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Did William Branham travel around the world seven times?
2024-03-20T17:26:21Z
<p>Admin: Admin moved page Did William Branham travel around the world seven times? to William Branham's Travels over redirect</p>
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<div>#REDIRECT [[William Branham's Travels]]</div>
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William Branham's Travels
2024-03-20T17:26:21Z
<p>Admin: Admin moved page Did William Branham travel around the world seven times? to William Branham's Travels over redirect</p>
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<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
<br />
<youtube>https://youtu.be/zpnOVfGegE0</youtube><br />
<br />
William Branham talked a lot about going overseas but most of the trips he planned were canceled. He stated that he had been around the world seven times but we have been unable to confirm this. The only time he actually could have gone around the world was when he visited India in 1954. However, he went to India via Europe and Egypt and stated he returned home the same route.<br />
<br />
=The Facts=<br />
<br />
Here are the facts that we have been able to confirm:<br />
<br />
#In 1951, William Branham stated he had been overseas once and was getting ready for his second trip.<br />
#He appears to have gone overseas a total of 5 times.<br />
##1950 (April) - Trip to Europe (England & Finland)<br />
##1951 (September) - Trip to South Africa<br />
##1954 (September) - Travelled to India via Lisbon, Rome, and Egypt<br />
##1955 (June) - Travelled to Switzerland and Germany<br />
##1965 (May) - Trip to South Africa (no meetings held)<br />
#He never actually went around the world even once.<br />
#He was never in Australia or New Zealand and the trip to India was his only trip to Asia. <br />
#He was in Africa twice. <br />
#He was in Europe three times, one of which was on his trip to India. <br />
<br />
it appears that William Branham considered a trip across the Atlantic Ocean to be a trip "around the world".<br />
<br />
Conclusion: '''William Branham never did travel around the world.''' However, he did make five overseas trips.<br />
<br />
=Quotes of William Branham about his travels=<br />
<br />
'''1951'''<br />
:''And many times, a few years ago, going up and down the street here, as a little lad, I—I never thought that I would have the opportunity to travel for our Lord. But He has so blessed the services till, well, '''we went internationally now around the world'''. And '''this is my second trip across''', and I—I trust it’ll—this time will mean more than the other.<ref>William Branham, 51-0923 - The Principles Of Divine Healing, para. 5</ref><br />
<br />
1953<br />
:''I've sailed the seven seas '''three times around the world'''...<ref>William Branham, 53-1129A - The Faith That Was Once Delivered To The Saints, para. 113</ref><br />
<br />
:'''''I've visit the grave of most all the founders of a religions; the Mohammedan, and also to—to the grave of Buddha, and Confucius''', and many of the philosophers.<ref>William Branham, 53-0405S - Go, Tell My Disciples, para. 8</ref> <br />
<br />
1954<br />
:''I've sailed the seven seas traveled around the world '''three times.'''..<ref>William Branham, 54-1206 - Expectation, para. 40</ref><br />
<br />
1955<br />
:''Well, my contention is, here in Georgia, as it has been '''three times around the world''' now...<ref>William Branham, 55-0608 - Abrahamn, para. 74</ref><br />
<br />
1956<br />
:''Ten years, now, of worldwide evangelism; '''five times around the world''', and have seen tens of thousands of people come and be healed. <ref>William Branham, 56-0902 - The Handwriting On The Wall, para. 227</ref><br />
<br />
1958<br />
:''In the Mohammedan religion (which '''I have had the privilege of visiting the country near the grave of Mohammed''') and at his grave has been a white horse, has been standing there for two thousand years. Every four hours (I think it is.) they change the guard, and a white horse saddled and waiting for the resurrection of Mohammed… And they say that he will raise from the dead, get on the horse, and conquer the world.<ref>William Branham, 58-0128 - The Oneness Of Unity, para. 18</ref> <br />
<br />
:''You ought heard what Morris Reidhead said about that when that Mohammedan had his education and going back. Said, "Why don't you take a resurrected Jesus with you and instead of a dead prophet, Mohammed." And '''I've been to Mohammed's grave.''' They have a white horse change every four hours. And they've been there for two thousand years, expecting Mohammed to raise from the dead.<ref>William Branham, 58-0612 - We Would See Jesus, para. 20</ref><br />
<br />
:''Here sometime ago, '''noticing at the grave of Mohammed, at Mohammed's grave there's a white horse that stands there. '''It's been there for two thousand years. They change the guards about every four hours. What are they doing? They are expecting Mohammed to raise someday and get on this white horse and ride the world and conquer it.<ref>William Branham, 58-0326 - United Under One Head, para. 28</ref><br />
<br />
1959<br />
:''Oh, I feel like a holy-roller. Amen. I feel like shouting. If it takes that to serve God, then let me do it. I've sailed the seven seas, '''traveled the world six times around'''...<ref>William Branham, 59-0708E - Be Certain Of God, para. 75</ref><br />
<br />
1960<br />
:''How would He send me out on the field, '''seven times around the world'''? <ref>William Branham, 60-0804 - As The Eagle Stirreth Up Her Nest, para. 81</ref><br />
<br />
1962<br />
:''Now, I've been to Egypt, and in those pyramids…<ref>William Branham, 60-0804 - As The Eagle Stirreth Up Her Nest, para. 52</ref><br />
<br />
1964<br />
:''I've been '''seven times''' around the world...<ref>William Branham, 64-0410 - Scriptural Signs Of The Time, para. 37</ref><br />
<br />
1965<br />
:'''''I've been to the grave where the white horse is changed every four hours'''. Where, Mohammed, a great priest and—and leader right after Christ, was supposingly to be '''a prophet, and, I don't doubt but what he was''', right after the Maccabee brothers. <ref>William Branham, 65-0220 - God's Chosen Place Of Worship, para. 18</ref><br />
<br />
=Video Transcript=<br />
<br />
William Branham considered himself a world traveler. <br />
<br />
:''I've seen them carry on in the heathen fields. I've been seven times around the world, in all... in all kinds of heathens and around hundreds of thousand, as many as 150,000 people and, yeah or 50,000 people gather at one time. <br />
<br />
This is a clear exaggeration as he only made five overseas trips and never went around the world. Not Even once. Ron Spencer, a message minister in Virginia, explains this as follows:<br />
<br />
:''And when Brother Branham was even here in Harrisonburg, just like he was all over the world seven times... the miles that he traveled is why they say it's seven times. <br />
<br />
That’s a great excuse… But William Branham never used it himself. Ron Spencer simply made it up and there is nothing factual to back up his claim. Now, I do understand that this claim in and of itself, might not be that big of a deal. You wouldn’t want to hang a lot on one wild exaggeration.<br />
<br />
But there’s another, related statement William Branham made that I would like a message minister to explain:<br />
<br />
:'' I've visit the grave of most all the founders of a religions, the Mohammedan, and also to the grave of Buddha, and Confucius, and many other philosophers. <br />
<br />
While perhaps not obvious at first, this statement cannot possibly be true. When William Branham made this statement in 1953, he had only been overseas twice, once to Finland in 1950 and then to South Africa in 1951. <br />
He had not yet been to India where Buddha was cremated. There is no grave as Buddha’s ashes were distributed to various sites across India.<br />
<br />
The tomb of Confucius is at Qufu in Shandong Province, China. William Branham never visited China. Ever.<br />
In his book, Supernatural, Owen Jorgensen states that William Branham landed in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia on his way to India in 1954. While in Saudi Arabia, William Branham stated several times that he visited the grave of Muhammad, the founder of Islam:<br />
<br />
:''Here sometime ago, noticing at the grave of Mohammed, at Mohammed's grave there's a white horse that stands there. It's been there for two thousand years. They change the guards about every four hours. What are they doing? They are expecting Mohammed to raise someday and get on this white horse and ride the world and conquer it.<ref>58-0326, para. 28</ref><br />
<br />
:''I've been to the grave where the white horse is changed every four hours. Where, Mohammed, a great priest and—and leader right after Christ, was supposingly to be a prophet, and, I don't doubt but what he was…<ref>65-0220, para. 18</ref><br />
<br />
The grave of Muhammad, the Green Dome, is in Medina, over a 500-mile drive from Riyadh. It is true that Islam teaches that their prophet, Muhammad, rode to heaven on a white horse. But there is no white horse at the Green Dome. And they do not teach that their prophet will rise from the dead and jump on a white horse. They do not have a white horse waiting for him. And they never did. <br />
William Branham made up this story. He was never in Medina, and he never visited the Green Dome. Just as he never visited the grave of Confucius or Buddha.<br />
<br />
For followers of William Branham, anyone else making up such a story would be accused of lying. But they just can’t accept that their prophet was less than honest. <br />
<br />
Can someone in the message please explain why William Branham made up stories like this?<br />
<br />
{{Bottom of Page}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Honesty and Credibility]]<br />
[[Category:Unfinished articles]]<br />
[[Category:Supernatural vindication]]</div>
Admin
https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=Branham_Tabernacle&diff=27056
Branham Tabernacle
2024-03-04T19:49:27Z
<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
[[File:Branham tabernacle.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Can you spot the Sacred Pentagram? (click to enlarge)]]<br />
Branham Tabernacle is located at 804 Penn Street in Jeffersonville, Indiana (on the northeast corner of E. 8th Street and Penn Street). [[Image:1935PenTabAd.png|thumb|250px|right|Ad from October 1935]]<br />
<br />
=History=<br />
<br />
The '''Pentecostal Tabernacle''' was the original name of the church founded by William Branham in the 1930's.<br />
<br />
The church property was purchased on November 9, 1937 as shown on the Warranty Deed.[[File:1936 11 09 Deed of Branham tabernacle.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Original purchase deed]]<br />
<br />
William Branham was a [[William Branham as a narcissistic leader|narcissist]]. The clearest demonstration of this is the fact that he renamed the church he pastored to bear his own name.<br />
<br />
=Quotes by William Branham=<br />
[[File:Branham tabernacle in the 1950s.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The Pentagram was still there in the early '50's (click to enlarge)]] <br />
<br />
{{Bottom of Page}}<br />
<br />
[[Category: Unfinished articles]]</div>
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Branham Tabernacle
2024-03-04T19:45:35Z
<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
[[File:Branham tabernacle.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Can you spot the Sacred Pentagram? (click to enlarge)]]<br />
Branham Tabernacle is located at 804 Penn Street in Jeffersonville, Indiana (on the northeast corner of E. 8th Street and Penn Street). [[Image:1935PenTabAd.png|thumb|250px|right|Ad from October 1935]]<br />
<br />
=History=<br />
<br />
The '''Pentecostal Tabernacle''' was the original name of the church founded by William Branham in the 1930's.<br />
<br />
The church property was purchased on November 9, 1937 as shown on the Warranty Deed.[[File:1936 11 09 Deed of Branham tabernacle.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Original purchase deed]]<br />
<br />
William Branham was a [[William Branham as a narcissistic leader|narcissist]]. The clearest demonstration of this is the fact that he renamed the church he pastored to bear his own name.<br />
<br />
=Quotes by William Branham=<br />
[[File:Branham tabernacle in the 1950s.jpg|250px|thumb|right|In the early '50's (click to enlarge)]] <br />
<br />
{{Bottom of Page}}<br />
<br />
[[Category: Unfinished articles]]</div>
Admin
https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=Branham_Tabernacle&diff=27054
Branham Tabernacle
2024-03-04T19:43:08Z
<p>Admin: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
[[Image:1935PenTabAd.png|thumb|250px|right|Ad from October 1935]]<br />
Branham Tabernacle is located at 804 Penn Street in Jeffersonville, Indiana (on the northeast corner of E. 8th Street and Penn Street). <br />
<br />
=History=<br />
[[File:Branham tabernacle.jpg|250px|thumb|Left|Can you spot the Sacred Pentagram? (click to enlarge)]]<br />
The '''Pentecostal Tabernacle''' was the original name of the church founded by William Branham in the 1930's.<br />
<br />
The church property was purchased on November 9, 1937 as shown on the Warranty Deed.[[File:1936 11 09 Deed of Branham tabernacle.jpg|250px|thumb|right]]<br />
<br />
William Branham was a [[William Branham as a narcissistic leader|narcissist]]. The clearest demonstration of this is the fact that he renamed the church he pastored to bear his own name.<br />
<br />
=Quotes by William Branham=<br />
[[File:Branham tabernacle in the 1950s.jpg|250px|thumb|right|In the early '50's (click to enlarge)]] <br />
<br />
{{Bottom of Page}}<br />
<br />
[[Category: Unfinished articles]]</div>
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https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=File:1936_11_09_Deed_of_Branham_tabernacle.jpg&diff=27053
File:1936 11 09 Deed of Branham tabernacle.jpg
2024-03-04T19:40:53Z
<p>Admin: Warranty Deed for the purchase of the Branham Tabernacle in 1936</p>
<hr />
<div>== Summary ==<br />
Warranty Deed for the purchase of the Branham Tabernacle in 1936</div>
Admin
https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=Branham_Tabernacle&diff=27052
Branham Tabernacle
2024-03-04T19:38:20Z
<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
[[Image:1935PenTabAd.png|thumb|250px|right|Ad from October 1935]]<br />
Branham Tabernacle is located at 804 Penn Street in Jeffersonville, Indiana (on the northeast corner of E. 8th Street and Penn Street). <br />
<br />
=History=<br />
[[File:Branham tabernacle.jpg|250px|thumb|Left|Can you spot the Sacred Pentagram? (click to enlarge)]]<br />
The '''Pentecostal Tabernacle''' was the original name of the church founded by William Branham in the 1930's.<br />
<br />
The church property was purchased on November 9, 1937 as shown on the Warranty Deed.<br />
<br />
William Branham was a [[William Branham as a narcissistic leader|narcissist]]. The clearest demonstration of this is the fact that he renamed the church he pastored to bear his own name.<br />
<br />
=Quotes by William Branham=<br />
[[File:Branham tabernacle in the 1950s.jpg|250px|thumb|right|In the early '50's (click to enlarge)]] <br />
<br />
{{Bottom of Page}}<br />
<br />
[[Category: Unfinished articles]]</div>
Admin
https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=File:1935PenTabAd.png&diff=27051
File:1935PenTabAd.png
2024-03-04T19:37:04Z
<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>Newspaper advertisement for Pentecostal Tabernacle from October 1935 <br />
Pastor William Branham<br />
Prior to being renamed Branham Tabernacle</div>
Admin
https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=Branham_Tabernacle&diff=27050
Branham Tabernacle
2024-03-04T19:33:25Z
<p>Admin: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
[[Image:1935PenTabAd.png|thumb|250px|right]]<br />
Branham Tabernacle is located at 804 Penn Street in Jeffersonville, Indiana (on the northeast corner of E. 8th Street and Penn Street). <br />
<br />
=History=<br />
[[File:Branham tabernacle.jpg|250px|thumb|Left|Can you spot the Sacred Pentagram? (click to enlarge)]]<br />
The '''Pentecostal Tabernacle''' was the original name of the church founded by William Branham in the 1930's.<br />
<br />
The church property was purchased on November 9, 1937 as shown on the Warranty Deed.<br />
<br />
William Branham was a [[William Branham as a narcissistic leader|narcissist]]. The clearest demonstration of this is the fact that he renamed the church he pastored to bear his own name.<br />
<br />
=Quotes by William Branham=<br />
[[File:Branham tabernacle in the 1950s.jpg|250px|thumb|right|In the early '50's (click to enlarge)]] <br />
<br />
{{Bottom of Page}}<br />
<br />
[[Category: Unfinished articles]]</div>
Admin
https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=Plagiarism&diff=27049
Plagiarism
2024-03-04T16:34:23Z
<p>Admin: /* What is Plagiarism? */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
=Where did William Branham say he got his sermons?=<br />
<br />
William Branham consistently said that his sermons were supernaturally inspired:<br />
<br />
:''Now, then, when we got finished with the book of the revelation of the church, '''what God did to those seven churches''', which were then in their infancy, or their shadow, in Asia Minor. Then '''the Holy Spirit revealed and opened to us all the mysteries in There''', of how He has brought His Church through history. And if you don’t have The Seven Church Ages on tape, it would be good if you listened to them. And soon they’ll be in book form.<ref>William Branham, 64-0719M - The Feast Of The Trumpets, para. 38</ref><br />
<br />
:''Do you take the day to think up these things you’re going to say at night? It’d sure take quite a day, wouldn’t it? No, Christian, my brother, '''I never take one thought of what I’m going to say in the pulpit.''' I’ll read a Scripture somewhere. And I—I’ve made announcements many times that I would go to the pulpit, I was going to preach on a certain subject, get there, the Holy Ghost turn me right back around, make me do something else. I’ve tried it two or three times to write out notes and preach on notes. Long as I’m looking at them notes, I got my mind off of God. So I just have to go ahead and crumble them up and throw them down and just whatever He says. Sometimes I start in Genesis and wind up in Revelation, I…So I’m not very much of a—of a minister just to—to…'''I have to get my messages from Above.''' <ref>William Abraham, 54-0515 - Questions And Answers, Question 24b</ref><br />
<br />
:''Now, way '''I always find my Messages is by prayer'''. I’ll be sitting in prayer and '''something reveals to me'''. And I wait on it a few minutes and see if it’s right, then I feel it closer. And '''then sometimes I keep waiting till it breaks into a vision'''. But when it begins to come, and '''I’m satisfied it comes from God, then I go to the Scripture'''. See, That is, ought to be the confirmation of every spiritual thing that’s done, because the Bible is the complete revelation of Jesus Christ; see, It is His Body. <br />
<br />
:''And now, in that, maybe I find a place in the Scripture that doesn’t sound just right, and I’ll wonder. I go back again to prayer. It comes again. Then I—then I begin to—to examine my Scripture. <br />
<br />
:''...Then, you see, from that inspiration…. This pulpit this morning, I say, not one time has it ever been nothing but straight, the Scripture. That’s how Serpent’s Seed and all these other things come. <ref>William Branham, 64-0802 - The Future Home Of The Heavenly Bridegroom And The Earthly Bride, para. 54-57</ref><br />
<br />
=What is Plagiarism?=<br />
<br />
'''Plagiarism''' is the act of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own. It is all about not telling people where you got your ideas from, particularly if you copy someone word for word. It is not necessarily about copyright violation although that could be part of it.<br />
<br />
Some Message followers try to argue that William Branham was not plagiarizing because he also used some of his own ideas. However, according to the "Harvard Guide to Using Sources," even if you "write down your own ideas in your own words and place them around text that you've drawn directly from an uncited source," you are guilty of verbatim plagiarism. If you copy bits and pieces from a source (or several sources), changing a few words here and there without either adequately paraphrasing or quoting directly, the result is mosaic plagiarism.<ref>https://usingsources.fas.harvard.edu/what-constitutes-plagiarism-0</ref> <br />
<br />
William Branham told his audience in his sermon on the Seventy Weeks of Daniel (see below) that he “didn’t know it yet” (but was going to preach on it that morning), that he’d studied Larkin’s writings BUT DIDN’T AGREE WITH THEM and that what they were going to hear was going to come from a revelation that William Branham was trusting GOD to give him. This is how William Branham lifted himself up to become the “messenger of God” of our age.<br />
<br />
And this is why we feel it so important to compare what Larkin and others wrote side by side with what William Branham said. If Branham had preached on these subjects saying, “''I’ve been reading these books, and I agree with what Clarence Larkin has written''”, we would have no argument with him. '''But he didn’t.''' <br />
<br />
William Branham took direct quotes from Clarence Larkin (and others) and used them to deceive his audiences into thinking that he had a special rapport with God, and that God was using him to reveal things that no one had seen before. In fact, he told his followers that although he HAD read Larkin’s books (among others), “they didn’t come out right”, thus saying that he wasn’t going to preach what Larkin had written. He lied to his listeners, and that’s just not right.<br />
<br />
William Branham's plagiarism was first brought to our attention by [[Research Sources for William Branham and His Message#Websites|Nathan Rivera in his ebook entitled "A Logical Refutation of Branham's Message" which is available for free download]].<br />
<br />
What does God think about plagiarism?<br />
<br />
==Plagiarism is a Biblical '''Sin'''==<br />
<br />
William Branham said he received his inspiration regarding the seven church ages and seven seals from God and not from other men:<br />
<br />
:''Now, then, when we got finished with the book of the revelation of the church, what God did to those seven churches, which were then in their infancy, or their shadow, in Asia Minor. '''Then the Holy Spirit revealed and opened to us all the mysteries in There, of how He has brought His Church through history.''' And if you don’t have The Seven Church Ages on tape, it would be good if you listened to them. And soon they’ll be in book form.<ref>William Branham, 64-0719M - The Feast Of The Trumpets, para. 38</ref><br />
<br />
:''Now I want to make this real clear. Every time, every time that these Seals has come to the place; everything that I ever believed on Them, <u>and has read of other people</u>, has been contrary to '''what come to me in the room'''.<ref>William Branham, 63-0324E - The Seventh Seal, para. 29</ref>''<br />
<br />
But as you will see below, he received most of it from the books of Clarence Larkin, Charles Taze Russell, and others.<br />
<br />
The Bible records what the Lord thinks of prophets who plagiarize from each other, and say it is a word from the Lord. <br />
<br />
'''Jeremiah 23:30'''<br />
:KJV: ''Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.'' <br />
:NET: ''So I, the LORD, affirm that I am opposed to those prophets who steal messages from one another that they claim are from me.'' <br />
:GNT: ''I am against those prophets who take each other’s words and proclaim them as my message.'' <br />
:NLT: ''“Therefore,” says the LORD, “I am against these prophets who steal messages from each other and claim they are from me.'' <br />
:NIV: ''“Therefore,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me.'' <br />
{| style="width:200px; border:1px solid #E8B399;background-color:#F0DCC8;vertical-align:top; float:right; text-align:center; padding: 0.3em;margin-left:15px"<br />
|'''[[Q&A:Plagiarism]]'''<br>Paul quotes secular poets in the Bible. Is this plagiarism?<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
It is clear that God is against plagiarism when a person says they received their inspiration from God, when in fact they received it from another person.<br />
<br />
==Plagiarism is ethically wrong==<br />
<br />
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary provides the following meaning to "plagiarize": <br />
<br />
:pla•gia•rize \ˈplā-jə-ˌrīz also -jē-ə-\ ''verb''<br />
::-rized; -riz•ing [plagiary] <br />
::*''verb transitive'' 1716: to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own: use (another’s production) without crediting the source <br />
::*''verb intransitive'': to commit literary theft: present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source—pla•gia•riz•er ::''noun''<ref>Inc Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. (Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2003).</ref><br />
<br />
Plagiarism is a sin against truth, not property. It’s first and foremost a kind of lying, not a kind of stealing. William Branham violated our trust by speaking in a voice that was not his own, which is why he lost intellectual and moral authority broadly.<ref>Reno, R.R., The Public Square, First Things, Institute on Religion and Public Life, New York, NY, no. 234 (2013): 6.</ref><br />
<br />
If William Branham has simply said "I read this information in Clarence Larkin's book", then he would not have been guilty of plagiarism. But he didn't. Instead he said that he received it by divine revelation. He said that God gave it to him, which was a lie. He got the information directly from Clarence Larkin and others. Below are '''specific examples of plagiarism in William Branham's ministry'''. We have also addressed a few questions about plagiarism in the Bible which can be found by [[Q&A:Plagiarism|clicking here]].<br />
<br />
=Examples of William Branham's plagiarism=<br />
<br />
Compare the words of William Branham to the following people:<br />
<br />
==Clarence Larkin==<br />
[[Image:Clarence.jpg|thumb|right|Clarence Larkin]]<br />
[[Clarence Larkin]] (1850-1924) was American Baptist pastor, Bible teacher and author whose writings on Dispensationalism had a great impact on modern dispensational thinking. While William Branham only mentions Clarence Larkin three times in all his recorded sermons, he drew heavily from him but never gave Larkin the credit for these teachings.<br />
<br />
Message preachers point out that William Branham did mention Larkin but the '''first time he mentioned Larkin was over 7 months after preaching the seven church age series''' which were almost totally plagiarized from Larkin. The second time was a few days later. And the third mention of Larkin was well over one year after preaching the seven seals series which again were consistently plagiarized from Larkin and Russell. In each case, he states that he does not agree with Larkin. Here are the ONLY three references to Larkin that William Branham makes in all of his sermons:<br />
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:''I've been reading '''Dr. Larkin's''' book, Dr. Smith's book, Dr. Scofield's notes, different commentaries from men everywhere, and '''yet I cannot put theirs together to make it come out right'''.'' (July 30, 1961, Sermon: Gabriel's Instructions to Daniel) <br />
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:''And so, no doubt that down through the age, there has been hundreds times hundreds of people, scholars, abled men, trying to explain what these seventy of weeks were. And I’ve read many of their commentaries on it. And I’m very grateful to Mr. Smith, of the Adventist church, for his views. I’m very grateful to '''Dr. Larkin''', of his views. I’m grateful to all these great scholars, for their views on this. And in reading them, it enlightens me much, that '''I can find places that looks right'''. But to get the views that I—I thought that I would like to explain, I searched through the encyclopedia, of “time,” to find out what “time” meant. (61-0806 - The Seventieth Week Of Daniel, para. 51)<br />
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:''And I had read '''Mr. Larkin'''. I had read, oh, so many different ones, of their commentaries on This. But, somehow or other'n, I thought I had a--a little view of it, myself, that '''might be of places different'''. ...But then just before it happened, I was given a vision, which is on tape, as you all know, Sirs, What Time Is It? that I should go to Tucson, Arizona. ...There where the Angel of the Lord met us, and the Bible become a new Bible. There It opened up and revealed all the things that the reformers and things had left out. It was the complete revelation of Jesus Christ, '''altogether new to us''', but perfectly exactly with the Scripture. That was the Word which has always been. I was so inspired and directed.'' (July 19, 1964, The Feast of the Trumpets) <br />
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In these above quotes, William Branham says that he doesn't agree with Clarence Larkin or other commentaries. This gives the impression that the doctrine he preached was his own original ideas or lessons he received directly from the Angel (and not from anywhere else). '''But did he?''' Let's take a close look and compare what William Branham says to Clarence Larkin's books.<br />
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===Plagiarism in the Patmos Vision===<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
!What William Branham Said<br />
!What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
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| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
|-<br />
|You believe He's a Judge? Let's read Saint '''John 5:22''', right quick, we'll see whether He's a Judge or not. Saint John 5:22: For the Father judges no man, but has committed '''all judgment unto the Son''':<br />
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Now, we're going to read the '''sevenfold glory of His Person'''...<br />
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His head and His hair was white like wool. Now, '''it does not mean that He was aged that did this'''. That wasn't the reason of it. '''He wasn't aged to do this.''' He was... It was because of His '''experience''' and qualification and His '''wisdom'''. Because He's eternal, and '''eternal cannot age'''. <br />
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All right, now '''Daniel 7:9'''... "White hair..." All... Anybody knows that's the old judges in ancient days, like '''English judges''' used to wear a '''snow white wig'''. How many remembers that? Old ancient judges wore a white wig because they was... And here He is, showing again that John's over in the Lord's day; he saw Him as the Judge (Amen.), not as Priest, not as King, not as Prophet, but as Judge. The Father, Saint John 5: 22, committed all judgment to Him. And He's Judge now, come to judge the nations. Oh, for that day when you see Him like that. His hair was as white as snow; Daniel saw Him coming to the '''Ancient of days'''. Watch Him blend these two together. All right.<br />
THE PATMOS VISION 60-1204E<br />
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|'''SEVENFOLD GLORY OF HIS PERSON'''<br />
1. HIS “HEAD AND HIS HAIR.<br />
His “Head” and “Hair” were “WHITE LIKE WOOL,” as “WHITE AS SNOW.” Here there is a correspondence to the “Snow White Wig” worn by '''English judges'''. This description of Christ reminds us of Daniel’s vision of the “ANCIENT OF DAYS,” “whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the PURE WOOL.” '''Dan. 7:9'''. Daniel refers three times to the “Ancient Of Days.” In '''Chap. 7:13''', he distinguishes between the “Son of Man” and the “Ancient of Days,” but in verses 9 and 22 he associates the “Ancient of Days,” with a “Throne of Judgment,” and as God the Father has committed '''all judgment to the Son''' ('''John 5:22'''), and the Father and the Son are one, the title “Ancient Of Days” is used interchangeably. <br />
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And as the title “Ancient of Days” is applied to the “Son of Man” (Christ) at the time He assumes the Judgeship ('''Dan. 7:9–10''')...<br />
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The “White Hair” of the Son of Man refers to His ANTIQUITY, to His patriarchal dignity, '''not that His hair was made white by age''', for the '''Eternal never grows old''', but it bespeaks wisdom and experience, and the venerableness of His character.<br />
(Larkin, C. 1919. The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (11–12). Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate: Philadelphia, PA)<br />
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|His hair, and His eyes once dimmed with human tears, yet I want you to notice something about those eyes. When He was on earth, yet they were '''dimmed with tears''' like a man, for He '''cried at the grave of Lazarus'''... But yet behind that humanity, He had something behind that could '''look right down into the heart of a man''' and know all about him. <br />
THE PATMOS VISION 60-1204E<br />
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|2. HIS EYES.<br />
“His Eyes were a FLAME OF FIRE.” Those eyes that had often been dimmed with human tears, and that '''wept at the grave of Lazarus''', are here pictured as burning with an “OMNISCIENT FLAME.” How often when on the earth '''those eyes read the innermost thoughts of men''', and even soldiers quailed before His soul penetrating gaze, so when He sits as the Judge of men all things will be NAKED and OPEN before Him.<br />
(Larkin, C. 1919. The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (11–12). Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate: Philadelphia, PA)<br />
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|Brass also represents Divine judgment at the altar where the sacrifice was killed, brazen altar. Killed... The very foundations was brass, the judgment. He '''tread the winepress of the fierceness of God''' and took our judgment upon Him.<br />
Turn to '''Revelations 19:15''', just a minute; let's see what He did.<br />
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Someday those brass feet of justice (Glory.), when He comes as Judge, He'll '''tread the antichrist, and all of His enemies'''.<br />
THE PATMOS VISION 60-1204E<br />
|3. HIS FEET.<br />
“His Feet like unto fine BRASS, as if they BURNED IN A FURNACE.” In that day those feet that trod the Via Dolorosa of suffering will be like unto INCANDESCENT BRASS, that shall '''tread and crush Antichrist and Satan''' when He comes to '''“Tread the WINE-PRESS of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” Rev. 19:15.'''<br />
(Larkin, C. 1919. The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (11–12). Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate: Philadelphia, PA)<br />
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|The voice of many waters coming forth from this One that looked like the '''Son of man''', many waters. ...the '''great falls''' just below you, the '''great cataracts''' that'll take you to your eternal doom.<br />
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Oh, what will that be on that day when that voice '''thunders''' out of many waters, many church ages forming out? ...Now, you drifting soul, you poor drifter that's drifting over that great '''cataract''' yonder, be careful. It'll be a horrible thing when you know that there's no saving for you then. You can't get saved then; you know your doom lays right before you. When you know within a few minutes you'll hear that voice speak out, '''"Depart from Me, you workers of iniquity, into everlasting fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels."''' You'll know when you hear that '''great falls a-roaring''' of those voices of those meetings, while you're passing out of this. Oh, what a horrible thing, what a nightmare.<br />
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What is any sweeter to a man that's anchored, laying back under the evergreen tree, to hear '''the rippling brook'''? <br />
THE PATMOS VISION 60-1204E<br />
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|4. HIS VOICE.<br />
“His Voice as the SOUND OF MANY WATERS.” There is nothing more melodious or musical than '''the babbling brook''', or more '''thunderous than the rush of the cataract''' over '''the falls''', and there is nothing more fearful to the criminal than the words of the Judge as he passes sentence; but how terrifying will be the sentence when with a strong voice the '''Son of Man''' shall say in the Judgment Day, '''“Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels.”''' Matt. 25:41.<br />
(Larkin, C. 1919. The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (11–12). Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate: Philadelphia, PA)<br />
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|-<br />
|The seven stars are seven angels... (or '''seven messengers, seven ministers''')... of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks that thou sawest are the seven churches.<br />
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And, remember, the seven stars was in His right hand. Just think, '''they were drawing their current, their Light from Him'''. They were completely under His control in His right hand. Oh. Every true servant of God is the same way. Held in... '''Who can harm them?''' Who can harm them? <br />
THE PATMOS VISION 60-1204E<br />
|5. HIS HAND. “In His Right Hand SEVEN STARS.”<br />
We are told in verse 20, that '''the “Seven Stars” stand for the “ANGELS” of the “Seven Churches.”''' These “Angels” are not angelic beings but the '''Messengers or Ministers of the churches'''. What a beautiful and solemn lesson is taught here. It is that the ministers of Christ '''derive their power and office from Him''', and that He holds them in His hand. If they are false to Him, no one can deliver them from His power, and if they are true and loyal, n'''o one can touch or molest, or do them harm'''.<br />
(Larkin, C. 1919. The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (11–12). Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate: Philadelphia, PA)<br />
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|-<br />
|Now, do you know what the sharp two-edged sword of the Bible is? Let's just catch it so you'll know. Take '''Hebrews 4:2'''...<br />
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Say, '''I just happened to think of something else''' of there. I don't know whether I wrote a Script... Get Revelations 19, just a minute. Let's get this again; I think that's right. I'm maybe... '''Revelations 19 about 11'''...<br />
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The '''white horse rider''' of Revelations. Notice the sword. "Out of His mouth goes a sharp two-edged sword," the Word. And finally, by His Word, when It's made manifest to all the sons of God, He'll tramp every nation down with His Word, by this sharp sword. Look here what happened, as we get it.<br />
And... his right hand... and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenances was like the sun shining in its strength.<br />
"A sharp two-edged sword." What was going from the mouth of this Person? The Word of God. It's a sharp two-edged sword. <br />
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THE PATMOS VISION 60-1204E<br />
|6. HIS MOUTH.<br />
“Out of His Mouth went a SHARP TWO-EDGED SWORD.” While the “Sword of the Spirit” is the '''“Word of God”''' (Eph. 6:17), and the “Word of God” is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any TWO-EDGED SWORD, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow (the body), ('''Heb. 4:12'''), that is not the sword meant here.<br />
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The “Sword of the Spirit” is the Holy Spirit’s SWORD, and He alone wields it. The sword meant here is the Sword of the Son of Man (Christ), and it is the “SWORD OF JUSTICE,” for the Son of Man, out of whose mouth this sword comes, is the '''“White Horse Rider”''' of '''Rev. 19:11–15''', “out of whose mouth goeth a SHARP SWORD, that with it He should smite the nations.” And that sword, like the “Sword of the Spirit” will be TWO-EDGED also, for the protection of His people, and the destruction of His enemies. This is still further proof that John’s vision of Christ was as He shall appear in the “DAY OF THE LORD.”<br />
(Larkin, C. 1919. The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (11–12). Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate: Philadelphia, PA)<br />
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|-<br />
|...and his countenances was like the sun shining in its strength. If you turn to, let's see, '''Matthew 17'''. Let's just get it right here while we're at it; so we're just passing it through, and many of those people that are taking it, let's--or writing it down, we'll just let them read it so that we'll know. Matthew 17, all right.<br />
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...And was '''transfigured''' before them: and "'''His face did shine as the sun''', and his raiment was white as the light.<br />
He was transformed. What did He do? Passed Hisself into transformation, over into His coming day.<br />
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All right. "Sun shining in its strength," His countenances, transformed, transfigured. Now, another thing, in '''Revelations 21:23''', if you want to put it down, in the '''New Jerusalem''' ('''21:23'''), He is '''the Lamb that's in the city that's the Light thereof''' shining; for they '''needed no light''' in the city; the sun shall not rise in it, because the Lamb which is in the midst of the city shall be the Light thereof. And the nations that's saved shall walk in the Light of the Lamb. <br />
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...the Sun of righteousness. Let's go to Malachi, Malachi, the last prophet of the Old Testament, '''Malachi the 4th chapter'''.<br />
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THE PATMOS VISION 60-1204E<br />
|7. HIS COUNTENANCE.<br />
“His Countenance was as the SUN SHINETH IN HIS STRENGTH.” This recalls to our memory His appearance on the Mount of '''Transfiguration''' when “'''His Face did shine AS THE SUN''',” '''Matt. 17:2'''. And we read of the '''New Jerusalem''' that the inhabitants thereof have '''no need of the SUN, for the LAMB is the Light thereof'''. '''Rev. 21:23'''. And when we recall that the Prophet Malachi tells us that when Jesus comes back He will be the '''SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (Malachi 4:2)''', we see that John’s vision of the Son of Man was as He shall appear at the Second Stage of His Return, the “Revelation.” Thus we have in John’s “Seven-Fold” description of the person of the “Glorified Son of Man” circumstantial or indirect evidence that John saw his vision of the Son of Man, not on a Sabbath Day (or the “Lord’s Day” as we now call it), but was projected by the Holy Spirit forward into the “Day of the Lord” and saw Him as He will appear then as the Judge, and the coming “SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.”<ref>(Larkin, C. 1919. The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (11–12). Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate: Philadelphia, PA)</ref><br />
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===Plagiarism in the Church Ages===<br />
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::'''Main article: [[The Seven Churches Ages]]'''<br />
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NOTE: William Branham's book "An Exposition of the Seven Church Ages" (which is commonly referred to as the "Church Age Book" or the CAB) contains all of the plagiarism noted in his sermon series on the Seven Church Ages which were delivered in December, 1960. Most of the references in this article relating to the church ages are primarily to the actual sermons and not to the CAB. While the CAB contains all of the plagiarized text referred to here, some have said that the plagiarism in the CAB was the direct result of the involvement of Lee Vayle and, therefore, cannot be attributed to William Branham himself. The quotes contained below, however, clearly show that William Branham was the one that plagiarized Clarence Larkin's works.<br />
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{| class="wikitable"<br />
!style="width: 50%| What William Branham Said<br />
!style="width: 50%| What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
|-<br />
|Now, the first church age started about A.D. 53, when Paul established the church in--in Ephesus... and the church age lapped over to 170.<br />
THE EPHESIAN CHURCH AGE 60-1205<br />
|The character of the Church at Ephesus is a fair outline of the Church Period from A. D. 70 to A. D. 170.<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“, 128 (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918).</ref><br />
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|...the very name "Ephesus" means "let go, relax, backslidden," called by God, "The backslidden church."<br />
THE EPHESIAN CHURCH AGE 60-1205<br />
|Its character is seen in its very name, for Ephesus means to “let go,” “to relax.” It had become a Backslidden Church.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 20 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).</ref><br />
|-<br />
|...then started in the Smyrna Church Age which lasted from A.D. 170 until A.D. 312. THE EPHESIAN CHURCH AGE 60-1205<br />
|...the Smyrna Church...extended from A. D. 170 to Constantine A. D. 312.<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“, 128 (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918).</ref><br />
|-<br />
|Then come in the Pergamos Church Age, and the Pergamos Church Age begin at 312 and lasted till A.D. 606. THE EPHESIAN CHURCH AGE 60-1205<br />
|...Pergamos...extends from the accession of Constantine, A. D. 312 to A. D. 606, when Boniface III was crowned “Universal Bishop.”<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“, 129 (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918).</ref><br />
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|And now in the early years, or just before this taken place (a few years), '''Satan’s seat''' built the great… I guess you would call him a prie-… king-priest of the Chaldeans. The hierarchy of Babylon changed his seat when the Persians was pursuing him, and he left Babylon. '''His name was A-t-t-a-l-u-s, Attalus, the great king-priest of Babylon.''' When the Persians came in and taking over Babylon, '''running out the Chaldeans'''; Attalus, their king-priest, '''fled and took his seat at Pergamos'''. “The '''Satan’s seat''' is where you are dwelling.” Get it? <br />
Now, that’s why I go back to pick up this history out of the church history, finding where…to what taken place when He said, “You are dwelling where Satan’s seat is.” <br />
I thought, “Well, where could that be, a certain thing, ‘Satan’s seat’?” Then I find out that this great king, after he was fleeing from the conquering Persians that taken over (according to Daniel’s vision), he came to this city of Pergamos, at Rome, and there made his headquarters. Satan shifted his headquarters from Babylon to Pergamos, where (future) he would start the new Babylon. Oh, my! Now you get the backgrounds where we’re at. All right.<ref>William Branham, 60-1207 - The Pergamean Church Age, para. 97-99</ref><br />
|In this Message Pergamos is spoken of as '''“Satan’s Seat.”''' When '''Attalus III, the Priest-King of the Chaldean Hierarchy,''' fled before the conquering Persians to Pergamos, and settled there, '''Satan shifted his capital from Babylon to Pergamos'''.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 22.</ref><br />
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|Now, in doing this, they consolidated and made the early…formed the early Catholic church, later. Then at the first great Nicene Council…When I read that, I just fell on my knees. The great Nicene Council had taken place in a.d. 325, all of them was brought together, the bishops and fathers of the Christian faith was brought together at Nicaea. That’s the reason it’s called the Nicaea Council, in a.d. 325. And about '''fifteen hundred delegates''' came to the—the—the convention, or the council, about fifteen hundred delegates, and '''the laity outnumbered the bishops five to one''' (in the delegation); but yet, through the Nicolaitanes (the cold formals) and Constantine’s politicianal plan, they out-voted the true Church and won the victory, and issued in bishops and holy order of men; taking the—the Holy Spirit from the meeting, and placing it upon bishops, cardinals, and popes, and so forth.<br />
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Now, this first Nicene Council, and it was in a.d. 330…325. About fifteen hundred delegates and bishops attended the meeting, but they overruled them, in some foggy, '''stormy council''' it was. And they overruled them, and voted in that the Nicolaitanes took over, and that was to take the…all the church, and put it under a supervision of popes or—or bishops, or something; '''taking the power from the Church and giving it over to the bishops, that the bishops should rule the church''' and the only one that had anything to say about It.<ref>william Branham, 60-1207 - The Pergamean Church Age, para. 127, 133</ref><br />
|And the foothold it had secured in the Church was seen in the First Great Council of the Church held at Nicaea, in A. D. 325. The Council was composed of about '''1500 delegates''', the laymen outnumbering the Bishops 5 to 1. It was a '''stormy council, full of intrigue and political methods''', and from the '''supremacy of the “Clergy” over the “Laity”''' it was evident that the “Doctrine of the Nicolaitanes” had secured a strong and permanent foothold.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 22.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|That’s the '''birthplace of post-millennium'''. And that’s the reason the Catholic doesn’t teach the coming of Jesus, to this day. “It’s all in the church. This is the Millennium. The church owns everything. This is it.” See, post-millennium (Oh, my!) without the return of Jesus Christ. This lasted unto '''the ''assassination'' of Constantine which come between 312 and—and…a.d. 312 and 606. Then Boniface III was made the universal bishop''' or pope over the whole universal church.<ref>william Branham, 60-1207 - The Pergamean Church Age, para. 263</ref><br />
|'''It was at this time that “Post-Millennial Views” had their origin.''' As the Church had become rich and powerful, it was suggested that by the union of Church and State a condition of affairs would develop that would usher in the Millennium without the return of Christ, and since some scriptural support was needed for such a doctrine, it was claimed that the Jews had been cast off “forever,” and that all the prophecies of Israel’s future glory were intended for the Church. This “Period” extends from the '''''accession'' of Constantine A. D. 312 to A. D. 606, when Boniface III was crowned “Universal Bishop.”'''<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 23.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|Then come in the Thyatira Church Age, and the church age of Thyatira begin at 606 and went to 1520, the dark ages. THE EPHESIAN CHURCH AGE 60-1205<br />
|The Message to the Church at Thyatira. This Period extended from A. D. 606 to the Reformation A. D. 1520.<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“, 130 (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918).</ref><br />
|-<br />
|All right, this Jezebel. Now '''she was a daughter of Abraham''', that’s true, '''a princess of an idolater'''. At that time when the royal family, her royal family, was '''famed by cruel savage loyalty''' to '''Baalim'''. Her father was '''a priest of the idol of A-s-t-a-r-t-e''' (I don’t know how you pronounce it, I just picked it up in the history). Ahab used his strategy like Constantine. This great powerful nation laid next to Israel, so therefore… <ref>William Branham, 60-1208 - The Thyatirean Church Age, para. 61</ref><br />
|Jezebel, the wife of Ahab, was '''not by birth a daughter of Abraham''', but '''a princess of idolatrous Tyre''', at a time, too, when its royal family was '''famed for cruel savagery and intense devotion''' to '''Baal and Astarte'''.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 24.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|And then the Sardis Church Age begin at 1520 and lasted till 1750, the Lutheran age. THE EPHESIAN CHURCH AGE 60-1205<br />
|The “Sardis Period” extended from A. D. 1520 to about A. D. 1750.<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“, 130 (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918).</ref><br />
|-<br />
|Then from 1750, the next age come in was the Philadelphian, Wesley age; that begin at 1750 and lasted till 1906. THE EPHESIAN CHURCH AGE 60-1205<br />
|The “Philadelphia Period” covers the time between A. D. 1750 and A. D. 1900.<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“, 131 (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918).</ref><br />
|-<br />
|Now the great missionary age, brotherly love, the age of missions. Let me just name to you some of the great men (and then I just wrote their names down here): '''John Wesley; George Whitfie-…Whitefield''', he was about '''1739'''; '''Charles G. Finney'''; '''Dwight Moody'''; '''William Carey''', the great missionary that went to India in 1773; David Livingstone, to South Africa. See, all those, some of those great men. Just…I got names of plenty of them here, great men that lived in that brotherly love; that, the black man, the white man, the brown man, the yellow man, all walls was broke down, and these men went out into the mission fields.<ref>William Branham, 60-1210 - The Philadelphian Church Age, para. 57</ref><br />
|Revivals have been characteristic of the Philadelphia Period. These Revivals began with '''George Whitefield in A. D. 1739, followed by John Wesley, Charles G. Finney and D. L. Moody.'''<br />
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It had set before it an “open door,” that no “man” could shut. Note that this promise was made by Him, who “hath the ‘Key of David,’ He that ‘openeth’ and no man shutteth; and ‘shutteth’ and no man openeth.” '''In 1793 William Carey sailed for India''', where he found an “open door,” and since then the Lord has opened the door into China, Japan, Korea, India, Africa and the isles of the sea, until there is not a country in the world where the missionary cannot go.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 26.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|And at 1906 the Laodicean church age set in, and I don't know when it'll end, but I predict it'll be done by 1977. I predict, not the Lord told me, but I predict it according to a vision that was showed me some years ago... THE EPHESIAN CHURCH AGE 60-1205<br />
|The character of the Church today is Laodicean, and as the Laodicean Period is to continue until the Church of the “New-Born” is taken out, we cannot hope for any great change until the Lord comes back.<ref>larence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“, 133 (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918).</ref><br />
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|The '''chilliness of the Anglican church''' in the days of '''John Wesley''' drove him to have meetings elsewhere, because it was cold, chilly. The '''chilliness of the Methodist church''' caused '''William Booth''' to become a '''red-hot salvationist.''' You see, God said, “If you won’t come and repent, I’ll remove the candlestick. I’ll take it out, give it to somebody else.” So when the Methodist church wouldn’t receive John Wesley’s sanctification, William Booth come right up with the Salvation Army and took her right on. That’s right. Why? They organized it! That’s exactly. Made an organization out of it, and God said, “I hate the thing!”<ref>william Branham, 60-1211E - The Laodicean Church Age, para. 121-122</ref><br />
|It was the “'''chilly''' spiritual atmosphere” of the '''Church of England''' that drove '''John Wesley''' to start those outside meetings which became so noted for their “religious fervor,” and it was the same “'''chilly''' atmosphere” of the '''Methodist Church''' that drove '''William Booth''' in turn to become a '''“Red-hot” Salvationist'''.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 27.</ref><br />
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|They have large buildings, '''stained glass windows''', '''eloquent preachers, paid singers'''. Yes, sir.<Ref>William Branham, 60-1211E - The Laodicean Church Age, para. 156</ref><br />
|Many of these churches have Cathedral-like buildings, '''stained glass windows, eloquent preachers, paid singers''', large congregations.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 28.</ref><br />
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|Brother, '''the world won’t be converted by money'''. The world will be '''converted by the Holy Ghost'''; powerful preaching of the Holy Ghost and the Cross will be the only thing that’ll convert the world. God’s program is not money. It’s the Holy Ghost, that’s what God’s program is for the Laodicean Church Age or any other church age. Yes, sir. <br />
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They want the Holy Ghost. Oh, they say, “We are…have gold.” '''It was gold, all right, but not the right kind.''' They had plenty of gold but not the right kind.<ref>William Branham, 60-1211E - The Laodicean Church Age, para. 184-185</ref><br />
|The trouble with the church today is that it thinks that nothing can be done without money, and that if we only had the money the world would be converted in this generation. The world is '''not to be converted by money, but by the Spirit of God.'''<br />
The trouble with the Church of Laodicea was that its “Gold” was not of the right kind.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 28.</ref><br />
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|'''They were nearsighted. They was looking at their big building.''' They were rich. They were looking at the great organization they belonged to, trying to build it up, getting more members to come in, and they didn’t miss Him. <ref>William Branham, 60-1211E - The Laodicean Church Age, para. 252</ref><br />
|But the Church of Laodicea was not only poor, though rich, it was blind. Or to put it more accurately—'''“Near-Sighted.”''' '''They could See their worldly prosperity''', but were “Short-Sighted” as to heavenly things, so the Lord counseled them to anoint their eyes with “Eye-Salve.” Their merchants dealt in ointments and herbs of a high degree of healing virtue, but they possessed no salve that would restore impaired Spiritual Vision, only the Unction of the Holy One could do that.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 28.</ref><br />
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|'''Excluded!''' What was He excluded from? Now, listen, friends. If this isn’t striking! Get a picture of it, let it sink down in your heart. Our Saviour, when He was on earth, He was '''excluded from His Own nation.''' He was rejected, He was excluded. The world excluded Him and crucified Him. And now, from His Own church, He’s excluded. He isn’t wanted anywhere, have no need of Him.<ref>William Branham, 60-1211E - The Laodicean Church Age, para. 225</ref><br />
|This is a description of a Christless Church. Oh, the EXCLUDED CHRIST '''Excluded from His own nation''', for they Rejected Him; excluded from the world, for it Crucified Him; excluded from His Church, for He stands outside its door Knocking for Entrance.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 29.</ref><br />
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===Plagiarism in the Breach Between the Seals and the Church Ages===<br />
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{| class="wikitable"<br />
!width="50%"| What William Branham Said<br />
!width="50%"| What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
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|Now, now, we're going to turn to the 5th chapter. Now, this is not the Seven Seals. It is the "Breach Between the Church Ages and the Seven Seals." Now, there is also a 6th chapter of... and there was a 4th chapter, rather, of Revelation, and in that it kind of revealed something that would take place after the Church going up: '''that the Church goes up on the 3rd chapter of Revelations and does not return until the 19th chapter of Revelations.''' See? Therefore, the Church misses the tribulation. '''I know that's contrary to--to pretty near every teacher I ever talked to, but I--I don't mean to be dis--disagreeable.''' I--I mean to be your brother, but I--I must teach just as I can see it. If I don't, I can't put it together. You see? And now, whether it goes up before the tribulation or after the tribulation, I want to go up with it. That's the main thing. <ref>THE.BREACH.BETWEEN.THE.SEVEN.CHURCH.AGES.AND.THE.SEVEN.SEALS_ JEFF.IN SUNDAY_ 63-0317E</ref><br />
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Do you realize that the first three chapters of Revelation deals with the church in the church age? That's the tribulation period, not the church age; '''the church raptures and goes up at the 4th chapter of Revelation, never comes again till the 19th chapter when it comes with Jesus.''' That's right. That's in the tribulation period, not nothing to do with the church at all.<ref>QUESTIONS.AND.ANSWERS_ JEFF.IN COD SUNDAY_ 62-0527</ref><br />
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John caught up in the 4th chapter to see things which was, which is, and which is to come. '''But the Church finishes at the 4th chapter, and Christ takes up the Church, caught up in the air to meet Him, and does not appear again until the 19th chapter''' when He comes back with--as King of king and Lord of lords with the Church.<ref> THE.FIRST.SEAL JEFF.IN 63-0318</ref><br />
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And at the same time the Church is gone, and these things don't even happen in the church age at all. That's right. They're--they're away from the church age. The Church absolutely is raptured at this time. '''The Church goes up in the 4th chapter of Revelation, and does not return until it comes back with its King in the 19th chapter.''' But these Seals here are revealing what has been, what is, and what will be. See? And now, what was to be for the church age was revealed by these Seals, and now, watch what takes it.<ref>THE.FIFTH.SEAL_ JEFF.IN 63-0322</ref><br />
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|The word “hereafter” permits a “time space,” while the words “after these things” refer to the things that shall immediately follow the completion of the “Church Age,” as prefigured in the Messages to the Seven Churches. The Church disappears from view with the close of the third chapter and is not heard of again until the nineteenth chapter, where her marriage to the Lamb is announced. Rev. 19:7–9.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 32 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).</ref><br />
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===Plagiarism in the Seven Seals (click on the links below)===<br />
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::'''Main article: The [[Seven Seals]]'''<br />
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#[[First Seal#Plagiarism|Plagiarism in the First Seal]]<br />
#[[Second Seal#Plagiarism|Plagiarism in the Second Seal]]<br />
#[[Third Seal#Plagiarism|Plagiarism in the Third Seal]]<br />
#[[Fourth Seal#Plagiarism|Plagiarism in the Fourth Seal]]<br />
#[[Fifth Seal#Plagiarism|Plagiarism in the Fifth Seal]]<br />
#[[Sixth Seal#Plagiarism|Plagiarism in the Sixth Seal]]<br />
#[[Seventh Seal#Plagiarism|Plagiarism in the Seventh Seal]]<br />
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===Plagiarism in the Seventy Weeks of Daniel===<br />
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In his copyrighted 1919 book, “The Book of Revelation”, after Clarence Larkin wrote about Revelation chapter 5, he then took a bit of a sidestep to discuss the Seventieth Week in the Book of Daniel. Larkin later went on to write an entirely separate book titled “The Book of Daniel” (1929), which also spoke on his ideas regarding Daniel’s 70th week and its link to the book of Revelation.<br />
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Coincidentally, that’s exactly what William Branham thought. And so, just a few weeks after he’d finished preaching on Revelation Chapter 5, he preached a series of three sermons on the 70th week of Daniel.<br />
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In his introduction to his sermon on the Seventy Weeks, William Branham stated (emphasis is ours):<br />
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:''If the Lord willing, this morning we're taking the subject of Daniel's Seventy of Weeks. <br />
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:''...The first three chapters of Revelation was the church ages. Then John was caught up in the 4th and 5th chapter and was showed things that—that was to be hereafter. Now, on the 6th chapter he drops down into the earth again to see things taking place that will go from the 6th chapter, the 1st verse, until the 19th chapter and the 21st verse. <br />
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:''...'''And it's something in the last time, a-many of the old-timers here, that I taught, I just said, "In here belongs the seventy weeks of Daniel," but I did not try to attack it to explain it.''' But this time, by the grace of God, I have taken upon myself to try to ask grace before God that I might bring it to the people. And in here I'm finding things that I do not know one thing about. And then I… '''I've been reading Dr. Larkin's book, Dr. Smith's book, Dr. Scofield's notes, different commentaries from men everywhere, and yet I cannot put theirs together to make it come out right.''' <br />
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:''...'''and having my trust solemnly in Jesus Christ to reveal it to me''', because I do not want it to say, "I know this, and I know that." He knows my heart; He's listening at me. But I want it that I might enlighten His people. Therefore, '''I believe that He will give it to me. I do not know as yet''', but I'm trusting Him for next Sunday, 'cause that'll be the tremendous part, as next Sunday to know and place those seventy of weeks. Each one has a different place. And when you do, you go to running them on through; they don't come out right; they don't register up right. It can't. And therefore, I—I may not be able to have it right, '''but I'm going to trust the Lord for it.'''<ref>William Branham, 61-0730M - Gabriel's Instructions To Daniel, para. 28, 31-33</ref><br />
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{| class="wikitable"<br />
!style="width: 50%| What William Branham Said<br />
!style="width: 50%| What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
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|Now, the prophet Daniel had been in Babylon for '''sixty-eight years'''. You who wants to run references back, and save yourself some of the time, that I’ve had to—to looking it up. Sixty-eight years! '''He went into captivity in b.c. 606''', and when '''the vision came to him was—was b.c. 538. 538 from 606, leaves sixty-eight.''' Sixty-eight years he had been in Babylon, amongst heathens, and still had the victory.<ref>William Branham, 61-0730M - Gabriel's Instructions To Daniel, para.72</ref><br />
26 Now, to lap back our Scriptures for a few moments, we find that Daniel had been in captivity for sixty-eight long years. Think of it! Now, you, and your paper and pencil, that didn’t get it this morning, may pick it up tonight. '''From a.d. 606 to 538. Take 538 from 606, you got sixty-eight years''' Daniel had been in…a captive; no church to go to, no sermons to hear, nothing. But he had some books, some scrolls, that a prophet before him had prophesied, and was—was Jeremiah.<ref>William Branham, 61-0730E - The Sixfold Purpose Of Gabriel's Visit To Daniel, para. 26</ref><br />
|The first verse of the chapter locates it in the “First Year” of Darius the Median, or the same year as the “Fall of Babylon,” '''B. C. 538'''. Daniel had been studying the Prophecy of Jeremiah, and learned from it that the 70 years of “Captivity” of his people were drawing to a close, for the “Captivity” began in '''B. C. 606, and 68 years''' had elapsed since then.<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“ (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918), 49.</ref><br />
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|Now, I got some writing here that I’d like to read to you as we go by. Now: …the going forth of the commandment to rebuild Jerusalem… Which, was on the '''14th day of March'''. If any of you want to put that down, in the Hebrew you’ll find it called '''N-i-s-a-n, Nisan, which means “March.”''' The issue was given on the '''14th day of March, b.c. 445''', the issue went forth to build, rebuild the temple. You understand it, as you people have read the Scriptures.<ref>William Branham, 61-0806 - The Seventieth Week Of Daniel, para. 64</ref><br />
|The date of the “commandment” is given in Nehemiah 2:1 as '''the month “Nisan”''' in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, which was the '''14th day of March, B. C. 445.'''<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“ (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918), 49.</ref><br />
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|Now, now, Jesus, Messiah, rode into the city of Jerusalem, triumph, on the back of a white mule, on '''Palm Sunday, April the 2nd, a.d. 30.''' Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, a.d. 30. And now, now, from '''b.c. 445 to a.d. 30, is exactly four hundred and seventy-five years.''' <br />
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But, as we have already seen, that the sixty-nine weeks makes four hundred and eighty-three years. Now, there is where the trouble comes, right there. See? We’ve got only, with the marking of the Bible here, time, only four hundred and seventy-five years. And, actually, it’s '''four hundred and eighty-three years, a difference of eight years.'''<br />
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Now, God can’t make it miss. If He said it would be so many days, it’s so many days. If He says it’s so much, it’s so much. So what are we going to do? Now, '''the b.c. 475 to a.d. 30, are Julian or astronomal years,''' which are three hundred and sixty-five and one-fourth day in—in each. '''But when we reduce them days to our prophetic calendar'''…<br />
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Our '''prophetic calendar brings us to three hundred and sixty days''', as we use now in the Scriptures. We have exactly four hundred and eighty-three. There it is, four hundred and eighty-three. Here we have exactly proof of the prophecy, exactly the truth. For, from the time of the going forth to build the temple, until the destroying, when they rejected Christ and killed Him in a.d. 33, when Christ was killed, is '''exactly four hundred and eighty-three years'''. Now, from the going forth of the commandment to rebuild Jerusalem, was determined seven weeks, which meant forty-nine years. And forty-nine years hit it exactly. Well, from the rebuilding of the temple to the Messiah, was four hundred and thirty-eight years. So, four hundred and thir-…four hundred and thirty-four years. And four hundred and thirty-four (time), forty-nine, makes exactly four hundred and eighty-three years. It hit it on the nose, exactly to the day, from day to day. Amen! There you are. <br />
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“Messiah the Prince shall come.” See? '''Seven times sixty-nine is four hundred and thir-…and—and eighty-four years. Exactly, it hit it on the nose.''' So, then, we know perfectly, we know exactly, that that Scripture is right. Here it is. But, you see, all these… <br />
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When God had the antediluvian world and destroyed it by water, and changed the astronomy date; and then let the Romans come in and make up their calendar, which it hits and jumps, and so forth. And I guess, that, even in the encyclopedia where I been reading.<ref>William Branham, 61-0806 - The Seventieth Week Of Daniel, para. 80-85</ref><br />
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|The day when Jesus rode in Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem as “Messiah the Prince,” was '''Palm Sunday, April 2, A. D. 30'''. Luke 19:37–40. But the time between March 14, B. C. 445, and April 2, A. D. 30, is more than 69 literal “weeks.” It is '''445+30=475 years. What explanation can we give for this?''' <br />
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We found that the time between the “commandment” to restore and build Jerusalem, and “Messiah the Prince,” was to be 69 weeks, or 69×7=483 days, or if a “day” stands for a year, 483 years. But we found that from B. C. 445 to A. D. 30 was 475 years, a difference of 8 years. How can we account for the difference?<br />
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We must not forget that there are '''years of different lengths. The Lunar year has 354 days. The Calendar year has 360 days. The Solar year has 365 days. The Julian, or Astronomical year, has 365¼ days,''' and it is necessary to add one day every 4 years to the calendar.<br />
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So we see that we are to use in '''“Prophetical Chronology” a “Calendar” year of 360 days.'''<br />
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According to ordinary chronology, the 475 years from B. C. 445 to A. D. 30 are “Solar” years of 365 days each. Now counting the years from B. C. 445 to A. D. 30, inclusively, we have '''476 solar years'''. Multiplying these '''476 years by 365''' (the number of days in a Solar year), we have 173,740 days, to which add 119 days for leap years, and we have 173,859 days. Add to these 20 days inclusive from March 14 to April 2, and we have 173,879 days. Divide 173, 879 by 360 (the number of days in a “Prophetical Year”), and we have '''483 years''' all to one day, the exact number of days (483) in 69 weeks, each day standing for a year. '''Could there be anything more conclusive''' to prove that Daniel’s 69 weeks ran out on April 2, A. D. 30, the day that Jesus rode in triumph into the City of Jerusalem.<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“ (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918), 49–50.</ref><br />
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===Plagiarism in other Sermons===<br />
William Branham must have read a lot of Clarence Larkin because he plagiarized him in a number of his key theological teachings.<br />
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====Satan's Superman====<br />
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{| class="wikitable"<br />
!What William Branham Said <ref>March 18, 1963, The First Seal</ref><br />
!What Clarence Larkin Said <ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 53-54 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).</ref><br />
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| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
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|What are we saying? Who is this rider, this horse rider? You know what it is? It's '''Satan's superman'''... Notice, this rider is nothing but Satan's superman, a incarnate devil.<ref>William Branham, 63-0318 - The First Seal, para. 371</ref><br />
|This “White Horse Rider” will be '''Satan’s “SUPERMAN.”''' The Scriptures clearly teach that there is some day to arise a human being who shall be the embodiment of all Satanic power.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 54.</ref><br />
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====Satan's Trinity====<br />
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{| class="wikitable"<br />
!What William Branham Said<br />
!What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
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|Notice '''Satan’s trinity'''. Same person coming; just incarnate, from one to the other.<ref>EWilliam Branham, 63-0319 - The Second Seal, para. 184</ref><br />
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And the '''trinity of frogs''' came out of an old trinity, give birth to '''a new trinity,''' their mother. What’d it come out of? A trinity, '''“the dragon,”''' see, '''“the beast,”''' and '''“the false prophet.”''' A trinity, new. For when were these frogs come out? When did it? <br />
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Notice, they was there all the time, but it wasn’t manifested until between the Sixth and Seventh Vial, just before the Seals opened (Hmm?) to reveal it. “For in the Message of the seventh angel, the mysteries of God would be known,” all these trinitarian things, and false baptisms, and everything was to be made manifest. God help us to see what’s Truth! And not think it’s somebody trying to say something to… <br />
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I feel that spirit resenting That, you see. I’m not speaking of myself, brother. I’m speaking of the Angel of the Lord that’s in the camp. That’s exactly right. <br />
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Notice, a trinity! '''“The dragon,”''' how many knows what the dragon was? It was Rome. “And the dragon stood before the woman to devour her child as soon as it was born.” That right? What does '''“beast”''' mean in the Bible? Power. All right. '''“False prophet, a false prophet,”''' a false, anointed one. See? 244 Started where? This is “false prophet,” singular. “False prophet,” the first pope; and from there come out “the—the whore, and the mother of harlots,” the whole thing. A false trinity was rising; not in the early days, wouldn’t be made manifest in the early days, it went right on through with it. But when the Seven Seals be come, and opened those mysteries and revealed them, that’s when “the frogs, three unclean spirits like frogs, come out to manifest themselves,” a trinity doctrine against the Truth. See? Huh!<ref>William Branham, 65-0725M - The Anointed Ones At The End Time, para. 241-244</ref><br />
|'''SATANIC TRINITY'''<br />
The members of it are—<br />
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:1. “The Dragon”—the Anti-GOD.”<br />
:2. “The Beast”—the “Anti-CHRIST.”<br />
:3. “The False Prophet”—the “Anti-SPIRIT.”<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“ (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918), 123.</ref><br />
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====Future Home====<br />
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In the sermon, The Future Home Of The Heavenly Bridegroom And The Earthly Bride, William Branham states:<br />
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:''Now, way '''I always find my Messages is by prayer'''. I’ll be sitting in prayer and '''something reveals to me'''. And I wait on it a few minutes and see if it’s right, then I feel it closer. And '''then sometimes I keep waiting till it breaks into a vision'''. But when it begins to come, and '''I’m satisfied it comes from God, then I go to the Scripture'''. See, That is, ought to be the confirmation of every spiritual thing that’s done, because the Bible is the complete revelation of Jesus Christ; see, It is His Body. <br />
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:''And now, in that, maybe I find a place in the Scripture that doesn’t sound just right, and I’ll wonder. '''I go back again to prayer. It comes again.''' Then I—then I begin to—to examine my Scripture. <br />
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:''...Then, you see, '''from that inspiration'''… This pulpit this morning, '''I say, not one time has it ever been nothing but straight, the Scripture.''' That’s how Serpent’s Seed and all these other things come. <ref>William Branham, 64-0802 - The Future Home Of The Heavenly Bridegroom And The Earthly Bride, para. 54-57</ref><br />
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But is this true? The following are a few of the things that were plagiarized in the sermon, The Future Home Of The Heavenly Bridegroom And The Earthly Bride, but there are more if you want to do your own research.<br />
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{| class="wikitable"<br />
!What William Branham Said<br />
!What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
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|Now, many of you that want to put down this word, the Greek word, “pass away.” It comes from the word…I had to find it. I thought, “How is this world going to pass away, and yet we’re going to live on it?” But if you’ll notice, some of you people that wants to put it down, I’ll spell it for you. I couldn’t pronounce it, '''p-a-r-e-r-e-c-h-o-m-i-a'''. I don’t know how to pronounce it. <br />
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Now, that way, as I said, when I get…'''The inspiration strikes me for something, then I go back to find out the word. Now, here, I can’t spell the word, or I can’t—I can’t pronounce it. But, in that, the Lord has still give me a way. I go and find out what that word means, then I got it.''' See? Then I got it, again. See?<br />
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Heavens and earth will pass away, now, this word means, “passing from one form to another.” '''It does not mean “annihilation,”''' as the English word would mean, pass away, it’s annihilated. But the Hebrew word, or the Greek word here, does not mean pass away; it means, “from passing from one thing to another.” Look, but, '''“to pass from one condition,” it says, “to another.”''' <br />
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Now notice, Paul used it, if you want to read it now. Put it down, you can read it later. In '''Titus 3:5''', Paul is using this same word, means regeneration of man, that man has passed from a sinner to a saint, not completely annihilated. When a man is changed, he isn’t annihilated, but he’s a changed person. He has been changed from what he was to what he is, not annihilated.<br />
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Jesus used the same word in '''Matthew 19:28'''; now, not 28:19. Now, 19:28, He said to them, “You’ll set with Me in My Father’s Kingdom, regenerated,” you see, “changed,” when you’re changed. He used the same word.<ref>William Branham, 64-0802 - The Future Home Of The Heavenly Bridegroom And The Earthly Bride, para.173-177</ref><br />
|The '''Greek work “Parerchomai,”''' translated “pass away,” does not mean “termination of existence” or '''“annihilation,”''' but means to pass from '''“one condition of existence to another.”''' The Apostle Paul in his letter to Titus, ('''Titus 3:5'''), speaking of the “Regeneration” of men, uses the same word that Jesus used when, in '''Matt. 19:28''', He promised His Disciples that in the “Regeneration,” that is in the “New Earth,” they should sit on “Twelve Thrones” judging the “Twelve Tribes” of Israel. Now no one supposes that the Regeneration of a man is his Annihilation.” <ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“ (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918), 156.</ref><br />
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|'''Here is a deep revelation from God.''' Here, I’ll just stop here. None of these other…I’ll bring the rest of this up, the Lord willing. <br />
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Notice now the earth is…Well, you turn over into the Book of Revelation, you can see how he measured it by the cubits and by the furlongs. Twenty-three hundred…So now we find out that the—the City is measured, '''“fifteen hundred miles” square.''' <br />
<br />
You know how far that would reach? '''''I measured it off, this week.''''' It would reach from Maine to Florida, and from the '''eastern seaboard to six hundred miles apast, west of the Mississippi'''. In other words, '''half of the United States''', just for the City. You say, “There ain’t no room.” <br />
<br />
When the sea is gone there will be, ’cause pretty near four fifths of it’s in water. That right? The explosion dries up the sea, erupts the earth. Oh, my! Remember, '''fifteen hundred miles square''', what a City! And, but, remember, the sea is gone. <br />
<br />
“And the breadth and the height are the same.” That would make it fifteen hundred miles this way, fifteen hundred miles that way; fifteen hundred miles; the length by the breadth by the height. Fifteen hundred miles, think of it, transparent gold. And the City had a wall around it. <br />
<br />
Now, now, that doesn’t necessary mean, by being equal…It said, “And the walls and the foundation were equal,” '''that doesn’t necessary mean that it’s a cube or square.''' There is another geographical measure, that the dimensions are the same, that is, '''a pyramid. Foursquare,''' “lieth foursquare,” and the walls were the same.<ref>William Branham, 64-0802 - The Future Home Of The Heavenly Bridegroom And The Earthly Bride, para. 366-370</ref><br />
|It will take up its abode on the New Earth, and we see in this why this present Earth will have to be renovated by fire, and why there shall be “no more sea,” for the New City is 12,000 furlongs, or '''1500 miles square''', and would reach from Maine to Florida, and from the Atlantic Seaboard '''600 miles to the west of the Mississippi River.''' In other words would occupy '''more than one-half of the United States'''.<br />
<br />
We are told that the length and breadth and the height of it are equal. '''This does not necessarily imply that it is a Cube, for there is another geometrical figure that has equal dimensions, and that is a — Pyramid.''' This is its probable form, for a wall 144 cubits, or 216 feet thick, could not support a wall 1500 miles high, and a wall that high would hide the pyramidal part of the City from view.<br />
<br />
The 144 cubits (Rev. 21:17) then must refer to the “height” of the wall. In this wall are 12 gates, 3 on each side, each gate of one Pearl, and these gates are never closed.<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“ (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918), 158.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|Did you ever think now, Bride, what it will look like? It is prepared and designed by the '''Divine Architect.''' What will that City look like? Now, we’re going to talk about it for a few minutes. The Divine Architect has prepared it, designed it. And, look, He has designed it with tender hands, for His beloved Bride. What’s it going to look like? <br />
<br />
...Now, '''the Divine Architect has designed the New City''', where He will live with His Bride, just to Her touch. No wonder the apostle said, “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, or neither has ever entered the heart of man.” Let’s see if we can probe into it just for a moment, see what it’s going to look like. <br />
<br />
The '''Divine Architect''' has designed this for His Beloved. See? Oh, what a place it must be, when, Divine Nature, a '''Divine Architect''' has designed it for a Divine attribute that’s been Divinely predestinated by a Divine God Who—Who is the Author of Divine Life! What will that City look like! Think of it.<br />
<br />
'''Remember, it’s not Heaven. John say, “I saw it coming down out of Heaven.”''' It’s to be on earth. See?<ref>William Branham, 64-0802 - The Future Home Of The Heavenly Bridegroom And The Earthly Bride, para. 299-303</ref><br />
|But there is not only to be a New Heaven and a New Earth, there is to be a '''New City'''. This City is the place Jesus said He was going back to Heaven to prepare for His Bride the Church. John 14:2–4. It is just such a place as we would expect the '''Divine Architect''' to design and build. The description of it is surpassingly grand. It is of Celestial origin. '''It is not Heaven itself, for it comes down “out of Heaven.”''' <Ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“ (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918), 158.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
====How to interpret scripture====<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
!What William Branham Said<br />
!What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
|-<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
|-<br />
|Now, you must not '''misinterpret''' the Word. You say, "Well, I believe It means this." <br />
It means just what It says. It needs no interpreter. And you must not '''misplace''' the Word. <br />
And you must not '''dislocate''' the Word. And if we would do either of these, it throws the whole Bible in a confusion and in a chaos. (Christ is Revealed in His Own Word, August 22, 1965)<br />
|There are three things that we must avoid in the handling of God’s Word.<br />
<br />
:1. The '''Misinterpretation''' of Scripture.<br />
:2. The '''Misapplication''' of Scripture.<br />
:3. The '''Dislocation''' of Scripture.<br />
<br />
(Larkin, C. 1918. Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“) <br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
====The gates to the soul====<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
!What William Branham Said<br />
!What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
|-<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
|-<br />
|See, taste, feel, smell, and hear: the body, that's the open to the body.<br />
The soul is '''imagination, conscience, memory, reason, and affection''', is the senses or the attributes, or like the senses of the soul. (Revelation Chapter 4, January 8, 1961)<br />
|The Gates to the “Soul” are '''“Imagination,” “Conscience,” “Memory,” “Reason” and the “Affections.”''' <br />
(Larkin, C. 1921. Rightly Dividing the Word (88). Clarence Larkin: Philadelphia, PA)<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
====The Token====<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
!What William Branham Said<br />
!What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
|-<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
|-<br />
|Now I want to take a text out of there, just one little five-lettered word: Token. Token! I want to speak on the word, or teach this Sunday school lesson, on the word of a "token." <br />
<br />
'''God must see this Token'''. He must see It in every one of us.<br />
<br />
He don't want to identify himself out there with that group; no, sir, this fanatics with the blood on the door. He don't want that identification. No matter how much priest he was, how much he knowed the Word, how well he had been raised, '''what works he had done''', how much he had give to the poor, how much he had sacrificed!<br />
<br />
It's a '''perfect type of Christ''', just exactly, '''the believer today standing under the shed Blood''', identified with the Sacrifice. <br />
<br />
TOKEN 63-0901M<br />
|'''The blood was a “TOKEN.”''' “When I see the BLOOD, I will pass over you.” Ex. 12:13. It is not a question of “'''personal worthiness''',” nor of “'''good works''',” nor of “morality,” but of the BLOOD. “It is the BLOOD that maketh an atonement for the soul.” Lev. 17:11. The Israelites were not merely in a salvable state, they were SAVED, not partly but completely. If a hair of one of the “First Born” sheltered behind the blood had been touched, it would have proved Jehovah’s word void, and the blood of the lamb valueless. We may have no assurance as to our salvation, but '''have we applied the “Blood of Christ” to our soul''', are we trusting to it, and it alone, for our salvation? If so, '''all that is necessary is, that GOD sees it'''.<br />
Clarence Larkin, Rightly Dividing the Word, 270 (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1921).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
====The trail of the serpent====<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
!What William Branham Said<br />
!What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
|-<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
|-<br />
|''Wait till you hear '''The Trail Of The Serpent'''...'' GOD'S.ONLY.PROVIDED.PLACE.OF.WORSHIP 65-1128M<br />
|Larkin uses the phrase '''"The Trail of the Serpent"''' in one of his diagrams in the his book, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all of William Branham's teachings that were "borrowed" from Clarence Larkin. However, it should be obvious to any one that is not under the thrall of [[Cognitive Dissonance|cognitive dissonance]] that William Branham's major doctrines on the Book of Revelation and other important concepts originated in Clarence Larkin's books, and '''not because an angel revealed it to him.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
==C.L. Franklin==<br />
<br />
C. L. Franklin was an American Baptist minister and civil rights activist. Known as the man with the "Million-Dollar Voice", Franklin served as the pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, from 1946 until he was shot and wounded in 1979. Franklin was the father of the American singer and songwriter Aretha Franklin. <br />
<br />
William Branham stated:<br />
<br />
''Often give '''my little story''' of a little eagle. How the farmer set the hen one time...'' (William Branham, December 6, 1965, Sermon: Modern Events made clear by prophecy) <br />
<br />
But was this really William Branham's "little story", or did he "borrow" it from C.L. Franklin? William Branham first told the story in 1957 but C.L. Franklin told the same story at least 4 years earlier.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" width="95%"<br />
!What William Branham Said<br />
!What C.L. Franklin Said<br />
|-<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
|-<br />
|THE EAGLE IN HER NEST 57-0705<br />
:''So this farmer went; he got a eagle's egg. And he lacked one in having a setting, so he put the eagle's egg under the hen. And when that hatched out, it was the funniest looking little thing to all those little chickens. Why, he couldn't understand what they were chirping about; he spoke in a different language. He didn't know what them chickens was talking about. I hope you know what I mean.<br />
<br />
:''So then, he watched them, and he didn't know what to do. And they all picked on him, 'cause he said he was an odd fellow. He perhaps was. But he was an eagle to begin with. They could stretch their little wings and flop around, and he'd look at them. And they were, all the way they were. Old hen would cluck, and they knowed every one of the clucks, so here come the little chickens all running in. But the eagle didn't understand that cluck. And he wouldn't come in, because he didn't know that kind of clucking. I'm not going to say much, but I hope you know what I'm talking of. He didn't understand it. He talked different. <br />
<br />
:''But you know, one day she happened to be out in the barnyard feeding, and the old mother eagle happened to fly by. And as she flew by her great shadow swept over the top of the barnyard; she looked down, and she seen her own. He knows His own. And she screamed to him, and when she did, the little fellow turned his head and begin to look upward. That's the way he ought to have been looking all the time. And when he looked up, she screamed back, and she said, "Son, you're not a chicken; you're mine."<br />
<br />
:...<br />
<br />
:''The old mother said, "You're not a chicken; you don't belong there. You are mine." And he wondered what he could do; that's what he wanted.<br />
<br />
:...<br />
<br />
:''She said, "Just make the first big jump and flop your wings."<br />
<br />
:''And he made the first jump and flopped his wings; he found out he wasn't earth bound any more, 'cause he set on a barnyard post, right in a center of a Pentecostal organization. His mother said, "Son, you've got to come higher than that, or I can't get you." Said, "Just give another jump, and I'll bear you up on my wings."<br />
<br />
|'''The Eagle Stirreth Her Nest,C.L. Franklin, Chess LP-21, recorded c. 1953'''<br />
:''It is said that there was a man who had a poultry farm. And that he raised chickens for the market. And one day in one of his broods he discovered a strange looking bird that was very much unlike the other chickens on the yard.<br />
<br />
:''...And then one day a man who knew eagles when he saw them, came along and saw that little eagle walking in the yard. And he said to his friend, “Do you know that you have an eagle here?”<br />
<br />
:''The man said, “Well, I didn’t really know it. But I knew he was different from the other chickens. And I knew that his ways were different. And I knew that his habits were different…”<br />
<br />
:''But the man said, “Yes, you have an eagle here on your yard. And what you ought to do is build a cage. After while when he is older he’s going to get tired of the ground… “<br />
<br />
:''And after a while he outgrew that one day and then he had to build another cage. So one day when the eagle had gotten grown...and he began to get restless in the cage. Yes he did. He began to walk around and be uneasy. Why he heard noises in the air. A flock of eagles flew over and he heard their voices. And though he’d never been around eagles, there was something about that voice that he heard that moved down in him, and made him dissatisfied.<br />
<br />
:''...He went there and opened the door. Yes. The eagle walked out, yes, spread his wings…and he flew up a little higher and went to the barnyard. And, yes, he set there for a while. He wiggled up a little higher and flew in yonder’s tree. Yes. And then he wiggled up a little higher and flew to yonder’s mountain.<br />
<br />
:''Yes. Yes! Yes. One of these days, one of these days. My soul is an eagle in the cage that the Lord has made for me. My soul, my soul, my soul is caged in, in this old body, yes it is, and one of these days the man who made the cage will open the door and let my soul go. Yes he will. You ought to be able to see me take the wings of my soul."'' <br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| <br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Image:Cigarette ad for a thinking mans filter.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]<br />
<br />
==Billy Graham==<br />
<br />
*Where did the inspiration for William Branham's sermon, "A Thinking Man's Filter", come from?<br />
*Why is his retelling of Billy Graham's sermon on 2 occasions in 1960, almost identical to the basis for his sermon in 1965?<br />
* Why did William Branham say he picked up a cigarette package when in another place he admits he didnt?<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" width="95%"<br />
!Where William Branham Said The Idea Came From<br />
!Where The Idea Actually Came From<br />
|-<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
|-<br />
|'''A THINKING MAN'S FILTER 65-0822E'''<br />
:''So I turned around and went down by the river. And I thought, "I'll go down here and hide till they get done, so I can get out." And on the road down, I happened to draw... My attention was drawn to look over to my right side. And, as I did, there laid a empty cigarette package where one of them had throwed down, in all the running of the... when the squirrels were going through the bushes.''<br />
<br />
:''And I picked up this certain cigarette pack, and was look... I never picked it up; I beg your pardon. I looked down at it. I didn't pick it up, 'cause I don't like the smell of the things, to begin with. And I looked down there, and it's a--a certain tobacco company that I guess I shouldn't call their name, but you'll know. It said on there, "A thinking man's filter and a smoking man's taste."''<br />
<br />
:''I looked at that thing, and I thought, "A thinking man's filter?" I thought, "If the man could think at all, he wouldn't smoke at all. How could it be 'a thinking man's filter'? A thinking man wouldn't smoke at all." All right.'' <br />
<br />
'''Notice how the story changes the next time he tells it.''' In the second telling, he does pick up the package and, rather than just happening to notice it on the ground, it is now the Holy Spirit that '''tells''' him to pick it up.<br />
<br />
'''LEADERSHIP 65-1207'''<br />
:''Reminds me of a sermon I preached here not long ago, A Thinking Man's Filter. You might have had it. I was going, walking through the woods, I was squirrel hunting (this fall) and I looked down. And, of course, I can't call the cigarette company. You know it. And there laid a--a cigarette pack laying there. And I just passed by it, looking for... in the woods. And I seen that package laying there, and I looked back again, it said, "A thinking man's filter, a smoking man's taste." I just started walking on through the woods.<br />
<br />
:''And Holy Spirit said, "Turn and pick that up."<br />
<br />
:''I reached down and picked it up, "A thinking man's filter, a smoking man's taste." I thought "American firm here, selling death under disguisement, to their own American citizens." A thinking man's filter? You... And a smoking man's taste?'' <br />
<br />
|It is interesting that William Branham talks about this twice in one week in December 1960, so it obviously impacted him.<br />
<br />
'''THE PATMOS VISION 60-1204E'''<br />
:''How many heard Billy Graham today? It was a wonderful sermon he preached on, how that a people could believe a lie and just keep on in that lie and--and even justify themself and think that they were doing what was right. The American public taking, he said, and--and saying, "A wise man's filter, and the smoking man's cigarette," taking a one of the devil's lies, and instead of making him a fool, whatever he is, to smoke such a thing and try to make him a wise man. He's a fool to even smoke it, when the--when it's full of death and cancer and everything else, and still he puts it down his lungs. He's a fool, not a--not a wise man's filter; there is no such a thing. A wise man don't use the stuff.''<br />
<br />
:''"There's no life unless it's in Oertel's 92," or something like that. There's no Life outside of Christ; that's the real true Life. What makes men and women drink that stuff? Because they're trying to satisfy that thirst in there that God put in there to thirst after Him, and they're trying to satisfy it with the things of the world. And that's the reason we have those things. That's the reason people act like that, because they're trying to quench that thirst that's in them for God, and the devil's giving them death instead of Life. '' <br />
<br />
'''THE LAODICEAN CHURCH AGE 60-1211E'''<br />
:''The doctors condemn it and says it's full of cancer. Then they get on the radio and say, "A thinking man's filter."<br />
<br />
:''As Billy Graham said, "He's a fool to think that way in the beginning." So...''<br />
<br />
:''"Thinking man's filter," a thinking man wouldn't smoke it at all. That's right. It take the second thought. But he tells the women it makes them real skinny, you know, so that you can wear some of these new kind of dresses they got. Boy, that sells it. More women smoke cigarettes than there is men now, and a woman will smoke three to one cigarettes to a man. That's exactly right, 'cause she wants to get thin. She don't realize that's TB and cancer and stuff making her that way, just in a baby form, coming into her, eating her up like that, killing her. Not a thing can come out of it but evil. That's right. See? But that--it--it's a thinking man's filter." Oh, my.'' <br />
|}<br />
<br />
William Branham made it clear in one story that he didn't pick up the cigarette package. Then in the next he says that the Holy Spirit told him to pick it up. Why did the story change? Is William Branham being truthful with the origins of his doctrines and stories, or is he doing exactly what is spoken about in Jeremiah 23:30?<br />
<br />
==Ellen G. White==<br />
<br />
Ellen White, the "prophet" and founder of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, stated that:<br />
<br />
:''“Eggs should not be placed upon your table.”<ref>Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 400</ref><br />
<br />
This appears to be another case of William Branham plagiarizing something from another source when he stated:<br />
<br />
:''Do you remember years ago when I first, when we had the little bitty structure here, and I was prophesying, and said, "It shall come to pass in the last days, don't live in a valley and '''don't eat eggs'''."''<ref>Sermon: There is Only One Way Provided By God For Anything, July 31, 1963, Chicago, IL</ref><br />
<br />
Details of this plagiarized "prophecy" can be found in our article entitled "[[Don't Eat Eggs]]".<br />
<br />
===Ellen White was also a plagiarist?===<br />
<br />
The four techniques essential to the whitelie brand of super salesmanship are: (a) to play up anything unusual or mysterious about the one to be venerated, so that he or she becomes seen as at a supernatural level; (h) to exalt the acts and utterances to the virtuous and miraculous level, thus reinforcing the idea of the supernatural connection; (c) to deny access to information and records of the events and facts of the past; and (d) to buy time so as to get as far as possible from the point of living knowledge of the beginnings of the legend.<br />
<br />
According to Walter Rea, all four of these methods have been used by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and are still being used, in the matter of Ellen White and what has been published under her name.<br />
<br />
He also stated:<br />
<br />
:''In the matter of Ellen White's super salesmanship (in relation to both the church and the public), it is becoming evident that she too wanted to encourage, if not demand, that others accept her value structure and lifestyle. In order to obtain this end, she came to believe and to teach others that what she said and wrote was necessary to do, because God wanted it that way. Others around her who shared those views (and indeed even gave her some of them) were willing to let the faithful believe that what she said and wrote were directly the ideas and ways given her by God. This stance gave her every utterance the authority it needed in order to be believed-despite mounting evidence (and the witness of some others) to the contrary. Those who lived by faith, and likewise by evidence to support that faith, began to discover that the white lie was inconsistent with the evidence. And when they made known that discover for their honest pains they were expelled and discredited by character assassination.<br />
<br />
:''...One reason is now clear why much of the information in the 1884 edition of The Great Controversy could not have been included in the earlier works of Ellen on the same subject (Spiritual Gifts, published 185864). James had not yet gotten around to copying it from J. N Andrews; so it was not available to Ellen at the time. The 1888 and 1911 editions of The Great Controversy went back to James White's compilation of doctrines and events and picked up even more of his findings and ideas. But never once was it suggested that the heart of Adventist doctrine-such as the three angels' worldwide message that the church had applied exclusively to the Adventists, the shut door that left everyone else out in the cold, the 2300 days, the seventy weeks, the sanctuary doctrine, the United States in prophecy, the "mark of the beast," the image to that beast-had all come out earlier in James White's Life Incidents.<br />
<br />
:''So striking was the copying done under the name of Ellen-and so sensitive is the information that the heart of Adventist theology and eschatology came, not from the visions of or revelations to Ellen, but from the pen of James sixteen years before Ellen wrote them out- that time should be spent examining the evidence in Life Incidents.<br />
<br />
:''Here it should be recalled that the four small volumes of Ellen's Spiritual Gifts (185864) were amplified to the four volumes of Ellen's The Spirit of Prophecy (187084) and then expanded to Ellen's The Great Controversy (1888 ea.) of the fivevolume Conflict of the Ages Series. Inasmuch as the earlier eight volumes are now again available in facsimile editions, anyone can examine all the books and note the progressive copy work through the years. Meanwhile, during those same years, the legend grew and grew and was "sold" and accepted that God had given Ellen exclusive and firsthand knowledge of his plans for the future events of the church and the world.<br />
<br />
:''Comparison shows that words, sentences, quotations, thoughts, ideas, structures, paragraphs, and even total pages were taken from James White's book to Ellen's book under a new title-with no blush of shame, no mention of her husband, no thanks to Uriah Smith and J. N. Andrews, for the hard work and theological insights of anyone.<br />
<br />
:''Unfortunately for James, he did not have the personal advantage of angels checking in and out on schedule with the firsthand information Ellen purported to have. Without any intermediary, he had to get his material from human sources. But he was equal to the task. Much of his material in Life Incidents was taken primarily from J. N. Andrews, whose book published in 1860, interestingly enough, was entitled The Three Messages of Revelation XIV, 612, and particularly The Third Angel's Message and The Two Horned Beast. James, unlike his wife Ellen, did not even bother to paraphrase-he just took the material from Andrews wholesale into his work.<br />
<br />
:''Nothing has been released from the White Estate as to how Andrews or Uriah Smith felt about all this "taking" in the name of God. Perhaps the fact that they were brothers-in-law, both assisting in the editorial work of the Review, both personal friends of the Whites-and thus able to sit around the same table to finalize their views-might have softened the pain of Ellen's copy work. One might be tempted to think that Ellen set the pattern and James may not have given much thought to doing the same thing. Of course, there was in fact no excuse for anyone not to give thought-especially in view of the statement published in an 1864 issue of the Review under the heading "Plagiarism": This is a word that is used to signify "literary theft," or taking the productions or another and passing them off as one s own.... We are perfectly willing that pieces from the Review, or any of our books should be published to any extent, and all we ask is, that simple justice be done us, by due credit being given. <br />
<br />
:''Examination reveals that the 1860 book of J. N. Andrews was an exact replay of his own 185155 articles in the Review. Thus James and Ellen had available for their perusal and use after 1855 the content and form of Andrew's work for incorporation in their own work: Spiritual Gifts (185864); Life Incidents (1868); The Spirit of Prophecy (187084); Sketches of. . . William Miller (1875); The Great Controversy (1888).<br />
<br />
:''This information may or may not disturb those who now say that the group of pioneers sat around the table and worked out in conjunction with Ellen their ideas and theology. But it does indeed disturb those who were taught that such ideas and theology originated with greater authority and mystique than the common ideas of human endeavor seem to command.<ref>Ellen G. White, Prophet? or Plagiarist!, The White Lie! By Walter T. Rea</ref><br />
<br />
==William Sowders==<br />
<br />
For details on the similarities with [[William Sowders]], please go to [[William Sowders|the article on how William Branham appears to have copied doctrinal teachings from Sowders]].<br />
<br />
==Questions and Answers on Plagiarism==<br />
<br />
We have received several emails on the subject of William Branham's plagiarism. Our responses to these questions can be found in our article entitled [[Q&A:Plagiarism]].<br />
<br />
=Defenses against the charge of plagiarism=<br />
<br />
We have had message believers state that there are several reasons why William Branham was not guilty of plagiarism. However, these claims do not hold up to any kind of scrutiny and simply appear to be symptomatic of [[Cognitive Dissonance]].<br />
<br />
==Derivative work==<br />
<br />
It is argued by some message believers that William Branham did not plagiarize clarence Larkin's works but rather created a derivative work. The argument was presented as follows:<br />
<br />
:''...a derivative work is a work based upon one or more pre-existing works. Briefly, any other form in which an original work may be recast, transformed, or adapted can be considered a derivative work. A work consisting of editorial revisions, annotations, elaborations, or other modifications that, when taken as a whole, represent an original work of authorship, is also a "derivative work" (Source: Title 17 U.S.C. Section 101). In other words, using an existing idea to create or transform it into another idea. To put it bluntly, it means you can copy someone’s idea for the purpose of presenting a new idea. So basically, what William Branham did was a typical derivative work from Clarence Larkin.<br />
<br />
It is correct that U.S. copyright law protects the right to "make a derivative work," such as a movie from a book. But a derivative work does not include a direct copying of Larkin's work verbatim and including it in the Church Age book. <br />
<br />
We suggest that anyone concerned with this issue should review Larkin's work on the church ages and then read the first few chapters of Branham's church age book. Several pages of Larkin's work are copied almost verbatim.<br />
<br />
William Branham's plagiarism of Larkin's work is morally, ethically and biblically wrong.<br />
<br />
==Public domain==<br />
<br />
The argument that William Branham did not plagiarize Larkin's works is as follows (taken from an argument presented by [[The Message|a follower of William Branham]]:<br />
<br />
:''According to U.S. copyright laws, any works published before 1923 are already entered into public domain. It means it is given to the public. Anyone can freely use of the materials without asking permission or paying anything. Both of Larkin's 2 books being published before 1923, has already entered in public domain. By this alone, it is a proof that there is no plagiarism because the material was never stolen. There is no such thing as stealing in public domain materials.<br />
<br />
The problem with this argument is that it doesn't look at what the situation was during William Branham's lifetime. Larkin's ''The Book of Revelation'' was published in 1919 and passed into the public domain in 1975, 10 years after William Branham died.<br />
<br />
So William Branham was in clear violation of U.S. copyright law when he published the Church Age book in 1965.<br />
<br />
==Larkin was mentioned by Branham==<br />
<br />
William Branham only mentioned Clarence Larkin 3 times in the recorded sermons. He is never mentioned in the Church Age Book.<br />
<br />
:''I've been reading '''Dr. Larkin's book''', Dr. Smith's book, Dr. Scofield's notes, different commentaries from men everywhere, and yet I '''cannot put theirs together to make it come out right'''.<ref>GABRIEL'S.INSTRUCTIONS.TO.DANIEL JEFF.IN 61-0730M</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''And so, no doubt that down through the age there has been hundreds times hundreds of people, scholars, abled men, trying to explain what these seventy of weeks were. And I've read many of their commentaries on it. And I'm very grateful to Mr. Smith of the Adventist church for his views. '''I'm very grateful to Dr. Larkin of his views.''' I'm grateful to all these great scholars for their views on this. And in reading them, it enlightens me much that '''I can find places that looks right. But''' to get the views that I--I thought that I would like to explain, I searched through the encyclopedia of time to find out what time meant.<ref>THE.SEVENTIETH.WEEK.OF.DANIEL_ JEFF.IN 61-0806</ref><br />
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:'' I had my own idea, as every minister does, of reading maybe what other man had said; and believing as much as I possible, with them, on the things that they had drawed up, their conclusion. I had read the book of Mr. Smith, Uriah Smith, which is the Adventist teacher, and I had read his--his thoughts on it. And '''I had read Mr. Larkin.''' I had read, oh, so many different ones, of their commentaries on This. But, somehow or other'n, I thought I had a--a little view of it, myself, that might be of places different. But trying one time, just speaking three subjects, the first... or the four subjects of the four horse riders. I preached on it four nights, one on one horse, and the other. B'''ut then just before it happened, I was given a vision'''...<ref>THE.FEAST.OF.THE.TRUMPETS JEFF.IN 64-0719M</ref><br />
<br />
So while William Branham mentions Larkin, he never mentions him in the context of the sermons that he preached that were based on Larkin's materials. Larkin is never mentioned in the church age series or the seven seals series. Larkin is also not mentioned in the Church Age book.<br />
<br />
That is what plagiarism is all about. Taking someone's work and not giving them due credit. He said he didn't really agree with Larkin when he actually stole a lot of his ideas. That is just wrong morally, ethically and biblically.<br />
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[[Category:Honesty and Credibility]]<br />
[[Category:Doctrines]]<br />
[[Category:The Seven Church Ages]]<br />
[[Category:Plagiarism]]<br />
[[Category:The Message]]<br />
[[Category:Eschatology]]<br />
[[Category:The Seven Seals]]</div>
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Plagiarism
2024-03-04T16:33:33Z
<p>Admin: /* What is Plagiarism? */</p>
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=Where did William Branham say he got his sermons?=<br />
<br />
William Branham consistently said that his sermons were supernaturally inspired:<br />
<br />
:''Now, then, when we got finished with the book of the revelation of the church, '''what God did to those seven churches''', which were then in their infancy, or their shadow, in Asia Minor. Then '''the Holy Spirit revealed and opened to us all the mysteries in There''', of how He has brought His Church through history. And if you don’t have The Seven Church Ages on tape, it would be good if you listened to them. And soon they’ll be in book form.<ref>William Branham, 64-0719M - The Feast Of The Trumpets, para. 38</ref><br />
<br />
:''Do you take the day to think up these things you’re going to say at night? It’d sure take quite a day, wouldn’t it? No, Christian, my brother, '''I never take one thought of what I’m going to say in the pulpit.''' I’ll read a Scripture somewhere. And I—I’ve made announcements many times that I would go to the pulpit, I was going to preach on a certain subject, get there, the Holy Ghost turn me right back around, make me do something else. I’ve tried it two or three times to write out notes and preach on notes. Long as I’m looking at them notes, I got my mind off of God. So I just have to go ahead and crumble them up and throw them down and just whatever He says. Sometimes I start in Genesis and wind up in Revelation, I…So I’m not very much of a—of a minister just to—to…'''I have to get my messages from Above.''' <ref>William Abraham, 54-0515 - Questions And Answers, Question 24b</ref><br />
<br />
:''Now, way '''I always find my Messages is by prayer'''. I’ll be sitting in prayer and '''something reveals to me'''. And I wait on it a few minutes and see if it’s right, then I feel it closer. And '''then sometimes I keep waiting till it breaks into a vision'''. But when it begins to come, and '''I’m satisfied it comes from God, then I go to the Scripture'''. See, That is, ought to be the confirmation of every spiritual thing that’s done, because the Bible is the complete revelation of Jesus Christ; see, It is His Body. <br />
<br />
:''And now, in that, maybe I find a place in the Scripture that doesn’t sound just right, and I’ll wonder. I go back again to prayer. It comes again. Then I—then I begin to—to examine my Scripture. <br />
<br />
:''...Then, you see, from that inspiration…. This pulpit this morning, I say, not one time has it ever been nothing but straight, the Scripture. That’s how Serpent’s Seed and all these other things come. <ref>William Branham, 64-0802 - The Future Home Of The Heavenly Bridegroom And The Earthly Bride, para. 54-57</ref><br />
