I may apprehend that for which I am (also) apprehended of Christ.

        In other words we’re coming up through Seven Church Ages. And it’s been all right until this point. But something must be introduced, because Paul wants to attain to the out-resurrection from amongst the dead, which he has already had guaranteed to him, being an appointed vessel of Almighty God to lead the Bride.

        He said, “I’m even going to introduce you.”

        My heavens, do you think for one minute Paul was some undecided man sitting on a fence, thinking “I’ve got it, no I don’t, I got it, no I don’t. Maybe I am, maybe I’m not; thank You Lord, not so, thank You Jesus.” That’s idiocy. He’s looking forward, see?

45.   Now he said:

(14)  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

(15)  Let us therefore, as many be perfect,

        Now there was a perfection through every single church age, but not this perfection. Because this perfection is 1 Corinthians 13, and Eph 1:17[1], and 1 Th 4:16[2]. You’re looking at something different. We’re at the end age. There’s nothing to look forward to from these Scriptures. Bro. Branham said there’d be no history books written; so don’t try to figure it. All history’s being fulfilled now. Praise God.

(15)  Let us (he said), be thus minded: if any thing (else) be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

        Now, just a minute. Paul said there’s a revelation coming down the road they can’t have. So, every church age has had its sufficiency of the Word and the Holy Ghost in the measure that God granted for that age. But this is the age of completion. Time runs out. And in this hour, time and eternity have blended, preparatory to the putting away of time, which is twenty-four hours and maybe one minute down the road—and, then, it’s all eternity, because it’s all over. So, that’s what I see, and, when I see what Bro. Branham says; that’s what I’m looking at.

46.   Now he said:

(13)  …Forgetting those things (that) are behind…

        The same apostle Paul said in Hebrews 6. Let’s look at It. It says: [Heb 6:1]

(1)    Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on (to) perfection (let’s draw a conclusion, let’s get to the end); not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

(2)    Of the doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

(3)    This will we do, if God permit.

        Now, what was perfection? The revelation of Christ Himself, the opening of the Seven Seals, the Seven Thunders. That ended it. After Rev 10:7[3], there isn’t anybody else. There’s no way you can go. It’s got to be a consummation. It’s all over the Gentiles.

47.   Now:

(1)    (It’s) impossible for those who were once (for all) enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, partake of the Holy Ghost,

(2)    Tasted the good word of God, the powers of the world to come,

(3)    (Having fallen) away, (they can never ever change their minds again for they have crucified) the Son of God afresh,

        That’s wretched, miserable, naked and blind! And I’ve got one thing to say to you—change your mind! This is the mind age. See? There never has been an age with such perception in the psyche of man. They had a few old philosophers, like Plato, Aristotle, and some others also—men of caliber. Then, you came to your Freuds and your Jungs and the rest of them. But never has there been an age of looking into the mind with such perception as there is of this hour—instruments, and everything else they’ve used to do it. This is the mind age. People are stronger in their thinking, but they’re weaker in their bodies.

        And you notice with the mind what comes? The most crooked, rotten people under God’s high heaven, in 2000 years. They’ll do anything! Because their minds are darkened and completely controlled by the enemy. The god of this world has blinded their minds, and people try to tell me I’m not telling the truth? If our minds are saturated with this Word, every inlet to the soul is completely filled with the Word of God, then it begins to turn, and reflect upon each other, and we’re living souls in the Presence of God and each other! Then there’s no room for hypocrisy, or this, that, and the other thing. No perverting the Word, or wondering this and wondering that. How can there be a tie-post and the church not come to glory? Let the Scripture prove it.

48.   Ephesians 1, to the sealed-in saints:

(15)  Wherefore also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus (Christ), love unto all the saints,

(16)  Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

(17)  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom, revelation in the knowledge of him:

        How does knowledge come?

        “Now, I’m going to stand here, Lord, and You’re going to fill my little old mind with Your knowledge.”

        Just stand there and ask for it, the devil will come right along and fill you with every perversion he can think of. There’s only one thing you do, is open your mind to a vindicated prophet. [Points to the picture of the Pillar of Fire with Bro. Branham.] Put every thought out of your mind concerning any subject you ever had, was taught in the Word, and if he teaches opposite and different, then that is right! That’s the renewing of your mind, and that becomes a transfiguring. Then, what would happen to this church and every Bride… And listen, every Bride is going to do it, brother/sister. Every Bride’s going to be forced to it. Pile Word upon Word, and pile Word upon Word. And everything submits itself to the Word, to do that, and Bro. Branham’s one fear was; we’d be too busy with everything else.

        You know why people can’t stand coming to this church? They come, and they go right away, again. They can’t stand piling Word upon Word. They can’t stand it. Maybe you can’t stand my repetition. I need repetition. I need it. There’s one doctrine in the Bible, you cover any one doctrine, the Word of God, you’ll cover the whole Bible. You can’t go otherwise. Sure. There’s where it is.

49.   Now, here he said, “I’m like Paul, putting those things behind me.” Which is absolutely the right thing to do.

        Now, what is Bro. Branham then speaking of here, in reference to Paul and using this Scripture? He is speaking in terms of the resurrection from amongst the dead, which is the second half of the First Resurrection, because that’s from amongst the dead! It’s known as the ‘out-resurrection’. They come out and the rest stay there. Abraham came out. Abel came out. Isaac came out. No doubt Jacob came out. No doubt David came out, Isaiah came out, Jeremiah came out, Amos came out. They all came out who were supposed to come out. And a whole bunch more were left there dead as doornails, and they’re still there. Dust and gases. I wouldn’t say they’re in torment, no, no. I don’t know what they’re doing. I haven’t got a clue and I’m not going to guess.

        But I’m going to tell you, there are millions of people that claim to be Christians have died since the apostle Paul—and the Gentiles. But Peter opened the door at Corinth. Millions. Is every one of them going to come forth? Not every one, no sir. It’s an out-resurrection. Then, the general resurrection, or the Second Resurrection, where they come out; then, that’s where the foolish virgin come, and God loses no child. There won’t be one child of Adam, in my understanding, lost. For as in Adam all died, even so in Christ all will be made alive. That’s categorical statement, brother/sister, as far as I know. I don’t think I’m telling you a lie there, Bro. Branham preached on the foolish virgin coming up. See? All right.

50.   Now he said, “I press toward the mark.” That means there’s a pressure I’m exerting, a pressure. Where is the pressure being exerted? On his mind! Greatest battle ever fought. Now just think a minute—our understanding of the Rapture. We understand the Rapture: the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with the Shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God.

        And Bro. Branham said, “That’s Jesus doing all three in descending. And he said, The Shout is a message.” O God, have pity. I never heard anything so far out in all my life. Now he said, “The voice is raising the dead.” Who says so? “And the trumpet is calling the Bride up.”

        Where did he get that? Well, isn’t that the truth? There w