What is the Message to Us?
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For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
Introduction
Introduction
The Bible is the Word of God, and in Paul’s day the Bible was the Old Testament.
The Bible is the Word of God, and in Paul’s day the Bible was the Old Testament.
If the Words of Paul were received as the Word of God, it worked effectually in those that believe.
If the Words of Paul were received as the Word of God, it worked effectually in those that believe.
When Paul and those with him came to Thessalonica, they received the word they preached as the Word of God.
When Paul and those with him came to Thessalonica, they received the word they preached as the Word of God.
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
1 Thessalonians Chapter 2
Without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us; literally, because when ye received from us the Word of hearing, which is of God. The gospel is called “the Word of hearing,” because it came by hearing; hence “the Word heard,” or “the Word of the message” (R. V.). It is further designated “of God”—the Word whose Author is God. Ye received it not as the word of men—as if it were of human origin—but as it is in truth, the Word of God—of Divine origin—which effectually worketh.
What they received was not just the Old Testament Scriptures, but it was Paul’s Message of Grace to the Gentiles.
What they received was not just the Old Testament Scriptures, but it was Paul’s Message of Grace to the Gentiles.
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Lexham Theological Wordbook εὐαγγέλιον
εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion). n. neut. good news, message of God’s salvation. In the NT, refers specifically to the good news about Jesus.
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
The Scripture was the Word of God, but Paul’s Message was the Word of God for that specific age. The 7th angel would not bring a new testament, but his words would open up our eyes to the one we already have. There were 7 seals on the New Testament Book of Redemption, and they are opened to us by the words of a prophet.
The Scripture was the Word of God, but Paul’s Message was the Word of God for that specific age. The 7th angel would not bring a new testament, but his words would open up our eyes to the one we already have. There were 7 seals on the New Testament Book of Redemption, and they are opened to us by the words of a prophet.
We have had a Prophet in our day, who preached what Paul preached, and we are resting on that. How should we receive his Message?
We have had a Prophet in our day, who preached what Paul preached, and we are resting on that. How should we receive his Message?
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
Why did they not benefit from it?
Why did they not benefit from it?
For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
You cannot understand the scripture without revelation, neither can you understand the Word of the hour without it.
You cannot understand the scripture without revelation, neither can you understand the Word of the hour without it.
This Message we have heard is not another Bible, it is the opening of the Bible we already had.
This Message we have heard is not another Bible, it is the opening of the Bible we already had.
How was Paul’s Message opened to the Gentiles? By the foolishness of preaching.
How was Paul’s Message opened to the Gentiles? By the foolishness of preaching.
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
26 You see, the Scripture is inspiration. You’ll never be able to know the Scripture just by setting down and reading It from a theological standpoint, from an educational standpoint; it never has worked.
27 I was speaking with a Baptist minister not long ago, he said, “Until we learn the correct Greek, until we…”
28 I said, “In the Nicaea Council, before that, they were arguing about the Greek words in the Bible.” You’ll never know It.
29 The Bible is to be revealed by inspiration. That’s the only thing, the revelation. Jesus told Peter, “Upon this rock.” This rock of revelation reveals Who He is.
“Blessed art thou Simon, son of Jonas, flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father which is in Heaven has revealed this to you; upon this rock I’ll build My Church.” Not upon Peter, not upon Himself, but upon the spiritual revelation of Who He was.
30 And He is the Word! Saint John 1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” Hebrews 13:8, “He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever.” 65-1206 - Modern Events Are Made Clear By Prophecy
What we have recorded today is a prophet’s words, which must be understood by revelation, not by theology.
What we have recorded today is a prophet’s words, which must be understood by revelation, not by theology.
I want to ask two questions.
I want to ask two questions.
Should we use quotes when we preach?
Should we use quotes when we preach?
Is the Message our Absolute?
Is the Message our Absolute?
We will only get to the first question tonight.
We will only get to the first question tonight.
Should We use Bro. Branham’s Quotes When we Preach?
Should We use Bro. Branham’s Quotes When we Preach?
Paul identifies Timothy as a carrier of his message, and sent him many times to places he couldn’t go.
For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
Why did Paul have so much trust in Timothy?
Why did Paul have so much trust in Timothy?
Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
We should not minister questions.
We should not minister questions.
If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
These things command and teach.
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
In 2nd Timothy Paul exorts Timothy to be courageous in his ministry.
In 2nd Timothy Paul exorts Timothy to be courageous in his ministry.
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
This could be translated, “use notes”
This could be translated, “use notes”
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
This is why I use quotes of a prophet, this is why I use scripture. I want to keep the form of sound words.