<br />
=What is Plagiarism?=<br />
<br />
'''Plagiarism''' is the act of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own. It is all about not telling people where you got your ideas from, particularly if you copy someone word for word. It is not necessarily about copyright violation although that could be part of it.<br />
<br />
Some Message followers try to argue that William Branham was not plagiarizing because he also used some of his own ideas. However, according to the "Harvard Guide to Using Sources," even if you "write down your own ideas in your own words and place them around text that you've drawn directly from an uncited source, you are guilty of verbatim plagiarism. If you copy bits and pieces from a source (or several sources), changing a few words here and there without either adequately paraphrasing or quoting directly, the result is mosaic plagiarism.<ref>https://usingsources.fas.harvard.edu/what-constitutes-plagiarism-0</ref> <br />
<br />
William Branham told his audience in his sermon on the Seventy Weeks of Daniel (see below) that he “didn’t know it yet” (but was going to preach on it that morning), that he’d studied Larkin’s writings BUT DIDN’T AGREE WITH THEM and that what they were going to hear was going to come from a revelation that William Branham was trusting GOD to give him. This is how William Branham lifted himself up to become the “messenger of God” of our age.<br />
<br />
And this is why we feel it so important to compare what Larkin and others wrote side by side with what William Branham said. If Branham had preached on these subjects saying, “''I’ve been reading these books, and I agree with what Clarence Larkin has written''”, we would have no argument with him. '''But he didn’t.''' <br />
<br />
William Branham took direct quotes from Clarence Larkin (and others) and used them to deceive his audiences into thinking that he had a special rapport with God, and that God was using him to reveal things that no one had seen before. In fact, he told his followers that although he HAD read Larkin’s books (among others), “they didn’t come out right”, thus saying that he wasn’t going to preach what Larkin had written. He lied to his listeners, and that’s just not right.<br />
<br />
William Branham's plagiarism was first brought to our attention by [[Research Sources for William Branham and His Message#Websites|Nathan Rivera in his ebook entitled "A Logical Refutation of Branham's Message" which is available for free download]].<br />
<br />
What does God think about plagiarism?<br />
<br />
==Plagiarism is a Biblical '''Sin'''==<br />
<br />
William Branham said he received his inspiration regarding the seven church ages and seven seals from God and not from other men:<br />
<br />
:''Now, then, when we got finished with the book of the revelation of the church, what God did to those seven churches, which were then in their infancy, or their shadow, in Asia Minor. '''Then the Holy Spirit revealed and opened to us all the mysteries in There, of how He has brought His Church through history.''' And if you don’t have The Seven Church Ages on tape, it would be good if you listened to them. And soon they’ll be in book form.<ref>William Branham, 64-0719M - The Feast Of The Trumpets, para. 38</ref><br />
<br />
:''Now I want to make this real clear. Every time, every time that these Seals has come to the place; everything that I ever believed on Them, <u>and has read of other people</u>, has been contrary to '''what come to me in the room'''.<ref>William Branham, 63-0324E - The Seventh Seal, para. 29</ref>''<br />
<br />
But as you will see below, he received most of it from the books of Clarence Larkin, Charles Taze Russell, and others.<br />
<br />
The Bible records what the Lord thinks of prophets who plagiarize from each other, and say it is a word from the Lord. <br />
<br />
'''Jeremiah 23:30'''<br />
:KJV: ''Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.'' <br />
:NET: ''So I, the LORD, affirm that I am opposed to those prophets who steal messages from one another that they claim are from me.'' <br />
:GNT: ''I am against those prophets who take each other’s words and proclaim them as my message.'' <br />
:NLT: ''“Therefore,” says the LORD, “I am against these prophets who steal messages from each other and claim they are from me.'' <br />
:NIV: ''“Therefore,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me.'' <br />
{| style="width:200px; border:1px solid #E8B399;background-color:#F0DCC8;vertical-align:top; float:right; text-align:center; padding: 0.3em;margin-left:15px"<br />
|'''[[Q&A:Plagiarism]]'''<br>Paul quotes secular poets in the Bible. Is this plagiarism?<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
It is clear that God is against plagiarism when a person says they received their inspiration from God, when in fact they received it from another person.<br />
<br />
==Plagiarism is ethically wrong==<br />
<br />
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary provides the following meaning to "plagiarize": <br />
<br />
:pla•gia•rize \ˈplā-jə-ˌrīz also -jē-ə-\ ''verb''<br />
::-rized; -riz•ing [plagiary] <br />
::*''verb transitive'' 1716: to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own: use (another’s production) without crediting the source <br />
::*''verb intransitive'': to commit literary theft: present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source—pla•gia•riz•er ::''noun''<ref>Inc Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. (Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2003).</ref><br />
<br />
Plagiarism is a sin against truth, not property. It’s first and foremost a kind of lying, not a kind of stealing. William Branham violated our trust by speaking in a voice that was not his own, which is why he lost intellectual and moral authority broadly.<ref>Reno, R.R., The Public Square, First Things, Institute on Religion and Public Life, New York, NY, no. 234 (2013): 6.</ref><br />
<br />
If William Branham has simply said "I read this information in Clarence Larkin's book", then he would not have been guilty of plagiarism. But he didn't. Instead he said that he received it by divine revelation. He said that God gave it to him, which was a lie. He got the information directly from Clarence Larkin and others. Below are '''specific examples of plagiarism in William Branham's ministry'''. We have also addressed a few questions about plagiarism in the Bible which can be found by [[Q&A:Plagiarism|clicking here]].<br />
<br />
=Examples of William Branham's plagiarism=<br />
<br />
Compare the words of William Branham to the following people:<br />
<br />
==Clarence Larkin==<br />
[[Image:Clarence.jpg|thumb|right|Clarence Larkin]]<br />
[[Clarence Larkin]] (1850-1924) was American Baptist pastor, Bible teacher and author whose writings on Dispensationalism had a great impact on modern dispensational thinking. While William Branham only mentions Clarence Larkin three times in all his recorded sermons, he drew heavily from him but never gave Larkin the credit for these teachings.<br />
<br />
Message preachers point out that William Branham did mention Larkin but the '''first time he mentioned Larkin was over 7 months after preaching the seven church age series''' which were almost totally plagiarized from Larkin. The second time was a few days later. And the third mention of Larkin was well over one year after preaching the seven seals series which again were consistently plagiarized from Larkin and Russell. In each case, he states that he does not agree with Larkin. Here are the ONLY three references to Larkin that William Branham makes in all of his sermons:<br />
<br />
:''I've been reading '''Dr. Larkin's''' book, Dr. Smith's book, Dr. Scofield's notes, different commentaries from men everywhere, and '''yet I cannot put theirs together to make it come out right'''.'' (July 30, 1961, Sermon: Gabriel's Instructions to Daniel) <br />
<br />
:''And so, no doubt that down through the age, there has been hundreds times hundreds of people, scholars, abled men, trying to explain what these seventy of weeks were. And I’ve read many of their commentaries on it. And I’m very grateful to Mr. Smith, of the Adventist church, for his views. I’m very grateful to '''Dr. Larkin''', of his views. I’m grateful to all these great scholars, for their views on this. And in reading them, it enlightens me much, that '''I can find places that looks right'''. But to get the views that I—I thought that I would like to explain, I searched through the encyclopedia, of “time,” to find out what “time” meant. (61-0806 - The Seventieth Week Of Daniel, para. 51)<br />
<br />
:''And I had read '''Mr. Larkin'''. I had read, oh, so many different ones, of their commentaries on This. But, somehow or other'n, I thought I had a--a little view of it, myself, that '''might be of places different'''. ...But then just before it happened, I was given a vision, which is on tape, as you all know, Sirs, What Time Is It? that I should go to Tucson, Arizona. ...There where the Angel of the Lord met us, and the Bible become a new Bible. There It opened up and revealed all the things that the reformers and things had left out. It was the complete revelation of Jesus Christ, '''altogether new to us''', but perfectly exactly with the Scripture. That was the Word which has always been. I was so inspired and directed.'' (July 19, 1964, The Feast of the Trumpets) <br />
<br />
In these above quotes, William Branham says that he doesn't agree with Clarence Larkin or other commentaries. This gives the impression that the doctrine he preached was his own original ideas or lessons he received directly from the Angel (and not from anywhere else). '''But did he?''' Let's take a close look and compare what William Branham says to Clarence Larkin's books.<br />
<br />
===Plagiarism in the Patmos Vision===<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
!What William Branham Said<br />
!What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
|-<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
|-<br />
|You believe He's a Judge? Let's read Saint '''John 5:22''', right quick, we'll see whether He's a Judge or not. Saint John 5:22: For the Father judges no man, but has committed '''all judgment unto the Son''':<br />
<br />
Now, we're going to read the '''sevenfold glory of His Person'''...<br />
<br />
His head and His hair was white like wool. Now, '''it does not mean that He was aged that did this'''. That wasn't the reason of it. '''He wasn't aged to do this.''' He was... It was because of His '''experience''' and qualification and His '''wisdom'''. Because He's eternal, and '''eternal cannot age'''. <br />
<br />
All right, now '''Daniel 7:9'''... "White hair..." All... Anybody knows that's the old judges in ancient days, like '''English judges''' used to wear a '''snow white wig'''. How many remembers that? Old ancient judges wore a white wig because they was... And here He is, showing again that John's over in the Lord's day; he saw Him as the Judge (Amen.), not as Priest, not as King, not as Prophet, but as Judge. The Father, Saint John 5: 22, committed all judgment to Him. And He's Judge now, come to judge the nations. Oh, for that day when you see Him like that. His hair was as white as snow; Daniel saw Him coming to the '''Ancient of days'''. Watch Him blend these two together. All right.<br />
THE PATMOS VISION 60-1204E<br />
<br />
|'''SEVENFOLD GLORY OF HIS PERSON'''<br />
1. HIS “HEAD AND HIS HAIR.<br />
His “Head” and “Hair” were “WHITE LIKE WOOL,” as “WHITE AS SNOW.” Here there is a correspondence to the “Snow White Wig” worn by '''English judges'''. This description of Christ reminds us of Daniel’s vision of the “ANCIENT OF DAYS,” “whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the PURE WOOL.” '''Dan. 7:9'''. Daniel refers three times to the “Ancient Of Days.” In '''Chap. 7:13''', he distinguishes between the “Son of Man” and the “Ancient of Days,” but in verses 9 and 22 he associates the “Ancient of Days,” with a “Throne of Judgment,” and as God the Father has committed '''all judgment to the Son''' ('''John 5:22'''), and the Father and the Son are one, the title “Ancient Of Days” is used interchangeably. <br />
<br />
And as the title “Ancient of Days” is applied to the “Son of Man” (Christ) at the time He assumes the Judgeship ('''Dan. 7:9–10''')...<br />
<br />
The “White Hair” of the Son of Man refers to His ANTIQUITY, to His patriarchal dignity, '''not that His hair was made white by age''', for the '''Eternal never grows old''', but it bespeaks wisdom and experience, and the venerableness of His character.<br />
(Larkin, C. 1919. The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (11–12). Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate: Philadelphia, PA)<br />
|-<br />
|His hair, and His eyes once dimmed with human tears, yet I want you to notice something about those eyes. When He was on earth, yet they were '''dimmed with tears''' like a man, for He '''cried at the grave of Lazarus'''... But yet behind that humanity, He had something behind that could '''look right down into the heart of a man''' and know all about him. <br />
THE PATMOS VISION 60-1204E<br />
<br />
|2. HIS EYES.<br />
“His Eyes were a FLAME OF FIRE.” Those eyes that had often been dimmed with human tears, and that '''wept at the grave of Lazarus''', are here pictured as burning with an “OMNISCIENT FLAME.” How often when on the earth '''those eyes read the innermost thoughts of men''', and even soldiers quailed before His soul penetrating gaze, so when He sits as the Judge of men all things will be NAKED and OPEN before Him.<br />
(Larkin, C. 1919. The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (11–12). Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate: Philadelphia, PA)<br />
|-<br />
|Brass also represents Divine judgment at the altar where the sacrifice was killed, brazen altar. Killed... The very foundations was brass, the judgment. He '''tread the winepress of the fierceness of God''' and took our judgment upon Him.<br />
Turn to '''Revelations 19:15''', just a minute; let's see what He did.<br />
<br />
Someday those brass feet of justice (Glory.), when He comes as Judge, He'll '''tread the antichrist, and all of His enemies'''.<br />
THE PATMOS VISION 60-1204E<br />
|3. HIS FEET.<br />
“His Feet like unto fine BRASS, as if they BURNED IN A FURNACE.” In that day those feet that trod the Via Dolorosa of suffering will be like unto INCANDESCENT BRASS, that shall '''tread and crush Antichrist and Satan''' when He comes to '''“Tread the WINE-PRESS of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” Rev. 19:15.'''<br />
(Larkin, C. 1919. The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (11–12). Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate: Philadelphia, PA)<br />
|-<br />
|The voice of many waters coming forth from this One that looked like the '''Son of man''', many waters. ...the '''great falls''' just below you, the '''great cataracts''' that'll take you to your eternal doom.<br />
<br />
Oh, what will that be on that day when that voice '''thunders''' out of many waters, many church ages forming out? ...Now, you drifting soul, you poor drifter that's drifting over that great '''cataract''' yonder, be careful. It'll be a horrible thing when you know that there's no saving for you then. You can't get saved then; you know your doom lays right before you. When you know within a few minutes you'll hear that voice speak out, '''"Depart from Me, you workers of iniquity, into everlasting fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels."''' You'll know when you hear that '''great falls a-roaring''' of those voices of those meetings, while you're passing out of this. Oh, what a horrible thing, what a nightmare.<br />
<br />
What is any sweeter to a man that's anchored, laying back under the evergreen tree, to hear '''the rippling brook'''? <br />
THE PATMOS VISION 60-1204E<br />
<br />
|4. HIS VOICE.<br />
“His Voice as the SOUND OF MANY WATERS.” There is nothing more melodious or musical than '''the babbling brook''', or more '''thunderous than the rush of the cataract''' over '''the falls''', and there is nothing more fearful to the criminal than the words of the Judge as he passes sentence; but how terrifying will be the sentence when with a strong voice the '''Son of Man''' shall say in the Judgment Day, '''“Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels.”''' Matt. 25:41.<br />
(Larkin, C. 1919. The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (11–12). Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate: Philadelphia, PA)<br />
<br />
|-<br />
|The seven stars are seven angels... (or '''seven messengers, seven ministers''')... of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks that thou sawest are the seven churches.<br />
<br />
And, remember, the seven stars was in His right hand. Just think, '''they were drawing their current, their Light from Him'''. They were completely under His control in His right hand. Oh. Every true servant of God is the same way. Held in... '''Who can harm them?''' Who can harm them? <br />
THE PATMOS VISION 60-1204E<br />
|5. HIS HAND. “In His Right Hand SEVEN STARS.”<br />
We are told in verse 20, that '''the “Seven Stars” stand for the “ANGELS” of the “Seven Churches.”''' These “Angels” are not angelic beings but the '''Messengers or Ministers of the churches'''. What a beautiful and solemn lesson is taught here. It is that the ministers of Christ '''derive their power and office from Him''', and that He holds them in His hand. If they are false to Him, no one can deliver them from His power, and if they are true and loyal, n'''o one can touch or molest, or do them harm'''.<br />
(Larkin, C. 1919. The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (11–12). Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate: Philadelphia, PA)<br />
<br />
|-<br />
|Now, do you know what the sharp two-edged sword of the Bible is? Let's just catch it so you'll know. Take '''Hebrews 4:2'''...<br />
<br />
Say, '''I just happened to think of something else''' of there. I don't know whether I wrote a Script... Get Revelations 19, just a minute. Let's get this again; I think that's right. I'm maybe... '''Revelations 19 about 11'''...<br />
<br />
The '''white horse rider''' of Revelations. Notice the sword. "Out of His mouth goes a sharp two-edged sword," the Word. And finally, by His Word, when It's made manifest to all the sons of God, He'll tramp every nation down with His Word, by this sharp sword. Look here what happened, as we get it.<br />
And... his right hand... and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenances was like the sun shining in its strength.<br />
"A sharp two-edged sword." What was going from the mouth of this Person? The Word of God. It's a sharp two-edged sword. <br />
<br />
THE PATMOS VISION 60-1204E<br />
|6. HIS MOUTH.<br />
“Out of His Mouth went a SHARP TWO-EDGED SWORD.” While the “Sword of the Spirit” is the '''“Word of God”''' (Eph. 6:17), and the “Word of God” is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any TWO-EDGED SWORD, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow (the body), ('''Heb. 4:12'''), that is not the sword meant here.<br />
<br />
The “Sword of the Spirit” is the Holy Spirit’s SWORD, and He alone wields it. The sword meant here is the Sword of the Son of Man (Christ), and it is the “SWORD OF JUSTICE,” for the Son of Man, out of whose mouth this sword comes, is the '''“White Horse Rider”''' of '''Rev. 19:11–15''', “out of whose mouth goeth a SHARP SWORD, that with it He should smite the nations.” And that sword, like the “Sword of the Spirit” will be TWO-EDGED also, for the protection of His people, and the destruction of His enemies. This is still further proof that John’s vision of Christ was as He shall appear in the “DAY OF THE LORD.”<br />
(Larkin, C. 1919. The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (11–12). Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate: Philadelphia, PA)<br />
<br />
|-<br />
|...and his countenances was like the sun shining in its strength. If you turn to, let's see, '''Matthew 17'''. Let's just get it right here while we're at it; so we're just passing it through, and many of those people that are taking it, let's--or writing it down, we'll just let them read it so that we'll know. Matthew 17, all right.<br />
<br />
...And was '''transfigured''' before them: and "'''His face did shine as the sun''', and his raiment was white as the light.<br />
He was transformed. What did He do? Passed Hisself into transformation, over into His coming day.<br />
<br />
All right. "Sun shining in its strength," His countenances, transformed, transfigured. Now, another thing, in '''Revelations 21:23''', if you want to put it down, in the '''New Jerusalem''' ('''21:23'''), He is '''the Lamb that's in the city that's the Light thereof''' shining; for they '''needed no light''' in the city; the sun shall not rise in it, because the Lamb which is in the midst of the city shall be the Light thereof. And the nations that's saved shall walk in the Light of the Lamb. <br />
<br />
...the Sun of righteousness. Let's go to Malachi, Malachi, the last prophet of the Old Testament, '''Malachi the 4th chapter'''.<br />
<br />
THE PATMOS VISION 60-1204E<br />
|7. HIS COUNTENANCE.<br />
“His Countenance was as the SUN SHINETH IN HIS STRENGTH.” This recalls to our memory His appearance on the Mount of '''Transfiguration''' when “'''His Face did shine AS THE SUN''',” '''Matt. 17:2'''. And we read of the '''New Jerusalem''' that the inhabitants thereof have '''no need of the SUN, for the LAMB is the Light thereof'''. '''Rev. 21:23'''. And when we recall that the Prophet Malachi tells us that when Jesus comes back He will be the '''SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (Malachi 4:2)''', we see that John’s vision of the Son of Man was as He shall appear at the Second Stage of His Return, the “Revelation.” Thus we have in John’s “Seven-Fold” description of the person of the “Glorified Son of Man” circumstantial or indirect evidence that John saw his vision of the Son of Man, not on a Sabbath Day (or the “Lord’s Day” as we now call it), but was projected by the Holy Spirit forward into the “Day of the Lord” and saw Him as He will appear then as the Judge, and the coming “SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.”<ref>(Larkin, C. 1919. The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (11–12). Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate: Philadelphia, PA)</ref><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Plagiarism in the Church Ages===<br />
<br />
::'''Main article: [[The Seven Churches Ages]]'''<br />
<br />
NOTE: William Branham's book "An Exposition of the Seven Church Ages" (which is commonly referred to as the "Church Age Book" or the CAB) contains all of the plagiarism noted in his sermon series on the Seven Church Ages which were delivered in December, 1960. Most of the references in this article relating to the church ages are primarily to the actual sermons and not to the CAB. While the CAB contains all of the plagiarized text referred to here, some have said that the plagiarism in the CAB was the direct result of the involvement of Lee Vayle and, therefore, cannot be attributed to William Branham himself. The quotes contained below, however, clearly show that William Branham was the one that plagiarized Clarence Larkin's works.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
!style="width: 50%| What William Branham Said<br />
!style="width: 50%| What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
|-<br />
|Now, the first church age started about A.D. 53, when Paul established the church in--in Ephesus... and the church age lapped over to 170.<br />
THE EPHESIAN CHURCH AGE 60-1205<br />
|The character of the Church at Ephesus is a fair outline of the Church Period from A. D. 70 to A. D. 170.<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“, 128 (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918).</ref><br />
|-<br />
|...the very name "Ephesus" means "let go, relax, backslidden," called by God, "The backslidden church."<br />
THE EPHESIAN CHURCH AGE 60-1205<br />
|Its character is seen in its very name, for Ephesus means to “let go,” “to relax.” It had become a Backslidden Church.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 20 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).</ref><br />
|-<br />
|...then started in the Smyrna Church Age which lasted from A.D. 170 until A.D. 312. THE EPHESIAN CHURCH AGE 60-1205<br />
|...the Smyrna Church...extended from A. D. 170 to Constantine A. D. 312.<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“, 128 (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918).</ref><br />
|-<br />
|Then come in the Pergamos Church Age, and the Pergamos Church Age begin at 312 and lasted till A.D. 606. THE EPHESIAN CHURCH AGE 60-1205<br />
|...Pergamos...extends from the accession of Constantine, A. D. 312 to A. D. 606, when Boniface III was crowned “Universal Bishop.”<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“, 129 (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918).</ref><br />
|-<br />
|And now in the early years, or just before this taken place (a few years), '''Satan’s seat''' built the great… I guess you would call him a prie-… king-priest of the Chaldeans. The hierarchy of Babylon changed his seat when the Persians was pursuing him, and he left Babylon. '''His name was A-t-t-a-l-u-s, Attalus, the great king-priest of Babylon.''' When the Persians came in and taking over Babylon, '''running out the Chaldeans'''; Attalus, their king-priest, '''fled and took his seat at Pergamos'''. “The '''Satan’s seat''' is where you are dwelling.” Get it? <br />
Now, that’s why I go back to pick up this history out of the church history, finding where…to what taken place when He said, “You are dwelling where Satan’s seat is.” <br />
I thought, “Well, where could that be, a certain thing, ‘Satan’s seat’?” Then I find out that this great king, after he was fleeing from the conquering Persians that taken over (according to Daniel’s vision), he came to this city of Pergamos, at Rome, and there made his headquarters. Satan shifted his headquarters from Babylon to Pergamos, where (future) he would start the new Babylon. Oh, my! Now you get the backgrounds where we’re at. All right.<ref>William Branham, 60-1207 - The Pergamean Church Age, para. 97-99</ref><br />
|In this Message Pergamos is spoken of as '''“Satan’s Seat.”''' When '''Attalus III, the Priest-King of the Chaldean Hierarchy,''' fled before the conquering Persians to Pergamos, and settled there, '''Satan shifted his capital from Babylon to Pergamos'''.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 22.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|Now, in doing this, they consolidated and made the early…formed the early Catholic church, later. Then at the first great Nicene Council…When I read that, I just fell on my knees. The great Nicene Council had taken place in a.d. 325, all of them was brought together, the bishops and fathers of the Christian faith was brought together at Nicaea. That’s the reason it’s called the Nicaea Council, in a.d. 325. And about '''fifteen hundred delegates''' came to the—the—the convention, or the council, about fifteen hundred delegates, and '''the laity outnumbered the bishops five to one''' (in the delegation); but yet, through the Nicolaitanes (the cold formals) and Constantine’s politicianal plan, they out-voted the true Church and won the victory, and issued in bishops and holy order of men; taking the—the Holy Spirit from the meeting, and placing it upon bishops, cardinals, and popes, and so forth.<br />
<br />
Now, this first Nicene Council, and it was in a.d. 330…325. About fifteen hundred delegates and bishops attended the meeting, but they overruled them, in some foggy, '''stormy council''' it was. And they overruled them, and voted in that the Nicolaitanes took over, and that was to take the…all the church, and put it under a supervision of popes or—or bishops, or something; '''taking the power from the Church and giving it over to the bishops, that the bishops should rule the church''' and the only one that had anything to say about It.<ref>william Branham, 60-1207 - The Pergamean Church Age, para. 127, 133</ref><br />
|And the foothold it had secured in the Church was seen in the First Great Council of the Church held at Nicaea, in A. D. 325. The Council was composed of about '''1500 delegates''', the laymen outnumbering the Bishops 5 to 1. It was a '''stormy council, full of intrigue and political methods''', and from the '''supremacy of the “Clergy” over the “Laity”''' it was evident that the “Doctrine of the Nicolaitanes” had secured a strong and permanent foothold.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 22.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|That’s the '''birthplace of post-millennium'''. And that’s the reason the Catholic doesn’t teach the coming of Jesus, to this day. “It’s all in the church. This is the Millennium. The church owns everything. This is it.” See, post-millennium (Oh, my!) without the return of Jesus Christ. This lasted unto '''the ''assassination'' of Constantine which come between 312 and—and…a.d. 312 and 606. Then Boniface III was made the universal bishop''' or pope over the whole universal church.<ref>william Branham, 60-1207 - The Pergamean Church Age, para. 263</ref><br />
|'''It was at this time that “Post-Millennial Views” had their origin.''' As the Church had become rich and powerful, it was suggested that by the union of Church and State a condition of affairs would develop that would usher in the Millennium without the return of Christ, and since some scriptural support was needed for such a doctrine, it was claimed that the Jews had been cast off “forever,” and that all the prophecies of Israel’s future glory were intended for the Church. This “Period” extends from the '''''accession'' of Constantine A. D. 312 to A. D. 606, when Boniface III was crowned “Universal Bishop.”'''<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 23.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|Then come in the Thyatira Church Age, and the church age of Thyatira begin at 606 and went to 1520, the dark ages. THE EPHESIAN CHURCH AGE 60-1205<br />
|The Message to the Church at Thyatira. This Period extended from A. D. 606 to the Reformation A. D. 1520.<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“, 130 (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918).</ref><br />
|-<br />
|All right, this Jezebel. Now '''she was a daughter of Abraham''', that’s true, '''a princess of an idolater'''. At that time when the royal family, her royal family, was '''famed by cruel savage loyalty''' to '''Baalim'''. Her father was '''a priest of the idol of A-s-t-a-r-t-e''' (I don’t know how you pronounce it, I just picked it up in the history). Ahab used his strategy like Constantine. This great powerful nation laid next to Israel, so therefore… <ref>William Branham, 60-1208 - The Thyatirean Church Age, para. 61</ref><br />
|Jezebel, the wife of Ahab, was '''not by birth a daughter of Abraham''', but '''a princess of idolatrous Tyre''', at a time, too, when its royal family was '''famed for cruel savagery and intense devotion''' to '''Baal and Astarte'''.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 24.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|And then the Sardis Church Age begin at 1520 and lasted till 1750, the Lutheran age. THE EPHESIAN CHURCH AGE 60-1205<br />
|The “Sardis Period” extended from A. D. 1520 to about A. D. 1750.<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“, 130 (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918).</ref><br />
|-<br />
|Then from 1750, the next age come in was the Philadelphian, Wesley age; that begin at 1750 and lasted till 1906. THE EPHESIAN CHURCH AGE 60-1205<br />
|The “Philadelphia Period” covers the time between A. D. 1750 and A. D. 1900.<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“, 131 (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918).</ref><br />
|-<br />
|Now the great missionary age, brotherly love, the age of missions. Let me just name to you some of the great men (and then I just wrote their names down here): '''John Wesley; George Whitfie-…Whitefield''', he was about '''1739'''; '''Charles G. Finney'''; '''Dwight Moody'''; '''William Carey''', the great missionary that went to India in 1773; David Livingstone, to South Africa. See, all those, some of those great men. Just…I got names of plenty of them here, great men that lived in that brotherly love; that, the black man, the white man, the brown man, the yellow man, all walls was broke down, and these men went out into the mission fields.<ref>William Branham, 60-1210 - The Philadelphian Church Age, para. 57</ref><br />
|Revivals have been characteristic of the Philadelphia Period. These Revivals began with '''George Whitefield in A. D. 1739, followed by John Wesley, Charles G. Finney and D. L. Moody.'''<br />
<br />
It had set before it an “open door,” that no “man” could shut. Note that this promise was made by Him, who “hath the ‘Key of David,’ He that ‘openeth’ and no man shutteth; and ‘shutteth’ and no man openeth.” '''In 1793 William Carey sailed for India''', where he found an “open door,” and since then the Lord has opened the door into China, Japan, Korea, India, Africa and the isles of the sea, until there is not a country in the world where the missionary cannot go.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 26.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|And at 1906 the Laodicean church age set in, and I don't know when it'll end, but I predict it'll be done by 1977. I predict, not the Lord told me, but I predict it according to a vision that was showed me some years ago... THE EPHESIAN CHURCH AGE 60-1205<br />
|The character of the Church today is Laodicean, and as the Laodicean Period is to continue until the Church of the “New-Born” is taken out, we cannot hope for any great change until the Lord comes back.<ref>larence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“, 133 (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918).</ref><br />
|-<br />
|The '''chilliness of the Anglican church''' in the days of '''John Wesley''' drove him to have meetings elsewhere, because it was cold, chilly. The '''chilliness of the Methodist church''' caused '''William Booth''' to become a '''red-hot salvationist.''' You see, God said, “If you won’t come and repent, I’ll remove the candlestick. I’ll take it out, give it to somebody else.” So when the Methodist church wouldn’t receive John Wesley’s sanctification, William Booth come right up with the Salvation Army and took her right on. That’s right. Why? They organized it! That’s exactly. Made an organization out of it, and God said, “I hate the thing!”<ref>william Branham, 60-1211E - The Laodicean Church Age, para. 121-122</ref><br />
|It was the “'''chilly''' spiritual atmosphere” of the '''Church of England''' that drove '''John Wesley''' to start those outside meetings which became so noted for their “religious fervor,” and it was the same “'''chilly''' atmosphere” of the '''Methodist Church''' that drove '''William Booth''' in turn to become a '''“Red-hot” Salvationist'''.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 27.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|They have large buildings, '''stained glass windows''', '''eloquent preachers, paid singers'''. Yes, sir.<Ref>William Branham, 60-1211E - The Laodicean Church Age, para. 156</ref><br />
|Many of these churches have Cathedral-like buildings, '''stained glass windows, eloquent preachers, paid singers''', large congregations.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 28.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|Brother, '''the world won’t be converted by money'''. The world will be '''converted by the Holy Ghost'''; powerful preaching of the Holy Ghost and the Cross will be the only thing that’ll convert the world. God’s program is not money. It’s the Holy Ghost, that’s what God’s program is for the Laodicean Church Age or any other church age. Yes, sir. <br />
<br />
They want the Holy Ghost. Oh, they say, “We are…have gold.” '''It was gold, all right, but not the right kind.''' They had plenty of gold but not the right kind.<ref>William Branham, 60-1211E - The Laodicean Church Age, para. 184-185</ref><br />
|The trouble with the church today is that it thinks that nothing can be done without money, and that if we only had the money the world would be converted in this generation. The world is '''not to be converted by money, but by the Spirit of God.'''<br />
The trouble with the Church of Laodicea was that its “Gold” was not of the right kind.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 28.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|'''They were nearsighted. They was looking at their big building.''' They were rich. They were looking at the great organization they belonged to, trying to build it up, getting more members to come in, and they didn’t miss Him. <ref>William Branham, 60-1211E - The Laodicean Church Age, para. 252</ref><br />
|But the Church of Laodicea was not only poor, though rich, it was blind. Or to put it more accurately—'''“Near-Sighted.”''' '''They could See their worldly prosperity''', but were “Short-Sighted” as to heavenly things, so the Lord counseled them to anoint their eyes with “Eye-Salve.” Their merchants dealt in ointments and herbs of a high degree of healing virtue, but they possessed no salve that would restore impaired Spiritual Vision, only the Unction of the Holy One could do that.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 28.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|'''Excluded!''' What was He excluded from? Now, listen, friends. If this isn’t striking! Get a picture of it, let it sink down in your heart. Our Saviour, when He was on earth, He was '''excluded from His Own nation.''' He was rejected, He was excluded. The world excluded Him and crucified Him. And now, from His Own church, He’s excluded. He isn’t wanted anywhere, have no need of Him.<ref>William Branham, 60-1211E - The Laodicean Church Age, para. 225</ref><br />
|This is a description of a Christless Church. Oh, the EXCLUDED CHRIST '''Excluded from His own nation''', for they Rejected Him; excluded from the world, for it Crucified Him; excluded from His Church, for He stands outside its door Knocking for Entrance.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 29.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
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===Plagiarism in the Breach Between the Seals and the Church Ages===<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
!width="50%"| What William Branham Said<br />
!width="50%"| What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
|-<br />
|Now, now, we're going to turn to the 5th chapter. Now, this is not the Seven Seals. It is the "Breach Between the Church Ages and the Seven Seals." Now, there is also a 6th chapter of... and there was a 4th chapter, rather, of Revelation, and in that it kind of revealed something that would take place after the Church going up: '''that the Church goes up on the 3rd chapter of Revelations and does not return until the 19th chapter of Revelations.''' See? Therefore, the Church misses the tribulation. '''I know that's contrary to--to pretty near every teacher I ever talked to, but I--I don't mean to be dis--disagreeable.''' I--I mean to be your brother, but I--I must teach just as I can see it. If I don't, I can't put it together. You see? And now, whether it goes up before the tribulation or after the tribulation, I want to go up with it. That's the main thing. <ref>THE.BREACH.BETWEEN.THE.SEVEN.CHURCH.AGES.AND.THE.SEVEN.SEALS_ JEFF.IN SUNDAY_ 63-0317E</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
Do you realize that the first three chapters of Revelation deals with the church in the church age? That's the tribulation period, not the church age; '''the church raptures and goes up at the 4th chapter of Revelation, never comes again till the 19th chapter when it comes with Jesus.''' That's right. That's in the tribulation period, not nothing to do with the church at all.<ref>QUESTIONS.AND.ANSWERS_ JEFF.IN COD SUNDAY_ 62-0527</ref><br />
<br />
John caught up in the 4th chapter to see things which was, which is, and which is to come. '''But the Church finishes at the 4th chapter, and Christ takes up the Church, caught up in the air to meet Him, and does not appear again until the 19th chapter''' when He comes back with--as King of king and Lord of lords with the Church.<ref> THE.FIRST.SEAL JEFF.IN 63-0318</ref><br />
<br />
And at the same time the Church is gone, and these things don't even happen in the church age at all. That's right. They're--they're away from the church age. The Church absolutely is raptured at this time. '''The Church goes up in the 4th chapter of Revelation, and does not return until it comes back with its King in the 19th chapter.''' But these Seals here are revealing what has been, what is, and what will be. See? And now, what was to be for the church age was revealed by these Seals, and now, watch what takes it.<ref>THE.FIFTH.SEAL_ JEFF.IN 63-0322</ref><br />
<br />
|The word “hereafter” permits a “time space,” while the words “after these things” refer to the things that shall immediately follow the completion of the “Church Age,” as prefigured in the Messages to the Seven Churches. The Church disappears from view with the close of the third chapter and is not heard of again until the nineteenth chapter, where her marriage to the Lamb is announced. Rev. 19:7–9.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 32 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).</ref><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
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===Plagiarism in the Seven Seals (click on the links below)===<br />
<br />
::'''Main article: The [[Seven Seals]]'''<br />
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#[[First Seal#Plagiarism|Plagiarism in the First Seal]]<br />
#[[Second Seal#Plagiarism|Plagiarism in the Second Seal]]<br />
#[[Third Seal#Plagiarism|Plagiarism in the Third Seal]]<br />
#[[Fourth Seal#Plagiarism|Plagiarism in the Fourth Seal]]<br />
#[[Fifth Seal#Plagiarism|Plagiarism in the Fifth Seal]]<br />
#[[Sixth Seal#Plagiarism|Plagiarism in the Sixth Seal]]<br />
#[[Seventh Seal#Plagiarism|Plagiarism in the Seventh Seal]]<br />
<br />
===Plagiarism in the Seventy Weeks of Daniel===<br />
<br />
In his copyrighted 1919 book, “The Book of Revelation”, after Clarence Larkin wrote about Revelation chapter 5, he then took a bit of a sidestep to discuss the Seventieth Week in the Book of Daniel. Larkin later went on to write an entirely separate book titled “The Book of Daniel” (1929), which also spoke on his ideas regarding Daniel’s 70th week and its link to the book of Revelation.<br />
<br />
Coincidentally, that’s exactly what William Branham thought. And so, just a few weeks after he’d finished preaching on Revelation Chapter 5, he preached a series of three sermons on the 70th week of Daniel.<br />
<br />
In his introduction to his sermon on the Seventy Weeks, William Branham stated (emphasis is ours):<br />
<br />
:''If the Lord willing, this morning we're taking the subject of Daniel's Seventy of Weeks. <br />
<br />
:''...The first three chapters of Revelation was the church ages. Then John was caught up in the 4th and 5th chapter and was showed things that—that was to be hereafter. Now, on the 6th chapter he drops down into the earth again to see things taking place that will go from the 6th chapter, the 1st verse, until the 19th chapter and the 21st verse. <br />
<br />
:''...'''And it's something in the last time, a-many of the old-timers here, that I taught, I just said, "In here belongs the seventy weeks of Daniel," but I did not try to attack it to explain it.''' But this time, by the grace of God, I have taken upon myself to try to ask grace before God that I might bring it to the people. And in here I'm finding things that I do not know one thing about. And then I… '''I've been reading Dr. Larkin's book, Dr. Smith's book, Dr. Scofield's notes, different commentaries from men everywhere, and yet I cannot put theirs together to make it come out right.''' <br />
<br />
:''...'''and having my trust solemnly in Jesus Christ to reveal it to me''', because I do not want it to say, "I know this, and I know that." He knows my heart; He's listening at me. But I want it that I might enlighten His people. Therefore, '''I believe that He will give it to me. I do not know as yet''', but I'm trusting Him for next Sunday, 'cause that'll be the tremendous part, as next Sunday to know and place those seventy of weeks. Each one has a different place. And when you do, you go to running them on through; they don't come out right; they don't register up right. It can't. And therefore, I—I may not be able to have it right, '''but I'm going to trust the Lord for it.'''<ref>William Branham, 61-0730M - Gabriel's Instructions To Daniel, para. 28, 31-33</ref><br />
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<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
!style="width: 50%| What William Branham Said<br />
!style="width: 50%| What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
|-<br />
|Now, the prophet Daniel had been in Babylon for '''sixty-eight years'''. You who wants to run references back, and save yourself some of the time, that I’ve had to—to looking it up. Sixty-eight years! '''He went into captivity in b.c. 606''', and when '''the vision came to him was—was b.c. 538. 538 from 606, leaves sixty-eight.''' Sixty-eight years he had been in Babylon, amongst heathens, and still had the victory.<ref>William Branham, 61-0730M - Gabriel's Instructions To Daniel, para.72</ref><br />
26 Now, to lap back our Scriptures for a few moments, we find that Daniel had been in captivity for sixty-eight long years. Think of it! Now, you, and your paper and pencil, that didn’t get it this morning, may pick it up tonight. '''From a.d. 606 to 538. Take 538 from 606, you got sixty-eight years''' Daniel had been in…a captive; no church to go to, no sermons to hear, nothing. But he had some books, some scrolls, that a prophet before him had prophesied, and was—was Jeremiah.<ref>William Branham, 61-0730E - The Sixfold Purpose Of Gabriel's Visit To Daniel, para. 26</ref><br />
|The first verse of the chapter locates it in the “First Year” of Darius the Median, or the same year as the “Fall of Babylon,” '''B. C. 538'''. Daniel had been studying the Prophecy of Jeremiah, and learned from it that the 70 years of “Captivity” of his people were drawing to a close, for the “Captivity” began in '''B. C. 606, and 68 years''' had elapsed since then.<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“ (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918), 49.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|Now, I got some writing here that I’d like to read to you as we go by. Now: …the going forth of the commandment to rebuild Jerusalem… Which, was on the '''14th day of March'''. If any of you want to put that down, in the Hebrew you’ll find it called '''N-i-s-a-n, Nisan, which means “March.”''' The issue was given on the '''14th day of March, b.c. 445''', the issue went forth to build, rebuild the temple. You understand it, as you people have read the Scriptures.<ref>William Branham, 61-0806 - The Seventieth Week Of Daniel, para. 64</ref><br />
|The date of the “commandment” is given in Nehemiah 2:1 as '''the month “Nisan”''' in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, which was the '''14th day of March, B. C. 445.'''<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“ (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918), 49.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|Now, now, Jesus, Messiah, rode into the city of Jerusalem, triumph, on the back of a white mule, on '''Palm Sunday, April the 2nd, a.d. 30.''' Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, a.d. 30. And now, now, from '''b.c. 445 to a.d. 30, is exactly four hundred and seventy-five years.''' <br />
<br />
But, as we have already seen, that the sixty-nine weeks makes four hundred and eighty-three years. Now, there is where the trouble comes, right there. See? We’ve got only, with the marking of the Bible here, time, only four hundred and seventy-five years. And, actually, it’s '''four hundred and eighty-three years, a difference of eight years.'''<br />
<br />
Now, God can’t make it miss. If He said it would be so many days, it’s so many days. If He says it’s so much, it’s so much. So what are we going to do? Now, '''the b.c. 475 to a.d. 30, are Julian or astronomal years,''' which are three hundred and sixty-five and one-fourth day in—in each. '''But when we reduce them days to our prophetic calendar'''…<br />
<br />
Our '''prophetic calendar brings us to three hundred and sixty days''', as we use now in the Scriptures. We have exactly four hundred and eighty-three. There it is, four hundred and eighty-three. Here we have exactly proof of the prophecy, exactly the truth. For, from the time of the going forth to build the temple, until the destroying, when they rejected Christ and killed Him in a.d. 33, when Christ was killed, is '''exactly four hundred and eighty-three years'''. Now, from the going forth of the commandment to rebuild Jerusalem, was determined seven weeks, which meant forty-nine years. And forty-nine years hit it exactly. Well, from the rebuilding of the temple to the Messiah, was four hundred and thirty-eight years. So, four hundred and thir-…four hundred and thirty-four years. And four hundred and thirty-four (time), forty-nine, makes exactly four hundred and eighty-three years. It hit it on the nose, exactly to the day, from day to day. Amen! There you are. <br />
<br />
“Messiah the Prince shall come.” See? '''Seven times sixty-nine is four hundred and thir-…and—and eighty-four years. Exactly, it hit it on the nose.''' So, then, we know perfectly, we know exactly, that that Scripture is right. Here it is. But, you see, all these… <br />
<br />
When God had the antediluvian world and destroyed it by water, and changed the astronomy date; and then let the Romans come in and make up their calendar, which it hits and jumps, and so forth. And I guess, that, even in the encyclopedia where I been reading.<ref>William Branham, 61-0806 - The Seventieth Week Of Daniel, para. 80-85</ref><br />
<br />
|The day when Jesus rode in Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem as “Messiah the Prince,” was '''Palm Sunday, April 2, A. D. 30'''. Luke 19:37–40. But the time between March 14, B. C. 445, and April 2, A. D. 30, is more than 69 literal “weeks.” It is '''445+30=475 years. What explanation can we give for this?''' <br />
<br />
We found that the time between the “commandment” to restore and build Jerusalem, and “Messiah the Prince,” was to be 69 weeks, or 69×7=483 days, or if a “day” stands for a year, 483 years. But we found that from B. C. 445 to A. D. 30 was 475 years, a difference of 8 years. How can we account for the difference?<br />
<br />
We must not forget that there are '''years of different lengths. The Lunar year has 354 days. The Calendar year has 360 days. The Solar year has 365 days. The Julian, or Astronomical year, has 365¼ days,''' and it is necessary to add one day every 4 years to the calendar.<br />
<br />
So we see that we are to use in '''“Prophetical Chronology” a “Calendar” year of 360 days.'''<br />
<br />
According to ordinary chronology, the 475 years from B. C. 445 to A. D. 30 are “Solar” years of 365 days each. Now counting the years from B. C. 445 to A. D. 30, inclusively, we have '''476 solar years'''. Multiplying these '''476 years by 365''' (the number of days in a Solar year), we have 173,740 days, to which add 119 days for leap years, and we have 173,859 days. Add to these 20 days inclusive from March 14 to April 2, and we have 173,879 days. Divide 173, 879 by 360 (the number of days in a “Prophetical Year”), and we have '''483 years''' all to one day, the exact number of days (483) in 69 weeks, each day standing for a year. '''Could there be anything more conclusive''' to prove that Daniel’s 69 weeks ran out on April 2, A. D. 30, the day that Jesus rode in triumph into the City of Jerusalem.<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“ (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918), 49–50.</ref><br />
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===Plagiarism in other Sermons===<br />
William Branham must have read a lot of Clarence Larkin because he plagiarized him in a number of his key theological teachings.<br />
<br />
====Satan's Superman====<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
!What William Branham Said <ref>March 18, 1963, The First Seal</ref><br />
!What Clarence Larkin Said <ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 53-54 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).</ref><br />
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|What are we saying? Who is this rider, this horse rider? You know what it is? It's '''Satan's superman'''... Notice, this rider is nothing but Satan's superman, a incarnate devil.<ref>William Branham, 63-0318 - The First Seal, para. 371</ref><br />
|This “White Horse Rider” will be '''Satan’s “SUPERMAN.”''' The Scriptures clearly teach that there is some day to arise a human being who shall be the embodiment of all Satanic power.<ref>Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919), 54.</ref><br />
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====Satan's Trinity====<br />
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{| class="wikitable"<br />
!What William Branham Said<br />
!What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
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|Notice '''Satan’s trinity'''. Same person coming; just incarnate, from one to the other.<ref>EWilliam Branham, 63-0319 - The Second Seal, para. 184</ref><br />
<br />
And the '''trinity of frogs''' came out of an old trinity, give birth to '''a new trinity,''' their mother. What’d it come out of? A trinity, '''“the dragon,”''' see, '''“the beast,”''' and '''“the false prophet.”''' A trinity, new. For when were these frogs come out? When did it? <br />
<br />
Notice, they was there all the time, but it wasn’t manifested until between the Sixth and Seventh Vial, just before the Seals opened (Hmm?) to reveal it. “For in the Message of the seventh angel, the mysteries of God would be known,” all these trinitarian things, and false baptisms, and everything was to be made manifest. God help us to see what’s Truth! And not think it’s somebody trying to say something to… <br />
<br />
I feel that spirit resenting That, you see. I’m not speaking of myself, brother. I’m speaking of the Angel of the Lord that’s in the camp. That’s exactly right. <br />
<br />
Notice, a trinity! '''“The dragon,”''' how many knows what the dragon was? It was Rome. “And the dragon stood before the woman to devour her child as soon as it was born.” That right? What does '''“beast”''' mean in the Bible? Power. All right. '''“False prophet, a false prophet,”''' a false, anointed one. See? 244 Started where? This is “false prophet,” singular. “False prophet,” the first pope; and from there come out “the—the whore, and the mother of harlots,” the whole thing. A false trinity was rising; not in the early days, wouldn’t be made manifest in the early days, it went right on through with it. But when the Seven Seals be come, and opened those mysteries and revealed them, that’s when “the frogs, three unclean spirits like frogs, come out to manifest themselves,” a trinity doctrine against the Truth. See? Huh!<ref>William Branham, 65-0725M - The Anointed Ones At The End Time, para. 241-244</ref><br />
|'''SATANIC TRINITY'''<br />
The members of it are—<br />
<br />
:1. “The Dragon”—the Anti-GOD.”<br />
:2. “The Beast”—the “Anti-CHRIST.”<br />
:3. “The False Prophet”—the “Anti-SPIRIT.”<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“ (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918), 123.</ref><br />
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<br />
====Future Home====<br />
<br />
In the sermon, The Future Home Of The Heavenly Bridegroom And The Earthly Bride, William Branham states:<br />
<br />
:''Now, way '''I always find my Messages is by prayer'''. I’ll be sitting in prayer and '''something reveals to me'''. And I wait on it a few minutes and see if it’s right, then I feel it closer. And '''then sometimes I keep waiting till it breaks into a vision'''. But when it begins to come, and '''I’m satisfied it comes from God, then I go to the Scripture'''. See, That is, ought to be the confirmation of every spiritual thing that’s done, because the Bible is the complete revelation of Jesus Christ; see, It is His Body. <br />
<br />
:''And now, in that, maybe I find a place in the Scripture that doesn’t sound just right, and I’ll wonder. '''I go back again to prayer. It comes again.''' Then I—then I begin to—to examine my Scripture. <br />
<br />
:''...Then, you see, '''from that inspiration'''… This pulpit this morning, '''I say, not one time has it ever been nothing but straight, the Scripture.''' That’s how Serpent’s Seed and all these other things come. <ref>William Branham, 64-0802 - The Future Home Of The Heavenly Bridegroom And The Earthly Bride, para. 54-57</ref><br />
<br />
But is this true? The following are a few of the things that were plagiarized in the sermon, The Future Home Of The Heavenly Bridegroom And The Earthly Bride, but there are more if you want to do your own research.<br />
<br />
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{| class="wikitable"<br />
!What William Branham Said<br />
!What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
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|Now, many of you that want to put down this word, the Greek word, “pass away.” It comes from the word…I had to find it. I thought, “How is this world going to pass away, and yet we’re going to live on it?” But if you’ll notice, some of you people that wants to put it down, I’ll spell it for you. I couldn’t pronounce it, '''p-a-r-e-r-e-c-h-o-m-i-a'''. I don’t know how to pronounce it. <br />
<br />
Now, that way, as I said, when I get…'''The inspiration strikes me for something, then I go back to find out the word. Now, here, I can’t spell the word, or I can’t—I can’t pronounce it. But, in that, the Lord has still give me a way. I go and find out what that word means, then I got it.''' See? Then I got it, again. See?<br />
<br />
Heavens and earth will pass away, now, this word means, “passing from one form to another.” '''It does not mean “annihilation,”''' as the English word would mean, pass away, it’s annihilated. But the Hebrew word, or the Greek word here, does not mean pass away; it means, “from passing from one thing to another.” Look, but, '''“to pass from one condition,” it says, “to another.”''' <br />
<br />
Now notice, Paul used it, if you want to read it now. Put it down, you can read it later. In '''Titus 3:5''', Paul is using this same word, means regeneration of man, that man has passed from a sinner to a saint, not completely annihilated. When a man is changed, he isn’t annihilated, but he’s a changed person. He has been changed from what he was to what he is, not annihilated.<br />
<br />
Jesus used the same word in '''Matthew 19:28'''; now, not 28:19. Now, 19:28, He said to them, “You’ll set with Me in My Father’s Kingdom, regenerated,” you see, “changed,” when you’re changed. He used the same word.<ref>William Branham, 64-0802 - The Future Home Of The Heavenly Bridegroom And The Earthly Bride, para.173-177</ref><br />
|The '''Greek work “Parerchomai,”''' translated “pass away,” does not mean “termination of existence” or '''“annihilation,”''' but means to pass from '''“one condition of existence to another.”''' The Apostle Paul in his letter to Titus, ('''Titus 3:5'''), speaking of the “Regeneration” of men, uses the same word that Jesus used when, in '''Matt. 19:28''', He promised His Disciples that in the “Regeneration,” that is in the “New Earth,” they should sit on “Twelve Thrones” judging the “Twelve Tribes” of Israel. Now no one supposes that the Regeneration of a man is his Annihilation.” <ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“ (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918), 156.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|'''Here is a deep revelation from God.''' Here, I’ll just stop here. None of these other…I’ll bring the rest of this up, the Lord willing. <br />
<br />
Notice now the earth is…Well, you turn over into the Book of Revelation, you can see how he measured it by the cubits and by the furlongs. Twenty-three hundred…So now we find out that the—the City is measured, '''“fifteen hundred miles” square.''' <br />
<br />
You know how far that would reach? '''''I measured it off, this week.''''' It would reach from Maine to Florida, and from the '''eastern seaboard to six hundred miles apast, west of the Mississippi'''. In other words, '''half of the United States''', just for the City. You say, “There ain’t no room.” <br />
<br />
When the sea is gone there will be, ’cause pretty near four fifths of it’s in water. That right? The explosion dries up the sea, erupts the earth. Oh, my! Remember, '''fifteen hundred miles square''', what a City! And, but, remember, the sea is gone. <br />
<br />
“And the breadth and the height are the same.” That would make it fifteen hundred miles this way, fifteen hundred miles that way; fifteen hundred miles; the length by the breadth by the height. Fifteen hundred miles, think of it, transparent gold. And the City had a wall around it. <br />
<br />
Now, now, that doesn’t necessary mean, by being equal…It said, “And the walls and the foundation were equal,” '''that doesn’t necessary mean that it’s a cube or square.''' There is another geographical measure, that the dimensions are the same, that is, '''a pyramid. Foursquare,''' “lieth foursquare,” and the walls were the same.<ref>William Branham, 64-0802 - The Future Home Of The Heavenly Bridegroom And The Earthly Bride, para. 366-370</ref><br />
|It will take up its abode on the New Earth, and we see in this why this present Earth will have to be renovated by fire, and why there shall be “no more sea,” for the New City is 12,000 furlongs, or '''1500 miles square''', and would reach from Maine to Florida, and from the Atlantic Seaboard '''600 miles to the west of the Mississippi River.''' In other words would occupy '''more than one-half of the United States'''.<br />
<br />
We are told that the length and breadth and the height of it are equal. '''This does not necessarily imply that it is a Cube, for there is another geometrical figure that has equal dimensions, and that is a — Pyramid.''' This is its probable form, for a wall 144 cubits, or 216 feet thick, could not support a wall 1500 miles high, and a wall that high would hide the pyramidal part of the City from view.<br />
<br />
The 144 cubits (Rev. 21:17) then must refer to the “height” of the wall. In this wall are 12 gates, 3 on each side, each gate of one Pearl, and these gates are never closed.<ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“ (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918), 158.</ref><br />
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|Did you ever think now, Bride, what it will look like? It is prepared and designed by the '''Divine Architect.''' What will that City look like? Now, we’re going to talk about it for a few minutes. The Divine Architect has prepared it, designed it. And, look, He has designed it with tender hands, for His beloved Bride. What’s it going to look like? <br />
<br />
...Now, '''the Divine Architect has designed the New City''', where He will live with His Bride, just to Her touch. No wonder the apostle said, “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, or neither has ever entered the heart of man.” Let’s see if we can probe into it just for a moment, see what it’s going to look like. <br />
<br />
The '''Divine Architect''' has designed this for His Beloved. See? Oh, what a place it must be, when, Divine Nature, a '''Divine Architect''' has designed it for a Divine attribute that’s been Divinely predestinated by a Divine God Who—Who is the Author of Divine Life! What will that City look like! Think of it.<br />
<br />
'''Remember, it’s not Heaven. John say, “I saw it coming down out of Heaven.”''' It’s to be on earth. See?<ref>William Branham, 64-0802 - The Future Home Of The Heavenly Bridegroom And The Earthly Bride, para. 299-303</ref><br />
|But there is not only to be a New Heaven and a New Earth, there is to be a '''New City'''. This City is the place Jesus said He was going back to Heaven to prepare for His Bride the Church. John 14:2–4. It is just such a place as we would expect the '''Divine Architect''' to design and build. The description of it is surpassingly grand. It is of Celestial origin. '''It is not Heaven itself, for it comes down “out of Heaven.”''' <Ref>Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“ (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1918), 158.</ref><br />
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====How to interpret scripture====<br />
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{| class="wikitable"<br />
!What William Branham Said<br />
!What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
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|Now, you must not '''misinterpret''' the Word. You say, "Well, I believe It means this." <br />
It means just what It says. It needs no interpreter. And you must not '''misplace''' the Word. <br />
And you must not '''dislocate''' the Word. And if we would do either of these, it throws the whole Bible in a confusion and in a chaos. (Christ is Revealed in His Own Word, August 22, 1965)<br />
|There are three things that we must avoid in the handling of God’s Word.<br />
<br />
:1. The '''Misinterpretation''' of Scripture.<br />
:2. The '''Misapplication''' of Scripture.<br />
:3. The '''Dislocation''' of Scripture.<br />
<br />
(Larkin, C. 1918. Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“) <br />
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====The gates to the soul====<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
!What William Branham Said<br />
!What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
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|See, taste, feel, smell, and hear: the body, that's the open to the body.<br />
The soul is '''imagination, conscience, memory, reason, and affection''', is the senses or the attributes, or like the senses of the soul. (Revelation Chapter 4, January 8, 1961)<br />
|The Gates to the “Soul” are '''“Imagination,” “Conscience,” “Memory,” “Reason” and the “Affections.”''' <br />
(Larkin, C. 1921. Rightly Dividing the Word (88). Clarence Larkin: Philadelphia, PA)<br />
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====The Token====<br />
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{| class="wikitable"<br />
!What William Branham Said<br />
!What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
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|Now I want to take a text out of there, just one little five-lettered word: Token. Token! I want to speak on the word, or teach this Sunday school lesson, on the word of a "token." <br />
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'''God must see this Token'''. He must see It in every one of us.<br />
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He don't want to identify himself out there with that group; no, sir, this fanatics with the blood on the door. He don't want that identification. No matter how much priest he was, how much he knowed the Word, how well he had been raised, '''what works he had done''', how much he had give to the poor, how much he had sacrificed!<br />
<br />
It's a '''perfect type of Christ''', just exactly, '''the believer today standing under the shed Blood''', identified with the Sacrifice. <br />
<br />
TOKEN 63-0901M<br />
|'''The blood was a “TOKEN.”''' “When I see the BLOOD, I will pass over you.” Ex. 12:13. It is not a question of “'''personal worthiness''',” nor of “'''good works''',” nor of “morality,” but of the BLOOD. “It is the BLOOD that maketh an atonement for the soul.” Lev. 17:11. The Israelites were not merely in a salvable state, they were SAVED, not partly but completely. If a hair of one of the “First Born” sheltered behind the blood had been touched, it would have proved Jehovah’s word void, and the blood of the lamb valueless. We may have no assurance as to our salvation, but '''have we applied the “Blood of Christ” to our soul''', are we trusting to it, and it alone, for our salvation? If so, '''all that is necessary is, that GOD sees it'''.<br />
Clarence Larkin, Rightly Dividing the Word, 270 (Philadelphia, PA: Clarence Larkin, 1921).<br />
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====The trail of the serpent====<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
!What William Branham Said<br />
!What Clarence Larkin Said<br />
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|''Wait till you hear '''The Trail Of The Serpent'''...'' GOD'S.ONLY.PROVIDED.PLACE.OF.WORSHIP 65-1128M<br />
|Larkin uses the phrase '''"The Trail of the Serpent"''' in one of his diagrams in the his book, Dispensational Truth, or “God’s Plan and Purpose in the Ages“<br />
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<br />
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all of William Branham's teachings that were "borrowed" from Clarence Larkin. However, it should be obvious to any one that is not under the thrall of [[Cognitive Dissonance|cognitive dissonance]] that William Branham's major doctrines on the Book of Revelation and other important concepts originated in Clarence Larkin's books, and '''not because an angel revealed it to him.<br />
'''<br />
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==C.L. Franklin==<br />
<br />
C. L. Franklin was an American Baptist minister and civil rights activist. Known as the man with the "Million-Dollar Voice", Franklin served as the pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, from 1946 until he was shot and wounded in 1979. Franklin was the father of the American singer and songwriter Aretha Franklin. <br />
<br />
William Branham stated:<br />
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''Often give '''my little story''' of a little eagle. How the farmer set the hen one time...'' (William Branham, December 6, 1965, Sermon: Modern Events made clear by prophecy) <br />
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But was this really William Branham's "little story", or did he "borrow" it from C.L. Franklin? William Branham first told the story in 1957 but C.L. Franklin told the same story at least 4 years earlier.<br />
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{| class="wikitable" width="95%"<br />
!What William Branham Said<br />
!What C.L. Franklin Said<br />
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|THE EAGLE IN HER NEST 57-0705<br />
:''So this farmer went; he got a eagle's egg. And he lacked one in having a setting, so he put the eagle's egg under the hen. And when that hatched out, it was the funniest looking little thing to all those little chickens. Why, he couldn't understand what they were chirping about; he spoke in a different language. He didn't know what them chickens was talking about. I hope you know what I mean.<br />
<br />
:''So then, he watched them, and he didn't know what to do. And they all picked on him, 'cause he said he was an odd fellow. He perhaps was. But he was an eagle to begin with. They could stretch their little wings and flop around, and he'd look at them. And they were, all the way they were. Old hen would cluck, and they knowed every one of the clucks, so here come the little chickens all running in. But the eagle didn't understand that cluck. And he wouldn't come in, because he didn't know that kind of clucking. I'm not going to say much, but I hope you know what I'm talking of. He didn't understand it. He talked different. <br />
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:''But you know, one day she happened to be out in the barnyard feeding, and the old mother eagle happened to fly by. And as she flew by her great shadow swept over the top of the barnyard; she looked down, and she seen her own. He knows His own. And she screamed to him, and when she did, the little fellow turned his head and begin to look upward. That's the way he ought to have been looking all the time. And when he looked up, she screamed back, and she said, "Son, you're not a chicken; you're mine."<br />
<br />
:...<br />
<br />
:''The old mother said, "You're not a chicken; you don't belong there. You are mine." And he wondered what he could do; that's what he wanted.<br />
<br />
:...<br />
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:''She said, "Just make the first big jump and flop your wings."<br />
<br />
:''And he made the first jump and flopped his wings; he found out he wasn't earth bound any more, 'cause he set on a barnyard post, right in a center of a Pentecostal organization. His mother said, "Son, you've got to come higher than that, or I can't get you." Said, "Just give another jump, and I'll bear you up on my wings."<br />
<br />
|'''The Eagle Stirreth Her Nest,C.L. Franklin, Chess LP-21, recorded c. 1953'''<br />
:''It is said that there was a man who had a poultry farm. And that he raised chickens for the market. And one day in one of his broods he discovered a strange looking bird that was very much unlike the other chickens on the yard.<br />
<br />
:''...And then one day a man who knew eagles when he saw them, came along and saw that little eagle walking in the yard. And he said to his friend, “Do you know that you have an eagle here?”<br />
<br />
:''The man said, “Well, I didn’t really know it. But I knew he was different from the other chickens. And I knew that his ways were different. And I knew that his habits were different…”<br />
<br />
:''But the man said, “Yes, you have an eagle here on your yard. And what you ought to do is build a cage. After while when he is older he’s going to get tired of the ground… “<br />
<br />
:''And after a while he outgrew that one day and then he had to build another cage. So one day when the eagle had gotten grown...and he began to get restless in the cage. Yes he did. He began to walk around and be uneasy. Why he heard noises in the air. A flock of eagles flew over and he heard their voices. And though he’d never been around eagles, there was something about that voice that he heard that moved down in him, and made him dissatisfied.<br />
<br />
:''...He went there and opened the door. Yes. The eagle walked out, yes, spread his wings…and he flew up a little higher and went to the barnyard. And, yes, he set there for a while. He wiggled up a little higher and flew in yonder’s tree. Yes. And then he wiggled up a little higher and flew to yonder’s mountain.<br />
<br />
:''Yes. Yes! Yes. One of these days, one of these days. My soul is an eagle in the cage that the Lord has made for me. My soul, my soul, my soul is caged in, in this old body, yes it is, and one of these days the man who made the cage will open the door and let my soul go. Yes he will. You ought to be able to see me take the wings of my soul."'' <br />
|-<br />
| <br />
| <br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Image:Cigarette ad for a thinking mans filter.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]<br />
<br />
==Billy Graham==<br />
<br />
*Where did the inspiration for William Branham's sermon, "A Thinking Man's Filter", come from?<br />
*Why is his retelling of Billy Graham's sermon on 2 occasions in 1960, almost identical to the basis for his sermon in 1965?<br />
* Why did William Branham say he picked up a cigarette package when in another place he admits he didnt?<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" width="95%"<br />
!Where William Branham Said The Idea Came From<br />
!Where The Idea Actually Came From<br />
|-<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
| style="width: 50%; background-color: white;"|<br />
|-<br />
|'''A THINKING MAN'S FILTER 65-0822E'''<br />
:''So I turned around and went down by the river. And I thought, "I'll go down here and hide till they get done, so I can get out." And on the road down, I happened to draw... My attention was drawn to look over to my right side. And, as I did, there laid a empty cigarette package where one of them had throwed down, in all the running of the... when the squirrels were going through the bushes.''<br />
<br />
:''And I picked up this certain cigarette pack, and was look... I never picked it up; I beg your pardon. I looked down at it. I didn't pick it up, 'cause I don't like the smell of the things, to begin with. And I looked down there, and it's a--a certain tobacco company that I guess I shouldn't call their name, but you'll know. It said on there, "A thinking man's filter and a smoking man's taste."''<br />
<br />
:''I looked at that thing, and I thought, "A thinking man's filter?" I thought, "If the man could think at all, he wouldn't smoke at all. How could it be 'a thinking man's filter'? A thinking man wouldn't smoke at all." All right.'' <br />
<br />
'''Notice how the story changes the next time he tells it.''' In the second telling, he does pick up the package and, rather than just happening to notice it on the ground, it is now the Holy Spirit that '''tells''' him to pick it up.<br />
<br />
'''LEADERSHIP 65-1207'''<br />
:''Reminds me of a sermon I preached here not long ago, A Thinking Man's Filter. You might have had it. I was going, walking through the woods, I was squirrel hunting (this fall) and I looked down. And, of course, I can't call the cigarette company. You know it. And there laid a--a cigarette pack laying there. And I just passed by it, looking for... in the woods. And I seen that package laying there, and I looked back again, it said, "A thinking man's filter, a smoking man's taste." I just started walking on through the woods.<br />
<br />
:''And Holy Spirit said, "Turn and pick that up."<br />
<br />
:''I reached down and picked it up, "A thinking man's filter, a smoking man's taste." I thought "American firm here, selling death under disguisement, to their own American citizens." A thinking man's filter? You... And a smoking man's taste?'' <br />
<br />
|It is interesting that William Branham talks about this twice in one week in December 1960, so it obviously impacted him.<br />
<br />
'''THE PATMOS VISION 60-1204E'''<br />
:''How many heard Billy Graham today? It was a wonderful sermon he preached on, how that a people could believe a lie and just keep on in that lie and--and even justify themself and think that they were doing what was right. The American public taking, he said, and--and saying, "A wise man's filter, and the smoking man's cigarette," taking a one of the devil's lies, and instead of making him a fool, whatever he is, to smoke such a thing and try to make him a wise man. He's a fool to even smoke it, when the--when it's full of death and cancer and everything else, and still he puts it down his lungs. He's a fool, not a--not a wise man's filter; there is no such a thing. A wise man don't use the stuff.''<br />
<br />
:''"There's no life unless it's in Oertel's 92," or something like that. There's no Life outside of Christ; that's the real true Life. What makes men and women drink that stuff? Because they're trying to satisfy that thirst in there that God put in there to thirst after Him, and they're trying to satisfy it with the things of the world. And that's the reason we have those things. That's the reason people act like that, because they're trying to quench that thirst that's in them for God, and the devil's giving them death instead of Life. '' <br />
<br />
'''THE LAODICEAN CHURCH AGE 60-1211E'''<br />
:''The doctors condemn it and says it's full of cancer. Then they get on the radio and say, "A thinking man's filter."<br />
<br />
:''As Billy Graham said, "He's a fool to think that way in the beginning." So...''<br />
<br />
:''"Thinking man's filter," a thinking man wouldn't smoke it at all. That's right. It take the second thought. But he tells the women it makes them real skinny, you know, so that you can wear some of these new kind of dresses they got. Boy, that sells it. More women smoke cigarettes than there is men now, and a woman will smoke three to one cigarettes to a man. That's exactly right, 'cause she wants to get thin. She don't realize that's TB and cancer and stuff making her that way, just in a baby form, coming into her, eating her up like that, killing her. Not a thing can come out of it but evil. That's right. See? But that--it--it's a thinking man's filter." Oh, my.'' <br />
|}<br />
<br />
William Branham made it clear in one story that he didn't pick up the cigarette package. Then in the next he says that the Holy Spirit told him to pick it up. Why did the story change? Is William Branham being truthful with the origins of his doctrines and stories, or is he doing exactly what is spoken about in Jeremiah 23:30?<br />
<br />
==Ellen G. White==<br />
<br />
Ellen White, the "prophet" and founder of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, stated that:<br />
<br />
:''“Eggs should not be placed upon your table.”<ref>Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 400</ref><br />
<br />
This appears to be another case of William Branham plagiarizing something from another source when he stated:<br />
<br />
:''Do you remember years ago when I first, when we had the little bitty structure here, and I was prophesying, and said, "It shall come to pass in the last days, don't live in a valley and '''don't eat eggs'''."''<ref>Sermon: There is Only One Way Provided By God For Anything, July 31, 1963, Chicago, IL</ref><br />
<br />
Details of this plagiarized "prophecy" can be found in our article entitled "[[Don't Eat Eggs]]".<br />
<br />
===Ellen White was also a plagiarist?===<br />
<br />
The four techniques essential to the whitelie brand of super salesmanship are: (a) to play up anything unusual or mysterious about the one to be venerated, so that he or she becomes seen as at a supernatural level; (h) to exalt the acts and utterances to the virtuous and miraculous level, thus reinforcing the idea of the supernatural connection; (c) to deny access to information and records of the events and facts of the past; and (d) to buy time so as to get as far as possible from the point of living knowledge of the beginnings of the legend.<br />
<br />
According to Walter Rea, all four of these methods have been used by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and are still being used, in the matter of Ellen White and what has been published under her name.<br />
<br />
He also stated:<br />
<br />
:''In the matter of Ellen White's super salesmanship (in relation to both the church and the public), it is becoming evident that she too wanted to encourage, if not demand, that others accept her value structure and lifestyle. In order to obtain this end, she came to believe and to teach others that what she said and wrote was necessary to do, because God wanted it that way. Others around her who shared those views (and indeed even gave her some of them) were willing to let the faithful believe that what she said and wrote were directly the ideas and ways given her by God. This stance gave her every utterance the authority it needed in order to be believed-despite mounting evidence (and the witness of some others) to the contrary. Those who lived by faith, and likewise by evidence to support that faith, began to discover that the white lie was inconsistent with the evidence. And when they made known that discover for their honest pains they were expelled and discredited by character assassination.<br />
<br />
:''...One reason is now clear why much of the information in the 1884 edition of The Great Controversy could not have been included in the earlier works of Ellen on the same subject (Spiritual Gifts, published 185864). James had not yet gotten around to copying it from J. N Andrews; so it was not available to Ellen at the time. The 1888 and 1911 editions of The Great Controversy went back to James White's compilation of doctrines and events and picked up even more of his findings and ideas. But never once was it suggested that the heart of Adventist doctrine-such as the three angels' worldwide message that the church had applied exclusively to the Adventists, the shut door that left everyone else out in the cold, the 2300 days, the seventy weeks, the sanctuary doctrine, the United States in prophecy, the "mark of the beast," the image to that beast-had all come out earlier in James White's Life Incidents.<br />
<br />
:''So striking was the copying done under the name of Ellen-and so sensitive is the information that the heart of Adventist theology and eschatology came, not from the visions of or revelations to Ellen, but from the pen of James sixteen years before Ellen wrote them out- that time should be spent examining the evidence in Life Incidents.<br />
<br />
:''Here it should be recalled that the four small volumes of Ellen's Spiritual Gifts (185864) were amplified to the four volumes of Ellen's The Spirit of Prophecy (187084) and then expanded to Ellen's The Great Controversy (1888 ea.) of the fivevolume Conflict of the Ages Series. Inasmuch as the earlier eight volumes are now again available in facsimile editions, anyone can examine all the books and note the progressive copy work through the years. Meanwhile, during those same years, the legend grew and grew and was "sold" and accepted that God had given Ellen exclusive and firsthand knowledge of his plans for the future events of the church and the world.<br />
<br />
:''Comparison shows that words, sentences, quotations, thoughts, ideas, structures, paragraphs, and even total pages were taken from James White's book to Ellen's book under a new title-with no blush of shame, no mention of her husband, no thanks to Uriah Smith and J. N. Andrews, for the hard work and theological insights of anyone.<br />
<br />
:''Unfortunately for James, he did not have the personal advantage of angels checking in and out on schedule with the firsthand information Ellen purported to have. Without any intermediary, he had to get his material from human sources. But he was equal to the task. Much of his material in Life Incidents was taken primarily from J. N. Andrews, whose book published in 1860, interestingly enough, was entitled The Three Messages of Revelation XIV, 612, and particularly The Third Angel's Message and The Two Horned Beast. James, unlike his wife Ellen, did not even bother to paraphrase-he just took the material from Andrews wholesale into his work.<br />
<br />
:''Nothing has been released from the White Estate as to how Andrews or Uriah Smith felt about all this "taking" in the name of God. Perhaps the fact that they were brothers-in-law, both assisting in the editorial work of the Review, both personal friends of the Whites-and thus able to sit around the same table to finalize their views-might have softened the pain of Ellen's copy work. One might be tempted to think that Ellen set the pattern and James may not have given much thought to doing the same thing. Of course, there was in fact no excuse for anyone not to give thought-especially in view of the statement published in an 1864 issue of the Review under the heading "Plagiarism": This is a word that is used to signify "literary theft," or taking the productions or another and passing them off as one s own.... We are perfectly willing that pieces from the Review, or any of our books should be published to any extent, and all we ask is, that simple justice be done us, by due credit being given. <br />
<br />
:''Examination reveals that the 1860 book of J. N. Andrews was an exact replay of his own 185155 articles in the Review. Thus James and Ellen had available for their perusal and use after 1855 the content and form of Andrew's work for incorporation in their own work: Spiritual Gifts (185864); Life Incidents (1868); The Spirit of Prophecy (187084); Sketches of. . . William Miller (1875); The Great Controversy (1888).<br />
<br />
:''This information may or may not disturb those who now say that the group of pioneers sat around the table and worked out in conjunction with Ellen their ideas and theology. But it does indeed disturb those who were taught that such ideas and theology originated with greater authority and mystique than the common ideas of human endeavor seem to command.<ref>Ellen G. White, Prophet? or Plagiarist!, The White Lie! By Walter T. Rea</ref><br />
<br />
==William Sowders==<br />
<br />
For details on the similarities with [[William Sowders]], please go to [[William Sowders|the article on how William Branham appears to have copied doctrinal teachings from Sowders]].<br />
<br />
==Questions and Answers on Plagiarism==<br />
<br />
We have received several emails on the subject of William Branham's plagiarism. Our responses to these questions can be found in our article entitled [[Q&A:Plagiarism]].<br />
<br />
=Defenses against the charge of plagiarism=<br />
<br />
We have had message believers state that there are several reasons why William Branham was not guilty of plagiarism. However, these claims do not hold up to any kind of scrutiny and simply appear to be symptomatic of [[Cognitive Dissonance]].<br />
<br />
==Derivative work==<br />
<br />
It is argued by some message believers that William Branham did not plagiarize clarence Larkin's works but rather created a derivative work. The argument was presented as follows:<br />
<br />
:''...a derivative work is a work based upon one or more pre-existing works. Briefly, any other form in which an original work may be recast, transformed, or adapted can be considered a derivative work. A work consisting of editorial revisions, annotations, elaborations, or other modifications that, when taken as a whole, represent an original work of authorship, is also a "derivative work" (Source: Title 17 U.S.C. Section 101). In other words, using an existing idea to create or transform it into another idea. To put it bluntly, it means you can copy someone’s idea for the purpose of presenting a new idea. So basically, what William Branham did was a typical derivative work from Clarence Larkin.<br />
<br />
It is correct that U.S. copyright law protects the right to "make a derivative work," such as a movie from a book. But a derivative work does not include a direct copying of Larkin's work verbatim and including it in the Church Age book. <br />
<br />
We suggest that anyone concerned with this issue should review Larkin's work on the church ages and then read the first few chapters of Branham's church age book. Several pages of Larkin's work are copied almost verbatim.<br />
<br />
William Branham's plagiarism of Larkin's work is morally, ethically and biblically wrong.<br />
<br />
==Public domain==<br />
<br />
The argument that William Branham did not plagiarize Larkin's works is as follows (taken from an argument presented by [[The Message|a follower of William Branham]]:<br />
<br />
:''According to U.S. copyright laws, any works published before 1923 are already entered into public domain. It means it is given to the public. Anyone can freely use of the materials without asking permission or paying anything. Both of Larkin's 2 books being published before 1923, has already entered in public domain. By this alone, it is a proof that there is no plagiarism because the material was never stolen. There is no such thing as stealing in public domain materials.<br />
<br />
The problem with this argument is that it doesn't look at what the situation was during William Branham's lifetime. Larkin's ''The Book of Revelation'' was published in 1919 and passed into the public domain in 1975, 10 years after William Branham died.<br />
<br />
So William Branham was in clear violation of U.S. copyright law when he published the Church Age book in 1965.<br />
<br />
==Larkin was mentioned by Branham==<br />
<br />
William Branham only mentioned Clarence Larkin 3 times in the recorded sermons. He is never mentioned in the Church Age Book.<br />
<br />
:''I've been reading '''Dr. Larkin's book''', Dr. Smith's book, Dr. Scofield's notes, different commentaries from men everywhere, and yet I '''cannot put theirs together to make it come out right'''.<ref>GABRIEL'S.INSTRUCTIONS.TO.DANIEL JEFF.IN 61-0730M</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''And so, no doubt that down through the age there has been hundreds times hundreds of people, scholars, abled men, trying to explain what these seventy of weeks were. And I've read many of their commentaries on it. And I'm very grateful to Mr. Smith of the Adventist church for his views. '''I'm very grateful to Dr. Larkin of his views.''' I'm grateful to all these great scholars for their views on this. And in reading them, it enlightens me much that '''I can find places that looks right. But''' to get the views that I--I thought that I would like to explain, I searched through the encyclopedia of time to find out what time meant.<ref>THE.SEVENTIETH.WEEK.OF.DANIEL_ JEFF.IN 61-0806</ref><br />
<br />
:'' I had my own idea, as every minister does, of reading maybe what other man had said; and believing as much as I possible, with them, on the things that they had drawed up, their conclusion. I had read the book of Mr. Smith, Uriah Smith, which is the Adventist teacher, and I had read his--his thoughts on it. And '''I had read Mr. Larkin.''' I had read, oh, so many different ones, of their commentaries on This. But, somehow or other'n, I thought I had a--a little view of it, myself, that might be of places different. But trying one time, just speaking three subjects, the first... or the four subjects of the four horse riders. I preached on it four nights, one on one horse, and the other. B'''ut then just before it happened, I was given a vision'''...<ref>THE.FEAST.OF.THE.TRUMPETS JEFF.IN 64-0719M</ref><br />
<br />
So while William Branham mentions Larkin, he never mentions him in the context of the sermons that he preached that were based on Larkin's materials. Larkin is never mentioned in the church age series or the seven seals series. Larkin is also not mentioned in the Church Age book.<br />
<br />
That is what plagiarism is all about. Taking someone's work and not giving them due credit. He said he didn't really agree with Larkin when he actually stole a lot of his ideas. That is just wrong morally, ethically and biblically.<br />
<br />
{{Theology}}<br />
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[[Category:Honesty and Credibility]]<br />
[[Category:Doctrines]]<br />
[[Category:The Seven Church Ages]]<br />
[[Category:Plagiarism]]<br />
[[Category:The Message]]<br />
[[Category:Eschatology]]<br />
[[Category:The Seven Seals]]</div>
Admin
https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=Vin_Dayal&diff=27047
Vin Dayal
2024-02-11T00:41:10Z
<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
<br />
[[Image:Vin Dayal newspaper 2020 01 03.png|thumb|250px|right]]<br />
Vinworth A. Dayal is the pastor of Third Exodus Assembly, Depot Road, Longdenville, Trinidad & Tobago. As with most ministers in the message, Vin Dayal has had no formal theological training which is a badge of pride in message churches. In 2021, Pastor Dayal was charged with criminal money laundering and has been committed to stand trial.<br />
<br />
=What Third Exodus believes=<br />
<br />
For those not familiar with Third Exodus Assembly, the church would be [[Is the Message a Cult?|considered a cult]] by virtually all Protestant, Roman Catholic or Orthodox churches.<br />
<br />
Those that attend Third Exodus Assembly would describe themselves as following "[[The Message]]" of [[William Branham]], although the proper term would be "Branhamites". The reason that most Christians would consider this church to be cultic and heretical in its teachings are as follows:<br />
<br />
#They deny the doctrine of the Trinity and espouse "[[Oneness]]" theology.<br />
#They believe that [[The Serpent's Seed|the original sin was sexual in nature and involved the serpent seducing Eve]].<br />
#They revere William Branham as the greatest prophet since Jesus Christ and [[Is the Message a Cult?#William Branham's message is greater than the Bible|generally place his teaching above the Bible]].<br />
#Those that do not agree with them doctrinally are part of the Great Whore of Revelation chapter 17.<br />
<br />
=News reports=<br />
<br />
On December 9, 2019, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago announced that all paper $100 dollar banknotes would cease to be legal tender as of December 31, 2019.<br />
<br />
According to multiple newspaper articles including both the Trinidad Express and the Trinidad Guardian, Vin Dayal went to a branch of the State-run First Citizens Bank on December 23, 2109, and informed the bank that he intended to redeem all of the old paper $100 notes in his possession which amounted to TTD$28,046,500 (Trinidad & Tobago Dollars), which is equivalent to about USD$4,100,000 (US Dollars).<br />
<br />
Because of the substantial amount, he was redirected to the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT). Apparently CBTT representatives instructed him to visit the bank in person and fill out a source of funds declaration form prior to redemption of the notes in his possession.<br />
<br />
According to Dayal’s lawyer, Darrell Allahar, the source of funds was churchgoers who contributed their tithes. He said Dayal “had collected over the past 19 years voluntary offerings for his personal use and benefit from members of the congregation of the church in the form of tithes”.<br />
<br />
The funds were seized on December 31, 2019 by officers of the Financial Investigations Branch (FIB) of the Police Service as Vin Dayal attmepted to exchange them. Additionaly, FIB officers, along with six uniformed, armed police officers, subsequently searched the residence of the Vin Dayal's children. We also understand that the church has also been subject to search and "millions more in cash" was seized.<br />
<br />
It was reported that the funds were seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.<br />
<br />
Third Exodus Assembly pastor Vin Dayal, who is under investigation for the source of $28 million he tried to exchange for new $100 bills on Old Year's Day, has declared the devil is trying to “make him famous”, and with the support of heaven his church will not “scatter and fall apart.”<br />
<br />
During a sermon on the evening of January 2, 2020 while FIB officers were busy counting money seized from the church, Vin Dayal reportedly stated:<br />
<br />
:''Good to see all the troops out tonight, Satan trying to make me famous, Amen, but there is more in heaven friends, more with us than with them, there is more with us than with them by the grace of almighty God... You see that is what the devil has tried, the devil try to hit something and think we will scatter and fall apart but that word is planted in you. That’s when the going gets tough, the tough gets going... We not in some kind of jokey religion friends, this is an apostolic church with an apostolic faith, this is the bible church.<ref>https://newsday.co.tt/2020/01/04/28m-pastor-declares-satan-trying-to-make-me-famous/</ref><br />
<br />
==July 1, 2021 update==<br />
<br />
On July 1, 2021, Vinworth Dayal was arrested by officers of the Financial Investigations Branch and the Inter-Agency Task Force. He was subsequently charged with two counts of money laundering.<br />
<br />
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service said 60-year-old Vinworth Anthony Dayal of Longdenville was charged with two counts of money laundering contrary to Section 45 (1) (b) of the Proceeds of Crime Act, Chapter 11:27, following advice received from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on June 30.<br />
<br />
The TTPS said the accused appeared before a Magistrate in the Port of Spain Court on July 1 where he was granted bail of $10 million TTD.<br />
<br />
Vin Dayal was also ordered to surrender his passport.<br />
<br />
The police indicated that they had launched an intensive investigation into the source and intended use of the sums of cash that had been seized earlier in the year in accordance with the Proceeds of Crime Act, Chapter 11:27.<ref>Full details available at tt.loopnews.com/content/chaguanas-pastor-granted-10m-bail-alleged-money-laundering-charges</ref><br />
<br />
==November 30, 2021 update==<br />
<br />
Eighteen witness statements were filed by the prosecution in the case involving La Romaine pastor Vinworth Dayal, who was slapped with two charges in July. The charges alleged that the $28 million-plus in $100 cotton bills that he tried to get exchanged at the Central Bank in 2019 were proceeds of criminal property.<br />
<br />
Dayal appeared virtually before Chief Magistrate Maria Busby Earle-Caddle on November 30, 2021.<br />
<br />
Six more witness statements were to be filed and served by December 10.<br />
<br />
Evidential objections are expected to be filed in January and Dayal will return to court in March 2022.<br />
<br />
The charges against the pastor are that on December 31, 2019, he possessed criminal property in the amount of $28,028,600 in TT currency, which represented in whole, or in part, a pecuniary advantage to himself as a result of criminal conduct contrary to the Income Tax Act, knowing or having reasonable grounds to suspect that those proceeds were criminal property. The second charge alleges he was in possession of $2,691,338, on January 2, 2020.<br />
<br />
Both charges were laid under Section 45(1)(b) of the Proceeds of Crime Act and were laid 18 months after he tried to exchange the money, which has since been held in an interest-bearing account.<br />
<br />
Dayal was granted $10 million bail to cover the two charges.<ref>[https://newsday.co.tt/2021/11/30/30m-pastor-returns-to-court/]</ref><br />
<br />
==Why we should not be surprised==<br />
<br />
William Branham taught that:<br />
<br />
#The New Testament requires tithing, so Christians are required to tithe;<br />
#The tithe in the Old Testament was ten percent; and<br />
#The tithe should go to the pastor of the church.<br />
<br />
In message churches, pastors generally consider tithing paid into the church to be their personal property. As a result, it is not surprising that Vin Dayal took the tithe as being his and did with it as he saw fit. <br />
<br />
This is the same issue that created the significant problem which William Branham had with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in 1956. The IRS charged Branham with tax evasion, which was eventually settled out of court by Branham accepting a penalty of USD$40,000.<br />
<br />
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[[Category: Unfinished articles]]<br />
[[Category: Message Ministers]]</div>
Admin
https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=Rise_of_a_Woman_in_America&diff=27046
Rise of a Woman in America
2024-02-10T03:54:12Z
<p>Admin: /* Thus saith the Lord - the women’s vote elected the wrong man */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
{{1933 Visions}}<br />
[[Image:Kamala Harris.jpeg|thumb|right|250px|Kamala Harris being sworn in as the Vice President of the United States]]<br />
William Branham claimed he saw a series of <strike>seven</strike> ten prophetic visions in June 1933, which he also claimed to write down in an old book. In the seventh vision, a woman rose to great power in America. William Branham was not sure whether the "Woman" in this vision was a physical woman, or a religious power such as the Catholic Church.<br />
<br />
In 1955, William Branham told of a prophecy he made:<br />
<br />
''“Before the end time comes, there’ll be a woman, that’ll be a great ruler in this nation. '''She will either be president or something on that order, some great woman.''' ...That was in 1932, or something like that.<ref>William Branham, 55-0501E - The Faith That Was Once Delivered To The Saints, para. 17</ref><br><br />
=Did William Branham prophesy the election of Kamala Harris?=<br />
[[Image:Pope Francis in Purple.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Pope Francis in his purple robe]]<br />
<br />
The first 10 minutes of '''Episode 65 of the Off The Shelf podcast''' addresses the Kamala Harris prophecy - [http://offtheshelf.life/podcast/episode-65-the-seven-thunders-part-2/ click here to listen]<br />
<br />
Many message followers are pointing to a statement by William Branham from 1960:<br />
<br />
:''And remember, THUS SAITH THE LORD there will be a woman rule before the end time. '''She’ll either be President, Vice President, or it’ll be the Catholic Church as a woman.''' I’ve seen her: A great woman, the nation bowed to her. It’ll be one before the end time. THUS SAITH THE LORD. Write it down and find out, you young people. See if it happens. If it isn’t, I’m a false prophet.<ref>William Branham, 60-0716 - From That Time, para. 213</ref><br />
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They also get quite excited about a quote from 1961:<br />
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:''Now, I predicted, and have said, “I saw '''a great woman stand up, beautiful-looking, dressed in real highly royal-like purple.'''” And I got little parenthesis down here, “(She was a great ruler in the United States; perhaps the Catholic church.)” A woman, some woman; I don’t know it’ll be the Catholic church. I don’t know. I can’t say. Only thing I seen, I seen the woman, that was all.<ref>William Branham, 61-0806 - The Seventieth Week Of Daniel, para. 207</ref><br />
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On January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris was sworn-in as the Vice President of the United States of America. Was this the fulfillment of William Branham's prophecy?<br />
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==Classifying William Branham's prophecies==<br />
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William Branham made a number of predictions and prophecies. Based on our research, William Branham's "prophecies" can be classified into three categories:<br />
#Those that are clearly False,<br />
#Those that are so vague that they will almost certainly be fulfilled in some way, and<br />
#Prophecies that are based on scripture, common scientific knowledge and/or common sense.<br />
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In 1955, William Branham stated that a woman would become a great ruler in the US. She would either be president or something on that order.<br />
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In 1956, he stated that a woman would be president before the US was annihilated. He stated that the prophecy was written down. He also said on various occasions that it might be the Catholic church. In 1963, he stated it was not actually a woman but a church.<br />
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He mentioned this prophecy approximately 14 times in the 10 years prior to his death in 1965.<br />
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In looking at this prophecy, we need to ask a couple of questions.<br />
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===Was this prophecy unique?===<br />
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Was William Branham the first person to prophecy that a woman would be president? Or a vice president?<br />
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According to an article in The Atlantic dated November 1, 2016, predictions of a women president (or presidentess) started even before women had the vote. A 1910 headline in the ''Meade County News'', a Kansas newspaper stated:<br />
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:'''''Mere Man Faces Danger of a Woman Being President of the United States'''''<br />
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A newspaper advertisement in 1892 predicted that by 1992, a 100 years later, perhaps the first woman would be inaugurated as president. And in 1928, a Los Angeles Times article humorously predicted that by the year 1975, ''"there will doubtless be a lady President of the United Sates with a lady Cabinet and a lady Senate."''<br />
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When William Branham predicted that a woman would be president of the United States at some unknown time in the future, he was not the first to make such a prediction.<br />
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After women were given the vote in the US. simple common sense would tell you that the prediction would come true at some time in the future, however distant that might be.<br />
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===Was this prophecy vague?===<br />
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Is this a prophecy that is sufficiently vague that it will almost certainly be fulfilled? <br />
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The details of this prophecy seem intentionally ambiguous. The woman is a president or a vice president or a dictator or the Catholic church or any other thing that might be symbolically portrayed as a powerful woman. <br />
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One could use the exact same prophecy to claim fulfillment of heavy Catholic influence or an actual woman in power. Predicting that a woman will someday be President of the United States carries with it the same inevitability as a massive earthquake along the San Andreas fault line, or cars that will one day drive themselves. That doesn't take a prophet and William Branham was not the first to predict any of these things.<br />
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Women obtained the legal right to vote nationally in the US in 1920. William Branham stated he received this prophecy in 1933. Given the way history was moving it was not hard to believe in 1933 that a woman would eventually be president or vice president. If the prophecies were actually made in 1933… and there is some doubt about that… then to see a woman as vice president some 87 years later is not an astounding prophecy.<br />
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As a result, it is reasonable to conclude that this prophecy qualifies as being sufficiently fuzzy as to almost certainly be fulfilled at some time in the future.<br />
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===Is this a prophecy which William Branham takes from scripture?===<br />
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What about the fact that Kamala Harris was wearing purple? Isn’t this a clear indication of a non-vague prophecy?<br />
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In a sermon which on December 7, 1960, William Branham quotes revelation 17:4… “And the woman was arrayed in purple…” and then he says “The beast was scarlet, but the woman was arrayed in purple.”<br />
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So, if he thought that the woman in his vision was the Catholic church and the Bible says she was wearing purple, then it is not surprising for William Branham to say that in his vision the woman was wearing purple. What is surprising is that he never referred to the powerful woman wearing purple at any time prior to 1960. It was only later, after he quoted Revelation 17:4 in a sermon, that he mentions her wearing purple.<br />
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This is an example of the third category of prophecies that William Branham made. It is a prophecy which he takes from scripture.<br />
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I think it is important to note that message followers are desperate to find a valid prophecy that William Branham made. Our highest traffic in the past 5 years was in early November 2016 when Hillary Clinton vied against Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. <br />
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Psychologists have proved that where prophecies made by revered religious leaders fail, their followers become more fervent in their beliefs and will go on to believe things that normal people shake their heads at. <br />
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This is very hard for people outside the message to understand but this is what is happening in the message. The followers of William Branham are sadly becoming more and more like a cult.<br />
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===What if this was a valid prophecy?===<br />
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Say that this is a valid prophecy, does it negate the others prophecies that clearly failed?<br />
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God tells us in Deuteronomy 18:20-22 that <br />
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:''"A prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, is to be put to death.” You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?” '''If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true''', that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed.<ref>The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Dt 18:20-22</ref><br />
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'''This is a “one strike and you’re out test”''' which William Branham applied to himself. If we can find one failed prophecy, we don’t have to look any farther.<br />
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There are a number of visions which William Branham made which failed. '''The municipal bridge vision failed, as did the Brown Bear vision, and the vision of the meetings in South Africa.''' As a result, we can state without hesitation that you should not pay attention to William Branham.<br />
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The important question is this - does Kamala Harris being elected as vice president AND wearing purple at her inauguration mean that William Branham is everything that message followers say he is? <br />
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The answer is '''No''', it does not.<br />
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We are still left with the myriad failed visions and after the fact prophecies. We are faced with sermons that William Branham says he received from God but were clearly plagiarized. We are confronted with an astounding lack of credibility. None of that has changed.<br />
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We are certainly willing to admit that William Branham stated in a 87 year old prophecy that a woman might be vice president. He got it right. But that is not an astounding prophecy. That she would wear purple is a bit better but it appears he was merely trying to make reference to Revelation 17:4.<br />
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We could prophecy today that a woman in the future will be president and that this future president will wear scarlet at some time. That prophecy will come true… at some time in the future. But that does not make the writer of this article a prophet. We simply understand that some things are inevitable.<br />
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However, message followers will point to this and will believe the message more fervently, just as the psychologists predicted. That is sad but not something that can be discussed rationally with message followers.<br />
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Message preachers will continue to fill their congregations with fear… Something that the Bible says is the opposite of a real relationship with God. Again, this is regretful. We understand from Romans 8:15 that we did not receive a spirit that makes us fear. NO! We received God’s Spirit when he adopted us as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.<br />
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That is what being a Christ follower is about <br />
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Message followers now believe that the destruction of the United States will happen shortly. As a result, some message followers will sell their houses and spend their life savings, just as happened [[1977|prior to 1977]].<br />
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===The Multiple Versions of the Prophecy===<br />
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William Branham said that the prophecy was written down, so each retelling of it should have been consistent. However, William Branham's statement that a woman would rise to the American Presidency later changed to women voting in a Catholic president. The great woman became beautiful and cruel, and William Branham claimed this was fulfilled with the election of JFK. Later, the woman was dressed in purple. In one sermon this was to be followed immediately by the destruction of America. William Branham omitted JFK from the fulfillment of this prophecy after the President was assassinated in November 1963.<br />
[[Image:Rosie the Riveter.jpg|right|Rosie the Riviter|250px]]<br />
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Here is a recap of what William Branham said (see full quotes at the bottom of this page):<br />
*1955: A woman will rise to power in America as a president.<br />
*1956: A woman will be president before the US is annihilated.<br />
*1957: A great powerful woman will take over the whole nation.<br />
*1958: <br />
**A woman would rule this nation.<br />
**A great woman will rise up, and be President or something <br />
**There’ll be a great, powerful woman raise up, either be President, or dictator, or some great powerful woman in this United States.<br />
*1960: <br />
**There will be a woman rule before the end time. She’ll either be President, Vice President, or it’ll be the Catholic Church as a woman.<br />
**Women will vote in the wrong person (Kennedy), and a great woman beautiful and great would rise in the U.S. (perhaps the Catholic Church). <br />
**The coming of the control of a woman in the United States to take over, maybe a church to take over to rule.<br />
**Women would elect the wrong person. Then a great woman, a church, a power or something, would take over this United States, to rule. Then I seen it just like ashes,<br />
**A great woman wold stand up in the United States, beautiful, but cruel in heart, perhaps the Catholic church. And women being permitted to vote would help elect the wrong person... And that’s what they done. Exactly.<br />
**Women will be permitted to vote, and they’ll elect the wrong person (which happened in 1960) During that time, there’ll be a great woman rise up in the United States, she’ll be beautifully dressed (perhaps the Catholic church) that’ll take rulership over the power, overpower the others in the United States. She’ll be beautiful to look at, but she’ll be cruel-hearted as she can be. Then the United States just blowed to pieces. <br />
**A vision of the great powerful woman<br />
*1961:<br />
**A powerful woman will stand up to the United States. She’s on her road now. And she took over. And then I seen the United States was blown up.<br />
**I seen a great woman rise up, beautiful to look at, but a cruel wicked heart. And that will be a church. And she’s on her road now.<br />
**I saw a great woman stand up, beautiful-looking, dressed in real highly royal-like purple. She was a great ruler in the United States; perhaps the Catholic church. I don’t know it’ll be the Catholic church. I don’t know. I can’t say. Only thing I seen, I seen the woman, that was all.<br />
*1963: They would permit women to vote, and, in doing so, they would elect the wrong President. And in this would be a woman stand up that would govern the United States; not actually a woman, but a church. <br />
*1964: a woman ruling this nation, which, perhaps, is the church. And then the end come.<br />
*Church Age Book: There arose up in America a most beautiful, but cruel woman. She held the people in her complete power. I believed that this was the rise of the Roman Catholic Church, though I knew it could possibly be a vision of some woman rising in great power in America due to a popular vote by women. <br />
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William Branham also mentions that Leo Mercer would be revising this prophecy, when he said, ''"By the way, Mr. Mercier and many of them are going to take some of these old prophecies, and dig them out, and revise them a little, or bring them up to date, and put them in papers.'' <ref>CONDEMNATION.BY.REPRESENTATION_ JEFF.IN V-2 N-13 SUNDAY_ 60-1113</ref><br />
