Mysteries of God

Mysteries of God

Bro. Lee Vayle May 19, 1971

[Note: Tape quality poor throughout the message]

I’ll be here Sunday morning also Sunday evening. But I’m sure some of you will be able to come on Sunday. After a long day in various places, others in the morning and night. So, I’ll bring you various subjects, I think that might be interesting. Especially one that seems very interesting to me. The end-time mystery and how close those two Spirits are. And the Bible says that man doesn’t know the difference between righteousness and unrighteousness. Then of course there’s the great deception of unrighteousness within the church. And that’s the reason I’m going to bring the message tonight on the ‘Mysteries of God’. I won’t attempt to take anything specific, but study them generally, in order to go into the ‘Mystery of Iniquity’ on Saturday night.

That’ll be on Saturday night, the ‘Mystery of Iniquity’. But this will give you an under-standing of the mysteries themselves, basically so we have a better understanding of the Bible, as It speaks of these mysteries. Now, I don’t know just how long I’ll take, but without further ado let’s just bow our head and ask the Lord to help us with this part of the service.

Gracious Heavenly Father, we know that Thou art not a God Who is far off, but Thou art a God Who is nigh. And Lord You’ve made it at this end-time so that You can be amongst anybody who wants to believe. Regardless if it's true to this dogma with this condition, and to manifest forth in gifts. And that’s fine, for those, Lord, and we appreciate Your great ability to do wonderful things amongst us. But we know there's something that is greater than that and that is the Spirit in us, to show us all the truth, lead us into all truth, keep us out of error. To keep us out of the end-time deception, which is so perverse and iniquitous, that only the very Elected cannot be deceived. So, Lord, we thank You tonight, that You’re not only nigh unto those who call upon You, but you indwell us, to give us the truth in our hearts needs tonight.

Man cannot live by bread alone, but by every Word out that proceeds of the mouth of God. Lord, we pray now that You be the mouth and lip to ear tonight, that there might be an understanding of Your Word. And we'll be careful to give You the glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

1. Now, if you’d like to turn tonight to just one little Scripture, Revelation 10:7 and we’ll read many more.

(7) But in the days of the voice of the seventh (messenger), when he shall

begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as (God has)

declared (by) his servants the prophets.

Now, in the Bible there are many mentions of many mysteries. And of course they're all to be finished at the end time. God in elimination and consummation according to the Word of God. They’ll be revealed by the Seventh Church Age messenger.

2. Now, some of these mysteries that the Bible sets forth, are such as the mystery of godliness. Over in 1 Timothy 3:16

(16) And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God

was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels,

preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up

into glory.

Then, there is the mystery of iniquity. I suppose the very opposite to the mystery of godliness. That’s over in 2 Thessalonians 2:7

(7) For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now

(hindereth) will (hinder), until he be taken out of the way.

Then, there’s the mystery concerning Israel’s blindness. How that as much as you decide to work amongst Israel, and seek by the Scripture, they just won’t come in. That’s over in Romans 11:25

(25) For I would not, brethren, that (you) be ignorant of this mystery,

lest (you) should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

And of course there’s also the mystery of the great harlot, the Babylonian system. That’s set forth in Revelation 17:5

(5) And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON

THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS

OF THE EARTH.

3. And of course there’s also another mystery, 1 Corinthians 15:51 and this mystery is about how there is going to be a people get into the Resurrection, who get the same thing as the Resurrection without dying. Because without dying is to be resurrected.

(51) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all

be changed,

Now, these are just a few of the mysteries in the Bible. And the reason I brought these to your attention is, because, in each place the word ‘mystery’ is set forth in connection with the fanatic structure. Whether it would be the mystery of godliness, mystery of iniquity, the mystery of Israel’s blindness, the mystery of Babylon the harlot, the mystery of a Bride who attains the same results as though she dies, and yet she doesn’t die.

4. Now, let us consider what a mystery is. Because I’m afraid here there is many people simply don’t know what a mystery is because they haven’t gone to the Bible to find out. Now first of all, it is certainly not something about which we can know nothing, or there would be no point in even mentioning it. You know, as soon as people hear that word ‘mystery’, they have a hard time looking it up. Now look, the Bible doesn’t do foolish things like that.

The mystery is not something about which you can know nothing, and disqualify by names. That’s about as bad as maybe going to the catalogue and get yourself a wife. It’ll never get to you. I’ve got a wife, ordered from Sears Roebuck or somewhere, but I never got some more. It’s just that foolish to think there’s a mystery in the Bible you can know nothing about it. God doesn’t do things like that. They're in there so we can know something about them.

