11,153
edits
No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
Line 333: | Line 333: | ||
*No. | *No. | ||
{{col-end}} | {{col-end}} | ||
:''But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.<ref>The New King James Version, 1 Co 12:7–11 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982).</ref> | |||
The gifts of healing and of the word of knowledge are gifts of the Holy Spirit that are placed in the church for the benefit of all. There is no scripture in the New Testament that state that these gifts are vindication for a special prophetic ministry. | |||
William Branham seemed to really, really want to be an Old Testament-style prophet. Sadly, the Old Testament prophets were not able to live up to the law that they were under. Solomon had the gift of wisdom, but ended up worshiping false gods. Samson had the gift of strength, but ended up powerless to temptation. Even Moses and David had faults that got them in trouble with God. | William Branham seemed to really, really want to be an Old Testament-style prophet. Sadly, the Old Testament prophets were not able to live up to the law that they were under. Solomon had the gift of wisdom, but ended up worshiping false gods. Samson had the gift of strength, but ended up powerless to temptation. Even Moses and David had faults that got them in trouble with God. | ||
To become an Old Testament prophet, William Branham had to start teaching the law. He began focusing on outward conformation to the “rules” in the Bible (tithing, hair, divorce), and eventually left the weightier matters. [[Image:CrossOK.jpg|right|thumb|250px| Let's be simple Christians who believe in Jesus - his death, his resurrection, and his power. A "mighty revelation" won't do us any good if we don't have the love of Jesus Christ, and love for others.]] Some followers of William Branham even preach a "Third Testament" doctrine, which replaces grace with revelation. A month before his passing, William Branham was teaching that Elijah was Jesus Christ. He had defined God into the box of his own life, and appears to have started exalting himself over the church of God. | To become an Old Testament prophet, William Branham had to start teaching the law. He began focusing on outward conformation to the “rules” in the Bible (tithing, hair, divorce), and eventually left the weightier matters. [[Image:CrossOK.jpg|right|thumb|250px| Let's be simple Christians who believe in Jesus - his death, his resurrection, and his power. A "mighty revelation" won't do us any good if we don't have the love of Jesus Christ, and love for others.]] Some followers of William Branham even preach a "Third Testament" doctrine, which replaces grace with revelation. A month before his passing, William Branham was teaching that Elijah was Jesus Christ. He had defined God into the box of his own life, and appears to have started exalting himself over the church of God. | ||
Today, if you go into a message church, you will often hear a fair Christian sermon. However, the sermon will likely end with a focus on outward conformity (proper clothes, hair, doctrine, pray more, be more sincere), the “vindications” (stories about his healing and discernment ministry) or comparisons (such as, ''"I’m glad we’re not like secular Christians who aren’t saved by knowing Message doctrine, like we are"''). You will also find people who just can’t seem to conform to the preaching, others who can willingly meet all the rules but don’t understand why, and people who need (but are unable to access) the healing of the 2nd pull. | Today, if you go into a message church, you will often hear a fair Christian sermon. However, the sermon will likely end with a focus on outward conformity (proper clothes, hair, doctrine, pray more, be more sincere), the “vindications” (stories about his healing and discernment ministry) or comparisons (such as, ''"I’m glad we’re not like secular Christians who aren’t saved by knowing Message doctrine, like we are"''). You will also find people who just can’t seem to conform to the preaching, others who can willingly meet all the rules but don’t understand why, and people who need (but are unable to access) the healing of the 2nd pull. | ||
Line 358: | Line 361: | ||
Rod Bergen, Webmaster<br> | Rod Bergen, Webmaster<br> | ||
www.believethesign.com | www.believethesign.com | ||
==References== | |||
<References/> | |||