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='''Thus saith the Lord''' - the women’s vote elected the wrong man=<br />
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The 1960 U.S. Presidential Election was held on November 8, 1960. '''Five days after the election''', on November 13, 1960, William Branham mentioned a '''prophecy on tape for the very first time'''. He blamed John F. Kennedy’s election on the women’s vote:<br />
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:''I'd like to read some things that I'd like for you to--to... This one first. I'd like to read something to you.<br />
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:''1932: (Listen to this.) As I was on my way... Or as I was getting ready to go on my way to church this morning, it came to pass that I fell into a vision. Our services is being held on Meigs Avenue at the old orphans' home, where Charlie Kern lives in part of the building." (He lives just across the street now, you know.)<br />
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:''And it came to pass that while I was in this vision I seen some dreadful things take place. I speak this in the Name of the Lord.<br />
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:'''''It shall--also has been an evil thing done in this country; they have permitted women to vote'''. This is a woman's nation, and she will pollute this nation as Eve did Eden. Now, you see why I'm hammering the way I do. I got, '''THUS SAITH THE LORD. In her voting she will elect the wrong person.''' …Women, given the right to vote, elected '''President-elect Kennedy--with the woman's vote, the wrong man, which will finally be to full control of the Catholic church in the United States; then the bomb comes that explodes her.'''”<ref>CONDEMNATION.BY.REPRESENTATION_ JEFF.IN V-2 N-13 SUNDAY_ 60-1113</ref><br />
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'''But he was wrong.''' According to Gallup, during the 1960 election 51% of women voted for Nixon and 49% voted for Kennedy.<ref>[http://www.gallup.com/poll/9454/election-polls-vote-groups-19601964.aspx Election poll results for the 1960 Presidential election]</ref> So, this is '''a false THUS SAITH THE LORD prophecy''' that was first spoken after it had been 'fulfilled'. Read more on [[Women's Suffrage]].<br />
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And why did William Branham first "read" this prophecy publicly only after he thought that it had been fulfilled?<br />
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===Preach against those you don’t like===<br />
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William Branham did not respect Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, voting women, Jacqueline Kennedy, or the Catholic Church. It is no surprise that these people made their way from his sermons into his prophecies. In the United States, women were given a right to vote in 1920. William Branham called this an “evil thing”, which he claimed he had the right to do because he had “Thus Saith The Lord”.<br />
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==Message Believers and Women Politicians==<br />
Message Believers watch women in politics very closely, and have many conspiracy theories about them. Some (like [[Pearry Green]]) have claimed that Hillary Clinton will be the fulfillment of this prophecy and run for President. Yet others supported Sarah Palin in her candidacy as she was Republican "and not evil". So in our experience the fulfillment of this prophecy seems to be interpreted by the political leanings of the individual Message Believer.<br />
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=Quotes of William Branham=<br />
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''Wrote twenty-three years ago. “Before the end time comes, there’ll be a woman, that’ll be a great ruler in this nation. '''She will either be president or something on that order, some great woman.''' And at that time, automobiles, just before the coming of the Lord, will be in the shape of an egg.” Now, remember that; keep it in mind. See? That was in 1932, or something like that.<ref>William Branham, 55-0501E - The Faith That Was Once Delivered To The Saints, para. 17</ref><br />
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''But just remember this. I predict this: that '''a woman will be president before we’re annihilated.''' That’s right. I said that in 1933 by a vision.<ref>William Branham, 56-0428 - God's Covenant With Abraham, para. 44</ref><br />
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''Women are taking over. Course, that’s just the trend and the prophecy of the day, that this nation is a woman’s nation. It’ll be run by a woman. And remember, thir-… 1933, I saw that come in a vision, '''a great powerful woman will take over the whole nation''', some day, that’s exactly right, before the end time, ’fore total annihilation.<ref>William Branham, 57-0602 - Life, para. 33</ref><br />
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''And you remember, '''I’ve already predicted in 1933, a woman would rule this nation before the chaos, by the annihilation.''' See her face on the money; she’s everything; she’s a goddess; she’s… Hollywood’s done it. The reason that takes place, is because you stayed home on Wednesday night from the prayer meeting to watch some old dirty play of “We Love Sucy,” or something like that.<ref>William Branham, 58-0512 - Life, para. 31</ref><br />
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''And then there will be a great woman rise up, ’cause America is a woman’s nation. And it’ll …'''A great woman will rise up, and be President or something like that''', in the nation. And then there will come a total annihilation. The entire nation will be wiped out. And, that, I predict…Now this is not the Lord saying this. (The other, about the woman, it is, is the Lord.) But I predicted, in 1933, that the world would meet total annihilation before ’77.<ref>William Branham, 58-0720M - By Faith, Moses, para. 9-10</ref><br />
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''And I said, “Remember, in that day, before the end time comes, before the end time comes, that a woman… Now, you all keep this wrote down. '''There’ll be a great, powerful woman raise up, either be President, or dictator, or some great powerful woman in this United States.''' And she’ll sink, under the influence of women. Now, you remember, that’s THUS SAITH THE LORD.” See?<ref>William Branham, 58-0927 - Why Are We Not A Denomination?, para. 136</ref><br />
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''And remember, THUS SAITH THE LORD there will be a woman rule before the end time. '''She’ll either be President, Vice President, or it’ll be the Catholic Church as a woman.''' I’ve seen her: A great woman, the nation bowed to her. It’ll be one before the end time. THUS SAITH THE LORD. Write it down and find out, you young people. See if it happens. If it isn’t, I’m a false prophet.<ref>William Branham, 60-0716 - From That Time, para. 213</ref><br />
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''“It shall also…has been an evil thing done in this country, they have permitted women to vote. This is a woman’s nation, and she will pollute this nation as Eve did Eden.” Now you see why I’m hammering the way I do? I got THUS SAITH THE LORD. “'''In her voting, she will elect the wrong person."''' “The Americans will take a great beating at a place that Germany will build, which will be a great wall built of concrete,” the Maginot Line, eleven years before it was ever built, “but finally they will be victors. “Then when these women help elect the wrong person, then '''I seen a great woman rise up in the United States, well-dressed and beautiful, but cruel in heart. She will either guide or lead this nation to ruination.'''” I got, in parenthesis, “(Perhaps, Catholic church).<ref>William Branham, 60-1113 - Condemnation By Representation, para. 36-38</ref><br />
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''I was quoting last night a prophecy that was given me back in 1933 of seven things would take place: Germany, the Sieg—Siegfried Line, and the president election, and all these other things. Five of them has already taken place, two left: '''the coming of the control of a woman in the United States to take over, maybe a church to take over to rule.''' Watch. It’s THUS SAITH THE LORD.<ref>William Branham, 60-1126 - Why?, para. 92</ref><br />
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''Look at the prophecy the Lord give me in ’33, how it would happen, “They’d permit women to vote. In voting, they’d elect the wrong person.” Seven things was give, and five of them has already happened. '''The next thing was a great woman, a church, a power or something, would take over this United States, to rule.''' Then I seen it just like ashes, laying, where it come to the end. It was the end time.<ref>William Branham, 60-1204M - The Revelation Of Jesus Christ, para. 390</ref><br />
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''Now, and it said in there, “At that time, there’d be '''a great woman stand up in the United States.” And she was dressed and beautiful, but she was cruel in heart.''' And I got in parenthesis on the vision, even '''yellow paper, said, “perhaps the Catholic church.'''” And the women being permitted to vote would help elect the wrong person for this nation. And that’s what they done. Exactly. Now, said, “That would be the beginning.”<ref>William Branham, 60-1205 - The Ephesian Church Age, para. 48</ref><br />
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''Now, just one minute, let’s stop here just a second, by the way. And let’s—us turn now to Revelation, 17th chapter, just a minute. Just turned right straight to it... Now, the seven heads are the seven “mountains” on which the city sets. And this woman is the city, we know. '''And the woman was arrayed in purple…''' “The woman.” '''The beast was scarlet, but the woman was arrayed in purple.'''<ref>William Branham, 60-1207 - The Pergamean Church Age, para. 164, 176-177</ref><br />
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''Now, so then I said, “There will be in that time, during that time the women will be permitted to vote, and they’ll elect the wrong person.” They did it on this last election. That’s right. “Which will start the stronghold. '''During that time it’ll come to pass that—that there’ll be a great woman rise up in the United States, she’ll be beautifully dressed,” and I got in parenthesis: “(perhaps the Catholic church).” See? “That’ll take rulership over the power, overpower the others in the United States. She’ll be beautiful to look at, but she’ll be cruel-hearted as she can be.”''' I said, “Then I looked again, and I saw the United States just blowed to pieces. There wasn’t nothing left on it.” 200 And I predicted then. “Now this, that was THUS SAITH THE LORD.”<ref>William Branham, 60-1208 - The Thyatirean Church Age, para. 198</ref><br />
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''But the Lord showed me '''a vision of the great powerful woman,''' in ’33, 1933, it’s on paper. Of how that “Roosevelt would cause…he helped cause the world to go to war.” How that “Mussolini would make his first invasion to Ethiopia and he would take it, but he would come to a disgraceful end.” And how that “Then the three ism: Nazism, Fascism, and Communism, would all wind up in Communism.” And how many in here remembers me just keep…have you stand, and say it over, I’d tell you, “Watch Russia! Watch Russia, the king of the North! Watch Russia, king of the North! Watch Russia, king of the North!”? How many has heard me just say, just wave that over, over? The old-timers, you see, back in the early part of the church. Just stand there and wave it over and over, “Watch Russia, the king of the North! See, what he would do, for all those isms will heap up into Russia.”<ref>William Branham, 60-1211E - The Laodicean Church Age, para. 44</ref><br />
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''A few days ago we… Now, I’m not Democrat nor Republican; I’m a Christian; so I don’t mention these things. But I picked up an old book there that the—the Lord had gave me a vision in 1933 when I just first become a minister, going down to the Baptist Tabernacle. And He gave me a vision that morning, and I seen the first one I remember of an international affair. And I seen that President Roosevelt that was in then, and seen that we’d go to a world war. Then I seen also that—that was eleven years before the Maginot line was built, I seen Germany fortify themselves in this big concrete place. I also seen they permitted women to vote, which was wrong. And said they would—they would someday elect the wrong man; they just did it. And then… So then I seen the time of—of the end coming, and five things that the Lord let… Seven things I saw, five of them has already come to pass. '''I seen a powerful woman stand up to the United States. You can write this down if you do so—it’s going to happen. I don’t know… She’s on her road now. Exactly. And she took over.''' And then I seen the United States just like something had burnt it over hit it, and just something, blowed up rocks and things.<ref>William Branham, 61-0128 - Why?, para. 93</ref><br />
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''And I said, '''“Then I seen some great powerful woman rise in the United States.”''' ’Cause this is a woman’s nation: woman’s picture on the money; everything is woman here. That’s right. She’s a goddess. Not you Christian women. I’m talking about… Let a little flapper come down the street here with all these shorts, and things. She can do more harm to the church of the living God, among men, than all the bootleg joints there is through the nation. That’s right. This is a… America is a woman’s nation. Got her pictures, Her number’s thirteen, thirteen colonies, thirteen stripes, thirteen stars, thirteen so… Everything is thirteen, thirteen, thirteen and a woman. See? '''And I seen a great woman rise up, beautiful to look at, but a cruel wicked heart. And that will be a church. And she’s on her road now.'''<ref>William Branham, 61-0312 - Jehovah-Jireh, para. 77</ref><br />
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''Now, I predicted, and have said, “I saw '''a great woman stand up, beautiful-looking, dressed in real highly royal-like purple.'''” And I got little parenthesis down here, “(She was a great ruler in the United States; perhaps the Catholic church.)” A woman, some woman; I don’t know it’ll be the Catholic church. I don’t know. I can’t say. Only thing I seen, I seen the woman, that was all.<ref>William Branham, 61-0806 - The Seventieth Week Of Daniel, para. 207</ref><br />
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''1933, the Holy Spirit came one morning and told me seven things that would take place before this nation was destroyed. One of them is that. It’s on old paper there at the church, many has looked at it. How that we would go to war with Hitler and they’d… How Germany would fortify and build a Maginot Line, or the Siegfried Line, I believe it was, eleven years before it was ever thought of. And how that automobiles would constantly shape like eggs. And how that they would permit women to vote, and, in doing so, they would elect the wrong President. '''And in this would be a woman stand up that would govern the United States; not actually a woman, but a church.''' Then I seen her with nothing but ashes. It’s going to happen.<ref>William Branham, 63-1117 - Once More, para. 124</ref><br />
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''And all these other things, like machines and automobiles, and—and how everything has come right down exactly what He said, '''until a woman ruling this nation, which, perhaps, is the church.''' And then the end come.<ref>William Branham, 64-0112 - Shalom, para. 74</ref><br />
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''God showed me that women began to be out of their place with the granting of the vote… '''Then in the sixth vision there arose up in America a most beautiful, but cruel woman. She held the people in her complete power.''' I believed that this was the rise of the Roman Catholic Church, though I knew it could possibly be a vision of some woman rising in great power in America due to a popular vote by women. <ref>William Branham, Church Age Book, Chapter 9</ref><br />
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William Branham's Challenge on the Baptismal Formula
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William Branham invited people to prove him wrong when he stated in 1957:<br />
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:''Nowhere was we ever commanded to baptize, "In the name of the Father, and in the name of the Son, and name of the Holy Ghost," not nowhere in the Scriptures. It's a Catholic creed, and it's not for the Protestant church. '''I'll ask anybody to show me one Scripture where any person was ever baptized any other way than in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Come, show it to me, and I'll put a sign on my back, "A hypocrite, and a false prophet, a false teacher," and go through the streets.''' There's no such a thing. Never was anybody baptized that way. It's a Catholic creed, and not a Protestant doctrine.<ref>57-0825E, Hebrews, Chapter Two #2, para. 43</ref><br />
<br />
So there is the challenge laid down by William Branham - Find one scripture where any person was ever baptized any other way than in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
Actually that challenge is quite easy to meet and we would '''challenge''' message believers to '''find us one scripture where anyone was actually baptized in the triune name of the Lord Jesus Christ.'''<br />
<br />
Here are the relevant passages:<br />
<br />
:''Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, '''baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit'''...<ref>The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Mt 28:19.</ref>''<br />
:''Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, '''in the name of Jesus Christ''' for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.<ref>The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Ac 2:38.</ref>''<br />
:''...they had simply been baptized '''in the name of the Lord Jesus'''.<ref>The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Ac 8:16.</ref>''<br />
:''So he ordered that they be baptized '''in the name of Jesus Christ'''.<ref>The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Ac 10:48.</ref>''<br />
:''On hearing this, they were baptized '''in the name of the Lord Jesus'''.<ref>The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Ac 19:5.</ref>''<br />
:''Or don’t you know that all of us who were '''baptized into Christ Jesus''' were baptized into his death?<ref>The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Ro 6:3–4.</ref>''<br />
:''for all of you who were '''baptized into Christ''' have clothed yourselves with Christ.<ref>The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Ga 3:27.</ref>''<br />
<br />
The Bible should be simply understood and therefore it seems quite obvious that William Branham has interpreted the scripture to say something that it clearly doesn't. The phrase "Lord Jesus Christ" appears 6 times in the book of Acts so it would have been very easy for Luke to have stated clearly that people were to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. But since he didn't, it is not possible to make that claim.<br />
<br />
What is clear is that, from the historical record, there was no emphasis on the exact formula of baptism. thereby proving one of the fundamental doctrines of William Branham's message to be flawed.<br />
<br />
=Video Transcript=<br />
<br />
William Branham invited people to prove him wrong in 1957:<br />
<br />
:''Nowhere was we ever commanded to baptize, "In the name of the Father, and in the name of the Son, and name of the Holy Ghost," not nowhere in the Scriptures. It's a Catholic creed, and it's not for the Protestant church. I'll ask anybody to show me one Scripture where any person was ever baptized any other way than in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Come, show it to me, and I'll put a sign on my back, "A hypocrite, and a false prophet, a false teacher," and go through the streets. (57-0825E, para. 202)<br />
<br />
It is clear that message churches follow this teaching. I was at a baptismal service in a message church where a person was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and the pastor required the person to be immediately rebaptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Message pastors can’t tolerate someone disobeying the holy words of William Branham.<br />
<br />
The challenge laid down by William Branham is quite clear… Find one scripture where any person was ever baptized any other way than in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ… if you do, William Branham has been proved to be a false prophet and a false teacher<br />
<br />
Actually that challenge is quite easy to meet and I would challenge any message believer to find me a single solitary scripture where anyone was actually baptized in the triune name of the Lord Jesus Christ. <br />
Shockingly, there aren’t any.<br />
<br />
Acts 2:38 requires baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. That’s how I was baptized when I was 13 years old. Acts 8:16 and 19:5 refer to baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 10:48 states that baptism should be in the name of the Lord. And finally, Romans 6:3 tells us of people baptized into Jesus Christ.<br />
Not a single baptism described in the book of Acts uses William Branham’s formula of the name of the “Lord Jesus Christ.”<br />
<br />
The Bible should be simply understood based on the words written and it seems quite obvious that William Branham interpreted scripture to say something that it clearly doesn't say. The phrase "Lord Jesus Christ" appears 6 times in the book of Acts, so it would have been easy for Luke to have stated that people were to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Since he didn't, it is not possible to make such a claim.<br />
<br />
Let me make myself clear, I have no issue with someone being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ or Jesus Christ or the Lord Jesus. I also have no problem with people being baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit as we read in the Book of Matthew. This is the way the Christian church has baptized people from the first century.<br />
<br />
What is clear is that, from the Biblical record, there was no emphasis on the exact words said during baptism… which disproves William Branham's claim. <br />
<br />
If I just say what the tapes say… which is what message ministers would love me to do… then by his own admission, William Branham was a false prophet.<br />
<br />
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https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=The_Serpent%27s_Seed&diff=27044
The Serpent's Seed
2024-02-03T17:46:10Z
<p>Admin: /* A summary of William Branham's view of the Serpent's Seed */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:SSicon.jpg|thumb|right]]<br />
<br />
=A summary of William Branham's view of the Serpent's Seed=<br />
William Branham taught a version of the original sin that was highly unorthodox, and which is referred to by his followers as the '''"serpent's seed"''' or '''"serpent seed"''' doctrine. It requires reading into the scripture something that is not evident in a plain reading of the text. William Branham's first pastor was [[Roy Davis]], who was a high ranking member of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). The Serpent's Seed doctrine has clear racist origins. <br />
<br />
This doctrine is comprised of the following related beliefs:<br />
<br />
#The original sin in the Garden of Eden was not eating a fruit, it was a sexual sin;<br />
#Eve's sin was not disobedience, but sexual intercourse;<br />
#The serpent was an upright beast, effectively the "missing link";<br />
#Cain and Abel were maternal non-identical twins:<br />
##Cain was the son of Eve and the serpent; and<br />
##Abel was the son of Eve and Adam.<br />
<br />
The serpent's seed doctrine is based on a few scriptures that can be used in isolation to support a position that is not supportable when viewed in the context of ALL scripture. This doctrine also requires that you accept a number of beliefs as outlined below that you may not be aware are part of this doctrine. In our view, these beliefs eventually lead to the rejection of the Bible as the true, inspired, word of God.<br />
<br />
:''“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness...”<ref>2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)</ref><br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
=Does the New Testament Teach the Serpent's Seed doctrine?=<br />
<br />
The New Testament does not support William Branham's doctrine of the Serpent's Seed for the following reasons:<br />
<br />
#The New Testament contains no explicit reference to the serpent having sex with Eve.<br />
#Acts 17:26 states that all men sprang from one man, Adam, and not two (Adam and the Serpent).<br />
#2 Cor. 11:2-3 does not state that the serpent had sex with Eve. While it is possible to read that into the text, that is not what the text says.<br />
#Rom. 5:12 tells us that sin entered into the world through Adam, not through Eve.<br />
<br />
==2 Corinthians 11:2-3==<br />
<br />
The KJV states:<br />
<br />
:''For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, '''as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty''', so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), 2 Co 11:2–3.</ref><br />
<br />
From the wording, message followers argue that this demonstrates that while Christians need to avoid having their minds corrupted, Eve experienced a physical corruption. But is that what the passage actually states? <br />
<br />
Let us look at a couple of other translations:<br />
<br />
:NASB - ''For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. But I am afraid that, '''as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness''', your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.<ref>New American Standard Bible, 1995 Edition: Paragraph Version (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), 2 Co 11:2–3.</ref><br />
<br />
:NIV -''I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that '''just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning''', your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.<ref>The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), 2 Co 11:2–3.</ref><br />
<br />
:CEB - ''I’m deeply concerned about you with the same concern that God has. As your father, I promised you in marriage to one husband. I promised to present you as an innocent virgin to Christ himself. But I’m afraid that '''your minds might be seduced in the same way as the snake deceived Eve with his devious tricks'''. You might be unable to focus completely on a genuine and innocent commitment to Christ.<ref>Common English Bible (Nashville, TN: Common English Bible, 2011), 2 Co 11:2–3.</ref><br />
<br />
Does this passage state that the relationship between Eve and Satan was physical? Such an interpretation reads into the text more than it actually says. A common way that scripture is misinterpreted is when we draw wrong conclusions from the text by reading into the text what isn’t there. What we need to do is draw out from the text only what is there.<ref>James B. Williams and Randolph Shaylor, eds., God’s Word in Our Hands: The Bible Preserved for Us (Greenville, SC; Belfast, Northern Ireland: Ambassador Emerald International, 2003), 366.</ref><br />
<br />
The sole characteristic of the serpent mentioned by Paul is his deviousness. It was by his words that the serpent deceived her in the Genesis account, a point Paul implies in that it is by what the enemies of the Gospel preach that the Corinthians are led astray. This viewpoint is supported in a closely parallel passage where Paul writes of “those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned … By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people … The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Rom 16:17–18, 20). The references in 2 Cor 11:3 and Rom 16:18, 20 to <br />
<br />
:(1) “the serpent” (i.e., Satan—v. 14), <br />
<br />
:(2) “crush Satan,” and <br />
<br />
:(3) “deceive” tie both passages back to Genesis 2–3 and to each other. <br />
<br />
Paul sees words — erroneous in content but smooth of delivery — as Satan’s instrument to seduce the church from her loyalty to Christ.<ref>Paul Barnett, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1997), 501–502. </ref><br />
<br />
==Acts 17:26==<br />
<br />
The KJV states that God ''"hath made of '''one blood''' all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth."''<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Acts 17:26</ref><br />
<br />
Translations into modern English also make it very clear:<br />
<br />
:''And '''he made from one man every nation''' of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.<ref> Acts 17:26 - The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.</ref><br />
<br />
:''And '''He made from one [common origin, one source, one blood] all nations of men''' to settle on the face of the earth, having definitely determined [their] allotted periods of time and the fixed boundaries of their habitation (their settlements, lands, and abodes)... <ref> Acts 17:26 (Amplified Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation</ref><br />
<br />
:'''''From one man''' he made '''every nation living on the entire surface of the earth''', and he fixed the limits of their territories and the periods when they would flourish.<ref>David H. Stern, Complete Jewish Bible: An English Version of the Tanakh (Old Testament) and B’rit Hadashah (New Testament), 1st ed. (Clarksville, MD: Jewish New Testament Publications, 1998), Ac 17:26.</ref><br />
<br />
The Serpent seed doctrine requires that a person reject Acts 17:26 because it requires the belief that the serpent injected his blood into the human race. That's 2 bloods, not one. That's two origins not one, and two sources, not one.<br />
<br />
This is also another case where William Branham can't keep his doctrines straight. He said:<br />
<br />
:''If you were a--a Chinese or a colored man or whoever it is, that God made of one blood of all men. But, you know, they put a speck of animal blood in you it would kill you? And no animal can take... use one another's blood, from one specie to another. See how God made us? '''We never come from animal'''; We come from God. God made us in His own Image. <ref>THE.SECOND.COMING_ PHOENIX.AZ SUNDAY_ 55-0220A</ref><br />
<br />
But then he completely goes against this when he states:<br />
<br />
:''It wasn't apples that Adam and Eve ate; it was absolutely sexual things that had separated them and divided them, and knowing that they become...?... and through the blood of Adam, and '''through the blood of the serpent that had started this'''... <ref>QUESTIONS.AND.ANSWERS.ON.HEBREWS.3_ JEFF.IN 57-1006</ref><br />
<br />
The problem is that anyone plagued by [[Cognitive Dissonance]] can't see this.<br />
<br />
==Romans 5:12==<br />
<br />
William Branham stated:<br />
<br />
:That’s what You give Adam and Eve, in the garden of Eden, to defeat the enemy. And when Eve reasoned with It, and projected reasons with the Word, it fell apart, and sin entered.<ref>William Branham, 63-0123 - Identification, para. 276</ref><br />
<br />
But Paul said that "as by '''one man''' sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men..."<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Rom 5:12.</ref><br />
<br />
That one man was Adam, not Cain. Not one woman, not one serpent. One man - Adam.<br />
<br />
:''So then, just as sin entered the world through '''one man''' and death through sin, and so death spread to all people.<ref>Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Biblical Studies Press, 2006), Rom 5:12.</ref><br />
<br />
:''Sin came into the world through '''one man''', and his sin brought death with it. As a result, death has spread to the whole human race because everyone has sinned.<ref>American Bible Society, The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation, 2nd ed. (New York: American Bible Society, 1992), Ro 5:12.</ref><br />
<br />
If you believe the Serpent's seed is physical, you deny the truth of Romans 5:12<br />
<br />
=Does the Old Testament Teach the Serpent's Seed doctrine?=<br />
<br />
The Old Testament does not support William Branham's doctrine of the Serpent's Seed for the following reasons:<br />
<br />
#The Old Testament does not state that the serpent had sex with Eve.<br />
#The doctrine of the Serpent's Seed requires you to believe that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was actually Satan's tree or Satan himself. The Bible does not teach this.<br />
#The Serpent's Seed doctrine requires you to believe that the Bible is incorrect when it states in Gen 3:6 that "the tree was good for food."<br />
#The Serpent's Seed doctrine requires you to believe that Eve committed adultery and sinned against her husband. The Bible does not teach this.<br />
#This teaching requires you to believe that Adam watched his wife have sex with the serpent.<br />
#Gen. 4:1 indicates that Adam did not have sex with his wife until after they were out of the garden.<br />
#The Bible does not state that Cain and Abel were twins with different fathers.<br />
#If Adam's since was also sexual, why was the ground cursed for his sake and not his body?<br />
<br />
==Was the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil really Satan's Tree?==<br />
<br />
William Branham stated:<br />
<br />
:''Notice, the children of obedience, and disobedience, has nothing in common. The disobedience worship their god. "Oh," they say, "we believe the Bible." Yes, it's a mixed tree. See, they add the world and knowledge to It. '''Satan's tree''', mixed; see, '''she took from Satan's tree''', good and evil. "Oh, we believe the Word." Sure, but not all of It. Eve believed the Word, too, but let--'''let Satan take his tree''' and pervert It a little bit. That's what it is.<ref>THE.GOD.OF.THIS.EVIL.AGE_ JEFF.IN V-4 N-9 SUNDAY_ 65-0801M</ref><br />
<br />
How could the tree be Satan's tree when God created it?<br />
<br />
==Or is the tree Satan himself?==<br />
<br />
William Branham taught that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was Satan or the serpent:<br />
<br />
:''The Bread of Life was from the Tree of Life, where they was eating, from the garden of Eden. He was the Tree of Life. Now, if the Tree of Life was a Person, then '''the tree of knowledge was a person. Now, say the serpent didn't have a seed'''. If life come by man, death come by the woman. All right, she was the tree of death. <ref>THE.EPHESIAN.CHURCH.AGE_ JEFF.IN ROJC 131-183 MONDAY_ 60-1205</ref><br />
<br />
:''Now that we have come this far, let me try to crystallize your thinking on this subject so you can see the necessity of our going into the 'serpent seed doctrine' as I have. We start with the fact that there were TWO trees in the midst of the garden. The Tree of Life was Jesus. '''The other tree is definitely Satan''' because of what came forth of the fruit of that tree. Now then, we know that both of those trees had a relationship to man or they would never have been placed there. <ref>EPHESIAN.CHURCH.AGE - CHURCH.AGE.BOOK CPT.3</ref><br />
<br />
According to 1 Timothy 2:14, Adam was not deceived. Serpent seed theology interprets Eve eating the fruit as actually having sex with the serpent, a male. Since Adam also ate of this fruit, accepting this theory is to make the claim that '''Adam purposely committed a homosexual act with the serpent'''. William Branham's followers suggest that Adam eating of the fruit was a sex act with Eve. But if the tree was Satan or the serpent, wouldn't the fruit have to be the same thing that Eve participated in? Sex with the serpent? <br />
<br />
If Eve was the one who the serpent had sex with, was it not Eve who offered Adam the fruit? Note the same fruit and the same tree. If the fruit is sex with the serpent, then the fruit stays sex with the serpent.<br />
<br />
How could a man having sex with his own wife be sin? Does that make any sense?<br />
<br />
Obviously, this is nonsense - which is why message believers are quick to reject this obvious conclusion, and why serpent seed is clearly a false doctrine.<br />
<br />
If Serpent's Seed is wrong, accepting it means you are bearing false witness against Adam in that he had sex with the serpent.<br />
<br />
==Did Eve commit adultery?==<br />
<br />
As mentioned above, Serpent's Seed teaches that Eve had sex with the serpent. Since she was married, it would mean that she committed adultery. The Bible does not teach that.<br />
<br />
If the Serpent's Seed doctrine is wrong, it constitutes bearing false witness against Eve.<br />
<br />
If Eve committed adultery, don't you think that the Bible would have just come out and said it?<br />
<br />
==What about the other trees?==<br />
<br />
The Bible states in Genesis 2:15-17 and Genesis 3:1-7:<br />
<br />
:'' The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, '''but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat''', for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”<br />
<br />
:''He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ge 2:15–17, 3:1–7</ref><br />
<br />
What are we supposed to think about the conversation with the serpent in which he asked Eve whether all the trees were off-limits and she replied that they were all allowed to be eaten from except That one? <br />
<br />
If eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was actually a sex act with the serpent, what was eating of the other trees?<br />
<br />
Could Adam and Eve have sex with every tree (other animals?) except the serpent? <br />
<br />
Really?<br />
<br />
==Did Adam watch his wife have sex with the serpent?==<br />
<br />
The KJV states in Genesis 3:6 that:<br />
<br />
:''...she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband '''with her'''; and he did eat. <ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Genesis 3:6</ref><br />
<br />
'''What does the phrase "with her" mean?'''<br />
<br />
Let's look at a couple of other Bible translations:<br />
<br />
:''...she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband '''who was with her''', and he ate. <ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version, Genesis 3:6 (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001).</ref> <br />
<br />
:''...she took some of its fruit and ate it. She also gave some of it to her husband '''who was with her''', and he ate it.<ref>Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible First Edition; Genesis 3:6 (Biblical Studies Press, 2006).</ref> <br />
<br />
:''Then she gave some to her husband, '''who was with her''', and he ate it, too.<ref>Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation, 3rd ed., Genesis 3:6 (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2007).</ref><br />
<br />
Are we to believe that Adam watched his wife and the serpent get it on while he watched? That is effectively what William Branham taught if you read the Bible as it is written. Of course, if the serpent seed doctrine is wrong, then this passage makes a lot more sense.<br />
<br />
==Was Cain Was The Son of the Serpent?==<br />
<br />
Genesis 4:1 is clear that Adam is Cain’s father:<br />
<br />
:KJV - ''And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Ge 4:1–2.</ref><br />
<br />
:ESV - ''Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD.”<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ge 4:1.</ref><br />
<br />
:NET - ''Now the man had marital relations with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. Then she said, “I have created a man just as the LORD did!”<ref>Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Biblical Studies Press, 2005), Ge 4:1.</ref><br />
<br />
The Serpent’s Seed doctrine completely ignores or dismisses this verse as false in order to uphold their theory. William Branham said that this was proved by the fact that the Bible says that [[Enoch and Noah#The Seventh from Adam|Enoch was the seventh from Adam]]. But if you [[Enoch and Noah#The Seventh from Adam|read our article on the subject]], you will realize that William Branham again twisted scripture to his own ends.<br />
<br />
The Serpent’s Seed doctrine says this verse is 100% false, forcing you to deny another portion of scripture and call God a liar.<br />
<br />
==Cain Was Conceived Inside of The Garden==<br />
<br />
According to the Serpent’s Seed doctrine, Cain was conceived inside of the Garden when Adam and Eve had sex with the Serpent. However, as we read above, Genesis 4:1 is clear that Adam and Eve were outside of the garden when Cain was conceived. The Serpent’s Seed doctrine says this is 100% false, forcing you to deny another portion of scripture and call the Holy Spirit a liar.<br />
<br />
==Cain Is Not In Adam’s Genealogy==<br />
<br />
Again, Genesis 4:1 is clear that Adam is Cain’s father. If you read all of Genesis 4, the rest of Cain’s genealogy is there. This is another belief that makes you deny a portion of scripture.<br />
<br />
==William Branham's KKK connection==<br />
[http://en.believethesign.com/index.php/Roy_Davis#Roy_Davis_and_the_KKK Roy E. Davis] was William Branham's first pastor. He was also a member of the Klu Klux Klan (KKK). One of the doctrines of the KKK is Serpent Seed. It justifies racial hatred and abuse, as well as the oppression of women. William Branham learned this doctrine from Roy Davis, and it was reinforced in his family by his mother-in-law.<br />
<br />
=How did the seed of the serpent get through the flood?=<br />
<br />
William Branham taught that Ham was of the seed of the serpent:<br />
<br />
:''For instance, many of them, like how that formal religion began in Cain. How it come on out and '''come down through the sons of Noah, Ham.''' Out of Ham, he had Nimrod. Nimrod built the tower of Babel. Babel comes on down through King Nebuchadnezzar’s time, and on out into Revelation, Babylon. '''How that little seed started way back there at the east side of the gates of Eden''', coming on down, winding out. All kinds of cults and everything started back there, winding themselves out to the end.<ref>William Branham, 53-0328 - Israel And The Church #4, para. 24</ref><br />
<br />
:''Now, the church, the—the nominal believers like Lot, he’s going through the tribulation period (see?) and be saved as if it was by fire. Noah went through the tribulation period, carried above it, come out with '''Ham who polluted the earth again.''' See? Lot came out, his own daughters slept with him, and had children by his own daughters. See? But Abraham brought forth the Royal Seed, brought forth the Seed of the promise. Enoch went to glory in the rapture, just took a walk and went home. He never went through the tribulation period. You see?<ref>William Branham, 64-0823E - Questions And Answers #2, para. 230</ref><br />
<br />
But this makes no sense! '''If Shem, Ham and Japheth were brothers of the same mother and father, how could Ham be of the wicked one, genetically different from his brothers?<br />
'''<br />
<br />
=Logic Problems=<br />
<br />
There are quite a few logical problems when it comes to accepting the the Serpent’s Seed doctrine teachings. There are no rules when it comes to interpreting scripture, so they interpret whatever they want, however they want.<br />
<br />
==Only some things are symbolic?==<br />
<br />
Why is the fruit and the tree symbolic and everything else in Genesis is real? <br />
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Why don't message followers see the story of Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Noah, Enoch, or Moses as allegories? Are they not all stories, which Genesis holds as a reliable accurate testimony, of real literal events of the history of the world, mankind and it's fall and beginning stages of redemption? Why not see Joseph's coat of many colors as not a real coat, but merely a symbol? How about Abraham as he walked up that proverberial mountain to sacrifice his son on that 'altar'? <br />
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Do you see the folly in adding or subtracting from God's revelation by a novel interpretation that allows for many other novel doctrines to slip into the Bible? There is no consistency of interpretation within the Christian faith when you allow for any chapter of Genesis, which is literal history, to be interpreted as an allegory. Why? Because it damages the literal meaning of the text. God's revelation is on the pages of scripture, not between the lines. God's revelation to us is His written Word.<br />
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If don't believe God's Word when it states that Adam and Eve ate a literal fruit, then you effectively doubt the Word of God. You are effectively asking, ''"Did God really say?"'' <br />
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One problem with accepting the serpent seed doctrine stems from how we view 'symbols' and their covenantal relationship between God and man. <br />
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The 'serpent seed doctrine' is inconsistent with the redemptive framework of scripture. Was it not the ark of the covenant, a literal ark, which when touched outside of the limits of God's commands killed the man who touched it? Is not the actual rainbow in the sky a covenant promise to humanity? There are numerous examples of real physical 'relics' or 'symbols' which are not concealed forms of truth. Rather they are carriers of very real blessings or curses. <br />
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When God makes vows to mankind in the Old Testament, there were very real physical objects involved. So why is it so problematic that God chose to use literal trees and fruits to carry covenantal blessings or curses which carried very real physical and spiritual consequences? <br />
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Are you going to question whether or not Samson's hair really had anything to do with the loss of his supernatural strength? We must realize that, as Christians, we need to be consistent in our defense of scripture and we should never make arguments from the grounds of plausibility.<br />
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So if you stand upon an allegorical interpretation, then why not be consistent and interpret the rest of Genesis the same way? Whose standard are you using to interpret Genesis 3 to 5? If the Bible itself does not guide us to interpret Genesis that way, but you claim your authority comes from William Branham, then you are standing on the same foundation as Catholics do - namely, that they need an external authority to truly know how to understand the scriptures.<br />
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==Nothing's real?==<br />
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If the tree of good and evil was an act and not an actual tree, why did God place the angel to guard the garden of Eden so that Adam and Eve wouldn't touch the tree of life? <br />
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Would that not have been a spiritual act or revelation also?<br />
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==The problem with sinful genes==<br />
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The Serpent’s Seed doctrine teaches that the serpent passed his sinful genes down to Cain, which is why he murdered Abel. But the Bible states in Romans 5:19: <br />
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:''For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.<ref>Romans 5:19 (ESV)</ref><br />
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What the Bible really says is that Cain's problems weren't genetic, they were spiritual! They resulted from disobedience.<br />
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==If the Tree of Knowledge is Satan, then???==<br />
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The Serpent’s Seed doctrine teaches that the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was Satan. It also interprets eating from this tree as having sex with the Serpent. <br />
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But what about the Tree of Life. Traditionally the Tree of Life is compared to Christ while also being a literal tree. If you follow the Serpent’s Seed, do you also believe that Adam and Eve had permission to have sex with the Tree of Life? Did God put cherubim around the tree to keep Adam and Eve from having sex with the good tree? <br />
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These are some of the strange places that this doctrine leads!<br />
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==Proverbs 30:20==<br />
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The Bible states that:<br />
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:''Such is the way of an adulterous woman;<br />
:''She eateth, and wipeth her mouth,<br />
:''And saith, I have done no wickedness.<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Pr 30:20.</ref><br />
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Message preachers use this scripture to justify the serpent's seed doctrine by saying that the sexual act is likened to the eating of a fruit.<br />
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Unfortunately, there are a couple of problems with this rationale:<br />
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#There is NO direct reference to the eating of a fruit and, in particular, the eating of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. What the author of Proverbs has done in the passage is to associate behavior that is out of bounds with eating; depicting a sexual appetite that knows no restraint. In Proverbs 30:14, the act of eating is associated with the persecution of the poor and needy. The fact is that the author of the book of Proverbs uses the metaphor of eating in other situations and not solely to depict the sexual act.<ref>Paul E. Koptak, Proverbs, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003), 661.</ref><br />
#Wiping her mouth after eating means that the adulteress treats sexual liaisons the same way she does eating: she just finishes up and goes home without a care and certainly without a sense of guilt.<ref>Duane A. Garrett, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, vol. 14, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993), 241.</ref> Again, the author uses the metaphor of eating to illustrate the woman's attitude and not to make a statement about sex being like eating.<br />
#The whole point of the metaphor is to illustrate the way that this woman thinks of her sin. People look at adultery and state, "That is a terrible thing" and ask, "How can she live with herself?" Yet for her it is no big deal. Yes, the first time she did it, it was probably quite something but no longer. Her conscience has been seared.<ref>Gary Brady, Heavenly Wisdom: Proverbs Simply Explained, Welwyn Commentary Series (Darlington, England: Evangelical Press, 2003), 783.</ref><br />
#There are other metaphors of eating in the Book of Proverbs that have nothing to do with sex:<br />
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:::''...therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Pr 1:31.</ref><br />
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:::''A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: But the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Pr 13:2.</ref><br />
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:::''She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Pr 31:27.</ref><br />
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Based on the above, using Proverbs 30:20 to justify Serpent's Seed is [[Eisegesis|eisegesis]] (which is a common method of interpreting scripture in message circles) and not exegesis<ref>[[Eisigisis]] is the act of reading an understanding, or an opinion into a biblical text, which may or may not be supported or evident by the text itself - in accordance with the person’s own presuppositions, agendas, and/or biases. This is the opposite of exegesis, which means to derive the meaning ‘out of’ the text.</ref>.<br />
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==How could the fruit of the tree be sex with Eve when the tree preceded her?==<br />
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If the fruit of the tree represented a sexual act with Eve, then how could it have existed before Eve did? It just doesn't make sense.<br />
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:''Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not [n]eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”<ref>Genesis 2:15-16 (KJV)</ref><br />
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=Why wasn't Jesus born of sex?=<br />
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A message follower asked the following question: '''Why wasn't Jesus born of sex?'''<br />
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The reason for asking this question is that message followers think it gives validity to the arguments for the doctrine of the serpent's seed. But this simply isn't true.<br />
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The best response to this question, when posed by a message follower, is simply the following question: '''Who was the father of Jesus?'''<br />
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Since God the Father does not have a body, how could he have possibly had sex with a woman? It seems logical that if an infinite spiritual being wanted to come to earth as a baby he would simply create a body in the womb of a woman. It is significant that qualities such as those attributed to the Greek gods (like sexuality) are not ascribed to God in the Bible.<ref>Willem VanGemeren, ed., New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1997), 1010.</ref><br />
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=Eve was an after-thought?=<br />
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William Branham frequently said of the woman, “She was not part of the original creation. She was a by-product, designed by Satan, to deceive by.” By taking Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 together and by reading them carefully, we can see that this is an error. God created both male and female, one from the dust of the ground and the other from a rib. Both were part of God's creation, which was said to be very good.<br />
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=Was the tree of knowledge a fruit tree or something else?=<br />
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Genesis 3:6 states<br />
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:''So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food...<ref>Genesis 3:6 (ESV)</ref><br />
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What part about being "good for food" makes eating the fruit of the tree a sexual act? This is probably the clearest sign of a false doctrine that there is in the serpent seed doctrine.<br />
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This is even clearer in other versions:<br />
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:''When the woman saw that the tree produced fruit that was good for food...<ref>Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible First Edition; Gen 3:6 (Biblical Studies Press, 2006).</ref><br />
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:''The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her.<ref>Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation, 3rd ed., Gen 3:6 (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2007).</ref><br />
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==Why was the ground cursed?==<br />
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We are asked by message followers the following question: '''If adultery wasn't the original sin, why do you believe God cursed Eve in childbearing specifically?''' <br />
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But a similar question could be asked with respect to Adam which is equally as relevant: '''If eating a literal fruit was not the original sin, why was the ground cursed for Adam's sake and why did the ground bear thorns and thistles for him, making it difficult to till the soil?'''<br />
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:''To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ <br />
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::“Cursed is the ground because of you; <br />
::through painful toil you will eat food from it<br />
::all the days of your life. <br />
::It will produce thorns and thistles for you, <br />
::and you will eat the plants of the field. <br />
::By the sweat of your brow <br />
::you will eat your food <br />
::until you return to the ground, <br />
::since from it you were taken; <br />
::for dust you are <br />
::and to dust you will return.”''<ref>The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Ge 3:17–19.</ref><br />
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=Cain was of the wicked one?=<br />
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The Bible states that:<br />
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:''Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. <ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), 1 Jn 3:12.</ref><br />
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William Branham interprets this as follows:<br />
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:''Before Adam ever had carnal knowledge of Eve, the serpent had that knowledge ahead of him. And that one born of it was Cain. '''Cain was of (born of, begotten of) that "Wicked One". I John 3:12.''' The Holy Spirit in John could not in one place call Adam the "Wicked One" (for that is what he would be if he fathered Cain) and in another place call Adam the "Son of God" which he was by creation. Luke 3:38. Cain turned out in character like his father, a bringer of death, a murderer. His utter defiance of God when faced by the Almighty in Genesis 4:5,9,13,14, show him to be absolutely unhuman-like in characteristics, seeming even to surpass any account we have in Scripture concerning a confrontation of Satan by God.<ref>EPHESIAN.CHURCH.AGE - CHURCH.AGE.BOOK CPT.3</ref><br />
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==Does the Bible say that Cain was "born of" the Wicked One?==<br />
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But what the apostle John is saying in his epistle is that Cain literally, '''"belonged to the evil one"''', just as Jesus’ opponents in the Fourth Gospel '''“belong to your father, the devil”''' who “was a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44), and just as John’s opponents were “the children of the devil” (1 John 3:10).<ref>Thomas F. Johnson, 1, 2, and 3 John, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2011), 80.</ref><br />
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John is not stating that his opponents were genetically of the serpent. Their problem was spiritual, just as Cain's was.<br />
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'''The key to really understanding scripture is context.''' Isolating verses and taking them out of context leads to all sorts of interpretational problems.<br />
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Heb 11:4 states, ''“By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than did Cain”''; and Jude 10–11 says that those who revile what they do not understand ''“have gone on the path of Cain.”''<ref> Raymond E. Brown, The Epistles of John: Translated, with Introduction, Notes, and Commentary, vol. 30, Anchor Yale Bible (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2008), 443.</ref><br />
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John’s statement that Cain “belonged to the evil one” reflects Jesus’ words regarding those who were trying to murder him: ''“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning”'' (John 8:44). Verse 13 echoes John 15:18–19: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” There are also a number of lesser references (cf. John 3:7; 5:28, 38).<ref>James Montgomery Boice, The Epistles of John: An Expositional Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2004), 92.</ref><br />
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John's description of Cain as one ‘who belonged to the evil one’ has no parallel in the Genesis account, but in some Jewish texts (e.g., the second-century-b.c. T. Benjamin 7:1–5 and the first- or second-century-a.d. Apocalypse of Abraham 24:3–5) the murder of Abel by his brother Cain is regarded as an act inspired by the devil. The evil character of Cain is universally assumed in both biblical and extrabiblical sources. The apostle John, too, works on this assumption when he adds: ''And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous''. The text of Genesis, while implying that it was because Cain’s actions were evil that his offering was not accepted by the Lord, and that it was because of Abel’s righteous actions that the Lord accepted his offering, does not specify the nature of their respective actions. However, the writer to the Hebrews, reflecting on the text of Genesis 4, notes that: ''‘By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings’'' (Heb 11:4). As far as that writer was concerned, what differentiated Abel from Cain was the former’s faith and, presumably, the latter’s lack of it.<ref>Colin G. Kruse, The Letters of John, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Pub., 2000), 133–134.</ref><br />
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Jesus said they (the religious leaders) were of their father, the devil. He didn't mean this genetically, and neither was the apostle john referring to Cain's genes. <br />
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:''“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.” – 2 Timothy 3:1-8<br />
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=Watch out for the lie!=<br />
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A number of Serpent Seed believers end up mocking any idea that man fell "simply" for taking and eating of the fruit of the tree, resorting to the apologetics of embarrassment - '''"Are you serious? You believe that??"''' <br />
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What they are in essence asking - what William Branham in essence taught - was, '''"Did God ''really'' say that?"''' Following the question with the declaration, "God really didn't say that."<br />
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It has an all too familiar ring to it... doesn't it? <br />
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The challenge followed by the lie.<br />
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This is a spiritual war, and the one behind the serpent seed lie is the devil, who became the father of all lies in that garden moment, with the planting of the "unseed", the lie that produced death for the first time in the history of the universe. He is the one with the audacity to snuggle up next to the truth and tell you the truth is the lie and the lie is the truth. <br />
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'''He's been doing it from the beginning.'''<br />
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=Did first-century Jews believe the Serpent's Seed doctrine?=<br />
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Message believers are quick to point to the fact that there is some Jewish fiction and rabbinical speculation that regarded the fall of Eve as a sexual sin. The suggestion that they cast light on Paul’s reference to Eve and that Paul might at least have had them in mind, since he pictures the Corinthians as a pure virgin who may not be found pure at her presentation to her bridegroom, is a distortion of the text. There is nothing sexy in Paul’s words. Eve was a married woman and not a virgin. The notion of the devil and of devils and evil angels having sexual intercourse with women is monstrous and found its ugliest form in the fiction of the incubus and the succubus in the days of the witchcraft craze. We mention this aberration only because it still appears in books.<ref>R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Paul’s First and Second Epistle to the Corinthians (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House, 1963), 1239.</ref><br />
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Reading 2 Cor. 11:3 as saying that the serpent sexually seduced Eve, seems to be reading biases into the text.<ref>Robert James Utley, How It All Began: Genesis 1–11, vol. Vol. 1A, Study Guide Commentary Series (Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International, 2001), 59.</ref> It is also contrary to Titus 1:15 - Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Tt 1:15.</ref><br />
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The serpent’s seduction of Eve was not sexual, but rather a beguiling of the mind by denying the truth of what God had said. The story of Eve aptly depicts the sort of danger the Corinthians faced, i.e. that their minds might be led astray. 4 Paul spells out the exact nature of the seduction he fears: the easy acceptance by the Corinthians of a different Jesus, a different spirit and a different gospel from those they received through his preaching. Paul does not tell us in what way they differed.<ref>D. A. Carson, R. T. France, et al., eds., New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, 4th ed. (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 2 Co 11:1–6.</ref><br />
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With the expression “just as the snake deceived Eve by his cunning” Paul states a precedent that informs his fear. It would appear that he intends his hearers to recognize three parallels between the record of Eve’s temptation by the snake in Gen. 3:1–13 and the situation he himself faced in Corinth.<br />
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First, just as Eve was deceived in her thinking (Gen. 3:1–6) and so lost her innocence (Gen. 3:7),54 so too the Corinthian church was at risk of being deluded in thought (φθαρῇ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν) and so losing her virginity (ἀπὸ … τῆς ἁγνότητος). In response to God’s inquiry, “What is this you have done?” Eve declares, “The snake deceived me (ὁ ὄφις ἠπάτησέν με, LXX)” (Gen. 3:13). As in 1 Tim. 2:14, Paul uses the compound verb ἐξηπάτησεν, where the prefix ἐκ- points to “successful deceit” (Moulton and Howard 311) or, more probably, to complete deception. <br />
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With the movement from παρθένον ἁγνήν (v. 1) to ἁγιότητος (v. 2) Paul is clearly developing the betrothal-marriage analogy further, but he may also be introducing a new analogy, that of “the church as in some sense the last Eve, related to Christ in the same way that Eve was related to Adam — derived from him, existing for his sake, and for him only.” <br />
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Now although the verb ἐξαπατάω, “I turn (someone) away from the right road by deceit” (Zerwick, Analysis 409), could be rendered “entice” or “lure,” it need not refer to sexual seduction. For Paul, the means of the deceit was not lust, but cunning (ἐν τῇ πανουργίᾳ αὐτοῦ), and the word νοήματα, not σώματα, is the subject of φθαρῇ. We need not go outside Genesis 3 to explain the expression ὁ ὄφις ἐξηπάτησεν Εὕαν.<ref><br />
Murray J. Harris, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians: a Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2005), 740–741.</ref><br />
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=Are you a woman who believes the Serpent' Seed doctrine?=<br />
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If you are a woman who believes the serpent seed doctrine, there are a few extra statements by William Branham that should concern you. <br />
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==Did Adam and Eve wear clothes before the fall?==<br />
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First, William Branham taught that Eve had clothes in the Garden of Eden before the fall. <br />
:''Now notice, it was Eve that led Adam to the wrong, and it was the woman that took off her clothes before her Adam took off his. See?'' <ref> William Branham, August 29, 1965, Satan’s Eden </ref><br />
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==Was Eve actually the tree and not Satan or the serpent?==<br />
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Second, William Branham mentioned a number of times that Eve was the Tree of Death. This means that the serpent was simply the "can opener" that Satan used to loose his perverted creation, Eve the tree, on innocent Adam. <br />
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:''If Life come by Man, death come by the woman. All right, s'''he was the tree of death'''.’’ <ref> William Branham, December 5, 1960, The Ephesian Church Age </ref><br />
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:''Now you can probably well understand what I've been hitting at. By her beauty and her sex control, '''her shape that was given to her by Satan''', the by-product that Satan did, she is sent to deceive sons of God. And she can sway more of them to hell than any other instrument Satan has got. That's exactly right.'' <ref> William Branham, February, 21, 1965, Marriage and Divorce </ref><br />
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:''"Oh," you say, "she was a tree?" Sure. "Well, they said, ''''Thou shall not take of this tree'''.' God said, in Genesis back there, 'Thou shall not take of this tree.'" Well '''the woman is the tree.''' She is the fruit tree. You're the fruit of your mother. The fruit of the womb is you. That's right. And then the fruit of the Tree of Life, that was in the garden of Eden, is Christ. Through the woman come death;'' <ref> William Branham, February, 21, 1965, Marriage and Divorce </ref> <br />
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:''Eve, is Satan's queen. See, Satan, the serpent, got to Eve before Adam got to her. See? That's right. So he beguiled her, see; so '''Satan, the serpent, was the husband of Eve''' before Adam ever knew. <ref> William Branham, August 29, 1965, Satan’s Eden </ref><br />
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:'''''The other tree is definitely Satan''' because of what came forth of the fruit of that tree. Now then, we know that both of those trees had a relationship to man or they would never have been placed there.’’ <ref> The Ephesian Church Age Book, William Branham </ref><br />
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So if you are a woman, and you believe William Branham, you are a tree of death. <br />
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Thankfully, the power of this false doctrine is obliterated by the words of the Apostle Paul, who wrote:<br />
<br />
:''There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.'' (Galatians 3: 28)<br />
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=What about Eve being the mother of all living?=<br />
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Message followers often point to Genesis 3:20 in support of the Serpent's Seed doctrine:<br />
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:''And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Ge 3:20.</ref><br />
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The argument is that Eve is called the mother of all living but Adam is not called the father of all living, thereby allowing for the existence of the seed of the serpent in humanity. '''Is this what the passage is really saying?'''<br />
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The place to begin in attempting to understand this verse is with the fact that “Eve” was Adam’s name for his wife and not God’s name for Adam’s wife. We are so used to speaking of Adam and Eve that we generally fail to notice that not once in the story of the creation and the fall, up to this point, has Adam’s wife been called Eve. She has been called a “female” (Gen. 1:27), a “helper suitable” for Adam (Gen. 2:18), a “woman” (Gen. 2:22, 23), a “wife” (Gen. 2:24, 25; 3:8). But those are all descriptive or generic terms, not names. We do not find the name “Eve.”<br />
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This does not mean that God did not name the woman, however. He did. <br />
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But the name God gave her is not found in these chapters. It is found in Genesis chapter 5. There, in verses 1 and 2, we read, “When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. He created them male and female and blessed them. And when they were created, he called them ‘man’ [or ‘Adam,’ because ‘Adam’ means man].” In other words, the name that God gave the woman was “man” or “Adam,” which was the name of her husband.<br />
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God called the woman “Adam.” But that immediately raises the question, “Why, if God called Eve ‘Adam,’ did Adam call Eve ‘Eve’?” The answer is not that Adam was contradicting God or changing the name of his wife on his own authority. Her name remained “Adam.” What Adam was actually doing was giving Eve a title. For “Eve” is a title; it means “life” in the sense of being a “life-giver.” We would say “mother.” The text says, “Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.”<br />
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It is sometimes the case in studying the Bible that the solution to one problem introduces another—that is what makes the study of the Bible so fascinating—and that is precisely what happens here. Yet it is at this point that we really come to the heart of the text. The problem is that, although Adam called his wife’s name Eve, meaning “life-giver” or “mother,” Eve was not a mother. In fact, if we read this and the next chapter closely, we have reason to believe that she had not even conceived. Her first child was Cain, and we are told not only of the birth but also the conception of Cain in Genesis chapter 4: “Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain” (Gen. 4:1). '''So we ask: Why did Adam name his wife “mother” when she was not yet a mother and, in fact, had not even become pregnant?'''<br />
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There is only one answer to that question, and it comes from the context. Five verses before this Adam and Eve had heard the judgment of God against Satan in which God said, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Gen. 3:15). This verse mentioned the woman’s offspring and said flatly that her seed would crush the head of Satan.<br />
<br />
God had said that the punishment for eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was death. Adam and Eve had seen the judgment of God against Satan. Satan had appeared to them in the guise of the serpent, which was most assuredly not the slithering, lowly creature we know as a snake today. The Hebrew word translated “serpent” in Genesis 3:1 is nachash, which in its early and primary use probably meant “a shining one” (Gesenius). The serpent stood upright and was perhaps the most glorious of all God’s creatures. Suddenly, however, Adam and Eve heard God’s judgment on Satan and saw this beautiful animal turn into a snake and slide away into the bushes. They must have been paralyzed with fear. They had seen the serpent’s judgment, and they were next. What would God do to them? Would they become snakes also? Would they die?<br />
<br />
As they thought about this and heard the greatly reduced words of the judgment of God on themselves, the deliberately hopeful words contained in God’s reference to the woman’s offspring must have gotten through. The fact that Eve would have offspring was itself significant. Since she had not yet given birth it meant that she would not die physically, at least not then. Since she had not yet conceived it meant that Adam would not die either (the conception of Cain comes in Genesis 4:1). Moreover, there was the nature of the one to come. He would be a deliverer. He would crush the head of Satan. This was their hope. God had said that Eve would give birth to one who in some manner would be the deliverer. So when Adam named his wife Eve, mother, she not even being pregnant, it was an act of faith, by which he testified to his belief that God would keep his promise and that the deliverer would come.<br />
<br />
Genesis 3:20 is not the only place in Genesis that would lead us to think this way. When Eve finally conceived (Gen. 4:1) and brought forth Cain, both she and Adam thought that he was the deliverer. They thought Cain was Jesus, which is why they named him “Cain,” meaning “brought forth” or “acquired.” In colloquial language we would say, “I’ve got him” or “Here he is.” Indeed, when we get to chapter 4, I am going to show that Eve’s words were even stronger than this. For she did not merely say, “I have brought forth [there is the meaning of ‘Cain’] a man,” that is, the man who was promised. She said (so I believe), “I have brought forth a man, even Jehovah [the ‘Redeemer’].”<br />
<br />
We know, of course, that Eve and Adam were mistaken. They thought they had brought forth the deliverer when actually they had brought forth a murderer, for Cain killed his brother Abel. But up to this point their perceptions were right. God had promised a deliverer, and they believed him, showing their belief by the naming of Eve by Adam and Cain by Eve. By this they showed that they were staking their hope on the word of God.<ref>James Montgomery Boice, Genesis: An Expositional Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1998), 228–233.</ref><br />
<br />
'''So the argument of message followers is false.''' Genesis 3:20 does not support the argument that there is special significant in Eve being called the mother of all living but Adam not being called the father of all living, They miss the true meaning of the passage because they read it with a presupposed meaning in view and not the actual words of the passage.<br />
<br />
=Who was the seed of the woman?=<br />
<br />
''The LORD God said to the serpent, <br />
<br />
:''“Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ge 3:14–15.</ref><br />
<br />
Imagine a group of people, a family, and into the midst of them comes slithering as fast as it can (and you know how fast they can come) a snake, a venomous snake, a poisonous snake, coming right at them. One man goes after the snake, and he begins to stomp on it. Finally he crushes the head and saves the family, but only after, in the process, the snake bites him, the poison goes into him, and he dies. That’s the picture.<br />
<br />
What God is saying is - the serpent is not just a snake but is Satan. It represents evil. God is saying that an offspring of Eve, the seed of the woman, a human being, is going to destroy sin and death itself but get a fatal wound in the process. A human being is going to come, and he’s going to destroy sin and death, and in the process lose his life. I wonder who that could be...<br />
<br />
The first Adam should have done something like that, not just stood there and let the Serpent destroy his family. The first Adam should have jumped on the snake or stomped on the snake or whatever. But the second Adam will. It’s Jesus Christ. Keep this in mind. In Romans 4 Paul says, “In Christ your sins are covered.” In Romans 4 Paul says, “Blessed is the one whose sin is covered. Blessed is the one to whom God does not impute sin.”<br />
<br />
In the whole history of the world, there was only one human being that was only an offspring of a woman. <br />
<br />
:''Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Is 7:14.</ref><br />
<br />
This is the prophecy of the coming of Jesus Christ, and what Jesus Christ is going to do is he is going to destroy all the works of the Serpent.<br />
<br />
If you go to Revelation 12, where it talks about the Serpent, the Dragon, Satan, and his seed, and the woman and her seed, God is not saying, “From now on, snakes and people will hate each other.” That’s not what he’s saying. “This is how the serpent lost his legs and why snakes and people hate each other.” No.<br />
<br />
What it’s talking about is the human race will have only two kinds of people in it. There will be people who follow Satan’s advice in the garden and there will be people who follow the Lord. When it says here, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, between your seed and hers,” that can’t mean it’s putting hatred in the snake. The snake already hates the woman. It can’t mean it’s putting hatred and enmity in the children of the snake, the followers of the snake, because they already hate God.<br />
<br />
What is it saying? The first step of salvation is when God puts in you a hatred for Satan and all his ways. You only begin to move out of moralism and legalism, where you just hate the consequences of bad behavior but you’re afraid and proud, and you move into the position where you actually begin to hate sin.<ref>Timothy J. Keller, The Timothy Keller Sermon Archive (New York City: Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 2013).</ref><br />
<br />
==Interpretive issues==<br />
<br />
The divinely ordained hostility that takes place between the serpent’s seed and the seed of the woman. In the vast majority of cases where the Hebrew word "zeraʿ" (lit., “seed”) is used, it refers to an immediate offspring rather than a distant descendant. For example, Seth is Eve’s “other seed” (Genesis 4:25); Abram laments that he is still without seed (Genesis 15:3); Lot’s daughters want to bear their father’s seed (Genesis 19:32, 34); Ishmael is Abraham’s seed (Genesis 21:13); Samuel is Hannah’s seed (1 Sam. 1:11; 2:20); Solomon is David’s seed (2 Sam. 7:12). This observation alone should caution us about seeing too quickly a clear-cut reference here to some remote individual.<br />
<br />
Similarly, one should not force an interpretation on her offspring that the expression cannot bear. The Septuagint translates the Hebrew word "zarʿāh" (lit., “her seed”) as spérmatos autḗs (lit., “her seed”). Bbt to read the Septuagint as “her sperm” in order to see a hint here of the virgin birth of this seed (the absence of a sperm-supplying father) is farfetched indeed. If for no other reason, Gen. 4:25 would invalidate that proposal, for here Eve says that God has given her “another seed,” and certainly Seth was not born of a virgin!<br />
<br />
However, Genesis 3:15 is good news as the words of God to the woman and the man include expressions both of divine grace and of divine judgment. Yes, there will be pain for Eve, but she is promised children. Sterility will not be one of her problems. Yes, there will be frustration for Adam because of intractable soil, but he will eat and not starve to death.<br />
<br />
One may surmise, therefore, that God’s speech to the serpent contains both judgment and promise. Indeed, the serpent is banned and he becomes a crawler. He is under judgment. The promise is that some unspecified member(s) of the human race will one day lash out against this serpent’s seed. More than a change in the serpent’s position is involved here — it is now a question of his existence.<br />
<br />
Would this individual, or these individuals, be among the kings of Israel and Judah who are the “offspring” of their father (2 Sam. 7:12; Ps. 89:4), who “crush” their enemies (Ps. 89:23) “under their feet” (2 Sam. 22:39), so that these enemies “lick the dust” (Ps. 72:9)? Later revelations will state that it is Jesus who reigns until he puts all his enemies under his feet (1 Cor. 15:25).<ref>Victor P. Hamilton, The Book of Genesis, Chapters 1–17, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1990), 198–200.</ref><br />
<br />
=Where did William Branham get this doctrine?=<br />
<br />
In 1910, Benjamin Purnell from the House of David in Benton, Michigan published a book entitled, "The Star of Bethlehem" which contained details of the Serpent's Seed doctrines: <br />
<br />
:''Adam was placed in a garden eastward in Eden, as keeper and lord of the garden; and Eve, the mother of all living (soul) with him as a helpmeet, and not a helpmate — nor did she help him, except to the grave. The serpent beast was a preacher, called Gadrel. And the proof is, he preached to Eve, and transformed the word of the Lord God, and said to her, Yea hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden, etc. <br />
<br />
:''Eve did partake of that which was forbidden, and gave unto her husband, and he did eat; (which was Adam — he representing her spiritual husband, being immortal;) but by this act fell, and received the blood with the tares, which she had received from Gadrel in this act of adultery and fornication... <ref>Purnell, Benjamin F. and Mary S., "The Star of Bethlehem", Benton Harbor, MI, 1910, pp.191 & 308)</ref><br />
<br />
We know by William Branham's own admission that he preached at The House of David. is this where he got his doctrine of the Serpent's Seed?<br />
<br />
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Roy Davis
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{{Life Story}}<br />
Roy Davis wrote "'''''I am the minister who received Brother Branham into the first Pentecostal assembly he ever frequented. I baptized him, and was his pastor for some two years.'''''" Roy Davis was a convicted criminal and a leader in the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), a far-right white supremacist organization.<br />
<br />
<youtube>http://youtu.be/4qI8l0jTeeY</youtube> <br />
<br />
==Starting on the wrong foot?==<br />
<br />
Roy Davis was born on April 24, 1890, in Texas. By 1912, at age twenty-two, Davis was traveling regularly and preaching as a Christian minister connected to the Baptist Missionary Association.<ref>Convention Schedule, The Weekly Herald of Weatherford Texas, October 21, 1915</ref> <br />
<br />
Davis was frequently involved in criminal activity. In 1916, he went on a forgery crime spree with his brothers who seem to have operated with him as a gang. Davis presented himself as a minister at a bank asking them to cash a fraudulent cashier's check created by his brother who presented himself as a business owner making a donation to Davis's ministry. Davis's swindle involved multiple banks, including Continental State Bank, First State Bank, and Toyah Valley State Bank in west Texas during 1916. Davis was pursued by local law enforcement for his crimes causing him to flee the state. He abandoned his wife and three children in Texas and fled to Georgia where he took the alias of Lon Davis and married another woman.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sheriff Mann Goes To Tipton|date=March 10, 1916|publisher=Wise County Messenger}}</ref><ref name="rdms" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Bank Duped By Young 'Minister'|date=March 18, 1916|publisher=Wise County Messenger}}</ref> Davis was apprehended in Georgia during May 1917 after being turned in by a woman who recognized him and was upset that he had abandoned his Texas family and remarried illegally.<ref>{{cite news|title=Young Lady Knew Davis As A Preacher in Texas|date=May 26, 1917|publisher=Wise County Messenger}}</ref> Davis was returned to Texas where he was convicted on swindling and forgery charges and given a two-year jail sentence on June 29, 1917.<ref name="rdms">{{cite news|title=Rev. Davis, Singer and Masher, Goes to Prison|publisher=Wise County Messenger|date=June 29, 1917}}</ref><br />
<br />
By January 1919, Davis was released from prison, returned to Aldersville, Georgia, and had resumed preaching as a Missionary Baptist minister under the name Lon Davis.<ref>{{cite news|title=Minister Debating Church Differences|publisher=Columbus Ledger|date=January 15, 1919}}</ref> Davis posed as a Christian missionary]] bound for Egypt to gain the trust of the community and was later offered the pastorship of the Acworth Baptist Church during the summer of 1920.<ref>{{cite news|title=Christian Church|publisher=The Liberal Democrat|date=August 14, 1919}}</ref> In 1921 Davis started publishing ''The Progress'' newsletter from the church. The newsletter focused on exposing what Davis believed were secret subversive activities of the Catholic Church.<ref>{{cite news|title=Listen!|publisher=Marietta Journal|date=April 14, 1921}}</ref> Davis also began holding Ku Klux Klan meetings at the church. Although unknown to his church, Davis had been appointed by Imperial Wizard William Joseph Simmons as an official spokesperson for the KKK and charged with organizing new chapters of the KKK. Members of his church became upset about some of the material Davis published in ''The Progress'' and began investigating his past. They soon discovered his criminal record in Texas, and discovered he had abandoned his wife and children. At a meeting on July 14, 1921, he was removed as pastor. <br />
<br />
Davis ran into legal problems again in 1921. He purchased the printing press for ''The Progress'' newsletter using a fraudulent check, swindling the seller out of $1,000.<ref>{{cite news|title=Davis' Record in Texas Aired By Ku Klux Klan|publisher=Wise County Messenger|date=August 26, 1921}}</ref> After being exposed in Georgia, Davis left the state, leaving by train with his wife and their five-year-old daughter. They traveled to Oklahoma where Davis continued holding revival meetings in Baptist churches and conducting KKK recruiting.<ref>''Revival Meetings'', McCurtain Gazzette, August 3, 1921</ref><ref>''Great Revival At Shults being Held By Rev, Davis'', McCurtain Gazzette, August 27, 1921</ref><br />
<br />
==Ku Klux Klan==<br />
<br />
Davis was reported to be among the founding members of the William J. Simmons revival of the Ku Klux Klan. Davis also told newspaper reporters that he was a coauthor of the KKK's constitution, bylaws and rituals which were first published in 1921.<ref>''Ku Klux Klan Active In Shreveport Area'', The Times of Shreveport, February 10, 1961</ref><br />
<br />
In 1922, Davis returned to Georgia where he began to speak openly supporting the Ku Klux Klan. He held rallies and meetings to recruit members in Georgia, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and South Carolina.<ref>''The K.K.K Lecture Held Last Night'', The Hutchinson News, May 30, 1922</ref> Newspapers articles at the time reported Davis to be a "high Klan official". The newspapers also began recording and reporting on his speeches in which he explained the principles of the KKK to include "white supremacy" and "protection of pure womanhood". Davis bragged about his recruitment efforts and the reach of the KKK, stating that he had been involved in recruitment across the southern and midwestern United States. He reported 92,000 KKK members in Oklahoma and Texas. Davis also boasted that governors, congressmen, and United States Senators had joined the KKK in recent years. <br />
<br />
Davis faced legal trouble again in September 1922 when complaints were filed against him in connection to a burglary case in Waco, Texas. He was accused of stealing firearms from the United States Marshalls.<ref>''Two Burglary Complaints Are Filed in Case of Lon Davis'', Waco News Tribune, September 15, 1922</ref> Davis was also named in connection to a 1923 criminal investigation in Louisiana.<ref name = "nsj"/><br />
<br />
The KKK started a newspaper in 1923 titled ''The Brick Bat'' and Davis was named editor. Its articles publicly degraded and attacked KKK opponents, calling for boycotts of unsupportive businesses. In May 1923, Davis instigated physical violence when two business owners he targeted in his publication were involved in an altercation with KKK members.<ref>{{cite news|title=Freed After Alleged Attack on Reported Klan Leader|publisher=The Town Talk|date=May 28, 1923}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Alleged Assailants of Klansmen Freed|publisher=Columbus Enquirer Sun|date=May 29, 1923}}</ref> Despite the violence, Davis continued to publish his attacks against Klan opponents. One of The Brick Bat's targets filed charges against Davis and he was subsequently arrested in Georgia and charged with criminal libel on June 24, 1923.<ref>{{cite news|title=Criminal Libel Charge to Face Brickbat Editor|publisher=The Atlanta Constitution|date=June 25, 1923}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Editor of Brick Bat Is Accused Of Libel|publisher=Macon Daily Telegraph|date=June 27, 1923}}</ref><br />
<br />
Somehow Davis had managed to keep his dual identities secret from many people. He had been employed as president of Georgia Farmer's Union until July 1923 when his fellow board members discovered his activities and had him investigated. They discovered he had abandoned his wife and children in Texas, had been involved in criminal activities across the United States, had remarried illegally, been dismissed as a minister from multiple churches, and was involved in the KKK. The board of the Georgia Farmers Union called a special meeting to show the results of their investigation and publicly expose Davis, but Davis failed to appear and returned to Texas.<ref>{{cite news|title=Farm Union Head Ousted By Board|publisher=The Houston Post|date=July 1, 1923}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Anti-Catholic Editor Removed From Office|publisher=The Bulletin of the Catholic Laymens Association of Georiga|date=July 14, 1923}}</ref> Upon being exposed, Davis and one of his brothers were subsequently caught by vigilantes in Texas and beat with wet rope. Davis's brother was hospitalized with severe injuries.<ref>{{cite news|title=Flog Lon Davis|publisher=Macon Daily Telegraph|date=August 18, 1923}}</ref><br />
<br />
About the same time, Hiram W. Evans ousted William Simmons as Imperial Wizard of the KKK and took over leadership of the organization. Evans expelled Davis from the KKK.<ref>{{cite news|date=June 7, 1923|publisher=Bartow Tribune|author=<!--Not stated-->|page=1}}</ref> By 1924, Davis and Simmons regrouped and began an effort to form a new klan organization, Knights of the Flaming Sword, where Simmons resumed his role as Imperial Wizard.<ref>{{cite news|title=Klan Is Tottering|date=February 29, 1924|publisher=Tipton Daily Tribune}}</ref> Traveling across the south, Davis successfully retained the loyalty of at least 60,000 Klan recruits and had secured over $150,000 ($2.3 million in 2021 dollars)<ref>{{cite news|title=Klan Is Renounced By 4,000 at Chattanooga|publisher=The Tennessean|date=October 4, 1924}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Simmons Order Growing Rapidly|publisher=Arkansas Gazette|date=October 6, 1924}}</ref> Davis's efforts during this period earned him the accolades of Simmons who appointed Davis as "Royal Ambassador" in honor of his activities.<ref name="fsta"/><ref name = rpd>{{cite news|title=Proclamation issued by the Royal Ambassador|publisher=Chattanooga Daily Times|date=January 19, 1925|author=Davis, Roy E|page=1|url=https://william-branham.org/site/research/topics/knights_of_the_flaming_sword#_b2db330d-752b-4383-9ce6-698fa62feccf_ftn14}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Pentecostal preacher==<br />
<br />
In 1924, Davis moved to Tennessee to oversee a new chapter of the Knights of the Flaming Sword. At the same time Davis was working with Simmons to establish the Knights of the Flaming Sword, Davis also began efforts to formally establish the Pentecostal Baptist Church of God where he served as general overseer.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fraternity Attacked As Money Making Order|publisher=Lead Daily Call|date=January 23, 1925}}</ref> After a financial scandal over misuse of funds led to the collapse of the Knights of the Flaming Sword, Davis began to refocus on building up the new denomination.<ref name="fsta">{{cite news|title=Flaming Sword Turns Against Col. Simmons|publisher=Muncie Post Democrat|date=May 29, 1925}}</ref> He resumed traveling and holding revivals in Oklahoma and Tennessee in August 1925.<ref>{{cite news|title=Notice To The Patrons of 4-D School House|publisher=The Perry Journal|date=July 31, 1925}}</ref> Davis continued holding revival though 1926 and 1927.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nazarenes Will Open Old Time Revival|publisher=The Perry Journal|date=April 21, 1927}}</ref> Davis travelled to California to hold revivals in 1927. Davis had begun to adopt Pentecostal beliefs. A newspaper article detailing Davis's criminal history reported that he had been excommunicated as a Missionary Baptist and had his minister's license revoked following an incident with baptists in Florida before 1927.<ref>{{cite news|date=February 18, 1927|publisher=The Nugget|title=Bad Record For Preacher|page=1}}</ref><br />
<br />
Davis began working with Caleb Ridley, Imperial Kludd (national chaplain) of the KKK, and Rev. Fred B Johnson, William Joseph Simmons chief of staff, to build a new denomination.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pentecostal Baptist Church Rally Planned|date= July 6, 1929|publisher=The Tennessean|author=<!--Not stated-->}}</ref> Davis planted a First Pentecostal Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee where he served as founding pastor in 1928.<ref>{{cite news|title=An Explanation|publisher=The Tennessean|author=Roy Davis|date=September 2, 1928}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Dr. R. E. Davis Arrested|date=August 29, 1924|publisher=Lead Daily Call}}</ref> He soon ran into issues when most of the other churches in the area refused to cooperate with his revival meetings.<ref>{{cite news|title=Davis Revival In North Nashville Not Union Affair|publisher=The Tennessean|date=September 9, 1928}}</ref> Davis challenged other church leaders to a debate and tensions boiled over after Davis made threats against the other ministers. One minister reported Davis's threatenings to police and filed charges against him. Davis was arrested and jailed, but was released on bond pending trial in April 1929.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arrested, Pastor Takes Out Warrant|publisher=The Tennessean|date=April 20, 1929}}</ref><br />
<br />
To escape his impending trial, Davis fled to Louisville, Kentucky. His brothers and some church followers also moved and planted a new church for the First Pentecostal Baptist Church of God on Jefferson Street. In Louisville Davis gained publicity after he penned a newspaper article voicing opposition to prohibition.<ref>''A Preacher On Prohibition'', Roy Davis, The Courier Journal, February 5, 1930</ref> Davis ran into legal troubles in Kentucky during March 1930 after he defrauded multiple people by soliciting donations to a fake charity.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mission Preacher Accused of Fraud|publisher=The Courier Journal|date=March 20, 1930}}</ref> After being jailed and released on bail, Davis moved again, this time to Jeffersonville, Indiana where he moved his First Pentecostal Baptist Church and the national headquarters of the denomination.<ref name = "mms"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Davis Is Released In Police Court|publisher=The Courier Journal|date=March 22, 1930}}</ref> He began in Jeffersonville by holding healing meetings at a tent revival and published advertisements in local newspapers. His revivals were supported by Ralph Rader's Pentecostal Church in Jeffersonville. Rader was brother of prominent evangelist Paul Rader. The revival meetings were very successful and lasted for two weeks.<ref>''Divine Healing Night'', Jeffersonville Evening News, page 3, September 24, 1930</ref><br />
<br />
While the revivals were still being held in Jeffersonville during September 1930, when he was 40, Davis was reported to police for living with a 17-year-old girl, Allie Lee Garrison. He was accused of living with her "for immoral purposes". Davis seemed to have abandoned his second family and took up a relationship with Garrison. Law enforcement arrived mid-service to arrest Davis in front of his congregation. Davis was transferred to federal custody in Louisville where he was charged in federal court and indicted by a grand jury for violating laws prohibiting the trafficking of minors. Davis fought the charges and claimed he was the foster father of the teenaged girl. He claimed to have been living with her for six years. Over sixty of his followers, mostly women, accompanied him to court to plead on his behalf.<ref>The Courier Journal, Pastor Held In Mann Act Case, October 12, 1930</ref><ref>Evangelistic Singer Jailed In Kentucky, The Greenville News, October 13, 1930</ref><ref>Davis Indicted By Grand Jury, The Courier Journal, October 14, 1930</ref> Davis successfully convinced the court to drop charges against him, but he was jailed ten days and members of his church were fined for their antics during the trial.<ref name = "pwlinc">{{cite news|publisher=The Greenville News|date=November 1, 1930|title=Preacher Wins, Loses In Court}}</ref> Davis subsequently married Garrison on a trip to Mexico.<ref>Minister, Wife, Seek Damages, The San Bernardino County Sun, February 18, 1945</ref><br />
<br />
After being released from jail, Davis resumed pastoring his church in Indiana and traveling and holding revivals in other states including Ohio, Texas, Arkansas, Michigan, and Tennessee.<ref>{{cite news|title=EMHOUSE|date=February 13, 1931|publisher=Corsicana Weekly}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=3 Davis Brothers Plan A Pentecostal Revival|publisher=Jeffersonville Evening News|date=April 17, 1931}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=All-Day Meeting Held|publisher=The Evening Republican|date=June 9, 1931}}</ref> Davis maintained a pastorship at multiple other churches he had planted and he visited regularly.<ref>{{cite news|title=Methodist Protestant|publisher=Corsicana Daily|date=June 20, 1931}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Real Estate Transfers|publisher=The Courier Journal|date=January 21, 1932}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Christian Endeavor Has a Guest Speaker|publisher=The Courier News|date=July 14, 1932}}</ref> In Jeffersonville, Davis continued to make news by publicly opposing prohibition. His support for alcohol proved popular in the community and attracted many people to his church.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jeff minister Plans Attack on Prohibition|publisher=Jeffersonville Evening News|date=December 17, 1930}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Large Crowd At Pentecostal Church Revival|publisher=Jeffersonville Evening News|date=December 26, 1930}}</ref> Davis was not happy with the press coverage that the local newspaper ''Jeffersonville Evening News'' gave his church. Davis was writing up articles after each service and taking it to the paper pressing them to publish his articles. After repeated refusals, Davis started a new publication called ''The Banner of Truth'' to publicize his services and aid recruitment.<ref>{{cite news|title=Church Publicity Policy Explained|publisher=Jeffersonville Evening News|date=April 18, 1931}}</ref><br />
<br />
In March 1930, Davis was charged with federal racketeering for the criminal activities at his Jeffersonville church, but was able to evade prosecution. Davis confessed to authorities that his Baptist minister's license had been revoked.<ref>{{cite news|date=March 20, 1930|publisher=Indianapolis Times March|title=Arrest Pastor As Rackateer|author=United Press}}</ref> Davis continued to run into legal problems related to his illegal activities. He was arrested again in 1931 after again soliciting donations and loans under false pretenses.<ref>{{cite news|title=Writ Issued For Evangelist|publisher=The Courier Journal|date=September 9, 1931}}</ref> Davis was extradited from Indiana to Kentucky a second time to face the charges.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pastor Gives Up In Fraud Case|publisher=The Courier Journal|date= September 15, 1931}}</ref> Davis privately paid his accusers who dropped the charges.<ref>{{cite news|title=Charge Dismissed|publisher=The Courier Journal|date=December 29, 1931}}</ref><br />
<br />
In 1932 Davis continued to travel regularly between the churches he had planted in Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee holding revival meetings and conducting KKK recruitment.<ref>{{cite news|title=CE Has An Outdoor Meeting|publisher=The Courier News|date=July 15, 1932}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|publisher=Kingsport Times|date=October 30, 1932|title=Davis Delivers Sermon}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Eastern Star|publisher=Kingsport Times|date=November 6, 1932}}</ref> <br />
<br />
== Enter William Branham==<br />
<br />
Davis appointed associates to serve as leaders in the churches while he was away. In the Jeffersonville First Pentecostal Baptist Church, Hope Brumback was made worship leader, and William Branham and George De'Ark were made ministering elders. He appointed his brothers Dan and W.J. as leaders of other groups.<ref>Sunday Service in Local Churches, Jeffersonville Evening News, February 4, 1933</ref><ref>First Pentecostal Baptist, Jeffersonville Evening News, February 18, 1933</ref> <br />
<br />
William Branham joined Davis's church in 1929 where he was baptized and ordained by Davis as a minister and began to serve as an elder the same year.<ref>Weaver, p.26, 33</ref> In his sermons, Branham indicated that Christian Identity Theology was being taught by elders in Roy Davis's church:<br />
<br />
:''The first time I ever met anyone in my life, after I had been converted…I was…met Brother George DeArk and them down there. And I was walked, and the Lord led me to a little place. And they was discussing where the colored man came from. And they were trying to say that the colored man…That Cain married an animal like an ape, and through there come forth the colored race. Now, that’s wrong! Absolutely, that’s wrong! And don’t never stand for that. Cause there was no colored or white, or any other different, it’s just one race of people unto the flood. Then after the flood and the tower of Babel, when they began to scatter out, that’s when they taken their colors and so forth. They’re all come from the same tree. That’s exactly right. Adam and Eve was the father and mother, earthly, of every living creature of human beings that’s ever been on the earth. That’s right.:''<ref>William Branham, 7-1006 - Questions And Answers On Hebrews #3 - October 6, 1957</ref><br />
<br />
Branham indicated in his sermons that he traveled with Davis and participated in his revival meetings. Branham was key member of Davis's inner circle and was involved in both his religious and criminal activities.<ref name = pwh>{{cite book|title=Preacher Behind the White Hoods|author=Collins, John|date=May 2020|publisher=Dark Mystery Publications|isbn=978-1735160900}}</ref> Branham participated in revival meetings in Nashville with Davis and Caleb Ridley. Branham reported that in one meeting held in Memphis, Tennessee that Davis drank sulfuric acid to make people "believe that God's real".<ref>{{cite book|title=Lord Show Us The Father And It Sufficeth Us|date=September 7, 1953|publisher=Voice of God Recordings|pages=79–82|author=Branham, William}}</ref> Davis and the First Pentecostal Baptist Church financed Branham's first tent campaign meetings in June 1933 in Jeffersonville.<ref>{{cite news|title=Church Services|publisher=Jeffersonville Evening News|date=May 6, 1933}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Church Services|publisher=Jeffersonville Evening News|date=May 27, 1933}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Fourteen Converted|publisher=The Courier Journal|date=June 2, 1933}}</ref> Between March and April 1934, the First Pentecostal Baptist Church in Jeffersonville was destroyed by a fire. After being denied a permit to rebuild, Davis moved from Jeffersonville and Branham became pastor of Davis's congregation. Branham moved the group to a new building and renamed the church the Billie Branham Pentecostal Tabernacle, later changing the name to the Branham Tabernacle.<br />
<br />
Commenting on the event, Branham stated<br />
<br />
:''I remember when Brother Roy Davis, down there, and his church burnt down. That bunch of people was just like scattered sheep without a shepherd, had no place to go. And Mr. Hibstenberg was Chief of Police then, and he called me down there. He said to me, “We're here to help you.” Said, “I'm Catholic, myself, but,” said, “them people,” said, “they don't probably have the clothes.” It was during the time of the depression. Said, “They go to other churches and they feel out of place, and they're good people. I know many of them.” He said, “Billy, if you want to start a church,” he said, “I want you to know that we're behind you in anything we can do to help you.” And I thanked him for it. We had a tag day. First, we prayed and asked the Lord. And people come to me and wanted to build a church, so could have a place to go. And we decided [on] this place.''<ref>William Branham, Taking Sides With Jesus - June 1, 1962</ref><br />
<br />
Davis was proud of Branham and referred to Branham as Saint Timothy to his Saint Paul.<ref name = "voh"/> Branham similarly spoke highly of Davis who would later participate in some Branham Campaign meetings.<ref>William Branham, April 7, 1957, Then Came Jesus</ref> Branham and Davis maintained a lifelong relationship, and Branham continued to support Davis after he became national leader of the KKK.<ref name = pwh/><br />
<br />
==Roy Davis' Pentecostal Baptist Church==<br />
<br />
William Branham stated that, prior to ministering on his own, he was the assistant pastor at the Missionary Baptist Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana and that he served under the direction of Dr. Roy E. Davis, the pastor, who also ordained him. But this is not true as the actual name of the Davis' church was the "First Pentecostal Baptist Church."<br />
<br />
It appears that sometime in 1933 or 1934, the First Pentecostal Baptist Church burned down. At around the same time, Roy Davis was extradited from Indiana to Arkansas to stand trial for grand theft.<ref>https://issuu.com/charismata/docs/apostolic_faith_and_pentecostal_tim_f1466ac0c35c77 (retrieved December 30, 2023)</ref><br />
<br />
This also puts into serious question William Branham's assertion that he left his position as assistant pastor and started holding meetings on his own in 1933, because of a disagreement with Roy Davis over the ordination of women.<br />
<br />
According to Douglas Weaver in his book, ''The Healer-Prophet'', '''Roy E. Davis''' was the pastor of the '''First Baptist Pentecostal Church''' in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Roy Davis' church was '''not''' a Missionary Baptist Church as indicated by William Branham but was a "''Holy Ghost church where they worship God in Spirit and not in fleshly denominations''" (See ''Jeffersonville Evening News'', 10 June 1933, 4:7).<br />
<br />
According to Roy Davis himself (see below), '''William Branham received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Roy Davis' home in Jeffersonville'''. While Roy Davis had originally been a baptist, at the time that William Branham attended his church he was a Pentecostal minister.<br />
[[Image:HopeThePreacher.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Dr. Roy E. Davis was the Pastor of the First Pentecostal Baptist Church, and Hope Brumbach was one of the speakers, according to this January 28, 1933 advertisement from the Jeffersonville Evening News.]]<br />
<br />
However, William Branham says that he first encountered Pentecostal people at a convention in Mishawaka, Indiana. While he was drawn to them and was invited to speak in their churches, he stated that he refused to join with them because of his mother-in-law. He indicated that this was one of the biggest mistakes of his life and God allowed his wife and daughter to be taken from him because of his disobedience to God in not joining the Pentecostals.<br />
<br />
This is a heartbreaking story that is familiar to all followers of William Branham; however, on closer examination, '''is it the truth?''' According to Roy Davis and Douglas Weaver, William Branham attended a Pentecostal church pastored by Roy Davis well before Hope died. Roy Davis himself says that William Branham received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in his home. This all precedes the death of Hope and Sharon Rose Branham in July 1937. William Branham tells how Hope, just before she dies, makes him promise to go back to the Pentecostal people.<br />
<br />
But how could he go back to the Pentecostal people if he had never left them? If he had been the assistant pastor in a pentecostal church and his own church was known as being Pentecostal before Hope died?<br />
<br />
What is the truth?<br />
<br />
'''The evidence follows. Can you tell truth from fabrication?'''<br />
<br />
=Letter from Roy E. Davis=<br />
<br />
The October 1950 issue of the Voice of Healing magazine contained a letter from Roy E. Davis. The following excerpts from that letter contain some very interesting information:<br />
<br />
[[File:VofHealingOct50pg14.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Letter from Roy Davis]]<br />
<br />
:First, '''I am the minister who received Brother Branham into the first Pentecostal assembly he ever frequented'''. '''I baptized him, and was his pastor for some two years'''. I also preached his ordination sermon, and signed his ordination certificate, and heard him preach his first sermon. '''I was the first man on this earth whom Billy ever saw anoint and pray for a sick person'''. I feel I can write more intimately of Billy Branham than any living minister, as '''he also received his Baptism of the Holy Ghost in my humble home in Jeffersonville, Indiana'''. After that experience we were most "chummy" and grew to love each other a great deal. Many intimate conversations were indulged in between us during those days concerning the deeper things of the Holy Ghost. <br />
<br />
:He would always drift out into some sort of conversation which I did not grasp, and later came to disregard as entirely visionary, and finally to dismiss his strange cogitations as useless and irrational. I had been a Baptist preacher for many years, and had been taught to disregard such ideas and concepts of spiritual things as visions, talking with the Lord, and kindred things. Therefore this explains my impatience with Brother Branham, and at a time when had I listened also to that "voice" perhaps he would not have been circumscribed so long by my imposed provincialism. As a direct result of my failure to listen to God on matters so deeply important to us both and to the world in general, I went through the very fires of hell. Still I was unbending, and would NOT yield myself wholly over to God in matters which were more or less strange to me.<br />
<br />
:Then, after paying a terrible price for my protracted stubborness, I got the consent of my dogmatic brain and heart let God have His way with my life. I had to see that I was "not my own!' and that seeing such, I happily realized one day that God wanted to take my entire life, work over, fill it up, and send it out for the promulgation of the gospel of the Son of God as He wanted it to be, and not as had previously decreed it should be. Since that time, hallelujah, now several years past, I have been superlatively happy the REAL full gospel work of our precious Jesus. <br />
<br />
:When I read of the way God is using my "Timothy" in the spread of the doctrines of God and His eternal love and power, my soul thrills exultantly, and my eyes fill with tears of genuine gratitude to Him for His condescension to work in Billy Branham, in unfolding the spiritual mysteries of God's plan to a desert-conditioned world. I feel that I, too, will have a great interest in the Land of the Unsetting Sun over every soul saved under the ministry of Billy Branham. I so deeply thank God for the full surrender Billy seems to have made to Him.<br />
<br />
:There are few things which would give me more joy than to be in one of his campaigns. But I, too, am conducting healing campaigns, and therefore I have no time to visit in one of his campaigns. But may I say, that I feel that every prayer that is prayed for Billy meets the approval of our Heavenly Father. Praying for Billy Branham is tantamount to praying for anyone of the great apostles of love and power on this earth.<br />
<br />
:...<br />
<br />
:May the good Lord bless you, and keep His hands on Brother Branham, is the wish and prayer of <br />
<br />
:::::Yours in the blessed hope,<br />
<br />
:::::R. E. Davis, Sr.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Imperial Wizard==<br />
Following the destruction of his church building in Jeffersonville, Davis began to refocus his efforts elsewhere. He transferred the national headquarters of the Pentecostal Baptist Church of God to Memphis, Tennessee later in 1934.<ref name = "mms">{{cite news|url=https://william-branham.org/site/resource?key=71fac3c0-72fe-4a73-ac2e-0314c0f12630&parent=roy_e._davis|title=May Move Church Seat|publisher=The Commercial Appeal|date=May 15, 1934|page=2}}</ref> He continued to successfully plant churches and conduct KKK recruitment. In 1936 Davis held meetings nationally, with publicized revivals in New Mexico and Florida.<ref>{{cite news|title=Church Notice|publisher=Clovis News Journal|date=December 5, 1936}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| publisher=The Pampa Daily News|title=Local News|date=December 31, 1936}}</ref> In 1937 Davis held publicized revival meetings in New York City, while he continued to spend much time at his church in Kingsport, Texas.<ref>{{cite news|work=The New York Times|title=Church Revival In Bossier City Will Last Through Week|date=April 23, 1937}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Religious Observation Week Observed|publisher=Kingsport Times|date=October 2, 1938}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:Upshaw.jpg|thumb|Congressman [[Congressman Upshaw]]]]<br />
<br />
Davis continued to be involved in criminal activities throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He was connected to a scheme in 1938 soliciting money for a fake charity in Indiana and Kentucky in which his brother Dan Davis and four women from his church were arrested in Newport, Kentucky.<ref>{{cite news|title=Minister Arrested|date=October 11, 1938|publisher=The Cincinnati Enquirer}}</ref> In 1939 law enforcement from Arkansas attempted to extradite Davis related to charges of theft of an automobile and a murder in Arkansas. Davis was already out on bond due to charges in Indiana at the time. Davis was located by law enforcement in Kentucky who extradited him to Arkansas. Davis plead with Kentucky authorities claiming he would be lynched by enemies if he was extradited. In Arkansas Davis spent some time in prison.<ref>{{cite news|title=Extradition|publisher=The Cincinnati Enquirer|date=January 14, 1939}}</ref><br />
<br />
After leaving prison in November 1942, Davis and fellow KKK member, former [[Congressman Upshaw]], began working together in California.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=The San Bernardino County Sun|date=February 20, 1944|title=Orphanage Benefactor Questioned}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Orphange School At Upload Slated To Open Sept. 15|publisher=The San Bernardino County Sub|date=August 8, 1943}}</ref> They set up an organization to collect money to open an orphanage. Davis was accused to stealing money from the charity in 1944 when they failed to use the collections for their stated purpose. He was arrested on three charges of grand theft, petty theft, illegal possession of firearms, and impersonating an FBI agent.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=The San Bernardino County|title=Accused Pastor Demands Writ|date=April 27, 1944}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Minister Charged|publisher=Nevada State Journal|date=March 15, 1944}}</ref> The charges were dropped after Davis had his associates returned funds to several donors.<ref>{{cite news|title=Two Counts Are Dropped After Court Hearing|date=May 6, 1944|publisher=The San Bernardino County}}</ref> Escaping charges yet again, Davis returned to holding revival meetings and KKK recruiting.<br />
<br />