If you want to accuse me of being too close to Bro. Branham’s teachings, I’ll take that.
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
106 So, now, listen to every Word. Catch It. And if you’re taking It on tapes, or anything, then you stay right with that tape Teaching. Don’t say nothing but what that tape says.
Just say just exactly what the tape says. See? Now, because, some of those things, we’re going to understand a whole lot about this now, why It’s misunderstood. See?
And you be sure, just say just what the tape says. Don’t say nothing else. See? Cause, I don’t say That of my own. It’s Him that says It, you see. And so many times, confusion, people raise up and say, “Well, So-and-so said It meant so-and-so.” Just leave It the way It is.
107 See, that’s the way we want the Bible. Just the way the Bible says It, that’s the way we want It, just like That. Don’t put own interpretation to It. It’s already interpreted, you see. 63-0317M - God Hiding Himself In Simplicity, Then Revealing Himself In The Same
Idolaters have perverted these words to say that only Bro. Branham could preach. HE NEVER SAID THAT. By saying that you put yourself under a curse.
Idolaters have perverted these words to say that only Bro. Branham could preach. HE NEVER SAID THAT. By saying that you put yourself under a curse.
Idolaters have said that every Word Bro. Branham spoke was “Thus Saith the Lord” He never said that. Stay with the Tape Teaching.
Idolaters have said that every Word Bro. Branham spoke was “Thus Saith the Lord” He never said that. Stay with the Tape Teaching.
Idolaters have said, every Word Bro. Branham said is Thus Saith the Lord, but Bro. Branham said it wasn’t.
Idolaters have said, every Word Bro. Branham said is Thus Saith the Lord, but Bro. Branham said it wasn’t.
It may be an imperfect system, but preaching the Message using the scripture and the Words of a prophet to shine light on that scripture is how he said to do it, and how the Bible says to do it. I must follow that instruction. To others it may be death, but to me, it is life.
It may be an imperfect system, but preaching the Message using the scripture and the Words of a prophet to shine light on that scripture is how he said to do it, and how the Bible says to do it. I must follow that instruction. To others it may be death, but to me, it is life.
Deuteronomy 4:1 (KJV 1900)
Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you.
Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.
187 This was Moses speaking to Israel, after he had been vindicated by God, by a Pillar of Fire, and knowed he was proven to be God’s servant to lead them out.
And before they went into the land, before they entered, Moses said, “Now, the words that I have spoken to you, I call heaven and earth to witness against you. If you add one thing to It, or take one Word from It, you’ll not stay in the land where the Lord God gives you.”
So say I, in the Name of Jesus Christ: Don’t you add one thing, don’t take, put your own ideas in It, you just say what is said on those tapes, you just do exactly what the Lord God has commanded to do; don’t add to It! 65-0718M - Trying To Do God A Service Without Being The Will Of God
386 Listen. May I say this, right quick, now. Even the visions that God gives here at the place, it’s so misunderstood. That’s the reason you hear me on the tapes, say, “Say what the tapes say. Say what the visions say.”
Now, if you’re wide awake, you’ll see something. See? I hope I don’t have to hold it in my hand and show you. See? See? See? You’re…It’s here. We’re at the end. See? Yes, sir.
Smart educationals miss it. The simple visions, when they are revealed in such simplicity, till it just covers over the top of people’s heads. See? 63-0317M - God Hiding Himself In Simplicity, Then Revealing Himself In The Same
Conclusion.
Conclusion.
What is the Message to us? It’s Christ in the form of His Word.
It’s our life. Our purpose.
269 Now, I want you to know this is sure, and you that listen to this tape. You might have thought today that I was trying to say that about myself, being that I was packing this Message. I have no more to do with It than nothing, no more than just a voice.
And, my voice, even against my better judgment; I wanted to be a trapper. But it’s the will of my Father that I declare to do, and determined to do.
I wasn’t the One that appeared down on the river; I was only standing there when He appeared. I’m not the One that performs these things and foretells these things that happens as perfect they are; I’m only one that’s near when He does it.
I was only a voice that He used, to say It. It wasn’t what I knew; it’s what I just surrendered myself to, that He spoke through.
It isn’t me, it wasn’t the seventh angel, oh, no; it was the manifestation of the Son of man. It wasn’t the angel, his message; it was the mystery that God unfolded.
It’s not a man; it’s God. The angel was not the Son of man; he was the messenger from the Son of man. The Son of man is Christ; He is the One that you’re feeding on.
You’re not feeding on a man; a man, his words will fail. But you’re feeding on the unfailing Body-Word of the Son of man. 65-0725M - The Anointed Ones At The End Time