By 1950, Davis was part of the executive committee of Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce in Texas. Davis also remained active as a revivalist during the 1950s. He was working with multiple churches to hold revivals, including the Pentecostal Assemblies of God. Davis reported that he had a large tent he traveled with to preach from. The William Branham Campaign team published an article publicizing Davis and his revivals in ''Voice of Healing'' in October 1950.<ref name = "voh">{{cite book|title=Wm Branham's First Pastor|date=October 1950|publisher=Voice Of Healing|page=14}}</ref> Davis was also present and participated in Branham Campaign events during the 1950s and was publicly endorsed by Branham. Davis continued to visit Branham campaign meetings, and be endorsed by Branham multiple times through the early 1960s.<ref>William Branham, April 7, 1957, Then Came Jesus</ref><br />
<br />
Davis became president of the Oak Cliff White Citizens Council in Dallas Texas during the 1950s which he used as a platform to oppose racial integration.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pro, Con Put Before Board Meetings|date=June 26, 1958|publisher=Dallas Morning News}}</ref> In 1958, Davis was known by law authorities to be Imperial Wizard of the Knights of the Flaming Sword in Texas, a position he had been holding for some time. Internal friction in the Klan led to issues between Davis and others KKK organizations.<ref name = "kkkmvs"/> According to police investigation, during 1958 Davis had angered other klan members "over handling of Klan funds."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=123128|title=Record Number 124-90123-10054" JFX Assassination|publisher=Mary Ferrell Foundation|date=March 5, 1962|author=FBI}}</ref> Opponents burned a cross in Davis's yard prompting Davis to call the police. During questioning by police, Davis said he had been a KKK member for 45 years. He told the authorities that he was second in command of the national KKK organization at the time.<ref name = "kkkmvs">{{cite news|title=KKK's Membership Very Small In Texas| publisher=Dallas Morning News| date=February 11, 1961|page=5}}</ref><br />
<br />
Later in 1958 Davis was offered formal leadership of the Texas branch of the KKK headed by Imperial Wizard Eldon Edwards, which Davis accepted becoming KKK Grand Dragon of Texas. As official leader in Texas, Davis continued to champion efforts to halt integration of schools and support continued racial segregation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Minister May Take Over Klan|publisher=Corsicana Daily|date=March 28, 1958}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Retired Preacher Claims Bid To Top Dallas Klan Post|publisher=Corsicana Daily|date=March 28, 1958}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Pro, Con Put Before Board Meet|publisher=Dallas Morning News|date=June 26, 1958}}</ref> Davis was successful in rallying support to halt integration of the Dallas schools that year.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dallas Schools Will Remain Segregated|publisher=Dallas Morning News|date=June 26, 1958}}</ref><br />
<br />
By 1959 Davis had been elected leader of the national KKK organization and was reporting himself as National Imperial Wizard of the Original Knights of the Ku Klux Klan and conducting rallies in multiple states. He conducted a public KKK recruitment campaign in Arkansas during May.<ref name = "kkkmvs"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Klan Groups Are Banished, Leader Says|publisher=Arkansas Gazette|date=May 29, 1959}}</ref> Later that year Davis attended another large rally in Florida where he removed his mask and identified himself again national leader of the KKK.<ref>{{cite news|title=Klansmen Call For Members To Fight Right Issue With Ballots|publisher=The Cincinnati Enquirer|date=August 24, 1959}}</ref> Davis was involved in organizing a national KKK convention in Jacksonville, Florida in 1960.<ref>{{cite news|title=Klan Pledges Ballot Fight|publisher=The Odessa American|date=August 24, 1959}}</ref> Davis continued to be involved in fraud cases and was named in a case involving a fraudulent check in July 1960.<ref>{{cite news|title=Odessan Jailed In Check Case|publisher=The Odessa American|date=July 7, 1960}}</ref> Davis endorsed Richard Nixon for President of the United States]] in the election of 1960.<ref>{{cite news|title=Letters From Readers|publisher=Dallas Morning News|date=October 10, 1960}}</ref><br />
<br />
In 1961, Davis continued holding KKK rallies. The KKK adopted the motto "Yesterday, Today and Forever" in KKK promotional material.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ku Klux Klan Stickers Put On Windows|publisher=The Times of Shreveport|date=January 20, 1961}}</ref> Pictures of Davis in the local newspaper showed him demonstrating a Klan salute in full KKK costume. He reported 1000 new members as a result of his campaign in Louisiana.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ku Klux Klan Active In Shreveport|publisher=The Times of Shreveport|date=February 10, 1961}}</ref> A cross was burnt in the front yard of Congressman Overton Brooks during a Davis led KKK rally in Shreveport, Louisiana in February 1961.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cross Burning|publisher=The Times of Shreveport|date=February 9, 1961}}</ref> Davis was questioned by authorities and denied being involved in the cross burning. Shreveport Mayor Clyde Fant declared that local authorities would not tolerate KKK activity and called Davis "unamerican" for intimidating a Congressman.<ref>{{cite news|title=Won't Tolerate KKK Mayor Fant Declares|publisher=The Times of Shreveport|date=February 10, 1961}}</ref> Federal authorities launched an investigation following the cross burning.<ref>{{cite news|title=US Attorney Studies Cross Burning Here|publisher=The Times of Shreveport|date=February 11, 1961}}</ref> Davis was arrested, fingerprinted, and warned by authorities that he was not welcome in Louisiana. Davis claimed that he revoked the charter of the KKK unit in Shreveport for conducting the cross burning without his permission.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dallas Resident Questioned Over KKK Activities|date=April 7, 1961|publisher=Dallas Morning News}}</ref> Video footage of Davis was recorded leading anti-communist protests at the [[Burl Ives]] concert on December 30, 1961.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwk8GaAv7gk|publisher=youtube|author=Southern Methodist University|date=December 30, 1961|title=Burl Ives And Protestors At The Dallas Theater Center}}</ref><br />
<br />
Davis continued to be deeply involved in KKK activities following his runs-ins with police, and came under deep scrutiny again following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas in November 1963. Davis had been living in Dallas for several years and was running his faction of the KKK from there. Davis was named in an investigation by the United States Secret Service as being suspected of authoring a pamphlet entitled ''J.F.K Wanted For Treason'' shortly before the assassination.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://catalog.archives.gov/id/609411|title=File Number Co-2-34030: Assassination of President Kennedy|date=December 6, 1963|publisher=United States National Archives}}</ref><br />
<br />
Davis continued to travel and preach as an evangelist and conduct KKK recruitment in the later years of his life. He died in Dallas on August 12, 1966, aged 76. <br />
<br />
=Quotes=<br />
<br />
==Quotes regarding William Branham receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit==<br />
<br />
THE.RESURRECTION.OF.LAZARUS_ CLEVELAND.OH SUNDAY_ 50-0813A<br />
:''I'm a Pentecostal Baptist. I got the Holy Ghost since I've been a Baptist. That's right.''<br />
<br />
EXPECTATIONS_ LA.CA MONDAY_ 51-0507<br />
:''Well, I'm a Pentecostal Baptist now, you know. So I got the Holy Ghost.''<br />
<br />
THE.MANIFESTATION.OF.THE.SPIRIT_ TOLEDO.OH TUESDAY_ 51-0717<br />
:''I'm a Baptist, but that... Not... I'm a Pentecostal Baptist. I got the Holy Ghost, so that changed my things a little bi<br />
<br />
BELIEVEST.THOU.THIS_ NEW.YORK.NY WEDNESDAY_ 51-1003<br />
:''And so I remember when I first got converted though, and they give me my license in the Baptist church as local exhorter license and to do a little evangelistic work. I'd put my Bible under my arm and I'd go down the street, my, when they call me reverend, oh, I was a full fledged preacher. <br />
<br />
QUESTIONS.AND.ANSWERS_ JEFF.IN COD THURSDAY_ 61-0112<br />
:''I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost '''back in my shed'''. See? And about a year later, or something like that, I was--I was--spoke in tongues.''<br />
<br />
THE.MESSIAH_ SHREVEPORT.LA TUESDAY_ 61-0117<br />
:''I tell you how I received it. I come just the way the Bible said it. I never varied for any denomination. My own Baptist church put me out because I wouldn't ordain a woman preacher. It's not Scriptural, and it's not right. And I said, "You might as well put me out, 'cause you have to sooner or later. So I'll just walk out before you do do it." All right.'' <br />
<br />
THERE.IS.ONLY.ONE.WAY.PROVIDED.BY.GOD.FOR.ANYTHING_ CHICAGO.IL V-21 N-2 WEDNESDAY_ 63-0731<br />
:''I was converted in a converted barroom. And I feel very much at home now. I look back there and see that counter, and so forth. '''It was a little, colored church, where I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost''', was led there by the Lord.''<br />
<br />
INFLUENCE_ NY.NY V-18 N-9 THURSDAY_ 63-1114<br />
:''I know many of them think that I've lost my mind. Even my good old righteous mother, that died a few years ago. '''When I first received the Holy Ghost, there was no one in our country knowed anything about It.''' And I was just a local, little, young Baptist preacher about twenty years old.''<br />
<br />
===Quotes regarding Roy Davis===<br />
<br />
THE.WORKS.THAT.I.DO.BEAR.WITNESS.OF.ME_ PHOENIX.AZ FRIDAY_ 51-0413<br />
:''And did you notice in the "Voice of Healing," Brother Gordon's little paper that he puts out. In there, that same man come back, Doctor Roy Davis, and testified that he was ashamed of himself for the things that he had said, and he himself prays for the sick now.''<br />
<br />
THE.ANGEL.OF.THE.LORD_ CONNERSVILLE.IN THURSDAY_ 53-0604<br />
:''And '''Doctor Roy Davis''' was, Missionary Baptist Church that ordained me into the Missionary Baptist Church, was the one who sent him to me--the one who first told me I had a nightmare, when the Angel of the Lord came to me. Now he's preaching Divine healing himself. See? So '''he said in his letter, many of you read in the "Voice of Healing'''," where he said, "If I hadn't been backslid in my own heart, I would've believed the boy in the beginning." See? And so now he sent him over there.''<br />
<br />
LORD.SHOW.US.THE.FATHER.AND.IT.SUFFICETH.US_ CHICAGO.IL MONDAY_ 53-0907A<br />
:''Be sincere. Be humble before Him. That's right. And Dr. Davis standing there, an old Methodist bishop was setting there with this young preacher. A young, Roy Davis he was setting there with this bishop. That infidel said, "Any of you guys," and some of them, the ministers was saying, 'Mark 16 from the 9th verse on is not inspired. It isn't inspired, so you can't depend on it.'"<br />
<br />
:''He said, "Well then, I'll say over there, 'Come unto me all ye that labor and heavy laden,' Matthew 11:27 said," I'll say, 'That's not inspired then.'"<br />
<br />
:''So he had him on a spot. And Roy said... The Holy Ghost begin to move on him, say, "Stand up there." So he said, the old bishop, he said, "If that infidel makes that challenge one more time, if I die in my shoes, I'll go to heaven believing God's Word."<br />
So he said, "Now, listen, son. Set down and let him just... He's just popping his own brain. Let him alone."''<br />
<br />
:''So it was the Holy Spirit moving. So when he made that challenge again, he let out a big "Ha-ha" and held his watch up. "If there's a God, I'll die in a minute." Waited for a minute and said, "Didn't I tell you wasn't no such a thing? Ha, ha, ha," like that, laughed out like that.<br />
<br />
:''So Roy when he made that challenge said, "Why not some of you guys out there believe that God's so real," said, "try this sulfuric acid test."<br />
<br />
:''Now, now, I'm not telling people to do that. Don't you do it unless the Holy Ghost is with you. See? Now, I don't believe in taking up serpents, or... I believe if I was baptizing out in the water, and a serpent grabbed me, I'd throw him out on the bank and go ahead and baptize like Paul did or something like that. Or somebody slip poison to me, I'd trust God for my healing. That's right. But I don't believe in bringing things, say, "Come here and I'll show you I can do it." I think that's wrong. That's right.<br />
<br />
:''But Brother Davis walked up to the platform. We got a notary public's statement on this. He walked up there. He said, "Christian people," about two or three thousand setting there, he said, "I'm twenty-five years old." He said, "I'm a minister of the Gospel," and he said, "I--I know that my God is able to deliver me from that," but said, "nevertheless, if He does or does not, I'll never let that infidel stand there with that in his hand and challenge God's Word." He said, "I'll meet you in glory."<br />
<br />
:''Grabbed it out of his hand...?... and drank ever drop of it right down, stood there and preached the Gospel, and '''about fifteen hundred people received the baptism of the Holy Ghost setting in the meeting'''. Hallelujah. Yes, sir.<br />
<br />
HAS.THE.LORD.SPOKEN.ONLY.TO.MOSES_ WEST.PALM.BEACH.FL MONDAY_ 53-1130<br />
:''"And he said, "I was a president (I believe it was) of the Southern Baptist Convention." Said, "Dr. Roy E. Davis that ordained you in the Baptist church said to me," said, "I have been prayed for hundreds of times, but he was the one that advised me to come over here to have you to intercede to God for me."<br />
<br />
THE.HEALING.OF.JAIRUS.DAUGHTER_ PHOENIX.AZ SUNDAY_ 55-0227E<br />
:''I'm a Baptist preacher, out of a Missionary Baptist church, ordained by Dr. Roy E. Davis out of Dallas, Texas, and was made a local elder for the church at Jeffersonville. My first revival, five hundred came to Jesus Christ out of a three thousand congregation when I was twenty--about twenty-two years old.''<br />
<br />
HEAR.YE.HIM_ PARKERSBURG.WV SATURDAY_ 56-1215<br />
:''"Well," he said, "I been--I was a Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention," and said, "you know who sent me here?"''<br />
<br />
:''I said, "I have no idea." Said, "The same man that ordained you in the Baptist church, Doctor Roy Davis. And he said come over here." And he just got off, and they pushed him in on the grounds. I said, "Sir, I can only say what I see; I don't know."''<br />
<br />
HEAR.YE.HIM_ LIMA.OH FRIDAY_ 57-0125<br />
:''And the minister from the Baptist church, Dr. Roy Davis, who ordained me, told me I eat something and I'd had a nightmare. And he kinda made light of it. But he's preaching Divine healing today. But however, he said, "Billy, you've nervous." Said, "Go over home. I think you need a rest."''<br />
<br />
:''I said, "Dr. Davis, I don't appreciate that. If that's the way it is, then you can just wipe my name off, 'cause I'm going to listen to God."''<br />
<br />
GOD.KEEPS.HIS.WORD.1_ PHOENIX.AZ WEDNESDAY_ 57-0306<br />
:''When I was first converted and was ordained in the Baptist church, I had a good old teacher by the name of Dr. Roy Davis. <br />
<br />
HE.WAS.TO.PASS.THAT.WAY_ TACOMA.WA SATURDAY_ 57-0727<br />
:''I was ordained in the Missionary Baptist Church by Dr. Roy E. Davis from Big Springs, Texas. And then I was--been a Baptist. You know the Baptist church, you don't be put out of a Baptist church for your doctrine, because they have no doctrine; it's a fellowship. It's a fellowship, the Baptist. And each church is sovereign in itself. What you're put out of a Baptist church for is immoral living. So I left the Baptist church in order to be free from all denominations, that I could preach to the body of Christ.''<br />
<br />
HEBREWS.CHAPTER.SIX.2_ JEFF.IN HEB SUNDAY_ 57-0908E<br />
:''So, one day, I was out here praying, long ago. I'll tell you why, who I was praying for, was Roy Davis. And I was out here praying, because he had called me "a puppet," and I was praying for God to forgive him for it. And he had a press back there, wrote a paper. And that press caught afire and burnt down, a couple nights after that, while they were running it.<br />
<br />
FAITH_ JEFF.IN SUNDAY_ 57-1229<br />
:''And when the--Brother Davis, Doctor Roy Davis, many of you know him, who ordained me into the church, into the Baptist Church, when he said I had a nightmare, how would I, with a seventh grade education go and preach to kings and potentates and monarchs around the world. I can't tell you.<br />
<br />
FAITH.BY.EXPERIENCE_ MIDDLETOWN.OH TUESDAY_ 58-0325<br />
:''When Dr. Roy Davis, that ordained me in the Missionary Baptist Church. And when the angel of the Lord come to me and told me I was to take this message around the world, he said, "Billy, you need some rest. You'd better go home." I said, "Dr. Davis, that Angel stood there and told me that."''<br />
<br />
MARY'S.BELIEF_ LA.CA THURSDAY_ 59-0409<br />
:''But when I walked to the platform, and it happened to be that he knew the old Baptist preacher that ordained me in the Baptist church, Doctor Roy E. Davis. Doctor Davis told him to come, see me when I come to the coast, to have me to pray for him. And he moved in and was setting in his wheelchair. <br />
<br />
MY.LIFE.STORY_ LA.CA FOOTPRINTS.BOOK SUNDAY_ 59-0419A<br />
:''And so they was... a minister, the one that ordained me in the Missionary Baptist church, Doctor Roy Davis. Sister Upshaw, the very one that sent Brother Upshaw over to me, or talked to him about me, Doctor Roy Davis. And so he was preaching, and had the First Baptist church, or the--the... I don't believe it was the First Baptist church, either, it was the Mission-... called the Missionary Baptist church at Jeffersonville. <br />
<br />
:''And during this time... I'm leaving out my conversion. I was converted. And was ordained by Doctor Roy Davis, in the Missionary Baptist church, and had become a minister and have the tabernacle that I now preach in in Jeffersonville. And I was pastoring the little church. And I...''<br />
<br />
:''I'd heard of Pentecostal, but they were a bunch of "holy-rollers that laid on the floor and frothed at their mouth," and everything that they told me about. So I didn't want nothing to do with it.''<br />
<br />
VISIONS.OF.WILLIAM.BRANHAM_ JEFF.IN FRIDAY_ 60-0930<br />
:''Well, I remember after I was ordained in the church, the Baptist church, by Dr. Roy Davis, here at Watts Street in Jeffersonville, where the church was at the time...''<br />
<br />
THE.LAODICEAN.CHURCH.AGE_ JEFF.IN ROJC 493-550 SUNDAY_ 60-1211E<br />
:''A Baptist preacher baptized me. I said, "I want to be baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ." Dr. Roy E. Davis baptized me in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ when I was just a boy. <br />
<br />
WHY_ BLOOMINGTON.IL THURSDAY_ 61-0413<br />
:''And Doctor Roy E. Davis of the Missionary Baptist church that baptized me into the Baptist faith, was a--or Baptist fellowship we call it. ''<br />
<br />
TAKING.SIDES.WITH.JESUS_ JEFF.IN COD FRIDAY_ 62-0601<br />
:''And I remember when Brother Roy Davis, down there, and his church burnt down. That bunch of people was just like scattered sheep without a shepherd, had no place to go. And I... Mr. Hibstenberg was Chief of Police then, and he called me down there and he said to me, "I--We're here to help you." Said, "I'm Catholic myself," but said, "them people," said, "they don't... probably have their clothes." (It was during the time of the depression.) Said, "They go to other churches and they feel out of place, and they're good people. And I know many of them." He said, "Billy, if you want to start a church," he said, "I want you to know that we're behind you in anything we can do to help you." <br />
<br />
WHY.I'M.AGAINST.ORGANIZED.RELIGION_ JEFF.IN V-12 N-1 SUNDAY_ 62-1111E<br />
:''Now, I have been through these years, and this Tabernacle has stood, though I was ordained in a Missionary Baptist church by Doctor Roy E. Davis, about thirty-three years ago here in Jeffersonville... Now, I... Since then, I was in the organization just a short time, a few months, until something come up that was unscriptural by the church, and I told him I could not go that. <br />
<br />
A.TRIAL_ TUCSON.AZ MONDAY_ 64-0427<br />
:''Then, about seventeen years after that, I was, had become a minister, a Baptist preacher, of the Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Roy E. Davis ordained me as one of the local pastors, give me rights then, by the state, to marry, bury, baptize, so forth. And the Missionary Baptist Church burned down, which I was assistant pastor, at the time. And Mr. Davis come back to Texas, which he was of Davis mountains, and--and down near Van Horn, Texas. That's where they come from. And so, while he was gone, I started to take over the congregation. <br />
<br />
==Quotes regarding William Branham's First Introduction to the Pentecostal Movement==<br />
<br />
DEMONOLOGY.RELIGIOUS.REALM_ CONNERSVILLE.IN DE 41-78 TUESDAY_ 53-0609A<br />
:''I was right up here in Indiana, at a certain place called Mishawaka. The first group of Pentecostal people I ever seen is called the--the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ...''<br />
<br />
LIFE.STORY_ OWENSBORO.KY SUNDAY_ 53-1108A<br />
:''...I got my first acquaintance with Pentecostal people. We come through Dawa... or Mishawaka, and there was a... Mishawaka, Indiana. And there was a great convention going on. ...And I thought, "That's just awful that they'd do that." My self-styled Baptist ways, you know, so I--I thought...''<br />
<br />
GOD'S.PROVIDED.WAY.OF.HEALING_ CHICAGO.IL MONDAY_ 54-0719A<br />
:''When I first seen the Pentecostal people, and heard them speak with tongues, I'd been taught as a Baptist that that was of the devil. ''<br />
<br />
THE.RESULTS.OF.DECISION_ CHICAGO.IL SATURDAY_ 55-1008<br />
:''I remember when I first seen Pentecostal people, over around Mishawaka, Indiana...''<br />
<br />
William Branham met John Ryan of William Sowders' School of the Prophets in Louisville, KY. This John Ryan supposedly spoke in tongues and prophesied over William Branham as a child:<br />
<br />
51-0718 THE.ANGEL.OF.THE.LORD_ TOLEDO.OH<br />
:''An old man, '''one of the first that I ever seen in the realms of Pentecost''' and came to my house when I was just a--a little lad, and set in my room. '''And I've been always, for Pentecost''', I wasn't critical, but I didn't understand that speaking in tongues before these things happened. And I still, we know that there is some of it make-believe, but behind it there's a genuine article. And this man come to my room when I was just a boy preacher and set in there one day. And I come in and he went... he kind of jumped and threw his hands up and spoke in tongues . And he said, "Thus saith the Lord," speaking in tongues , said, "A great ministry lies before you that God will use you to shake the world." And the elderly brother, is setting right back there, is John Ryan.''<br />
<br />
==Quotes regarding William Branham's Mother-in-law==<br />
<br />
LIFE.STORY_ PHOENIX.AZ SUNDAY_ 51-0415A<br />
:''When we got to her mother--got to her mother...?... When we got over there, why there's where the trouble started, right there.<br />
<br />
:''She said, "William Branham, do you mean to tell me that you'd take my daughter out amongst a bunch of trash like that?"<br />
<br />
:''I said, "Well, look, Mrs. Brumbach. They're not trash."<br />
<br />
:''She said, "That's a bunch of holy-rollers." She said, "And you take her out of here, she'll starve to death." She said, "Today she might have something to eat, and tomorrow she might not have nothing to eat."<br />
<br />
:''But brother, I come to find out what she called "trash" was "the cream of the crop." And bless my heart...?... And said, "You mean to tell me that you'd take..." Said...<br />
<br />
:''And Hope started crying. And she said, "Mother..." She said, "I--I--I want to go with him." And she said, "Very well, Hope. If you go, your mother will go in a grave heartbroken. That's all." And then Hope started crying.<br />
<br />
:''And--and there, friends, is where my sorrows started. '''I listened to my mother-in-law in the stead of God.''' '' <br />
<br />
SHOW.US.THE.FATHER.AND.IT'LL.SATISFY.US_ CONNERSVILLE.IN WEDNESDAY_ 53-0610<br />
:''And I stood down there not long ago. Say, "Will it last?" Yes, sir. I stood there when my own baby, about fourteen years ago, fifteen, my own little baby, six months old when I was praying for it, and it died and it went out from under my arms. I was walking up the road... I lost my father, my brother, and my wife (You know my story.), just because that I wouldn't hook myself up with you people.''<br />
<br />
:''My mother-in-law said that we were too good to be with such people, said they were nothing but a bunch of backwash.''<br />
<br />
MY.LIFE.STORY_ ZURICH.SWITZERLAND SUNDAY_ 55-0626A<br />
:''Now, from here, listen. I listened to my mother-in-law instead of God, and forsaken the church, and went on back with the Baptist people. Right away, plagues hit my home. My wife took sick; my father died on my arm; my brother was killed. And everything happened just in a few days. A great flood hit the country and washed away the homes. My wife was in the hospital. And I was out on a rescue with my boat. And one night out in the water, my boat got in the current, and was going over a big falls. I couldn't get the motor started, and I raised up my hands, and I said, "Oh, God, don't let me drown. I am not worthy to live, but think of my wife and baby."''<br />
<br />
:''And I tried again, and it wouldn't start, and I cried again to God. And then, just before going over the falls, the motor started, and I got to the land.''<br />
<br />
=Video Script=<br />
<br />
William Branham's ability to captivate his congregation with a heart-warming… or heart wrenching… story, is well know. Among his favorite tales was the oft-repeated account of his introduction to the Pentecostal movement… a key event in William Branham’s life story.<br />
<br />
But the story didn’t end there... Not everyone in their family was as impressed with the Pentecostals as the young Baptist minister and his wife.<br />
<br />
William Brahnam lost his wife in July, 1937. But before she died, Hope made him promise that he would go back to the Pentecostals he had forsaken, and preach for them... <br />
<br />
And William Branham made good on his promise to his dying wife…<br />
<br />
QUOTE<br />
<br />
Many tears have been shed over the years - and understandably so - by people reflecting on the heartache endured by this young minister and the cost to him of not obeying the Lord fully… <br />
<br />
But the lesser known tragedy is this… except for the very real loss of life, very little of this story is what it seems.<br />
<br />
Did William Branham really start out as a Missionary Baptist?<br />
<br />
QUOTE<br />
<br />
In a letter that was published in the Voice of Healing magazine in October 1950, Roy Davis wrote the following:<br />
I am the minister who received Brother Branham into the first Pentecostal assembly he ever frequented. I baptized him and was his pastor for some two years… I was the first person whom Billy ever saw anoint and pray for a sick person.<br />
<br />
I feel I can write more intimately of Billy Branham than any living minister, as he also received his Baptism of the Holy Ghost in my humble home in Jeffersonville, Indiana.<br />
<br />
So, Roy Davis was his first pastor but not in a Missionary Baptist church. It was a Pentecostal church. <br />
<br />
And Roy Davis not only pastored the Pentecostal Baptist Church in Jeffersonville, but also referred to this church as a "Pentecostal assembly", and spoke of introducing William Branham to praying for the sick, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
And these experiences all took place before 1933.<br />
<br />
The 1931 City Directory for Jeffersonville confirms that Roy Davis was the Pastor of the Pentecostal Baptist Church. This directory was printed two years before William Branham built his <br />
tabernacle, and before his marriage to Hope.<br />
<br />
Why did William Branham feel compelled to grossly misrepresent his <br />
"Baptist" roots? <br />
<br />
While we may never know for certain, one thing is clear… His introduction to Pentecostalism happened long before his story indicates.<br />
<br />
Was William Branham really a Baptist pastor?<br />
<br />
In March 1933, William Branham laid the cornerstone for his new church. But the name of the church was not “Branham Tabernacle” then. It was… the Pentecostal Tabernacle.<br />
<br />
In 2009, Believers International published a photo-anthology of William Branham’s life called “Messenger”. On page 11 of this book is a newspaper ad from the mid-30’s for William Branham’s church, the Pentecostal Tabernacle. <br />
<br />
Further, the obituary for Hope Branham clearly indicated that she was attending the Pentecostal Tabernacle at the time of her death. <br />
<br />
So William Branham was never the pastor of a Baptist church. <br />
<br />
His disobedience caused the deaths of many of his loved ones<br />
<br />
QUOTE<br />
<br />
But remember this part of the story? <br />
<br />
How could the death of William Branham’s brother, Charles, in a car accident on August 5, 1935… a full 2 years before Hope died… be related to his failure to embrace Pentecostalism when he was preaching in a Pentecostal church. <br />
<br />
Do you understand why we are having a hard time with some of this??<br />
<br />
When was William Branham baptized with the Holy Spirit?<br />
As we mentioned earlier, Reverend Roy Davis’ testified that William Branham "received his Baptism of the Holy Ghost in my humble home in Jeffersonville, Indiana."<br />
<br />
This would have taken place prior to 1933 when he started his own church.<br />
<br />
However, we appreciate that this does not agree with William Branham’s version of the events… <br />
<br />
QUOTE<br />
<br />
So was it in Roy Davis' home… or out back in his shed… or somewhere else? <br />
<br />
QUOTE<br />
<br />
So... how could God's prophet be so confused about when he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, when he said it was impossible for such a thing to happen?<br />
<br />
QUOTE<br />
<br />
Does God punish his children for disobedience by killing their loved ones?<br />
Compounding the tragedy of William Branham's personal loss and fabricated testimony is the fact that he suffered from a fatalistic, Old Testament view of God… a God who would wreak havoc, kill his wife and little girl, just to teach him a lesson… ironically for a rejecting something that he had been a part of for years!<br />
<br />
He apparently adopted this distorted view of God from his Pentecostal pastor, Roy Davis, who wrote: <br />
<br />
As a direct result of my failure to listen to God on matters so deeply important to us both and to the world in general, I went through the very fires of hell. <br />
<br />
Does the Bible really teach that we have to live mistake free or face the brutal punishment of a God of wrath? <br />
<br />
Doesn’t the Bible say that perfect love casts out all fear? <br />
<br />
QUOTE<br />
<br />
If you are afraid, it is because you have not fully experienced the perfect love of God.?<br />
<br />
When we first heard these tragic stories from William Branham’s life, we naturally thought them to be true. <br />
<br />
Sadly, the facts show otherwise.<br />
<br />
Why did William Branham feel the need to misrepresent nearly every aspect of this story… his background, his faith, his conversion, the order of events. <br />
<br />
Did he really feel like God was punishing him? For a fictitious decision? <br />
<br />
Was it to gain sympathy, or to punish himself for the death of his wife and daughter? He certainly wouldn't be the first to suffer a mental break from such an event. Whatever the case, the tragedy is only aggravated when this manufactured tale is accepted as truth and then told and retold. <br />
<br />
Most people assume that when William Branham speaks of Jesus Christ, that he is talking about the same Jesus preached by the apostles. But that isn't consistent with his story of Gods "punishment". <br />
<br />
According to the gospel Paul preached, the wrath of God was unleashed upon his Son on Calvary. The wrathful punishment of believers as preached by William Branham, for mistakes that they make, bypasses the blood of Jesus and is not biblical. If this is your revelation… as obtained from the message… then it is a different Message from the grace of the New Testament that Paul preached. <br />
<br />
==Further reading==<br />
<br />
*Jorgensen, O., ''Supernatural: the Life of William Branham, Book Two: The Young Man and His Desperation (1933-1946)'', Tucson Tabernacle Books, 1994 <br />
*Lindsay, G. (Editor), ''The Voice of Healing'', Vol.3, No. 7, Voice of Healing, Inc., October, 1950<br />
*Weaver, C.D., ''The Healer-Prophet'', Mercer University Press, 2000<br />
<br />
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Roy Davis
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{{Life Story}}<br />
Roy Davis wrote "'''''I am the minister who received Brother Branham into the first Pentecostal assembly he ever frequented. I baptized him, and was his pastor for some two years.'''''" Roy Davis was a convicted criminal and a leader in the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), a far-right white supremacist organization.<br />
<br />
<youtube>http://youtu.be/4qI8l0jTeeY</youtube> <br />
<br />
==Starting on the wrong foot?==<br />
<br />
Roy Davis was born on April 24, 1890, in Texas. By 1912, at age twenty-two, Davis was traveling regularly and preaching as a Christian minister connected to the Baptist Missionary Association.<ref>Convention Schedule, The Weekly Herald of Weatherford Texas, October 21, 1915</ref> <br />
<br />
Davis was frequently involved in criminal activity. In 1916, he went on a forgery crime spree with his brothers who seem to have operated with him as a gang. Davis presented himself as a minister at a bank asking them to cash a fraudulent cashier's check created by his brother who presented himself as a business owner making a donation to Davis's ministry. Davis's swindle involved multiple banks, including Continental State Bank, First State Bank, and Toyah Valley State Bank in west Texas during 1916. Davis was pursued by local law enforcement for his crimes causing him to flee the state. He abandoned his wife and three children in Texas and fled to Georgia where he took the alias of Lon Davis and married another woman.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sheriff Mann Goes To Tipton|date=March 10, 1916|publisher=Wise County Messenger}}</ref><ref name="rdms" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Bank Duped By Young 'Minister'|date=March 18, 1916|publisher=Wise County Messenger}}</ref> Davis was apprehended in Georgia during May 1917 after being turned in by a woman who recognized him and was upset that he had abandoned his Texas family and remarried illegally.<ref>{{cite news|title=Young Lady Knew Davis As A Preacher in Texas|date=May 26, 1917|publisher=Wise County Messenger}}</ref> Davis was returned to Texas where he was convicted on swindling and forgery charges and given a two-year jail sentence on June 29, 1917.<ref name="rdms">{{cite news|title=Rev. Davis, Singer and Masher, Goes to Prison|publisher=Wise County Messenger|date=June 29, 1917}}</ref><br />
<br />
By January 1919, Davis was released from prison, returned to Aldersville, Georgia, and had resumed preaching as a Missionary Baptist minister under the name Lon Davis.<ref>{{cite news|title=Minister Debating Church Differences|publisher=Columbus Ledger|date=January 15, 1919}}</ref> Davis posed as a Christian missionary]] bound for Egypt to gain the trust of the community and was later offered the pastorship of the Acworth Baptist Church during the summer of 1920.<ref>{{cite news|title=Christian Church|publisher=The Liberal Democrat|date=August 14, 1919}}</ref> In 1921 Davis started publishing ''The Progress'' newsletter from the church. The newsletter focused on exposing what Davis believed were secret subversive activities of the Catholic Church.<ref>{{cite news|title=Listen!|publisher=Marietta Journal|date=April 14, 1921}}</ref> Davis also began holding Ku Klux Klan meetings at the church. Although unknown to his church, Davis had been appointed by Imperial Wizard William Joseph Simmons as an official spokesperson for the KKK and charged with organizing new chapters of the KKK. Members of his church became upset about some of the material Davis published in ''The Progress'' and began investigating his past. They soon discovered his criminal record in Texas, and discovered he had abandoned his wife and children. At a meeting on July 14, 1921, he was removed as pastor. <br />
<br />
Davis ran into legal problems again in 1921. He purchased the printing press for ''The Progress'' newsletter using a fraudulent check, swindling the seller out of $1,000.<ref>{{cite news|title=Davis' Record in Texas Aired By Ku Klux Klan|publisher=Wise County Messenger|date=August 26, 1921}}</ref> After being exposed in Georgia, Davis left the state, leaving by train with his wife and their five-year-old daughter. They traveled to Oklahoma where Davis continued holding revival meetings in Baptist churches and conducting KKK recruiting.<ref>''Revival Meetings'', McCurtain Gazzette, August 3, 1921</ref><ref>''Great Revival At Shults being Held By Rev, Davis'', McCurtain Gazzette, August 27, 1921</ref><br />
<br />
==Ku Klux Klan==<br />
<br />
Davis was reported to be among the founding members of the William J. Simmons revival of the Ku Klux Klan. Davis also told newspaper reporters that he was a coauthor of the KKK's constitution, bylaws and rituals which were first published in 1921.<ref>''Ku Klux Klan Active In Shreveport Area'', The Times of Shreveport, February 10, 1961</ref><br />
<br />
In 1922, Davis returned to Georgia where he began to speak openly supporting the Ku Klux Klan. He held rallies and meetings to recruit members in Georgia, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and South Carolina.<ref>''The K.K.K Lecture Held Last Night'', The Hutchinson News, May 30, 1922</ref> Newspapers articles at the time reported Davis to be a "high Klan official". The newspapers also began recording and reporting on his speeches in which he explained the principles of the KKK to include "white supremacy" and "protection of pure womanhood". Davis bragged about his recruitment efforts and the reach of the KKK, stating that he had been involved in recruitment across the southern and midwestern United States. He reported 92,000 KKK members in Oklahoma and Texas. Davis also boasted that governors, congressmen, and United States Senators had joined the KKK in recent years. <br />
<br />
Davis faced legal trouble again in September 1922 when complaints were filed against him in connection to a burglary case in Waco, Texas. He was accused of stealing firearms from the United States Marshalls.<ref>''Two Burglary Complaints Are Filed in Case of Lon Davis'', Waco News Tribune, September 15, 1922</ref> Davis was also named in connection to a 1923 criminal investigation in Louisiana.<ref name = "nsj"/><br />
<br />
The KKK started a newspaper in 1923 titled ''The Brick Bat'' and Davis was named editor. Its articles publicly degraded and attacked KKK opponents, calling for boycotts of unsupportive businesses. In May 1923, Davis instigated physical violence when two business owners he targeted in his publication were involved in an altercation with KKK members.<ref>{{cite news|title=Freed After Alleged Attack on Reported Klan Leader|publisher=The Town Talk|date=May 28, 1923}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Alleged Assailants of Klansmen Freed|publisher=Columbus Enquirer Sun|date=May 29, 1923}}</ref> Despite the violence, Davis continued to publish his attacks against Klan opponents. One of The Brick Bat's targets filed charges against Davis and he was subsequently arrested in Georgia and charged with criminal libel on June 24, 1923.<ref>{{cite news|title=Criminal Libel Charge to Face Brickbat Editor|publisher=The Atlanta Constitution|date=June 25, 1923}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Editor of Brick Bat Is Accused Of Libel|publisher=Macon Daily Telegraph|date=June 27, 1923}}</ref><br />
<br />
Somehow Davis had managed to keep his dual identities secret from many people. He had been employed as president of Georgia Farmer's Union until July 1923 when his fellow board members discovered his activities and had him investigated. They discovered he had abandoned his wife and children in Texas, had been involved in criminal activities across the United States, had remarried illegally, been dismissed as a minister from multiple churches, and was involved in the KKK. The board of the Georgia Farmers Union called a special meeting to show the results of their investigation and publicly expose Davis, but Davis failed to appear and returned to Texas.<ref>{{cite news|title=Farm Union Head Ousted By Board|publisher=The Houston Post|date=July 1, 1923}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Anti-Catholic Editor Removed From Office|publisher=The Bulletin of the Catholic Laymens Association of Georiga|date=July 14, 1923}}</ref> Upon being exposed, Davis and one of his brothers were subsequently caught by vigilantes in Texas and beat with wet rope. Davis's brother was hospitalized with severe injuries.<ref>{{cite news|title=Flog Lon Davis|publisher=Macon Daily Telegraph|date=August 18, 1923}}</ref><br />
<br />
About the same time, Hiram W. Evans ousted William Simmons as Imperial Wizard of the KKK and took over leadership of the organization. Evans expelled Davis from the KKK.<ref>{{cite news|date=June 7, 1923|publisher=Bartow Tribune|author=<!--Not stated-->|page=1}}</ref> By 1924, Davis and Simmons regrouped and began an effort to form a new klan organization, Knights of the Flaming Sword, where Simmons resumed his role as Imperial Wizard.<ref>{{cite news|title=Klan Is Tottering|date=February 29, 1924|publisher=Tipton Daily Tribune}}</ref> Traveling across the south, Davis successfully retained the loyalty of at least 60,000 Klan recruits and had secured over $150,000 ($2.3 million in 2021 dollars)<ref>{{cite news|title=Klan Is Renounced By 4,000 at Chattanooga|publisher=The Tennessean|date=October 4, 1924}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Simmons Order Growing Rapidly|publisher=Arkansas Gazette|date=October 6, 1924}}</ref> Davis's efforts during this period earned him the accolades of Simmons who appointed Davis as "Royal Ambassador" in honor of his activities.<ref name="fsta"/><ref name = rpd>{{cite news|title=Proclamation issued by the Royal Ambassador|publisher=Chattanooga Daily Times|date=January 19, 1925|author=Davis, Roy E|page=1|url=https://william-branham.org/site/research/topics/knights_of_the_flaming_sword#_b2db330d-752b-4383-9ce6-698fa62feccf_ftn14}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Pentecostal preacher==<br />
<br />
In 1924, Davis moved to Tennessee to oversee a new chapter of the Knights of the Flaming Sword. At the same time Davis was working with Simmons to establish the Knights of the Flaming Sword, Davis also began efforts to formally establish the Pentecostal Baptist Church of God where he served as general overseer.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fraternity Attacked As Money Making Order|publisher=Lead Daily Call|date=January 23, 1925}}</ref> After a financial scandal over misuse of funds led to the collapse of the Knights of the Flaming Sword, Davis began to refocus on building up the new denomination.<ref name="fsta">{{cite news|title=Flaming Sword Turns Against Col. Simmons|publisher=Muncie Post Democrat|date=May 29, 1925}}</ref> He resumed traveling and holding revivals in Oklahoma and Tennessee in August 1925.<ref>{{cite news|title=Notice To The Patrons of 4-D School House|publisher=The Perry Journal|date=July 31, 1925}}</ref> Davis continued holding revival though 1926 and 1927.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nazarenes Will Open Old Time Revival|publisher=The Perry Journal|date=April 21, 1927}}</ref> Davis travelled to California to hold revivals in 1927. Davis had begun to adopt Pentecostal beliefs. A newspaper article detailing Davis's criminal history reported that he had been excommunicated as a Missionary Baptist and had his minister's license revoked following an incident with baptists in Florida before 1927.<ref>{{cite news|date=February 18, 1927|publisher=The Nugget|title=Bad Record For Preacher|page=1}}</ref><br />
<br />
Davis began working with Caleb Ridley, Imperial Kludd (national chaplain) of the KKK, and Rev. Fred B Johnson, William Joseph Simmons chief of staff, to build a new denomination.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pentecostal Baptist Church Rally Planned|date= July 6, 1929|publisher=The Tennessean|author=<!--Not stated-->}}</ref> Davis planted a First Pentecostal Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee where he served as founding pastor in 1928.<ref>{{cite news|title=An Explanation|publisher=The Tennessean|author=Roy Davis|date=September 2, 1928}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Dr. R. E. Davis Arrested|date=August 29, 1924|publisher=Lead Daily Call}}</ref> He soon ran into issues when most of the other churches in the area refused to cooperate with his revival meetings.<ref>{{cite news|title=Davis Revival In North Nashville Not Union Affair|publisher=The Tennessean|date=September 9, 1928}}</ref> Davis challenged other church leaders to a debate and tensions boiled over after Davis made threats against the other ministers. One minister reported Davis's threatenings to police and filed charges against him. Davis was arrested and jailed, but was released on bond pending trial in April 1929.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arrested, Pastor Takes Out Warrant|publisher=The Tennessean|date=April 20, 1929}}</ref><br />
<br />
To escape his impending trial, Davis fled to Louisville, Kentucky. His brothers and some church followers also moved and planted a new church for the First Pentecostal Baptist Church of God on Jefferson Street. In Louisville Davis gained publicity after he penned a newspaper article voicing opposition to prohibition.<ref>''A Preacher On Prohibition'', Roy Davis, The Courier Journal, February 5, 1930</ref> Davis ran into legal troubles in Kentucky during March 1930 after he defrauded multiple people by soliciting donations to a fake charity.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mission Preacher Accused of Fraud|publisher=The Courier Journal|date=March 20, 1930}}</ref> After being jailed and released on bail, Davis moved again, this time to Jeffersonville, Indiana where he moved his First Pentecostal Baptist Church and the national headquarters of the denomination.<ref name = "mms"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Davis Is Released In Police Court|publisher=The Courier Journal|date=March 22, 1930}}</ref> He began in Jeffersonville by holding healing meetings at a tent revival and published advertisements in local newspapers. His revivals were supported by Ralph Rader's Pentecostal Church in Jeffersonville. Rader was brother of prominent evangelist Paul Rader. The revival meetings were very successful and lasted for two weeks.<ref>''Divine Healing Night'', Jeffersonville Evening News, page 3, September 24, 1930</ref><br />
<br />
While the revivals were still being held in Jeffersonville during September 1930, when he was 40, Davis was reported to police for living with a 17-year-old girl, Allie Lee Garrison. He was accused of living with her "for immoral purposes". Davis seemed to have abandoned his second family and took up a relationship with Garrison. Law enforcement arrived mid-service to arrest Davis in front of his congregation. Davis was transferred to federal custody in Louisville where he was charged in federal court and indicted by a grand jury for violating laws prohibiting the trafficking of minors. Davis fought the charges and claimed he was the foster father of the teenaged girl. He claimed to have been living with her for six years. Over sixty of his followers, mostly women, accompanied him to court to plead on his behalf.<ref>The Courier Journal, Pastor Held In Mann Act Case, October 12, 1930</ref><ref>Evangelistic Singer Jailed In Kentucky, The Greenville News, October 13, 1930</ref><ref>Davis Indicted By Grand Jury, The Courier Journal, October 14, 1930</ref> Davis successfully convinced the court to drop charges against him, but he was jailed ten days and members of his church were fined for their antics during the trial.<ref name = "pwlinc">{{cite news|publisher=The Greenville News|date=November 1, 1930|title=Preacher Wins, Loses In Court}}</ref> Davis subsequently married Garrison on a trip to Mexico.<ref>Minister, Wife, Seek Damages, The San Bernardino County Sun, February 18, 1945</ref><br />
<br />
After being released from jail, Davis resumed pastoring his church in Indiana and traveling and holding revivals in other states including Ohio, Texas, Arkansas, Michigan, and Tennessee.<ref>{{cite news|title=EMHOUSE|date=February 13, 1931|publisher=Corsicana Weekly}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=3 Davis Brothers Plan A Pentecostal Revival|publisher=Jeffersonville Evening News|date=April 17, 1931}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=All-Day Meeting Held|publisher=The Evening Republican|date=June 9, 1931}}</ref> Davis maintained a pastorship at multiple other churches he had planted and he visited regularly.<ref>{{cite news|title=Methodist Protestant|publisher=Corsicana Daily|date=June 20, 1931}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Real Estate Transfers|publisher=The Courier Journal|date=January 21, 1932}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Christian Endeavor Has a Guest Speaker|publisher=The Courier News|date=July 14, 1932}}</ref> In Jeffersonville, Davis continued to make news by publicly opposing prohibition. His support for alcohol proved popular in the community and attracted many people to his church.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jeff minister Plans Attack on Prohibition|publisher=Jeffersonville Evening News|date=December 17, 1930}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Large Crowd At Pentecostal Church Revival|publisher=Jeffersonville Evening News|date=December 26, 1930}}</ref> Davis was not happy with the press coverage that the local newspaper ''Jeffersonville Evening News'' gave his church. Davis was writing up articles after each service and taking it to the paper pressing them to publish his articles. After repeated refusals, Davis started a new publication called ''The Banner of Truth'' to publicize his services and aid recruitment.<ref>{{cite news|title=Church Publicity Policy Explained|publisher=Jeffersonville Evening News|date=April 18, 1931}}</ref><br />
<br />
In March 1930, Davis was charged with federal racketeering for the criminal activities at his Jeffersonville church, but was able to evade prosecution. Davis confessed to authorities that his Baptist minister's license had been revoked.<ref>{{cite news|date=March 20, 1930|publisher=Indianapolis Times March|title=Arrest Pastor As Rackateer|author=United Press}}</ref> Davis continued to run into legal problems related to his illegal activities. He was arrested again in 1931 after again soliciting donations and loans under false pretenses.<ref>{{cite news|title=Writ Issued For Evangelist|publisher=The Courier Journal|date=September 9, 1931}}</ref> Davis was extradited from Indiana to Kentucky a second time to face the charges.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pastor Gives Up In Fraud Case|publisher=The Courier Journal|date= September 15, 1931}}</ref> Davis privately paid his accusers who dropped the charges.<ref>{{cite news|title=Charge Dismissed|publisher=The Courier Journal|date=December 29, 1931}}</ref><br />
<br />
In 1932 Davis continued to travel regularly between the churches he had planted in Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee holding revival meetings and conducting KKK recruitment.<ref>{{cite news|title=CE Has An Outdoor Meeting|publisher=The Courier News|date=July 15, 1932}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|publisher=Kingsport Times|date=October 30, 1932|title=Davis Delivers Sermon}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Eastern Star|publisher=Kingsport Times|date=November 6, 1932}}</ref> <br />
<br />
== Enter William Branham==<br />
<br />
Davis appointed associates to serve as leaders in the churches while he was away. In the Jeffersonville First Pentecostal Baptist Church, Hope Brumback was made worship leader, and William Branham and George De'Ark were made ministering elders. He appointed his brothers Dan and W.J. as leaders of other groups.<ref>Sunday Service in Local Churches, Jeffersonville Evening News, February 4, 1933</ref><ref>First Pentecostal Baptist, Jeffersonville Evening News, February 18, 1933</ref> <br />
<br />
William Branham joined Davis's church in 1929 where he was baptized and ordained by Davis as a minister and began to serve as an elder the same year.<ref>Weaver, p.26, 33</ref> In his sermons, Branham indicated that Christian Identity Theology was being taught by elders in Roy Davis's church:<br />
<br />
:''The first time I ever met anyone in my life, after I had been converted…I was…met Brother George DeArk and them down there. And I was walked, and the Lord led me to a little place. And they was discussing where the colored man came from. And they were trying to say that the colored man…That Cain married an animal like an ape, and through there come forth the colored race. Now, that’s wrong! Absolutely, that’s wrong! And don’t never stand for that. Cause there was no colored or white, or any other different, it’s just one race of people unto the flood. Then after the flood and the tower of Babel, when they began to scatter out, that’s when they taken their colors and so forth. They’re all come from the same tree. That’s exactly right. Adam and Eve was the father and mother, earthly, of every living creature of human beings that’s ever been on the earth. That’s right.:''<ref>William Branham, 7-1006 - Questions And Answers On Hebrews #3 - October 6, 1957</ref><br />
<br />
Branham indicated in his sermons that he traveled with Davis and participated in his revival meetings. Branham was key member of Davis's inner circle and was involved in both his religious and criminal activities.<ref name = pwh>{{cite book|title=Preacher Behind the White Hoods|author=Collins, John|date=May 2020|publisher=Dark Mystery Publications|isbn=978-1735160900}}</ref> Branham participated in revival meetings in Nashville with Davis and Caleb Ridley. Branham reported that in one meeting held in Memphis, Tennessee that Davis drank sulfuric acid to make people "believe that God's real".<ref>{{cite book|title=Lord Show Us The Father And It Sufficeth Us|date=September 7, 1953|publisher=Voice of God Recordings|pages=79–82|author=Branham, William}}</ref> Davis and the First Pentecostal Baptist Church financed Branham's first tent campaign meetings in June 1933 in Jeffersonville.<ref>{{cite news|title=Church Services|publisher=Jeffersonville Evening News|date=May 6, 1933}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Church Services|publisher=Jeffersonville Evening News|date=May 27, 1933}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Fourteen Converted|publisher=The Courier Journal|date=June 2, 1933}}</ref> Between March and April 1934, the First Pentecostal Baptist Church in Jeffersonville was destroyed by a fire. After being denied a permit to rebuild, Davis moved from Jeffersonville and Branham became pastor of Davis's congregation. Branham moved the group to a new building and renamed the church the Billie Branham Pentecostal Tabernacle, later changing the name to the Branham Tabernacle.<br />
<br />
Commenting on the event, Branham stated<br />
<br />
:''I remember when Brother Roy Davis, down there, and his church burnt down. That bunch of people was just like scattered sheep without a shepherd, had no place to go. And Mr. Hibstenberg was Chief of Police then, and he called me down there. He said to me, “We're here to help you.” Said, “I'm Catholic, myself, but,” said, “them people,” said, “they don't probably have the clothes.” It was during the time of the depression. Said, “They go to other churches and they feel out of place, and they're good people. I know many of them.” He said, “Billy, if you want to start a church,” he said, “I want you to know that we're behind you in anything we can do to help you.” And I thanked him for it. We had a tag day. First, we prayed and asked the Lord. And people come to me and wanted to build a church, so could have a place to go. And we decided [on] this place.''<ref>William Branham, Taking Sides With Jesus - June 1, 1962</ref><br />
<br />
Davis was proud of Branham and referred to Branham as Saint Timothy to his Saint Paul.<ref name = "voh"/> Branham similarly spoke highly of Davis who would later participate in some Branham Campaign meetings.<ref>William Branham, April 7, 1957, Then Came Jesus</ref> Branham and Davis maintained a lifelong relationship, and Branham continued to support Davis after he became national leader of the KKK.<ref name = pwh/><br />
<br />
==Roy Davis' Pentecostal Baptist Church==<br />
<br />
William Branham stated that, prior to ministering on his own, he was the assistant pastor at the Missionary Baptist Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana and that he served under the direction of Dr. Roy E. Davis, the pastor, who also ordained him. <br />
<br />
Because of a dispute over the ordination of women, William Branham left his position as assistant pastor and started holding meetings on his own in 1933. This date is confirmed both by Douglas Weaver in his book, ''The Healer-Prophet'', and by Owen Jorgensen in his book, ''Supernatural - the Life of William Branham, Book 2''<br />
<br />
According to Douglas Weaver in his book, ''The Healer-Prophet'', '''Roy E. Davis''' was the pastor of the '''First Baptist Pentecostal Church''' in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Roy Davis' church was '''not''' a Missionary Baptist Church as indicated by William Branham but was a "''Holy Ghost church where they worship God in Spirit and not in fleshly denominations''" (See ''Jeffersonville Evening News'', 10 June 1933, 4:7).<br />
<br />
According to Roy Davis himself (see below), '''William Branham received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Roy Davis' home in Jeffersonville'''. While Roy Davis had originally been a baptist, at the time that William Branham attended his church he was a Pentecostal minister.<br />
[[Image:HopeThePreacher.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Dr. Roy E. Davis was the Pastor of the First Pentecostal Baptist Church, and Hope Brumbach was one of the speakers, according to this January 28, 1933 advertisement from the Jeffersonville Evening News.]]<br />
<br />
However, William Branham says that he first encountered Pentecostal people at a convention in Mishawaka, Indiana. While he was drawn to them and was invited to speak in their churches, he stated that he refused to join with them because of his mother-in-law. He indicated that this was one of the biggest mistakes of his life and God allowed his wife and daughter to be taken from him because of his disobedience to God in not joining the Pentecostals.<br />
<br />
This is a heartbreaking story that is familiar to all followers of William Branham; however, on closer examination, '''is it the truth?''' According to Roy Davis and Douglas Weaver, William Branham attended a Pentecostal church pastored by Roy Davis well before Hope died. Roy Davis himself says that William Branham received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in his home. This all precedes the death of Hope and Sharon Rose Branham in July 1937. William Branham tells how Hope, just before she dies, makes him promise to go back to the Pentecostal people.<br />
<br />
But how could he go back to the Pentecostal people if he had never left them? If he had been the assistant pastor in a pentecostal church and his own church was known as being Pentecostal before Hope died?<br />
<br />
What is the truth?<br />
<br />
'''The evidence follows. Can you tell truth from fabrication?'''<br />
<br />
=Letter from Roy E. Davis=<br />
<br />
The October 1950 issue of the Voice of Healing magazine contained a letter from Roy E. Davis. The following excerpts from that letter contain some very interesting information:<br />
<br />
[[File:VofHealingOct50pg14.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Letter from Roy Davis]]<br />
<br />
:First, '''I am the minister who received Brother Branham into the first Pentecostal assembly he ever frequented'''. '''I baptized him, and was his pastor for some two years'''. I also preached his ordination sermon, and signed his ordination certificate, and heard him preach his first sermon. '''I was the first man on this earth whom Billy ever saw anoint and pray for a sick person'''. I feel I can write more intimately of Billy Branham than any living minister, as '''he also received his Baptism of the Holy Ghost in my humble home in Jeffersonville, Indiana'''. After that experience we were most "chummy" and grew to love each other a great deal. Many intimate conversations were indulged in between us during those days concerning the deeper things of the Holy Ghost. <br />
<br />
:He would always drift out into some sort of conversation which I did not grasp, and later came to disregard as entirely visionary, and finally to dismiss his strange cogitations as useless and irrational. I had been a Baptist preacher for many years, and had been taught to disregard such ideas and concepts of spiritual things as visions, talking with the Lord, and kindred things. Therefore this explains my impatience with Brother Branham, and at a time when had I listened also to that "voice" perhaps he would not have been circumscribed so long by my imposed provincialism. As a direct result of my failure to listen to God on matters so deeply important to us both and to the world in general, I went through the very fires of hell. Still I was unbending, and would NOT yield myself wholly over to God in matters which were more or less strange to me.<br />
<br />
:Then, after paying a terrible price for my protracted stubborness, I got the consent of my dogmatic brain and heart let God have His way with my life. I had to see that I was "not my own!' and that seeing such, I happily realized one day that God wanted to take my entire life, work over, fill it up, and send it out for the promulgation of the gospel of the Son of God as He wanted it to be, and not as had previously decreed it should be. Since that time, hallelujah, now several years past, I have been superlatively happy the REAL full gospel work of our precious Jesus. <br />
<br />
:When I read of the way God is using my "Timothy" in the spread of the doctrines of God and His eternal love and power, my soul thrills exultantly, and my eyes fill with tears of genuine gratitude to Him for His condescension to work in Billy Branham, in unfolding the spiritual mysteries of God's plan to a desert-conditioned world. I feel that I, too, will have a great interest in the Land of the Unsetting Sun over every soul saved under the ministry of Billy Branham. I so deeply thank God for the full surrender Billy seems to have made to Him.<br />
<br />
:There are few things which would give me more joy than to be in one of his campaigns. But I, too, am conducting healing campaigns, and therefore I have no time to visit in one of his campaigns. But may I say, that I feel that every prayer that is prayed for Billy meets the approval of our Heavenly Father. Praying for Billy Branham is tantamount to praying for anyone of the great apostles of love and power on this earth.<br />
<br />
:...<br />
<br />
:May the good Lord bless you, and keep His hands on Brother Branham, is the wish and prayer of <br />
<br />
:::::Yours in the blessed hope,<br />
<br />
:::::R. E. Davis, Sr.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Imperial Wizard==<br />
Following the destruction of his church building in Jeffersonville, Davis began to refocus his efforts elsewhere. He transferred the national headquarters of the Pentecostal Baptist Church of God to Memphis, Tennessee later in 1934.<ref name = "mms">{{cite news|url=https://william-branham.org/site/resource?key=71fac3c0-72fe-4a73-ac2e-0314c0f12630&parent=roy_e._davis|title=May Move Church Seat|publisher=The Commercial Appeal|date=May 15, 1934|page=2}}</ref> He continued to successfully plant churches and conduct KKK recruitment. In 1936 Davis held meetings nationally, with publicized revivals in New Mexico and Florida.<ref>{{cite news|title=Church Notice|publisher=Clovis News Journal|date=December 5, 1936}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| publisher=The Pampa Daily News|title=Local News|date=December 31, 1936}}</ref> In 1937 Davis held publicized revival meetings in New York City, while he continued to spend much time at his church in Kingsport, Texas.<ref>{{cite news|work=The New York Times|title=Church Revival In Bossier City Will Last Through Week|date=April 23, 1937}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Religious Observation Week Observed|publisher=Kingsport Times|date=October 2, 1938}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:Upshaw.jpg|thumb|Congressman [[Congressman Upshaw]]]]<br />
<br />
Davis continued to be involved in criminal activities throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He was connected to a scheme in 1938 soliciting money for a fake charity in Indiana and Kentucky in which his brother Dan Davis and four women from his church were arrested in Newport, Kentucky.<ref>{{cite news|title=Minister Arrested|date=October 11, 1938|publisher=The Cincinnati Enquirer}}</ref> In 1939 law enforcement from Arkansas attempted to extradite Davis related to charges of theft of an automobile and a murder in Arkansas. Davis was already out on bond due to charges in Indiana at the time. Davis was located by law enforcement in Kentucky who extradited him to Arkansas. Davis plead with Kentucky authorities claiming he would be lynched by enemies if he was extradited. In Arkansas Davis spent some time in prison.<ref>{{cite news|title=Extradition|publisher=The Cincinnati Enquirer|date=January 14, 1939}}</ref><br />
<br />
After leaving prison in November 1942, Davis and fellow KKK member, former [[Congressman Upshaw]], began working together in California.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=The San Bernardino County Sun|date=February 20, 1944|title=Orphanage Benefactor Questioned}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Orphange School At Upload Slated To Open Sept. 15|publisher=The San Bernardino County Sub|date=August 8, 1943}}</ref> They set up an organization to collect money to open an orphanage. Davis was accused to stealing money from the charity in 1944 when they failed to use the collections for their stated purpose. He was arrested on three charges of grand theft, petty theft, illegal possession of firearms, and impersonating an FBI agent.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=The San Bernardino County|title=Accused Pastor Demands Writ|date=April 27, 1944}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Minister Charged|publisher=Nevada State Journal|date=March 15, 1944}}</ref> The charges were dropped after Davis had his associates returned funds to several donors.<ref>{{cite news|title=Two Counts Are Dropped After Court Hearing|date=May 6, 1944|publisher=The San Bernardino County}}</ref> Escaping charges yet again, Davis returned to holding revival meetings and KKK recruiting.<br />
<br />
By 1950, Davis was part of the executive committee of Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce in Texas. Davis also remained active as a revivalist during the 1950s. He was working with multiple churches to hold revivals, including the Pentecostal Assemblies of God. Davis reported that he had a large tent he traveled with to preach from. The William Branham Campaign team published an article publicizing Davis and his revivals in ''Voice of Healing'' in October 1950.<ref name = "voh">{{cite book|title=Wm Branham's First Pastor|date=October 1950|publisher=Voice Of Healing|page=14}}</ref> Davis was also present and participated in Branham Campaign events during the 1950s and was publicly endorsed by Branham. Davis continued to visit Branham campaign meetings, and be endorsed by Branham multiple times through the early 1960s.<ref>William Branham, April 7, 1957, Then Came Jesus</ref><br />
<br />
Davis became president of the Oak Cliff White Citizens Council in Dallas Texas during the 1950s which he used as a platform to oppose racial integration.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pro, Con Put Before Board Meetings|date=June 26, 1958|publisher=Dallas Morning News}}</ref> In 1958, Davis was known by law authorities to be Imperial Wizard of the Knights of the Flaming Sword in Texas, a position he had been holding for some time. Internal friction in the Klan led to issues between Davis and others KKK organizations.<ref name = "kkkmvs"/> According to police investigation, during 1958 Davis had angered other klan members "over handling of Klan funds."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=123128|title=Record Number 124-90123-10054" JFX Assassination|publisher=Mary Ferrell Foundation|date=March 5, 1962|author=FBI}}</ref> Opponents burned a cross in Davis's yard prompting Davis to call the police. During questioning by police, Davis said he had been a KKK member for 45 years. He told the authorities that he was second in command of the national KKK organization at the time.<ref name = "kkkmvs">{{cite news|title=KKK's Membership Very Small In Texas| publisher=Dallas Morning News| date=February 11, 1961|page=5}}</ref><br />
<br />
Later in 1958 Davis was offered formal leadership of the Texas branch of the KKK headed by Imperial Wizard Eldon Edwards, which Davis accepted becoming KKK Grand Dragon of Texas. As official leader in Texas, Davis continued to champion efforts to halt integration of schools and support continued racial segregation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Minister May Take Over Klan|publisher=Corsicana Daily|date=March 28, 1958}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Retired Preacher Claims Bid To Top Dallas Klan Post|publisher=Corsicana Daily|date=March 28, 1958}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Pro, Con Put Before Board Meet|publisher=Dallas Morning News|date=June 26, 1958}}</ref> Davis was successful in rallying support to halt integration of the Dallas schools that year.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dallas Schools Will Remain Segregated|publisher=Dallas Morning News|date=June 26, 1958}}</ref><br />
<br />
By 1959 Davis had been elected leader of the national KKK organization and was reporting himself as National Imperial Wizard of the Original Knights of the Ku Klux Klan and conducting rallies in multiple states. He conducted a public KKK recruitment campaign in Arkansas during May.<ref name = "kkkmvs"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Klan Groups Are Banished, Leader Says|publisher=Arkansas Gazette|date=May 29, 1959}}</ref> Later that year Davis attended another large rally in Florida where he removed his mask and identified himself again national leader of the KKK.<ref>{{cite news|title=Klansmen Call For Members To Fight Right Issue With Ballots|publisher=The Cincinnati Enquirer|date=August 24, 1959}}</ref> Davis was involved in organizing a national KKK convention in Jacksonville, Florida in 1960.<ref>{{cite news|title=Klan Pledges Ballot Fight|publisher=The Odessa American|date=August 24, 1959}}</ref> Davis continued to be involved in fraud cases and was named in a case involving a fraudulent check in July 1960.<ref>{{cite news|title=Odessan Jailed In Check Case|publisher=The Odessa American|date=July 7, 1960}}</ref> Davis endorsed Richard Nixon for President of the United States]] in the election of 1960.<ref>{{cite news|title=Letters From Readers|publisher=Dallas Morning News|date=October 10, 1960}}</ref><br />
<br />
In 1961, Davis continued holding KKK rallies. The KKK adopted the motto "Yesterday, Today and Forever" in KKK promotional material.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ku Klux Klan Stickers Put On Windows|publisher=The Times of Shreveport|date=January 20, 1961}}</ref> Pictures of Davis in the local newspaper showed him demonstrating a Klan salute in full KKK costume. He reported 1000 new members as a result of his campaign in Louisiana.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ku Klux Klan Active In Shreveport|publisher=The Times of Shreveport|date=February 10, 1961}}</ref> A cross was burnt in the front yard of Congressman Overton Brooks during a Davis led KKK rally in Shreveport, Louisiana in February 1961.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cross Burning|publisher=The Times of Shreveport|date=February 9, 1961}}</ref> Davis was questioned by authorities and denied being involved in the cross burning. Shreveport Mayor Clyde Fant declared that local authorities would not tolerate KKK activity and called Davis "unamerican" for intimidating a Congressman.<ref>{{cite news|title=Won't Tolerate KKK Mayor Fant Declares|publisher=The Times of Shreveport|date=February 10, 1961}}</ref> Federal authorities launched an investigation following the cross burning.<ref>{{cite news|title=US Attorney Studies Cross Burning Here|publisher=The Times of Shreveport|date=February 11, 1961}}</ref> Davis was arrested, fingerprinted, and warned by authorities that he was not welcome in Louisiana. Davis claimed that he revoked the charter of the KKK unit in Shreveport for conducting the cross burning without his permission.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dallas Resident Questioned Over KKK Activities|date=April 7, 1961|publisher=Dallas Morning News}}</ref> Video footage of Davis was recorded leading anti-communist protests at the [[Burl Ives]] concert on December 30, 1961.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwk8GaAv7gk|publisher=youtube|author=Southern Methodist University|date=December 30, 1961|title=Burl Ives And Protestors At The Dallas Theater Center}}</ref><br />
<br />
Davis continued to be deeply involved in KKK activities following his runs-ins with police, and came under deep scrutiny again following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas in November 1963. Davis had been living in Dallas for several years and was running his faction of the KKK from there. Davis was named in an investigation by the United States Secret Service as being suspected of authoring a pamphlet entitled ''J.F.K Wanted For Treason'' shortly before the assassination.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://catalog.archives.gov/id/609411|title=File Number Co-2-34030: Assassination of President Kennedy|date=December 6, 1963|publisher=United States National Archives}}</ref><br />
<br />
Davis continued to travel and preach as an evangelist and conduct KKK recruitment in the later years of his life. He died in Dallas on August 12, 1966, aged 76. <br />
<br />
=Quotes=<br />
<br />
==Quotes regarding William Branham receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit==<br />
<br />
THE.RESURRECTION.OF.LAZARUS_ CLEVELAND.OH SUNDAY_ 50-0813A<br />
:''I'm a Pentecostal Baptist. I got the Holy Ghost since I've been a Baptist. That's right.''<br />
<br />
EXPECTATIONS_ LA.CA MONDAY_ 51-0507<br />
:''Well, I'm a Pentecostal Baptist now, you know. So I got the Holy Ghost.''<br />
<br />
THE.MANIFESTATION.OF.THE.SPIRIT_ TOLEDO.OH TUESDAY_ 51-0717<br />
:''I'm a Baptist, but that... Not... I'm a Pentecostal Baptist. I got the Holy Ghost, so that changed my things a little bi<br />
<br />
BELIEVEST.THOU.THIS_ NEW.YORK.NY WEDNESDAY_ 51-1003<br />
:''And so I remember when I first got converted though, and they give me my license in the Baptist church as local exhorter license and to do a little evangelistic work. I'd put my Bible under my arm and I'd go down the street, my, when they call me reverend, oh, I was a full fledged preacher. <br />
<br />
QUESTIONS.AND.ANSWERS_ JEFF.IN COD THURSDAY_ 61-0112<br />
:''I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost '''back in my shed'''. See? And about a year later, or something like that, I was--I was--spoke in tongues.''<br />
<br />
THE.MESSIAH_ SHREVEPORT.LA TUESDAY_ 61-0117<br />
:''I tell you how I received it. I come just the way the Bible said it. I never varied for any denomination. My own Baptist church put me out because I wouldn't ordain a woman preacher. It's not Scriptural, and it's not right. And I said, "You might as well put me out, 'cause you have to sooner or later. So I'll just walk out before you do do it." All right.'' <br />
<br />
THERE.IS.ONLY.ONE.WAY.PROVIDED.BY.GOD.FOR.ANYTHING_ CHICAGO.IL V-21 N-2 WEDNESDAY_ 63-0731<br />
:''I was converted in a converted barroom. And I feel very much at home now. I look back there and see that counter, and so forth. '''It was a little, colored church, where I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost''', was led there by the Lord.''<br />
<br />
INFLUENCE_ NY.NY V-18 N-9 THURSDAY_ 63-1114<br />
:''I know many of them think that I've lost my mind. Even my good old righteous mother, that died a few years ago. '''When I first received the Holy Ghost, there was no one in our country knowed anything about It.''' And I was just a local, little, young Baptist preacher about twenty years old.''<br />
<br />
===Quotes regarding Roy Davis===<br />
<br />
THE.WORKS.THAT.I.DO.BEAR.WITNESS.OF.ME_ PHOENIX.AZ FRIDAY_ 51-0413<br />
:''And did you notice in the "Voice of Healing," Brother Gordon's little paper that he puts out. In there, that same man come back, Doctor Roy Davis, and testified that he was ashamed of himself for the things that he had said, and he himself prays for the sick now.''<br />
<br />
THE.ANGEL.OF.THE.LORD_ CONNERSVILLE.IN THURSDAY_ 53-0604<br />
:''And '''Doctor Roy Davis''' was, Missionary Baptist Church that ordained me into the Missionary Baptist Church, was the one who sent him to me--the one who first told me I had a nightmare, when the Angel of the Lord came to me. Now he's preaching Divine healing himself. See? So '''he said in his letter, many of you read in the "Voice of Healing'''," where he said, "If I hadn't been backslid in my own heart, I would've believed the boy in the beginning." See? And so now he sent him over there.''<br />
<br />
LORD.SHOW.US.THE.FATHER.AND.IT.SUFFICETH.US_ CHICAGO.IL MONDAY_ 53-0907A<br />
:''Be sincere. Be humble before Him. That's right. And Dr. Davis standing there, an old Methodist bishop was setting there with this young preacher. A young, Roy Davis he was setting there with this bishop. That infidel said, "Any of you guys," and some of them, the ministers was saying, 'Mark 16 from the 9th verse on is not inspired. It isn't inspired, so you can't depend on it.'"<br />
<br />
:''He said, "Well then, I'll say over there, 'Come unto me all ye that labor and heavy laden,' Matthew 11:27 said," I'll say, 'That's not inspired then.'"<br />
<br />
:''So he had him on a spot. And Roy said... The Holy Ghost begin to move on him, say, "Stand up there." So he said, the old bishop, he said, "If that infidel makes that challenge one more time, if I die in my shoes, I'll go to heaven believing God's Word."<br />
So he said, "Now, listen, son. Set down and let him just... He's just popping his own brain. Let him alone."''<br />
<br />
:''So it was the Holy Spirit moving. So when he made that challenge again, he let out a big "Ha-ha" and held his watch up. "If there's a God, I'll die in a minute." Waited for a minute and said, "Didn't I tell you wasn't no such a thing? Ha, ha, ha," like that, laughed out like that.<br />
<br />
:''So Roy when he made that challenge said, "Why not some of you guys out there believe that God's so real," said, "try this sulfuric acid test."<br />
<br />
:''Now, now, I'm not telling people to do that. Don't you do it unless the Holy Ghost is with you. See? Now, I don't believe in taking up serpents, or... I believe if I was baptizing out in the water, and a serpent grabbed me, I'd throw him out on the bank and go ahead and baptize like Paul did or something like that. Or somebody slip poison to me, I'd trust God for my healing. That's right. But I don't believe in bringing things, say, "Come here and I'll show you I can do it." I think that's wrong. That's right.<br />
<br />
:''But Brother Davis walked up to the platform. We got a notary public's statement on this. He walked up there. He said, "Christian people," about two or three thousand setting there, he said, "I'm twenty-five years old." He said, "I'm a minister of the Gospel," and he said, "I--I know that my God is able to deliver me from that," but said, "nevertheless, if He does or does not, I'll never let that infidel stand there with that in his hand and challenge God's Word." He said, "I'll meet you in glory."<br />
<br />
:''Grabbed it out of his hand...?... and drank ever drop of it right down, stood there and preached the Gospel, and '''about fifteen hundred people received the baptism of the Holy Ghost setting in the meeting'''. Hallelujah. Yes, sir.<br />
<br />
HAS.THE.LORD.SPOKEN.ONLY.TO.MOSES_ WEST.PALM.BEACH.FL MONDAY_ 53-1130<br />
:''"And he said, "I was a president (I believe it was) of the Southern Baptist Convention." Said, "Dr. Roy E. Davis that ordained you in the Baptist church said to me," said, "I have been prayed for hundreds of times, but he was the one that advised me to come over here to have you to intercede to God for me."<br />
<br />
THE.HEALING.OF.JAIRUS.DAUGHTER_ PHOENIX.AZ SUNDAY_ 55-0227E<br />
:''I'm a Baptist preacher, out of a Missionary Baptist church, ordained by Dr. Roy E. Davis out of Dallas, Texas, and was made a local elder for the church at Jeffersonville. My first revival, five hundred came to Jesus Christ out of a three thousand congregation when I was twenty--about twenty-two years old.''<br />
<br />
HEAR.YE.HIM_ PARKERSBURG.WV SATURDAY_ 56-1215<br />
:''"Well," he said, "I been--I was a Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention," and said, "you know who sent me here?"''<br />
<br />
:''I said, "I have no idea." Said, "The same man that ordained you in the Baptist church, Doctor Roy Davis. And he said come over here." And he just got off, and they pushed him in on the grounds. I said, "Sir, I can only say what I see; I don't know."''<br />
<br />
HEAR.YE.HIM_ LIMA.OH FRIDAY_ 57-0125<br />
:''And the minister from the Baptist church, Dr. Roy Davis, who ordained me, told me I eat something and I'd had a nightmare. And he kinda made light of it. But he's preaching Divine healing today. But however, he said, "Billy, you've nervous." Said, "Go over home. I think you need a rest."''<br />
<br />
:''I said, "Dr. Davis, I don't appreciate that. If that's the way it is, then you can just wipe my name off, 'cause I'm going to listen to God."''<br />
<br />
GOD.KEEPS.HIS.WORD.1_ PHOENIX.AZ WEDNESDAY_ 57-0306<br />
:''When I was first converted and was ordained in the Baptist church, I had a good old teacher by the name of Dr. Roy Davis. <br />
<br />
HE.WAS.TO.PASS.THAT.WAY_ TACOMA.WA SATURDAY_ 57-0727<br />
:''I was ordained in the Missionary Baptist Church by Dr. Roy E. Davis from Big Springs, Texas. And then I was--been a Baptist. You know the Baptist church, you don't be put out of a Baptist church for your doctrine, because they have no doctrine; it's a fellowship. It's a fellowship, the Baptist. And each church is sovereign in itself. What you're put out of a Baptist church for is immoral living. So I left the Baptist church in order to be free from all denominations, that I could preach to the body of Christ.''<br />
<br />
HEBREWS.CHAPTER.SIX.2_ JEFF.IN HEB SUNDAY_ 57-0908E<br />
:''So, one day, I was out here praying, long ago. I'll tell you why, who I was praying for, was Roy Davis. And I was out here praying, because he had called me "a puppet," and I was praying for God to forgive him for it. And he had a press back there, wrote a paper. And that press caught afire and burnt down, a couple nights after that, while they were running it.<br />
<br />
FAITH_ JEFF.IN SUNDAY_ 57-1229<br />
:''And when the--Brother Davis, Doctor Roy Davis, many of you know him, who ordained me into the church, into the Baptist Church, when he said I had a nightmare, how would I, with a seventh grade education go and preach to kings and potentates and monarchs around the world. I can't tell you.<br />
<br />
FAITH.BY.EXPERIENCE_ MIDDLETOWN.OH TUESDAY_ 58-0325<br />
:''When Dr. Roy Davis, that ordained me in the Missionary Baptist Church. And when the angel of the Lord come to me and told me I was to take this message around the world, he said, "Billy, you need some rest. You'd better go home." I said, "Dr. Davis, that Angel stood there and told me that."''<br />
<br />
MARY'S.BELIEF_ LA.CA THURSDAY_ 59-0409<br />
:''But when I walked to the platform, and it happened to be that he knew the old Baptist preacher that ordained me in the Baptist church, Doctor Roy E. Davis. Doctor Davis told him to come, see me when I come to the coast, to have me to pray for him. And he moved in and was setting in his wheelchair. <br />
<br />
MY.LIFE.STORY_ LA.CA FOOTPRINTS.BOOK SUNDAY_ 59-0419A<br />
:''And so they was... a minister, the one that ordained me in the Missionary Baptist church, Doctor Roy Davis. Sister Upshaw, the very one that sent Brother Upshaw over to me, or talked to him about me, Doctor Roy Davis. And so he was preaching, and had the First Baptist church, or the--the... I don't believe it was the First Baptist church, either, it was the Mission-... called the Missionary Baptist church at Jeffersonville. <br />
<br />
:''And during this time... I'm leaving out my conversion. I was converted. And was ordained by Doctor Roy Davis, in the Missionary Baptist church, and had become a minister and have the tabernacle that I now preach in in Jeffersonville. And I was pastoring the little church. And I...''<br />
<br />
:''I'd heard of Pentecostal, but they were a bunch of "holy-rollers that laid on the floor and frothed at their mouth," and everything that they told me about. So I didn't want nothing to do with it.''<br />
<br />
VISIONS.OF.WILLIAM.BRANHAM_ JEFF.IN FRIDAY_ 60-0930<br />
:''Well, I remember after I was ordained in the church, the Baptist church, by Dr. Roy Davis, here at Watts Street in Jeffersonville, where the church was at the time...''<br />
<br />
THE.LAODICEAN.CHURCH.AGE_ JEFF.IN ROJC 493-550 SUNDAY_ 60-1211E<br />
:''A Baptist preacher baptized me. I said, "I want to be baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ." Dr. Roy E. Davis baptized me in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ when I was just a boy. <br />
<br />
WHY_ BLOOMINGTON.IL THURSDAY_ 61-0413<br />
:''And Doctor Roy E. Davis of the Missionary Baptist church that baptized me into the Baptist faith, was a--or Baptist fellowship we call it. ''<br />
<br />
TAKING.SIDES.WITH.JESUS_ JEFF.IN COD FRIDAY_ 62-0601<br />
:''And I remember when Brother Roy Davis, down there, and his church burnt down. That bunch of people was just like scattered sheep without a shepherd, had no place to go. And I... Mr. Hibstenberg was Chief of Police then, and he called me down there and he said to me, "I--We're here to help you." Said, "I'm Catholic myself," but said, "them people," said, "they don't... probably have their clothes." (It was during the time of the depression.) Said, "They go to other churches and they feel out of place, and they're good people. And I know many of them." He said, "Billy, if you want to start a church," he said, "I want you to know that we're behind you in anything we can do to help you." <br />
<br />
WHY.I'M.AGAINST.ORGANIZED.RELIGION_ JEFF.IN V-12 N-1 SUNDAY_ 62-1111E<br />
:''Now, I have been through these years, and this Tabernacle has stood, though I was ordained in a Missionary Baptist church by Doctor Roy E. Davis, about thirty-three years ago here in Jeffersonville... Now, I... Since then, I was in the organization just a short time, a few months, until something come up that was unscriptural by the church, and I told him I could not go that. <br />
<br />
A.TRIAL_ TUCSON.AZ MONDAY_ 64-0427<br />
:''Then, about seventeen years after that, I was, had become a minister, a Baptist preacher, of the Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Roy E. Davis ordained me as one of the local pastors, give me rights then, by the state, to marry, bury, baptize, so forth. And the Missionary Baptist Church burned down, which I was assistant pastor, at the time. And Mr. Davis come back to Texas, which he was of Davis mountains, and--and down near Van Horn, Texas. That's where they come from. And so, while he was gone, I started to take over the congregation. <br />
<br />
==Quotes regarding William Branham's First Introduction to the Pentecostal Movement==<br />
<br />
DEMONOLOGY.RELIGIOUS.REALM_ CONNERSVILLE.IN DE 41-78 TUESDAY_ 53-0609A<br />
:''I was right up here in Indiana, at a certain place called Mishawaka. The first group of Pentecostal people I ever seen is called the--the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ...''<br />
<br />
LIFE.STORY_ OWENSBORO.KY SUNDAY_ 53-1108A<br />
:''...I got my first acquaintance with Pentecostal people. We come through Dawa... or Mishawaka, and there was a... Mishawaka, Indiana. And there was a great convention going on. ...And I thought, "That's just awful that they'd do that." My self-styled Baptist ways, you know, so I--I thought...''<br />
<br />
GOD'S.PROVIDED.WAY.OF.HEALING_ CHICAGO.IL MONDAY_ 54-0719A<br />
:''When I first seen the Pentecostal people, and heard them speak with tongues, I'd been taught as a Baptist that that was of the devil. ''<br />
<br />
THE.RESULTS.OF.DECISION_ CHICAGO.IL SATURDAY_ 55-1008<br />
:''I remember when I first seen Pentecostal people, over around Mishawaka, Indiana...''<br />
<br />
William Branham met John Ryan of William Sowders' School of the Prophets in Louisville, KY. This John Ryan supposedly spoke in tongues and prophesied over William Branham as a child:<br />
<br />
51-0718 THE.ANGEL.OF.THE.LORD_ TOLEDO.OH<br />
:''An old man, '''one of the first that I ever seen in the realms of Pentecost''' and came to my house when I was just a--a little lad, and set in my room. '''And I've been always, for Pentecost''', I wasn't critical, but I didn't understand that speaking in tongues before these things happened. And I still, we know that there is some of it make-believe, but behind it there's a genuine article. And this man come to my room when I was just a boy preacher and set in there one day. And I come in and he went... he kind of jumped and threw his hands up and spoke in tongues . And he said, "Thus saith the Lord," speaking in tongues , said, "A great ministry lies before you that God will use you to shake the world." And the elderly brother, is setting right back there, is John Ryan.''<br />
<br />
==Quotes regarding William Branham's Mother-in-law==<br />
<br />
LIFE.STORY_ PHOENIX.AZ SUNDAY_ 51-0415A<br />
:''When we got to her mother--got to her mother...?... When we got over there, why there's where the trouble started, right there.<br />
<br />
:''She said, "William Branham, do you mean to tell me that you'd take my daughter out amongst a bunch of trash like that?"<br />
<br />
:''I said, "Well, look, Mrs. Brumbach. They're not trash."<br />
<br />
:''She said, "That's a bunch of holy-rollers." She said, "And you take her out of here, she'll starve to death." She said, "Today she might have something to eat, and tomorrow she might not have nothing to eat."<br />
<br />
:''But brother, I come to find out what she called "trash" was "the cream of the crop." And bless my heart...?... And said, "You mean to tell me that you'd take..." Said...<br />
<br />
:''And Hope started crying. And she said, "Mother..." She said, "I--I--I want to go with him." And she said, "Very well, Hope. If you go, your mother will go in a grave heartbroken. That's all." And then Hope started crying.<br />
<br />
:''And--and there, friends, is where my sorrows started. '''I listened to my mother-in-law in the stead of God.''' '' <br />
<br />
SHOW.US.THE.FATHER.AND.IT'LL.SATISFY.US_ CONNERSVILLE.IN WEDNESDAY_ 53-0610<br />
:''And I stood down there not long ago. Say, "Will it last?" Yes, sir. I stood there when my own baby, about fourteen years ago, fifteen, my own little baby, six months old when I was praying for it, and it died and it went out from under my arms. I was walking up the road... I lost my father, my brother, and my wife (You know my story.), just because that I wouldn't hook myself up with you people.''<br />
<br />
:''My mother-in-law said that we were too good to be with such people, said they were nothing but a bunch of backwash.''<br />
<br />
MY.LIFE.STORY_ ZURICH.SWITZERLAND SUNDAY_ 55-0626A<br />
:''Now, from here, listen. I listened to my mother-in-law instead of God, and forsaken the church, and went on back with the Baptist people. Right away, plagues hit my home. My wife took sick; my father died on my arm; my brother was killed. And everything happened just in a few days. A great flood hit the country and washed away the homes. My wife was in the hospital. And I was out on a rescue with my boat. And one night out in the water, my boat got in the current, and was going over a big falls. I couldn't get the motor started, and I raised up my hands, and I said, "Oh, God, don't let me drown. I am not worthy to live, but think of my wife and baby."''<br />
<br />
:''And I tried again, and it wouldn't start, and I cried again to God. And then, just before going over the falls, the motor started, and I got to the land.''<br />
<br />
=Video Script=<br />
<br />
William Branham's ability to captivate his congregation with a heart-warming… or heart wrenching… story, is well know. Among his favorite tales was the oft-repeated account of his introduction to the Pentecostal movement… a key event in William Branham’s life story.<br />
<br />
But the story didn’t end there... Not everyone in their family was as impressed with the Pentecostals as the young Baptist minister and his wife.<br />
<br />
William Brahnam lost his wife in July, 1937. But before she died, Hope made him promise that he would go back to the Pentecostals he had forsaken, and preach for them... <br />
<br />
And William Branham made good on his promise to his dying wife…<br />
<br />
QUOTE<br />
<br />
Many tears have been shed over the years - and understandably so - by people reflecting on the heartache endured by this young minister and the cost to him of not obeying the Lord fully… <br />
<br />
But the lesser known tragedy is this… except for the very real loss of life, very little of this story is what it seems.<br />
<br />
Did William Branham really start out as a Missionary Baptist?<br />
<br />
QUOTE<br />
<br />
In a letter that was published in the Voice of Healing magazine in October 1950, Roy Davis wrote the following:<br />
I am the minister who received Brother Branham into the first Pentecostal assembly he ever frequented. I baptized him and was his pastor for some two years… I was the first person whom Billy ever saw anoint and pray for a sick person.<br />
<br />
I feel I can write more intimately of Billy Branham than any living minister, as he also received his Baptism of the Holy Ghost in my humble home in Jeffersonville, Indiana.<br />
<br />
So, Roy Davis was his first pastor but not in a Missionary Baptist church. It was a Pentecostal church. <br />
<br />
And Roy Davis not only pastored the Pentecostal Baptist Church in Jeffersonville, but also referred to this church as a "Pentecostal assembly", and spoke of introducing William Branham to praying for the sick, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
And these experiences all took place before 1933.<br />
<br />
The 1931 City Directory for Jeffersonville confirms that Roy Davis was the Pastor of the Pentecostal Baptist Church. This directory was printed two years before William Branham built his <br />
tabernacle, and before his marriage to Hope.<br />
<br />
Why did William Branham feel compelled to grossly misrepresent his <br />
"Baptist" roots? <br />
<br />
While we may never know for certain, one thing is clear… His introduction to Pentecostalism happened long before his story indicates.<br />
<br />
Was William Branham really a Baptist pastor?<br />
<br />
In March 1933, William Branham laid the cornerstone for his new church. But the name of the church was not “Branham Tabernacle” then. It was… the Pentecostal Tabernacle.<br />
<br />
In 2009, Believers International published a photo-anthology of William Branham’s life called “Messenger”. On page 11 of this book is a newspaper ad from the mid-30’s for William Branham’s church, the Pentecostal Tabernacle. <br />
<br />
Further, the obituary for Hope Branham clearly indicated that she was attending the Pentecostal Tabernacle at the time of her death. <br />
<br />
So William Branham was never the pastor of a Baptist church. <br />
<br />
His disobedience caused the deaths of many of his loved ones<br />
<br />
QUOTE<br />
<br />
But remember this part of the story? <br />
<br />
How could the death of William Branham’s brother, Charles, in a car accident on August 5, 1935… a full 2 years before Hope died… be related to his failure to embrace Pentecostalism when he was preaching in a Pentecostal church. <br />
<br />
Do you understand why we are having a hard time with some of this??<br />
<br />
When was William Branham baptized with the Holy Spirit?<br />
As we mentioned earlier, Reverend Roy Davis’ testified that William Branham "received his Baptism of the Holy Ghost in my humble home in Jeffersonville, Indiana."<br />
<br />
This would have taken place prior to 1933 when he started his own church.<br />
<br />
However, we appreciate that this does not agree with William Branham’s version of the events… <br />
<br />
QUOTE<br />
<br />
So was it in Roy Davis' home… or out back in his shed… or somewhere else? <br />
<br />
QUOTE<br />
<br />
So... how could God's prophet be so confused about when he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, when he said it was impossible for such a thing to happen?<br />
<br />
QUOTE<br />
<br />
Does God punish his children for disobedience by killing their loved ones?<br />
Compounding the tragedy of William Branham's personal loss and fabricated testimony is the fact that he suffered from a fatalistic, Old Testament view of God… a God who would wreak havoc, kill his wife and little girl, just to teach him a lesson… ironically for a rejecting something that he had been a part of for years!<br />
<br />
He apparently adopted this distorted view of God from his Pentecostal pastor, Roy Davis, who wrote: <br />
<br />
As a direct result of my failure to listen to God on matters so deeply important to us both and to the world in general, I went through the very fires of hell. <br />
<br />
Does the Bible really teach that we have to live mistake free or face the brutal punishment of a God of wrath? <br />
<br />
Doesn’t the Bible say that perfect love casts out all fear? <br />
<br />
QUOTE<br />
<br />
If you are afraid, it is because you have not fully experienced the perfect love of God.?<br />
<br />
When we first heard these tragic stories from William Branham’s life, we naturally thought them to be true. <br />
<br />
Sadly, the facts show otherwise.<br />
<br />
Why did William Branham feel the need to misrepresent nearly every aspect of this story… his background, his faith, his conversion, the order of events. <br />
<br />
Did he really feel like God was punishing him? For a fictitious decision? <br />
<br />
Was it to gain sympathy, or to punish himself for the death of his wife and daughter? He certainly wouldn't be the first to suffer a mental break from such an event. Whatever the case, the tragedy is only aggravated when this manufactured tale is accepted as truth and then told and retold. <br />
<br />
Most people assume that when William Branham speaks of Jesus Christ, that he is talking about the same Jesus preached by the apostles. But that isn't consistent with his story of Gods "punishment". <br />
<br />
According to the gospel Paul preached, the wrath of God was unleashed upon his Son on Calvary. The wrathful punishment of believers as preached by William Branham, for mistakes that they make, bypasses the blood of Jesus and is not biblical. If this is your revelation… as obtained from the message… then it is a different Message from the grace of the New Testament that Paul preached. <br />
<br />
==Further reading==<br />
<br />
*Jorgensen, O., ''Supernatural: the Life of William Branham, Book Two: The Young Man and His Desperation (1933-1946)'', Tucson Tabernacle Books, 1994 <br />
*Lindsay, G. (Editor), ''The Voice of Healing'', Vol.3, No. 7, Voice of Healing, Inc., October, 1950<br />
*Weaver, C.D., ''The Healer-Prophet'', Mercer University Press, 2000<br />
<br />
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[[Category:Honesty and Credibility]]</div>
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https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=Cognitive_Dissonance&diff=27041
Cognitive Dissonance
2023-12-28T19:42:22Z
<p>Admin: /* Prediction */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
[[Image:Cognitive-dissonance.jpg|right|thumb|370px|A simple example of '''''cognitive dissonance''''']]<br />
Cognitive dissonance is something that was first written about by Dr. Leon Festinger. The implications for those that follow William Branham is that they are becoming more fervent in their beliefs and behave more like a cult as a direct result of the work of this website and others like it.<br />
<br />
=Prediction=<br />
<br />
Because of the mass of evidence that [[List of Issues with the Message|this website]] and [[Research Sources for William Branham and His Message|others like it]] have produced, cognitive dissonance will cause an increase in the fervor of message believers. This will result in the message becoming more cult-like. Those in the message who are Christians will start to leave the message, which in turn will cause the message to become even more cultish. '''This prediction was made on December 10, 2012.''' Please note that this is a prediction and not a prophecy.<br />
<br />
=Definition=<br />
<br />
In 1956, Dr. Leon Festinger wrote a book entitled, "When Prophecy Fails: A Social and Psychological Study of a Modern Group that Predicted the Destruction of the World". Here is a quote from that book that describes perfectly what happens when a message follower is confronted with evidence that William Branham's visions failed:<br />
<br />
:''A man with a conviction is a hard man to change. Tell him you disagree and he turns away. Show him facts or figures and he questions your sources. Appeal to logic and he fails to see your point.<br />
<br />
:''We have all experienced the futility of trying to change a strong conviction, especially if the convinced person has some investment in his belief. We are familiar with the variety of ingenious defenses with which people protect their convictions, managing to keep them unscathed through the most devastating attacks.<br />
<br />
:''But man's resourcefulness goes beyond simply protecting a belief. Suppose an individual believes something with his whole heart; suppose further that he has a commitment to this belief and he has taken irrevocable actions because of it; finally, suppose that he is presented with evidence, unequivocal and undeniable evidence, that his belief is wrong: '''what will happen?''' The individual will frequently emerge, not only unshaken but even more convinced of the truth of his beliefs than ever before. Indeed, he may even show a new fervor for convincing and converting other people to his view. <ref>Festinger, Leon; Henry W. Riecken, Stanley Schachter (1956). ''When Prophecy Fails: A Social and Psychological Study of a Modern Group that Predicted the Destruction of the World.'' University of Minnesota Press. ISBN 1-59147-727-1.</ref><br />
<br />
'''Cognitive dissonance''' is a term used in psychology to describe the feeling of discomfort when one is confronted with facts or information that is in conflict with a firmly held belief. In a '''state of dissonance''', people may sometimes feel "disequilibrium": '''frustration, unsettled, dread, guilt, anger, embarrassment, anxiety, etc.''' And this feeling isn’t just in our minds; it creates measurable physical tension which can result is us actually feeling ill. <ref>[https://therapyinanutshell.com/skill-22-cognitive-dissonance-mind-the-gap/ Cognitive Dissonance - Wikipedia]</ref><br />
<br />
In the 1950s, Leon Festinger proposed the theory of cognitive dissonance. Festinger observed that when a person held a belief that was later disproved, the individual held the belief more strongly afterward if certain conditions were present.<br />
<br />
Cognitive dissonance theory is simple. An individual holds a particular strongly held belief (e.g., I believe that William Branham is a prophet). They are presented with clear evidence to the contrary (e.g. some of William Branham's visions failed). Conflicting information creates dissonance, a state of anxiety that the individual is motivated to reduce or at least not increase. The mental distress causes changes in the individual’s behavior (e.g. getting angry) or beliefs (e.g. the believe the message more strongly). They may also seek limit exposure to the negative information (e.g. they stop reading this website).<br />
<br />
The amount of dissonance indicates the importance of the beliefs to the person. Beliefs that are held strongly are capable of arousing more dissonance than less important beliefs. <br />
<br />
Dissonance may be reduced by changing behavior, altering a belief, or adding a new one. When the person makes a decision where the alternate choices each have positive and negative aspects, dissonance may result from the decision.<ref>David G. Benner and Peter C. Hill, eds., Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology & Counseling, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999), 220.</ref><br />
<br />
Not everyone feels cognitive dissonance to the same degree. People with a higher need for consistency and certainty in their lives will probably feel the effects of cognitive dissonance more than those who have a lesser need for consistency.<br />
<br />
=Cause and Effects=<br />
Dissonance is created when your brain attempts to process information that is inconsistent with other information that it holds to be true. '''This can be as simple as the example of the color chart on the right''' or the much more difficult dissonance that results when information is received that is opposed to a person's fundamental beliefs. <br />
<br />
Most people will avoid situations or information sources that give rise to feelings of uneasiness, or dissonance. If this uneasiness is not reduced by changing one's belief, the dissonance can be resolved by '''misperception, rejection or refutation''' of the information, '''seeking support from others who share the alternative beliefs''', and '''attempting to persuade others'''.<br />
<br />
Cognitive dissonance leads people to '''accept any information that affirms their already established opinions''', rather than referencing material that contradicts them. For example, a person who is politically conservative will only read newspapers and watch news commentary that is from conservative news sources. This bias appears to be particularly apparent when faced with deeply held beliefs, i.e. when a person has 'high commitment' to his or her attitudes. <br />
<br />
The process of attempting to eliminate cognitive dissonance is referred to as '''''dissonance reduction'''''. Many Message Believers deal with the dissonance created by William Branham's failed prophecies by avoiding websites like this. A number of Message Ministers have supported this approach by preaching that members of their churches should avoid the internet altogether. <br />
<br />
==Conditions required for increased fervency of belief==<br />
<br />
Festinger stated that '''five conditions must be present if someone is to become a more fervent believer''' after a failure or disconfirmation:<br />
<br />
#A belief must be held with deep conviction and it must have some relevance to action, that is, to what the believer does or how he or she behaves.<br />
#The person holding the belief must have committed themselves to it; that is, for the sake of their belief, they must have taken some important action that is difficult to undo. In general, the more important such actions are, and the more difficult they are to undo, the greater is the individual's commitment to the belief.<br />
#The belief must be sufficiently specific and sufficiently concerned with the real world so that evidences may unequivocally refute the belief.<br />
#Such undeniable disconfirmatory evidence must occur and must be recognized by the individual holding the belief.<br />
#The individual believer must have social support. It is unlikely that one isolated believer could withstand the kind of disconfirming evidence that has been specified. If, however, the believer is a member of a group of convinced persons who can support one another, the belief may be maintained and the believers may attempt to proselytize or persuade nonmembers that the belief is correct.<ref>Festinger, Leon; Henry W. Riecken, Stanley Schachter (1956). ''When Prophecy Fails: A Social and Psychological Study of a Modern Group that Predicted the Destruction of the World.'' University of Minnesota Press. ISBN 1-59147-727-1.</ref><br />
<br />
=Examples=<br />
<br />
==''The Fox and the Grapes''==<br />
<br />
A classic illustration of cognitive dissonance is expressed in the story, "''The Fox and the Grapes''", one of "Aesop's Fables". In the story, a fox sees some high-hanging grapes and wants to eat them. When the fox can't think of a way to get to them, he decides that the grapes are probably not worth eating, with the justification the grapes probably are not ripe or that they are sour (from which we get the common phrase "sour grapes"). <br />
<br />
This example follows a pattern: one desires something, finds it unattainable, and '''reduces one's dissonance by criticizing it'''.<br />
<br />
==UFO Cult==<br />
<br />
Festinger studied a religious group that predicted the world’s end on a particular day. Anticipating the end, which included a daring rescue from outer space, they sold all possessions and waited on a mountaintop. When the predicted end and rescue failed, they held their beliefs more strongly. These findings stimulated Festinger to examine the cognitive and social factors in belief and behavior change.<ref>David G. Benner and Peter C. Hill, eds., Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology & Counseling, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999), 220.</ref><br />
<br />
In the summer of 1954, Festinger was reading the morning newspaper when he encountered a short article about Dorothy Martin, a housewife in Chicago who was convinced that the apocalypse was coming. Martin had experimented with automatic handwriting and started getting messages from an extra-terrestrial from the planet Clarion a few years before, but now the messages were getting eerily specific. According to the alien, human civilization would be destroyed by a massive flood before dawn on December 21, 1954.<br />
<br />
Martin’s prophecy soon gained a small band of followers. '''They trusted her messages, they had left jobs, college, and spouses, and had given away money and possessions''' to prepare for their departure on a flying saucer which was to rescue the group of true believers, who called themselves ''the Brotherhood of the Seven Rays''.<br />
<br />
Festinger realized that the Brotherhood of the Seven Rays would make a great research subject and infiltrated the group by pretending to be a true believer. Festinger wanted to study the reaction of the cultists on December 21, when the prophecy failed.<br />
<br />
On the night of December 20, Keech’s followers gathered in her home and waited for the aliens to appear. Midnight inexorably approached. When the clock read 12:01 and there were still no aliens, the cultists began to worry. A few began to cry. The aliens had let them down. But then Keech received a new telegram from outer space, which she quickly transcribed on her notepad. “''This little group sitting all night long had spread so much light'',” the aliens told her, “''that god saved the world from destruction. Not since the beginning of time upon this Earth has there been such a force of Good and light as now floods this room.''” It was their stubborn faith that had prevented the apocalypse. <br />
<br />
'''They faced acute cognitive dissonance: had they been the victim of a hoax? Had they donated their worldly possessions in vain?''' Most members chose to believe something less dissonant to resolve reality not meeting their expectations: they believed that the aliens had given earth a second chance, and the group was now empowered to spread the word that earth-spoiling must stop. <br />
<br />
'''Although the prophecy had failed, the group was now more convinced than ever that the aliens were real.''' The group dramatically increased their proselytism despite the false prophecy, sending out press releases and recruiting new believers. <br />
<br />
'''This is how they reacted to the dissonance of being wrong: by being more sure than ever that they were right.''' They were so committed to their beliefs – they had so much invested in the idea that the world would end – that dissonant facts made them double-down. '''It would be too painful to be wrong, and so they convinced themselves that they were right.'''<br />
<br />
==Smoking==<br />
<br />
Smoking is a common example of cognitive dissonance because it is widely accepted that cigarettes can cause lung cancer, and smokers must reconcile their habit with the desire to live long and healthy lives. In terms of the cognitive dissonance theory, the desire to live a long life is dissonant with the activity of doing something that is likely to shorten one's life.<br />
<br />
Smokers may alter their belief about the dangers of smoking by telling themselves that they "''know a 70-year-old man who has smoked since he was a teenager and is still very healthy''". Or a person could believe that smoking keeps one from gaining weight, which would also be unhealthy.<br />
<br />
Other smokers just don't read anything about the dangers of smoking, so that they don't have to think about the negative consequences of their decision to smoke. That is one of the reasons that some governments require warning labels to be printed on all cigarette packaging.<br />
<br />
=Dissonance Reduction=<br />
<br />
People want to harmony between their expectations and reality. When cognitive dissonance appears, they engage in a process termed "dissonance reduction", which can be achieved in one of three ways: <br />
<br />
:(1) lowering the importance of one of the factors raising the concern, <br />
:(2) adding or inventing new facts, or<br />
:(3) changing one of the dissonant factors.<br />
<br />
This bias sheds light on otherwise puzzling, irrational, and even destructive behavior.<br />
<br />
=Followers of William Branham's message=<br />
<br />
Cognitive dissonance has been repeatedly seen in the followers of William Branham when presented with the evidence available on this website.<br />
<br />
==Five conditions met in followers of William Branham==<br />
<br />
Festinger stated that five conditions must be present if someone is to become a more fervent believer after a failure or disconfirmation. With respect to followers of William Branham, these have been identified as follows:<br />
<br />
#The belief that '''William Branham is a prophet of God is held with deep conviction''' and, in most cases, creates '''a significant change in the life style of message believers'''. <br />
#Following the "message" generally involves a '''significant personal commitment'''. This will also often involve significant confrontation with family members and close friends and a '''deep separation''' from these people. '''For women, it generally involves a complete change in dress and hairstyle''' that is obvious to friends and relatives.<br />
#The '''beliefs held by message believers about William Branham are very specific''' with respect to his prophecies and general credibility. Sufficient evidence to unequivocally refute belief in William Branham has been presented on this website.<br />
##It has been shown conclusively that all of '''William Branham's prophecies were "after the fact"'''. <br />
##It has been proved that the few "before the fact" '''prophecies that he made all failed'''.<br />
##Many specific '''statements of William Branham have been shown to be lies'''. <br />
#'''Undeniable evidence''' has been presented on this website that William Branham was not a prophet and this has been '''recognized as such by many ministers and individual believers''' in the message. It has resulted in '''many "believers" leaving the message'''.<br />
#The individual believer has a '''social support network that is derived from the message church''' that they attend.<br />
<br />
==Specific examples in "message believers"==<br />
<br />
Cognitive dissonance has been created in a number of people that have viewed the information on this website and we have been able to view the impact through email correspondence with message believers and interactions on our Facebook discussion page. Followers of William Branham's message are rarely prepared to actually put their beliefs under the microscope and actually examine them in the light of independent, objective analysis.<br />
<br />
If the dissonance is not reduced by changing one's belief in the message, then message believers restore consonance through '''misperception''' (allowing the truth to be distorted by one's own perceptions); rejection or refutation of the information that we are presenting; seeking support from other message believers in rejecting the information presented on this website; and attempting to persuade others that the information that is contained on this website is wrong.<br />
<br />
Examples include:<br />
<br />
#[[The Municipal Bridge Vision]]<br />
##The fact that this vision took place when William Branham was a child is grounds for it being ignored, as he could have made a mistake. This ignores the fact that he said that it was fulfilled, and it is the fulfillment that creates the problem, i.e. it never happened.<br />
##This happened a long time ago and therefore it is likely that the deaths of the workers simply went unreported. This ignores the fact that the wives, parents and children of a group of 16 men that perished in a construction accident would not permit their memory to be forgotten. For that reason, the deaths in the construction of the Big Four Bridge are still remembered. A death of one person might be forgotten but not 16 men.<br />
#[[The Vision of the Meetings in South Africa|African Vision]] - To avoid this issue, people will say that William Branham was referring to India, not Africa, even though he specifically mentions Durban, South Africa in the vision. Or another method of avoiding the implication of this failed vision is to state that well over 300,000 people have heard the tapes in South Africa thereby fulfilling the vision, although this again is an irrelevant rationalization.<br />
#[[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] - To deal with this failed prophecy, followers of William Branham search out explanations that are rooted in conspiracy theory.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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Cognitive Dissonance
2023-12-28T19:36:45Z
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[[Image:Cognitive-dissonance.jpg|right|thumb|370px|A simple example of '''''cognitive dissonance''''']]<br />
Cognitive dissonance is something that was first written about by Dr. Leon Festinger. The implications for those that follow William Branham is that they are becoming more fervent in their beliefs and behave more like a cult as a direct result of the work of this website and others like it.<br />
<br />
=Prediction=<br />
<br />
Because of the mass of evidence that [[List of Issues with the Message|this website]] and [[Research Sources for William Branham and His Message|others like it]] have produced, cognitive dissonance will cause an increase in the fervency of message believers. This will result in the message becoming more cult-like. Those in the message who are Christians will start to leave the message, which in turn will cause the message to become even more cultish. '''This prediction was made on December 10, 2012.''' Please note that this is a prediction and not a prophecy.<br />
<br />
=Definition=<br />
<br />
In 1956, Dr. Leon Festinger wrote a book entitled, "When Prophecy Fails: A Social and Psychological Study of a Modern Group that Predicted the Destruction of the World". Here is a quote from that book that describes perfectly what happens when a message follower is confronted with evidence that William Branham's visions failed:<br />
<br />
:''A man with a conviction is a hard man to change. Tell him you disagree and he turns away. Show him facts or figures and he questions your sources. Appeal to logic and he fails to see your point.<br />
<br />
:''We have all experienced the futility of trying to change a strong conviction, especially if the convinced person has some investment in his belief. We are familiar with the variety of ingenious defenses with which people protect their convictions, managing to keep them unscathed through the most devastating attacks.<br />
<br />
:''But man's resourcefulness goes beyond simply protecting a belief. Suppose an individual believes something with his whole heart; suppose further that he has a commitment to this belief and he has taken irrevocable actions because of it; finally, suppose that he is presented with evidence, unequivocal and undeniable evidence, that his belief is wrong: '''what will happen?''' The individual will frequently emerge, not only unshaken but even more convinced of the truth of his beliefs than ever before. Indeed, he may even show a new fervor for convincing and converting other people to his view. <ref>Festinger, Leon; Henry W. Riecken, Stanley Schachter (1956). ''When Prophecy Fails: A Social and Psychological Study of a Modern Group that Predicted the Destruction of the World.'' University of Minnesota Press. ISBN 1-59147-727-1.</ref><br />
<br />
'''Cognitive dissonance''' is a term used in psychology to describe the feeling of discomfort when one is confronted with facts or information that is in conflict with a firmly held belief. In a '''state of dissonance''', people may sometimes feel "disequilibrium": '''frustration, unsettled, dread, guilt, anger, embarrassment, anxiety, etc.''' And this feeling isn’t just in our minds; it creates measurable physical tension which can result is us actually feeling ill. <ref>[https://therapyinanutshell.com/skill-22-cognitive-dissonance-mind-the-gap/ Cognitive Dissonance - Wikipedia]</ref><br />
<br />
In the 1950s, Leon Festinger proposed the theory of cognitive dissonance. Festinger observed that when a person held a belief that was later disproved, the individual held the belief more strongly afterward if certain conditions were present.<br />
<br />
Cognitive dissonance theory is simple. An individual holds a particular strongly held belief (e.g., I believe that William Branham is a prophet). They are presented with clear evidence to the contrary (e.g. some of William Branham's visions failed). Conflicting information creates dissonance, a state of anxiety that the individual is motivated to reduce or at least not increase. The mental distress causes changes in the individual’s behavior (e.g. getting angry) or beliefs (e.g. the believe the message more strongly). They may also seek limit exposure to the negative information (e.g. they stop reading this website).<br />
<br />
The amount of dissonance indicates the importance of the beliefs to the person. Beliefs that are held strongly are capable of arousing more dissonance than less important beliefs. <br />
<br />
Dissonance may be reduced by changing behavior, altering a belief, or adding a new one. When the person makes a decision where the alternate choices each have positive and negative aspects, dissonance may result from the decision.<ref>David G. Benner and Peter C. Hill, eds., Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology & Counseling, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999), 220.</ref><br />
<br />
Not everyone feels cognitive dissonance to the same degree. People with a higher need for consistency and certainty in their lives will probably feel the effects of cognitive dissonance more than those who have a lesser need for consistency.<br />
<br />
=Cause and Effects=<br />
Dissonance is created when your brain attempts to process information that is inconsistent with other information that it holds to be true. '''This can be as simple as the example of the color chart on the right''' or the much more difficult dissonance that results when information is received that is opposed to a person's fundamental beliefs. <br />
<br />
Most people will avoid situations or information sources that give rise to feelings of uneasiness, or dissonance. If this uneasiness is not reduced by changing one's belief, the dissonance can be resolved by '''misperception, rejection or refutation''' of the information, '''seeking support from others who share the alternative beliefs''', and '''attempting to persuade others'''.<br />
<br />
Cognitive dissonance leads people to '''accept any information that affirms their already established opinions''', rather than referencing material that contradicts them. For example, a person who is politically conservative will only read newspapers and watch news commentary that is from conservative news sources. This bias appears to be particularly apparent when faced with deeply held beliefs, i.e. when a person has 'high commitment' to his or her attitudes. <br />
<br />
The process of attempting to eliminate cognitive dissonance is referred to as '''''dissonance reduction'''''. Many Message Believers deal with the dissonance created by William Branham's failed prophecies by avoiding websites like this. A number of Message Ministers have supported this approach by preaching that members of their churches should avoid the internet altogether. <br />
<br />
==Conditions required for increased fervency of belief==<br />
<br />
Festinger stated that '''five conditions must be present if someone is to become a more fervent believer''' after a failure or disconfirmation:<br />
<br />
#A belief must be held with deep conviction and it must have some relevance to action, that is, to what the believer does or how he or she behaves.<br />
#The person holding the belief must have committed themselves to it; that is, for the sake of their belief, they must have taken some important action that is difficult to undo. In general, the more important such actions are, and the more difficult they are to undo, the greater is the individual's commitment to the belief.<br />
#The belief must be sufficiently specific and sufficiently concerned with the real world so that evidences may unequivocally refute the belief.<br />
#Such undeniable disconfirmatory evidence must occur and must be recognized by the individual holding the belief.<br />
#The individual believer must have social support. It is unlikely that one isolated believer could withstand the kind of disconfirming evidence that has been specified. If, however, the believer is a member of a group of convinced persons who can support one another, the belief may be maintained and the believers may attempt to proselytize or persuade nonmembers that the belief is correct.<ref>Festinger, Leon; Henry W. Riecken, Stanley Schachter (1956). ''When Prophecy Fails: A Social and Psychological Study of a Modern Group that Predicted the Destruction of the World.'' University of Minnesota Press. ISBN 1-59147-727-1.</ref><br />
<br />
=Examples=<br />
<br />
==''The Fox and the Grapes''==<br />
<br />
A classic illustration of cognitive dissonance is expressed in the story, "''The Fox and the Grapes''", one of "Aesop's Fables". In the story, a fox sees some high-hanging grapes and wants to eat them. When the fox can't think of a way to get to them, he decides that the grapes are probably not worth eating, with the justification the grapes probably are not ripe or that they are sour (from which we get the common phrase "sour grapes"). <br />
<br />
This example follows a pattern: one desires something, finds it unattainable, and '''reduces one's dissonance by criticizing it'''.<br />
<br />
==UFO Cult==<br />
<br />
Festinger studied a religious group that predicted the world’s end on a particular day. Anticipating the end, which included a daring rescue from outer space, they sold all possessions and waited on a mountaintop. When the predicted end and rescue failed, they held their beliefs more strongly. These findings stimulated Festinger to examine the cognitive and social factors in belief and behavior change.<ref>David G. Benner and Peter C. Hill, eds., Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology & Counseling, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999), 220.</ref><br />
<br />
In the summer of 1954, Festinger was reading the morning newspaper when he encountered a short article about Dorothy Martin, a housewife in Chicago who was convinced that the apocalypse was coming. Martin had experimented with automatic handwriting and started getting messages from an extra-terrestrial from the planet Clarion a few years before, but now the messages were getting eerily specific. According to the alien, human civilization would be destroyed by a massive flood before dawn on December 21, 1954.<br />
<br />
Martin’s prophecy soon gained a small band of followers. '''They trusted her messages, they had left jobs, college, and spouses, and had given away money and possessions''' to prepare for their departure on a flying saucer which was to rescue the group of true believers, who called themselves ''the Brotherhood of the Seven Rays''.<br />
<br />
Festinger realized that the Brotherhood of the Seven Rays would make a great research subject and infiltrated the group by pretending to be a true believer. Festinger wanted to study the reaction of the cultists on December 21, when the prophecy failed.<br />
<br />
On the night of December 20, Keech’s followers gathered in her home and waited for the aliens to appear. Midnight inexorably approached. When the clock read 12:01 and there were still no aliens, the cultists began to worry. A few began to cry. The aliens had let them down. But then Keech received a new telegram from outer space, which she quickly transcribed on her notepad. “''This little group sitting all night long had spread so much light'',” the aliens told her, “''that god saved the world from destruction. Not since the beginning of time upon this Earth has there been such a force of Good and light as now floods this room.''” It was their stubborn faith that had prevented the apocalypse. <br />
<br />
'''They faced acute cognitive dissonance: had they been the victim of a hoax? Had they donated their worldly possessions in vain?''' Most members chose to believe something less dissonant to resolve reality not meeting their expectations: they believed that the aliens had given earth a second chance, and the group was now empowered to spread the word that earth-spoiling must stop. <br />
<br />
'''Although the prophecy had failed, the group was now more convinced than ever that the aliens were real.''' The group dramatically increased their proselytism despite the false prophecy, sending out press releases and recruiting new believers. <br />
<br />
'''This is how they reacted to the dissonance of being wrong: by being more sure than ever that they were right.''' They were so committed to their beliefs – they had so much invested in the idea that the world would end – that dissonant facts made them double-down. '''It would be too painful to be wrong, and so they convinced themselves that they were right.'''<br />
<br />
==Smoking==<br />
<br />
Smoking is a common example of cognitive dissonance because it is widely accepted that cigarettes can cause lung cancer, and smokers must reconcile their habit with the desire to live long and healthy lives. In terms of the cognitive dissonance theory, the desire to live a long life is dissonant with the activity of doing something that is likely to shorten one's life.<br />
<br />
Smokers may alter their belief about the dangers of smoking by telling themselves that they "''know a 70-year-old man who has smoked since he was a teenager and is still very healthy''". Or a person could believe that smoking keeps one from gaining weight, which would also be unhealthy.<br />
<br />
Other smokers just don't read anything about the dangers of smoking, so that they don't have to think about the negative consequences of their decision to smoke. That is one of the reasons that some governments require warning labels to be printed on all cigarette packaging.<br />
<br />
=Dissonance Reduction=<br />
<br />
People want to harmony between their expectations and reality. When cognitive dissonance appears, they engage in a process termed "dissonance reduction", which can be achieved in one of three ways: <br />
<br />
:(1) lowering the importance of one of the factors raising the concern, <br />
:(2) adding or inventing new facts, or<br />
:(3) changing one of the dissonant factors.<br />
<br />
This bias sheds light on otherwise puzzling, irrational, and even destructive behavior.<br />
<br />
=Followers of William Branham's message=<br />
<br />
Cognitive dissonance has been repeatedly seen in the followers of William Branham when presented with the evidence available on this website.<br />
<br />
==Five conditions met in followers of William Branham==<br />
<br />
Festinger stated that five conditions must be present if someone is to become a more fervent believer after a failure or disconfirmation. With respect to followers of William Branham, these have been identified as follows:<br />
<br />
#The belief that '''William Branham is a prophet of God is held with deep conviction''' and, in most cases, creates '''a significant change in the life style of message believers'''. <br />
#Following the "message" generally involves a '''significant personal commitment'''. This will also often involve significant confrontation with family members and close friends and a '''deep separation''' from these people. '''For women, it generally involves a complete change in dress and hairstyle''' that is obvious to friends and relatives.<br />
#The '''beliefs held by message believers about William Branham are very specific''' with respect to his prophecies and general credibility. Sufficient evidence to unequivocally refute belief in William Branham has been presented on this website.<br />
##It has been shown conclusively that all of '''William Branham's prophecies were "after the fact"'''. <br />
##It has been proved that the few "before the fact" '''prophecies that he made all failed'''.<br />
##Many specific '''statements of William Branham have been shown to be lies'''. <br />
#'''Undeniable evidence''' has been presented on this website that William Branham was not a prophet and this has been '''recognized as such by many ministers and individual believers''' in the message. It has resulted in '''many "believers" leaving the message'''.<br />
#The individual believer has a '''social support network that is derived from the message church''' that they attend.<br />
<br />
==Specific examples in "message believers"==<br />
<br />
Cognitive dissonance has been created in a number of people that have viewed the information on this website and we have been able to view the impact through email correspondence with message believers and interactions on our Facebook discussion page. Followers of William Branham's message are rarely prepared to actually put their beliefs under the microscope and actually examine them in the light of independent, objective analysis.<br />
<br />
If the dissonance is not reduced by changing one's belief in the message, then message believers restore consonance through '''misperception''' (allowing the truth to be distorted by one's own perceptions); rejection or refutation of the information that we are presenting; seeking support from other message believers in rejecting the information presented on this website; and attempting to persuade others that the information that is contained on this website is wrong.<br />
<br />
Examples include:<br />
<br />
#[[The Municipal Bridge Vision]]<br />
##The fact that this vision took place when William Branham was a child is grounds for it being ignored, as he could have made a mistake. This ignores the fact that he said that it was fulfilled, and it is the fulfillment that creates the problem, i.e. it never happened.<br />
##This happened a long time ago and therefore it is likely that the deaths of the workers simply went unreported. This ignores the fact that the wives, parents and children of a group of 16 men that perished in a construction accident would not permit their memory to be forgotten. For that reason, the deaths in the construction of the Big Four Bridge are still remembered. A death of one person might be forgotten but not 16 men.<br />
#[[The Vision of the Meetings in South Africa|African Vision]] - To avoid this issue, people will say that William Branham was referring to India, not Africa, even though he specifically mentions Durban, South Africa in the vision. Or another method of avoiding the implication of this failed vision is to state that well over 300,000 people have heard the tapes in South Africa thereby fulfilling the vision, although this again is an irrelevant rationalization.<br />
#[[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] - To deal with this failed prophecy, followers of William Branham search out explanations that are rooted in conspiracy theory.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
{{Bottom of Page}}<br />
[[Category:Critical analysis of William Branham]] <br />
[[Category:The Message]]<br />
[[Category:Leaving the message]]</div>
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https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=Cognitive_Dissonance&diff=27039
Cognitive Dissonance
2023-12-28T19:36:18Z
<p>Admin: /* Prediction */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
[[Image:Cognitive-dissonance.jpg|right|thumb|370px|A simple example of '''''cognitive dissonance''''']]<br />
Cognitive dissonance is something that was first written about by Dr. Leon Festinger. The implications for those that follow William Branham is that they are becoming more fervent in their beliefs and behave more like a cult as a direct result of the work of this website and others like it.<br />
<br />
=Prediction=<br />
<br />
Because of the mass of evidence that [[List of Issues with the Message|this website]] and [[Research Sources for William Branham and His Message|others like it]] have produced, cognitive dissonance will cause an increase in the fervency of message believers. This will result in the message becoming more cult-like. Those in the message who are Christians will start to leave the message, which in turn will cause the message to become even more cultish. This prediction was made on December 10, 2012. Please note that this is a prediction and not a prophecy.<br />
<br />
=Definition=<br />
<br />
In 1956, Dr. Leon Festinger wrote a book entitled, "When Prophecy Fails: A Social and Psychological Study of a Modern Group that Predicted the Destruction of the World". Here is a quote from that book that describes perfectly what happens when a message follower is confronted with evidence that William Branham's visions failed:<br />
<br />
:''A man with a conviction is a hard man to change. Tell him you disagree and he turns away. Show him facts or figures and he questions your sources. Appeal to logic and he fails to see your point.<br />
<br />
:''We have all experienced the futility of trying to change a strong conviction, especially if the convinced person has some investment in his belief. We are familiar with the variety of ingenious defenses with which people protect their convictions, managing to keep them unscathed through the most devastating attacks.<br />
<br />
:''But man's resourcefulness goes beyond simply protecting a belief. Suppose an individual believes something with his whole heart; suppose further that he has a commitment to this belief and he has taken irrevocable actions because of it; finally, suppose that he is presented with evidence, unequivocal and undeniable evidence, that his belief is wrong: '''what will happen?''' The individual will frequently emerge, not only unshaken but even more convinced of the truth of his beliefs than ever before. Indeed, he may even show a new fervor for convincing and converting other people to his view. <ref>Festinger, Leon; Henry W. Riecken, Stanley Schachter (1956). ''When Prophecy Fails: A Social and Psychological Study of a Modern Group that Predicted the Destruction of the World.'' University of Minnesota Press. ISBN 1-59147-727-1.</ref><br />
<br />
'''Cognitive dissonance''' is a term used in psychology to describe the feeling of discomfort when one is confronted with facts or information that is in conflict with a firmly held belief. In a '''state of dissonance''', people may sometimes feel "disequilibrium": '''frustration, unsettled, dread, guilt, anger, embarrassment, anxiety, etc.''' And this feeling isn’t just in our minds; it creates measurable physical tension which can result is us actually feeling ill. <ref>[https://therapyinanutshell.com/skill-22-cognitive-dissonance-mind-the-gap/ Cognitive Dissonance - Wikipedia]</ref><br />
<br />
In the 1950s, Leon Festinger proposed the theory of cognitive dissonance. Festinger observed that when a person held a belief that was later disproved, the individual held the belief more strongly afterward if certain conditions were present.<br />
<br />
Cognitive dissonance theory is simple. An individual holds a particular strongly held belief (e.g., I believe that William Branham is a prophet). They are presented with clear evidence to the contrary (e.g. some of William Branham's visions failed). Conflicting information creates dissonance, a state of anxiety that the individual is motivated to reduce or at least not increase. The mental distress causes changes in the individual’s behavior (e.g. getting angry) or beliefs (e.g. the believe the message more strongly). They may also seek limit exposure to the negative information (e.g. they stop reading this website).<br />
<br />
The amount of dissonance indicates the importance of the beliefs to the person. Beliefs that are held strongly are capable of arousing more dissonance than less important beliefs. <br />
<br />
Dissonance may be reduced by changing behavior, altering a belief, or adding a new one. When the person makes a decision where the alternate choices each have positive and negative aspects, dissonance may result from the decision.<ref>David G. Benner and Peter C. Hill, eds., Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology & Counseling, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999), 220.</ref><br />
<br />
Not everyone feels cognitive dissonance to the same degree. People with a higher need for consistency and certainty in their lives will probably feel the effects of cognitive dissonance more than those who have a lesser need for consistency.<br />
<br />
=Cause and Effects=<br />
Dissonance is created when your brain attempts to process information that is inconsistent with other information that it holds to be true. '''This can be as simple as the example of the color chart on the right''' or the much more difficult dissonance that results when information is received that is opposed to a person's fundamental beliefs. <br />
<br />
Most people will avoid situations or information sources that give rise to feelings of uneasiness, or dissonance. If this uneasiness is not reduced by changing one's belief, the dissonance can be resolved by '''misperception, rejection or refutation''' of the information, '''seeking support from others who share the alternative beliefs''', and '''attempting to persuade others'''.<br />
<br />
Cognitive dissonance leads people to '''accept any information that affirms their already established opinions''', rather than referencing material that contradicts them. For example, a person who is politically conservative will only read newspapers and watch news commentary that is from conservative news sources. This bias appears to be particularly apparent when faced with deeply held beliefs, i.e. when a person has 'high commitment' to his or her attitudes. <br />
<br />
The process of attempting to eliminate cognitive dissonance is referred to as '''''dissonance reduction'''''. Many Message Believers deal with the dissonance created by William Branham's failed prophecies by avoiding websites like this. A number of Message Ministers have supported this approach by preaching that members of their churches should avoid the internet altogether. <br />
<br />
==Conditions required for increased fervency of belief==<br />
<br />
Festinger stated that '''five conditions must be present if someone is to become a more fervent believer''' after a failure or disconfirmation:<br />
<br />
#A belief must be held with deep conviction and it must have some relevance to action, that is, to what the believer does or how he or she behaves.<br />
#The person holding the belief must have committed themselves to it; that is, for the sake of their belief, they must have taken some important action that is difficult to undo. In general, the more important such actions are, and the more difficult they are to undo, the greater is the individual's commitment to the belief.<br />
#The belief must be sufficiently specific and sufficiently concerned with the real world so that evidences may unequivocally refute the belief.<br />
#Such undeniable disconfirmatory evidence must occur and must be recognized by the individual holding the belief.<br />
#The individual believer must have social support. It is unlikely that one isolated believer could withstand the kind of disconfirming evidence that has been specified. If, however, the believer is a member of a group of convinced persons who can support one another, the belief may be maintained and the believers may attempt to proselytize or persuade nonmembers that the belief is correct.<ref>Festinger, Leon; Henry W. Riecken, Stanley Schachter (1956). ''When Prophecy Fails: A Social and Psychological Study of a Modern Group that Predicted the Destruction of the World.'' University of Minnesota Press. ISBN 1-59147-727-1.</ref><br />
<br />
=Examples=<br />
<br />
==''The Fox and the Grapes''==<br />
<br />
A classic illustration of cognitive dissonance is expressed in the story, "''The Fox and the Grapes''", one of "Aesop's Fables". In the story, a fox sees some high-hanging grapes and wants to eat them. When the fox can't think of a way to get to them, he decides that the grapes are probably not worth eating, with the justification the grapes probably are not ripe or that they are sour (from which we get the common phrase "sour grapes"). <br />
<br />
This example follows a pattern: one desires something, finds it unattainable, and '''reduces one's dissonance by criticizing it'''.<br />
<br />
==UFO Cult==<br />
<br />
Festinger studied a religious group that predicted the world’s end on a particular day. Anticipating the end, which included a daring rescue from outer space, they sold all possessions and waited on a mountaintop. When the predicted end and rescue failed, they held their beliefs more strongly. These findings stimulated Festinger to examine the cognitive and social factors in belief and behavior change.<ref>David G. Benner and Peter C. Hill, eds., Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology & Counseling, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999), 220.</ref><br />
<br />
In the summer of 1954, Festinger was reading the morning newspaper when he encountered a short article about Dorothy Martin, a housewife in Chicago who was convinced that the apocalypse was coming. Martin had experimented with automatic handwriting and started getting messages from an extra-terrestrial from the planet Clarion a few years before, but now the messages were getting eerily specific. According to the alien, human civilization would be destroyed by a massive flood before dawn on December 21, 1954.<br />
<br />
Martin’s prophecy soon gained a small band of followers. '''They trusted her messages, they had left jobs, college, and spouses, and had given away money and possessions''' to prepare for their departure on a flying saucer which was to rescue the group of true believers, who called themselves ''the Brotherhood of the Seven Rays''.<br />
<br />
Festinger realized that the Brotherhood of the Seven Rays would make a great research subject and infiltrated the group by pretending to be a true believer. Festinger wanted to study the reaction of the cultists on December 21, when the prophecy failed.<br />
<br />
On the night of December 20, Keech’s followers gathered in her home and waited for the aliens to appear. Midnight inexorably approached. When the clock read 12:01 and there were still no aliens, the cultists began to worry. A few began to cry. The aliens had let them down. But then Keech received a new telegram from outer space, which she quickly transcribed on her notepad. “''This little group sitting all night long had spread so much light'',” the aliens told her, “''that god saved the world from destruction. Not since the beginning of time upon this Earth has there been such a force of Good and light as now floods this room.''” It was their stubborn faith that had prevented the apocalypse. <br />
<br />
'''They faced acute cognitive dissonance: had they been the victim of a hoax? Had they donated their worldly possessions in vain?''' Most members chose to believe something less dissonant to resolve reality not meeting their expectations: they believed that the aliens had given earth a second chance, and the group was now empowered to spread the word that earth-spoiling must stop. <br />
<br />
'''Although the prophecy had failed, the group was now more convinced than ever that the aliens were real.''' The group dramatically increased their proselytism despite the false prophecy, sending out press releases and recruiting new believers. <br />
<br />
'''This is how they reacted to the dissonance of being wrong: by being more sure than ever that they were right.''' They were so committed to their beliefs – they had so much invested in the idea that the world would end – that dissonant facts made them double-down. '''It would be too painful to be wrong, and so they convinced themselves that they were right.'''<br />
<br />
==Smoking==<br />
<br />
Smoking is a common example of cognitive dissonance because it is widely accepted that cigarettes can cause lung cancer, and smokers must reconcile their habit with the desire to live long and healthy lives. In terms of the cognitive dissonance theory, the desire to live a long life is dissonant with the activity of doing something that is likely to shorten one's life.<br />
<br />
Smokers may alter their belief about the dangers of smoking by telling themselves that they "''know a 70-year-old man who has smoked since he was a teenager and is still very healthy''". Or a person could believe that smoking keeps one from gaining weight, which would also be unhealthy.<br />
<br />
Other smokers just don't read anything about the dangers of smoking, so that they don't have to think about the negative consequences of their decision to smoke. That is one of the reasons that some governments require warning labels to be printed on all cigarette packaging.<br />
<br />
=Dissonance Reduction=<br />
<br />
People want to harmony between their expectations and reality. When cognitive dissonance appears, they engage in a process termed "dissonance reduction", which can be achieved in one of three ways: <br />
<br />
:(1) lowering the importance of one of the factors raising the concern, <br />
:(2) adding or inventing new facts, or<br />
:(3) changing one of the dissonant factors.<br />
<br />
This bias sheds light on otherwise puzzling, irrational, and even destructive behavior.<br />
<br />
=Followers of William Branham's message=<br />
<br />
Cognitive dissonance has been repeatedly seen in the followers of William Branham when presented with the evidence available on this website.<br />
<br />
==Five conditions met in followers of William Branham==<br />
<br />
Festinger stated that five conditions must be present if someone is to become a more fervent believer after a failure or disconfirmation. With respect to followers of William Branham, these have been identified as follows:<br />
<br />
#The belief that '''William Branham is a prophet of God is held with deep conviction''' and, in most cases, creates '''a significant change in the life style of message believers'''. <br />
#Following the "message" generally involves a '''significant personal commitment'''. This will also often involve significant confrontation with family members and close friends and a '''deep separation''' from these people. '''For women, it generally involves a complete change in dress and hairstyle''' that is obvious to friends and relatives.<br />
#The '''beliefs held by message believers about William Branham are very specific''' with respect to his prophecies and general credibility. Sufficient evidence to unequivocally refute belief in William Branham has been presented on this website.<br />
##It has been shown conclusively that all of '''William Branham's prophecies were "after the fact"'''. <br />
##It has been proved that the few "before the fact" '''prophecies that he made all failed'''.<br />
##Many specific '''statements of William Branham have been shown to be lies'''. <br />
#'''Undeniable evidence''' has been presented on this website that William Branham was not a prophet and this has been '''recognized as such by many ministers and individual believers''' in the message. It has resulted in '''many "believers" leaving the message'''.<br />
#The individual believer has a '''social support network that is derived from the message church''' that they attend.<br />
<br />
==Specific examples in "message believers"==<br />
<br />
Cognitive dissonance has been created in a number of people that have viewed the information on this website and we have been able to view the impact through email correspondence with message believers and interactions on our Facebook discussion page. Followers of William Branham's message are rarely prepared to actually put their beliefs under the microscope and actually examine them in the light of independent, objective analysis.<br />
<br />
If the dissonance is not reduced by changing one's belief in the message, then message believers restore consonance through '''misperception''' (allowing the truth to be distorted by one's own perceptions); rejection or refutation of the information that we are presenting; seeking support from other message believers in rejecting the information presented on this website; and attempting to persuade others that the information that is contained on this website is wrong.<br />
<br />
Examples include:<br />
<br />
#[[The Municipal Bridge Vision]]<br />
##The fact that this vision took place when William Branham was a child is grounds for it being ignored, as he could have made a mistake. This ignores the fact that he said that it was fulfilled, and it is the fulfillment that creates the problem, i.e. it never happened.<br />
##This happened a long time ago and therefore it is likely that the deaths of the workers simply went unreported. This ignores the fact that the wives, parents and children of a group of 16 men that perished in a construction accident would not permit their memory to be forgotten. For that reason, the deaths in the construction of the Big Four Bridge are still remembered. A death of one person might be forgotten but not 16 men.<br />
#[[The Vision of the Meetings in South Africa|African Vision]] - To avoid this issue, people will say that William Branham was referring to India, not Africa, even though he specifically mentions Durban, South Africa in the vision. Or another method of avoiding the implication of this failed vision is to state that well over 300,000 people have heard the tapes in South Africa thereby fulfilling the vision, although this again is an irrelevant rationalization.<br />
#[[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] - To deal with this failed prophecy, followers of William Branham search out explanations that are rooted in conspiracy theory.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
{{Bottom of Page}}<br />
[[Category:Critical analysis of William Branham]] <br />
[[Category:The Message]]<br />
[[Category:Leaving the message]]</div>
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https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=Third_Pull&diff=27038
Third Pull
2023-12-27T16:32:41Z
<p>Admin: /* Pre-1963 Fulfillment? */</p>
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<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
{|style="background-color:#cedff2; border:1px #a3b0bf solid; text-align:center;"<br />
|''And [Jesus] said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'' ~ Matthew 4:19<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
People in [[The Message|the message]] often talk about the Third Pull as something very important. William Branham said it was the mystery of the [[Seventh Seal]]. But what is the Third Pull? And why does it include the failed tent vision?[[Image:FishOK.jpg|right|thumb|400px|The vision begins with a fishing lesson...]] <br />
<br />
=Three Pulls=<br />
[[Image:TentOK.jpg|right|thumb|250px|...and ends with his second vision about a tent. (See the article on the [[Heavenly Vision]] to learn about the first tent vision.)]]<br />
In 1956, in a sermon entitled “What is a Vision”, William Branham relays a vision of an angel instructing him how to fish. This vision became a focus of his ministry in later years, and includes the following scenes:<br />
<br />
#The angel told him not to jerk the fishing lure (the first “slow pull” was to be his healing ministry, and the second “little tug” was his ministry of revealing the hearts),<br />
#He began to explain to a group of ministers what he was doing, and jerked the lure too hard.<br />
#He caught a small fish, and got his fishing line tangled.<br />
#The angel rebuked him for trying to explain his ministry, which caused impersonations.<br />
#The fishing line turned into a rope, which he was trying to thread into a baby’s shoe.<br />
#The angel said, “you can’t teach Pentecostal babies supernatural things.”<br />
#The vision changed to William Branham preaching in a large tent.<br />
#The pillar of fire left William Branham and went into a small building behind the tent.<br />
#People were going into the small building and coming out healed.<br />
#The Angel said, "I'll meet you in there, and this is the third pull, but nobody will know nothing about it."<br />
<br />
==Pre-1963 Fulfillment?==<br />
There appear to be only 5 times that William Branham said he experienced the "third pull", and most were before he preached on the Seven Seals in March 1963:<br />
<br />
#Squirrels created (first mentioned in 1959)<br />
#Fish coming back to life (first mentioned in 1957)<ref>57-0623 - Believe From The Heart, para. 149-151</ref><br />
#Snow storm calmed (first mentioned in 1963)<br />
#His wife's tumor is healed (first mentioned in 1963)<br />
#Salvation of Hattie Wright's sons (first mentioned in 1959)<br />
<br />
In December 29, 1963 William Branham said “The third pull is here”. However, since Hattie Mosier’s two children were supposedly converted at her word in 1959, the third pull was in operation long before the Church Ages or the Seven Seals were preached. In addition, [[Arvel Mosier]]'s version of this event is different that William Branham's version, and includes an unfulfilled promise to participate in the tent ministry.<br />
<br />
A big question is why, if the third pull relates to the revealing of the seventh seal or the revealing of the mysteries, was it in operation before the teaching years of 1960 onward? <br />
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It is also strange that there were only 5 incidences and none of them were witnessed by more than a few people (and some had no witnesses at all).<br />
<br />
==Fulfillment under the Seals?==<br />
<br />
By 1963, William Branham had said that the third pull was <br />
*angels, <br />
*the opening of the Word, <br />
*revealed mysteries, <br />
*the seventh seal, <br />
*the king’s sword, and <br />
*the vindication of his ministry. <br />
*his own spoken word. <br />
<br />
William Branham also said that the 3rd pull could not be mimicked. [http://en.believethesign.com/index.php/Seventh_Seal#If_the_Seventh_Seal_is_the_Third_Pull.2C_what_is_the_Third_Pull.3F Read about the fulfillment of the Third Pull under the Seventh Seal.]<br />
<br />
=[[The Tent Vision]] Failure=<br />
Despite these stories, what is missing is the fulfillment of [[The Tent Vision|the Tent Vision]] - the final scene in the vision of the Third Pull. Until the end of his ministry William Branham was saying that the Tent ministry was coming. But it never did.<br />
<br />
=Was William Branham Disobedient?=<br />
The biggest problem with this vision is that William Branham continued to explain it, and his ministry, well into 1964. In 1962, immediately after retelling the Angel’s instruction not to explain the vision, William Branham said, ''“I feel duty bound, to my church, to say something. You draw your own conclusion.”'''''Why did he continue to do this in direct contravention to what he said was the instruction of the angel?'''<br />
<br />
#If William Branham was directly on target with his explanation of the 3rd pull, then he was out of line with the Angel's instruction not to explain the vision. <br />
#If William Branham was out of line with the Angel’s instruction, then his fishing line was tangled. <br />
#If the fishing line was tangled, then the purpose of the third pull was frustrated, i.e. he was no longer catching fish as he was with the first and second pulls.<br />
<br />
=The First Temptation=<br />
{|style="background-color:#cedff2; border:1px #a3b0bf solid; text-align:center;"<br />
|''And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.'' ~ Matthew 4:3<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
William Branham stated that he spoke squirrels into existence at the command of a voice that spoke to him. In referring to the voice he heard, he described it as "something said". Was this God speaking to him, an angel or something else?<br />
<br />
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, Satan asked him to turn stones into bread. Jesus was hungry and was tempted to do what Satan asked him to. In the case of William Branham, he was hunting for squirrels. So why was this different from Jesus' first temptation?<br />
<br />
One common interpretation among message believers is that the Third Pull will manifest among believers as the ability to speak things into existence. This interpretation is primarily based on William Branham's testimony that he created squirrels into existence by his own spoken word, through the instruction of an angelic voice. <br />
<br />
The danger with this expectation is that it forgets Jesus' first temptation in the wilderness: when the Devil tempted Jesus to use his supernatural powers to create bread from stones in order to satisfy his own hunger. '''Sadly, this temptation is exactly what message believers are expecting to yield to in the future. If the tempter came to a message believer with instructions to create bread or squirrels from stones, they would likely give in to the devil instantly - because they would follow William Branham's example and not the example left to them by Jesus Christ, who alone had dominion over the devil's temptations.'''<br />
<br />
Some Message Believers feel that William Branham will resurrect to fulfill the Tent Vision. Others feel this had a spiritual interpretation. But both groups agree that the Tent Ministry did not materialize physically while claiming that the Third Pull was fulfilled. <br />
<br />
If you are confused about this, it may be because William Branham got his lines tangled while pulling your leg.<br />
<br />
==What happened to the "third pull" squirrels?==<br />
<br />
We have been asked whether the squirrels that William Branham said were created had navels. One would think if they were spoken into existence, they wouldn't have any belly buttons.<br />
<br />
So what happened to these "created" squirrels? <br />
<br />
:''I said, "That same God…" Hallelujah! That Jehovah-jireh, He's just as much Jehovah-jireh today as He was on the mountain with Abraham. He can still produce an animal to His glory. These squirrels was not a vision. I shot them; blood came out of them. '''I dressed them and eat them.''' They wasn't visions; they were squirrels.<ref>William Branham, 59-1115 - My New Ministry, para.175</ref><br />
<br />
If they didn't have a belly button, William Branham never noticed it.<br />
<br />
=Quotes of William Branham=<br />
<br />
''And at that, the Angel of the Lord taken me out then, and He taken me to a real bright stream of water. It was the most beautiful blue water; and great fish were swimming around in it. He said, "I will make you a fisher." And He said, "Now, cast your lure into the water; and when you do, pull it slow, first time; and the next time, just give it a little jerk, not too hard; and the next time, set your hook for the catch."<br />
And I started to throw my line in the water. I pulled, and everybody begin rejoicing and saying, "That's wonderful. That's wonderful." I got all excited and jerked it hard on the next one out; I pulled the fish and all out of the water. And what it was, it was a little bitty fish, and it, just about the size of the lure. And I got my line all tangled up. And I was straightening out my line, and the Man which was talking behind me, walked around in front of me, '''dressed in Palestinian clothes and a turban on His head'''. He had a white robe. He said, "Brother Branham, that's it."<br />
<br />
''I said, "I know I didn't do right," I said, "I jerked it when I ought not to."<br />
<br />
''He said, "Don't get your line tangled up in these kind of times."<br />
<br />
''And I said, "Well, I'm running it as straight as I can. I'll be very careful."<br />
<br />
''He said, "Now, the first time I spoke with you, you put your hands on the people and told them what was wrong with them. And the second pull, why, when you did, you would know the secrets of their hearts. And I made you a seer before the people. But you was always trying to explain it. You oughtn't to have done that." He said, "You made a public showing out of it." I said, "I'm very sorry."<br />
<br />
''Then He taken me from there, and I seen a great huge tent. I never seen such a--a tent. And it was packed and lined everywhere with people. And I walked out to the... Looked like I was standing above the people, looking down, where I'd just made an altar call; and hundreds and hundreds of people were weeping and rejoicing after they had accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.<br />
<br />
''And I looked, and then heard a man get up and say, "Call the prayer line." And people begin to line up over on this side, the left from where I was looking down towards the platform, and they lined all the way up and down the street for a prayer line. I noticed to my left, which would've been to my right if I was on the platform, a little wooden building. And I seen that Light, that all--they have the picture of, you know, that's always in the meetings; I seen that Light leave me, and go to that building, and go in that building; and a Voice said to me, "I'll meet you in there; that'll be the third pull."<br />
<br />
''I said, "Why?"<br />
<br />
''He said, "Well, it won't be a public show like the other." And I came to.<ref>WHY.ARE.PEOPLE.SO.TOSSED.ABOUT_ JEFF.IN 56-0101</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''Then when I come to, I was standing by the side of a beautiful lake, something like your lake out here in the summertime, when it's real pretty and green. And there were fishermen all around the lake, and they were fishing, but they were catching small fishes.<br />
<br />
''And I looked out into the lake and those great beautiful Rainbow trout out there, and I said, "I know this is a vision, but I can't understand those trout." But I said, "You know, I believe right down in my heart, I can catch those." So I picked up the string, but instead of it being a string, it was a fishing pole; and just then, the One behind me said, "Now, I'll teach you to fish, how to catch those."''<br />
<br />
''And so He took... And He said, "Tie on the lure," and I snapped the lure on. He said, "Now, throw way out (Now, listen close.)--way out into the deep." And He said, "When you do, now, let the lure sink down first," and then said, "Pull it slow." Now, that's really fisherman's technique.<br />
<br />
''So I--I... He said, "Then when you do, now, you'll feel some nibbles at it, but don't tell nobody what you're doing. Keep it to yourself." And said, "Then when you--when you feel it nibble again," said, "pull just a little--a little bit, but not too hard." He said, "And then it'll pull it away from the little fish, and when they scatter, that'll attract the attention of the big fish, and they'll grab it." And said, "That's the way you'll catch it." Said, "Then when they bite on the third time, set your hook for the--the catch.<br />
<br />
''And I said, "I understand."<br />
<br />
''Said, "But keep still. Don't tell nobody. Keep still."<br />
<br />
''And I said, "All right."<br />
<br />
''And I had the lure in my hand, and all these fishermen turned out to be ministers, and they all come around saying, "Brother Branham, I know you can catch fish." Oh, of course, that made me feel real good; I said, "Oh, yes, I'm a fisherman; I can catch fish." And He said... I said, "Now, here's the way you do it." And I said, "You throw it way out," and I went way out into the--to the deep water, and I said, "Now, those little fish are fine, brethren, but we want the big ones too." And I was--I said, "See, when it sinks down... Now, see, there it is; just about where it should be. Now, see, there's... See, that... There them's little fish." I said, "Now, when it sets again, I give it a great big jerk." And when I did, I pulled the whole lure out of the water. And when I did, I caught a fish, but I wondered how he ever got the lure in his mouth, 'cause looked like the skin was stretched over the lure, about the same size of the lure.<br />
<br />
''And I thought, "Oh, my."''<br />
<br />
''And just then, this One Who'd been talking behind me, stepped around in front of me. It was Him, the Angel of the Lord. He had His hands folded. He looked at me, said, "Just what I told you not to do."<br />
<br />
''And I said, "Yes, that's right."<br />
<br />
''He said, "You see, that first pull was when you used to put your hands on the people and tell them what was their trouble." Said, "The second pull was when you'd know the secrets of the heart like I told you." And said, "Instead of you keeping that to yourself, you tried to explain all about it and tell people, and when you did," said, "you didn't know nothing about it yourself, and how could you explain it? And you caused a big bunch of ca--carnal im--impersonations to rise up, and you see what you've done." And I said, "Lord, I'm sorry." And I--I said, "Oh, I--I'm so sorry. I don't know what to do."<br />
<br />
''And I was pulling the line like this, and I was trying to straighten my line out; and He looked at me; He said, "Now, don't get your line tangled up in these kind of times."<br />
<br />
''And I thought, "Maybe He's going give me another try." And I was--I said, "I'll sure be careful," and was winding my line in, and seen it taken up all right; and then when He said that, just then I felt myself go higher, way up. And when I was set down, there I was beneath and standing up above a great tent; I never seen such a tent. And I'd just made a altar call, seeming like, down at the altar; and when I was down there, I looked, and there were hundreds of people standing around the altar weeping because they had accepted the Lord Jesus. And they were just weeping out loud. And I said, "Oh, that's more like it," like that.<br />
<br />
''And a real kind gentleman walked out to the platform, said, "While Brother Branham's a-resting just a few moments," he said, "we'll call the prayer line." And said, "Everyone with prayer cards beginning with a certain number, stand over on to the right."<br />
<br />
''Well, I noticed the prayer line, seemed like it went all around the tent and out and down the street, such a prayer line.''<br />
<br />
''And I looked over (which was then to my left, and there it would be to my right if I was standing on the platform, would be that way), there's a piece of canvas stretched there, and in be--be--behind this canvas was a little square building about twelve foot across and twenty foot long, something like that. Well, I stood and looked at that.''<br />
<br />
''And I seen them bringing a lady up on a stretcher, and there was a lady there taking her name and things with a--on a--on a paper. And so, there was a--a someone come and got her and pushed her through. And the next man come through was with crutches. I see them go through that little building, and on the outside the lady come out screaming to the top of her voice, pushing this stretcher. And the--and then there was another lady on the other side, looked like kind of a dark-haired woman, and she said, "What happened?"<br />
<br />
''She said, "I just don't know." She said, "I couldn't tell you what happened." She said, "I've been paralyzed for twenty years, and looky, I--I feel like I--I--I never was sick."''<br />
<br />
''And just then out come the man, leaping and jumping with his--with his crutches in his hand. And I--I looked at that.<br />
<br />
''And just then... Now, here's something. Notice close. There's a difference between the Angel of the Lord and that Light, because I heard something a moving, as it does when it comes here at the platform at night, kinda like a--[Brother Branham makes a sound "whew"--Ed.] and like a fire whipping around--licking blaze. And It left me, and it went right down over the top of that audience and went and stood over the top of that little building, and then settled down on top of it. And then when It did, this One that was standing by me, behind me, the same voice, the Angel's voice, He said, "I'll meet you in there, and this is the third pull, but nobody will know nothing about it."<br />
<br />
''And I said, "Well, I don't understand why in there. Why there?"<br />
<br />
''He said, "It will not be a public show this time."<br />
<br />
''And I said, "I don't understand going into that closet, like that."<br />
<br />
''And He said, "Is not it written by our Lord, 'when thou prayest, be not like the hypocrites who like to be heard before men, but enter into the secret closet and pray to the Father Who seeth in secret, and He Who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly?'" It's perfectly to the Scripture; every time it is.<br />
<br />
''And I said, "I understand."<br />
<br />
''Then He took me to this place and set me down in this room where I was at, and then He told me what to do for the third time.<br />
<br />
''Now, Christian friends, that'll--when I leave this world, that'll still be in my bosom. When I... But you mark my words what's going to take place when that...<ref>56-0408A WHAT.IS.A.VISION_ CHICAGO.IL</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
'''''Something said''', "Say to it. Speak the three squirrels, and you'll have it." I said, "That's happened once."<br />
<br />
''So I stood by the side of a little tree, late in the afternoon on a side of a ridge. And that Anointing come so great till I could hardly stand on the ground, and said, "Speak! What you say, don't doubt and you can have what you've said."<br />
<br />
''I said, "I shall get three squirrels." He said, "Where will they come from?"<br />
<br />
''I said, "One will come from that way, one from that way, and one back this a way." Make it radical. God don't care how radical that it seems. He's God of circumstance.<br />
<br />
''And while I stood there for about a few minutes, I could hear no shooting around from the rest of the boys around anywhere. I happened to look to my back. Way up in the woods, about ninety yards, I thought something was on a stump. I watched it. After a while, it jumped off; and it was a gray squirrel. So far. All the way across the hollow upon top of the ridge. When it come along by the side of the tree, I shot it. It was about ninety yards, and it killed it. I said, "There's one. I might as well turn and look this other way for the others, 'cause they're coming."<br />
<br />
''See, God has a way of bringing things to you, making you sure what you're talking about. That anointing I... was off of me then. Well, I waited and watched this a way for about a hour. Nothing happened. I was getting cold. I thought, "Surely, if that is the Holy Spirit that's telling me those things, it will be just exactly; because when the anointing was on me I spoke that word, and it'll have to be that way."<br />
<br />
''Now, listen real close to this. And this is going to be a tape recording that'll go all over the world.<br />
Now, and then to my left, I kept watching. After while, I looked upon a tree. Coming around a beech tree, there come a gray squirrel. I said, "Just exactly that way. That's right, Lord."<br />
I turned down, raised up to shoot him, and there come another squirrel. I said, "There's two. Just exactly. Make my three." And I raised down, shot the first squirrel.<br />
<br />
''The other one run under a log. I could see him cutting on a--a hickory nut or something, under the log. The log was about that high at the end, raised up about a foot. I could see the squirrel. I killed the first one. I said, "Now, I'll get the other one."<br />
<br />
''And I leveled down, put those cross hairs right over his ear, not over forty, fifty yards away, and shot and hit the log. And the squirrel never even got excited. And I put another bullet in it. And he turned around and went down the log, and went to the other end. Well, I leveled down and took the best aim I could. And I'd only missed five shots all year. So then, I leveled down, right perfect shot, and touched the trigger again, and I hit about four inches above him. I said, "I must have knocked my scope out."<ref>MY.NEW.MINISTRY JEFF.IN 59-1115</ref><br />
<br />
''And I said, "Well, oh, all...?..." I said, "I--I don't know." I said, "I've understand fishing." I--I said, "Now, the first thing you do... Here's the way it's done. You see all the fish around; you got to jerk the lure." (Well, that's exactly the tactics of fishing.) So I said, "Jerk the lure." Now, you see when I jerked the lure the first time, now the fish takes out after it, but they were little ones. That's just like they were catching. So then I--I said, "Then you'll--you'll set..." and I jerked it out on the bank and I had a fish, but it looked like a skin over the lure; it just--he was so little. And then I was standing there and something said, "I told you not to do that." And I started crying.<br />
<br />
''All the line was tangled around me like this, and I had--was standing there crying with my head down like that. I said, "God, oh, I... Forgive me. I'm a stupid person. Lord, don't... Forgive me." And I had this line and that, what I had in my hand, was a little baby's shoe, about that long. And I had... That string was about as big around as my finger, about a half inch, like. And the eyelet in this shoe was just about the size of a--littler than one-sixteenth, probably, of an inch of the eyelet. And I was trying to lace this little shoe up with this great big inch cord. And a voice come, said, "You can't teach Pentecostal babies supernatural things." Said, "Now, let them alone."<br />
<br />
''And just then He picked me up. And He took me up and set me way up high to where a meeting was going on, looked like a tent or a cathedral of some sort. And I looked, and there was a little box-like, little place over in the side. And I seen that Light was talking to somebody above me, that Light that you see there on the picture. It whirled away from me, like that, and went over to that tent, and said, "I'll meet you there." And said, "This will be the third pull, and you won't tell it to nobody."<br />
<br />
''And in Sabino Canyon, He said, "This is the third pull." And there's three great things that goes with it, and one unfolded today, or yesterday, the other one unfolded today, and there's one thing that I cannot interpret, because it's in an unknown language. But I was standing right there and looked right straight at it, and this is the third pull coming up. And the Holy Spirit of God... Oh, my. That's the reason all heaven was silent.<ref>63-0324E THE.SEVENTH.SEAL_ JEFFERSONVILLE.IN</ref><br />
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https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=The_Celebration_of_Christmas&diff=27037
The Celebration of Christmas
2023-12-26T20:31:09Z
<p>Admin: /* How did Christmas end up being celebrated on December 25th? */</p>
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<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
[[Image:Christian-Christmas-Card-14.jpg|thumb|250px|right]]<br />
'''Is it possible for Christians to honestly celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th?''' <br />
<br />
Of course it is!<br />
<br />
Christmas was never about paganism to my parents, to me or my kids. But many followers of William Branham love to throw a wet blanket on Christmas.<br />
<br />
When we raise our children with the emphasis on Christ and family, then '''traditions set forth by that family''' are founded on love and wrapped up in fellowship. Many families have adopted traditions created by other families of yesteryear and some families create their own traditions. Grace is knowing we can celebrate family traditions founded on love while not worrying about how others in the past may have had a different focus. <br />
<br />
Forgiveness lavished with grace erases the memories of what previous people did on the same days and gives us mercy as we seek to walk forward in Christ with our families.<br />
<br />
Many message churches teach that Christmas is a pagan tradition that should be squelched, ignored and certainly not celebrated. But '''the Bible teaches that no other Christian is allowed to judge another with respect to the celebration of feasts or holy days.'''<br />
<br />
'''Legalism kills the spiritual benefit of Christmas''' and destroys the wonderful Christ-honoring family times that occur as we celebrate the incarnation together, partake in special family meals, and commune with one another during the holiday time.<br />
<br />
=The origins of Christmas=<br />
<br />
'''We know what the origins of December 25th are.''' But we also know what the origins of the days of the week are too (and we still use a calendar). <br />
<br />
We don’t worship pagan gods, sit around an Asherah pole (more on that later), or eat raw meat from strangled animals. <br />
<br />
There’s no need to attempt to sway people into thinking they are doing something as horrid as that. Yet, even if they were, they would be considered the modern day heathens who Christ died to save. Because of the knowledge of Christ, we can celebrate our traditions with our families and '''not worry about the condemnation that legalism spreads'''.<br />
<br />
There is no condemnation to those in Christ.<br />
<br />
The argument from the Old Testament fails because I am a Christian; therefore, I am not under the law. Galatians 3:19 states, “Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made…” The law was in effect until Christ fulfilled it. Now, '''we are not under the law, but under grace''' (Romans 6:14).<br />
<br />
Second, even if things like Santa, Rudolph, trees, etc., are wrong (which I’m not claiming they are good or bad, but if they detract from Christ then I’m not in favor of them), it doesn’t follow that every single Christian celebrates Christmas in that way. <br />
<br />
We never taught our kids to believe in Santa or any of that other stuff. <br />
<br />
'''So am I not allowed to tell God “Thank You” on December 25th?''' <br />
<br />
The Bible could really not be any clearer on this subject. Christians have the freedom to set aside a day (or multiple days) to celebrate the birth of Christ or for any other reason they may want to praise God.<br />
<br />
==How did Christmas end up being celebrated on December 25th?==<br />
<br />
The Annunciation of the Lord (or simply the “Annunciation”), is, according to Luke 1:26, the announcement by the archangel Gabriel to Mary that she would conceive and bear a son through a virgin birth and become the mother of Jesus Christ, the Christian Messiah and Son of God, marking the Incarnation. <br />
<br />
We also know from Luke 1:26 that the Annunciation occurred "in the sixth month" of Elizabeth's pregnancy with John the Baptist. In AD 221, Sextus Julius Africanus named March 25, the traditional spring equinox, as the day of creation and of Jesus's conception. The Christian has historically observed this event with the Feast of the Annunciation on 25 March.<br />
<br />
Zechariah's ministry in the Temple, as described in Luke 1:5–23, took place on Yom Kippur the year before Jesus's birth. Yom Kippur takes place in late September. If Yom Kippur took place on September 25, then 6 months later would also mesh with a March 25 date for the conception of Jesus. John the Baptist would have been born on June 25.<br />
<br />
If the conception of Jesus occurred on March 25, then his birth would have been on December 25, 9 months after conception. This is the most plausible explanation given for Christmas being celebrated on December 25.<br />
<br />
=The Bible and Christmas=<br />
<br />
==Bible verses that support Christmas==<br />
<br />
There are a number of Bible verses that support scripture. As mentioned above, [[Mixing Law and Grace|the whole issue of law versus grace]] should prevent legalism about Christmas.<br />
<br />
===Colossians 2:16===<br />
<br />
:''So '''let no one judge you''' in food or in drink, or '''regarding a festival''' or a new moon or sabbaths...<ref>The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Col 2:16.</ref><br />
<br />
I don't think that needs any clarification (although it will not dissuade those that really do want to rain on your parade).<br />
<br />
===Romans 14===<br />
<br />
Paul discusses Christians who criticize someone for observing religious celebrations:<br />
<br />
:''Receive aone who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things...<br />
<br />
:''Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.<br />
<br />
:'''''One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike.''' Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. '''He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord'''; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks... <br />
<br />
:'''''But why do you judge your brother?''' Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.<ref>The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Ro 14:1, 4–6, 10.</ref><br />
<br />
In other words, if I want to celebrate the birth of Christ, '''I have the freedom to do that on any day I want, including December 25th.''' <br />
<br />
You have the freedom not to celebrate Christ’s birth on that day, or any other day. Whichever one you do, let it be according to your own conscience and celebrate (or don’t celebrate) “to the Lord.” '''If you feel conviction that you should not do it, then God bless you, don’t do it, and serve the Lord, BUT DO NOT JUDGE a fellow believer for celebrating on that day.''' Remember that Paul asked, “Who are you to judge another’s servant?”<br />
<br />
===Zechariah 14:20===<br />
<br />
:''In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD...<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Zec 14:20.</ref><br />
<br />
So does this mean that "Jingle Bells" is a scriptural song?<br />
<br />
==Bible verses used to kill Christmas==<br />
<br />
===Jeremiah 10===<br />
<br />
Jeremiah 10:3-6 states:<br />
<br />
:''For the customs of the people are vain: <br />
:''For one cutteth a tree out of the forest, <br />
:''The work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.<br />
:''They deck it with silver and with gold;<br />
:''They fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. <br />
:''They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: <br />
:''They must needs be borne, because they cannot go. <br />
:''Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, <br />
:''Neither also is it in them to do good. <br />
:''Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; <br />
:''Thou art great, and thy name is great in might. <br />
:''Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain...<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Je 10:3–7.</ref><br />
<br />
It is obvious that Jeremiah was not speaking of a Christmas tree as this was over 600 years before the birth of Christ. So what pagan rituals was Jeremiah referring to?<br />
<br />
Asherah appears in the OT both as the name of a Canaanite goddess and of her wooden cult-symbol. She functioned as consort of the chief god, El, and mother of the gods. The KJV mistakenly translates the name of Asherah as "grove". Asherim were the wooden poles that were used in the worship of Asherah.<br />
<br />
It is quite clear, however, from a number of OT references that the Asherim were manmade objects; verbs used in connection with them include “make” (ʿāśâ, 1 Kgs 14:15; 16:33; 2 Kgs 17:16; 21:3, 7; 2 Chr 33:3), “build” (bānâ, 1 Kgs 14:23), and “erect” (nāṣab, 2 Kgs 17:10), which are inappropriate for living trees. <br />
<br />
Jeremiah 17:2 speaks of “their Asherim beside every luxuriant tree,” which would be odd if the Asherim were themselves actual trees. This makes it impossible to suppose that the Asherim were living trees. <br />
<br />
Deut 16:21 states that “You shall not plant any tree as an Asherah beside the altar of the Lord your God, which you shall make.” However, the word ʿēṣ can mean “wood” as well as “tree” so it seems that this also refers to something other than a living tree. Since all the other references to the Asherah in the OT (including other references in Deutoronomy) indicate that it is a manmade object, it is more natural to suppose that this is the meaning of ʿēṣ here.<br />
<br />
The Asherah cult object does not appear to have been an image of her, since the Asherim are frequently mentioned alongside pĕsı̂lı̂m “graven images” (an expression including images of wood) as distinct objects (see Deut 7:5; 12:3; 2 Chr 33:19; 34:3, 4, 7; Mic 5:12–13—Eng 5:13–14). The most likely view is that the Asherah was a wooden pole symbolizing the goddess Asherah. <ref>John Day, “Asherah (Deity),” ed. David Noel Freedman, The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary (New York: Doubleday, 1992), 483.</ref><br />
<br />
Jeremiah 2:26-27 states:<br />
<br />
:''As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets, '''Saying to a stock''' (ʿēṣ), Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned †their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Je 2:26–27.</ref><br />
<br />
"Stock" here refers to a dead piece of wood, an Asherah pole.<br />
<br />
Isaiah 44:14–19 also deals with this issue in a very similar way:<br />
<br />
:''He cuts down cedars for himself,<br />
:''And takes the cypress and the oak;<br />
:''He 1secures it for himself among the trees of the forest.<br />
:''He plants a pine, and the rain nourishes it.<br />
<br />
:''Then it shall be for a man to burn,<br />
:''For he will take some of it and warm himself;<br />
:''Yes, he kindles it and bakes bread;<br />
:''Indeed he makes a god and worships it;<br />
:''He makes it a carved image, and falls down to it.<br />
<br />
:''He burns half of it in the fire;<br />
:''With this half he eats meat;<br />
:''He roasts a roast, and is satisfied.<br />
:''He even warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm,<br />
:''I have seen the fire.”<br />
<br />
:''And the rest of it he makes into a god,<br />
:''His carved image.<br />
:''He falls down before it and worships it,<br />
:''Prays to it and says,<br />
:''“Deliver me, for you are my god!”<br />
<br />
:''They do not know nor understand;<br />
:''For lHe has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see,<br />
:''And their hearts, so that they cannot munderstand.<br />
:''And no one nconsiders in his heart,<br />
:''Nor is there knowledge nor understanding to say,<br />
:''“I have burned half of it in the fire,<br />
:''Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals;<br />
:''I have roasted meat and eaten it;<br />
:''And shall I make the rest of it an abomination?<br />
:''Shall I fall down before a block of wood?”<ref>The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Is 44:14–19.</ref><br />
<br />
As a result of the above, it is clear that Jeremiah 10 is not referring to a Christmas tree.<br />
<br />
=William Branham and Christmas=<br />
<br />
==How William Branham celebrated Christmas==<br />
<br />
From conversations with members of the Branham family, we understand that '''William Branham had a Christmas tree in his home every year, right up to his death'''. In fact, they were mildly embarassed with the last Christmas tree that he purchased in Tucson, as it was apparently a small artificial wind-up metallic tree that played a popular Christmas song as it turned on its base.<br />
<br />
So based on his actions, it is clear that William Branham was in favour of celebrating Christmas within the family setting.<br />
<br />
==What William Branham said about Christmas==<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, like with so many things, William Branham managed to communicate confusion on this issue. While celebrating Christmas with his family and giving presents to the kids, he also sometimes railed against it over the pulpit.<br />
<br />
:''And today, that memorial of His birthday, what do they do? They get some tree, cut it down, '''make a Christmas tree''', for the kiddies. But they think... That's all right; '''I'm not kicking against that'''. But the thing of it is, they put more on the Christmas tree than they do for Christ.<ref>THE.DEITY.OF.JESUS.CHRIST_ JEFF.IN 49-1225</ref><br />
<br />
:''My, how I can't understand where a rabbit has anything to do with the resurrection (See? No, sir.), or how a Christmas tree has anything to do with the birth of Christ. It's pagan, friends. We've got off the path somewhere. That's right. But now a real born again man or woman realizes, because there's life within you, tells you that that's wrong. Is that right? <ref>THE.CRUELTY.OF.SIN.AND.THE.PENALTY.THAT.IT.COST.TO.RID.SIN.FROM.OUR.LIVES_ JEFF.IN V-25 N-4 FRIDAY_ 53-0403</ref><br />
<br />
:''And then I want to take this time to express to each and every one of you, how grateful I am to you for your Christmas cards and gifts, and things that was received at our house. I certainly thank you with all my heart. It certainly did us good this morning when... '''I got a little boy, small enough yet to kind of want a Christmas tree, and we had it in the room'''. And this morning, go under there, I found several gifts from my church here, and my friends from around different places, that had come in, '''laying under the tree'''.<ref>GOD'S.WRAPPED.GIFT_ JEFF.IN V-14 N-8 SUNDAY_ 60-1225</ref><br />
<br />
:'''''Christmas is no more a worship; it's a celebration: drinking, gambling, carousing, just pagan to the limit.''' And it's not... And I wanted to... Maybe after Christmas I'll speak again on Christmas (You see?), so that it won't deprive the little... But you can't tell that to little children like that. They see little fellows on Christmas night getting Christmas presents and things like that; they don't understand it. See? They just--they're too little. And we've got to remember them, that they are--that they have things in common. We've got to bring ourself down to remember them little fellows...<ref>CHRISTIANITY.VERSUS.IDOLATRY_ JEFF.IN V-8 N-2 SUNDAY_ 61-1217</ref><br />
<br />
:''And then I want to take this time to express to each and every one of you, '''how grateful I am to you for your Christmas cards and gifts, and things that was received at our house'''. I certainly thank you with all my heart. It certainly did us good this morning when... '''I got a little boy, small enough yet to kind of want a Christmas tree, and we had it in the room'''. And this morning, go under there, I found several gifts from my church here, and my friends from around different places, that had come in, '''laying under the tree'''. And I don't have words to express to you what I, how I appreciate every one of them. And may the God of heaven bless you richly is my prayer. And now...<ref>GOD'S.WRAPPED.GIFT JEFF.IN 60-1225</ref><br />
<br />
:''God bless each one of you. '''I want to say again for the nice Christmas presents that each one give me.''' The church give me a new suit, oh, how I appreciate it. And I got two new suits for Christmas. My brother, the little church down in Macon, Georgia, down there, Brother Palmer, sent me a new suit. And the Tabernacle give me a new suit, and there's so many nice things give in, and--and Christmas gifts in the line of money. Which, the division of income tax tells me that if it's a Christmas present and wrote "Christmas present" or a "Birthday present," anything, you can accept it; otherwise that I have to... It--it goes into the work, which is all right. And I sure thank each and every one of you, wife and I, and the children, and all of us express our gratitude to each, every one of you, so nice. We wish we could go back and give each one of you a present back, but you just can't do that, you know, you just... My, I--I couldn't do that. I wish I could, but I--I just couldn't.<ref>YOU.MUST.BE.BORN.AGAIN_ JEFF.IN V-11 N-5 SUNDAY_ 61-1231M</ref><br />
<br />
:''Why, they started buying Christmas present months ago, and what is it but a '''heathen trait'''. There's nothing about it godly. Oh, they try to say, "Give gifts, to the wise men." That's just a--a oasis for a devil's excuse. You want to give something, it's your life to Christ. Don't give to one another; give it to Him. That's what He died for. That's His purpose of coming. See?<ref>THE.FALLING.APART.OF.THE.WORLD_ JEFF.IN 62-1216</ref><br />
<br />
:''But I think '''the church has got a little present here for the little kiddies after while'''. I was just looking it over back there. Oh, you'll want to stay after Sunday school; just hold on (See?), 'cause I think they've got some presents back there for the little fellows, to give out this morning. And well, now, you little fellows remember, while we're doing this... I want to make this clear. It's not Santa Claus, 'cause that's a story that someday you'll learn that's nothing to it. But it's from Jesus Christ, the Truth of all Truth this is, the Son of God. And we're giving you this little present this morning because it's letting you know that one time God gave the greatest present could ever be give to the human race: His Son. And we have a poor way of expressing it. And there's nothing we can give to compare with that, but just as mortals, one to another, we do that.<ref>THE.REPROACH.FOR.THE.CAUSE.OF.THE.WORD_ JEFF.IN V-2 N-16 SUNDAY_ 62-1223</ref><br />
<br />
:''And the people has turned into buying whiskey, and--and gambling, and fashions. And a--a man that... '''a merchant that can sell his goods through Christmas time can live the rest of the year, almost'''. See? It's such a great holiday, commercial. And poor little kids on the street; their parents are not able to--to visit them with a--a present, like from Santa Claus, and they walk down the street, and their little dirty hands and their little red eyes. I--I just hate to see it come along. '''It ought to be a solemn day of worship to God''', instead of a heartache and a headache and the things that's done. There's nothing to Christ about that. But we're right in the midst of all this now.<ref>WHO.DO.YOU.SAY.THIS.IS_ PHOENIX.AZ V-6 N-9 SUNDAY_ 64-1227</ref><br />
<br />
:''And now, you say, "Well, the rest of them's all Santa Claus and going on like they do; why, we just might as well do it." No, sir! No, '''this is not a pagan celebration to us''', this is a sacred hour. If there had been no Christmas, there would been no resurrection. If there been no Christmas: there'd been no love, there'd been no peace, there'd been no hereafter for the believer; if there'd been no Christmas.<ref>GOD'S.GIFTS.ALWAYS.FIND.THEIR.PLACES_ JEFF.IN V-6 N-13 SUNDAY_ 63-1222</ref><br />
<br />
==Was this another example of William Branham adopting the doctrine of the Jehovah's Witnesses?==<br />
<br />
There are several examples of William Branham adopting [[Michael the Archangel|doctrinal positions that were similar to those of the Watchtower Society (the Jehovah's Witnesses)]].<br />
<br />
“… those who celebrate Christmas do not honor God or Christ, but honor pagan celebrations and pagan gods.” This declaration in an Awake! magazine of December 8, 1988 (page 19) sums up the Watchtower Society’s teaching on the holiday — a teaching that the Society’s magazines reemphasize each December lest some of the flock forget and erroneously conclude ‘tis the season to be jolly.<br />
<br />
Criticism of Christmas in those articles focuses first of all on the date. Religious and secular sources are quoted to establish the well-known fact that the actual date of the Savior’s birth is unknown. The articles then attack selection of December 25th as an arbitrary date to celebrate the event, because pagans were already holding winter festivals on that date. The implication is that the Church did not try to supplant the pagan festival with a Christian one, but rather that the Church merely attached a new name to the old holiday so that believers could join in.<br />
JW articles go on to trace the Christmas tree to pagan worship; they focus on greed and commercialism that surfaces during the Christmas shopping season; they point out that the holiday is celebrated in oriental lands where the general population makes no pretense of being believers in Christ.<br />
<br />
From all of this they argue that Christmas is a pagan holiday inappropriate for Christians to share in. Interestingly, however, The Watchtower did not always express this viewpoint. The organization’s founders and early leaders celebrated Christmas and encouraged others to do the same:<br />
<br />
:''“Christmas Day,” in celebration of our dear Redeemer’s birth, has for long centuries been celebrated on December 25th; and although it is now well known that this date is in error, and that it more properly corresponds with the date of the annunciation to Mary, nine months before our Lord was born, and that he was born about October 1st,—nevertheless, since the Lord has given no instructions whatever upon this subject, and since it is proper to do good deeds and think good thoughts upon any day, it cannot be improper, in harmony with general usage, for us to remember in a social way our dear Redeemer’s birth at this time.<ref>Zion’s Watch Tower, December 15, 1898, page 370</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''It matters not particularly that December 25 is not the anniversary of our Lord’s birth, according to the Scriptural account; that really he was born about September 25, nine months later. One day, as well as another, will serve us to commemorate our Savior’s birth in the flesh, as a gift of God’s love to a condemned and dying world.<ref>Zion’s Watch Tower, December 15, 1908, page 379</ref><br />
<br />
The early Watchtower leaders who felt this way were just as familiar as today’s leaders with the resemblance between pagan customs and certain Christmas traditions. They welcomed opportunities to share with others in honoring Christ, while today’s leaders seem more eager to keep followers separated from non-JW relatives and neighbors. (Some form of isolation from outsiders is a common thread found in many mind-control cults. With some groups this separation is accomplished by physically withdrawing into a commune, while in other cults members continue living in the outside world but withdraw from social contact with non-members.)<br />
<br />
Participation in Christmas celebrations is not optional for Jehovah’s Witnesses. The ban is enforced by elders who make up judicial committees that sit in judgment of any who celebrate the holiday, even in some small way. This has been a firmly held position of the Watchtower Society since 1928.<ref>David A. Reed, Answering Jehovah’s Witnesses: Subject by Subject, electronic ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1997).</ref><br />
<br />
=Christmas and Paganism=<br />
<br />
BAH! HUMBUG! These two words are instantly associated with Charles Dickens’s immortal fictional antihero, Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge was the prototype of the Grinch who stole Christmas, the paradigm of all men cynical.<br />
<br />
We all recognize that Ebenezer Scrooge was a mean person—stingy, insensitive, selfish, and unkind. What we often miss in our understanding of his character is that he was preeminently profane. “Bah! Humbug!” was his Victorian use of profanity.<br />
<br />
Not that any modern editor would feel the need to delete Scrooge’s expletives. His language is not the standard currency of cursing. But it was profane in that Scrooge demeaned what was holy. He trampled on the sanctity of Christmas. He despised the sacred. He was cynical toward the sublime.<br />
<br />
Christmas is a holiday, indeed the world’s most joyous holiday. It is called a “holiday” because the day is holy. It is a day when businesses close, when families gather, when churches are filled, and when soldiers put down their guns for a 24-hour truce. It is a day that differs from every other day.<br />
<br />
Every generation has its abundance of Scrooges. The church is full of them - a kind of legalist. We hear endless complaints of commercialism. We are constantly told to put Christ back into Christmas. We hear that the tradition of Santa Claus is a sacrilege. We listen to those acquainted with history murmur that Christmas isn’t biblical. The Church invented Christmas to compete with the ancient Roman festival honoring the bull-god Mithras, the nay-sayers complain. Christmas? A mere capitulation to paganism.<br />
<br />
And so we rain on Jesus’ parade and assume an olympian detachment from the joyous holiday. All this carping is but a modern dose of Scroogeism, our own sanctimonious profanation of the holy.<br />
<br />
Sure, Christmas is a time of commerce. The department stores are decorated to the hilt, the ad pages of the newspapers swell in size, and we tick off the number of shopping days left until Christmas. But why all the commerce? The high degree of commerce at Christmas is driven by one thing: the buying of gifts for others. To present our friends and families with gifts is not an ugly, ignoble vice. It incarnates the amorphous “spirit of Christmas.” The tradition rests ultimately on the supreme gift God has given the world. God so loved the world, the Bible says, that He gave His only begotten Son. The giving of gifts is a marvelous response to the receiving of such a gift. For one day a year at least, we taste the sweetness inherent in the truth that it is more blessed to give than to receive.<br />
<br />
What about putting Christ back into Christmas? It is simply not necessary. Christ has never left Christmas. “Jingle Bells” will never replace “Silent Night.” Our holiday once known as Thanksgiving is rapidly becoming known simply as “Turkey Day.” But Christmas is still called Christmas. It is not called “Gift Day.” Christ is still in Christmas, and for one brief season the secular world broadcasts the message of Christ over every radio station and television channel in the land. Never does the church get as much free air time as during the Christmas season.<br />
Not only music but the visual arts are present in abundance, bearing testimony to the historic significance of the birth of Jesus. Christmas displays, creches, Christmas cards, yard displays all remind the world of the sacred Incarnation.<br />
<br />
Doesn’t Santa Claus paganize or at least trivialize Christmas? He’s a myth, and his very mythology casts a shadow over the sober historical reality of Jesus. Not at all. Myths are not necessarily bad or harmful. Every society creates myths. They are a peculiar art form invented usually to convey a message that is deemed important by the people. When a myth is passed off as real history, that is fraud. But when it serves a different purpose it can be healthy and virtuous. Kris Kringle is a mythical hero, not a villain. He is pure fiction—but a fiction used to illustrate a glorious truth.<br />
<br />
What about the historical origins of Christmas as a substitute for a pagan festival? I can only say, good for the early Christians who had the wisdom to flee from Mithras and direct their zeal to the celebration of the birth of Christ. Who associates Christmas today with Mithras? No one calls it “Mithrasmas.”<br />
<br />
We celebrate Christmas because we cannot eradicate from our consciousness our profound awareness of the difference between the sacred and the profane. Man, in the generic sense, has an incurable propensity for marking sacred space and sacred time. When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, the ground that was previously common suddenly became uncommon. It was now holy ground—sacred space. When Jacob awoke from his midnight vision of the presence of God, he anointed with oil the rock upon which he had rested his head. It was sacred space.<br />
<br />
When God touches earth, the place is holy. When God appears in history, the time is holy. There was never a more holy place than the city of Bethlehem, where the Word became flesh. There was never a more holy time than Christmas morning when Emmanuel was born. Christmas is a holiday. It is the holiest of holy days. We must heed the warning of Jacob Marley: “Don’t be a Scrooge” at Christmas.<ref>R. C. Sproul, “Right Now Counts Forever: Marley’s Message to Scrooge,” ed. R. C. Sproul Jr., Tabletalk Magazine, December 1993: Marley’s Message to Scrooge (Lake Mary, FL: Ligonier Ministries, 1993), 5–6.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
=External References=<br />
<br />
*[http://thehomespunlife.com/legalism-almost-killed-our-christmas/ The Homespun Life - How Legalism Almost Killed Our Christmas]<br />
*[http://midwestapologetics.org/blog/?p=803 Christmas Misconceptions: Legalism or Liberty?]<br />
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The Celebration of Christmas
2023-12-26T20:24:39Z
<p>Admin: /* The origins of Christmas */</p>
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[[Image:Christian-Christmas-Card-14.jpg|thumb|250px|right]]<br />
'''Is it possible for Christians to honestly celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th?''' <br />
<br />
Of course it is!<br />
<br />
Christmas was never about paganism to my parents, to me or my kids. But many followers of William Branham love to throw a wet blanket on Christmas.<br />
<br />
When we raise our children with the emphasis on Christ and family, then '''traditions set forth by that family''' are founded on love and wrapped up in fellowship. Many families have adopted traditions created by other families of yesteryear and some families create their own traditions. Grace is knowing we can celebrate family traditions founded on love while not worrying about how others in the past may have had a different focus. <br />
<br />
Forgiveness lavished with grace erases the memories of what previous people did on the same days and gives us mercy as we seek to walk forward in Christ with our families.<br />
<br />
Many message churches teach that Christmas is a pagan tradition that should be squelched, ignored and certainly not celebrated. But '''the Bible teaches that no other Christian is allowed to judge another with respect to the celebration of feasts or holy days.'''<br />
<br />
'''Legalism kills the spiritual benefit of Christmas''' and destroys the wonderful Christ-honoring family times that occur as we celebrate the incarnation together, partake in special family meals, and commune with one another during the holiday time.<br />
<br />
=The origins of Christmas=<br />
<br />
'''We know what the origins of December 25th are.''' But we also know what the origins of the days of the week are too (and we still use a calendar). <br />
<br />
We don’t worship pagan gods, sit around an Asherah pole (more on that later), or eat raw meat from strangled animals. <br />
<br />
There’s no need to attempt to sway people into thinking they are doing something as horrid as that. Yet, even if they were, they would be considered the modern day heathens who Christ died to save. Because of the knowledge of Christ, we can celebrate our traditions with our families and '''not worry about the condemnation that legalism spreads'''.<br />
<br />
There is no condemnation to those in Christ.<br />
<br />
The argument from the Old Testament fails because I am a Christian; therefore, I am not under the law. Galatians 3:19 states, “Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made…” The law was in effect until Christ fulfilled it. Now, '''we are not under the law, but under grace''' (Romans 6:14).<br />
<br />
Second, even if things like Santa, Rudolph, trees, etc., are wrong (which I’m not claiming they are good or bad, but if they detract from Christ then I’m not in favor of them), it doesn’t follow that every single Christian celebrates Christmas in that way. <br />
<br />
We never taught our kids to believe in Santa or any of that other stuff. <br />
<br />
'''So am I not allowed to tell God “Thank You” on December 25th?''' <br />
<br />
The Bible could really not be any clearer on this subject. Christians have the freedom to set aside a day (or multiple days) to celebrate the birth of Christ or for any other reason they may want to praise God.<br />
<br />
==How did Christmas end up being celebrated on December 25th?==<br />
<br />
The Annunciation of the Lord (or simply the “Annunciation”), is, according to Luke 1:26, the announcement by the archangel Gabriel to Mary that she would conceive and bear a son through a virgin birth and become the mother of Jesus Christ, the Christian Messiah and Son of God, marking the Incarnation. <br />
<br />
We also know from Luke 1:26 that the Annunciation occurred "in the sixth month" of Elizabeth's pregnancy with John the Baptist. In AD 221, Sextus Julius Africanus named March 25, the traditional spring equinox, as the day of creation and of Jesus's conception. The Christian has historically observed this event with the Feast of the Annunciation on 25 March.<br />
<br />
If the conception of Jesus occurred on March 25, then his birth would have been on December 25, 9 months after conception. This is the most plausible explanation given for Christmas being celebrated on December 25.<br />
<br />
=The Bible and Christmas=<br />
<br />
==Bible verses that support Christmas==<br />
<br />
There are a number of Bible verses that support scripture. As mentioned above, [[Mixing Law and Grace|the whole issue of law versus grace]] should prevent legalism about Christmas.<br />
<br />
===Colossians 2:16===<br />
<br />
:''So '''let no one judge you''' in food or in drink, or '''regarding a festival''' or a new moon or sabbaths...<ref>The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Col 2:16.</ref><br />
<br />
I don't think that needs any clarification (although it will not dissuade those that really do want to rain on your parade).<br />
<br />
===Romans 14===<br />
<br />
Paul discusses Christians who criticize someone for observing religious celebrations:<br />
<br />
:''Receive aone who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things...<br />
<br />
:''Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.<br />
<br />
:'''''One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike.''' Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. '''He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord'''; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks... <br />
<br />
:'''''But why do you judge your brother?''' Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.<ref>The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Ro 14:1, 4–6, 10.</ref><br />
<br />
In other words, if I want to celebrate the birth of Christ, '''I have the freedom to do that on any day I want, including December 25th.''' <br />
<br />
You have the freedom not to celebrate Christ’s birth on that day, or any other day. Whichever one you do, let it be according to your own conscience and celebrate (or don’t celebrate) “to the Lord.” '''If you feel conviction that you should not do it, then God bless you, don’t do it, and serve the Lord, BUT DO NOT JUDGE a fellow believer for celebrating on that day.''' Remember that Paul asked, “Who are you to judge another’s servant?”<br />
<br />
===Zechariah 14:20===<br />
<br />
:''In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD...<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Zec 14:20.</ref><br />
<br />
So does this mean that "Jingle Bells" is a scriptural song?<br />
<br />
==Bible verses used to kill Christmas==<br />
<br />
===Jeremiah 10===<br />
<br />
Jeremiah 10:3-6 states:<br />
<br />
:''For the customs of the people are vain: <br />
:''For one cutteth a tree out of the forest, <br />
:''The work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.<br />
:''They deck it with silver and with gold;<br />
:''They fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. <br />
:''They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: <br />
:''They must needs be borne, because they cannot go. <br />
:''Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, <br />
:''Neither also is it in them to do good. <br />
:''Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; <br />
:''Thou art great, and thy name is great in might. <br />
:''Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain...<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Je 10:3–7.</ref><br />
<br />
It is obvious that Jeremiah was not speaking of a Christmas tree as this was over 600 years before the birth of Christ. So what pagan rituals was Jeremiah referring to?<br />
<br />
Asherah appears in the OT both as the name of a Canaanite goddess and of her wooden cult-symbol. She functioned as consort of the chief god, El, and mother of the gods. The KJV mistakenly translates the name of Asherah as "grove". Asherim were the wooden poles that were used in the worship of Asherah.<br />
<br />
It is quite clear, however, from a number of OT references that the Asherim were manmade objects; verbs used in connection with them include “make” (ʿāśâ, 1 Kgs 14:15; 16:33; 2 Kgs 17:16; 21:3, 7; 2 Chr 33:3), “build” (bānâ, 1 Kgs 14:23), and “erect” (nāṣab, 2 Kgs 17:10), which are inappropriate for living trees. <br />
<br />
Jeremiah 17:2 speaks of “their Asherim beside every luxuriant tree,” which would be odd if the Asherim were themselves actual trees. This makes it impossible to suppose that the Asherim were living trees. <br />
<br />
Deut 16:21 states that “You shall not plant any tree as an Asherah beside the altar of the Lord your God, which you shall make.” However, the word ʿēṣ can mean “wood” as well as “tree” so it seems that this also refers to something other than a living tree. Since all the other references to the Asherah in the OT (including other references in Deutoronomy) indicate that it is a manmade object, it is more natural to suppose that this is the meaning of ʿēṣ here.<br />
<br />
The Asherah cult object does not appear to have been an image of her, since the Asherim are frequently mentioned alongside pĕsı̂lı̂m “graven images” (an expression including images of wood) as distinct objects (see Deut 7:5; 12:3; 2 Chr 33:19; 34:3, 4, 7; Mic 5:12–13—Eng 5:13–14). The most likely view is that the Asherah was a wooden pole symbolizing the goddess Asherah. <ref>John Day, “Asherah (Deity),” ed. David Noel Freedman, The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary (New York: Doubleday, 1992), 483.</ref><br />
<br />
Jeremiah 2:26-27 states:<br />
<br />
:''As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets, '''Saying to a stock''' (ʿēṣ), Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned †their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Je 2:26–27.</ref><br />
<br />
"Stock" here refers to a dead piece of wood, an Asherah pole.<br />
<br />
Isaiah 44:14–19 also deals with this issue in a very similar way:<br />
<br />
:''He cuts down cedars for himself,<br />
:''And takes the cypress and the oak;<br />
:''He 1secures it for himself among the trees of the forest.<br />
:''He plants a pine, and the rain nourishes it.<br />
<br />
:''Then it shall be for a man to burn,<br />
:''For he will take some of it and warm himself;<br />
:''Yes, he kindles it and bakes bread;<br />
:''Indeed he makes a god and worships it;<br />
:''He makes it a carved image, and falls down to it.<br />
<br />
:''He burns half of it in the fire;<br />
:''With this half he eats meat;<br />
:''He roasts a roast, and is satisfied.<br />
:''He even warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm,<br />
:''I have seen the fire.”<br />
<br />
:''And the rest of it he makes into a god,<br />
:''His carved image.<br />
:''He falls down before it and worships it,<br />
:''Prays to it and says,<br />
:''“Deliver me, for you are my god!”<br />
<br />
:''They do not know nor understand;<br />
:''For lHe has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see,<br />
:''And their hearts, so that they cannot munderstand.<br />
:''And no one nconsiders in his heart,<br />
:''Nor is there knowledge nor understanding to say,<br />
:''“I have burned half of it in the fire,<br />
:''Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals;<br />
:''I have roasted meat and eaten it;<br />
:''And shall I make the rest of it an abomination?<br />
:''Shall I fall down before a block of wood?”<ref>The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Is 44:14–19.</ref><br />
<br />
As a result of the above, it is clear that Jeremiah 10 is not referring to a Christmas tree.<br />
<br />
=William Branham and Christmas=<br />
<br />
==How William Branham celebrated Christmas==<br />
<br />
From conversations with members of the Branham family, we understand that '''William Branham had a Christmas tree in his home every year, right up to his death'''. In fact, they were mildly embarassed with the last Christmas tree that he purchased in Tucson, as it was apparently a small artificial wind-up metallic tree that played a popular Christmas song as it turned on its base.<br />
<br />
So based on his actions, it is clear that William Branham was in favour of celebrating Christmas within the family setting.<br />
<br />
==What William Branham said about Christmas==<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, like with so many things, William Branham managed to communicate confusion on this issue. While celebrating Christmas with his family and giving presents to the kids, he also sometimes railed against it over the pulpit.<br />
<br />
:''And today, that memorial of His birthday, what do they do? They get some tree, cut it down, '''make a Christmas tree''', for the kiddies. But they think... That's all right; '''I'm not kicking against that'''. But the thing of it is, they put more on the Christmas tree than they do for Christ.<ref>THE.DEITY.OF.JESUS.CHRIST_ JEFF.IN 49-1225</ref><br />
<br />
:''My, how I can't understand where a rabbit has anything to do with the resurrection (See? No, sir.), or how a Christmas tree has anything to do with the birth of Christ. It's pagan, friends. We've got off the path somewhere. That's right. But now a real born again man or woman realizes, because there's life within you, tells you that that's wrong. Is that right? <ref>THE.CRUELTY.OF.SIN.AND.THE.PENALTY.THAT.IT.COST.TO.RID.SIN.FROM.OUR.LIVES_ JEFF.IN V-25 N-4 FRIDAY_ 53-0403</ref><br />
<br />
:''And then I want to take this time to express to each and every one of you, how grateful I am to you for your Christmas cards and gifts, and things that was received at our house. I certainly thank you with all my heart. It certainly did us good this morning when... '''I got a little boy, small enough yet to kind of want a Christmas tree, and we had it in the room'''. And this morning, go under there, I found several gifts from my church here, and my friends from around different places, that had come in, '''laying under the tree'''.<ref>GOD'S.WRAPPED.GIFT_ JEFF.IN V-14 N-8 SUNDAY_ 60-1225</ref><br />
<br />
:'''''Christmas is no more a worship; it's a celebration: drinking, gambling, carousing, just pagan to the limit.''' And it's not... And I wanted to... Maybe after Christmas I'll speak again on Christmas (You see?), so that it won't deprive the little... But you can't tell that to little children like that. They see little fellows on Christmas night getting Christmas presents and things like that; they don't understand it. See? They just--they're too little. And we've got to remember them, that they are--that they have things in common. We've got to bring ourself down to remember them little fellows...<ref>CHRISTIANITY.VERSUS.IDOLATRY_ JEFF.IN V-8 N-2 SUNDAY_ 61-1217</ref><br />
<br />
:''And then I want to take this time to express to each and every one of you, '''how grateful I am to you for your Christmas cards and gifts, and things that was received at our house'''. I certainly thank you with all my heart. It certainly did us good this morning when... '''I got a little boy, small enough yet to kind of want a Christmas tree, and we had it in the room'''. And this morning, go under there, I found several gifts from my church here, and my friends from around different places, that had come in, '''laying under the tree'''. And I don't have words to express to you what I, how I appreciate every one of them. And may the God of heaven bless you richly is my prayer. And now...<ref>GOD'S.WRAPPED.GIFT JEFF.IN 60-1225</ref><br />
<br />
:''God bless each one of you. '''I want to say again for the nice Christmas presents that each one give me.''' The church give me a new suit, oh, how I appreciate it. And I got two new suits for Christmas. My brother, the little church down in Macon, Georgia, down there, Brother Palmer, sent me a new suit. And the Tabernacle give me a new suit, and there's so many nice things give in, and--and Christmas gifts in the line of money. Which, the division of income tax tells me that if it's a Christmas present and wrote "Christmas present" or a "Birthday present," anything, you can accept it; otherwise that I have to... It--it goes into the work, which is all right. And I sure thank each and every one of you, wife and I, and the children, and all of us express our gratitude to each, every one of you, so nice. We wish we could go back and give each one of you a present back, but you just can't do that, you know, you just... My, I--I couldn't do that. I wish I could, but I--I just couldn't.<ref>YOU.MUST.BE.BORN.AGAIN_ JEFF.IN V-11 N-5 SUNDAY_ 61-1231M</ref><br />
<br />
:''Why, they started buying Christmas present months ago, and what is it but a '''heathen trait'''. There's nothing about it godly. Oh, they try to say, "Give gifts, to the wise men." That's just a--a oasis for a devil's excuse. You want to give something, it's your life to Christ. Don't give to one another; give it to Him. That's what He died for. That's His purpose of coming. See?<ref>THE.FALLING.APART.OF.THE.WORLD_ JEFF.IN 62-1216</ref><br />
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:''But I think '''the church has got a little present here for the little kiddies after while'''. I was just looking it over back there. Oh, you'll want to stay after Sunday school; just hold on (See?), 'cause I think they've got some presents back there for the little fellows, to give out this morning. And well, now, you little fellows remember, while we're doing this... I want to make this clear. It's not Santa Claus, 'cause that's a story that someday you'll learn that's nothing to it. But it's from Jesus Christ, the Truth of all Truth this is, the Son of God. And we're giving you this little present this morning because it's letting you know that one time God gave the greatest present could ever be give to the human race: His Son. And we have a poor way of expressing it. And there's nothing we can give to compare with that, but just as mortals, one to another, we do that.<ref>THE.REPROACH.FOR.THE.CAUSE.OF.THE.WORD_ JEFF.IN V-2 N-16 SUNDAY_ 62-1223</ref><br />
<br />
:''And the people has turned into buying whiskey, and--and gambling, and fashions. And a--a man that... '''a merchant that can sell his goods through Christmas time can live the rest of the year, almost'''. See? It's such a great holiday, commercial. And poor little kids on the street; their parents are not able to--to visit them with a--a present, like from Santa Claus, and they walk down the street, and their little dirty hands and their little red eyes. I--I just hate to see it come along. '''It ought to be a solemn day of worship to God''', instead of a heartache and a headache and the things that's done. There's nothing to Christ about that. But we're right in the midst of all this now.<ref>WHO.DO.YOU.SAY.THIS.IS_ PHOENIX.AZ V-6 N-9 SUNDAY_ 64-1227</ref><br />
<br />
:''And now, you say, "Well, the rest of them's all Santa Claus and going on like they do; why, we just might as well do it." No, sir! No, '''this is not a pagan celebration to us''', this is a sacred hour. If there had been no Christmas, there would been no resurrection. If there been no Christmas: there'd been no love, there'd been no peace, there'd been no hereafter for the believer; if there'd been no Christmas.<ref>GOD'S.GIFTS.ALWAYS.FIND.THEIR.PLACES_ JEFF.IN V-6 N-13 SUNDAY_ 63-1222</ref><br />
<br />
==Was this another example of William Branham adopting the doctrine of the Jehovah's Witnesses?==<br />
<br />
There are several examples of William Branham adopting [[Michael the Archangel|doctrinal positions that were similar to those of the Watchtower Society (the Jehovah's Witnesses)]].<br />
<br />
“… those who celebrate Christmas do not honor God or Christ, but honor pagan celebrations and pagan gods.” This declaration in an Awake! magazine of December 8, 1988 (page 19) sums up the Watchtower Society’s teaching on the holiday — a teaching that the Society’s magazines reemphasize each December lest some of the flock forget and erroneously conclude ‘tis the season to be jolly.<br />
<br />
Criticism of Christmas in those articles focuses first of all on the date. Religious and secular sources are quoted to establish the well-known fact that the actual date of the Savior’s birth is unknown. The articles then attack selection of December 25th as an arbitrary date to celebrate the event, because pagans were already holding winter festivals on that date. The implication is that the Church did not try to supplant the pagan festival with a Christian one, but rather that the Church merely attached a new name to the old holiday so that believers could join in.<br />
JW articles go on to trace the Christmas tree to pagan worship; they focus on greed and commercialism that surfaces during the Christmas shopping season; they point out that the holiday is celebrated in oriental lands where the general population makes no pretense of being believers in Christ.<br />
<br />
From all of this they argue that Christmas is a pagan holiday inappropriate for Christians to share in. Interestingly, however, The Watchtower did not always express this viewpoint. The organization’s founders and early leaders celebrated Christmas and encouraged others to do the same:<br />
<br />
:''“Christmas Day,” in celebration of our dear Redeemer’s birth, has for long centuries been celebrated on December 25th; and although it is now well known that this date is in error, and that it more properly corresponds with the date of the annunciation to Mary, nine months before our Lord was born, and that he was born about October 1st,—nevertheless, since the Lord has given no instructions whatever upon this subject, and since it is proper to do good deeds and think good thoughts upon any day, it cannot be improper, in harmony with general usage, for us to remember in a social way our dear Redeemer’s birth at this time.<ref>Zion’s Watch Tower, December 15, 1898, page 370</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''It matters not particularly that December 25 is not the anniversary of our Lord’s birth, according to the Scriptural account; that really he was born about September 25, nine months later. One day, as well as another, will serve us to commemorate our Savior’s birth in the flesh, as a gift of God’s love to a condemned and dying world.<ref>Zion’s Watch Tower, December 15, 1908, page 379</ref><br />
<br />
The early Watchtower leaders who felt this way were just as familiar as today’s leaders with the resemblance between pagan customs and certain Christmas traditions. They welcomed opportunities to share with others in honoring Christ, while today’s leaders seem more eager to keep followers separated from non-JW relatives and neighbors. (Some form of isolation from outsiders is a common thread found in many mind-control cults. With some groups this separation is accomplished by physically withdrawing into a commune, while in other cults members continue living in the outside world but withdraw from social contact with non-members.)<br />
<br />
Participation in Christmas celebrations is not optional for Jehovah’s Witnesses. The ban is enforced by elders who make up judicial committees that sit in judgment of any who celebrate the holiday, even in some small way. This has been a firmly held position of the Watchtower Society since 1928.<ref>David A. Reed, Answering Jehovah’s Witnesses: Subject by Subject, electronic ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1997).</ref><br />
<br />
=Christmas and Paganism=<br />
<br />
BAH! HUMBUG! These two words are instantly associated with Charles Dickens’s immortal fictional antihero, Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge was the prototype of the Grinch who stole Christmas, the paradigm of all men cynical.<br />
<br />
We all recognize that Ebenezer Scrooge was a mean person—stingy, insensitive, selfish, and unkind. What we often miss in our understanding of his character is that he was preeminently profane. “Bah! Humbug!” was his Victorian use of profanity.<br />
<br />
Not that any modern editor would feel the need to delete Scrooge’s expletives. His language is not the standard currency of cursing. But it was profane in that Scrooge demeaned what was holy. He trampled on the sanctity of Christmas. He despised the sacred. He was cynical toward the sublime.<br />
<br />
Christmas is a holiday, indeed the world’s most joyous holiday. It is called a “holiday” because the day is holy. It is a day when businesses close, when families gather, when churches are filled, and when soldiers put down their guns for a 24-hour truce. It is a day that differs from every other day.<br />
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Every generation has its abundance of Scrooges. The church is full of them - a kind of legalist. We hear endless complaints of commercialism. We are constantly told to put Christ back into Christmas. We hear that the tradition of Santa Claus is a sacrilege. We listen to those acquainted with history murmur that Christmas isn’t biblical. The Church invented Christmas to compete with the ancient Roman festival honoring the bull-god Mithras, the nay-sayers complain. Christmas? A mere capitulation to paganism.<br />
<br />
And so we rain on Jesus’ parade and assume an olympian detachment from the joyous holiday. All this carping is but a modern dose of Scroogeism, our own sanctimonious profanation of the holy.<br />
<br />
Sure, Christmas is a time of commerce. The department stores are decorated to the hilt, the ad pages of the newspapers swell in size, and we tick off the number of shopping days left until Christmas. But why all the commerce? The high degree of commerce at Christmas is driven by one thing: the buying of gifts for others. To present our friends and families with gifts is not an ugly, ignoble vice. It incarnates the amorphous “spirit of Christmas.” The tradition rests ultimately on the supreme gift God has given the world. God so loved the world, the Bible says, that He gave His only begotten Son. The giving of gifts is a marvelous response to the receiving of such a gift. For one day a year at least, we taste the sweetness inherent in the truth that it is more blessed to give than to receive.<br />
<br />
What about putting Christ back into Christmas? It is simply not necessary. Christ has never left Christmas. “Jingle Bells” will never replace “Silent Night.” Our holiday once known as Thanksgiving is rapidly becoming known simply as “Turkey Day.” But Christmas is still called Christmas. It is not called “Gift Day.” Christ is still in Christmas, and for one brief season the secular world broadcasts the message of Christ over every radio station and television channel in the land. Never does the church get as much free air time as during the Christmas season.<br />
Not only music but the visual arts are present in abundance, bearing testimony to the historic significance of the birth of Jesus. Christmas displays, creches, Christmas cards, yard displays all remind the world of the sacred Incarnation.<br />
<br />
Doesn’t Santa Claus paganize or at least trivialize Christmas? He’s a myth, and his very mythology casts a shadow over the sober historical reality of Jesus. Not at all. Myths are not necessarily bad or harmful. Every society creates myths. They are a peculiar art form invented usually to convey a message that is deemed important by the people. When a myth is passed off as real history, that is fraud. But when it serves a different purpose it can be healthy and virtuous. Kris Kringle is a mythical hero, not a villain. He is pure fiction—but a fiction used to illustrate a glorious truth.<br />
<br />
What about the historical origins of Christmas as a substitute for a pagan festival? I can only say, good for the early Christians who had the wisdom to flee from Mithras and direct their zeal to the celebration of the birth of Christ. Who associates Christmas today with Mithras? No one calls it “Mithrasmas.”<br />
<br />
We celebrate Christmas because we cannot eradicate from our consciousness our profound awareness of the difference between the sacred and the profane. Man, in the generic sense, has an incurable propensity for marking sacred space and sacred time. When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, the ground that was previously common suddenly became uncommon. It was now holy ground—sacred space. When Jacob awoke from his midnight vision of the presence of God, he anointed with oil the rock upon which he had rested his head. It was sacred space.<br />
<br />
When God touches earth, the place is holy. When God appears in history, the time is holy. There was never a more holy place than the city of Bethlehem, where the Word became flesh. There was never a more holy time than Christmas morning when Emmanuel was born. Christmas is a holiday. It is the holiest of holy days. We must heed the warning of Jacob Marley: “Don’t be a Scrooge” at Christmas.<ref>R. C. Sproul, “Right Now Counts Forever: Marley’s Message to Scrooge,” ed. R. C. Sproul Jr., Tabletalk Magazine, December 1993: Marley’s Message to Scrooge (Lake Mary, FL: Ligonier Ministries, 1993), 5–6.</ref><br />
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<br />
=External References=<br />
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*[http://thehomespunlife.com/legalism-almost-killed-our-christmas/ The Homespun Life - How Legalism Almost Killed Our Christmas]<br />
*[http://midwestapologetics.org/blog/?p=803 Christmas Misconceptions: Legalism or Liberty?]<br />
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[[Category:Doctrines]]<br />
[[Category:Legalism]]<br />
[[Category:The Message]]</div>
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https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=Is_Oneness_Theology_Heretical%3F&diff=27035
Is Oneness Theology Heretical?
2023-12-26T20:01:10Z
<p>Admin: /* Was the early church Oneness in its theology? */</p>
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<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
The '''Oneness''' doctrine is a non-[[Trinity|Trinitarian]] view of the [[The Godhead]] that was rejected by the church in the third century AD. It is the fundamental belief of a small minority of Pentecostal denominations and most churches that follow William Branham. Prior to the 20th century, the Christian church referred to the Oneness doctrine as Sabellianism, Patripassianism, Modalism or modalistic monarchianism.<br />
<br />
=Was the early church Oneness in its theology?=<br />
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The early church did not espouse either a Trinitarian or Oneness doctrinal stance because it was not necessary. The early church had the truth taught by the apostles. However, error started to creep into the church, and this error was eventually formulated as false doctrine. The church rejected the false doctrine and, in response, had to formulate proper doctrine (the word "orthodoxy" means "of the right opinion").<br />
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False teaching on the Godhead originated with Sabellius and Arius. Sabellius taught modalism (Oneness), while Arius taught that Jesus was a created being and not God (similar to the current view of the JWs. The church rejected both of these views and in response formulated the doctrine of the Trinity. The doctrine of the Trinity is a defensive doctrine required to defend against the teaching of Sabellianism, Arianism and other false views on the Godhead.<br />
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= Unitarianism versus Oneness =<br />
There are many who confuse the terms unitarian and Oneness. This is because both essentially believe that God can only exist as a single "unit," or monad. He cannot be divided into separate parts, or a plurality of "persons" and still exist as a whole deity. Although unitarians and Oneness are similar in the belief that there is not a plurality of persons in the Godhead, unitarians believe that Jesus was only a moral authority whereas the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ is essential to Oneness doctrine.<br />
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In Oneness theology there is an existential distinction, where God in the incarnation comes to exist in Christ in complete human existence and continues to exist as God eternally as Spirit ("Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" - Matthew 1:23).<br />
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=Monarchianism=<br />
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Monarchianism refers to a movement in the second and third centuries that attempted to safeguard monotheism and the unity (mono-archē = “one source”) of the Godhead. Monarchianism denied any kind of difference in reality of the Son and the Spirit as separate from the Father. The first form of monarchianism was referred to as "patripassianism", which derived from the Greek words patēr (father) and paschō (to suffer). The term refers to an early type of modalism that suggested that the one God (the Father) became incarnate in the form of the Son, was born of a virgin and suffered and died on the cross.<br />
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From this, two distinct forms of monarchianism developed: <br />
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:1. Adoptionist, or [[Dynamic Monarchianism|dynamic monarchianism]], which understood Jesus as merely a prophet filled with the Spirit and thus “adopted” by God; and <br />
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:2. Modalism (modalistic monarchianism or Sabellianism), which viewed Jesus as one of the modes through which the one God reveals himself to us.<ref>Stanley Grenz, David Guretzki and Cherith Fee Nordling, Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms, 80 (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999).</ref><br />
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==Oneness/Modalist Theology==<br />
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The majority of message churches would be considered modalist or oneness in their view of the Godhead.<br />
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They believe in the one [[God]], and the complete and full deity of [[Jesus Christ]]. Oneness Pentecostals reject the doctrine of the [[Trinity]]. Oneness Pentecostals maintain that the Judeo-Christian God is not three separate and distinct Persons, but is exclusively one God without any internal distinctions of persons, a belief based in part on a biblical passage found in Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear oh Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord." <br />
<br />
According to Oneness Pentecostals, God is not a plurality of persons, but does have a plurality of manifestations, roles, titles, attributes, or relationships to man. Oneness statements of faith generally refer to God as "Father in creation, Son in redemption, and Holy Spirit in emanation/regeneration" or that God exists in three "manifestations" throughout history. Oneness Christians maintain that there is no fundamental "threeness" to God, and consider it an injustice to speak of God as a "person". <br />
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Oneness Pentecostals are often referred to as "Jesus Only." The label arose early on in reference to their insistence on baptizing only in the name of Jesus, but it tends to be used only by the movement's critics today, and is generally disliked by Oneness Pentecostals. "Oneness", "Apostolic" and "Jesus' Name" are adherents' preferred self-designations.<ref>Dr. David K. Bernard, [http://www.pctii.org/cyberj/cyberj4/bernard.html Unmasking Prejudice], Cyberjournal for Pentecostal-Charismatic Research</ref><br />
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=Concerns with the Oneness doctrine=<br />
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[[Image:FatherJesus.jpg|thumb|150px|An extreme Oneness t-shirt from fatherjesus.com]]<br />
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Sabellius was the original proponent of modalism. <br />
<br />
Calvin saw Sabellius as having a false belief because he:<br />
<br />
:''counted the names of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as almost of no importance, arguing that it was not because of any distinction that they were put forward, but that they were diverse attributes of God, of which sort there are very many. If it came to a debate, he was accustomed to confess that he recognized the Father as God, the Son as God, and the Spirit as God; but afterward a way out was found, contending that he had said nothing else than if he had spoken of God as strong, and just, and wise. And so he re-echoed another old song, that the Father is the Son, and the Holy Spirit the Father, without rank, without distinction. <ref> John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Volumes 1 & 2, ed. John T. McNeill, trans. Ford Lewis Battles, The Library of Christian Classics, 125 (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2011).</ref><br />
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==Wording that modalist (and message) believers never use==<br />
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It is interesting to note that the people that ascribe to the modalist view of the Godhead never use wording like the following when they are talking about God:<br />
<br />
:''But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, '''and Jesus standing at the right hand of God'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 7:55.</ref><br />
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:'''''God''' is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of '''his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Co 1:9.</ref><br />
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:''The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ '''and''' the love of God '''and''' the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Co 13:14.</ref><br />
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:''Blessed be the '''God and Father''' of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Eph 1:3.</ref><br />
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:''I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that '''the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory''', may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Eph 1:16–17.</ref><br />
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:''Grace to you and peace from God our Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Php 1:2.</ref><br />
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:''We always thank '''God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ''', when we pray for you...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Col 1:3.</ref><br />
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:''And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, '''giving thanks to God the Father through him'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Col 3:17.</ref><br />
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:''To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ...<ref>Grace to you and peace. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Th 1:1.</ref><br />
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:''To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Th 1:1–2.</ref><br />
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:''Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, '''and''' God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Th 2:16–17.</ref><br />
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:''Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father '''and''' Christ Jesus our Lord.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Ti 1:2.</ref><br />
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:''Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father '''and''' Christ Jesus our Lord.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Ti 1:2.</ref><br />
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:''Grace and peace from God the Father '''and''' Christ Jesus our Savior.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Tt 1:4.</ref><br />
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:''Grace to you and peace from God our Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Phm 3.</ref><br />
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:''Blessed be the '''God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ'''! According to his great mercy...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Pe 1:3.</ref><br />
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:''...that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is '''with the Father and with his Son''' Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Jn 1:3.</ref><br />
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:'''''This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.'''<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Jn 2:22.</ref><br />
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:''...according to the foreknowledge of '''God the Father''', in the sanctification of the '''Spirit''', for obedience to '''Jesus Christ''' and for sprinkling with his blood...''<Ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Pe 1:2.</ref><br />
<br />
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:''Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, '''from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son''', in truth and love.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Jn 3.</ref><br />
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:''To those who are called, beloved in '''God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ'''...<ref>Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jud 1.</ref><br />
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Why is it that they never refer to ''God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ''? Could it be that their understanding of the Godhead is incorrect? Could it be an antichrist spirit that ''denies the Father '''and''' the Son''?<br />
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<br />
=An important question to consider=<br />
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In Ephesians 1:17, Paul refers to "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory."<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Eph 1:17.</ref><br />
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'''If Jesus and the Father are one and the same, who is the God of Jesus that Paul is referring to?'''<br />
<br />
=Denominations that follow Oneness Theology=<br />
Besides the majority of message believers, there are many Oneness Pentecostal organizations, although their numbers are not significant. Here are a few of the larger ones:<br />
*[http://www.pawinc.org Pentecostal Assemblies of the World]<br />
*[http://www.upci.org United Pentecostal Church]<br />
*[http://apostolicassembly.org Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus]<br />
*[http://ALJC.org Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ]<br />
<br />
== International Denominations ==<br />
Oneness Pentecostal groups with headquarters in other countries include the United Pentecostal Church of Colombia, an indigenous church and the largest non-Catholic church in the country; the United Pentecostal Church of Australia; the Apostolic Church of the Faith in Christ Jesus, with headquarters in Mexico; the Oneness Pentecostal movement in the former U.S.S.R.; and the True Jesus Church], an indigenous church founded by Chinese Christians on the mainland but whose headquarters is now in Taiwan. At times they have affirmed to be the only true church. There are many smaller organizations (approximately 130 worldwide), independent churches, and charismatic fellowships that are Oneness in doctrine.<br />
<br />
In existence is also the Apostolic World Christian Fellowship which has been trying to unite all Oneness Pentecostal denominations in existence through a loose fellowship. There are some Oneness denominations that have refused to join -- for example the United Pentecostal Church.<ref>"The Pentecostals", by Walter J. Hollenweger, Professor of Mission at the University of Birmingham</ref><br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.carm.org/oneness.htm Oneness Pentecostal theology, also known as Jesus Only theology] What is Oneness Pentecostal Theology? <br />
* [http://christiandefense.org/oneness.htm A Definitive Look at Oneness Theology] Defending the Tri-Unity of God<br />
<br />
{{Bottom of Page}} or {{Bottom of Page No Ref}}<br />
[[Category: Unfinished articles]]</div>
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https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=Is_Oneness_Theology_Heretical%3F&diff=27034
Is Oneness Theology Heretical?
2023-12-26T19:53:09Z
<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
The '''Oneness''' doctrine is a non-[[Trinity|Trinitarian]] view of the [[The Godhead]] that was rejected by the church in the third century AD. It is the fundamental belief of a small minority of Pentecostal denominations and most churches that follow William Branham. Prior to the 20th century, the Christian church referred to the Oneness doctrine as Sabellianism, Patripassianism, Modalism or modalistic monarchianism.<br />
<br />
=Was the early church Oneness in its theology?=<br />
<br />
The early church did not espouse either Oneness or Trinitarian doctrinal stance because it was not necessary. The early church had the truth taught by the apostles. However, error started to creep into the church and this error was eventually formulated as false doctrine. The church rejected the false doctrine and, in response, had to formulate proper doctrine (the word "orthodoxy" means "of the right opinion").<br />
<br />
Oneness doctrine first originated with Sabellius.<br />
<br />
<br />
= Unitarianism versus Oneness =<br />
There are many who confuse the terms unitarian and Oneness. This is because both essentially believe that God can only exist as a single "unit," or monad. He cannot be divided into separate parts, or a plurality of "persons" and still exist as a whole deity. Although unitarians and Oneness are similar in the belief that there is not a plurality of persons in the Godhead, unitarians believe that Jesus was only a moral authority whereas the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ is essential to Oneness doctrine.<br />
<br />
In Oneness theology there is an existential distinction, where God in the incarnation comes to exist in Christ in complete human existence and continues to exist as God eternally as Spirit ("Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" - Matthew 1:23).<br />
<br />
=Monarchianism=<br />
<br />
Monarchianism refers to a movement in the second and third centuries that attempted to safeguard monotheism and the unity (mono-archē = “one source”) of the Godhead. Monarchianism denied any kind of difference in reality of the Son and the Spirit as separate from the Father. The first form of monarchianism was referred to as "patripassianism", which derived from the Greek words patēr (father) and paschō (to suffer). The term refers to an early type of modalism that suggested that the one God (the Father) became incarnate in the form of the Son, was born of a virgin and suffered and died on the cross.<br />
<br />
From this, two distinct forms of monarchianism developed: <br />
<br />
:1. Adoptionist, or [[Dynamic Monarchianism|dynamic monarchianism]], which understood Jesus as merely a prophet filled with the Spirit and thus “adopted” by God; and <br />
<br />
:2. Modalism (modalistic monarchianism or Sabellianism), which viewed Jesus as one of the modes through which the one God reveals himself to us.<ref>Stanley Grenz, David Guretzki and Cherith Fee Nordling, Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms, 80 (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999).</ref><br />
<br />
==Oneness/Modalist Theology==<br />
<br />
The majority of message churches would be considered modalist or oneness in their view of the Godhead.<br />
<br />
They believe in the one [[God]], and the complete and full deity of [[Jesus Christ]]. Oneness Pentecostals reject the doctrine of the [[Trinity]]. Oneness Pentecostals maintain that the Judeo-Christian God is not three separate and distinct Persons, but is exclusively one God without any internal distinctions of persons, a belief based in part on a biblical passage found in Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear oh Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord." <br />
<br />
According to Oneness Pentecostals, God is not a plurality of persons, but does have a plurality of manifestations, roles, titles, attributes, or relationships to man. Oneness statements of faith generally refer to God as "Father in creation, Son in redemption, and Holy Spirit in emanation/regeneration" or that God exists in three "manifestations" throughout history. Oneness Christians maintain that there is no fundamental "threeness" to God, and consider it an injustice to speak of God as a "person". <br />
<br />
Oneness Pentecostals are often referred to as "Jesus Only." The label arose early on in reference to their insistence on baptizing only in the name of Jesus, but it tends to be used only by the movement's critics today, and is generally disliked by Oneness Pentecostals. "Oneness", "Apostolic" and "Jesus' Name" are adherents' preferred self-designations.<ref>Dr. David K. Bernard, [http://www.pctii.org/cyberj/cyberj4/bernard.html Unmasking Prejudice], Cyberjournal for Pentecostal-Charismatic Research</ref><br />
<br />
=Concerns with the Oneness doctrine=<br />
<br />
[[Image:FatherJesus.jpg|thumb|150px|An extreme Oneness t-shirt from fatherjesus.com]]<br />
<br />
Sabellius was the original proponent of modalism. <br />
<br />
Calvin saw Sabellius as having a false belief because he:<br />
<br />
:''counted the names of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as almost of no importance, arguing that it was not because of any distinction that they were put forward, but that they were diverse attributes of God, of which sort there are very many. If it came to a debate, he was accustomed to confess that he recognized the Father as God, the Son as God, and the Spirit as God; but afterward a way out was found, contending that he had said nothing else than if he had spoken of God as strong, and just, and wise. And so he re-echoed another old song, that the Father is the Son, and the Holy Spirit the Father, without rank, without distinction. <ref> John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Volumes 1 & 2, ed. John T. McNeill, trans. Ford Lewis Battles, The Library of Christian Classics, 125 (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2011).</ref><br />
<br />
==Wording that modalist (and message) believers never use==<br />
<br />
It is interesting to note that the people that ascribe to the modalist view of the Godhead never use wording like the following when they are talking about God:<br />
<br />
:''But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, '''and Jesus standing at the right hand of God'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 7:55.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:'''''God''' is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of '''his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Co 1:9.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ '''and''' the love of God '''and''' the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Co 13:14.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Blessed be the '''God and Father''' of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Eph 1:3.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that '''the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory''', may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Eph 1:16–17.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Grace to you and peace from God our Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Php 1:2.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''We always thank '''God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ''', when we pray for you...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Col 1:3.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, '''giving thanks to God the Father through him'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Col 3:17.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ...<ref>Grace to you and peace. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Th 1:1.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Th 1:1–2.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, '''and''' God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Th 2:16–17.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father '''and''' Christ Jesus our Lord.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Ti 1:2.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father '''and''' Christ Jesus our Lord.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Ti 1:2.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Grace and peace from God the Father '''and''' Christ Jesus our Savior.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Tt 1:4.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Grace to you and peace from God our Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Phm 3.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Blessed be the '''God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ'''! According to his great mercy...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Pe 1:3.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''...that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is '''with the Father and with his Son''' Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Jn 1:3.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:'''''This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.'''<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Jn 2:22.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''...according to the foreknowledge of '''God the Father''', in the sanctification of the '''Spirit''', for obedience to '''Jesus Christ''' and for sprinkling with his blood...''<Ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Pe 1:2.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, '''from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son''', in truth and love.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Jn 3.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''To those who are called, beloved in '''God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ'''...<ref>Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jud 1.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
Why is it that they never refer to ''God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ''? Could it be that their understanding of the Godhead is incorrect? Could it be an antichrist spirit that ''denies the Father '''and''' the Son''?<br />
<br />
<br />
=An important question to consider=<br />
<br />
In Ephesians 1:17, Paul refers to "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory."<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Eph 1:17.</ref><br />
<br />
'''If Jesus and the Father are one and the same, who is the God of Jesus that Paul is referring to?'''<br />
<br />
=Denominations that follow Oneness Theology=<br />
Besides the majority of message believers, there are many Oneness Pentecostal organizations, although their numbers are not significant. Here are a few of the larger ones:<br />
*[http://www.pawinc.org Pentecostal Assemblies of the World]<br />
*[http://www.upci.org United Pentecostal Church]<br />
*[http://apostolicassembly.org Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus]<br />
*[http://ALJC.org Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ]<br />
<br />
== International Denominations ==<br />
Oneness Pentecostal groups with headquarters in other countries include the United Pentecostal Church of Colombia, an indigenous church and the largest non-Catholic church in the country; the United Pentecostal Church of Australia; the Apostolic Church of the Faith in Christ Jesus, with headquarters in Mexico; the Oneness Pentecostal movement in the former U.S.S.R.; and the True Jesus Church], an indigenous church founded by Chinese Christians on the mainland but whose headquarters is now in Taiwan. At times they have affirmed to be the only true church. There are many smaller organizations (approximately 130 worldwide), independent churches, and charismatic fellowships that are Oneness in doctrine.<br />
<br />
In existence is also the Apostolic World Christian Fellowship which has been trying to unite all Oneness Pentecostal denominations in existence through a loose fellowship. There are some Oneness denominations that have refused to join -- for example the United Pentecostal Church.<ref>"The Pentecostals", by Walter J. Hollenweger, Professor of Mission at the University of Birmingham</ref><br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.carm.org/oneness.htm Oneness Pentecostal theology, also known as Jesus Only theology] What is Oneness Pentecostal Theology? <br />
* [http://christiandefense.org/oneness.htm A Definitive Look at Oneness Theology] Defending the Tri-Unity of God<br />
<br />
{{Bottom of Page}} or {{Bottom of Page No Ref}}<br />
[[Category: Unfinished articles]]</div>
Admin
https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=Is_Oneness_Theology_Heretical%3F&diff=27033
Is Oneness Theology Heretical?
2023-12-26T19:38:47Z
<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
The '''Oneness''' doctrine is a non-[[Trinity|Trinitarian]] view of the [[The Godhead]] that was rejected by the church in the third century AD. It is the fundamental belief of a small minority of Pentecostal denominations and most churches that follow William Branham. However, those message churches that follow the teachings of '''[[Vaylism|Lee Vayle]]''' and '''[[The Jackson Camp|Junior Jackson]]''' have a view of the Godhead that appears to be a mixture of several heretical teachings that originated well over 1,000 year ago, namely [[Nestorianism]], [[Arianism]], and [[Dynamic Monarchianism|Adoptionism]]. Prior to the 20th century, the Christian church referred to the Oneness doctrine as Sabellianism, Patripassianism, Modalism or modalistic monarchianism.<br />
<br />
=Was the early church Oneness in its theology?=<br />
<br />
= Unitarianism versus Oneness =<br />
There are many who confuse the terms unitarian and Oneness. This is because both essentially believe that God can only exist as a single "unit," or monad. He cannot be divided into separate parts, or a plurality of "persons" and still exist as a whole deity. Although unitarians and Oneness are similar in the belief that there is not a plurality of persons in the Godhead, unitarians believe that Jesus was only a moral authority whereas the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ is essential to Oneness doctrine.<br />
<br />
In Oneness theology there is an existential distinction, where God in the incarnation comes to exist in Christ in complete human existence and continues to exist as God eternally as Spirit ("Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" - Matthew 1:23).<br />
<br />
=Monarchianism=<br />
<br />
Monarchianism refers to a movement in the second and third centuries that attempted to safeguard monotheism and the unity (mono-archē = “one source”) of the Godhead. Monarchianism denied any kind of difference in reality of the Son and the Spirit as separate from the Father. The first form of monarchianism was referred to as "patripassianism", which derived from the Greek words patēr (father) and paschō (to suffer). The term refers to an early type of modalism that suggested that the one God (the Father) became incarnate in the form of the Son, was born of a virgin and suffered and died on the cross.<br />
<br />
From this, two distinct forms of monarchianism developed: <br />
<br />
:1. Adoptionist, or [[Dynamic Monarchianism|dynamic monarchianism]], which understood Jesus as merely a prophet filled with the Spirit and thus “adopted” by God; and <br />
<br />
:2. Modalism (modalistic monarchianism or Sabellianism), which viewed Jesus as one of the modes through which the one God reveals himself to us.<ref>Stanley Grenz, David Guretzki and Cherith Fee Nordling, Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms, 80 (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999).</ref><br />
<br />
==Oneness/Modalist Theology==<br />
<br />
The majority of message churches would be considered modalist or oneness in their view of the Godhead.<br />
<br />
They believe in the one [[God]], and the complete and full deity of [[Jesus Christ]]. Oneness Pentecostals reject the doctrine of the [[Trinity]]. Oneness Pentecostals maintain that the Judeo-Christian God is not three separate and distinct Persons, but is exclusively one God without any internal distinctions of persons, a belief based in part on a biblical passage found in Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear oh Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord." <br />
<br />
According to Oneness Pentecostals, God is not a plurality of persons, but does have a plurality of manifestations, roles, titles, attributes, or relationships to man. Oneness statements of faith generally refer to God as "Father in creation, Son in redemption, and Holy Spirit in emanation/regeneration" or that God exists in three "manifestations" throughout history. Oneness Christians maintain that there is no fundamental "threeness" to God, and consider it an injustice to speak of God as a "person". <br />
<br />
Oneness Pentecostals are often referred to as "Jesus Only." The label arose early on in reference to their insistence on baptizing only in the name of Jesus, but it tends to be used only by the movement's critics today, and is generally disliked by Oneness Pentecostals. "Oneness", "Apostolic" and "Jesus' Name" are adherents' preferred self-designations.<ref>Dr. David K. Bernard, [http://www.pctii.org/cyberj/cyberj4/bernard.html Unmasking Prejudice], Cyberjournal for Pentecostal-Charismatic Research</ref><br />
<br />
=Concerns with the Oneness doctrine=<br />
<br />
[[Image:FatherJesus.jpg|thumb|150px|An extreme Oneness t-shirt from fatherjesus.com]]<br />
<br />
Sabellius was the original proponent of modalism. <br />
<br />
Calvin saw Sabellius as having a false belief because he:<br />
<br />
:''counted the names of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as almost of no importance, arguing that it was not because of any distinction that they were put forward, but that they were diverse attributes of God, of which sort there are very many. If it came to a debate, he was accustomed to confess that he recognized the Father as God, the Son as God, and the Spirit as God; but afterward a way out was found, contending that he had said nothing else than if he had spoken of God as strong, and just, and wise. And so he re-echoed another old song, that the Father is the Son, and the Holy Spirit the Father, without rank, without distinction. <ref> John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Volumes 1 & 2, ed. John T. McNeill, trans. Ford Lewis Battles, The Library of Christian Classics, 125 (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2011).</ref><br />
<br />
==Wording that modalist (and message) believers never use==<br />
<br />
It is interesting to note that the people that ascribe to the modalist view of the Godhead never use wording like the following when they are talking about God:<br />
<br />
:''But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, '''and Jesus standing at the right hand of God'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 7:55.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:'''''God''' is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of '''his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Co 1:9.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ '''and''' the love of God '''and''' the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Co 13:14.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Blessed be the '''God and Father''' of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Eph 1:3.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that '''the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory''', may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Eph 1:16–17.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Grace to you and peace from God our Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Php 1:2.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''We always thank '''God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ''', when we pray for you...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Col 1:3.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, '''giving thanks to God the Father through him'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Col 3:17.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ...<ref>Grace to you and peace. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Th 1:1.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Th 1:1–2.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, '''and''' God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Th 2:16–17.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father '''and''' Christ Jesus our Lord.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Ti 1:2.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father '''and''' Christ Jesus our Lord.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Ti 1:2.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Grace and peace from God the Father '''and''' Christ Jesus our Savior.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Tt 1:4.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Grace to you and peace from God our Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Phm 3.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Blessed be the '''God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ'''! According to his great mercy...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Pe 1:3.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''...that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is '''with the Father and with his Son''' Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Jn 1:3.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:'''''This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.'''<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Jn 2:22.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''...according to the foreknowledge of '''God the Father''', in the sanctification of the '''Spirit''', for obedience to '''Jesus Christ''' and for sprinkling with his blood...''<Ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Pe 1:2.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, '''from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son''', in truth and love.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Jn 3.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''To those who are called, beloved in '''God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ'''...<ref>Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jud 1.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
Why is it that they never refer to ''God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ''? Could it be that their understanding of the Godhead is incorrect? Could it be an antichrist spirit that ''denies the Father '''and''' the Son''?<br />
<br />
<br />
=An important question to consider=<br />
<br />
In Ephesians 1:17, Paul refers to "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory."<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Eph 1:17.</ref><br />
<br />
'''If Jesus and the Father are one and the same, who is the God of Jesus that Paul is referring to?'''<br />
<br />
=Denominations that follow Oneness Theology=<br />
Besides the majority of message believers, there are many Oneness Pentecostal organizations, although their numbers are not significant. Here are a few of the larger ones:<br />
*[http://www.pawinc.org Pentecostal Assemblies of the World]<br />
*[http://www.upci.org United Pentecostal Church]<br />
*[http://apostolicassembly.org Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus]<br />
*[http://ALJC.org Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ]<br />
<br />
== International Denominations ==<br />
Oneness Pentecostal groups with headquarters in other countries include the United Pentecostal Church of Colombia, an indigenous church and the largest non-Catholic church in the country; the United Pentecostal Church of Australia; the Apostolic Church of the Faith in Christ Jesus, with headquarters in Mexico; the Oneness Pentecostal movement in the former U.S.S.R.; and the True Jesus Church], an indigenous church founded by Chinese Christians on the mainland but whose headquarters is now in Taiwan. At times they have affirmed to be the only true church. There are many smaller organizations (approximately 130 worldwide), independent churches, and charismatic fellowships that are Oneness in doctrine.<br />
<br />
In existence is also the Apostolic World Christian Fellowship which has been trying to unite all Oneness Pentecostal denominations in existence through a loose fellowship. There are some Oneness denominations that have refused to join -- for example the United Pentecostal Church.<ref>"The Pentecostals", by Walter J. Hollenweger, Professor of Mission at the University of Birmingham</ref><br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.carm.org/oneness.htm Oneness Pentecostal theology, also known as Jesus Only theology] What is Oneness Pentecostal Theology? <br />
* [http://christiandefense.org/oneness.htm A Definitive Look at Oneness Theology] Defending the Tri-Unity of God<br />
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Did William Branham Teach Oneness?
2023-12-26T19:36:31Z
<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:Trinity}}<br />
'''The majority of message church believe the Oneness doctrine.'''<br />
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The '''Oneness''' doctrine is a non-[[Trinity|Trinitarian]] heretical view of the [[The Godhead]] that was rejected by the church in the third century AD. It is the fundamental belief of a small minority of Pentecostal denominations and most churches that follow William Branham. However, those message churches that follow the teachings of '''[[Vaylism|Lee Vayle]]''' and '''[[The Jackson Camp|Junior Jackson]]''' have a view of the Godhead that appears to be a mixture of several heretical teachings that originated well over 1,000 year ago, namely [[Nestorianism]], [[Arianism]], and [[Dynamic Monarchianism|Adoptionism]]. Prior to the 20th century, the Christian church referred to the Oneness doctrine as Sabellianism, Patripassianism, Modalism or modalistic monarchianism.<br />
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=William Branham and the Oneness doctrine=<br />
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On close examination, William Branham was incredibly confused in his understanding of God. He tried to hold himself out as believing something that was between Oneness and the Trinity. At times, he sounded like a Oneness preacher (also referred to as Sabellianism or Patripassianism):<br />
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:''And now we find out that Jesus said, also, “I came in My Father’s Name, and you received Me not.” Then, '''the Name of the Father must be Jesus'''. That’s right. The Name of the Father is Jesus, ’cause Jesus said so. “I carry My Father’s Name. I come in My Father’s Name, and you received Me not.” Then, His Name was Jesus.<ref>William Branham, 65-0220 - God's Chosen Place Of Worship, para. 44</ref><br />
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At other times, he sounded like a Nestorian, a teacher of Arianism or an Adoptionist. As a result, some of his followers, in particular the followers of [[Vaylism|Lee Vayle]], believe that Jesus was not God but a created being (Arianism) with a dual nature (Nestorianism). This doctrine is referred to in a derogatory manner by some message followers as the doctrine of the "Twinity".<br />
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Notwithstanding his statements to the contrary, the majority of the followers of William Branham believe that he fundamentally taught a Oneness view of the Godhead and would, therefore, be considered adherents to Oneness theology. <br />
<br />
William Branham often said statements such as, “God is not one like your finger” (Sermon: Lord, Show us the Father, Sept 7, 1953). This appears to be directed at doctrines he was hearing among the people at the time, even though this is not the current doctrine of Oneness Pentecostals, such as the United Pentecostal Church. Websites such as FatherJesus.com are evidence of this extreme Oneness view that Jesus is God the Father. In contrast, William Branham taught that there is a threefold being to God, but God is not three individuals nor so singular that the Son of God is God the Father. <br />
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{|style="background-color:#F0DCC8; border:1px #E8B399 solid; text-align:center;"<br />
|''I do not believe that Jesus could be His own father. I believe that Jesus had a Father, and that was God. But God dwelled and tabernacled in this body called Jesus, and He was Emmanuel: God with us. And there's no other God besides this God. He is Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. And the Name of the Father, Son, Holy Ghost... Father: the Lord, Son: Jesus, Holy Ghost: Logos, Spirit of God. Father, Son, Holy Ghost, Lord Jesus Christ; that's Him. And in Him dwelled the Fullness of the Godhead bodily.'' (William Branham, Sermon: Q&A, June 28, 1959) <br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
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William Branham referred to "Lord Jesus Christ" as the name of God, and that it was what Jesus referred to when he said people should be baptized in "the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit", which were the titles of God. But this isn't right. For example, "Christ" is a title. It means "Messaiah" or "anointed one", while "Holy Spirit" is the best name form the Spirit of God that can be found. "Lord" also reflects the authority of Jesus. But referring to "Lord" as "Father" both removes authority from Jesus, and removes his identity as the Son of God. <br />
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Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus is the Christ. Jesus is Lord, and Jesus is God. The basis for those statements can all be found in scripture. Saying that Holy Spirit is a title and that Christ is the Name is not scriptural. And saying that "Abba" is impersonal is like telling a child that she must call her father by his given name. William Branham's doctrine of the Godhead sacrifices the relationship that God has with man.<br />
<br />
==Oneness/Modalist Theology==<br />
<br />
The majority of message churches would be considered modalist or oneness in their view of the Godhead.<br />
<br />
They believe in the one [[God]], and the complete and full deity of [[Jesus Christ]]. Oneness Pentecostals reject the doctrine of the [[Trinity]]. Oneness Pentecostals maintain that the Judeo-Christian God is not three separate and distinct Persons, but is exclusively one God without any internal distinctions of persons, a belief based in part on a biblical passage found in Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear oh Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord." <br />
<br />
According to Oneness Pentecostals, God is not a plurality of persons, but does have a plurality of manifestations, roles, titles, attributes, or relationships to man. Oneness statements of faith generally refer to God as "Father in creation, Son in redemption, and Holy Spirit in emanation/regeneration" or that God exists in three "manifestations" throughout history. Oneness Christians maintain that there is no fundamental "threeness" to God, and consider it an injustice to speak of God as a "person". <br />
<br />
Oneness Pentecostals are often referred to as "Jesus Only." The label arose early on in reference to their insistence on baptizing only in the name of Jesus, but it tends to be used only by the movement's critics today, and is generally disliked by Oneness Pentecostals. "Oneness", "Apostolic" and "Jesus' Name" are adherents' preferred self-designations.<ref>Dr. David K. Bernard, [http://www.pctii.org/cyberj/cyberj4/bernard.html Unmasking Prejudice], Cyberjournal for Pentecostal-Charismatic Research</ref><br />
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==Adoptionist, or dynamic monarchianism==<br />
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[[Vaylism|Lee Vayle]] took the teachings of William Branham and used them to teach his own heretical view of the Godhead, a strange admixture of [[Nestorianism]], [[Arianism]], and [[Dynamic Monarchianism|Adoptionism]]. A detailed analysis of Lee Vayle's teachings can be found in our [[Vaylism|article on the subject]].<br />
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=Quotes of William Branham=<br />
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William Branham clearly stated that he did not believe the Oneness doctrine on numerous occasions:<br />
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:''And I different agree with the organization of Pentecost that calls the Oneness like your finger is one. '''That’s wrong. Absolutely, it’s wrong. God… Jesus couldn’t have been His Own Father,''' and if God is a Man, then Jesus was born sexual desire and not virgin birth. That settles the whole thing. You see? If He’s one like your finger’s one, then what? Then He was His Own daddy. How could He have been? That’s wrong. He had a Father, Jesus did.<ref>William Branham, 53-0907A - Lord, Show Us The Father And It Sufficeth Us</ref><br />
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:''Now, the Oneness took it, the oneness group of people, and '''try to make Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, just one office and one place, and like your finger, one. That’s wrong.''' God could not…Jesus could not been His Own father. If He was, then He was a…Well, '''how could He been His Own father?'''<ref>William Branham, 57-0901E - Hebrews, Chapter Four, para. 128</ref><br />
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:''That’s why we stay at the Branham Tabernacle. That’s why we’re not Assemblies. That’s '''why we’re not Oneness. That’s why we’re not Jesus Only.''' That’s why we’re not Methodist. That’s why we’re not Baptist. Just a—a little tabernacle here. We don’t have no denomination at all. We’re free, in Christ. That’s why we stay the way we do. And God has blessed us, God helping us.<ref>William Branham, 58-0927 - Why Are We Not A Denomination?, para. 194</ref><br />
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:''A few days ago, when Doctor Lamsa come to me, and never knowed nothing about that, and brought me a picture, which brother’s got it there with him now. Have you got that picture? Have you got the Bible with you, laying there, it’s in your book? All right. There was a picture of the old ancient Hebrew sign of God, just exactly that existed in the days of Job, before the Bible was ever wrote. God in His three attributes, not three gods. One God in three attributes. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three offices that God worked into. Not three gods, three attributes! And there It was. <br />
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:''When that great man, Doctor Lamsa, the translation of the Lamsa Bible, when he said that morning. When I told him that, I said—I said, “What’s that sign?” 122 He said, “That’s God’s ancient sign, in the Hebrew. God, one God in three attributes.” I said, “Such as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost?” He stopped, and he set his cup of coffee down, he looked at me. Gene, believe you was there, Leo. Said, “You believe that?” I said, “With all my heart.” <br />
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:''He said, “Last night, standing in your meeting, Brother Branham, I seen that discernment. I’ve never seen it before in America, in my land.” He said, “These American people don’t even know the Bible. Only thing they know is their denomination. They don’t even know where they’re standing.” Said, “They don’t know nothing.” He said, “But when I stood there last night,” said, “I said…” Now, Brother Gene, I just say this with reverence and love and such. He said, “I said, ‘That must be a prophet.’ B'''ut when I see that you believe that Father, Son and Holy Ghost was no three gods, it was attributes, then I know that you’re a prophet of God, or it wouldn’t be revealed to you like that.”''' He said, “That’s a perfect sign.” Said, “I’ve never…” Said, “You’re not oneness?” <br />
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:'''''I said, “No, sir. I am not the oneness.''' I believe in God being the Almighty God, and the three attributes are only three offices that the one God lived in.” He said, “Bless your heart!” He said, “Someday you’ll pour your blood upon the earth for that, but,” said, “prophets always die for their cause.” 127 And I said, “So let it be, if it pleases my Lord.” The translation of the Lamsa Bible.<ref>William Branham, 60-0515E - Adoption #1, para. 121-125</ref><br />
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:''Now, I’m not a… don’t… And I say… '''And some people say, “He’s a ‘Jesus Only,’” You’re mistaken there.''' I wouldn’t have that kind of a spirit on me. There that dogmatic, ungodly thing that… No, sir. '''I’m not Oneness. Not at all. I’m not trinity either.''' I’m a Christian. I believe in God. I believe in God manifested in three offices. Now His office is in my heart, in your heart. Not another God somewhere else; another God somewhere else; another God somewhere else. That’s as pagan as pagan can be. Never one time was that even thought of until the Nicene Council. Find it in the Bible, or find it in history—till that time. It’s not there.<ref>William Branham, 61-0318 - Abraham's Covenant Confirmed, para. 71</ref><br />
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:''Now, God cannot be three people, three Gods. '''Neither can Jesus be His Own Father''', in one. See? So, you see, it makes both radically wrong.<ref>William Branham, 61-0425B - The Godhead Explained, para. 131</ref><br />
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:''In the day that the Pentecostal come out, '''they got the “Jesus Only” group. Now, that’s wrong, again. How can Jesus be His Own Father?''' See? So it knocks that out. 176 But there is supposed to be an eagle time come. See? That’s the time It’s to straighten all those mysteries out. See?<ref>William Branham, 63-0324M - Questions And Answers On The Seals, para. 175</ref><br />
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:''There is God, see, not three gods. Oh, how many of you trinitarian people got that mixed up. '''And how you Oneness people got it mixed up, too, of Him being one like your finger.''' Uh-huh. See? They, they both of them got it mixed up. See? That’s right. He’s the one God like your finger, one, how could He be His Own Father? See? See, '''He can’t be His Own Father.''' And if He had another Father outside of the Holy Spirit, and if God is a man, a person, then He is a…the Holy Spirit was His Father, and God is His Father, Matthew 1, so then He was an illegitimate Child. See? So you can’t make it either way, you, it’s both wrong.<ref>William Branham, 63-0804E - Calling Jesus On The Scene, para. 44</ref><br />
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:''There is where '''the oneness missed it, there is where the trinity missed it, both sides of the road. But the happy medium is right in between.''' If God could be His Own Father, if Jesus was His Own Father, He couldn’t be. And if He had another Father besides God, and the Bible said the “Holy Ghost” was His Father, and if they’re two different spirits, He was an illegitimate child. That’s right. Which was the Father of Him, God or the Holy Ghost? You say one and watch how embarrassed you’re going to get. God was His Father. Is that right?<ref>William Branham, 65-0429B - The Seed Shall Not Be Heir With The Shuck, para. 107</ref><br />
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https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=Is_Oneness_Theology_Heretical%3F&diff=27031
Is Oneness Theology Heretical?
2023-12-26T19:36:21Z
<p>Admin: Created page with "{{Top of Page}} The '''Oneness''' doctrine is a non-Trinitarian heretical view of the The Godhead that was rejected by the church in the third century AD. It is the fundamental belief of a small minority of Pentecostal denominations and most churches that follow William Branham. However, those message churches that follow the teachings of '''Lee Vayle''' and '''Junior Jackson''' have a view of the Godhead that appears t..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
The '''Oneness''' doctrine is a non-[[Trinity|Trinitarian]] heretical view of the [[The Godhead]] that was rejected by the church in the third century AD. It is the fundamental belief of a small minority of Pentecostal denominations and most churches that follow William Branham. However, those message churches that follow the teachings of '''[[Vaylism|Lee Vayle]]''' and '''[[The Jackson Camp|Junior Jackson]]''' have a view of the Godhead that appears to be a mixture of several heretical teachings that originated well over 1,000 year ago, namely [[Nestorianism]], [[Arianism]], and [[Dynamic Monarchianism|Adoptionism]]. Prior to the 20th century, the Christian church referred to the Oneness doctrine as Sabellianism, Patripassianism, Modalism or modalistic monarchianism.<br />
<br />
= Unitarianism versus Oneness =<br />
There are many who confuse the terms unitarian and Oneness. This is because both essentially believe that God can only exist as a single "unit," or monad. He cannot be divided into separate parts, or a plurality of "persons" and still exist as a whole deity. Although unitarians and Oneness are similar in the belief that there is not a plurality of persons in the Godhead, unitarians believe that Jesus was only a moral authority whereas the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ is essential to Oneness doctrine.<br />
<br />
In Oneness theology there is an existential distinction, where God in the incarnation comes to exist in Christ in complete human existence and continues to exist as God eternally as Spirit ("Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" - Matthew 1:23).<br />
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=Monarchianism=<br />
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Monarchianism refers to a movement in the second and third centuries that attempted to safeguard monotheism and the unity (mono-archē = “one source”) of the Godhead. Monarchianism denied any kind of difference in reality of the Son and the Spirit as separate from the Father. The first form of monarchianism was referred to as "patripassianism", which derived from the Greek words patēr (father) and paschō (to suffer). The term refers to an early type of modalism that suggested that the one God (the Father) became incarnate in the form of the Son, was born of a virgin and suffered and died on the cross.<br />
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From this, two distinct forms of monarchianism developed: <br />
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:1. Adoptionist, or [[Dynamic Monarchianism|dynamic monarchianism]], which understood Jesus as merely a prophet filled with the Spirit and thus “adopted” by God; and <br />
<br />
:2. Modalism (modalistic monarchianism or Sabellianism), which viewed Jesus as one of the modes through which the one God reveals himself to us.<ref>Stanley Grenz, David Guretzki and Cherith Fee Nordling, Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms, 80 (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999).</ref><br />
<br />
==Oneness/Modalist Theology==<br />
<br />
The majority of message churches would be considered modalist or oneness in their view of the Godhead.<br />
<br />
They believe in the one [[God]], and the complete and full deity of [[Jesus Christ]]. Oneness Pentecostals reject the doctrine of the [[Trinity]]. Oneness Pentecostals maintain that the Judeo-Christian God is not three separate and distinct Persons, but is exclusively one God without any internal distinctions of persons, a belief based in part on a biblical passage found in Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear oh Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord." <br />
<br />
According to Oneness Pentecostals, God is not a plurality of persons, but does have a plurality of manifestations, roles, titles, attributes, or relationships to man. Oneness statements of faith generally refer to God as "Father in creation, Son in redemption, and Holy Spirit in emanation/regeneration" or that God exists in three "manifestations" throughout history. Oneness Christians maintain that there is no fundamental "threeness" to God, and consider it an injustice to speak of God as a "person". <br />
<br />
Oneness Pentecostals are often referred to as "Jesus Only." The label arose early on in reference to their insistence on baptizing only in the name of Jesus, but it tends to be used only by the movement's critics today, and is generally disliked by Oneness Pentecostals. "Oneness", "Apostolic" and "Jesus' Name" are adherents' preferred self-designations.<ref>Dr. David K. Bernard, [http://www.pctii.org/cyberj/cyberj4/bernard.html Unmasking Prejudice], Cyberjournal for Pentecostal-Charismatic Research</ref><br />
<br />
=Concerns with the Oneness doctrine=<br />
<br />
[[Image:FatherJesus.jpg|thumb|150px|An extreme Oneness t-shirt from fatherjesus.com]]<br />
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Sabellius was the original proponent of modalism. <br />
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Calvin saw Sabellius as having a false belief because he:<br />
<br />
:''counted the names of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as almost of no importance, arguing that it was not because of any distinction that they were put forward, but that they were diverse attributes of God, of which sort there are very many. If it came to a debate, he was accustomed to confess that he recognized the Father as God, the Son as God, and the Spirit as God; but afterward a way out was found, contending that he had said nothing else than if he had spoken of God as strong, and just, and wise. And so he re-echoed another old song, that the Father is the Son, and the Holy Spirit the Father, without rank, without distinction. <ref> John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Volumes 1 & 2, ed. John T. McNeill, trans. Ford Lewis Battles, The Library of Christian Classics, 125 (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2011).</ref><br />
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==Wording that modalist (and message) believers never use==<br />
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It is interesting to note that the people that ascribe to the modalist view of the Godhead never use wording like the following when they are talking about God:<br />
<br />
:''But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, '''and Jesus standing at the right hand of God'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 7:55.</ref><br />
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:'''''God''' is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of '''his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Co 1:9.</ref><br />
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:''The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ '''and''' the love of God '''and''' the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Co 13:14.</ref><br />
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:''Blessed be the '''God and Father''' of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Eph 1:3.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that '''the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory''', may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Eph 1:16–17.</ref><br />
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:''Grace to you and peace from God our Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Php 1:2.</ref><br />
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:''We always thank '''God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ''', when we pray for you...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Col 1:3.</ref><br />
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:''And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, '''giving thanks to God the Father through him'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Col 3:17.</ref><br />
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:''To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ...<ref>Grace to you and peace. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Th 1:1.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Th 1:1–2.</ref><br />
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:''Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, '''and''' God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Th 2:16–17.</ref><br />
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:''Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father '''and''' Christ Jesus our Lord.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Ti 1:2.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father '''and''' Christ Jesus our Lord.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Ti 1:2.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Grace and peace from God the Father '''and''' Christ Jesus our Savior.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Tt 1:4.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''Grace to you and peace from God our Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Phm 3.</ref><br />
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:''Blessed be the '''God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ'''! According to his great mercy...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Pe 1:3.</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
:''...that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is '''with the Father and with his Son''' Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Jn 1:3.</ref><br />
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:'''''This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.'''<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Jn 2:22.</ref><br />
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:''...according to the foreknowledge of '''God the Father''', in the sanctification of the '''Spirit''', for obedience to '''Jesus Christ''' and for sprinkling with his blood...''<Ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Pe 1:2.</ref><br />
<br />
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:''Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, '''from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son''', in truth and love.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Jn 3.</ref><br />
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:''To those who are called, beloved in '''God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ'''...<ref>Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jud 1.</ref><br />
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Why is it that they never refer to ''God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ''? Could it be that their understanding of the Godhead is incorrect? Could it be an antichrist spirit that ''denies the Father '''and''' the Son''?<br />
<br />
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=An important question to consider=<br />
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In Ephesians 1:17, Paul refers to "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory."<ref>The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Eph 1:17.</ref><br />
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'''If Jesus and the Father are one and the same, who is the God of Jesus that Paul is referring to?'''<br />
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=Denominations that follow Oneness Theology=<br />
Besides the majority of message believers, there are many Oneness Pentecostal organizations, although their numbers are not significant. Here are a few of the larger ones:<br />
*[http://www.pawinc.org Pentecostal Assemblies of the World]<br />
*[http://www.upci.org United Pentecostal Church]<br />
*[http://apostolicassembly.org Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus]<br />
*[http://ALJC.org Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ]<br />
<br />
== International Denominations ==<br />
Oneness Pentecostal groups with headquarters in other countries include the United Pentecostal Church of Colombia, an indigenous church and the largest non-Catholic church in the country; the United Pentecostal Church of Australia; the Apostolic Church of the Faith in Christ Jesus, with headquarters in Mexico; the Oneness Pentecostal movement in the former U.S.S.R.; and the True Jesus Church], an indigenous church founded by Chinese Christians on the mainland but whose headquarters is now in Taiwan. At times they have affirmed to be the only true church. There are many smaller organizations (approximately 130 worldwide), independent churches, and charismatic fellowships that are Oneness in doctrine.<br />
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In existence is also the Apostolic World Christian Fellowship which has been trying to unite all Oneness Pentecostal denominations in existence through a loose fellowship. There are some Oneness denominations that have refused to join -- for example the United Pentecostal Church.<ref>"The Pentecostals", by Walter J. Hollenweger, Professor of Mission at the University of Birmingham</ref><br />
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==External links==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.carm.org/oneness.htm Oneness Pentecostal theology, also known as Jesus Only theology] What is Oneness Pentecostal Theology? <br />
* [http://christiandefense.org/oneness.htm A Definitive Look at Oneness Theology] Defending the Tri-Unity of God<br />
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[[Category: Unfinished articles]]</div>
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Did William Branham Teach Oneness?
2023-12-26T19:32:01Z
<p>Admin: /* An important question to consider */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Template:Trinity}}<br />
'''The majority of message church believe the Oneness doctrine.'''<br />
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The '''Oneness''' doctrine is a non-[[Trinity|Trinitarian]] heretical view of the [[The Godhead]] that was rejected by the church in the third century AD. It is the fundamental belief of a small minority of Pentecostal denominations and most churches that follow William Branham. However, those message churches that follow the teachings of '''[[Vaylism|Lee Vayle]]''' and '''[[The Jackson Camp|Junior Jackson]]''' have a view of the Godhead that appears to be a mixture of several heretical teachings that originated well over 1,000 year ago, namely [[Nestorianism]], [[Arianism]], and [[Dynamic Monarchianism|Adoptionism]]. Prior to the 20th century, the Christian church referred to the Oneness doctrine as Sabellianism, Patripassianism, Modalism or modalistic monarchianism.<br />
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=William Branham and the Oneness doctrine=<br />
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On close examination, William Branham was incredibly confused in his understanding of God. He tried to hold himself out as believing something that was between Oneness and the Trinity. At times, he sounded like a Oneness preacher (also referred to as Sabellianism or Patripassianism):<br />
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:''And now we find out that Jesus said, also, “I came in My Father’s Name, and you received Me not.” Then, '''the Name of the Father must be Jesus'''. That’s right. The Name of the Father is Jesus, ’cause Jesus said so. “I carry My Father’s Name. I come in My Father’s Name, and you received Me not.” Then, His Name was Jesus.<ref>William Branham, 65-0220 - God's Chosen Place Of Worship, para. 44</ref><br />
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At other times, he sounded like a Nestorian, a teacher of Arianism or an Adoptionist. As a result, some of his followers, in particular the followers of [[Vaylism|Lee Vayle]], believe that Jesus was not God but a created being (Arianism) with a dual nature (Nestorianism). This doctrine is referred to in a derogatory manner by some message followers as the doctrine of the "Twinity".<br />
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Notwithstanding his statements to the contrary, the majority of the followers of William Branham believe that he fundamentally taught a Oneness view of the Godhead and would, therefore, be considered adherents to Oneness theology. <br />
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William Branham often said statements such as, “God is not one like your finger” (Sermon: Lord, Show us the Father, Sept 7, 1953). This appears to be directed at doctrines he was hearing among the people at the time, even though this is not the current doctrine of Oneness Pentecostals, such as the United Pentecostal Church. Websites such as FatherJesus.com are evidence of this extreme Oneness view that Jesus is God the Father. In contrast, William Branham taught that there is a threefold being to God, but God is not three individuals nor so singular that the Son of God is God the Father. <br />
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{|style="background-color:#F0DCC8; border:1px #E8B399 solid; text-align:center;"<br />
|''I do not believe that Jesus could be His own father. I believe that Jesus had a Father, and that was God. But God dwelled and tabernacled in this body called Jesus, and He was Emmanuel: God with us. And there's no other God besides this God. He is Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. And the Name of the Father, Son, Holy Ghost... Father: the Lord, Son: Jesus, Holy Ghost: Logos, Spirit of God. Father, Son, Holy Ghost, Lord Jesus Christ; that's Him. And in Him dwelled the Fullness of the Godhead bodily.'' (William Branham, Sermon: Q&A, June 28, 1959) <br />
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William Branham referred to "Lord Jesus Christ" as the name of God, and that it was what Jesus referred to when he said people should be baptized in "the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit", which were the titles of God. But this isn't right. For example, "Christ" is a title. It means "Messaiah" or "anointed one", while "Holy Spirit" is the best name form the Spirit of God that can be found. "Lord" also reflects the authority of Jesus. But referring to "Lord" as "Father" both removes authority from Jesus, and removes his identity as the Son of God. <br />
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Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus is the Christ. Jesus is Lord, and Jesus is God. The basis for those statements can all be found in scripture. Saying that Holy Spirit is a title and that Christ is the Name is not scriptural. And saying that "Abba" is impersonal is like telling a child that she must call her father by his given name. William Branham's doctrine of the Godhead sacrifices the relationship that God has with man.<br />
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= Unitarianism versus Oneness =<br />
There are many who confuse the terms unitarian and Oneness. This is because both essentially believe that God can only exist as a single "unit," or monad. He cannot be divided into separate parts, or a plurality of "persons" and still exist as a whole deity. Although unitarians and Oneness are similar in the belief that there is not a plurality of persons in the Godhead, unitarians believe that Jesus was only a moral authority whereas the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ is essential to Oneness doctrine.<br />
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In Oneness theology there is an existential distinction, where God in the incarnation comes to exist in Christ in complete human existence and continues to exist as God eternally as Spirit ("Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" - Matthew 1:23).<br />
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=Monarchianism=<br />
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Monarchianism refers to a movement in the second and third centuries that attempted to safeguard monotheism and the unity (mono-archē = “one source”) of the Godhead. Monarchianism denied any kind of difference in reality of the Son and the Spirit as separate from the Father. The first form of monarchianism was referred to as "patripassianism", which derived from the Greek words patēr (father) and paschō (to suffer). The term refers to an early type of modalism that suggested that the one God (the Father) became incarnate in the form of the Son, was born of a virgin and suffered and died on the cross.<br />
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From this, two distinct forms of monarchianism developed: <br />
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:1. Adoptionist, or [[Dynamic Monarchianism|dynamic monarchianism]], which understood Jesus as merely a prophet filled with the Spirit and thus “adopted” by God; and <br />
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:2. Modalism (modalistic monarchianism or Sabellianism), which viewed Jesus as one of the modes through which the one God reveals himself to us.<ref>Stanley Grenz, David Guretzki and Cherith Fee Nordling, Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms, 80 (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999).</ref><br />
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==Oneness/Modalist Theology==<br />
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The majority of message churches would be considered modalist or oneness in their view of the Godhead.<br />
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They believe in the one [[God]], and the complete and full deity of [[Jesus Christ]]. Oneness Pentecostals reject the doctrine of the [[Trinity]]. Oneness Pentecostals maintain that the Judeo-Christian God is not three separate and distinct Persons, but is exclusively one God without any internal distinctions of persons, a belief based in part on a biblical passage found in Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear oh Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord." <br />
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According to Oneness Pentecostals, God is not a plurality of persons, but does have a plurality of manifestations, roles, titles, attributes, or relationships to man. Oneness statements of faith generally refer to God as "Father in creation, Son in redemption, and Holy Spirit in emanation/regeneration" or that God exists in three "manifestations" throughout history. Oneness Christians maintain that there is no fundamental "threeness" to God, and consider it an injustice to speak of God as a "person". <br />
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Oneness Pentecostals are often referred to as "Jesus Only." The label arose early on in reference to their insistence on baptizing only in the name of Jesus, but it tends to be used only by the movement's critics today, and is generally disliked by Oneness Pentecostals. "Oneness", "Apostolic" and "Jesus' Name" are adherents' preferred self-designations.<ref>Dr. David K. Bernard, [http://www.pctii.org/cyberj/cyberj4/bernard.html Unmasking Prejudice], Cyberjournal for Pentecostal-Charismatic Research</ref><br />
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==Adoptionist, or dynamic monarchianism==<br />
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[[Vaylism|Lee Vayle]] took the teachings of William Branham and used them to teach his own heretical view of the Godhead, a strange admixture of [[Nestorianism]], [[Arianism]], and [[Dynamic Monarchianism|Adoptionism]]. A detailed analysis of Lee Vayle's teachings can be found in our [[Vaylism|article on the subject]].<br />
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=Concerns with the Oneness doctrine=<br />
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[[Image:FatherJesus.jpg|thumb|150px|An extreme Oneness t-shirt from fatherjesus.com]]<br />
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Sabellius was the original proponent of modalism. <br />
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Calvin saw Sabellius as having a false belief because he:<br />
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:''counted the names of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as almost of no importance, arguing that it was not because of any distinction that they were put forward, but that they were diverse attributes of God, of which sort there are very many. If it came to a debate, he was accustomed to confess that he recognized the Father as God, the Son as God, and the Spirit as God; but afterward a way out was found, contending that he had said nothing else than if he had spoken of God as strong, and just, and wise. And so he re-echoed another old song, that the Father is the Son, and the Holy Spirit the Father, without rank, without distinction. <ref> John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Volumes 1 & 2, ed. John T. McNeill, trans. Ford Lewis Battles, The Library of Christian Classics, 125 (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2011).</ref><br />
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==Wording that modalist (and message) believers never use==<br />
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It is interesting to note that the people that ascribe to the modalist view of the Godhead never use wording like the following when they are talking about God:<br />
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:''But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, '''and Jesus standing at the right hand of God'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 7:55.</ref><br />
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:'''''God''' is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of '''his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Co 1:9.</ref><br />
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:''The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ '''and''' the love of God '''and''' the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Co 13:14.</ref><br />
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:''Blessed be the '''God and Father''' of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Eph 1:3.</ref><br />
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:''I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that '''the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory''', may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Eph 1:16–17.</ref><br />
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:''Grace to you and peace from God our Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Php 1:2.</ref><br />
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:''We always thank '''God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ''', when we pray for you...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Col 1:3.</ref><br />
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:''And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, '''giving thanks to God the Father through him'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Col 3:17.</ref><br />
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:''To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ...<ref>Grace to you and peace. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Th 1:1.</ref><br />
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:''To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Th 1:1–2.</ref><br />
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:''Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, '''and''' God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Th 2:16–17.</ref><br />
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:''Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father '''and''' Christ Jesus our Lord.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Ti 1:2.</ref><br />
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:''Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father '''and''' Christ Jesus our Lord.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Ti 1:2.</ref><br />
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:''Grace and peace from God the Father '''and''' Christ Jesus our Savior.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Tt 1:4.</ref><br />
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:''Grace to you and peace from God our Father '''and''' the Lord Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Phm 3.</ref><br />
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:''Blessed be the '''God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ'''! According to his great mercy...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Pe 1:3.</ref><br />
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:''...that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is '''with the Father and with his Son''' Jesus Christ.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Jn 1:3.</ref><br />
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:'''''This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.'''<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Jn 2:22.</ref><br />
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:''...according to the foreknowledge of '''God the Father''', in the sanctification of the '''Spirit''', for obedience to '''Jesus Christ''' and for sprinkling with his blood...''<Ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Pe 1:2.</ref><br />
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:''Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, '''from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son''', in truth and love.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Jn 3.</ref><br />
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:''To those who are called, beloved in '''God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ'''...<ref>Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jud 1.</ref><br />
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Why is it that they never refer to ''God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ''? Could it be that their understanding of the Godhead is incorrect? Could it be an antichrist spirit that ''denies the Father '''and''' the Son''?<br />
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=Quotes of William Branham=<br />
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William Branham clearly stated that he did not believe the Oneness doctrine on numerous occasions:<br />
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:''And I different agree with the organization of Pentecost that calls the Oneness like your finger is one. '''That’s wrong. Absolutely, it’s wrong. God… Jesus couldn’t have been His Own Father,''' and if God is a Man, then Jesus was born sexual desire and not virgin birth. That settles the whole thing. You see? If He’s one like your finger’s one, then what? Then He was His Own daddy. How could He have been? That’s wrong. He had a Father, Jesus did.<ref>William Branham, 53-0907A - Lord, Show Us The Father And It Sufficeth Us</ref><br />
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:''Now, the Oneness took it, the oneness group of people, and '''try to make Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, just one office and one place, and like your finger, one. That’s wrong.''' God could not…Jesus could not been His Own father. If He was, then He was a…Well, '''how could He been His Own father?'''<ref>William Branham, 57-0901E - Hebrews, Chapter Four, para. 128</ref><br />
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:''That’s why we stay at the Branham Tabernacle. That’s why we’re not Assemblies. That’s '''why we’re not Oneness. That’s why we’re not Jesus Only.''' That’s why we’re not Methodist. That’s why we’re not Baptist. Just a—a little tabernacle here. We don’t have no denomination at all. We’re free, in Christ. That’s why we stay the way we do. And God has blessed us, God helping us.<ref>William Branham, 58-0927 - Why Are We Not A Denomination?, para. 194</ref><br />
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:''A few days ago, when Doctor Lamsa come to me, and never knowed nothing about that, and brought me a picture, which brother’s got it there with him now. Have you got that picture? Have you got the Bible with you, laying there, it’s in your book? All right. There was a picture of the old ancient Hebrew sign of God, just exactly that existed in the days of Job, before the Bible was ever wrote. God in His three attributes, not three gods. One God in three attributes. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three offices that God worked into. Not three gods, three attributes! And there It was. <br />
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:''When that great man, Doctor Lamsa, the translation of the Lamsa Bible, when he said that morning. When I told him that, I said—I said, “What’s that sign?” 122 He said, “That’s God’s ancient sign, in the Hebrew. God, one God in three attributes.” I said, “Such as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost?” He stopped, and he set his cup of coffee down, he looked at me. Gene, believe you was there, Leo. Said, “You believe that?” I said, “With all my heart.” <br />
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:''He said, “Last night, standing in your meeting, Brother Branham, I seen that discernment. I’ve never seen it before in America, in my land.” He said, “These American people don’t even know the Bible. Only thing they know is their denomination. They don’t even know where they’re standing.” Said, “They don’t know nothing.” He said, “But when I stood there last night,” said, “I said…” Now, Brother Gene, I just say this with reverence and love and such. He said, “I said, ‘That must be a prophet.’ B'''ut when I see that you believe that Father, Son and Holy Ghost was no three gods, it was attributes, then I know that you’re a prophet of God, or it wouldn’t be revealed to you like that.”''' He said, “That’s a perfect sign.” Said, “I’ve never…” Said, “You’re not oneness?” <br />
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:'''''I said, “No, sir. I am not the oneness.''' I believe in God being the Almighty God, and the three attributes are only three offices that the one God lived in.” He said, “Bless your heart!” He said, “Someday you’ll pour your blood upon the earth for that, but,” said, “prophets always die for their cause.” 127 And I said, “So let it be, if it pleases my Lord.” The translation of the Lamsa Bible.<ref>William Branham, 60-0515E - Adoption #1, para. 121-125</ref><br />
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:''Now, I’m not a… don’t… And I say… '''And some people say, “He’s a ‘Jesus Only,’” You’re mistaken there.''' I wouldn’t have that kind of a spirit on me. There that dogmatic, ungodly thing that… No, sir. '''I’m not Oneness. Not at all. I’m not trinity either.''' I’m a Christian. I believe in God. I believe in God manifested in three offices. Now His office is in my heart, in your heart. Not another God somewhere else; another God somewhere else; another God somewhere else. That’s as pagan as pagan can be. Never one time was that even thought of until the Nicene Council. Find it in the Bible, or find it in history—till that time. It’s not there.<ref>William Branham, 61-0318 - Abraham's Covenant Confirmed, para. 71</ref><br />
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:''Now, God cannot be three people, three Gods. '''Neither can Jesus be His Own Father''', in one. See? So, you see, it makes both radically wrong.<ref>William Branham, 61-0425B - The Godhead Explained, para. 131</ref><br />
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:''In the day that the Pentecostal come out, '''they got the “Jesus Only” group. Now, that’s wrong, again. How can Jesus be His Own Father?''' See? So it knocks that out. 176 But there is supposed to be an eagle time come. See? That’s the time It’s to straighten all those mysteries out. See?<ref>William Branham, 63-0324M - Questions And Answers On The Seals, para. 175</ref><br />
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:''There is God, see, not three gods. Oh, how many of you trinitarian people got that mixed up. '''And how you Oneness people got it mixed up, too, of Him being one like your finger.''' Uh-huh. See? They, they both of them got it mixed up. See? That’s right. He’s the one God like your finger, one, how could He be His Own Father? See? See, '''He can’t be His Own Father.''' And if He had another Father outside of the Holy Spirit, and if God is a man, a person, then He is a…the Holy Spirit was His Father, and God is His Father, Matthew 1, so then He was an illegitimate Child. See? So you can’t make it either way, you, it’s both wrong.<ref>William Branham, 63-0804E - Calling Jesus On The Scene, para. 44</ref><br />
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:''There is where '''the oneness missed it, there is where the trinity missed it, both sides of the road. But the happy medium is right in between.''' If God could be His Own Father, if Jesus was His Own Father, He couldn’t be. And if He had another Father besides God, and the Bible said the “Holy Ghost” was His Father, and if they’re two different spirits, He was an illegitimate child. That’s right. Which was the Father of Him, God or the Holy Ghost? You say one and watch how embarrassed you’re going to get. God was His Father. Is that right?<ref>William Branham, 65-0429B - The Seed Shall Not Be Heir With The Shuck, para. 107</ref><br />
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=Denominations that follow Oneness Theology=<br />
Besides the majority of message believers, there are many Oneness Pentecostal organizations, although their numbers are not significant. Here are a few of the larger ones:<br />
*[http://www.pawinc.org Pentecostal Assemblies of the World]<br />
*[http://www.upci.org United Pentecostal Church]<br />
*[http://apostolicassembly.org Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus]<br />
*[http://ALJC.org Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ]<br />
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== International Denominations ==<br />
Oneness Pentecostal groups with headquarters in other countries include the United Pentecostal Church of Colombia, an indigenous church and the largest non-Catholic church in the country; the United Pentecostal Church of Australia; the Apostolic Church of the Faith in Christ Jesus, with headquarters in Mexico; the Oneness Pentecostal movement in the former U.S.S.R.; and the True Jesus Church], an indigenous church founded by Chinese Christians on the mainland but whose headquarters is now in Taiwan. At times they have affirmed to be the only true church. There are many smaller organizations (approximately 130 worldwide), independent churches, and charismatic fellowships that are Oneness in doctrine.<br />
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In existence is also the Apostolic World Christian Fellowship which has been trying to unite all Oneness Pentecostal denominations in existence through a loose fellowship. There are some Oneness denominations that have refused to join -- for example the United Pentecostal Church.<ref>"The Pentecostals", by Walter J. Hollenweger, Professor of Mission at the University of Birmingham</ref><br />
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==External links==<br />
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* [http://www.carm.org/oneness.htm Oneness Pentecostal theology, also known as Jesus Only theology] What is Oneness Pentecostal Theology? <br />
* [http://christiandefense.org/oneness.htm A Definitive Look at Oneness Theology] Defending the Tri-Unity of God<br />
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https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=The_Tent_Vision&diff=27029
The Tent Vision
2023-12-22T00:58:50Z
<p>Admin: /* Quotes of William Branham */</p>
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<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
[[Image:TentOK.jpg|right|thumb|250px|...and ends with his second vision about a tent. (See the article on the [[Heavenly Vision]] to learn about the first tent vision.)]]<br />
William Branham had a second vision of meetings being held in a large tent. Details on the first vision are [[Heavenly Vision|here]]. This second vision took place sometime prior to 1956 as the first time he relates the vision is in January 1956. He indicated the vision was "Thus Saith The Lord." <br />
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In July 1965, the vision was still unfulfilled when William Branham stated:<br />
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:''You are driving us to that tent, to make that vision fulfill.<ref>William Branham, 65-0711 - Ashamed, para. 16, 113</ref><br />
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William Branham died prior to the end of 1965 with the vision still unfulfilled.<br />
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This is an example of another failed prophecy.<br />
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=The Vision Explained=<br />
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William Branham explained the tent vision in a letter he wrote to C. Parker Thomas in 1958:<br />
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:Jeffersonville, Ind.<br> <br />
:Box 325<br><br />
:June 30, 1958<br><br />
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:Rev. C. Parker Thomas<br><br />
:Box 685<br><br />
:Southern Pines, N.C.<br><br />
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:Brother Thomas, your meeting in Southern Pines was unique in that I feel it was the last of this particular kind which I have held for several years. I have been led of God through two phases of a threefold ministry. As I look to the future, I am confident the third phase is upon me. Now, if you do not mind and would even go so far as to publish this letter in your paper, I would like to acquaint you and your friends with certain information that should give you a clearer knowledge and understanding of the ministry which the Lord has given me.<br />
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:This angel did not only tell me that I was to take a Gift of Healing to the world, but he told me (when I complained as did Moses) that God would grant me signs to convince the world that the claims I would make were legitimate and of God.<br />
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:He told me that I would have a sign in my hand appear as I took the sick one's right hand in my left hand. The sign would be various, angry swellings and colouring in my hand, depending on the type of disease. This came to pass exactly as God said it would. He appeared again and told me that if I would be faithful and humble a second sign would appear. That sign was that I could tell the thoughts and intents of people's hearts, and nothing should be hidden as well as tell the diseases.<br />
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:This was to come to pass by trance and vision. You know that this also came to pass. It was during this time of the first sign that crowds came to such very proportions that little towns of a few thousand population would overflow in a few days to many, many thousands. During this time of the first sign, my prayer lines were city blocks long and some nights there was no one person who did not get healed. They would carry me from the platform physically exhausted. During this time there was every kind of miracle conceivable. And then one day in Canada the second sign which was to be greater than the first came into being. I suddenly was in a trance, and I spoke out of vision everything concerning the man who appeared before me. I knew who he was, where he was from and all about his life. Nothing was hidden.<br />
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:People responded in a tremendous way. They were startled but edified. Nothing like this was known since the time of Christ. But a peculiar thing happened. After a few visions I was so weak that I could not pray but for a few. This was hard to understand for if the second sign was greater than the first then the results should have been greater – greater crowds, and more healings. But as so few were personally ministered to each night the crowds fell off. People could not understand why I was weak and so few were touched. I must admit this puzzled me too until God showed me in His Word the truth of the second sign.<br />
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:Then too, I want to give you a clear idea why I get weak when I minister in the spirit. Contrary to popular opinion that man is strong in the spirit and very mighty, he gets weak. Samson slew a thousand and then became so weak that he felt he would die over a bit of thirst. Daniel, after one vision, was sick many days. Elijah, after the Mt. Carmel experience, crept away and tried to die.<ref>Branham’s assertions are incorrect. Judges 15:15-19 tells of Samson killing a thousand men. One can imagine that killing that many men with the jawbone of an ass would be a bit of a workout, so it is not surprising that Samson was quite thirsty when he was finished. Daniel 10:2-19 explains that Daniel had mourned and fasted for three weeks as a result of the vision. The passage tells us that he was filled with terror and anguish as a result of the contents of the vision. Finally, 1 Kings 18:46 states that after the experience on Mt. Carmel, “the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel,” a distance of approximately 50 kilometres. The reason for his running away is explained in 1 Kings 19:3 - he was afraid and ran for his life.</ref> <br />
<br />
:Mortal man is not sufficient for a prolonged overwhelming experience in the spirit, even though saved and Spirit filled. Visions weaken me. I won't try to make you understand. You just must accept it, I know. There is nothing I can do about it. Even as Jesus felt power leave Him when one little lady came for help, even so when hundreds pull on me and by their faith they operate the gift in me, they break me down-I lose strength. I grow weak. But God has promised to change that.<br />
<br />
:Recently God gave me a vision. In it, I saw a vast tent holding up to twenty thousand people. There were city blocks of people coming for prayer. In this huge tent, there was a small cubicle where God told me He would meet me. There from under prying eyes I would minister. The cripples would come in one door and leave by the other - whole. The miracle would be so terrible in power that when questioned the newly healed person would have no other comment to make than that, whereas I had once been sick now he was whole. It would defy description, for there would be no feeling that one could tell. It would be God, and His doing. No tongue could utter it.<br />
<br />
:I am not ready for that ministry. I feel that if I but reached out I could grasp it. I simply wait for Him to tell me to step out. I am anxious for that day. When it comes, I hope that I may come back to you and minister in your city and share fellowship in Christ our Lord.<br />
<br />
:May God bless you and every effort you make. May your labour be all in the Lord.<br />
<br />
:Your humble servant and Brother,<br />
<br />
:William Branham<ref>The contents of the letter were obtained from Bible Tabernacle Books, P.O. Box 1010, Eppindust 7460, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa</ref><br />
<br />
=Quotes of William Branham=<br />
<br />
In 1954, William Branham stated he had ordered a large tent:<br />
<br />
:''What number of card did you…? [Blank spot on tape—Ed.] My ministry’s not like some of the brothers who goes and lays his hands on the sick, and everybody prays for each individual. I… My ministry just… Perhaps after I return from Africa and overseas this time, I may never have no more… It’s leaning that way very strong towards me, in America, to leave off healing services; just congregational prayer (See?), and have evangelistic services: like come set up a big tent. '''I just got one in order the other day, seats fifteen thousand people''': chairs and everything. Like to set it out here in Louisville and stay for three months. See? And just stay till God says it’s enough, it’s over. See?<ref>William Branham, 54-0403 - The Hand Of The Lord Came Upon Him, para. 53</ref><br />
<br />
The first telling of the tent vision was in early 1956:<br />
<br />
:''...the Angel of the Lord taken me out then, and He taken me to a real bright stream of water. It was the most beautiful blue water, and great fish were swimming around in it. He said, “I will make you a fisher.” And He said, “Now cast your lure into the water. When you do, pull it slow, first time. Next time, just give a little jerk, not too hard. And the next time, set your hook for the catch.” <br />
<br />
:''And I started; throwed my line in the water. I pulled it. Everybody begin rejoicing, saying, “That’s wonderful. That’s wonderful.” I got all excited, and jerked it hard on the next one, was out. I pulled the fish, and all, out of the water. But, when it was, it was a little bitty fish, and it just about the size of the lure. And I got my line all tangled up, and I was straightening out my line. <br />
<br />
:''And the Man which was talking behind me; walked around in front of me, dressed in Palestinian clothes, and a turban on His head. He had a white robe. He said, “Brother Branham, that’s it.” <br />
<br />
:''I said, “I know I didn’t do right.” I said, “I jerked it when I oughtn’t to.” <br />
<br />
:''He said, “Don’t get your line tangled up in these kind of times.” 46 And I said, “Well, I’m running it straight as I can. I’ll be very careful.” <br />
<br />
:''And He said, “Now, the First time I spoke with you, you put your hands on the people and told them what was wrong with them. And the Second Pull, why, when you did, you would know the secrets of your hearts, and I made you a seer before the people. But you was always trying to explain it. You oughtn’t to have done that.” Said, “You’ve made a public show out of it.” I said, “I’m very sorry.” <br />
<br />
:''Then He taken me from there, and I seen a great huge tent. I never seen such a—a tent! And it was packed and lined everywhere, with people. And I walked out to the…looked like I was standing above the people, looking down; where I just made an altar call, and hundreds and hundreds of people were weeping and rejoicing after they had accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. And I looked. <br />
<br />
:''And then I heard a man get up and say, “Call the prayer line.” And people begin to line up over on this side, the left, from where I was looking down towards the platform. And they lined all the way up-and-down the street, for a prayer line. <br />
<br />
:''I noticed to my left, which would have been to my right if I was on the platform, a little wooden building. And I seen that Light that they have the picture of, you know. It’s always in the meeting. I seen that Light leave me and go to that building, and go in that building. And a Voice said to me, “I’ll meet you in there. That’ll be the Third Pull.” I said, “Why?” <br />
<br />
:''He said, “Well, it won’t be a public show like the other.” And I came to. And I… <br />
<br />
:''Now, at the beginning of this new year, back to my tabernacle where I started from, see, back to the beginning where I started. I—I am very grateful to God for these things. <br />
<br />
:''And many of you know that just before leaving on the other crusade, about eight or ten years, I think around ten years since, well, nine years it has been. It was… These things were told exactly how the auditorium services, you remember; exactly how that Brother Lawton would live exactly three years and then be taken away; that Brother Ward would build a tabernacle down in this position, this direction here; and all just exactly. You know it, you old-timers. It happened just that way, and so will this, for it’s THUS SAITH THE LORD. And you’ll know.<ref>William Branham, 56-0101 - Why Are People So Tossed About?, para. 42-53</ref><br />
<br />
The tent was still on order in mid-1956:<br />
<br />
:''Then I go down to La Crescenta, California, to set some things in order, which, '''my tent is already made and ready to go out on the field now.''' And so, well, I’ll probably start on the West Coast of California, going down through California and Arizona, this coming winter, the Lord willing; with exceptions of the time open between the meetings for a service to go into Africa again. David duPlessis and many of the men here from Africa, that want to set up the African Campaign, was with me in this meeting. Going to meet up there, we’re to get with Brother Arganbright and have prayer, to see where the next meeting will be.<ref>William Branham, 56-0617 - Revelation, Book Of Symbols, para. 144</ref><br />
<br />
Purchasing the tent was based on a vision:<br />
<br />
:''And someday, if God willing, I’m trying to get out of it right now, and asking the heavenly Father… '''And by a vision He told me about a tent that Brother Moore and them is going to California now to see to set in order the first time.''' They will put a little place there where we can pray for the people, and I can get away from the people just a minute so that I won’t feel that pull when I’m praying. That’s what makes me weak. That’s what takes me from the platform early. Don’t lay it onto my kid; it’s not my kid. He stays with me like, sticks closer than anything I’ve ever had in my life. He knows just exactly what to move. If it wasn’t for him, I’d be in the insane institution, ’cause they let me stay.<ref>William Branham, 56-0801 - The Arrow Of God's Deliverance Shot From A Bows, para. 12</ref><br />
<br />
The tent was still being ordered in 1957:<br />
<br />
:''Now, while he’s gone I can talk. He certainly has been a real brother to me. And he—he come down and the best he could do, get the ministers and tell them we were coming. The reason we try to do this, if you have a sponsorship, well then, that certain denomination that sponsors it, the other denomination feels they have nothing to do into it. But if you’ll just come… Here’s my motive. I’m planning on, God willing, making one great big push this next summer in the States, if God willing, and Canada. I’m ordering a tent to seat somewhere around eight to ten thousand people, and we want to find out locations that we can put this tent up and not stay just for four or five days or a week; we want to stay four or five weeks, teach, so I can have the afternoons, and so forth, and lay the foundation down real closely.<ref>William Branham, 57-0811A - The Greatest Gift In The Bible, para. 6</ref><br />
<br />
The tent vision repeated in 1958:<br />
<br />
:''And then some time ago, '''I was in a vision and I saw a—a large tent'''. Oh, it was a mammoth, big affair. And I had just been speaking, and many souls were at the altar, and were just kind of weeping with their hands up, quietly and softly. A nice gentle-spoken man came out to the platform and said, “Now they will form the prayer line while Brother Branham is making ready.” And I was standing that way, of course, the prayer line would been to my left. And I noticed a crowd of people that seemed to cover a city block or more, that was standing in line. There was a little building, a wooden building, inside of this tent. And there was a woman standing there, a man, one taking names, and people were going in on crutches and stretchers, and coming out the other side, walking. Well, I wondered what all taken place in there. And then that Angel of the Lord, Whose picture you see here, It went from me, and went right over that little building, and stood there, then went down. And a Voice spoke, and said, “I’ll meet you in that place.” Well, now, I’ve looked forward for that time.<ref>William Branham, 58-1001 - Lifting Him Up Out Of History, para. 5</ref><br />
<br />
And in 1959:<br />
<br />
:''But after the… knowing this, that the Lord had spoke some time ago about… Ah, I suppose about three or four years ago (My wife, which is present now, would be able to know just the date. We have it wrote down.), that '''I seen a vision of a large tent''' or—or something, that we’re anticipating someday having, and where we could come into a place and stay a long time. We can get the ministers, and so forth, together, where the converts can all have homes to go to, and—and shift our meetings around, where they’ll not interfere with the regular services of the churches. Maybe be off on Wednesday night, and Sun—have Sunday afternoon instead of Sunday night, somewhere it won’t interfere with the rest of the religious services. And during a time that there’s no revivals around close, could stay, and we could have teaching in the morning, like ministerial classes, and so forth. Then in the afternoon, to teach the sick how to hold their healing when they receive it, and such as that. I’m on my way home immediately after this meeting here for that very same purpose at my Tabernacle. 3 Now, then in this vision, I saw a little building setting in a corner. And this Light that was near me, It went and stood over that building, and a Voice spoke, and said, “I will meet you in there.”<ref>William Branham, 59-1124 - Balm In Gilead, para. 2</ref><br />
<br />
The vision remained unfulfilled in 1962:<br />
<br />
:''And so far as I know, that '''every vision''' that He’s ever give me '''has been fulfilled''', '''except the one that I’m a change in my ministry''', to where I’m to pray for people in a little place like a little room '''under a tent''', or a big auditorium or something. It looked, to me, like a tent. You remember that, two or three years ago? Most all of it was brought to pass. I was to go down in Mexico, and how it would rain that night and what would take place down there. And He told me my ministry of the First Pull. Remember about catching the little bitty fish, or missing it? Second one was a small fish. But then He told me, “On the Third Pull, don’t fail. See? And don’t tell people.” I’m always trying to explain what I’m trying to do. He let me know not to tell people what you’re doing. Just do what He tells me to do and let it alone. See?<ref>William Branham, 62-0908 - Present Stage Of My Ministry, para. 16</ref><br />
<br />
The vision was still unfulfilled in 1965:<br />
<br />
:''And now I want to find out, through the elders. I feel led. I’ve never had such a hunger in my heart for God, in all my life, than I have now, see. For…And I—I want to get my own tent and my—my stuff, like the Lord gave me a vision to, and I believe the time is just now at hand. And I want to see while I’m here, why we can’t get the tent.<br />
<br />
:''...But now speaking on what the services, and going to Africa, and the things that we’ve tried to arrange for these few days here in Indiana. And somehow or another, Lord, it may be You are driving us to that tent, to make that vision fulfill. So Thy will be done, we’ve committed it this way, the best of our understanding. <ref>William Branham, 65-0711 - Ashamed, para. 16, 113</ref><br />
<br />
:''And then I’m here to get the trustees together. I’m kind of getting put out of all this turning me down on place to hold a meeting, when I’m feeling led to do it. '''So I think I’m going to ask if we just can’t get our tent''' and—and put it up, and just stay there, you know. Get out here in the ball park, or out on a farm, and move it from place to place, just as the Lord will lead. And I feel that that’s what He’s going to do. You know, '''there’s a vision concerning that.''' And I think that maybe the reason this happens…Now, you know, a lot of times we think it’s horrible because certain things happen, but, you know, that might be God, see, driving you into these things. When, He said it, He’ll do it.<ref>William Branham, 65-0718M - Trying To Do God A Service Without Being The Will Of God, para. 19</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
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The Tent Vision
2023-12-22T00:47:25Z
<p>Admin: /* The Vision Explained */</p>
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[[Image:TentOK.jpg|right|thumb|250px|...and ends with his second vision about a tent. (See the article on the [[Heavenly Vision]] to learn about the first tent vision.)]]<br />
William Branham had a second vision of meetings being held in a large tent. Details on the first vision are [[Heavenly Vision|here]]. This second vision took place sometime prior to 1956 as the first time he relates the vision is in January 1956. He indicated the vision was "Thus Saith The Lord." <br />
<br />
In July 1965, the vision was still unfulfilled when William Branham stated:<br />
<br />
:''You are driving us to that tent, to make that vision fulfill.<ref>William Branham, 65-0711 - Ashamed, para. 16, 113</ref><br />
<br />
William Branham died prior to the end of 1965 with the vision still unfulfilled.<br />
<br />
This is an example of another failed prophecy.<br />
<br />
=The Vision Explained=<br />
<br />
William Branham explained the tent vision in a letter he wrote to C. Parker Thomas in 1958:<br />
<br />
:Jeffersonville, Ind.<br> <br />
:Box 325<br><br />
:June 30, 1958<br><br />
<br />
:Rev. C. Parker Thomas<br><br />
:Box 685<br><br />
:Southern Pines, N.C.<br><br />
<br />
:Brother Thomas, your meeting in Southern Pines was unique in that I feel it was the last of this particular kind which I have held for several years. I have been led of God through two phases of a threefold ministry. As I look to the future, I am confident the third phase is upon me. Now, if you do not mind and would even go so far as to publish this letter in your paper, I would like to acquaint you and your friends with certain information that should give you a clearer knowledge and understanding of the ministry which the Lord has given me.<br />
<br />
:This angel did not only tell me that I was to take a Gift of Healing to the world, but he told me (when I complained as did Moses) that God would grant me signs to convince the world that the claims I would make were legitimate and of God.<br />
<br />
:He told me that I would have a sign in my hand appear as I took the sick one's right hand in my left hand. The sign would be various, angry swellings and colouring in my hand, depending on the type of disease. This came to pass exactly as God said it would. He appeared again and told me that if I would be faithful and humble a second sign would appear. That sign was that I could tell the thoughts and intents of people's hearts, and nothing should be hidden as well as tell the diseases.<br />
<br />
:This was to come to pass by trance and vision. You know that this also came to pass. It was during this time of the first sign that crowds came to such very proportions that little towns of a few thousand population would overflow in a few days to many, many thousands. During this time of the first sign, my prayer lines were city blocks long and some nights there was no one person who did not get healed. They would carry me from the platform physically exhausted. During this time there was every kind of miracle conceivable. And then one day in Canada the second sign which was to be greater than the first came into being. I suddenly was in a trance, and I spoke out of vision everything concerning the man who appeared before me. I knew who he was, where he was from and all about his life. Nothing was hidden.<br />
<br />
:People responded in a tremendous way. They were startled but edified. Nothing like this was known since the time of Christ. But a peculiar thing happened. After a few visions I was so weak that I could not pray but for a few. This was hard to understand for if the second sign was greater than the first then the results should have been greater – greater crowds, and more healings. But as so few were personally ministered to each night the crowds fell off. People could not understand why I was weak and so few were touched. I must admit this puzzled me too until God showed me in His Word the truth of the second sign.<br />
<br />
:Then too, I want to give you a clear idea why I get weak when I minister in the spirit. Contrary to popular opinion that man is strong in the spirit and very mighty, he gets weak. Samson slew a thousand and then became so weak that he felt he would die over a bit of thirst. Daniel, after one vision, was sick many days. Elijah, after the Mt. Carmel experience, crept away and tried to die.<ref>Branham’s assertions are incorrect. Judges 15:15-19 tells of Samson killing a thousand men. One can imagine that killing that many men with the jawbone of an ass would be a bit of a workout, so it is not surprising that Samson was quite thirsty when he was finished. Daniel 10:2-19 explains that Daniel had mourned and fasted for three weeks as a result of the vision. The passage tells us that he was filled with terror and anguish as a result of the contents of the vision. Finally, 1 Kings 18:46 states that after the experience on Mt. Carmel, “the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel,” a distance of approximately 50 kilometres. The reason for his running away is explained in 1 Kings 19:3 - he was afraid and ran for his life.</ref> <br />
<br />
:Mortal man is not sufficient for a prolonged overwhelming experience in the spirit, even though saved and Spirit filled. Visions weaken me. I won't try to make you understand. You just must accept it, I know. There is nothing I can do about it. Even as Jesus felt power leave Him when one little lady came for help, even so when hundreds pull on me and by their faith they operate the gift in me, they break me down-I lose strength. I grow weak. But God has promised to change that.<br />
<br />
:Recently God gave me a vision. In it, I saw a vast tent holding up to twenty thousand people. There were city blocks of people coming for prayer. In this huge tent, there was a small cubicle where God told me He would meet me. There from under prying eyes I would minister. The cripples would come in one door and leave by the other - whole. The miracle would be so terrible in power that when questioned the newly healed person would have no other comment to make than that, whereas I had once been sick now he was whole. It would defy description, for there would be no feeling that one could tell. It would be God, and His doing. No tongue could utter it.<br />
<br />
:I am not ready for that ministry. I feel that if I but reached out I could grasp it. I simply wait for Him to tell me to step out. I am anxious for that day. When it comes, I hope that I may come back to you and minister in your city and share fellowship in Christ our Lord.<br />
<br />
:May God bless you and every effort you make. May your labour be all in the Lord.<br />
<br />
:Your humble servant and Brother,<br />
<br />
:William Branham<ref>The contents of the letter were obtained from Bible Tabernacle Books, P.O. Box 1010, Eppindust 7460, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa</ref><br />
<br />
=Quotes of William Branham=<br />
<br />
William Branham stated he had ordered a large tent:<br />
<br />
:''What number of card did you…? [Blank spot on tape—Ed.] My ministry’s not like some of the brothers who goes and lays his hands on the sick, and everybody prays for each individual. I… My ministry just… Perhaps after I return from Africa and overseas this time, I may never have no more… It’s leaning that way very strong towards me, in America, to leave off healing services; just congregational prayer (See?), and have evangelistic services: like come set up a big tent. '''I just got one in order the other day, seats fifteen thousand people''': chairs and everything. Like to set it out here in Louisville and stay for three months. See? And just stay till God says it’s enough, it’s over. See?<ref>William Branham, 54-0403 - The Hand Of The Lord Came Upon Him, para. 53</ref><br />
<br />
The first telling of the tent vision:<br />
<br />
:''...the Angel of the Lord taken me out then, and He taken me to a real bright stream of water. It was the most beautiful blue water, and great fish were swimming around in it. He said, “I will make you a fisher.” And He said, “Now cast your lure into the water. When you do, pull it slow, first time. Next time, just give a little jerk, not too hard. And the next time, set your hook for the catch.” <br />
<br />
:''And I started; throwed my line in the water. I pulled it. Everybody begin rejoicing, saying, “That’s wonderful. That’s wonderful.” I got all excited, and jerked it hard on the next one, was out. I pulled the fish, and all, out of the water. But, when it was, it was a little bitty fish, and it just about the size of the lure. And I got my line all tangled up, and I was straightening out my line. <br />
<br />
:''And the Man which was talking behind me; walked around in front of me, dressed in Palestinian clothes, and a turban on His head. He had a white robe. He said, “Brother Branham, that’s it.” <br />
<br />
:''I said, “I know I didn’t do right.” I said, “I jerked it when I oughtn’t to.” <br />
<br />
:''He said, “Don’t get your line tangled up in these kind of times.” 46 And I said, “Well, I’m running it straight as I can. I’ll be very careful.” <br />
<br />
:''And He said, “Now, the First time I spoke with you, you put your hands on the people and told them what was wrong with them. And the Second Pull, why, when you did, you would know the secrets of your hearts, and I made you a seer before the people. But you was always trying to explain it. You oughtn’t to have done that.” Said, “You’ve made a public show out of it.” I said, “I’m very sorry.” <br />
<br />
:''Then He taken me from there, and I seen a great huge tent. I never seen such a—a tent! And it was packed and lined everywhere, with people. And I walked out to the…looked like I was standing above the people, looking down; where I just made an altar call, and hundreds and hundreds of people were weeping and rejoicing after they had accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. And I looked. <br />
<br />
:''And then I heard a man get up and say, “Call the prayer line.” And people begin to line up over on this side, the left, from where I was looking down towards the platform. And they lined all the way up-and-down the street, for a prayer line. <br />
<br />
:''I noticed to my left, which would have been to my right if I was on the platform, a little wooden building. And I seen that Light that they have the picture of, you know. It’s always in the meeting. I seen that Light leave me and go to that building, and go in that building. And a Voice said to me, “I’ll meet you in there. That’ll be the Third Pull.” I said, “Why?” <br />
<br />
:''He said, “Well, it won’t be a public show like the other.” And I came to. And I… <br />
<br />
:''Now, at the beginning of this new year, back to my tabernacle where I started from, see, back to the beginning where I started. I—I am very grateful to God for these things. <br />
<br />
:''And many of you know that just before leaving on the other crusade, about eight or ten years, I think around ten years since, well, nine years it has been. It was… These things were told exactly how the auditorium services, you remember; exactly how that Brother Lawton would live exactly three years and then be taken away; that Brother Ward would build a tabernacle down in this position, this direction here; and all just exactly. You know it, you old-timers. It happened just that way, and so will this, for it’s THUS SAITH THE LORD. And you’ll know.<ref>William Branham, 56-0101 - Why Are People So Tossed About?, para. 42-53</ref><br />
<br />
The tent is still on order:<br />
<br />
:''Then I go down to La Crescenta, California, to set some things in order, which, '''my tent is already made and ready to go out on the field now.''' And so, well, I’ll probably start on the West Coast of California, going down through California and Arizona, this coming winter, the Lord willing; with exceptions of the time open between the meetings for a service to go into Africa again. David duPlessis and many of the men here from Africa, that want to set up the African Campaign, was with me in this meeting. Going to meet up there, we’re to get with Brother Arganbright and have prayer, to see where the next meeting will be.<ref>William Branham, 56-0617 - Revelation, Book Of Symbols, para. 144</ref><br />
<br />
The tent was based on a vision:<br />
<br />
:''And someday, if God willing, I’m trying to get out of it right now, and asking the heavenly Father… '''And by a vision He told me about a tent that Brother Moore and them is going to California now to see to set in order the first time.''' They will put a little place there where we can pray for the people, and I can get away from the people just a minute so that I won’t feel that pull when I’m praying. That’s what makes me weak. That’s what takes me from the platform early. Don’t lay it onto my kid; it’s not my kid. He stays with me like, sticks closer than anything I’ve ever had in my life. He knows just exactly what to move. If it wasn’t for him, I’d be in the insane institution, ’cause they let me stay.<ref>William Branham, 56-0801 - The Arrow Of God's Deliverance Shot From A Bows, para. 12</ref><br />
<br />
The tent was still being ordered three years later:<br />
<br />
:''Now, while he’s gone I can talk. He certainly has been a real brother to me. And he—he come down and the best he could do, get the ministers and tell them we were coming. The reason we try to do this, if you have a sponsorship, well then, that certain denomination that sponsors it, the other denomination feels they have nothing to do into it. But if you’ll just come… Here’s my motive. I’m planning on, God willing, making one great big push this next summer in the States, if God willing, and Canada. I’m ordering a tent to seat somewhere around eight to ten thousand people, and we want to find out locations that we can put this tent up and not stay just for four or five days or a week; we want to stay four or five weeks, teach, so I can have the afternoons, and so forth, and lay the foundation down real closely.<ref>William Branham, 57-0811A - The Greatest Gift In The Bible, para. 6</ref><br />
<br />
The tent vision:<br />
<br />
:''And then some time ago, '''I was in a vision and I saw a—a large tent'''. Oh, it was a mammoth, big affair. And I had just been speaking, and many souls were at the altar, and were just kind of weeping with their hands up, quietly and softly. A nice gentle-spoken man came out to the platform and said, “Now they will form the prayer line while Brother Branham is making ready.” And I was standing that way, of course, the prayer line would been to my left. And I noticed a crowd of people that seemed to cover a city block or more, that was standing in line. There was a little building, a wooden building, inside of this tent. And there was a woman standing there, a man, one taking names, and people were going in on crutches and stretchers, and coming out the other side, walking. Well, I wondered what all taken place in there. And then that Angel of the Lord, Whose picture you see here, It went from me, and went right over that little building, and stood there, then went down. And a Voice spoke, and said, “I’ll meet you in that place.” Well, now, I’ve looked forward for that time.<ref>William Branham, 58-1001 - Lifting Him Up Out Of History, para. 5</ref><br />
<br />
:''But after the… knowing this, that the Lord had spoke some time ago about… Ah, I suppose about three or four years ago (My wife, which is present now, would be able to know just the date. We have it wrote down.), that '''I seen a vision of a large tent''' or—or something, that we’re anticipating someday having, and where we could come into a place and stay a long time. We can get the ministers, and so forth, together, where the converts can all have homes to go to, and—and shift our meetings around, where they’ll not interfere with the regular services of the churches. Maybe be off on Wednesday night, and Sun—have Sunday afternoon instead of Sunday night, somewhere it won’t interfere with the rest of the religious services. And during a time that there’s no revivals around close, could stay, and we could have teaching in the morning, like ministerial classes, and so forth. Then in the afternoon, to teach the sick how to hold their healing when they receive it, and such as that. I’m on my way home immediately after this meeting here for that very same purpose at my Tabernacle. 3 Now, then in this vision, I saw a little building setting in a corner. And this Light that was near me, It went and stood over that building, and a Voice spoke, and said, “I will meet you in there.”<ref>William Branham, 59-1124 - Balm In Gilead, para. 2</ref><br />
<br />
The vision was still unfulfilled in 1962:<br />
<br />
:''And so far as I know, that '''every vision''' that He’s ever give me '''has been fulfilled''', '''except the one that I’m a change in my ministry''', to where I’m to pray for people in a little place like a little room '''under a tent''', or a big auditorium or something. It looked, to me, like a tent. You remember that, two or three years ago? Most all of it was brought to pass. I was to go down in Mexico, and how it would rain that night and what would take place down there. And He told me my ministry of the First Pull. Remember about catching the little bitty fish, or missing it? Second one was a small fish. But then He told me, “On the Third Pull, don’t fail. See? And don’t tell people.” I’m always trying to explain what I’m trying to do. He let me know not to tell people what you’re doing. Just do what He tells me to do and let it alone. See?<ref>William Branham, 62-0908 - Present Stage Of My Ministry, para. 16</ref><br />
<br />
The vision is still unfulfilled in 1965:<br />
<br />
:''And now I want to find out, through the elders. I feel led. I’ve never had such a hunger in my heart for God, in all my life, than I have now, see. For…And I—I want to get my own tent and my—my stuff, like the Lord gave me a vision to, and I believe the time is just now at hand. And I want to see while I’m here, why we can’t get the tent.<br />
<br />
:''...But now speaking on what the services, and going to Africa, and the things that we’ve tried to arrange for these few days here in Indiana. And somehow or another, Lord, it may be You are driving us to that tent, to make that vision fulfill. So Thy will be done, we’ve committed it this way, the best of our understanding. <ref>William Branham, 65-0711 - Ashamed, para. 16, 113</ref><br />
<br />
:''And then I’m here to get the trustees together. I’m kind of getting put out of all this turning me down on place to hold a meeting, when I’m feeling led to do it. '''So I think I’m going to ask if we just can’t get our tent''' and—and put it up, and just stay there, you know. Get out here in the ball park, or out on a farm, and move it from place to place, just as the Lord will lead. And I feel that that’s what He’s going to do. You know, '''there’s a vision concerning that.''' And I think that maybe the reason this happens…Now, you know, a lot of times we think it’s horrible because certain things happen, but, you know, that might be God, see, driving you into these things. When, He said it, He’ll do it.<ref>William Branham, 65-0718M - Trying To Do God A Service Without Being The Will Of God, para. 19</ref><br />
<br />
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The Tent Vision
2023-12-22T00:46:47Z
<p>Admin: /* The Vision Explained */</p>
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[[Image:TentOK.jpg|right|thumb|250px|...and ends with his second vision about a tent. (See the article on the [[Heavenly Vision]] to learn about the first tent vision.)]]<br />
William Branham had a second vision of meetings being held in a large tent. Details on the first vision are [[Heavenly Vision|here]]. This second vision took place sometime prior to 1956 as the first time he relates the vision is in January 1956. He indicated the vision was "Thus Saith The Lord." <br />
<br />
In July 1965, the vision was still unfulfilled when William Branham stated:<br />
<br />
:''You are driving us to that tent, to make that vision fulfill.<ref>William Branham, 65-0711 - Ashamed, para. 16, 113</ref><br />
<br />
William Branham died prior to the end of 1965 with the vision still unfulfilled.<br />
<br />
This is an example of another failed prophecy.<br />
<br />
=The Vision Explained=<br />
<br />
William Branham explained the tent vision in a letter he wrote to C. Parker Thomas in 1958:<br />
<br />
:Jeffersonville, Ind.<be> <br />
:Box 325<be><br />
:June 30, 1958<be><br />
<br />
:Rev. C. Parker Thomas <be><br />
:Box 685<be><br />
:Southern Pines, N.C.<be><br />
<br />
:Brother Thomas, your meeting in Southern Pines was unique in that I feel it was the last of this particular kind which I have held for several years. I have been led of God through two phases of a threefold ministry. As I look to the future, I am confident the third phase is upon me. Now, if you do not mind and would even go so far as to publish this letter in your paper, I would like to acquaint you and your friends with certain information that should give you a clearer knowledge and understanding of the ministry which the Lord has given me.<br />
<br />
:This angel did not only tell me that I was to take a Gift of Healing to the world, but he told me (when I complained as did Moses) that God would grant me signs to convince the world that the claims I would make were legitimate and of God.<br />
<br />
:He told me that I would have a sign in my hand appear as I took the sick one's right hand in my left hand. The sign would be various, angry swellings and colouring in my hand, depending on the type of disease. This came to pass exactly as God said it would. He appeared again and told me that if I would be faithful and humble a second sign would appear. That sign was that I could tell the thoughts and intents of people's hearts, and nothing should be hidden as well as tell the diseases.<br />
<br />
:This was to come to pass by trance and vision. You know that this also came to pass. It was during this time of the first sign that crowds came to such very proportions that little towns of a few thousand population would overflow in a few days to many, many thousands. During this time of the first sign, my prayer lines were city blocks long and some nights there was no one person who did not get healed. They would carry me from the platform physically exhausted. During this time there was every kind of miracle conceivable. And then one day in Canada the second sign which was to be greater than the first came into being. I suddenly was in a trance, and I spoke out of vision everything concerning the man who appeared before me. I knew who he was, where he was from and all about his life. Nothing was hidden.<br />
<br />
:People responded in a tremendous way. They were startled but edified. Nothing like this was known since the time of Christ. But a peculiar thing happened. After a few visions I was so weak that I could not pray but for a few. This was hard to understand for if the second sign was greater than the first then the results should have been greater – greater crowds, and more healings. But as so few were personally ministered to each night the crowds fell off. People could not understand why I was weak and so few were touched. I must admit this puzzled me too until God showed me in His Word the truth of the second sign.<br />
<br />
:Then too, I want to give you a clear idea why I get weak when I minister in the spirit. Contrary to popular opinion that man is strong in the spirit and very mighty, he gets weak. Samson slew a thousand and then became so weak that he felt he would die over a bit of thirst. Daniel, after one vision, was sick many days. Elijah, after the Mt. Carmel experience, crept away and tried to die.<ref>Branham’s assertions are incorrect. Judges 15:15-19 tells of Samson killing a thousand men. One can imagine that killing that many men with the jawbone of an ass would be a bit of a workout, so it is not surprising that Samson was quite thirsty when he was finished. Daniel 10:2-19 explains that Daniel had mourned and fasted for three weeks as a result of the vision. The passage tells us that he was filled with terror and anguish as a result of the contents of the vision. Finally, 1 Kings 18:46 states that after the experience on Mt. Carmel, “the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel,” a distance of approximately 50 kilometres. The reason for his running away is explained in 1 Kings 19:3 - he was afraid and ran for his life.</ref> <br />
<br />
:Mortal man is not sufficient for a prolonged overwhelming experience in the spirit, even though saved and Spirit filled. Visions weaken me. I won't try to make you understand. You just must accept it, I know. There is nothing I can do about it. Even as Jesus felt power leave Him when one little lady came for help, even so when hundreds pull on me and by their faith they operate the gift in me, they break me down-I lose strength. I grow weak. But God has promised to change that.<br />
<br />
:Recently God gave me a vision. In it, I saw a vast tent holding up to twenty thousand people. There were city blocks of people coming for prayer. In this huge tent, there was a small cubicle where God told me He would meet me. There from under prying eyes I would minister. The cripples would come in one door and leave by the other - whole. The miracle would be so terrible in power that when questioned the newly healed person would have no other comment to make than that, whereas I had once been sick now he was whole. It would defy description, for there would be no feeling that one could tell. It would be God, and His doing. No tongue could utter it.<br />
<br />
:I am not ready for that ministry. I feel that if I but reached out I could grasp it. I simply wait for Him to tell me to step out. I am anxious for that day. When it comes, I hope that I may come back to you and minister in your city and share fellowship in Christ our Lord.<br />
<br />
:May God bless you and every effort you make. May your labour be all in the Lord.<br />
<br />
:Your humble servant and Brother,<br />
<br />
:William Branham<ref>The contents of the letter were obtained from Bible Tabernacle Books, P.O. Box 1010, Eppindust 7460, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa</ref><br />
<br />
=Quotes of William Branham=<br />
<br />
William Branham stated he had ordered a large tent:<br />
<br />
:''What number of card did you…? [Blank spot on tape—Ed.] My ministry’s not like some of the brothers who goes and lays his hands on the sick, and everybody prays for each individual. I… My ministry just… Perhaps after I return from Africa and overseas this time, I may never have no more… It’s leaning that way very strong towards me, in America, to leave off healing services; just congregational prayer (See?), and have evangelistic services: like come set up a big tent. '''I just got one in order the other day, seats fifteen thousand people''': chairs and everything. Like to set it out here in Louisville and stay for three months. See? And just stay till God says it’s enough, it’s over. See?<ref>William Branham, 54-0403 - The Hand Of The Lord Came Upon Him, para. 53</ref><br />
<br />
The first telling of the tent vision:<br />
<br />
:''...the Angel of the Lord taken me out then, and He taken me to a real bright stream of water. It was the most beautiful blue water, and great fish were swimming around in it. He said, “I will make you a fisher.” And He said, “Now cast your lure into the water. When you do, pull it slow, first time. Next time, just give a little jerk, not too hard. And the next time, set your hook for the catch.” <br />
<br />
:''And I started; throwed my line in the water. I pulled it. Everybody begin rejoicing, saying, “That’s wonderful. That’s wonderful.” I got all excited, and jerked it hard on the next one, was out. I pulled the fish, and all, out of the water. But, when it was, it was a little bitty fish, and it just about the size of the lure. And I got my line all tangled up, and I was straightening out my line. <br />
<br />
:''And the Man which was talking behind me; walked around in front of me, dressed in Palestinian clothes, and a turban on His head. He had a white robe. He said, “Brother Branham, that’s it.” <br />
<br />
:''I said, “I know I didn’t do right.” I said, “I jerked it when I oughtn’t to.” <br />
<br />
:''He said, “Don’t get your line tangled up in these kind of times.” 46 And I said, “Well, I’m running it straight as I can. I’ll be very careful.” <br />
<br />
:''And He said, “Now, the First time I spoke with you, you put your hands on the people and told them what was wrong with them. And the Second Pull, why, when you did, you would know the secrets of your hearts, and I made you a seer before the people. But you was always trying to explain it. You oughtn’t to have done that.” Said, “You’ve made a public show out of it.” I said, “I’m very sorry.” <br />
<br />
:''Then He taken me from there, and I seen a great huge tent. I never seen such a—a tent! And it was packed and lined everywhere, with people. And I walked out to the…looked like I was standing above the people, looking down; where I just made an altar call, and hundreds and hundreds of people were weeping and rejoicing after they had accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. And I looked. <br />
<br />
:''And then I heard a man get up and say, “Call the prayer line.” And people begin to line up over on this side, the left, from where I was looking down towards the platform. And they lined all the way up-and-down the street, for a prayer line. <br />
<br />
:''I noticed to my left, which would have been to my right if I was on the platform, a little wooden building. And I seen that Light that they have the picture of, you know. It’s always in the meeting. I seen that Light leave me and go to that building, and go in that building. And a Voice said to me, “I’ll meet you in there. That’ll be the Third Pull.” I said, “Why?” <br />
<br />
:''He said, “Well, it won’t be a public show like the other.” And I came to. And I… <br />
<br />
:''Now, at the beginning of this new year, back to my tabernacle where I started from, see, back to the beginning where I started. I—I am very grateful to God for these things. <br />
<br />
:''And many of you know that just before leaving on the other crusade, about eight or ten years, I think around ten years since, well, nine years it has been. It was… These things were told exactly how the auditorium services, you remember; exactly how that Brother Lawton would live exactly three years and then be taken away; that Brother Ward would build a tabernacle down in this position, this direction here; and all just exactly. You know it, you old-timers. It happened just that way, and so will this, for it’s THUS SAITH THE LORD. And you’ll know.<ref>William Branham, 56-0101 - Why Are People So Tossed About?, para. 42-53</ref><br />
<br />
The tent is still on order:<br />
<br />
:''Then I go down to La Crescenta, California, to set some things in order, which, '''my tent is already made and ready to go out on the field now.''' And so, well, I’ll probably start on the West Coast of California, going down through California and Arizona, this coming winter, the Lord willing; with exceptions of the time open between the meetings for a service to go into Africa again. David duPlessis and many of the men here from Africa, that want to set up the African Campaign, was with me in this meeting. Going to meet up there, we’re to get with Brother Arganbright and have prayer, to see where the next meeting will be.<ref>William Branham, 56-0617 - Revelation, Book Of Symbols, para. 144</ref><br />
<br />
The tent was based on a vision:<br />
<br />
:''And someday, if God willing, I’m trying to get out of it right now, and asking the heavenly Father… '''And by a vision He told me about a tent that Brother Moore and them is going to California now to see to set in order the first time.''' They will put a little place there where we can pray for the people, and I can get away from the people just a minute so that I won’t feel that pull when I’m praying. That’s what makes me weak. That’s what takes me from the platform early. Don’t lay it onto my kid; it’s not my kid. He stays with me like, sticks closer than anything I’ve ever had in my life. He knows just exactly what to move. If it wasn’t for him, I’d be in the insane institution, ’cause they let me stay.<ref>William Branham, 56-0801 - The Arrow Of God's Deliverance Shot From A Bows, para. 12</ref><br />
<br />
The tent was still being ordered three years later:<br />
<br />
:''Now, while he’s gone I can talk. He certainly has been a real brother to me. And he—he come down and the best he could do, get the ministers and tell them we were coming. The reason we try to do this, if you have a sponsorship, well then, that certain denomination that sponsors it, the other denomination feels they have nothing to do into it. But if you’ll just come… Here’s my motive. I’m planning on, God willing, making one great big push this next summer in the States, if God willing, and Canada. I’m ordering a tent to seat somewhere around eight to ten thousand people, and we want to find out locations that we can put this tent up and not stay just for four or five days or a week; we want to stay four or five weeks, teach, so I can have the afternoons, and so forth, and lay the foundation down real closely.<ref>William Branham, 57-0811A - The Greatest Gift In The Bible, para. 6</ref><br />
<br />
The tent vision:<br />
<br />
:''And then some time ago, '''I was in a vision and I saw a—a large tent'''. Oh, it was a mammoth, big affair. And I had just been speaking, and many souls were at the altar, and were just kind of weeping with their hands up, quietly and softly. A nice gentle-spoken man came out to the platform and said, “Now they will form the prayer line while Brother Branham is making ready.” And I was standing that way, of course, the prayer line would been to my left. And I noticed a crowd of people that seemed to cover a city block or more, that was standing in line. There was a little building, a wooden building, inside of this tent. And there was a woman standing there, a man, one taking names, and people were going in on crutches and stretchers, and coming out the other side, walking. Well, I wondered what all taken place in there. And then that Angel of the Lord, Whose picture you see here, It went from me, and went right over that little building, and stood there, then went down. And a Voice spoke, and said, “I’ll meet you in that place.” Well, now, I’ve looked forward for that time.<ref>William Branham, 58-1001 - Lifting Him Up Out Of History, para. 5</ref><br />
<br />
:''But after the… knowing this, that the Lord had spoke some time ago about… Ah, I suppose about three or four years ago (My wife, which is present now, would be able to know just the date. We have it wrote down.), that '''I seen a vision of a large tent''' or—or something, that we’re anticipating someday having, and where we could come into a place and stay a long time. We can get the ministers, and so forth, together, where the converts can all have homes to go to, and—and shift our meetings around, where they’ll not interfere with the regular services of the churches. Maybe be off on Wednesday night, and Sun—have Sunday afternoon instead of Sunday night, somewhere it won’t interfere with the rest of the religious services. And during a time that there’s no revivals around close, could stay, and we could have teaching in the morning, like ministerial classes, and so forth. Then in the afternoon, to teach the sick how to hold their healing when they receive it, and such as that. I’m on my way home immediately after this meeting here for that very same purpose at my Tabernacle. 3 Now, then in this vision, I saw a little building setting in a corner. And this Light that was near me, It went and stood over that building, and a Voice spoke, and said, “I will meet you in there.”<ref>William Branham, 59-1124 - Balm In Gilead, para. 2</ref><br />
<br />
The vision was still unfulfilled in 1962:<br />
<br />
:''And so far as I know, that '''every vision''' that He’s ever give me '''has been fulfilled''', '''except the one that I’m a change in my ministry''', to where I’m to pray for people in a little place like a little room '''under a tent''', or a big auditorium or something. It looked, to me, like a tent. You remember that, two or three years ago? Most all of it was brought to pass. I was to go down in Mexico, and how it would rain that night and what would take place down there. And He told me my ministry of the First Pull. Remember about catching the little bitty fish, or missing it? Second one was a small fish. But then He told me, “On the Third Pull, don’t fail. See? And don’t tell people.” I’m always trying to explain what I’m trying to do. He let me know not to tell people what you’re doing. Just do what He tells me to do and let it alone. See?<ref>William Branham, 62-0908 - Present Stage Of My Ministry, para. 16</ref><br />
<br />
The vision is still unfulfilled in 1965:<br />
<br />
:''And now I want to find out, through the elders. I feel led. I’ve never had such a hunger in my heart for God, in all my life, than I have now, see. For…And I—I want to get my own tent and my—my stuff, like the Lord gave me a vision to, and I believe the time is just now at hand. And I want to see while I’m here, why we can’t get the tent.<br />
<br />
:''...But now speaking on what the services, and going to Africa, and the things that we’ve tried to arrange for these few days here in Indiana. And somehow or another, Lord, it may be You are driving us to that tent, to make that vision fulfill. So Thy will be done, we’ve committed it this way, the best of our understanding. <ref>William Branham, 65-0711 - Ashamed, para. 16, 113</ref><br />
<br />
:''And then I’m here to get the trustees together. I’m kind of getting put out of all this turning me down on place to hold a meeting, when I’m feeling led to do it. '''So I think I’m going to ask if we just can’t get our tent''' and—and put it up, and just stay there, you know. Get out here in the ball park, or out on a farm, and move it from place to place, just as the Lord will lead. And I feel that that’s what He’s going to do. You know, '''there’s a vision concerning that.''' And I think that maybe the reason this happens…Now, you know, a lot of times we think it’s horrible because certain things happen, but, you know, that might be God, see, driving you into these things. When, He said it, He’ll do it.<ref>William Branham, 65-0718M - Trying To Do God A Service Without Being The Will Of God, para. 19</ref><br />
<br />
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The Tent Vision
2023-12-22T00:45:18Z
<p>Admin: /* The Vision Explained */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
[[Image:TentOK.jpg|right|thumb|250px|...and ends with his second vision about a tent. (See the article on the [[Heavenly Vision]] to learn about the first tent vision.)]]<br />
William Branham had a second vision of meetings being held in a large tent. Details on the first vision are [[Heavenly Vision|here]]. This second vision took place sometime prior to 1956 as the first time he relates the vision is in January 1956. He indicated the vision was "Thus Saith The Lord." <br />
<br />
In July 1965, the vision was still unfulfilled when William Branham stated:<br />
<br />
:''You are driving us to that tent, to make that vision fulfill.<ref>William Branham, 65-0711 - Ashamed, para. 16, 113</ref><br />
<br />
William Branham died prior to the end of 1965 with the vision still unfulfilled.<br />
<br />
This is an example of another failed prophecy.<br />
<br />
=The Vision Explained=<br />
<br />
William Branham explained the tent vision in a letter he wrote to C. Parker Thomas in 1958:<br />
<br />
Jeffersonville, Ind.<br> <br />
Box 325<br><br />
June 30, 1958<br><br />
<br />
Rev. C. Parker Thomas <br><br />
Box 685<br><br />
Southern Pines, N.C.<br><br />
<br />
Brother Thomas, your meeting in Southern Pines was unique in that I feel it was the last of this particular kind which I have held for several years. I have been led of God through two phases of a threefold ministry. As I look to the future, I am confident the third phase is upon me. Now, if you do not mind and would even go so far as to publish this letter in your paper, I would like to acquaint you and your friends with certain information that should give you a clearer knowledge and understanding of the ministry which the Lord has given me.<br />
<br />
This angel did not only tell me that I was to take a Gift of Healing to the world, but he told me (when I complained as did Moses) that God would grant me signs to convince the world that the claims I would make were legitimate and of God.<br />
<br />
He told me that I would have a sign in my hand appear as I took the sick one's right hand in my left hand. The sign would be various, angry swellings and colouring in my hand, depending on the type of disease. This came to pass exactly as God said it would. He appeared again and told me that if I would be faithful and humble a second sign would appear. That sign was that I could tell the thoughts and intents of people's hearts, and nothing should be hidden as well as tell the diseases.<br />
<br />
This was to come to pass by trance and vision. You know that this also came to pass. It was during this time of the first sign that crowds came to such very proportions that little towns of a few thousand population would overflow in a few days to many, many thousands. During this time of the first sign, my prayer lines were city blocks long and some nights there was no one person who did not get healed. They would carry me from the platform physically exhausted. During this time there was every kind of miracle conceivable. And then one day in Canada the second sign which was to be greater than the first came into being. I suddenly was in a trance, and I spoke out of vision everything concerning the man who appeared before me. I knew who he was, where he was from and all about his life. Nothing was hidden.<br />
<br />
People responded in a tremendous way. They were startled but edified. Nothing like this was known since the time of Christ. But a peculiar thing happened. After a few visions I was so weak that I could not pray but for a few. This was hard to understand for if the second sign was greater than the first then the results should have been greater – greater crowds, and more healings. But as so few were personally ministered to each night the crowds fell off. People could not understand why I was weak and so few were touched. I must admit this puzzled me too until God showed me in His Word the truth of the second sign.<br />
<br />
Then too, I want to give you a clear idea why I get weak when I minister in the spirit. Contrary to popular opinion that man is strong in the spirit and very mighty, he gets weak. Samson slew a thousand and then became so weak that he felt he would die over a bit of thirst. Daniel, after one vision, was sick many days. Elijah, after the Mt. Carmel experience, crept away and tried to die.<ref>Branham’s assertions are incorrect. Judges 15:15-19 tells of Samson killing a thousand men. One can imagine that killing that many men with the jawbone of an ass would be a bit of a workout, so it is not surprising that Samson was quite thirsty when he was finished. Daniel 10:2-19 explains that Daniel had mourned and fasted for three weeks as a result of the vision. The passage tells us that he was filled with terror and anguish as a result of the contents of the vision. Finally, 1 Kings 18:46 states that after the experience on Mt. Carmel, “the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel,” a distance of approximately 50 kilometres. The reason for his running away is explained in 1 Kings 19:3 - he was afraid and ran for his life.</ref> <br />
<br />
Mortal man is not sufficient for a prolonged overwhelming experience in the spirit, even though saved and Spirit filled. Visions weaken me. I won't try to make you understand. You just must accept it, I know. There is nothing I can do about it. Even as Jesus felt power leave Him when one little lady came for help, even so when hundreds pull on me and by their faith they operate the gift in me, they break me down-I lose strength. I grow weak. But God has promised to change that.<br />
<br />
Recently God gave me a vision. In it, I saw a vast tent holding up to twenty thousand people. There were city blocks of people coming for prayer. In this huge tent, there was a small cubicle where God told me He would meet me. There from under prying eyes I would minister. The cripples would come in one door and leave by the other - whole. The miracle would be so terrible in power that when questioned the newly healed person would have no other comment to make than that, whereas I had once been sick now he was whole. It would defy description, for there would be no feeling that one could tell. It would be God, and His doing. No tongue could utter it.<br />
<br />
I am not ready for that ministry. I feel that if I but reached out I could grasp it. I simply wait for Him to tell me to step out. I am anxious for that day. When it comes, I hope that I may come back to you and minister in your city and share fellowship in Christ our Lord.<br />
<br />
May God bless you and every effort you make. May your labour be all in the Lord.<br />
<br />
Your humble servant and Brother,<br />
<br />
William Branham<ref>The contents of the letter were obtained from Bible Tabernacle Books, P.O. Box 1010, Eppindust 7460, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa</ref><br />
<br />
=Quotes of William Branham=<br />
<br />
William Branham stated he had ordered a large tent:<br />
<br />
:''What number of card did you…? [Blank spot on tape—Ed.] My ministry’s not like some of the brothers who goes and lays his hands on the sick, and everybody prays for each individual. I… My ministry just… Perhaps after I return from Africa and overseas this time, I may never have no more… It’s leaning that way very strong towards me, in America, to leave off healing services; just congregational prayer (See?), and have evangelistic services: like come set up a big tent. '''I just got one in order the other day, seats fifteen thousand people''': chairs and everything. Like to set it out here in Louisville and stay for three months. See? And just stay till God says it’s enough, it’s over. See?<ref>William Branham, 54-0403 - The Hand Of The Lord Came Upon Him, para. 53</ref><br />
<br />
The first telling of the tent vision:<br />
<br />
:''...the Angel of the Lord taken me out then, and He taken me to a real bright stream of water. It was the most beautiful blue water, and great fish were swimming around in it. He said, “I will make you a fisher.” And He said, “Now cast your lure into the water. When you do, pull it slow, first time. Next time, just give a little jerk, not too hard. And the next time, set your hook for the catch.” <br />
<br />
:''And I started; throwed my line in the water. I pulled it. Everybody begin rejoicing, saying, “That’s wonderful. That’s wonderful.” I got all excited, and jerked it hard on the next one, was out. I pulled the fish, and all, out of the water. But, when it was, it was a little bitty fish, and it just about the size of the lure. And I got my line all tangled up, and I was straightening out my line. <br />
<br />
:''And the Man which was talking behind me; walked around in front of me, dressed in Palestinian clothes, and a turban on His head. He had a white robe. He said, “Brother Branham, that’s it.” <br />
<br />
:''I said, “I know I didn’t do right.” I said, “I jerked it when I oughtn’t to.” <br />
<br />
:''He said, “Don’t get your line tangled up in these kind of times.” 46 And I said, “Well, I’m running it straight as I can. I’ll be very careful.” <br />
<br />
:''And He said, “Now, the First time I spoke with you, you put your hands on the people and told them what was wrong with them. And the Second Pull, why, when you did, you would know the secrets of your hearts, and I made you a seer before the people. But you was always trying to explain it. You oughtn’t to have done that.” Said, “You’ve made a public show out of it.” I said, “I’m very sorry.” <br />
<br />
:''Then He taken me from there, and I seen a great huge tent. I never seen such a—a tent! And it was packed and lined everywhere, with people. And I walked out to the…looked like I was standing above the people, looking down; where I just made an altar call, and hundreds and hundreds of people were weeping and rejoicing after they had accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. And I looked. <br />
<br />
:''And then I heard a man get up and say, “Call the prayer line.” And people begin to line up over on this side, the left, from where I was looking down towards the platform. And they lined all the way up-and-down the street, for a prayer line. <br />
<br />
:''I noticed to my left, which would have been to my right if I was on the platform, a little wooden building. And I seen that Light that they have the picture of, you know. It’s always in the meeting. I seen that Light leave me and go to that building, and go in that building. And a Voice said to me, “I’ll meet you in there. That’ll be the Third Pull.” I said, “Why?” <br />
<br />
:''He said, “Well, it won’t be a public show like the other.” And I came to. And I… <br />
<br />
:''Now, at the beginning of this new year, back to my tabernacle where I started from, see, back to the beginning where I started. I—I am very grateful to God for these things. <br />
<br />
:''And many of you know that just before leaving on the other crusade, about eight or ten years, I think around ten years since, well, nine years it has been. It was… These things were told exactly how the auditorium services, you remember; exactly how that Brother Lawton would live exactly three years and then be taken away; that Brother Ward would build a tabernacle down in this position, this direction here; and all just exactly. You know it, you old-timers. It happened just that way, and so will this, for it’s THUS SAITH THE LORD. And you’ll know.<ref>William Branham, 56-0101 - Why Are People So Tossed About?, para. 42-53</ref><br />
<br />
The tent is still on order:<br />
<br />
:''Then I go down to La Crescenta, California, to set some things in order, which, '''my tent is already made and ready to go out on the field now.''' And so, well, I’ll probably start on the West Coast of California, going down through California and Arizona, this coming winter, the Lord willing; with exceptions of the time open between the meetings for a service to go into Africa again. David duPlessis and many of the men here from Africa, that want to set up the African Campaign, was with me in this meeting. Going to meet up there, we’re to get with Brother Arganbright and have prayer, to see where the next meeting will be.<ref>William Branham, 56-0617 - Revelation, Book Of Symbols, para. 144</ref><br />
<br />
The tent was based on a vision:<br />
<br />
:''And someday, if God willing, I’m trying to get out of it right now, and asking the heavenly Father… '''And by a vision He told me about a tent that Brother Moore and them is going to California now to see to set in order the first time.''' They will put a little place there where we can pray for the people, and I can get away from the people just a minute so that I won’t feel that pull when I’m praying. That’s what makes me weak. That’s what takes me from the platform early. Don’t lay it onto my kid; it’s not my kid. He stays with me like, sticks closer than anything I’ve ever had in my life. He knows just exactly what to move. If it wasn’t for him, I’d be in the insane institution, ’cause they let me stay.<ref>William Branham, 56-0801 - The Arrow Of God's Deliverance Shot From A Bows, para. 12</ref><br />
<br />
The tent was still being ordered three years later:<br />
<br />
:''Now, while he’s gone I can talk. He certainly has been a real brother to me. And he—he come down and the best he could do, get the ministers and tell them we were coming. The reason we try to do this, if you have a sponsorship, well then, that certain denomination that sponsors it, the other denomination feels they have nothing to do into it. But if you’ll just come… Here’s my motive. I’m planning on, God willing, making one great big push this next summer in the States, if God willing, and Canada. I’m ordering a tent to seat somewhere around eight to ten thousand people, and we want to find out locations that we can put this tent up and not stay just for four or five days or a week; we want to stay four or five weeks, teach, so I can have the afternoons, and so forth, and lay the foundation down real closely.<ref>William Branham, 57-0811A - The Greatest Gift In The Bible, para. 6</ref><br />
<br />
The tent vision:<br />
<br />
:''And then some time ago, '''I was in a vision and I saw a—a large tent'''. Oh, it was a mammoth, big affair. And I had just been speaking, and many souls were at the altar, and were just kind of weeping with their hands up, quietly and softly. A nice gentle-spoken man came out to the platform and said, “Now they will form the prayer line while Brother Branham is making ready.” And I was standing that way, of course, the prayer line would been to my left. And I noticed a crowd of people that seemed to cover a city block or more, that was standing in line. There was a little building, a wooden building, inside of this tent. And there was a woman standing there, a man, one taking names, and people were going in on crutches and stretchers, and coming out the other side, walking. Well, I wondered what all taken place in there. And then that Angel of the Lord, Whose picture you see here, It went from me, and went right over that little building, and stood there, then went down. And a Voice spoke, and said, “I’ll meet you in that place.” Well, now, I’ve looked forward for that time.<ref>William Branham, 58-1001 - Lifting Him Up Out Of History, para. 5</ref><br />
<br />
:''But after the… knowing this, that the Lord had spoke some time ago about… Ah, I suppose about three or four years ago (My wife, which is present now, would be able to know just the date. We have it wrote down.), that '''I seen a vision of a large tent''' or—or something, that we’re anticipating someday having, and where we could come into a place and stay a long time. We can get the ministers, and so forth, together, where the converts can all have homes to go to, and—and shift our meetings around, where they’ll not interfere with the regular services of the churches. Maybe be off on Wednesday night, and Sun—have Sunday afternoon instead of Sunday night, somewhere it won’t interfere with the rest of the religious services. And during a time that there’s no revivals around close, could stay, and we could have teaching in the morning, like ministerial classes, and so forth. Then in the afternoon, to teach the sick how to hold their healing when they receive it, and such as that. I’m on my way home immediately after this meeting here for that very same purpose at my Tabernacle. 3 Now, then in this vision, I saw a little building setting in a corner. And this Light that was near me, It went and stood over that building, and a Voice spoke, and said, “I will meet you in there.”<ref>William Branham, 59-1124 - Balm In Gilead, para. 2</ref><br />
<br />
The vision was still unfulfilled in 1962:<br />
<br />
:''And so far as I know, that '''every vision''' that He’s ever give me '''has been fulfilled''', '''except the one that I’m a change in my ministry''', to where I’m to pray for people in a little place like a little room '''under a tent''', or a big auditorium or something. It looked, to me, like a tent. You remember that, two or three years ago? Most all of it was brought to pass. I was to go down in Mexico, and how it would rain that night and what would take place down there. And He told me my ministry of the First Pull. Remember about catching the little bitty fish, or missing it? Second one was a small fish. But then He told me, “On the Third Pull, don’t fail. See? And don’t tell people.” I’m always trying to explain what I’m trying to do. He let me know not to tell people what you’re doing. Just do what He tells me to do and let it alone. See?<ref>William Branham, 62-0908 - Present Stage Of My Ministry, para. 16</ref><br />
<br />
The vision is still unfulfilled in 1965:<br />
<br />
:''And now I want to find out, through the elders. I feel led. I’ve never had such a hunger in my heart for God, in all my life, than I have now, see. For…And I—I want to get my own tent and my—my stuff, like the Lord gave me a vision to, and I believe the time is just now at hand. And I want to see while I’m here, why we can’t get the tent.<br />
<br />
:''...But now speaking on what the services, and going to Africa, and the things that we’ve tried to arrange for these few days here in Indiana. And somehow or another, Lord, it may be You are driving us to that tent, to make that vision fulfill. So Thy will be done, we’ve committed it this way, the best of our understanding. <ref>William Branham, 65-0711 - Ashamed, para. 16, 113</ref><br />
<br />
:''And then I’m here to get the trustees together. I’m kind of getting put out of all this turning me down on place to hold a meeting, when I’m feeling led to do it. '''So I think I’m going to ask if we just can’t get our tent''' and—and put it up, and just stay there, you know. Get out here in the ball park, or out on a farm, and move it from place to place, just as the Lord will lead. And I feel that that’s what He’s going to do. You know, '''there’s a vision concerning that.''' And I think that maybe the reason this happens…Now, you know, a lot of times we think it’s horrible because certain things happen, but, you know, that might be God, see, driving you into these things. When, He said it, He’ll do it.<ref>William Branham, 65-0718M - Trying To Do God A Service Without Being The Will Of God, para. 19</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
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The Tent Vision
2023-12-22T00:42:57Z
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[[Image:TentOK.jpg|right|thumb|250px|...and ends with his second vision about a tent. (See the article on the [[Heavenly Vision]] to learn about the first tent vision.)]]<br />
William Branham had a second vision of meetings being held in a large tent. Details on the first vision are [[Heavenly Vision|here]]. This second vision took place sometime prior to 1956 as the first time he relates the vision is in January 1956. He indicated the vision was "Thus Saith The Lord." <br />
<br />
In July 1965, the vision was still unfulfilled when William Branham stated:<br />
<br />
:''You are driving us to that tent, to make that vision fulfill.<ref>William Branham, 65-0711 - Ashamed, para. 16, 113</ref><br />
<br />
William Branham died prior to the end of 1965 with the vision still unfulfilled.<br />
<br />
This is an example of another failed prophecy.<br />
<br />
=The Vision Explained=<br />
<br />
William Branham explained the tent vision in a letter he wrote to C. Parker Thomas in 1958:<br />
<br />
Jeffersonville, Ind. <br />
Box 325<br />
June 30, 1958<br />
<br />
Rev. C. Parker Thomas <br />
Box 685<br />
Southern Pines, N.C.<br />
<br />
Brother Thomas, your meeting in Southern Pines was unique in that I feel it was the last of this particular kind which I have held for several years. I have been led of God through two phases of a threefold ministry. As I look to the future, I am confident the third phase is upon me. Now, if you do not mind and would even go so far as to publish this letter in your paper, I would like to acquaint you and your friends with certain information that should give you a clearer knowledge and understanding of the ministry which the Lord has given me.<br />
<br />
This angel did not only tell me that I was to take a Gift of Healing to the world, but he told me (when I complained as did Moses) that God would grant me signs to convince the world that the claims I would make were legitimate and of God.<br />
<br />
He told me that I would have a sign in my hand appear as I took the sick one's right hand in my left hand. The sign would be various, angry swellings and colouring in my hand, depending on the type of disease. This came to pass exactly as God said it would. He appeared again and told me that if I would be faithful and humble a second sign would appear. That sign was that I could tell the thoughts and intents of people's hearts, and nothing should be hidden as well as tell the diseases.<br />
<br />
This was to come to pass by trance and vision. You know that this also came to pass. It was during this time of the first sign that crowds came to such very proportions that little towns of a few thousand population would overflow in a few days to many, many thousands. During this time of the first sign, my prayer lines were city blocks long and some nights there was no one person who did not get healed. They would carry me from the platform physically exhausted. During this time there was every kind of miracle conceivable. And then one day in Canada the second sign which was to be greater than the first came into being. I suddenly was in a trance, and I spoke out of vision everything concerning the man who appeared before me. I knew who he was, where he was from and all about his life. Nothing was hidden.<br />
<br />
People responded in a tremendous way. They were startled but edified. Nothing like this was known since the time of Christ. But a peculiar thing happened. After a few visions I was so weak that I could not pray but for a few. This was hard to understand for if the second sign was greater than the first then the results should have been greater – greater crowds, and more healings. But as so few were personally ministered to each night the crowds fell off. People could not understand why I was weak and so few were touched. I must admit this puzzled me too until God showed me in His Word the truth of the second sign.<br />
<br />
Then too, I want to give you a clear idea why I get weak when I minister in the spirit. Contrary to popular opinion that man is strong in the spirit and very mighty, he gets weak. Samson slew a thousand and then became so weak that he felt he would die over a bit of thirst. Daniel, after one vision, was sick many days. Elijah, after the Mt. Carmel experience, crept away and tried to die. <br />
<br />
Mortal man is not sufficient for a prolonged overwhelming experience in the spirit, even though saved and Spirit filled. Visions weaken me. I won't try to make you understand. You just must accept it, I know. There is nothing I can do about it. Even as Jesus felt power leave Him when one little lady came for help, even so when hundreds pull on me and by their faith they operate the gift in me, they break me down-I lose strength. I grow weak. But God has promised to change that.<br />
<br />
Recently God gave me a vision. In it, I saw a vast tent holding up to twenty thousand people. There were city blocks of people coming for prayer. In this huge tent, there was a small cubicle where God told me He would meet me. There from under prying eyes I would minister. The cripples would come in one door and leave by the other - whole. The miracle would be so terrible in power that when questioned the newly healed person would have no other comment to make than that, whereas I had once been sick now he was whole. It would defy description, for there would be no feeling that one could tell. It would be God, and His doing. No tongue could utter it.<br />
<br />
I am not ready for that ministry. I feel that if I but reached out I could grasp it. I simply wait for Him to tell me to step out. I am anxious for that day. When it comes, I hope that I may come back to you and minister in your city and share fellowship in Christ our Lord.<br />
<br />
May God bless you and every effort you make. May your labour be all in the Lord.<br />
<br />
Your humble servant and Brother,<br />
<br />
William Branham<ref>The contents of the letter were obtained from Bible Tabernacle Books, P.O. Box 1010, Eppindust 7460, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa</ref> <br />
<br />
=Quotes of William Branham=<br />
<br />
William Branham stated he had ordered a large tent:<br />
<br />
:''What number of card did you…? [Blank spot on tape—Ed.] My ministry’s not like some of the brothers who goes and lays his hands on the sick, and everybody prays for each individual. I… My ministry just… Perhaps after I return from Africa and overseas this time, I may never have no more… It’s leaning that way very strong towards me, in America, to leave off healing services; just congregational prayer (See?), and have evangelistic services: like come set up a big tent. '''I just got one in order the other day, seats fifteen thousand people''': chairs and everything. Like to set it out here in Louisville and stay for three months. See? And just stay till God says it’s enough, it’s over. See?<ref>William Branham, 54-0403 - The Hand Of The Lord Came Upon Him, para. 53</ref><br />
<br />
The first telling of the tent vision:<br />
<br />
:''...the Angel of the Lord taken me out then, and He taken me to a real bright stream of water. It was the most beautiful blue water, and great fish were swimming around in it. He said, “I will make you a fisher.” And He said, “Now cast your lure into the water. When you do, pull it slow, first time. Next time, just give a little jerk, not too hard. And the next time, set your hook for the catch.” <br />
<br />
:''And I started; throwed my line in the water. I pulled it. Everybody begin rejoicing, saying, “That’s wonderful. That’s wonderful.” I got all excited, and jerked it hard on the next one, was out. I pulled the fish, and all, out of the water. But, when it was, it was a little bitty fish, and it just about the size of the lure. And I got my line all tangled up, and I was straightening out my line. <br />
<br />
:''And the Man which was talking behind me; walked around in front of me, dressed in Palestinian clothes, and a turban on His head. He had a white robe. He said, “Brother Branham, that’s it.” <br />
<br />
:''I said, “I know I didn’t do right.” I said, “I jerked it when I oughtn’t to.” <br />
<br />
:''He said, “Don’t get your line tangled up in these kind of times.” 46 And I said, “Well, I’m running it straight as I can. I’ll be very careful.” <br />
<br />
:''And He said, “Now, the First time I spoke with you, you put your hands on the people and told them what was wrong with them. And the Second Pull, why, when you did, you would know the secrets of your hearts, and I made you a seer before the people. But you was always trying to explain it. You oughtn’t to have done that.” Said, “You’ve made a public show out of it.” I said, “I’m very sorry.” <br />
<br />
:''Then He taken me from there, and I seen a great huge tent. I never seen such a—a tent! And it was packed and lined everywhere, with people. And I walked out to the…looked like I was standing above the people, looking down; where I just made an altar call, and hundreds and hundreds of people were weeping and rejoicing after they had accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. And I looked. <br />
<br />
:''And then I heard a man get up and say, “Call the prayer line.” And people begin to line up over on this side, the left, from where I was looking down towards the platform. And they lined all the way up-and-down the street, for a prayer line. <br />
<br />
:''I noticed to my left, which would have been to my right if I was on the platform, a little wooden building. And I seen that Light that they have the picture of, you know. It’s always in the meeting. I seen that Light leave me and go to that building, and go in that building. And a Voice said to me, “I’ll meet you in there. That’ll be the Third Pull.” I said, “Why?” <br />
<br />
:''He said, “Well, it won’t be a public show like the other.” And I came to. And I… <br />
<br />
:''Now, at the beginning of this new year, back to my tabernacle where I started from, see, back to the beginning where I started. I—I am very grateful to God for these things. <br />
<br />
:''And many of you know that just before leaving on the other crusade, about eight or ten years, I think around ten years since, well, nine years it has been. It was… These things were told exactly how the auditorium services, you remember; exactly how that Brother Lawton would live exactly three years and then be taken away; that Brother Ward would build a tabernacle down in this position, this direction here; and all just exactly. You know it, you old-timers. It happened just that way, and so will this, for it’s THUS SAITH THE LORD. And you’ll know.<ref>William Branham, 56-0101 - Why Are People So Tossed About?, para. 42-53</ref><br />
<br />
The tent is still on order:<br />
<br />
:''Then I go down to La Crescenta, California, to set some things in order, which, '''my tent is already made and ready to go out on the field now.''' And so, well, I’ll probably start on the West Coast of California, going down through California and Arizona, this coming winter, the Lord willing; with exceptions of the time open between the meetings for a service to go into Africa again. David duPlessis and many of the men here from Africa, that want to set up the African Campaign, was with me in this meeting. Going to meet up there, we’re to get with Brother Arganbright and have prayer, to see where the next meeting will be.<ref>William Branham, 56-0617 - Revelation, Book Of Symbols, para. 144</ref><br />
<br />
The tent was based on a vision:<br />
<br />
:''And someday, if God willing, I’m trying to get out of it right now, and asking the heavenly Father… '''And by a vision He told me about a tent that Brother Moore and them is going to California now to see to set in order the first time.''' They will put a little place there where we can pray for the people, and I can get away from the people just a minute so that I won’t feel that pull when I’m praying. That’s what makes me weak. That’s what takes me from the platform early. Don’t lay it onto my kid; it’s not my kid. He stays with me like, sticks closer than anything I’ve ever had in my life. He knows just exactly what to move. If it wasn’t for him, I’d be in the insane institution, ’cause they let me stay.<ref>William Branham, 56-0801 - The Arrow Of God's Deliverance Shot From A Bows, para. 12</ref><br />
<br />
The tent was still being ordered three years later:<br />
<br />
:''Now, while he’s gone I can talk. He certainly has been a real brother to me. And he—he come down and the best he could do, get the ministers and tell them we were coming. The reason we try to do this, if you have a sponsorship, well then, that certain denomination that sponsors it, the other denomination feels they have nothing to do into it. But if you’ll just come… Here’s my motive. I’m planning on, God willing, making one great big push this next summer in the States, if God willing, and Canada. I’m ordering a tent to seat somewhere around eight to ten thousand people, and we want to find out locations that we can put this tent up and not stay just for four or five days or a week; we want to stay four or five weeks, teach, so I can have the afternoons, and so forth, and lay the foundation down real closely.<ref>William Branham, 57-0811A - The Greatest Gift In The Bible, para. 6</ref><br />
<br />
The tent vision:<br />
<br />
:''And then some time ago, '''I was in a vision and I saw a—a large tent'''. Oh, it was a mammoth, big affair. And I had just been speaking, and many souls were at the altar, and were just kind of weeping with their hands up, quietly and softly. A nice gentle-spoken man came out to the platform and said, “Now they will form the prayer line while Brother Branham is making ready.” And I was standing that way, of course, the prayer line would been to my left. And I noticed a crowd of people that seemed to cover a city block or more, that was standing in line. There was a little building, a wooden building, inside of this tent. And there was a woman standing there, a man, one taking names, and people were going in on crutches and stretchers, and coming out the other side, walking. Well, I wondered what all taken place in there. And then that Angel of the Lord, Whose picture you see here, It went from me, and went right over that little building, and stood there, then went down. And a Voice spoke, and said, “I’ll meet you in that place.” Well, now, I’ve looked forward for that time.<ref>William Branham, 58-1001 - Lifting Him Up Out Of History, para. 5</ref><br />
<br />
:''But after the… knowing this, that the Lord had spoke some time ago about… Ah, I suppose about three or four years ago (My wife, which is present now, would be able to know just the date. We have it wrote down.), that '''I seen a vision of a large tent''' or—or something, that we’re anticipating someday having, and where we could come into a place and stay a long time. We can get the ministers, and so forth, together, where the converts can all have homes to go to, and—and shift our meetings around, where they’ll not interfere with the regular services of the churches. Maybe be off on Wednesday night, and Sun—have Sunday afternoon instead of Sunday night, somewhere it won’t interfere with the rest of the religious services. And during a time that there’s no revivals around close, could stay, and we could have teaching in the morning, like ministerial classes, and so forth. Then in the afternoon, to teach the sick how to hold their healing when they receive it, and such as that. I’m on my way home immediately after this meeting here for that very same purpose at my Tabernacle. 3 Now, then in this vision, I saw a little building setting in a corner. And this Light that was near me, It went and stood over that building, and a Voice spoke, and said, “I will meet you in there.”<ref>William Branham, 59-1124 - Balm In Gilead, para. 2</ref><br />
<br />
The vision was still unfulfilled in 1962:<br />
<br />
:''And so far as I know, that '''every vision''' that He’s ever give me '''has been fulfilled''', '''except the one that I’m a change in my ministry''', to where I’m to pray for people in a little place like a little room '''under a tent''', or a big auditorium or something. It looked, to me, like a tent. You remember that, two or three years ago? Most all of it was brought to pass. I was to go down in Mexico, and how it would rain that night and what would take place down there. And He told me my ministry of the First Pull. Remember about catching the little bitty fish, or missing it? Second one was a small fish. But then He told me, “On the Third Pull, don’t fail. See? And don’t tell people.” I’m always trying to explain what I’m trying to do. He let me know not to tell people what you’re doing. Just do what He tells me to do and let it alone. See?<ref>William Branham, 62-0908 - Present Stage Of My Ministry, para. 16</ref><br />
<br />
The vision is still unfulfilled in 1965:<br />
<br />
:''And now I want to find out, through the elders. I feel led. I’ve never had such a hunger in my heart for God, in all my life, than I have now, see. For…And I—I want to get my own tent and my—my stuff, like the Lord gave me a vision to, and I believe the time is just now at hand. And I want to see while I’m here, why we can’t get the tent.<br />
<br />
:''...But now speaking on what the services, and going to Africa, and the things that we’ve tried to arrange for these few days here in Indiana. And somehow or another, Lord, it may be You are driving us to that tent, to make that vision fulfill. So Thy will be done, we’ve committed it this way, the best of our understanding. <ref>William Branham, 65-0711 - Ashamed, para. 16, 113</ref><br />
<br />
:''And then I’m here to get the trustees together. I’m kind of getting put out of all this turning me down on place to hold a meeting, when I’m feeling led to do it. '''So I think I’m going to ask if we just can’t get our tent''' and—and put it up, and just stay there, you know. Get out here in the ball park, or out on a farm, and move it from place to place, just as the Lord will lead. And I feel that that’s what He’s going to do. You know, '''there’s a vision concerning that.''' And I think that maybe the reason this happens…Now, you know, a lot of times we think it’s horrible because certain things happen, but, you know, that might be God, see, driving you into these things. When, He said it, He’ll do it.<ref>William Branham, 65-0718M - Trying To Do God A Service Without Being The Will Of God, para. 19</ref><br />
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Third Pull
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<p>Admin: /* The Tent Vision Failure */</p>
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{|style="background-color:#cedff2; border:1px #a3b0bf solid; text-align:center;"<br />
|''And [Jesus] said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'' ~ Matthew 4:19<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
People in [[The Message|the message]] often talk about the Third Pull as something very important. William Branham said it was the mystery of the [[Seventh Seal]]. But what is the Third Pull? And why does it include the failed tent vision?[[Image:FishOK.jpg|right|thumb|400px|The vision begins with a fishing lesson...]] <br />
<br />
=Three Pulls=<br />
[[Image:TentOK.jpg|right|thumb|250px|...and ends with his second vision about a tent. (See the article on the [[Heavenly Vision]] to learn about the first tent vision.)]]<br />
In 1956, in a sermon entitled “What is a Vision”, William Branham relays a vision of an angel instructing him how to fish. This vision became a focus of his ministry in later years, and includes the following scenes:<br />
<br />
#The angel told him not to jerk the fishing lure (the first “slow pull” was to be his healing ministry, and the second “little tug” was his ministry of revealing the hearts),<br />
#He began to explain to a group of ministers what he was doing, and jerked the lure too hard.<br />
#He caught a small fish, and got his fishing line tangled.<br />
#The angel rebuked him for trying to explain his ministry, which caused impersonations.<br />
#The fishing line turned into a rope, which he was trying to thread into a baby’s shoe.<br />
#The angel said, “you can’t teach Pentecostal babies supernatural things.”<br />
#The vision changed to William Branham preaching in a large tent.<br />
#The pillar of fire left William Branham and went into a small building behind the tent.<br />
#People were going into the small building and coming out healed.<br />
#The Angel said, "I'll meet you in there, and this is the third pull, but nobody will know nothing about it."<br />
<br />
==Pre-1963 Fulfillment?==<br />
There appear to be only 5 times that William Branham said he experienced the "third pull", and most were before he preached on the Seven Seals in March 1963:<br />
<br />
#Squirrels created (first mentioned in 1959)<br />
#Fish coming back to life (first mentioned in 1957)<br />
#Snow storm calmed (first mentioned in 1963)<br />
#His wife's tumor is healed (first mentioned in 1963)<br />
#Salvation of Hattie Wright's sons (first mentioned in 1959)<br />
<br />
In December 29, 1963 William Branham said “The third pull is here”. However, since Hattie Mosier’s two children were supposedly converted at her word in 1959, the third pull was in operation long before the Church Ages or the Seven Seals were preached. In addition, [[Arvel Mosier]]'s version of this event is different that William Branham's version, and includes an unfulfilled promise to participate in the tent ministry.<br />
<br />
A big question is why, if the third pull relates to the revealing of the seventh seal or the revealing of the mysteries, was it in operation before the teaching years of 1960 onward? <br />
<br />
It is also strange that there were only 5 incidences and none of them were witnessed by more than a few people (and some had no witnesses at all).<br />
<br />
==Fulfillment under the Seals?==<br />
<br />
By 1963, William Branham had said that the third pull was <br />
*angels, <br />
*the opening of the Word, <br />
*revealed mysteries, <br />
*the seventh seal, <br />
*the king’s sword, and <br />
*the vindication of his ministry. <br />
*his own spoken word. <br />
<br />
William Branham also said that the 3rd pull could not be mimicked. [http://en.believethesign.com/index.php/Seventh_Seal#If_the_Seventh_Seal_is_the_Third_Pull.2C_what_is_the_Third_Pull.3F Read about the fulfillment of the Third Pull under the Seventh Seal.]<br />
<br />
=[[The Tent Vision]] Failure=<br />
Despite these stories, what is missing is the fulfillment of [[The Tent Vision|the Tent Vision]] - the final scene in the vision of the Third Pull. Until the end of his ministry William Branham was saying that the Tent ministry was coming. But it never did.<br />
<br />
=Was William Branham Disobedient?=<br />
The biggest problem with this vision is that William Branham continued to explain it, and his ministry, well into 1964. In 1962, immediately after retelling the Angel’s instruction not to explain the vision, William Branham said, ''“I feel duty bound, to my church, to say something. You draw your own conclusion.”'''''Why did he continue to do this in direct contravention to what he said was the instruction of the angel?'''<br />
<br />
#If William Branham was directly on target with his explanation of the 3rd pull, then he was out of line with the Angel's instruction not to explain the vision. <br />
#If William Branham was out of line with the Angel’s instruction, then his fishing line was tangled. <br />
#If the fishing line was tangled, then the purpose of the third pull was frustrated, i.e. he was no longer catching fish as he was with the first and second pulls.<br />
<br />
=The First Temptation=<br />
{|style="background-color:#cedff2; border:1px #a3b0bf solid; text-align:center;"<br />
|''And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.'' ~ Matthew 4:3<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
William Branham stated that he spoke squirrels into existence at the command of a voice that spoke to him. In referring to the voice he heard, he described it as "something said". Was this God speaking to him, an angel or something else?<br />
<br />
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, Satan asked him to turn stones into bread. Jesus was hungry and was tempted to do what Satan asked him to. In the case of William Branham, he was hunting for squirrels. So why was this different from Jesus' first temptation?<br />
<br />
One common interpretation among message believers is that the Third Pull will manifest among believers as the ability to speak things into existence. This interpretation is primarily based on William Branham's testimony that he created squirrels into existence by his own spoken word, through the instruction of an angelic voice. <br />
<br />
The danger with this expectation is that it forgets Jesus' first temptation in the wilderness: when the Devil tempted Jesus to use his supernatural powers to create bread from stones in order to satisfy his own hunger. '''Sadly, this temptation is exactly what message believers are expecting to yield to in the future. If the tempter came to a message believer with instructions to create bread or squirrels from stones, they would likely give in to the devil instantly - because they would follow William Branham's example and not the example left to them by Jesus Christ, who alone had dominion over the devil's temptations.'''<br />
<br />
Some Message Believers feel that William Branham will resurrect to fulfill the Tent Vision. Others feel this had a spiritual interpretation. But both groups agree that the Tent Ministry did not materialize physically while claiming that the Third Pull was fulfilled. <br />
<br />
If you are confused about this, it may be because William Branham got his lines tangled while pulling your leg.<br />
<br />
==What happened to the "third pull" squirrels?==<br />
<br />
We have been asked whether the squirrels that William Branham said were created had navels. One would think if they were spoken into existence, they wouldn't have any belly buttons.<br />
<br />
So what happened to these "created" squirrels? <br />
<br />
:''I said, "That same God…" Hallelujah! That Jehovah-jireh, He's just as much Jehovah-jireh today as He was on the mountain with Abraham. He can still produce an animal to His glory. These squirrels was not a vision. I shot them; blood came out of them. '''I dressed them and eat them.''' They wasn't visions; they were squirrels.<ref>William Branham, 59-1115 - My New Ministry, para.175</ref><br />
<br />
If they didn't have a belly button, William Branham never noticed it.<br />
<br />
=Quotes of William Branham=<br />
<br />
''And at that, the Angel of the Lord taken me out then, and He taken me to a real bright stream of water. It was the most beautiful blue water; and great fish were swimming around in it. He said, "I will make you a fisher." And He said, "Now, cast your lure into the water; and when you do, pull it slow, first time; and the next time, just give it a little jerk, not too hard; and the next time, set your hook for the catch."<br />
And I started to throw my line in the water. I pulled, and everybody begin rejoicing and saying, "That's wonderful. That's wonderful." I got all excited and jerked it hard on the next one out; I pulled the fish and all out of the water. And what it was, it was a little bitty fish, and it, just about the size of the lure. And I got my line all tangled up. And I was straightening out my line, and the Man which was talking behind me, walked around in front of me, '''dressed in Palestinian clothes and a turban on His head'''. He had a white robe. He said, "Brother Branham, that's it."<br />
<br />
''I said, "I know I didn't do right," I said, "I jerked it when I ought not to."<br />
<br />
''He said, "Don't get your line tangled up in these kind of times."<br />
<br />
''And I said, "Well, I'm running it as straight as I can. I'll be very careful."<br />
<br />
''He said, "Now, the first time I spoke with you, you put your hands on the people and told them what was wrong with them. And the second pull, why, when you did, you would know the secrets of their hearts. And I made you a seer before the people. But you was always trying to explain it. You oughtn't to have done that." He said, "You made a public showing out of it." I said, "I'm very sorry."<br />
<br />
''Then He taken me from there, and I seen a great huge tent. I never seen such a--a tent. And it was packed and lined everywhere with people. And I walked out to the... Looked like I was standing above the people, looking down, where I'd just made an altar call; and hundreds and hundreds of people were weeping and rejoicing after they had accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.<br />
<br />
''And I looked, and then heard a man get up and say, "Call the prayer line." And people begin to line up over on this side, the left from where I was looking down towards the platform, and they lined all the way up and down the street for a prayer line. I noticed to my left, which would've been to my right if I was on the platform, a little wooden building. And I seen that Light, that all--they have the picture of, you know, that's always in the meetings; I seen that Light leave me, and go to that building, and go in that building; and a Voice said to me, "I'll meet you in there; that'll be the third pull."<br />
<br />
''I said, "Why?"<br />
<br />
''He said, "Well, it won't be a public show like the other." And I came to.<ref>WHY.ARE.PEOPLE.SO.TOSSED.ABOUT_ JEFF.IN 56-0101</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''Then when I come to, I was standing by the side of a beautiful lake, something like your lake out here in the summertime, when it's real pretty and green. And there were fishermen all around the lake, and they were fishing, but they were catching small fishes.<br />
<br />
''And I looked out into the lake and those great beautiful Rainbow trout out there, and I said, "I know this is a vision, but I can't understand those trout." But I said, "You know, I believe right down in my heart, I can catch those." So I picked up the string, but instead of it being a string, it was a fishing pole; and just then, the One behind me said, "Now, I'll teach you to fish, how to catch those."''<br />
<br />
''And so He took... And He said, "Tie on the lure," and I snapped the lure on. He said, "Now, throw way out (Now, listen close.)--way out into the deep." And He said, "When you do, now, let the lure sink down first," and then said, "Pull it slow." Now, that's really fisherman's technique.<br />
<br />
''So I--I... He said, "Then when you do, now, you'll feel some nibbles at it, but don't tell nobody what you're doing. Keep it to yourself." And said, "Then when you--when you feel it nibble again," said, "pull just a little--a little bit, but not too hard." He said, "And then it'll pull it away from the little fish, and when they scatter, that'll attract the attention of the big fish, and they'll grab it." And said, "That's the way you'll catch it." Said, "Then when they bite on the third time, set your hook for the--the catch.<br />
<br />
''And I said, "I understand."<br />
<br />
''Said, "But keep still. Don't tell nobody. Keep still."<br />
<br />
''And I said, "All right."<br />
<br />
''And I had the lure in my hand, and all these fishermen turned out to be ministers, and they all come around saying, "Brother Branham, I know you can catch fish." Oh, of course, that made me feel real good; I said, "Oh, yes, I'm a fisherman; I can catch fish." And He said... I said, "Now, here's the way you do it." And I said, "You throw it way out," and I went way out into the--to the deep water, and I said, "Now, those little fish are fine, brethren, but we want the big ones too." And I was--I said, "See, when it sinks down... Now, see, there it is; just about where it should be. Now, see, there's... See, that... There them's little fish." I said, "Now, when it sets again, I give it a great big jerk." And when I did, I pulled the whole lure out of the water. And when I did, I caught a fish, but I wondered how he ever got the lure in his mouth, 'cause looked like the skin was stretched over the lure, about the same size of the lure.<br />
<br />
''And I thought, "Oh, my."''<br />
<br />
''And just then, this One Who'd been talking behind me, stepped around in front of me. It was Him, the Angel of the Lord. He had His hands folded. He looked at me, said, "Just what I told you not to do."<br />
<br />
''And I said, "Yes, that's right."<br />
<br />
''He said, "You see, that first pull was when you used to put your hands on the people and tell them what was their trouble." Said, "The second pull was when you'd know the secrets of the heart like I told you." And said, "Instead of you keeping that to yourself, you tried to explain all about it and tell people, and when you did," said, "you didn't know nothing about it yourself, and how could you explain it? And you caused a big bunch of ca--carnal im--impersonations to rise up, and you see what you've done." And I said, "Lord, I'm sorry." And I--I said, "Oh, I--I'm so sorry. I don't know what to do."<br />
<br />
''And I was pulling the line like this, and I was trying to straighten my line out; and He looked at me; He said, "Now, don't get your line tangled up in these kind of times."<br />
<br />
''And I thought, "Maybe He's going give me another try." And I was--I said, "I'll sure be careful," and was winding my line in, and seen it taken up all right; and then when He said that, just then I felt myself go higher, way up. And when I was set down, there I was beneath and standing up above a great tent; I never seen such a tent. And I'd just made a altar call, seeming like, down at the altar; and when I was down there, I looked, and there were hundreds of people standing around the altar weeping because they had accepted the Lord Jesus. And they were just weeping out loud. And I said, "Oh, that's more like it," like that.<br />
<br />
''And a real kind gentleman walked out to the platform, said, "While Brother Branham's a-resting just a few moments," he said, "we'll call the prayer line." And said, "Everyone with prayer cards beginning with a certain number, stand over on to the right."<br />
<br />
''Well, I noticed the prayer line, seemed like it went all around the tent and out and down the street, such a prayer line.''<br />
<br />
''And I looked over (which was then to my left, and there it would be to my right if I was standing on the platform, would be that way), there's a piece of canvas stretched there, and in be--be--behind this canvas was a little square building about twelve foot across and twenty foot long, something like that. Well, I stood and looked at that.''<br />
<br />
''And I seen them bringing a lady up on a stretcher, and there was a lady there taking her name and things with a--on a--on a paper. And so, there was a--a someone come and got her and pushed her through. And the next man come through was with crutches. I see them go through that little building, and on the outside the lady come out screaming to the top of her voice, pushing this stretcher. And the--and then there was another lady on the other side, looked like kind of a dark-haired woman, and she said, "What happened?"<br />
<br />
''She said, "I just don't know." She said, "I couldn't tell you what happened." She said, "I've been paralyzed for twenty years, and looky, I--I feel like I--I--I never was sick."''<br />
<br />
''And just then out come the man, leaping and jumping with his--with his crutches in his hand. And I--I looked at that.<br />
<br />
''And just then... Now, here's something. Notice close. There's a difference between the Angel of the Lord and that Light, because I heard something a moving, as it does when it comes here at the platform at night, kinda like a--[Brother Branham makes a sound "whew"--Ed.] and like a fire whipping around--licking blaze. And It left me, and it went right down over the top of that audience and went and stood over the top of that little building, and then settled down on top of it. And then when It did, this One that was standing by me, behind me, the same voice, the Angel's voice, He said, "I'll meet you in there, and this is the third pull, but nobody will know nothing about it."<br />
<br />
''And I said, "Well, I don't understand why in there. Why there?"<br />
<br />
''He said, "It will not be a public show this time."<br />
<br />
''And I said, "I don't understand going into that closet, like that."<br />
<br />
''And He said, "Is not it written by our Lord, 'when thou prayest, be not like the hypocrites who like to be heard before men, but enter into the secret closet and pray to the Father Who seeth in secret, and He Who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly?'" It's perfectly to the Scripture; every time it is.<br />
<br />
''And I said, "I understand."<br />
<br />
''Then He took me to this place and set me down in this room where I was at, and then He told me what to do for the third time.<br />
<br />
''Now, Christian friends, that'll--when I leave this world, that'll still be in my bosom. When I... But you mark my words what's going to take place when that...<ref>56-0408A WHAT.IS.A.VISION_ CHICAGO.IL</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
'''''Something said''', "Say to it. Speak the three squirrels, and you'll have it." I said, "That's happened once."<br />
<br />
''So I stood by the side of a little tree, late in the afternoon on a side of a ridge. And that Anointing come so great till I could hardly stand on the ground, and said, "Speak! What you say, don't doubt and you can have what you've said."<br />
<br />
''I said, "I shall get three squirrels." He said, "Where will they come from?"<br />
<br />
''I said, "One will come from that way, one from that way, and one back this a way." Make it radical. God don't care how radical that it seems. He's God of circumstance.<br />
<br />
''And while I stood there for about a few minutes, I could hear no shooting around from the rest of the boys around anywhere. I happened to look to my back. Way up in the woods, about ninety yards, I thought something was on a stump. I watched it. After a while, it jumped off; and it was a gray squirrel. So far. All the way across the hollow upon top of the ridge. When it come along by the side of the tree, I shot it. It was about ninety yards, and it killed it. I said, "There's one. I might as well turn and look this other way for the others, 'cause they're coming."<br />
<br />
''See, God has a way of bringing things to you, making you sure what you're talking about. That anointing I... was off of me then. Well, I waited and watched this a way for about a hour. Nothing happened. I was getting cold. I thought, "Surely, if that is the Holy Spirit that's telling me those things, it will be just exactly; because when the anointing was on me I spoke that word, and it'll have to be that way."<br />
<br />
''Now, listen real close to this. And this is going to be a tape recording that'll go all over the world.<br />
Now, and then to my left, I kept watching. After while, I looked upon a tree. Coming around a beech tree, there come a gray squirrel. I said, "Just exactly that way. That's right, Lord."<br />
I turned down, raised up to shoot him, and there come another squirrel. I said, "There's two. Just exactly. Make my three." And I raised down, shot the first squirrel.<br />
<br />
''The other one run under a log. I could see him cutting on a--a hickory nut or something, under the log. The log was about that high at the end, raised up about a foot. I could see the squirrel. I killed the first one. I said, "Now, I'll get the other one."<br />
<br />
''And I leveled down, put those cross hairs right over his ear, not over forty, fifty yards away, and shot and hit the log. And the squirrel never even got excited. And I put another bullet in it. And he turned around and went down the log, and went to the other end. Well, I leveled down and took the best aim I could. And I'd only missed five shots all year. So then, I leveled down, right perfect shot, and touched the trigger again, and I hit about four inches above him. I said, "I must have knocked my scope out."<ref>MY.NEW.MINISTRY JEFF.IN 59-1115</ref><br />
<br />
''And I said, "Well, oh, all...?..." I said, "I--I don't know." I said, "I've understand fishing." I--I said, "Now, the first thing you do... Here's the way it's done. You see all the fish around; you got to jerk the lure." (Well, that's exactly the tactics of fishing.) So I said, "Jerk the lure." Now, you see when I jerked the lure the first time, now the fish takes out after it, but they were little ones. That's just like they were catching. So then I--I said, "Then you'll--you'll set..." and I jerked it out on the bank and I had a fish, but it looked like a skin over the lure; it just--he was so little. And then I was standing there and something said, "I told you not to do that." And I started crying.<br />
<br />
''All the line was tangled around me like this, and I had--was standing there crying with my head down like that. I said, "God, oh, I... Forgive me. I'm a stupid person. Lord, don't... Forgive me." And I had this line and that, what I had in my hand, was a little baby's shoe, about that long. And I had... That string was about as big around as my finger, about a half inch, like. And the eyelet in this shoe was just about the size of a--littler than one-sixteenth, probably, of an inch of the eyelet. And I was trying to lace this little shoe up with this great big inch cord. And a voice come, said, "You can't teach Pentecostal babies supernatural things." Said, "Now, let them alone."<br />
<br />
''And just then He picked me up. And He took me up and set me way up high to where a meeting was going on, looked like a tent or a cathedral of some sort. And I looked, and there was a little box-like, little place over in the side. And I seen that Light was talking to somebody above me, that Light that you see there on the picture. It whirled away from me, like that, and went over to that tent, and said, "I'll meet you there." And said, "This will be the third pull, and you won't tell it to nobody."<br />
<br />
''And in Sabino Canyon, He said, "This is the third pull." And there's three great things that goes with it, and one unfolded today, or yesterday, the other one unfolded today, and there's one thing that I cannot interpret, because it's in an unknown language. But I was standing right there and looked right straight at it, and this is the third pull coming up. And the Holy Spirit of God... Oh, my. That's the reason all heaven was silent.<ref>63-0324E THE.SEVENTH.SEAL_ JEFFERSONVILLE.IN</ref><br />
<br />
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[[Category: Visions]]<br />
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A.A. Allen's prophecy of the destruction of the United States
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The Prophecy of A.A. Allen
2023-12-13T23:51:27Z
<p>Admin: Admin moved page A.A. Allen's prophecy of the destruction of the United States to The Prophecy of A.A. Allen</p>
<hr />
<div>On July 4, 1954, the healing evangelist, A.A. Allen had a vision about the destruction of America. Allen's vision precedes [[America in Ashes|William Branham's first retelling of his similar "1933" prophecy]] by over 6 years. Did William Branham simply [[Plagiarism|plagiarize]] Allen's prophecy?<br />
<br />
=My Vision of the Destruction of America= <br />
<br />
Here are the details of that vision.<br />
<br />
==Atop the Empire State Building==<br />
As I stood atop the Empire State Building, I could see the Statue of Liberty, illuminating the gateway to the new world. Here, spread before me like an animated map, is an area 60 or 80 miles in diameter. I was amazed that the Spirit of the Lord should so move me, there atop the Empire State building. Why should I feel such a surge of His Spirit and power there?<br />
<br />
==Giant Telescope==<br />
<br />
Suddenly I heard the voice of the Lord. It was as clear and as distinct as a voice could be. It seemed to come from the very midst of the giant telescope; but when I looked at the telescope, I knew it hadn't come from there, but directly from Heaven. The voice said, 2 CHRONICLES 16:9, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou has done foolishly; therefore, from henceforth thou shalt have wars." Immediately when I heard the voice of God, I knew this was a quotation of scripture; but never before had a thing come to me so forcibly by the power of the Spirit.<br />
<br />
==Automatic Clock==<br />
<br />
The ticking of the telescope stopped. The man before me had used up his dime's worth. As he stepped away, I knew that I was next. As I stepped to the telescope and dropped in my dime, immediately the ticking started again. This ticking was an automatic clock which would allow me to use the telescope for a limited time only. As I swung the telescope to the north, suddenly the Spirit of God came upon me in a way that I had never thought of before. Seemingly, in the Spirit I was entirely caught away. I knew that the telescope itself had nothing to do with the distance which I was suddenly enabled to see, for I seemed to see things far beyond the range of the telescope, even on a bright, clear day. It was simply that God had chosen this time to reveal these things to me, for as I looked through the telescope, it was not Manhattan Island that I saw, but a far larger view.<br />
<br />
==North American Continent==<br />
<br />
That morning much of the view was impaired by fog; but suddenly as the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, the fog seemed to clear until it seemed that I could see for thousands of miles, but that which I was looking upon was not Manhattan Island. It was all of the North American continent spread out before me as a map is spread upon a table. It was not the East River and the Hudson River that I saw on either side, but the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans; and instead of the Statue of Liberty standing there in the bay on her small island, I saw her standing far out in the Gulf of Mexico. She was between me and the United States. I suddenly realized that the telescope had nothing to do with what I was seeing but that it was a vision coming directly from God; and to prove this to myself, I took my eyes away from the telescope so that I was no longer looking through the lens, but the same scene remained before me.<br />
<br />
==Great Cities==<br />
<br />
There, clear and distinct, lay all the North American continent with all its great cities. To the north lay the Great Lakes. Far to the northeast was New York City. I could see Seattle and Portland far to the northwest. Down the west coast there were San Francisco and Los Angeles. Closer in the foreground lay New Orleans at the center of the Gulf Coast area. I could see the great towering ranges of the Rocky Mountains and trace with my eye the Continental Divide. All this and more I could see spread out before me as a great map upon a table.<br />
<br />
==Gigantic Hand==<br />
<br />
As I looked, suddenly from the sky I saw a giant hand reach down. That gigantic hand was reaching out toward the Statue of Liberty. In a moment her gleaming torch was torn from her hand, and in it instead was placed a cup; and I saw protruding from that great cup a giant sword, shining as if a great light had been turned upon its glistening edge. Never before had I seen such a sharp, glistening, dangerous sword. It seemed to threaten all the world. As the great cup was placed in the hand of the Statue of Liberty, I heard these words, "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, drink ye and be drunken and spew and fall and rise no more because of the sword which I will send." As I heard these words, I recognized them as a quotation from Jeremiah 25:27. I was amazed to hear the Statue of Liberty speak out in reply, "I WILL NOT DRINK!" Then as the voice of the thunder, I heard again the voice of the Lord saying, "Ye shall certainly drink" (Jeremiah 25:28). Then suddenly the giant hand forced the cup to the lips of the Statue of Liberty, and she became powerless to defend herself. The mighty hand of God forced her to drink every drop from the cup. As she drank the bitter dregs, these were the words that I heard: "Should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished, for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the Lord of hosts" (Jeremiah 27:29)<br />
<br />
==War and Destruction==<br />
<br />
When the cup was withdrawn from the lips of the Statute of Liberty, I noticed the sword was missing from the cup, which could mean but one thing. THE CONTENTS OF THE CUP HAD BEEN COMPLETELY CONSUMED! I knew that the sword merely typified war, , and destruction, which is no doubt on the way. Then as one drunken on too much wine, I saw the Statue of Liberty become unsteady on her feet and begin to stagger and to lose her balance. I saw her splashing in the gulf, trying to regain her balance. I saw her stagger again and again and fall to her knees. As I saw her desperate attempts to regain her balance and rise to her feet again, my heart was moved as never before with compassion for her struggles; but as she staggered there in the gulf, once again I heard these words: "Drink ye and be drunken and spew and fall and rise no more because of the sword which I will send among you" (Jeremiah 25:37).<br />
<br />
As I watched, I wondered if the Statue of Liberty would ever be able to regain her feet, if she would ever stand again; and as I watched, it seemed that with all her power she struggled to rise and finally staggered to her feet again and stood there swaying drunkenly. I felt sure that at any moment she would fall again, possibly never to rise. I seemed overwhelmed with a desire to reach out my hand to keep her head above water, for I knew that if she ever fell again, she would drown there in the gulf. "Thou shalt not be afraid for the by night, nor for the arrow that flyeth by day, nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness, nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday" (Psalms 91:5-6).<br />
<br />
==Black Cloud Rising==<br />
<br />
Then as I watched, another amazing thing was taking place. Far to the northwest, just out over Alaska, a huge, black cloud was arising. As it rose, it was as black as night. It seemed to be in the shape of a man's head. As it continued to arise, I observed two light spots in the black cloud. It rose further, and a gaping hole appeared. I could see that the black cloud was taking the shape of a skull, for now the huge, white, gaping mouth was plainly visible. Finally, the head was complete. Then the shoulders began to appear; and on either side, long, black arms.<br />
<br />
==Skeleton Destroys Multitudes==<br />
<br />
It seemed that what I saw was the entire North American continent, spread out like a map upon a table with this terrible skeleton-formed cloud arising from behind the table. It rose steadily until the form was visible down to the waist. At the waist the skeleton seemed to bend toward the United States, stretching forth a hand toward the east and one toward the west, one toward New York and one toward Seattle. As the awful form stretched forward, I could see that its entire attention seemed to be focused upon the United States, overlooking Canada at least for the time being. As I saw the horrible black cloud in the form of a skeleton bending toward America, bending from the waist over, reaching down toward Chicago and out toward both coasts, I knew its one interest was to destroy the multitudes.<br />
<br />
==Mortal Agony==<br />
<br />
As I watched in horror, the great black cloud stopped just above the Great Lakes region and turned its face toward New York City. Then out of the horrible, great gaping mouth began to appear wisps of white vapor which looked like smoke, as a cigarette smoker would blow puffs of smoke from his mouth. These whitish vapors were being blown toward New York City. The smoke began to spread until it had covered all the eastern part of the United States. Then the skeleton turned to the west and out of the horrible mouth and nostrils came another great puff of white smoke. This time it was blown in the direction of the west coast. In a few moments' time the entire West Coast and Los Angeles area were covered with its vapors.<br />
<br />
Then toward the center came a third great puff. As I watched, St. Louis and Kansas City were enveloped in its white vapors. Then on they came toward New Orleans. Then on they swept until they reached the Statue of Liberty where she stood staggering drunkenly in the blue waters of the gulf. As the white vapors began to spread around the head of the statue, she took in but one gasping breath and then began to cough as though to rid her lungs of the horrible vapors she had inhaled. One could readily discern by the coughing that those white vapors had seared her lungs. What were these white vapors? Could they signify bacteriological warfare or nerve gas that could destroy multitudes of people in a few moments' time? Then I heard the voice of God as He spoke again: "Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty and maketh it waste and turneth it upside-down and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her ; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him. The land shall be utterly emptied and utterly spoiled, for the LORD hath spoken this word. The earth mourneth and fadeth away. The world languisheth and fadeth away. The haughty people of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant; therefore, hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate; therefore, the inhabitants of the earth are burned and few men left" (Isaiah 24:1-6)<br />
<br />
As I watched, the coughing grew worse. It sounded like a person about to cough out his lungs. The Statue of Liberty was moaning and groaning. She was in mortal agony. The pain must have been terrific, as again and again she tried to clear her lungs of those horrible white vapors. I watched her there in the gulf as she staggered, clutching her lungs and her breast with her hands. Then she fell to her knees. In a moment she gave one final cough, made a last desperate effort to rise from her knees, and then fell face forward into the waters of the gulf and lay still as . Tears ran down my face as I realized that she was ! Only the lapping of the waves, splashing over her body which was partly under the water and partly out of the water, broke the stillness.<br />
<br />
:''"A fire devoureth before them, and behind them a flame burneth; the land is as the Garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness, yea, and nothing shall escape them". <br />
<br />
Screaming of Sirens Suddenly the silence was shattered by the screaming of sirens. The sirens seemed to scream, "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!"<br />
<br />
Never before had I heard such shrill, screaming sirens. They seemed to be everywhere to the north, the south, the east, and the west. There seemed to be multitudes of sirens; and as I looked, I saw people everywhere running, but it seemed none of them ran more than a few paces, and then they fell. And even as I had seen the Statue of Liberty struggling to regain her poise and balance and finally falling for the last time to die on her face, I now saw millions of people falling in the streets, on the sidewalks, struggling. I heard their screams for mercy and help. I heard their horrible coughing as though their lungs had been seared with fire. I heard the moanings and groanings of the doomed and the dying. As I watched, a few finally reached shelters, but only a few ever got to the shelters.<br />
<br />
Above the moaning and the groaning of the dying multitudes, I heard these words: "A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth, for the Lord hath a controversy with the nations. He will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth, and the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth. They shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground" (Jeremiah 25:31-33).<br />
<br />
==Rocket Missile Attacks==<br />
<br />
Then suddenly I saw from the Atlantic and from the Pacific and out of the Gulf rocket-like objects that seemed to come up like fish leaping out of the water. High into the air they leaped, each headed in a different direction, but every one toward the United States. On the ground the sirens screamed louder, and up from the ground I saw similar rockets beginning to ascend. To me these appeared to be interceptor rockets although they arose from different points all over the United States; however, none of them seemed to be successful in intercepting the rockets that had risen from the ocean on every side. These rockets finally reached their maximum height, slowly turned over and fell back toward the earth in defeat. Then suddenly the rockets which had leaped out of the oceans like fish all exploded at once. The explosion was ear-splitting. The next thing which I saw was a huge ball of fire. The only thing I have ever seen which resembled the thing I saw in my vision was the picture of the explosion of the H-bomb somewhere in the South Pacific. In my vision it was so real that I seemed to feel a searing heat from it.<br />
<br />
==Widespread Desolation==<br />
<br />
As the vision spread before my eyes and I viewed the widespread desolation brought about by the terrific explosions, I could not help thinking, While the defenders of our nation have quibbled over what means of defense to use and neglected the only true means of defense faith and dependence upon the true and living God the thing which she greatly feared has come unto her! How true it has proven in Psalms 127:1: Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."<br />
<br />
Then as the noise of battle subsided, to my ears came this quotation: "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand. 2. A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains, a great people and a strong, there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. 3. A fire devoureth before them, and behind them a flame burneth; the land is as the Garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness, yea, and nothing shall escape them. 4. The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run. 5. Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array. 6. Before their face the people shall be much pained; all faces shall gather blackness. 7. They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war, and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks. 8. Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path; and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. 9. They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall; they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief. 10. The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble; the sun and the moon shall be dark,, and the stars shall withdraw their shining (Joel 2:1-10).<br />
<br />
==The Silence==<br />
<br />
Then the voice was still. The earth, too was silent with the silence of . Then to my ears came another sound a sound of distant singing. It was the sweetest music I had ever heard. There was joyful shouting and sounds of happy laughter. Immediately I knew it was the rejoicing of the saints of God. I looked, and there, high in the heavens, above the smoke and poisonous gases, above the noise of the battle, I saw a huge mountain. It seemed to be of solid rock, and I knew at once that this was the Mountain of the Lord. The sounds of music and rejoicing were coming from a cleft high up in the side of the rock mountain.<br />
<br />
==Hidden in the Cleft==<br />
<br />
It was the saints of God who were doing the rejoicing. It was God's own people who were singing and dancing and shouting with joy, safe from all the harm which had come upon the earth, for they were hidden away in the cleft of the rock. There in the cleft they were shut in, protected by a great, giant hand which reached out of the heavens and which was none other than the hand of God, shutting them in until the storm be over passed.<br />
<br />
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[[Category:Unfinished articles]]</div>
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https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=The_Prophecy_of_A.A._Allen&diff=27021
The Prophecy of A.A. Allen
2023-12-13T14:19:19Z
<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>On July 4, 1954, the healing evangelist, A.A. Allen had a vision about the destruction of America. Allen's vision precedes [[America in Ashes|William Branham's first retelling of his similar "1933" prophecy]] by over 6 years. Did William Branham simply [[Plagiarism|plagiarize]] Allen's prophecy?<br />
<br />
=My Vision of the Destruction of America= <br />
<br />
Here are the details of that vision.<br />
<br />
==Atop the Empire State Building==<br />
As I stood atop the Empire State Building, I could see the Statue of Liberty, illuminating the gateway to the new world. Here, spread before me like an animated map, is an area 60 or 80 miles in diameter. I was amazed that the Spirit of the Lord should so move me, there atop the Empire State building. Why should I feel such a surge of His Spirit and power there?<br />
<br />
==Giant Telescope==<br />
<br />
Suddenly I heard the voice of the Lord. It was as clear and as distinct as a voice could be. It seemed to come from the very midst of the giant telescope; but when I looked at the telescope, I knew it hadn't come from there, but directly from Heaven. The voice said, 2 CHRONICLES 16:9, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou has done foolishly; therefore, from henceforth thou shalt have wars." Immediately when I heard the voice of God, I knew this was a quotation of scripture; but never before had a thing come to me so forcibly by the power of the Spirit.<br />
<br />
==Automatic Clock==<br />
<br />
The ticking of the telescope stopped. The man before me had used up his dime's worth. As he stepped away, I knew that I was next. As I stepped to the telescope and dropped in my dime, immediately the ticking started again. This ticking was an automatic clock which would allow me to use the telescope for a limited time only. As I swung the telescope to the north, suddenly the Spirit of God came upon me in a way that I had never thought of before. Seemingly, in the Spirit I was entirely caught away. I knew that the telescope itself had nothing to do with the distance which I was suddenly enabled to see, for I seemed to see things far beyond the range of the telescope, even on a bright, clear day. It was simply that God had chosen this time to reveal these things to me, for as I looked through the telescope, it was not Manhattan Island that I saw, but a far larger view.<br />
<br />
==North American Continent==<br />
<br />
That morning much of the view was impaired by fog; but suddenly as the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, the fog seemed to clear until it seemed that I could see for thousands of miles, but that which I was looking upon was not Manhattan Island. It was all of the North American continent spread out before me as a map is spread upon a table. It was not the East River and the Hudson River that I saw on either side, but the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans; and instead of the Statue of Liberty standing there in the bay on her small island, I saw her standing far out in the Gulf of Mexico. She was between me and the United States. I suddenly realized that the telescope had nothing to do with what I was seeing but that it was a vision coming directly from God; and to prove this to myself, I took my eyes away from the telescope so that I was no longer looking through the lens, but the same scene remained before me.<br />
<br />
==Great Cities==<br />
<br />
There, clear and distinct, lay all the North American continent with all its great cities. To the north lay the Great Lakes. Far to the northeast was New York City. I could see Seattle and Portland far to the northwest. Down the west coast there were San Francisco and Los Angeles. Closer in the foreground lay New Orleans at the center of the Gulf Coast area. I could see the great towering ranges of the Rocky Mountains and trace with my eye the Continental Divide. All this and more I could see spread out before me as a great map upon a table.<br />
<br />
==Gigantic Hand==<br />
<br />
As I looked, suddenly from the sky I saw a giant hand reach down. That gigantic hand was reaching out toward the Statue of Liberty. In a moment her gleaming torch was torn from her hand, and in it instead was placed a cup; and I saw protruding from that great cup a giant sword, shining as if a great light had been turned upon its glistening edge. Never before had I seen such a sharp, glistening, dangerous sword. It seemed to threaten all the world. As the great cup was placed in the hand of the Statue of Liberty, I heard these words, "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, drink ye and be drunken and spew and fall and rise no more because of the sword which I will send." As I heard these words, I recognized them as a quotation from Jeremiah 25:27. I was amazed to hear the Statue of Liberty speak out in reply, "I WILL NOT DRINK!" Then as the voice of the thunder, I heard again the voice of the Lord saying, "Ye shall certainly drink" (Jeremiah 25:28). Then suddenly the giant hand forced the cup to the lips of the Statue of Liberty, and she became powerless to defend herself. The mighty hand of God forced her to drink every drop from the cup. As she drank the bitter dregs, these were the words that I heard: "Should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished, for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the Lord of hosts" (Jeremiah 27:29)<br />
<br />
==War and Destruction==<br />
<br />
When the cup was withdrawn from the lips of the Statute of Liberty, I noticed the sword was missing from the cup, which could mean but one thing. THE CONTENTS OF THE CUP HAD BEEN COMPLETELY CONSUMED! I knew that the sword merely typified war, , and destruction, which is no doubt on the way. Then as one drunken on too much wine, I saw the Statue of Liberty become unsteady on her feet and begin to stagger and to lose her balance. I saw her splashing in the gulf, trying to regain her balance. I saw her stagger again and again and fall to her knees. As I saw her desperate attempts to regain her balance and rise to her feet again, my heart was moved as never before with compassion for her struggles; but as she staggered there in the gulf, once again I heard these words: "Drink ye and be drunken and spew and fall and rise no more because of the sword which I will send among you" (Jeremiah 25:37).<br />
<br />
As I watched, I wondered if the Statue of Liberty would ever be able to regain her feet, if she would ever stand again; and as I watched, it seemed that with all her power she struggled to rise and finally staggered to her feet again and stood there swaying drunkenly. I felt sure that at any moment she would fall again, possibly never to rise. I seemed overwhelmed with a desire to reach out my hand to keep her head above water, for I knew that if she ever fell again, she would drown there in the gulf. "Thou shalt not be afraid for the by night, nor for the arrow that flyeth by day, nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness, nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday" (Psalms 91:5-6).<br />
<br />
==Black Cloud Rising==<br />
<br />
Then as I watched, another amazing thing was taking place. Far to the northwest, just out over Alaska, a huge, black cloud was arising. As it rose, it was as black as night. It seemed to be in the shape of a man's head. As it continued to arise, I observed two light spots in the black cloud. It rose further, and a gaping hole appeared. I could see that the black cloud was taking the shape of a skull, for now the huge, white, gaping mouth was plainly visible. Finally, the head was complete. Then the shoulders began to appear; and on either side, long, black arms.<br />
<br />
==Skeleton Destroys Multitudes==<br />
<br />
It seemed that what I saw was the entire North American continent, spread out like a map upon a table with this terrible skeleton-formed cloud arising from behind the table. It rose steadily until the form was visible down to the waist. At the waist the skeleton seemed to bend toward the United States, stretching forth a hand toward the east and one toward the west, one toward New York and one toward Seattle. As the awful form stretched forward, I could see that its entire attention seemed to be focused upon the United States, overlooking Canada at least for the time being. As I saw the horrible black cloud in the form of a skeleton bending toward America, bending from the waist over, reaching down toward Chicago and out toward both coasts, I knew its one interest was to destroy the multitudes.<br />
<br />
==Mortal Agony==<br />
<br />
As I watched in horror, the great black cloud stopped just above the Great Lakes region and turned its face toward New York City. Then out of the horrible, great gaping mouth began to appear wisps of white vapor which looked like smoke, as a cigarette smoker would blow puffs of smoke from his mouth. These whitish vapors were being blown toward New York City. The smoke began to spread until it had covered all the eastern part of the United States. Then the skeleton turned to the west and out of the horrible mouth and nostrils came another great puff of white smoke. This time it was blown in the direction of the west coast. In a few moments' time the entire West Coast and Los Angeles area were covered with its vapors.<br />
<br />
Then toward the center came a third great puff. As I watched, St. Louis and Kansas City were enveloped in its white vapors. Then on they came toward New Orleans. Then on they swept until they reached the Statue of Liberty where she stood staggering drunkenly in the blue waters of the gulf. As the white vapors began to spread around the head of the statue, she took in but one gasping breath and then began to cough as though to rid her lungs of the horrible vapors she had inhaled. One could readily discern by the coughing that those white vapors had seared her lungs. What were these white vapors? Could they signify bacteriological warfare or nerve gas that could destroy multitudes of people in a few moments' time? Then I heard the voice of God as He spoke again: "Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty and maketh it waste and turneth it upside-down and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her ; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him. The land shall be utterly emptied and utterly spoiled, for the LORD hath spoken this word. The earth mourneth and fadeth away. The world languisheth and fadeth away. The haughty people of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant; therefore, hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate; therefore, the inhabitants of the earth are burned and few men left" (Isaiah 24:1-6)<br />
<br />
As I watched, the coughing grew worse. It sounded like a person about to cough out his lungs. The Statue of Liberty was moaning and groaning. She was in mortal agony. The pain must have been terrific, as again and again she tried to clear her lungs of those horrible white vapors. I watched her there in the gulf as she staggered, clutching her lungs and her breast with her hands. Then she fell to her knees. In a moment she gave one final cough, made a last desperate effort to rise from her knees, and then fell face forward into the waters of the gulf and lay still as . Tears ran down my face as I realized that she was ! Only the lapping of the waves, splashing over her body which was partly under the water and partly out of the water, broke the stillness.<br />
<br />
:''"A fire devoureth before them, and behind them a flame burneth; the land is as the Garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness, yea, and nothing shall escape them". <br />
<br />
Screaming of Sirens Suddenly the silence was shattered by the screaming of sirens. The sirens seemed to scream, "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!"<br />
<br />
Never before had I heard such shrill, screaming sirens. They seemed to be everywhere to the north, the south, the east, and the west. There seemed to be multitudes of sirens; and as I looked, I saw people everywhere running, but it seemed none of them ran more than a few paces, and then they fell. And even as I had seen the Statue of Liberty struggling to regain her poise and balance and finally falling for the last time to die on her face, I now saw millions of people falling in the streets, on the sidewalks, struggling. I heard their screams for mercy and help. I heard their horrible coughing as though their lungs had been seared with fire. I heard the moanings and groanings of the doomed and the dying. As I watched, a few finally reached shelters, but only a few ever got to the shelters.<br />
<br />
Above the moaning and the groaning of the dying multitudes, I heard these words: "A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth, for the Lord hath a controversy with the nations. He will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth, and the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth. They shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground" (Jeremiah 25:31-33).<br />
<br />
==Rocket Missile Attacks==<br />
<br />
Then suddenly I saw from the Atlantic and from the Pacific and out of the Gulf rocket-like objects that seemed to come up like fish leaping out of the water. High into the air they leaped, each headed in a different direction, but every one toward the United States. On the ground the sirens screamed louder, and up from the ground I saw similar rockets beginning to ascend. To me these appeared to be interceptor rockets although they arose from different points all over the United States; however, none of them seemed to be successful in intercepting the rockets that had risen from the ocean on every side. These rockets finally reached their maximum height, slowly turned over and fell back toward the earth in defeat. Then suddenly the rockets which had leaped out of the oceans like fish all exploded at once. The explosion was ear-splitting. The next thing which I saw was a huge ball of fire. The only thing I have ever seen which resembled the thing I saw in my vision was the picture of the explosion of the H-bomb somewhere in the South Pacific. In my vision it was so real that I seemed to feel a searing heat from it.<br />
<br />
==Widespread Desolation==<br />
<br />
As the vision spread before my eyes and I viewed the widespread desolation brought about by the terrific explosions, I could not help thinking, While the defenders of our nation have quibbled over what means of defense to use and neglected the only true means of defense faith and dependence upon the true and living God the thing which she greatly feared has come unto her! How true it has proven in Psalms 127:1: Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."<br />
<br />
Then as the noise of battle subsided, to my ears came this quotation: "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand. 2. A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains, a great people and a strong, there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. 3. A fire devoureth before them, and behind them a flame burneth; the land is as the Garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness, yea, and nothing shall escape them. 4. The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run. 5. Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array. 6. Before their face the people shall be much pained; all faces shall gather blackness. 7. They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war, and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks. 8. Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path; and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. 9. They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall; they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief. 10. The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble; the sun and the moon shall be dark,, and the stars shall withdraw their shining (Joel 2:1-10).<br />
<br />
==The Silence==<br />
<br />
Then the voice was still. The earth, too was silent with the silence of . Then to my ears came another sound a sound of distant singing. It was the sweetest music I had ever heard. There was joyful shouting and sounds of happy laughter. Immediately I knew it was the rejoicing of the saints of God. I looked, and there, high in the heavens, above the smoke and poisonous gases, above the noise of the battle, I saw a huge mountain. It seemed to be of solid rock, and I knew at once that this was the Mountain of the Lord. The sounds of music and rejoicing were coming from a cleft high up in the side of the rock mountain.<br />
<br />
==Hidden in the Cleft==<br />
<br />
It was the saints of God who were doing the rejoicing. It was God's own people who were singing and dancing and shouting with joy, safe from all the harm which had come upon the earth, for they were hidden away in the cleft of the rock. There in the cleft they were shut in, protected by a great, giant hand which reached out of the heavens and which was none other than the hand of God, shutting them in until the storm be over passed.<br />
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The Misogyny of William Branham
2023-12-05T22:03:09Z
<p>Admin: /* Some women should be shot */</p>
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Misogyny is the hatred or dislike of women or girls. Misogyny can be manifested in numerous ways, including sexual discrimination, belittling of women, violence against women, and sexual objectification of women. While message believers do not like to admit that William Branham was a misogynist, it is clear from his own words that he was.<br />
<br />
=What William Branham believed=<br />
<br />
William Branham taught that:<br />
<br />
*parents should beat their daughters if they ever went sunbathing<br />
*men should beat their wives if they ever smoked or wore clothes that he considered were immodest.<br />
*Christians should approach women wearing makeup and call them "Miss Dogmeat".<br />
*The only place for a woman was in the kitchen.<br />
<br />
==William Branham's comments about his deceased daughter==<br />
[[Image:Picture of Sharon Rose Branham.jpg|thumb|rught|250px]]<br />
<br />
It is both sad and disturbing that William Branham thought God would take his little girl [Sharon] so she wouldn't end up being a 'modern girl'. <br />
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:''When the Son of God shines His righteousness upon the earth, then will my little Sharon Rose rise, then when I embrace her in my arms, say, "Darling baby, God knowed best. He knowed I had no way to take care of you. He knowed what was best. Maybe you'd have got out here in some of these roadhouses, or something, and been like some of the modern girls. He took you. I know where you are now, sweetheart: with Mommy.'' (52-0720A)<br />
<br />
It's obvious William Branham was biased against girls because of his father's behavior:<br />
<br />
:''I was more or less bashful, and you might think this strange, but I really didn't like ladies. I haven't… Didn't like the girls at all. Because, my father, they'd go down on the river where they drink and everything, and I'd see women come up there, married women, their husbands not with them, and see how untrue they could act. I said, "If that's the way they are, I never want nothing to do with any of them." And I made my mind, that I wasn't going to never be married, never have anything to do with women, I was going to be a trapper. I love hunting and trapping. (51-0722A)<br />
<br />
William Branham not only had a distorted view of women, he also had a distorted view of God. It's a pity he suffered such a disconnect from the true nature of God.<br />
<br />
=What the Bible says=<br />
<br />
The Bible is very clear on the position of women.<br />
<br />
==What is a "help meet"?==<br />
<br />
In Genesis 2:18, this new creation which man needs is called a helper (Hebrew - ʿēzer), which is masculine in gender, though here it is a term for woman. Any suggestion that this particular word denotes one who has only an associate or subordinate status to a senior member is refuted by the fact that most frequently this same word describes Yahweh’s relationship to Israel. He is Israel’s help(er) because he is the stronger one (see, Exod. 18:4; Deut. 33:7, 26, 29; Ps. 33:20; 115:9–11; 124:8; 146:5; etc.). The Septuagint translation of the word refers to help “from a stronger one, in no way needing help.” The word is used less frequently for human helpers, and even here, the helper is one appealed to because of superior military strength (Isa. 30:5) or superior size (Ps. 121:1). Thus, the woman in Gen. 2 delivers or saves man from his solitude.<ref>Victor P. Hamilton, The Book of Genesis, Chapters 1–17, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1990), 175–176.</ref><br />
<br />
==The view of the New Testament==<br />
<br />
Paul states that in Christ Jesus we are all children of God through faith:<br />
<br />
:''There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. <ref>The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Ga 3:28–29.</ref><br />
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The three dual categories represent the most far-reaching distinctions of ancient society and seem to have been deliberately chosen with an eye to the threefold prayer for which a pious male Jew daily thanked God: '''that he was not made a Gentile, a slave or a woman''' — categories of people debarred from certain religious privileges. It is noteworthy that in the third grouping, the words used are not the customary terms for man and woman but the more technical terms denoting male and female, thus indicating that what is in view is the general relationship between the sexes and not the specific relationship between husband and wife. <ref>Ronald Y. K. Fung, The Epistle to the Galatians, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1988), 175–176.</ref><br />
<br />
It goes without saying that the road to the elimination of such divisions for the first Christians was rocky and full of pitfalls. Paul describes one example in Galatians 2:11–14, and the Judaizers were seeking to fight against this essential point of the gospel. Peter had troubles elsewhere (Acts 10:1–11:18), but eventually the church of Jerusalem was willing to say that “God has granted even [note this term!] the Gentiles repentance unto life” (Acts 11:18).<br />
<br />
We need to observe that Paul wrote these words in a historical and social context that clearly believed in the inferiority of women. The Jewish historian Josephus wrote, for example: “''The woman, says the law, is in all things inferior to the man''”<ref>Against Apion, 2.201</ref>. Why else would Paul point to “neither male nor female” as his third pair of things that have been abolished in Christ?<br />
<br />
This principle of inferiority worked itself out in many ways. Women were talked about in rude and condescending ways; they were not to be taught the law; they were to tend to their children; they were not considered reliable witnesses in court; they may have even sat in seats separate from men in synagogues. <br />
<br />
But this was not true in the early church. Women were at times given positions of leadership (for example, Phoebe in Rom. 16:1–2 and the story of Priscilla in Acts 18). <br />
<br />
So it was inferiority of women working itself out in religious communities that Paul opposes with this statement “neither male nor female.” In the same way that there was to be no cultural/racial distinctions and no social status prejudices, there was to be no sexual prejudice. For those who are in Christ, antagonisms, criticisms, snide remarks, subtle insinuations, and overt prejudices such as espoused by William Branham must end, for in him male and female are one. I believe that, as is the case with slavery, so with women, Paul provides an agenda that would take years for the church and society to implement properly and honorably before God.<ref>Scot McKnight, Galatians, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1995), 201–203.</ref><br />
<br />
=Quotes of William Branham=<br />
Following are a few quotes which show William Branham's misogynistic view of women.<br />
<br />
==William Branham was like Elijah==<br />
<br />
''But I can remember when my father’s still up there running, I had to be out there with water and stuff, see young ladies that wasn’t over seventeen, eighteen years old, up there with men my age now, drunk. And they’d have to sober them up and give them black coffee, to get home to cook their husband’s supper. Oh, something like that, I said, “I…” This was my remark then,''' “They’re not worth a good clean bullet to kill them with it.”''' That’s right. '''And I hated women.''' That’s right. And I just have to watch every move now, to keep from still thinking the same thing.<ref>William Branham, 59-0419A - My Life Story, para. 87</ref><br />
<br />
''Take his…take the nature of Elijah. Look at Elijah; see what he was. What was he when he come in John’s time? He hated denominations: “You Pharisees, don’t think to say within yourself, ‘We have Abraham to our Father,’ because God is able of these stones to rise children to Abraham.” So did Elijah. '''Both of them hated women''', or, immoral women, and things doing wrong. Look at Elijah with Jezebel. Look at John the Baptist with Herodias. See? Both wilderness men, loved the woods, and outside. Come right out of the bushes and send forth a Message. He will come on the scene one of these days.<ref>William Branham, 61-0210 - Abraham's Covenant Confirmed, para. 39</ref><br />
<br />
'''''He will also hate fancy women!''' Elijah did: Jezebel. Is that right? John did: Herodias. Both them prophets, the Spirit, the same Spirit. They hated the denominational world, the church world. '''They hated, also, fancy, no-good women.''' They…Something in their spirit cried out against the thing! Jezebel was after Elijah’s head and was going to cut it off; and she also had John’s head cut off, Herodias did. Both of them!<ref>William Branham, 60-1211E - The Laodicean Church Age, para. 94</ref><br />
<br />
''Now we find out, and in this message, Isaiah 40:3 also vindicated John. He said, “A voice of one, a prophet, crying in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.’” The church did not believe him, for he was not of their group. That prophet was raised out of a wilderness, come up knowing no one. He had the very Spirit on him that Elijah had: he was a man of the wilderness, '''he hated immoral women'''.<ref>William Branham, 65-1206 - Modern Events Are Made Clear By Prophecy, para. 222</ref><br />
<br />
==Women have an extra rib?==<br />
<br />
William Branham taught incorrectly that women have one more rib than men as a result of how God made the first woman. This is, of course, scientifically incorrect.<br />
<br />
:'''''Question: Did God make men and women, of Genesis 2:18-21?''' <br />
<br />
:'''''No'''. I—I… as—as you'll see here, 2:18-21 now, notice: And the LORD God said, It—It is not good that… man should be alone; I will make him an '''help mate''' for him. And out of the ground the LORD… formed every beast… and so forth. Now, God made Eve from Adam's side. The woman has one more rib today in the anatomy, the make-up than man does, because a rib was taken from Adam's body. Adam had already been made and was living, and was lonesome, and then God said, "It's not good that man should live alone."<ref>William Branham, 53-0729 - Questions And Answers On Genesis, para. 96</ref><br />
<br />
==Encouraged the beating of women==<br />
<br />
''Walked down on the beach there and there laid them women professed to have the Holy Ghost, laying out there, stretched out before men in bathing suits. Hmm. Brother, this might make you vomit, but let me tell you something. I've got a girl coming on myself. I said, "What are you doing, lady." I said, "Isn't that — your father a minister?" Said, "Yes, sir." I said, "Well..." '''Said, "I'm getting a suntan."''' I said, "If my girl ever stretches herself out like that, she's going to get a sun tanning, but it is going to be Charlie Branham's son, '''give her a tan with a barrel slat and bring her home.'''" That's right. I'd tan her. She'd... Well, she'd remember it a long time too. Amen.<ref>51-1003 BELIEVEST.THOU.THIS_ NEW.YORK.NY</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''And she pulled out a cigarette. She just shows her colors, what she is, when she does it. Now, let your face get red. And you men that'll let your wife smoke cigarettes, it shows what — who's the boss around the house. That's right. Let them lay out here in these little old beach clothes and things, lay out here before men stripped down... I've got a girl at home. She might lay out to get a suntan too. But brother, if she does, she's going to get a son-tan. It'd be Charlie Branham's son '''with a barrel slat behind her''', bringing her home just as fast as I can bring her. That's right. I'll give her the kind of son-tanning she needs. Yes, sir. I mean that. God give us some good old... You talk about the literacy of Kentucky over here, where some of them old mammies would go back there and raise their young'ns... Why, it'd make you feel ashamed of yourself, then say, "They're ignorant." What's the matter with you? Oh, it's just...<ref>53-0613 GOD'S.PROVIDED.WAY_ CONNERSVILLE.IN</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''I said, "Yes, ma'am." She gave me the bill. I marked it paid. Started to hand it to her, and one of these here old jig dancers, or ever what it is, come on with that, '''sawing that fiddle and carrying on, and playing some kind of a little old boogie-woogie music''' ever what it was; and that girl put on a little old clothes there, about enough to wad a shotgun, and it was pitiful. Listen. I got two girls, and if — if they call suntan. If one of mine, if God lets me live, she'll get a suntan if she puts it on, but Charlie Branham, my daddy's son, will '''give her the tan with a barrel slat just as hard as I can give it to her.''' That's the kind of a tanning she needs. Absolutely. Out there like that, no wonder the corruption of the world. How can you men and women... You men...<ref>53-1129A THE.FAITH.THAT.WAS.ONCE.DELIVERED.TO.THE.SAINTS_ WEST.PALM.BEACH.FL</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''That's what they were doing in Sodom and Gomorrah. The natural use our bodies... The men become so plain to women today, there's not even respect. They'll hardly take off their hat, men will in front of women, and they have no respect for them at all. What did it? The women done it theirself. And you all talking about juvenile delinquency and things. I think it's parent delinquency. Some of you let your girls go out and run around all night with a '''cigarette-smoking, cocktail-drinking party. Come in the next morning with her clothes half off her, old make-up all over her face and that''', And you call the Kentucky mothers ignorant. Write her patch down with those Dogpatch, Lil' Abner, and make fun of the Kentucky mothers. That's some of my people up in there. Let one of them girls...?... it up there and, brother, I'll tell you, '''she wouldn't get out of bed for six months. She'd take a hickory limb and beat what clothes she had left on her off. And if you had something like that back in the church today, you'd have better.''' Amen. God give us the old time mothers. I've got two girls coming. I don't know what they'll be.<br />
<br />
And I've see them laying out on the beaches half naked before man stretching themselves out there, say they get a sun-tanning. Brother, I — I may not live. But if God lets me live and keep my right mind, '''if one of mine does it, she'll get a son-tanning. It'll be Mr. Branham's son with a barrel slat behind her. She'll be tanned all right.''' She'll know where it come from too. Yes, sir.<ref>56-0122 THE.JUNCTION.TIME_ STURGIS.MI</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''And now, some of you talk about the illiteracy of the hillbillies up in Kentucky there. But how the old grandmas with their long bonnets and things on... You know what? They could teach some of you city people how to behave yourself. That's right. Your little Martha Ann come in of a nighttime, and mess-up all over her face, and half drunk, and smoking a cigarette, and blowing it through her nose, and the stomp her foot, and scream at you. Let her do that to one of them old Kentucky mammys one time. She'd top a hickory, boy, or take something, or a barrel slat. When she got through, she'd know who was mammy around there. If you'd do that, you wouldn't have so many wrong men, and boys and girls in the world tonight. Let one of them strip theirselves in some these old dirty clothes like you let your kids wear out here, little old shorts, and ever what they call them. And let them one time. Uh-huh. You would find out how illiterate they were. '''She'd beat her till she'd be so full of welts, you couldn't get the clothes over the top of them. That's what needs to be done tonight.''' That's right.<ref>56-0728 MAKING.THE.VALLEY.FULL.OF.DITCHES_ SHREVEPORT.LA</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''The Bible said, Jesus said, "Whosoever looketh upon a woman to lust after her, has committed adultery with her already in his heart." When that sinner looks upon you and lusts after you, though he never touched you, when he answers for adultery, you are guilty of committing it with him. It's what the Bible says. Now, you can take some of these little '''two-by-fours''' if you want to, but that's what God said. That's what Christ said. Now, that's the truth. Oh, God be merciful. What must the great Holy Spirit think when He comes before the Father? <br />
<br />
''You say, '''"Why you picking on us women?'''" All right, men, here you are. '''Any man that'll let his wife smoke cigarettes and wear them kind of clothes''', shows what he's made out of. He's not very much of a man. That's exactly right. True. '''He don't love her or he'd take a board and blister her with it.''' You know that's the truth. Now, I don't say that to be smart. I'm telling you the truth. That's right. What must the Holy Spirit think? Now, I'm going to put you both together. You that'll stay home on Wednesday night to see some old vulgar play like, "We love Sucy," or something like that, and stay out of prayer meeting, it shows what you're both made out of. That's exactly right. And that's the church. And on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and so forth, of a morning nine or ten o'clock you'll listen to some immoral person like Arthur Godfrey, with all of his dirty, ornery jokes, instead of a secret place in a room, praying and reading your Bible. That's right. You know that. And in your house that slandery, dirty, rock-and-roll, boogie-woogie stuff of Elvis Presley… There's only one difference between Elvis Presley and Judas Iscariot. Judas got thirty pieces of silver for selling out. Elvis got a few million dollars and a fleet of Cadillacs. That's all the difference.<ref>58-0324, Hear Ye Him</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''Now, you say, "'''Brother Branham, you're really beating us women.'''" All right. Here you men are. '''Any man that'll let his wife smoke cigarettes and wear clothes like that''', it shows what he's made out of. He's not much man to him, a man that would do that. God give us old fashion, borned again, sainted, godly homes. Juvenile delinquency will be no more. It isn't juvenile delinquency; it's parent delinquency. '''They had the old wood shed and the big hickory limb laying over the door. That's discipline in our home.''' All right. You say, "Now, Brother Branham, I... We shouldn't hear that kind of stuff." You should hear it. That's right.<ref>58-0529 JESUS.AT.THE.DOOR_ NEW.HAVEN.CT THURSDAY</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''You talk about juvenile delinquency, I say it's parent delinquency. You talk about the ignorance of the Kentucky people, some of them old mammies out there... Let their daughters come home of a morning with lipstick all over their face, and hair all twisted up, and clothes half off of them, half...?... with a cigarette in their hand, '''they'd take a barrel slat, or one of them hickory saplings out there''', and she'd know when she went out the next time. Then you say illiterate. They can teach this bunch of hoodlums how to raise children. That's... '''Oh, maybe I oughtn't to have said that. Well, no. I don't take it back. I said that when the Holy Spirit was anointing me.''' That's right, exactly right. Yes, sir. Today, huh... Oh, my.<ref>62-0714 THE.UNCERTAIN.SOUND_ SPOKANE.WA</ref><br />
<br />
==Publicly disrespectful of women==<br />
<br />
''Women, there was only one woman in the Bible that ever painted her face, and that was Jezebel. And God fed her to the dogs. '''So if you see a woman wearing that, you can say, "How do you do, Miss Dogmeat?"''' That's exactly what God called her. He fed her to the dogs. Exactly right.<ref>62-0720, A Testimony On The Sea</ref><br />
<br />
==Women should never have been allowed to drive==<br />
<br />
''Well, the other day some crazy woman driver drove right in front of me, come pretty near killing two of my children. I said, "Lady." She said, "Now, you shut your mouth; I'm the one that's driving." And before I got back, twenty-six women driver's almost caused us to be killed. We kept count of it. '''They made a mistake when they give her a driver's license. They put her out here to voting.''' They put her out here to these public works. And during the time of the war, right in New York City, more illegitimate children was born in the city of New York, of prostitute women, and their husbands overseas, than there was soldiers killed in the four years of war.<ref>William Branham, 56-0715 - The Mark Of The Beast, para. 132</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''Go down the street, back out like that of riding the highway… We counted… I want to tell you something. And you women drivers… Listen. Billy Paul and I on this last campaign around the nation (six months), I kept a count of how many scruples on the road. And out of three hundred mishaps on the road, guess how many of them was women drivers? There was only lacking nineteen of them were men, and two hundred and eighty, or I believe two hundred eighty-one of them would be women drivers: '''women drivers'''. Now, I'm not saying there ain't good women drivers. '''But she'll turn any way, and you just try to get back at her.''' Let her be kind of nice-looking and stand there, pushing that hair up when a cop comes up. "Why," he'd say, "sure you're in the wrong." We ain't got no law. They proved that the other day in the tax suit I'm just coming through. We ain't got no laws. If there are… 130 No wonder that great Lords of England said, "Democracy was all sails, no anchor." That's right, stand on a soapbox electioneering. The democracy's rotten, and so's dictators and all the rest of them. The whole thing is rotten. There ain't but one thing for God to do: is to destroy the whole thing as He said He would do, and start anew.<ref>William Branham, 58-0928E - The Serpent's Seed</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''I said, "'''They oughtn't never let a woman behind a wheel.'''" Boy, if I was there, she wouldn't do it, if I had anything to say about it. They say the women is the most safest drivers. I'm an international traveler. Me and my son, crossing this nation, put a book up in the—in the car. And every time a boo-boo was called, pulled on the road, we marked it down, "man" or "woman." And out of three hundred, there were two hundred and eight-one of them caused by women; nineteen of them by men. That's exact. Yet, she's set there and push her hair up. And she turn out like this, and make a left's right, and everything. But, oh, course, the police ain't going to say that. They got them on a police force. What a disgrace! When a woman gets from behind the table in the kitchen, in the house, taking care of her own little ministry God give her, her babies, she's out of the will of God.<ref>William Branham, 63-0412M - The World Is Falling Apart, para. 211</ref><br />
<br />
==Some women should be shot==<br />
<br />
''But I can remember when my father's still up there running, I had to be out there with water and stuff, see young ladies that wasn't over seventeen, eighteen years old, up there with men my age now, drunk. And they'd have to sober them up and give them black coffee, to get home to cook their husband's supper. Oh, something like that, I said, "I…" This was my remark then, "They're not worth a good clean bullet to kill them with it." That's right. And I hated women. That's right. And I just have to watch every move now, to keep from still thinking the same thing.<ref>William Branham, 59-0419A - My Life Story, para. 87</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''When I was a little, bitty, ol' boy, up there, I'd see them women come up there on the road, and their… know their husband was out working, them up there with some guy, drunk; on the side of the road, and they'd walk them up and down the road, sober them up enough to get them home, cook their husband's supper. I said they ain't worth a clean bullet to go through them. That's right. I said they're lower than animals, would do a thing like that. And I… When I was seventeen, eighteen years old, I'd see a—a girl coming down the street, I'd cross over on the other side, I said, "That stinking viper." See? And I would have been a real hater, but when I received God in my heart, God let me know that He's got some jewels out there, He's got some real ladies. They'll not all defile themselves like that; thank God for that.<ref>William Branham, 60-1209 - The Sardisean Church Age, para. 1537</ref><br />
<br />
==Women belong in the kitchen==<br />
<br />
''I predicted that women would keep demoralizing and the nation would keep falling, and they'd keep hanging to mother, or like mother like that, till they become, a woman become an idol. And after a while, that America would be ruled by a woman. Mark it and see if it's not right. A woman will take the place of a President or something, of great, some high power in America. When… I say this with respect, ladies. '''When a woman gets out of the kitchen, she's out of her place.''' That's right. That's where she belongs. '''Outside of that, she has no place.''' And now, I'm not hard on them, but I just tell what's the Truth and what the Bible. Used to be the man was the head of the house, but that was in Bible days. He isn't no more. He's the puppet, or he's the—or the babysitter or something. And now… No, they want to take care of a dog, practice birth control, and pack a little old dog around in their arms all the time, so you can run around all night.<ref>William Branham, 56-0513 - Teaching On Moses, para. 22</ref><br />
<br />
''Today, women is so brassy! Every… Their husband can't even talk. They got to stick right out there, a cigarette in their hand, a pair of shorts on, doing all the talking. How a perverted race of people, she's got to be chief cook and bottle washer, everything else! '''When she leaves the kitchen, she leaves her place of duty, right, as a mother.''' Now we find out, women then stayed back and behaved theirself, acted like ladies, their head was the one who did the decisions and things. <br />
<br />
''And you try to let some man tell his wife; she say, "I'll give you to understand right now!" [Brother Branham blows—Ed.] blowing that smoke out of her mouth, looking such, how the hideous looks. I never seen such! And you can imagine out there, and stand there watch that person, discern that spirit in there, and them things; and maybe singing in a choir in some church. Oh, such a day that we're living! No wonder we're at that day! I—'''I hope you can catch through the lines what I'm meaning.'''<ref>William Branham, 62-0706 - Jehovah-Jireh #2, para. 111-113</ref> <br />
<br />
''When a woman gets from behind the table in the kitchen, in the house, taking care of her own little ministry God give her, her babies, she's out of the will of God. Put her in a pulpit, she's out of the will of God. There's no Scripture for a woman preacher. I want some man to stand and tell me that, look me in the face. There's no such a thing. That, Pentecost is the grassroots of that stuff. Never was! Adam was first formed, and then Eve. Adam was not deceived. But, yet, you do it. And you see where you got yourself? Way out here on a limb, that, you can't come back on now. But there you go. That's it. That's the world. That's what you want. That's what you want. That's what you got. See?"<ref>Branham, 63-0412M - The World Is Falling Apart</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
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Can the Holy Spirit abandon you?
2023-12-01T16:19:40Z
<p>Admin: /* What William Branham taught */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
William Branham taught that the Holy Spirit would leave a person under certain conditions.<br />
<br />
=What William Branham taught=<br />
<br />
William Branham said:<br />
<br />
:''"... whenever you go to thinking you got a right to do this and do that, the Dove just takes Her flight and goes on away. Then you don't have It any more. Now, she's not very far from you this morning, church. She's setting right out there on the limb of peace, waiting for your nature to be changed." <ref>56-0805 - The Church And Its Condition, para. 102</ref><br />
<br />
So what is the Dove (capital D) he is speaking of? Is it the Holy Spirit? If it's not, then who cares if the dove goes away... but if it is, can you lose the Holy Spirit? And is the Holy Spirit a 'She"?<br />
<br />
=What the Bible teaches=<br />
<br />
The book of Hebrews tells us:<br />
<br />
:''Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Heb 13:5.</ref><br />
<br />
Tim Keller puts it this way:<br />
<br />
:''Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” In the Greek, there are five negative particles in that verse. Therefore, it’s a little hard to translate it, but let me give you a literal translation. God says, “I will never, never, never, never, never leave you alone. I will never forsake you. I will never, never, never, never, never forsake you or leave you alone.<ref>Timothy J. Keller, The Timothy Keller Sermon Archive (New York City: Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 2013).</ref><br />
<br />
=Quotes of William Branham=<br />
<br />
''Now, another thing the lamb is, the lamb is willing to submit its rights. Now, God wants us to be lambs, but there's so many times that we don't want to submit our rights, forfeit our rights. So many of you say, "Well, I've got rights, Brother Branham." That's true, but are you willing to forfeit your rights? Are you willing to give your rights that God could lead you? That's what's the matter with our churches today in the great majority, that the gentleness of the Lamb of God... We are supposed to be lambs; we have become everything else but lambs. And that's the reason, '''as soon as we get that attitude, the Dove of the Holy Spirit takes Her flight and leaves.'''<br />
<br />
''If the Lamb of God would've made the first snarl like a wolf, or would've done anything contrary to what the gentle Dove would've permitted, the Dove would've took Her flight. She'd have left in a minute. And that's the reason today that we're wondering what's the matter with the Pentecostal church. It's because we have taken on a different nature. We've taken on a nature that, "We want our rights. We're going to do what we know that's right to do." And we become arrogant. We become hostile. We become indifferent. We let temper come in. We let selfishness come in.<ref>THE.CHURCH.AND.ITS.CONDITION JEFF.IN CH 1-34 56-0805</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''Come back to a lamb; come back to be gentle; come back to know nothing; come back to just submit yourself to Christ. Don't try, don't try to know nothing. Just walk meekly, quietly, humbly, gently, and the Dove will lead you. But whenever you go listening to that gossip, whenever you go to getting that temper up, whenever you go to thinking you got a right to do this and do that, the Dove just takes Her flight and goes on away. Then you don't have It any more. Now, she's not very far from you this morning, church. She's setting right out there on the limb of peace, waiting for your nature to be changed. Amen.<ref>THE.CHURCH.AND.ITS.CONDITION JEFF.IN CH 1-34 56-0805</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''That's the way the Christian is. That's the way God represented Himself, in a--in a--in a dove. See, because... and the... Jesus was represented as a Lamb. Always in nature you'll find God. And God likened us unto sheep that has to be led. Did you ever notice there, I preached a sermon on it sometime ago? That the Dove coming down on the Lamb, to lead the Lamb, and It led Him to the slaughter. The--the--the Dove! Now, if that Lamb... That Dove could not have descended upon any other type of animal, because they both had to be of the same nature. See? If the Dove would've lit upon a wolf, and he would have snorted or growled, the Dove would have took Its flight.<br />
<br />
''Well, that's the same way now. '''And our ill ways, the Holy Spirit just takes His flight and goes away.''' It's got to have the same nature. The bird of the Heavens, the dove; the meekest animal on earth, the lamb; they can agree together. And when the Holy Spirit comes upon us and makes us new creatures, then He can lead us. But we try to live the same old life, it won't work! It just won't work.<ref>LEADERSHIP COVINA.CA V-7 N-7 65-1207</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
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Can the Holy Spirit abandon you?
2023-12-01T16:19:15Z
<p>Admin: /* What William Branham taught */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
William Branham taught that the Holy Spirit would leave a person under certain conditions.<br />
<br />
=What William Branham taught=<br />
<br />
"... whenever you go to thinking you got a right to do this and do that, the Dove just takes Her flight and goes on away. Then you don't have It any more. Now, she's not very far from you this morning, church. She's setting right out there on the limb of peace, waiting for your nature to be changed." <ref>56-0805 - The Church And Its Condition, para. 102</ref><br />
<br />
So what is the Dove (capital D) he is speaking of? Is it the Holy Spirit? If it's not, then who cares if the dove goes away... but if it is, can you lose the Holy Spirit? And is the Holy Spirit a 'She"?<br />
<br />
=What the Bible teaches=<br />
<br />
The book of Hebrews tells us:<br />
<br />
:''Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Heb 13:5.</ref><br />
<br />
Tim Keller puts it this way:<br />
<br />
:''Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” In the Greek, there are five negative particles in that verse. Therefore, it’s a little hard to translate it, but let me give you a literal translation. God says, “I will never, never, never, never, never leave you alone. I will never forsake you. I will never, never, never, never, never forsake you or leave you alone.<ref>Timothy J. Keller, The Timothy Keller Sermon Archive (New York City: Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 2013).</ref><br />
<br />
=Quotes of William Branham=<br />
<br />
''Now, another thing the lamb is, the lamb is willing to submit its rights. Now, God wants us to be lambs, but there's so many times that we don't want to submit our rights, forfeit our rights. So many of you say, "Well, I've got rights, Brother Branham." That's true, but are you willing to forfeit your rights? Are you willing to give your rights that God could lead you? That's what's the matter with our churches today in the great majority, that the gentleness of the Lamb of God... We are supposed to be lambs; we have become everything else but lambs. And that's the reason, '''as soon as we get that attitude, the Dove of the Holy Spirit takes Her flight and leaves.'''<br />
<br />
''If the Lamb of God would've made the first snarl like a wolf, or would've done anything contrary to what the gentle Dove would've permitted, the Dove would've took Her flight. She'd have left in a minute. And that's the reason today that we're wondering what's the matter with the Pentecostal church. It's because we have taken on a different nature. We've taken on a nature that, "We want our rights. We're going to do what we know that's right to do." And we become arrogant. We become hostile. We become indifferent. We let temper come in. We let selfishness come in.<ref>THE.CHURCH.AND.ITS.CONDITION JEFF.IN CH 1-34 56-0805</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''Come back to a lamb; come back to be gentle; come back to know nothing; come back to just submit yourself to Christ. Don't try, don't try to know nothing. Just walk meekly, quietly, humbly, gently, and the Dove will lead you. But whenever you go listening to that gossip, whenever you go to getting that temper up, whenever you go to thinking you got a right to do this and do that, the Dove just takes Her flight and goes on away. Then you don't have It any more. Now, she's not very far from you this morning, church. She's setting right out there on the limb of peace, waiting for your nature to be changed. Amen.<ref>THE.CHURCH.AND.ITS.CONDITION JEFF.IN CH 1-34 56-0805</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''That's the way the Christian is. That's the way God represented Himself, in a--in a--in a dove. See, because... and the... Jesus was represented as a Lamb. Always in nature you'll find God. And God likened us unto sheep that has to be led. Did you ever notice there, I preached a sermon on it sometime ago? That the Dove coming down on the Lamb, to lead the Lamb, and It led Him to the slaughter. The--the--the Dove! Now, if that Lamb... That Dove could not have descended upon any other type of animal, because they both had to be of the same nature. See? If the Dove would've lit upon a wolf, and he would have snorted or growled, the Dove would have took Its flight.<br />
<br />
''Well, that's the same way now. '''And our ill ways, the Holy Spirit just takes His flight and goes away.''' It's got to have the same nature. The bird of the Heavens, the dove; the meekest animal on earth, the lamb; they can agree together. And when the Holy Spirit comes upon us and makes us new creatures, then He can lead us. But we try to live the same old life, it won't work! It just won't work.<ref>LEADERSHIP COVINA.CA V-7 N-7 65-1207</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
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[[Category:Doctrines]]</div>
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William Branham's Multiple Birthdays
2023-11-22T21:23:10Z
<p>Admin: /* March 8, 1907? */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
[[Image:Marriage License-Branham.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Branham/Brumbach - click to enlarge]]<br />
What was William Branham's actual birthday? We have four different possibilities...<br />
<br />
=April 8, 1908=<br />
<br />
The Marriage Certificate of Willliam Branham and Hope Brumbach lists April 8, 1908 as the date of birth of William Branham (click on the picture at the right to enlarge it). This is dated June 22, 1934 and is the earliest recorded official document that we have that indicated his birthday.<br />
<br />
=April 6, 1909?=<br />
[[Image:Meda WMB marriage cert.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Branham/Broy - click to enlarge]]<br />
On his Marriage Certificate with Meda Broy dated October 23, 1941, William Branham wrote April 6, 1909 as his date of birth. Note that this is an official government document and William Branham would have no reason to lie as to the date (click on the picture at the right to enlarge it).<br />
<br />
According to a sermon he preached in 1960, William Branham was born at 5:00 AM on April 6, 1909:<br />
<br />
:''That Light, that you see on that picture was hanging over my cradle when I was born. Born on a little straw tick with a shuck pillow. My mother was fifteen years old; my dad was eighteen. Five o'clock in the morning, they didn't have a window in the house, had a little door. I don't know whether you seen… How many of you ever seen one of them little—like supposed to be like a window, but it's just a little door you opened up. 98 And—and that Angel of God, at five o'clock in the morning, '''April 6, 1909''', at five o'clock in the morning, come right in and stood over that little bed where I was laying. They didn't know what… My people before me were Catholic. And so there was no Catholic churches up there, and so they taken me over to a little Baptist church. And there I made my first visit to a church. The Baptist church is called "Opossum Kingdom Baptist Church. Opossum Kingdom Baptist Church." There's where I made my first visit to a church. <ref>William Branham, 60-0805 - Lamb And Dove, para. 97-98</ref><br />
[[Image:William marvin branham draft card.jpg|thumb|250px|right|1940 Draft Card - click to enlarge]]<br />
:''I am forty eight years old in April the sixth.<ref>William Branham, 57-0516 - We Would See Jesus, para. 34</ref><br />
<br />
It is also interesting to note that William Branham's draft card from 1940 stated that his middle name was "Marvin."<br />
==Why did William Branham change his date of birth?==<br />
<br />
William Branham tells on several occasions of his encounter with a medium:<br />
<br />
:''She said, "I'm an astrologist." ...Said, "Perhaps, I will tell you just exactly when you was born, would you believe me?" And I said, "You can't do it in the first place." See? She said, "Oh, yes, I can." I said, "Let's hear you." Said, "'''You was born on April the 6th at five o'clock in the morning in 1909'''." <ref>William Branham, 52-0713A - Early Spiritual Experiences, para. 21-22</ref><br />
<br />
:''And she said, "You were borned under that sign." And she said, "What if I tell you when you were born, would—would you believe me?" I said, "Lady, you can't read my mind. I won't believe it." And she said, "You were born on April the 6th, 1909, at five o'clock in the morning." She said, "That's when certain stars," she said, "crossed or something." (Or astronomy.) <ref>William Branham, 60-0210M - The Revelation That Was Given To Me, para. 11</ref><br />
<br />
William Branham appears to have believed a spiritualist astronomer over the birthdate that his parents had told him.<br />
<br />
=April 8, 1907?=<br />
[[Image:1910 Census Branham low res.jpg|thumb|250px|right|1910 Census Form - click to enlarge]]<br />
According to the U.S. Census form dated April 15, 1910, Charles and Ella Branham (spelled Brainon, possibly because Charles was running from the law) entered “Willie” as 3 years old as of April 15, 1910. As a result, William Branham's birthday would have to be April 14, 1907 at the latest.<br />
<br />
=March 8, 1907?=<br />
<br />
On September 29, 1951, William Branham was speaking in New York City and stated:<br />
<br />
:''And Brother Bosworth here is one of the greatest teachers on Divine healing that I ever heard in my life... how I could speak of him, of how down through the age when I was a little boy in school, he was out there preaching the Gospel and praying for the sick, when I was just a boy. Your mothers and dads listened to him preach the Gospel on Divine healing, both of them out of Zion, Illinois. Candidates, or, out from under the—the great teacher, late Doctor Dowie. How '''Doctor Dowie, in his death, prophesied that I would come to that city forty years from the time that he died.''' Not knowing nothing about it, '''he died on one day, and I was borned on the next.''' And forty years to the day I entered the city, not knowing nothing about it. Oh, how God's great move is coming together. I hear the sound of abundance of rain.<ref>William Branham, 51-0929 - Our Hope Is In God, para. 7-8</ref><br />
<br />
Alexander Dowie died March 9, 1907 which would mean that William Branham's date of birth was '''March 8, 1907'''.<br />
<br />
=Quotes of William Branham=<br />
<br />
''When '''I was born on April the sixth, 1909''', about five o'clock in the morning…<ref>William Branham, 51-0717 - The Manifestation Of The Spirit, para. 26</ref><br />
<br />
''How Doctor Dowie, in his death, prophesied that I would come to that city forty years from the time that he died. Not knowing nothing about it, '''he died on one day, and I was borned on the next.''' And forty years to the day I entered the city, not knowing nothing about it. Oh, how God's great move is coming together. I hear the sound of abundance of rain.<ref>William Branham, 51-0929 - Our Hope Is In God, para. 8</ref><br />
<br />
''And '''I was born on April the—the 6th, 1909'''. Course, you know, that makes me a little over twenty-five now.<ref>William Branham, 59-0419A - My Life Story, para. 44</ref><br />
<br />
''So this woman—I said, "What would you want?" She said, "Sir, did you know you were borned under a—a sign?" Quickly, that scared me. I said, "I don't know nothing about that, and I don't want to know nothing about it." <br />
<br />
''She said, "Haven't you never talked to preachers?" I said, "I have no use for them. I—I don't go around where any of that's at." <br />
<br />
''I said, "I don't want to hurt your feelings, but I don't want to hear anything you have to say." She said, "Sir, that's not a gentleman." And I turned to her again, I said, "How did you know that?" She said, "When you got on the bus, I seen it." <br />
<br />
She said, "I work in the White House." She said, "I'm on my way now to Chicago to see my son, who is a minister." <br />
<br />
''She said, "I'm an astronomer." She said, "Did you know who… When God does anything, the first thing He does is to declare it in heaven, before He declares it on the earth?" <br />
<br />
''I said, "I know nothing about it." And I turned around again. It kindy made me feel bad, because there's many people on the bus, and me an officer. And so I thought that wasn't gentleman like. So she called me—kept calling me. And I turned around again; I said, "What's that got to do with me?" <br />
<br />
''And she said, "When Jesus Christ was born, or before he was born, wise men came from the east." She said, "What is a wise man?" I said, "I have no idea." She said, "They're astronomers that watch the heavens, and before God does anything on earth, He declares it in the heavens." And she said… I—I said, "I don't know nothing of it." <br />
<br />
She said, "But when God gives a gift, He declares it in the heavens." I—I said, "I know nothing about it." And she said, "You were borned under that sign." And she said, "What if I tell you when you were born, would—would you believe me?" <br />
<br />
I said, "Lady, you can't read my mind. I won't believe it." And she said, "'''You were born on April the 6th, 1909, at five o'clock in the morning."''' She said, "That's when certain stars," she said, "crossed or something." (Or astronomy.) And I said, "I don't know nothing about it, and care less." So she said, "You may pass it by," but said, "if you would respect it, it would shake the world." <br />
<br />
''I said, "Tell this young sailor here, when he was born." She said, "I couldn't do it."<ref>William Branham, 60-0210M - The Revelation That Was Given To Me, para. 11</ref><br />
<br />
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<br />
[[Category: Critical analysis of William Branham]]<br />
[[Category: Honesty and Credibility]]<br />
[[Category: Unfinished articles]]</div>
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William Branham's Multiple Birthdays
2023-11-22T21:22:11Z
<p>Admin: /* March 8, 1907 */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Top of Page}}<br />
[[Image:Marriage License-Branham.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Branham/Brumbach - click to enlarge]]<br />
What was William Branham's actual birthday? We have four different possibilities...<br />
<br />
=April 8, 1908=<br />
<br />
The Marriage Certificate of Willliam Branham and Hope Brumbach lists April 8, 1908 as the date of birth of William Branham (click on the picture at the right to enlarge it). This is dated June 22, 1934 and is the earliest recorded official document that we have that indicated his birthday.<br />
<br />
=April 6, 1909?=<br />
[[Image:Meda WMB marriage cert.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Branham/Broy - click to enlarge]]<br />
On his Marriage Certificate with Meda Broy dated October 23, 1941, William Branham wrote April 6, 1909 as his date of birth. Note that this is an official government document and William Branham would have no reason to lie as to the date (click on the picture at the right to enlarge it).<br />
<br />
According to a sermon he preached in 1960, William Branham was born at 5:00 AM on April 6, 1909:<br />
<br />
:''That Light, that you see on that picture was hanging over my cradle when I was born. Born on a little straw tick with a shuck pillow. My mother was fifteen years old; my dad was eighteen. Five o'clock in the morning, they didn't have a window in the house, had a little door. I don't know whether you seen… How many of you ever seen one of them little—like supposed to be like a window, but it's just a little door you opened up. 98 And—and that Angel of God, at five o'clock in the morning, '''April 6, 1909''', at five o'clock in the morning, come right in and stood over that little bed where I was laying. They didn't know what… My people before me were Catholic. And so there was no Catholic churches up there, and so they taken me over to a little Baptist church. And there I made my first visit to a church. The Baptist church is called "Opossum Kingdom Baptist Church. Opossum Kingdom Baptist Church." There's where I made my first visit to a church. <ref>William Branham, 60-0805 - Lamb And Dove, para. 97-98</ref><br />
[[Image:William marvin branham draft card.jpg|thumb|250px|right|1940 Draft Card - click to enlarge]]<br />
:''I am forty eight years old in April the sixth.<ref>William Branham, 57-0516 - We Would See Jesus, para. 34</ref><br />
<br />
It is also interesting to note that William Branham's draft card from 1940 stated that his middle name was "Marvin."<br />
==Why did William Branham change his date of birth?==<br />
<br />
William Branham tells on several occasions of his encounter with a medium:<br />
<br />
:''She said, "I'm an astrologist." ...Said, "Perhaps, I will tell you just exactly when you was born, would you believe me?" And I said, "You can't do it in the first place." See? She said, "Oh, yes, I can." I said, "Let's hear you." Said, "'''You was born on April the 6th at five o'clock in the morning in 1909'''." <ref>William Branham, 52-0713A - Early Spiritual Experiences, para. 21-22</ref><br />
<br />
:''And she said, "You were borned under that sign." And she said, "What if I tell you when you were born, would—would you believe me?" I said, "Lady, you can't read my mind. I won't believe it." And she said, "You were born on April the 6th, 1909, at five o'clock in the morning." She said, "That's when certain stars," she said, "crossed or something." (Or astronomy.) <ref>William Branham, 60-0210M - The Revelation That Was Given To Me, para. 11</ref><br />
<br />
William Branham appears to have believed a spiritualist astronomer over the birthdate that his parents had told him.<br />
<br />
=April 8, 1907?=<br />
[[Image:1910 Census Branham low res.jpg|thumb|250px|right|1910 Census Form - click to enlarge]]<br />
According to the U.S. Census form dated April 15, 1910, Charles and Ella Branham (spelled Brainon, possibly because Charles was running from the law) entered “Willie” as 3 years old as of April 15, 1910. As a result, William Branham's birthday would have to be April 14, 1907 at the latest.<br />
<br />
=March 8, 1907?=<br />
<br />
On September 29, 1951, William Branham was speaking in New York City and stated:<br />
<br />
:''And Brother Bosworth here is one of the greatest teachers on Divine healing that I ever heard in my life... how I could speak of him, of how down through the age when I was a little boy in school, he was out there preaching the Gospel and praying for the sick, when I was just a boy. Your mothers and dads listened to him preach the Gospel on Divine healing, both of them out of Zion, Illinois. Candidates, or, out from under the—the great teacher, late Doctor Dowie. How '''Doctor Dowie, in his death, prophesied that I would come to that city forty years from the time that he died.''' Not knowing nothing about it, '''he died on one day, and I was borned on the next.''' And forty years to the day I entered the city, not knowing nothing about it. Oh, how God's great move is coming together. I hear the sound of abundance of rain.<ref>William Branham, 51-0929 - Our Hope Is In God, para. 7-8</ref><br />
<br />
Alexander Dowie died March 9, 1907 which would mean that William Branham's date of birth was '''March 8, 1907'''.<br />
<br />
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William Branham's Multiple Birthdays
2023-11-22T21:21:55Z
<p>Admin: /* April 6, 1909 */</p>
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[[Image:Marriage License-Branham.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Branham/Brumbach - click to enlarge]]<br />
What was William Branham's actual birthday? We have four different possibilities...<br />
<br />
=April 8, 1908=<br />
<br />
The Marriage Certificate of Willliam Branham and Hope Brumbach lists April 8, 1908 as the date of birth of William Branham (click on the picture at the right to enlarge it). This is dated June 22, 1934 and is the earliest recorded official document that we have that indicated his birthday.<br />
<br />
=April 6, 1909?=<br />
[[Image:Meda WMB marriage cert.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Branham/Broy - click to enlarge]]<br />
On his Marriage Certificate with Meda Broy dated October 23, 1941, William Branham wrote April 6, 1909 as his date of birth. Note that this is an official government document and William Branham would have no reason to lie as to the date (click on the picture at the right to enlarge it).<br />
<br />
According to a sermon he preached in 1960, William Branham was born at 5:00 AM on April 6, 1909:<br />
<br />
:''That Light, that you see on that picture was hanging over my cradle when I was born. Born on a little straw tick with a shuck pillow. My mother was fifteen years old; my dad was eighteen. Five o'clock in the morning, they didn't have a window in the house, had a little door. I don't know whether you seen… How many of you ever seen one of them little—like supposed to be like a window, but it's just a little door you opened up. 98 And—and that Angel of God, at five o'clock in the morning, '''April 6, 1909''', at five o'clock in the morning, come right in and stood over that little bed where I was laying. They didn't know what… My people before me were Catholic. And so there was no Catholic churches up there, and so they taken me over to a little Baptist church. And there I made my first visit to a church. The Baptist church is called "Opossum Kingdom Baptist Church. Opossum Kingdom Baptist Church." There's where I made my first visit to a church. <ref>William Branham, 60-0805 - Lamb And Dove, para. 97-98</ref><br />
[[Image:William marvin branham draft card.jpg|thumb|250px|right|1940 Draft Card - click to enlarge]]<br />
:''I am forty eight years old in April the sixth.<ref>William Branham, 57-0516 - We Would See Jesus, para. 34</ref><br />
<br />
It is also interesting to note that William Branham's draft card from 1940 stated that his middle name was "Marvin."<br />
==Why did William Branham change his date of birth?==<br />
<br />
William Branham tells on several occasions of his encounter with a medium:<br />
<br />
:''She said, "I'm an astrologist." ...Said, "Perhaps, I will tell you just exactly when you was born, would you believe me?" And I said, "You can't do it in the first place." See? She said, "Oh, yes, I can." I said, "Let's hear you." Said, "'''You was born on April the 6th at five o'clock in the morning in 1909'''." <ref>William Branham, 52-0713A - Early Spiritual Experiences, para. 21-22</ref><br />
<br />
:''And she said, "You were borned under that sign." And she said, "What if I tell you when you were born, would—would you believe me?" I said, "Lady, you can't read my mind. I won't believe it." And she said, "You were born on April the 6th, 1909, at five o'clock in the morning." She said, "That's when certain stars," she said, "crossed or something." (Or astronomy.) <ref>William Branham, 60-0210M - The Revelation That Was Given To Me, para. 11</ref><br />
<br />
William Branham appears to have believed a spiritualist astronomer over the birthdate that his parents had told him.<br />
<br />
=April 8, 1907?=<br />
[[Image:1910 Census Branham low res.jpg|thumb|250px|right|1910 Census Form - click to enlarge]]<br />
According to the U.S. Census form dated April 15, 1910, Charles and Ella Branham (spelled Brainon, possibly because Charles was running from the law) entered “Willie” as 3 years old as of April 15, 1910. As a result, William Branham's birthday would have to be April 14, 1907 at the latest.<br />
<br />
=March 8, 1907=<br />
<br />
On September 29, 1951, William Branham was speaking in New York City and stated:<br />
<br />
:''And Brother Bosworth here is one of the greatest teachers on Divine healing that I ever heard in my life... how I could speak of him, of how down through the age when I was a little boy in school, he was out there preaching the Gospel and praying for the sick, when I was just a boy. Your mothers and dads listened to him preach the Gospel on Divine healing, both of them out of Zion, Illinois. Candidates, or, out from under the—the great teacher, late Doctor Dowie. How '''Doctor Dowie, in his death, prophesied that I would come to that city forty years from the time that he died.''' Not knowing nothing about it, '''he died on one day, and I was borned on the next.''' And forty years to the day I entered the city, not knowing nothing about it. Oh, how God's great move is coming together. I hear the sound of abundance of rain.<ref>William Branham, 51-0929 - Our Hope Is In God, para. 7-8</ref><br />
<br />
Alexander Dowie died March 9, 1907 which would mean that William Branham's date of birth was '''March 8, 1907'''.<br />
<br />
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The death of Hope Branham
2023-11-20T18:15:38Z
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[[Image:1937 07 22 Hope Obituary.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Hope Branham Obituary]]<br />
[[Image:Hope death cert.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Death certificate of Hope Branham - click to enlarge]]<br />
Hope Branham (nee Brumbach) died on July 21, 1937 as a result of pulmonary tuberculosis.<br />
<br />
Most message followers believe that her death was a direct result of the [[Ohio River flood of 1937]], but is this factual?<br />
<br />
It is also interesting to note that she attended the "Pentecostal Tabernacle, of which her husband is the pastor."<br />
<br />
=The story as told by William Branham=<br />
<br />
William Branham stated (see the quotes below) that his wife contracted pneumonia just before Christmas, 1936 and that he did not find out that she had TB until weeks after the [[Ohio River flood of 1937]], which took place in January and early February of 1937. He also stated that she was twenty years old when she died. In another place, he said she was twenty-one years old when she died.<br />
<br />
He also stated that he found out that his daughter, Sharon Rose, was sick after his wife died.<br />
<br />
=The facts=<br />
[[Image:1937 sharon death.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Death certificate of Sharon Branham]]<br />
According to the death certificate signed by Dr. Sam Adair, Hope Branham died on July 21, 1937. She had been diagnosed with tuberculosis in January, 1936 and the diagnosis had been confirmed by X-Ray. The death certificate also states that she was twenty-four years old when she died (her date of death was 5 days after her 24th birthday).<br />
<br />
Hope Branham appears to have been diagnosed with TB about the time that she became pregnant with her daughter. This is likely why the child died an early death.<br />
<br />
The death certificate of Sharon Branham states that she died on July 26, 1937 at the age of 8 months, 28 days. She was diagnosed with tubercular meningitis on July 20, 1937, the day before her mother died. Her death certificate also states that she also had pulmonary tuberculosis at the time of her death.<br />
<br />
=Conclusion=<br />
<br />
William Branham tells a heart-wrenching story of the early death of his wife and daughter. That much is true. <br />
<br />
But his tale of not finding out about his wife's illness until after the flood, appears to have been a complete fabrication. The doctor diagnosed Hope Branham with TB over a year and a half before she died. And how do you get your wife's age wrong by 4 years? <br />
<br />
Furthermore, the death certificate of his daughter states that she was diagnosed with tubercular meningitis the day before her mother died, and not the day after. <br />
<br />
That significant portions of this story is a fabrication is further confirmed by [[Hope Branham's Nurse|the details he relates about Hope's nurse]].<br />
<br />
The question we can't answer is why William Branham made up portions of this story as sermon material. Was it to make it more dramatic for the audience? We can never know for sure...<br />
<br />
=Quotes of William Branham=<br />
''But '''she taken pneumonia when she went to get the children a Christmas present.''' And the doctor said she'll have to lay right here, Billy, 'cause she's—probably will die if—if she ever moves. But her mother come up and said she was going to move her down to her house. And Dr. Adair said, "She'll have to get another doctor, 'cause I wouldn't do it, Billy," wouldn't permit it.<br />
<br />
''...And the flood broke through, and then all of us was put on the rescue to—to work with the flood. We rushed her out to the government hospital where they temporary placed the hospital. The dikes was breaking through; the city was washing away. I'll never forget those nights. I remember they called me. Both babies was sick with pneumonia, and she was laying sick with pneumonia, out in the hospital there with a fever a hundred and five and both babies sick.<br />
<br />
''...So they said, "You looking for her?" And I said… Said, "My girlfriend is at Columbus, Indiana, and your wife is laying by her side dying with…?… tuberculosis." I said, "No, it can't be." Said, "Yes, she is."<br />
<br />
''...He said, "Well, I'm going to tell you," said, '''"you better get ready for this." Said, "Your wife is going to die," said, "she's got TB."''' And I said, "That's galloping consumption." And said, "She won't last for just a little while."<ref>William Branham, 50-0820A, My Life Story</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
'''''Just right after that, the 1937 flood come on'''. And when it did, the… I was—got a job then. I went to working for the conservation. And I was patrolling out in the… So when I—the floods begin to come up and you remember hearing it here. <br />
<br />
''...And '''when I come in that afternoon, she was laying on the floor, fainted.''' And I called our family doctor, Doctor Adair. And he—he came up there, and he said, '''"Well, Bill, she's got pneumonia."''' So he said, "You have to stay up all night…?… nights." And during that time… Before that, a little girl baby, little Sharon Rose (Bless her little heart. She's in heaven too today.), she had been born into our home, just the sweetest little thing you ever seen, just a few months old. <br />
<br />
''And so then I remember that Doctor Adair told me, he'd say, "Have to stay up late, Billy, keep the children out of the room here." And said, "Stay up and—and—and give a lot of fluid that night." And I did. And the next morning her mother wanted to take her down at the house. And she didn't care too much about Doctor Adair, and taken her out and throwed her into the—the tubercular. So then, I remember the flood coming on; they rushed her out to the government depot, out there for the hospital. And—and, oh, that part of the night, it raining, twisting, blowing; and how brother, sister…?… now. Always mind God. No matter what it is, God says for you to do. And I tell you, today, that God in heaven, Who looks down upon me standing in this platform, will forgive me. I know that many thousands of souls that I'll have to answer for at that day, for listening to somebody else instead of God. That's true. Now, I remember out there that night. They taken her out to the government barracks where, used it for people who are in hospitals. And the floods were on. <br />
<br />
''And I was down trying to patrol. I slip out to see her. And she was sick, and both babies had taken pneumonia. And they were laying there sick and… And I'd worked back. They was calling me everywhere in patrol car I was in… I went downtown. And—and I was coming up the street along about eleven o'clock. <br />
<br />
''...I slipped out to the ho—or the government hospital to find out how my wife was. I was going to talk to her about it. And I went out there, and they was just laying in little old army cots. And when I got there, it was all covered over with water. Where were they at? Then I started screaming to the top… And I got excited then. <br />
<br />
''Major Weekly, a friend of mine there at the government, he walked up to me. He said, "Reverend Branham?" I said, "Yes, sir." He said, "I don't think your wife is gone." Said, "I think they got everybody out of there." Said, "I think they went to Charlestown, a city about twelve, fourteen miles above here." Said, "I think they went out in a cattle car." Her with pneumonia and it sleeting and blowing like that. Two sick babies and them with pneumonia, one of them just eight months old. I thought, "Oh mercy, they was on a cattle car." Then I jumped in my truck and run out there towards—to get the road to go to Charlestown. There's about six miles of water where the Lancassange Creek had come through like this to get back. I run down and got my speed boat, and I'd tried my best to get through them waves. I'd hit like this and go plumb back around like that, and I tried to duck the waves.<br />
<br />
''..."Did any of them in the hospital get drowned, you know?" He said, "No, I don't think there was." He said, "I think they all escaped." And said, "Reverend Branham, I think your wife was on a box car, and they took her out to Charlestown when that boat went up." 90 Well, I run down to my car and got my speedboat, and come back up and put it on the back of my truck. Run up and started to cross. I set up there to…?… was back to it, and about six miles of water just waves through there. Some of them said, "That train?" Said "It washed off the trestles right up there." Oh, my. <br />
<br />
There it was again. I tell you, brother, back down in behind this heart, there is sorrows that you know nothing about… Then I put that boat in the water, and I tried hour after hour to pierce that current. And I couldn't do it. And then the water cut me off, and there I was marooned out there for about seven days I set out there. I had plenty of time to think things over. When the waters got down…?… I had two choices. I walked up there…?… [Blank.spot.on.tape—Ed.] <br />
<br />
''...I met a man. He said, "I know who you're looking for, Billy." It was a friend of mine. Said, "You're looking for Hope, aren't you." And I said, "Jim, you know about her?" Said… I mean at… not at Kokomo, it's Seymour, Indiana. He said, "She's laying up there in the Baptist church at Seymour, Indiana, dying with tuberculosis, laying by the side of my wife." And I… or "my girlfriend." <br />
<br />
'''''And I said, "Dying with TB?"''' Said, "Yes, Bill." Said, "I hate to tell you, but you wouldn't know her." I said, "Is the babies alive?" Said, "I don't know nothing about the babies." Oh, my. I said, "Oh, can we get there?" Said, "I got a secret road." Said, "I can take you." And we got in there late that night, in the—the basketball arena where the Baptist church was fixed up for the—the refugees to come in. And they said she was down there. And I run through there screaming top of my voice, "Hope! Hope, honey! Where are you? Where are you?" And I looked.<br />
<br />
''Oh, I will never forget that. Back over there on this old government cot, I seen a little bony hand raise up. That was my darling. I run to her real quick. I fell down at her. Those dark eyes was sunk way back in her head. She'd falling lots of weight. I said, "Sweetheart?" She said, "I look awful, don't I?" I said, "No, honey. Is the babies all right?" "Yes," she said. "Mother has the babies." Said, "Billy's been awfully sick; Sharon's a little better." And she said, "I'm awfully sick." I started crying, I said, "God, don't—don't take her from me. Please don't, Lord." <br />
<br />
''I felt somebody touch me on the back. It was a doctor. "You're Reverend Branham?" And I said, "Yes, sir." "Come here just a minute." Said, "Aren't you a friend of Sam Adair?" And I said, "Yes, sir, I am." He said, "I hate to tell you this, Reverend Branham, but your wife's a dying." Said, "Your wife's got tubercular. Sam told me to tell you just to make her comfortable, and not to be excited around her." I said, "She dying, doctor?" I said, "She can't, doctor. That's all. She can't do it." I said, "I love her with all my heart, and I'm a Christian." And I said, "I just—I just know she ain't going to die. I just can't think of the thoughts to think that she'd be taken away from me here, and with these two little babies, how could I stand it?" He said, "Well, I hate to tell you, but," said, "there's nothing can be done as far as I know." <br />
<br />
''I went back to her, trying to brace myself up and talk to her. A few days we took her home. She just kept getting worse and worse and worse. Went to Louisville, and they had specialists and everything. Took her out to the hospital. Doctor Miller from the sanatorium come down and looked. He called me out to one side, said, "Reverend Branham, she's going to die." Said, "There ain't nothing can be done for her." Said, "She's—she's going to die." I said, "Doctor Miller, honest, isn't there something I can do? Could I take her to Arizona? Could I do something for her?" Said, "It's too late now, Billy." Said, "That—that's a… That's galloping tubercular." Said, "It—it kills them right away." Said, "Her family's had it back behind there," which I knew later that they—they did. And said, "She's just broke with it, and it's got such a hold on her." Said he'd give her pneumothorax treatments and everything. And said… <br />
<br />
''...And I'd hold her hand when they were boring that hole in her side to collapse them lungs. If I had it to go over, it wouldn't be done. And she'd hold my hand there, bless her heart. I'd have to almost pull her hand off of mine from suffering, holding where they'd bore that hole in there and collapse the lungs on the side. And that was tubercular traveling right on up like that. I knew she was going, and I was doing all that I could do. And I'd work at night. I remember, I was out, and I heard a patrol sign come through. It said, "Calling William Branham. Come to the hospital immediately, wife dying." 98 I never will forget; I took off my hat. Setting in the truck, I held up my hands, and I said, "O Jesus, please don't let her go. Let me talk to her once more before she goes. Please do save her." I was about twenty miles away from home. I turned on lights and everything. I went down the road real swift, stopped in front of the hospital, and throwed off the gun belt, and into the place I went real quick. <br />
<br />
I started walking down through the Clark County Memorial Hospital. As I started down through there, I looked, and I seen poor little Doctor Adair come walking down through there with his head down. God bless that man. And he—he looked at me like that when he seen me. He throwed his hands up like that and started crying and run in the halls. And I run up to him, put my arm around him, I said, "Sam, is it?" And he said, "Billy, I'm—I'm afraid she's gone now." I said, "Come, go with me, Doc. Let's go in." He said, "Bill, please don't ask me to do that." Said, "Oh Bill, I love you." He put his arms around me. Said, "I love you, Billy." He said, "We've been bosom friends." He said, "I can't go in and look at Hope again." Said, "That's like my sister laying there." Said, "She's baked me pies and everything." Said, "How—how could I go in and see her going like that." Said, "Come here, nurse." I said, "No. No, let—let me go myself."<br />
<br />
''...They done had the sheet pulled up over her face. I pulled that sheet down and looked. She was real thin, and she was drawed up like this. I put my hands on her; perspiration's real sticky; her face was cold. I shook her. I said, "Hope, Sweetheart? Please speak to me once more." I said, "God, have mercy." I said, "Never again will I think them people are trash. I'll make my stand." During that time, we'd both received the Holy Ghost. So I said, "Please, will You, Lord?" I shook her. I said, "Oh, please speak to me once more." And I—I shook her again like that. Those great big dark eyes looked up at me. She said, "Come near." And I got down real close to where she was. She said, "Oh, why did you call me, honey?" I said, "Call you?" I said, "Sweetheart, I thought you were gone." She said, "Oh, Bill…" About that time the nurse run in, said, "Reverend Branham, here." Said… "You had that little medicine?" I said, "No." <br />
<br />
[[Hope Branham's Nurse|She called the nurse, Miss Cook. She said, "Come here." She said, "Set down just a minute. I've just got a few minutes left." And she was Hope's friend.]] And she was biting her lip. She said, "When you get married, I hope you get a husband like mine." And that… You know how it made me feel. She said, "He's been good to me, and we've loved each other the way we have." And said, "I hope you get a husband like mine." I—I turned my head; I couldn't stand it…?… walked out of the room. I walked over to her I said, "Sweetheart, you're not going to leave me, are you?" <br />
<br />
''...She threw her hands up like that. And I kissed her good-bye. She went to be with God. That's my date with…?… I'm living as true as I know how to keep it. Someday I'll be there by God's grace. When I returned home, oh, how I felt. I just couldn't hardly stand it, how they'd—they taken her down to the undertaker morgue and then they embalmed her body and laid her out. I was laying there that night; I happened to look. Somebody knocked at the door, Mr. Broy come up, he said, "Billy," said, "I hate to tell you the bad news." I said, "Brother Frank, I know she's down there in the morgue." I said… He said, "That's not all of it." Said, "Your baby's dying too." I said, "My what? Sharon's dying?" Said, "Sharon's a dying." Said, "They just took her to the hospital, and Doctor Adair said she can't live but just a little bit longer."<ref>William Branham, 51-0415A, Life Story, para. 104</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''About few weeks after that, things begin to happen. The flood come on later from that. And the first thing you know, wife got sick, Billy got sick; during that wrong. Right after that, the little girl… Just eleven months difference between Billy and his little—his little sister, which was Sharon Rose. I wanted to name her a Bible name. So I couldn't call her the Rose of Sharon, so I called her Sharon Rose; and I—I named her that. She was a darling lovely little thing. And the first thing you know, the flood came up. She was laying there with pneumonia. And our doctor, Dr. Sam Adair came. And he's a brother to me. He looked at her, he said, "Bill, she's seriously ill." Said, "Don't you go to bed." Right at Christmas time. He said, "Don't you go to bed tonight. You give her orange juice all night long. Make her drink at least two gallons tonight to break that fever. She's got a fever of hundred and five," and said, "You must break that fever right away."<ref>William Branham, 52-0720A, Life Story, para. 102-103</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
'''''A great flood hit the country''' and washed away the homes. My wife was in the hospital. And I was out on a rescue with my boat. And one night out in the water, my boat got in the current, and was going over a big falls. I couldn't get the motor started, and I raised up my hands, and I said, "Oh, God, don't let me drown. I am not worthy to live, but think of my wife and baby." And I tried again, and it wouldn't start, and I cried again to God. And then, just before going over the falls, the motor started, and I got to the land. <br />
<br />
And then I tried to find my wife. And when I got to the hospital, it was covered over with water. The dike had broke, and all the waters gushed in. Where was my wife and baby? I begin to find people [Blank.spot.on.tape—Ed.]… see if there was anyone drowned, but they got away on a train. And here I was setting on an island by myself. God give me a chance so—whether to call people trash or not. I said, "God, I know I've mis—I've misbehaved myself. Don't let my wife be killed." <br />
<br />
'''''Weeks later when the waters went down, I found her almost dead. TB had hit her'''; my two children were sick. And I loved my wife. And I run through the building trying to find her. And I screamed for her. And I seen her laying on a cot in a refugee's camp. And her eyes were way back. And she raised her hands; it was real bony. And I started weeping. And she said, "Oh Bill, I—I—I'm sorry I look like this."<br />
<br />
''...And then she opened her eyes. Oh, I shall never forget it. And when I—she looked at me, she tried to raise her—raise her hands for me. And I got down close to her. She said, "Oh, Billy, I love you so much. Billy, I'm going away, and I want you to be a good boy." '''She was twenty-one. She was twenty-one. I was twenty-three.'''<ref>William Branham, 55-0626A - My Life Story, para. 21-24</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
''My mind goes back tonight, many miles away on a hillside tonight, where marks the very place of my beloved wife, that left me at—when '''she was twenty years old'''. I laid my darling little eight months old Sharon on her arm, as I buried them together.<ref>William Branham, 56-0917 - The Lamb And The Dove, para. 2</ref><br />
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The death of Hope Branham
2023-11-20T18:06:27Z
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[[Image:1937 07 22 Hope Obituary.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Hope Branham Obituary]]<br />
[[Image:Hope death cert.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Death certificate of Hope Branham - click to enlarge]]<br />
Hope Branham (nee Brumbach) died on July 21, 1937 as a result of pulmonary tuberculosis.<br />
<br />
Most message followers believe that her death was a direct result of the [[Ohio River flood of 1937]], but is this factual?<br />
<br />
=The story as told by William Branham=<br />
<br />
William Branham stated (see the quotes below) that his wife contracted pneumonia just before Christmas, 1936 and that he did not find out that she had TB until weeks after the [[Ohio River flood of 1937]], which took place in January and early February of 1937. He also stated that she was twenty years old when she died. In another place, he said she was twenty-one years old when she died.<br />
<br />
He also stated that he found out that his daughter, Sharon Rose, was sick after his wife died.<br />
<br />
=The facts=<br />
[[Image:1937 sharon death.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Death certificate of Sharon Branham]]<br />
According to the death certificate signed by Dr. Sam Adair, Hope Branham died on July 21, 1937. She had been diagnosed with tuberculosis in January, 1936 and the diagnosis had been confirmed by X-Ray. The death certificate also states that she was twenty-four years old when she died (her date of death was 5 days after her 24th birthday).<br />
<br />
Hope Branham appears to have been diagnosed with TB about the time that she became pregnant with her daughter. This is likely why the child died an early death.<br />
<br />
The death certificate of Sharon Branham states that she died on July 26, 1937 at the age of 8 months, 28 days. She was diagnosed with tubercular meningitis on July 20, 1937, the day before her mother died. Her death certificate also states that she also had pulmonary tuberculosis at the time of her death.<br />
<br />
=Conclusion=<br />
<br />
William Branham tells a heart-wrenching story of the early death of his wife and daughter. That much is true. <br />
<br />
But his tale of not finding out about his wife's illness until after the flood, appears to have been a complete fabrication. The doctor diagnosed Hope Branham with TB over a year and a half before she died. And how do you get your wife's age wrong by 4 years? <br />
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Furthermore, the death certificate of his daughter states that she was diagnosed with tubercular meningitis the day before her mother died, and not the day after. <br />
<br />
That significant portions of this story is a fabrication is further confirmed by [[Hope Branham's Nurse|the details he relates about Hope's nurse]].<br />
<br />
The question we can't answer is why William Branham made up portions of this story as sermon material. Was it to make it more dramatic for the audience? We can never know for sure...<br />
<br />
=Quotes of William Branham=<br />
''But '''she taken pneumonia when she went to get the children a Christmas present.''' And the doctor said she'll have to lay right here, Billy, 'cause she's—probably will die if—if she ever moves. But her mother come up and said she was going to move her down to her house. And Dr. Adair said, "She'll have to get another doctor, 'cause I wouldn't do it, Billy," wouldn't permit it.<br />
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''...And the flood broke through, and then all of us was put on the rescue to—to work with the flood. We rushed her out to the government hospital where they temporary placed the hospital. The dikes was breaking through; the city was washing away. I'll never forget those nights. I remember they called me. Both babies was sick with pneumonia, and she was laying sick with pneumonia, out in the hospital there with a fever a hundred and five and both babies sick.<br />
<br />
''...So they said, "You looking for her?" And I said… Said, "My girlfriend is at Columbus, Indiana, and your wife is laying by her side dying with…?… tuberculosis." I said, "No, it can't be." Said, "Yes, she is."<br />
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''...He said, "Well, I'm going to tell you," said, '''"you better get ready for this." Said, "Your wife is going to die," said, "she's got TB."''' And I said, "That's galloping consumption." And said, "She won't last for just a little while."<ref>William Branham, 50-0820A, My Life Story</ref><br />
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'''''Just right after that, the 1937 flood come on'''. And when it did, the… I was—got a job then. I went to working for the conservation. And I was patrolling out in the… So when I—the floods begin to come up and you remember hearing it here. <br />
<br />
''...And '''when I come in that afternoon, she was laying on the floor, fainted.''' And I called our family doctor, Doctor Adair. And he—he came up there, and he said, '''"Well, Bill, she's got pneumonia."''' So he said, "You have to stay up all night…?… nights." And during that time… Before that, a little girl baby, little Sharon Rose (Bless her little heart. She's in heaven too today.), she had been born into our home, just the sweetest little thing you ever seen, just a few months old. <br />
<br />
''And so then I remember that Doctor Adair told me, he'd say, "Have to stay up late, Billy, keep the children out of the room here." And said, "Stay up and—and—and give a lot of fluid that night." And I did. And the next morning her mother wanted to take her down at the house. And she didn't care too much about Doctor Adair, and taken her out and throwed her into the—the tubercular. So then, I remember the flood coming on; they rushed her out to the government depot, out there for the hospital. And—and, oh, that part of the night, it raining, twisting, blowing; and how brother, sister…?… now. Always mind God. No matter what it is, God says for you to do. And I tell you, today, that God in heaven, Who looks down upon me standing in this platform, will forgive me. I know that many thousands of souls that I'll have to answer for at that day, for listening to somebody else instead of God. That's true. Now, I remember out there that night. They taken her out to the government barracks where, used it for people who are in hospitals. And the floods were on. <br />
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''And I was down trying to patrol. I slip out to see her. And she was sick, and both babies had taken pneumonia. And they were laying there sick and… And I'd worked back. They was calling me everywhere in patrol car I was in… I went downtown. And—and I was coming up the street along about eleven o'clock. <br />
<br />
''...I slipped out to the ho—or the government hospital to find out how my wife was. I was going to talk to her about it. And I went out there, and they was just laying in little old army cots. And when I got there, it was all covered over with water. Where were they at? Then I started screaming to the top… And I got excited then. <br />
<br />
''Major Weekly, a friend of mine there at the government, he walked up to me. He said, "Reverend Branham?" I said, "Yes, sir." He said, "I don't think your wife is gone." Said, "I think they got everybody out of there." Said, "I think they went to Charlestown, a city about twelve, fourteen miles above here." Said, "I think they went out in a cattle car." Her with pneumonia and it sleeting and blowing like that. Two sick babies and them with pneumonia, one of them just eight months old. I thought, "Oh mercy, they was on a cattle car." Then I jumped in my truck and run out there towards—to get the road to go to Charlestown. There's about six miles of water where the Lancassange Creek had come through like this to get back. I run down and got my speed boat, and I'd tried my best to get through them waves. I'd hit like this and go plumb back around like that, and I tried to duck the waves.<br />
<br />
''..."Did any of them in the hospital get drowned, you know?" He said, "No, I don't think there was." He said, "I think they all escaped." And said, "Reverend Branham, I think your wife was on a box car, and they took her out to Charlestown when that boat went up." 90 Well, I run down to my car and got my speedboat, and come back up and put it on the back of my truck. Run up and started to cross. I set up there to…?… was back to it, and about six miles of water just waves through there. Some of them said, "That train?" Said "It washed off the trestles right up there." Oh, my. <br />
<br />
There it was again. I tell you, brother, back down in behind this heart, there is sorrows that you know nothing about… Then I put that boat in the water, and I tried hour after hour to pierce that current. And I couldn't do it. And then the water cut me off, and there I was marooned out there for about seven days I set out there. I had plenty of time to think things over. When the waters got down…?… I had two choices. I walked up there…?… [Blank.spot.on.tape—Ed.] <br />
<br />
''...I met a man. He said, "I know who you're looking for, Billy." It was a friend of mine. Said, "You're looking for Hope, aren't you." And I said, "Jim, you know about her?" Said… I mean at… not at Kokomo, it's Seymour, Indiana. He said, "She's laying up there in the Baptist church at Seymour, Indiana, dying with tuberculosis, laying by the side of my wife." And I… or "my girlfriend." <br />
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'''''And I said, "Dying with TB?"''' Said, "Yes, Bill." Said, "I hate to tell you, but you wouldn't know her." I said, "Is the babies alive?" Said, "I don't know nothing about the babies." Oh, my. I said, "Oh, can we get there?" Said, "I got a secret road." Said, "I can take you." And we got in there late that night, in the—the basketball arena where the Baptist church was fixed up for the—the refugees to come in. And they said she was down there. And I run through there screaming top of my voice, "Hope! Hope, honey! Where are you? Where are you?" And I looked.<br />
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''Oh, I will never forget that. Back over there on this old government cot, I seen a little bony hand raise up. That was my darling. I run to her real quick. I fell down at her. Those dark eyes was sunk way back in her head. She'd falling lots of weight. I said, "Sweetheart?" She said, "I look awful, don't I?" I said, "No, honey. Is the babies all right?" "Yes," she said. "Mother has the babies." Said, "Billy's been awfully sick; Sharon's a little better." And she said, "I'm awfully sick." I started crying, I said, "God, don't—don't take her from me. Please don't, Lord." <br />
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''I felt somebody touch me on the back. It was a doctor. "You're Reverend Branham?" And I said, "Yes, sir." "Come here just a minute." Said, "Aren't you a friend of Sam Adair?" And I said, "Yes, sir, I am." He said, "I hate to tell you this, Reverend Branham, but your wife's a dying." Said, "Your wife's got tubercular. Sam told me to tell you just to make her comfortable, and not to be excited around her." I said, "She dying, doctor?" I said, "She can't, doctor. That's all. She can't do it." I said, "I love her with all my heart, and I'm a Christian." And I said, "I just—I just know she ain't going to die. I just can't think of the thoughts to think that she'd be taken away from me here, and with these two little babies, how could I stand it?" He said, "Well, I hate to tell you, but," said, "there's nothing can be done as far as I know." <br />
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''I went back to her, trying to brace myself up and talk to her. A few days we took her home. She just kept getting worse and worse and worse. Went to Louisville, and they had specialists and everything. Took her out to the hospital. Doctor Miller from the sanatorium come down and looked. He called me out to one side, said, "Reverend Branham, she's going to die." Said, "There ain't nothing can be done for her." Said, "She's—she's going to die." I said, "Doctor Miller, honest, isn't there something I can do? Could I take her to Arizona? Could I do something for her?" Said, "It's too late now, Billy." Said, "That—that's a… That's galloping tubercular." Said, "It—it kills them right away." Said, "Her family's had it back behind there," which I knew later that they—they did. And said, "She's just broke with it, and it's got such a hold on her." Said he'd give her pneumothorax treatments and everything. And said… <br />
<br />
''...And I'd hold her hand when they were boring that hole in her side to collapse them lungs. If I had it to go over, it wouldn't be done. And she'd hold my hand there, bless her heart. I'd have to almost pull her hand off of mine from suffering, holding where they'd bore that hole in there and collapse the lungs on the side. And that was tubercular traveling right on up like that. I knew she was going, and I was doing all that I could do. And I'd work at night. I remember, I was out, and I heard a patrol sign come through. It said, "Calling William Branham. Come to the hospital immediately, wife dying." 98 I never will forget; I took off my hat. Setting in the truck, I held up my hands, and I said, "O Jesus, please don't let her go. Let me talk to her once more before she goes. Please do save her." I was about twenty miles away from home. I turned on lights and everything. I went down the road real swift, stopped in front of the hospital, and throwed off the gun belt, and into the place I went real quick. <br />
<br />
I started walking down through the Clark County Memorial Hospital. As I started down through there, I looked, and I seen poor little Doctor Adair come walking down through there with his head down. God bless that man. And he—he looked at me like that when he seen me. He throwed his hands up like that and started crying and run in the halls. And I run up to him, put my arm around him, I said, "Sam, is it?" And he said, "Billy, I'm—I'm afraid she's gone now." I said, "Come, go with me, Doc. Let's go in." He said, "Bill, please don't ask me to do that." Said, "Oh Bill, I love you." He put his arms around me. Said, "I love you, Billy." He said, "We've been bosom friends." He said, "I can't go in and look at Hope again." Said, "That's like my sister laying there." Said, "She's baked me pies and everything." Said, "How—how could I go in and see her going like that." Said, "Come here, nurse." I said, "No. No, let—let me go myself."<br />
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''...They done had the sheet pulled up over her face. I pulled that sheet down and looked. She was real thin, and she was drawed up like this. I put my hands on her; perspiration's real sticky; her face was cold. I shook her. I said, "Hope, Sweetheart? Please speak to me once more." I said, "God, have mercy." I said, "Never again will I think them people are trash. I'll make my stand." During that time, we'd both received the Holy Ghost. So I said, "Please, will You, Lord?" I shook her. I said, "Oh, please speak to me once more." And I—I shook her again like that. Those great big dark eyes looked up at me. She said, "Come near." And I got down real close to where she was. She said, "Oh, why did you call me, honey?" I said, "Call you?" I said, "Sweetheart, I thought you were gone." She said, "Oh, Bill…" About that time the nurse run in, said, "Reverend Branham, here." Said… "You had that little medicine?" I said, "No." <br />
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[[Hope Branham's Nurse|She called the nurse, Miss Cook. She said, "Come here." She said, "Set down just a minute. I've just got a few minutes left." And she was Hope's friend.]] And she was biting her lip. She said, "When you get married, I hope you get a husband like mine." And that… You know how it made me feel. She said, "He's been good to me, and we've loved each other the way we have." And said, "I hope you get a husband like mine." I—I turned my head; I couldn't stand it…?… walked out of the room. I walked over to her I said, "Sweetheart, you're not going to leave me, are you?" <br />
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''...She threw her hands up like that. And I kissed her good-bye. She went to be with God. That's my date with…?… I'm living as true as I know how to keep it. Someday I'll be there by God's grace. When I returned home, oh, how I felt. I just couldn't hardly stand it, how they'd—they taken her down to the undertaker morgue and then they embalmed her body and laid her out. I was laying there that night; I happened to look. Somebody knocked at the door, Mr. Broy come up, he said, "Billy," said, "I hate to tell you the bad news." I said, "Brother Frank, I know she's down there in the morgue." I said… He said, "That's not all of it." Said, "Your baby's dying too." I said, "My what? Sharon's dying?" Said, "Sharon's a dying." Said, "They just took her to the hospital, and Doctor Adair said she can't live but just a little bit longer."<ref>William Branham, 51-0415A, Life Story, para. 104</ref><br />
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<br />
''About few weeks after that, things begin to happen. The flood come on later from that. And the first thing you know, wife got sick, Billy got sick; during that wrong. Right after that, the little girl… Just eleven months difference between Billy and his little—his little sister, which was Sharon Rose. I wanted to name her a Bible name. So I couldn't call her the Rose of Sharon, so I called her Sharon Rose; and I—I named her that. She was a darling lovely little thing. And the first thing you know, the flood came up. She was laying there with pneumonia. And our doctor, Dr. Sam Adair came. And he's a brother to me. He looked at her, he said, "Bill, she's seriously ill." Said, "Don't you go to bed." Right at Christmas time. He said, "Don't you go to bed tonight. You give her orange juice all night long. Make her drink at least two gallons tonight to break that fever. She's got a fever of hundred and five," and said, "You must break that fever right away."<ref>William Branham, 52-0720A, Life Story, para. 102-103</ref><br />
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'''''A great flood hit the country''' and washed away the homes. My wife was in the hospital. And I was out on a rescue with my boat. And one night out in the water, my boat got in the current, and was going over a big falls. I couldn't get the motor started, and I raised up my hands, and I said, "Oh, God, don't let me drown. I am not worthy to live, but think of my wife and baby." And I tried again, and it wouldn't start, and I cried again to God. And then, just before going over the falls, the motor started, and I got to the land. <br />
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And then I tried to find my wife. And when I got to the hospital, it was covered over with water. The dike had broke, and all the waters gushed in. Where was my wife and baby? I begin to find people [Blank.spot.on.tape—Ed.]… see if there was anyone drowned, but they got away on a train. And here I was setting on an island by myself. God give me a chance so—whether to call people trash or not. I said, "God, I know I've mis—I've misbehaved myself. Don't let my wife be killed." <br />
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'''''Weeks later when the waters went down, I found her almost dead. TB had hit her'''; my two children were sick. And I loved my wife. And I run through the building trying to find her. And I screamed for her. And I seen her laying on a cot in a refugee's camp. And her eyes were way back. And she raised her hands; it was real bony. And I started weeping. And she said, "Oh Bill, I—I—I'm sorry I look like this."<br />
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''...And then she opened her eyes. Oh, I shall never forget it. And when I—she looked at me, she tried to raise her—raise her hands for me. And I got down close to her. She said, "Oh, Billy, I love you so much. Billy, I'm going away, and I want you to be a good boy." '''She was twenty-one. She was twenty-one. I was twenty-three.'''<ref>William Branham, 55-0626A - My Life Story, para. 21-24</ref><br />
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''My mind goes back tonight, many miles away on a hillside tonight, where marks the very place of my beloved wife, that left me at—when '''she was twenty years old'''. I laid my darling little eight months old Sharon on her arm, as I buried them together.<ref>William Branham, 56-0917 - The Lamb And The Dove, para. 2</ref><br />
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File:1937 07 22 Hope Obituary.jpg
2023-11-20T18:04:29Z
<p>Admin: The obituary for Hope Branham in the Jeffersonville Evening News</p>
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<div>== Summary ==<br />
The obituary for Hope Branham in the Jeffersonville Evening News</div>
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https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=William_Branham_-_Pentecostal_or_Baptist%3F&diff=27010
William Branham - Pentecostal or Baptist?
2023-11-20T17:30:38Z
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[[Image:1935 08 17 Pentecostal Tabernacle.jpg|thumb|250px|right|August 17, 1935 advertisement]]<br />
William Branham blamed the death of his wife, Hope, and his daughter, Sharon Rose on his decision to respect his mother-in-law’s request not to associate with Pentecostals.<ref>see 51-0415A - Life Story, para. 80 and 51-0722A - Life Story, para. 68</ref> But this conflicts directly with his attendance at the First Pentecostal Baptist church prior to 1933 and also with the first church he pastored being named “The Pentecostal Tabernacle.”<br />
[[File:1935Penn.jpg|thumb|250px|1935 City Directory]]<br />
The 1935 Jeffersonville City Directory also lists "The Pentecostal Tabernacle" at 804 Penn<br />
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William Branham - Pentecostal or Baptist?
2023-11-20T17:26:50Z
<p>Admin: </p>
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William Branham blamed the death of Hope and Sharon Rose on his decision to respect his mother-in-law’s request not to associate with Pentecostals. But this conflicts with his attendance at the First Pentecostal Baptist church prior to 1933 and also with the name of his church, “The Pentecostal Tabernacle,” before it was renamed as “The Branham Tabernacle.”<br />
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[[Image:1935 08 17 Pentecostal Tabernacle.jpg|thumb|250px|right|August 17, 1935 advertisement]]<br />
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[[File:1935Penn.jpg|thumb|250px|1935 City Directory]]<br />
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