Now, not only is it something that we can know something about, but neither is it something that is so mysterious, that it can’t be comprehended. See? The word ‘mystery’ is too much connected with our English word ‘mysterious’. See? And this shows us, say well, “I think those mysteries are so mysterious, and hard to know, we just leave them alone.” Now, that’s wrong, because my …?... says, at the end-time, the mystery of God, would be perfected and consummated, it will be brought in with full revelation.

5. Now, what is a mystery? This is the thing we should find out from the Word of God. All right? Let’s go to Romans 16:25

(25) Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, …

Now, the words here in the Greek, can be translated ‘even’, not just ‘and’. And many times, when you use 'even' you'll notice how much more sensible it is.

(25) Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel,

(even) the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the

mystery, (now …?... brother) which was kept secret since the world began,

Now, it tells you right here that according to the revelation of the mystery. Now if you’ve got a revelation of the mystery, then it can’t be mysterious any longer, because it’s been revealed to you. In other words, the mysterious element has actually been taken out so that you can comprehend or understand what was being spoken about.

6. Now let me read this in a more literal translation for you. Romans 16:25

(25) Now to (one, that’s God who has the) power to establish you according to my gospel, (even) the (proclamation concerning) Jesus Christ, according to the (uncovering, drawn back the curtain, revealing) the mystery, (which in eternal times has been kept inside, but now, all has been made known.)

See, there might have been a time when you couldn’t know anything for sure about it. There was a time, when you would simply have been guessing to have an opinion. There was a time, when this subject was not forthcoming. That was a long time ago. It says,

(26) But (It says, has been made known this prophetic writing, (according to the ( mandate of the eternal) God (having been) made known (with a view to the obedience of faith, among) all nations…

(27) (Is) God (alone) wise… through Jesus Christ (to Him be glory) for ever (and ever.) Amen.

7. Now, let me read It again.

(25) Now to (one, that’s God who is a) power to establish you according to my gospel, (you can say here ‘even’) the (proclamation concerning) Jesus Christ, (now watch it, there is a power to establish according to My gospel. What is that gospel? All right. Even the proclamation concerning Jesus Christ. Now, what about, what about that proclamation? Listen,) according to the (uncovering of) the mystery, (which during eternal times has been kept in silence , but now, all has been made known.)

Not in silence anymore. It’s been proclaimed. It’s been talked about. It’s been brought into the meetings. Now, has been made known, these prophetic writings, according to the mandate of God. God commands to bring these mysteries into view. …?... them so that we may have a revelation. And know what they are about. What for? In order to obey them.

Now, you know the Mufford’s definition I read. It certainly was telling you an awful lot about William Branham’s Message for the end-time. Didn’t he say, “If you say you believe me, why don’t you obey me?” See? All right, he said, “God (alone) wise, through Jesus Christ forever and ever be glory, by a mandate of God.” God gave the command, that these mysteries be brought into view.

Now, It tells you here, that the Eternal role, which to me is God’s foreknowledge. Some of it's in the Book. Some of it, is not in the Book. Say, "Well what do you mean it's not in the Book?" What about the time Bro. Branham told you the secrets of your heart? That wasn't in here. Say, Almighty God said it. That same foreknowledge, a ‘Thus Saith the Lord’ that we saw demonstrated. Here it is.

8. Now… could turn away. God’s foreknowledge can be made known. “It has been made known”, said the Apostle Paul. So, it is now ‘knowable’. Now, let’s look at this in Ephesians 3:1-7

(1) For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

(Paul to the Gentiles)

(2) If (you) have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

(3) How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; …

Now, we’re going to read something that is sensitive here.

(3) … as I wrote afore in few words,

(4) Whereby, when (you) read, (you) may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

So, you see, a mystery is very knowable. Very knowable.

(5) (This mystery) which in other (generation, not ages that's the wrong word) was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed… (See?)

9. Now, it wasn’t that somebody didn’t know it way back there. But they didn’t know it, like they know it now. And that’s exactly where we are today, in Revelation 10:7. There is no age to know what we know and how we know. See? That’s right. Now, let’s read on.

(5) …is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

Notice that’s why the apostles had those great ministries. Some of them actually apostles and prophets. God revealing them, the mysteries to them. And remember, the apostles and the prophets are the foundation of the church. Jesus said, ‘the prophet-stone’. But the place is based upon revelation. They're the apostolic prophetic revelation of God. Amen, they’re revealing it. Makes you feel good just to thing about all these goodies. Now, It says here,

(6) That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and

partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

That’s one of those great mysteries right there. Now you tell me, is that a mystery today? Not, at all. That's as clear as ice water. Sure, clear as chrystal. …?...

(7) Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of

God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

10. Colossians 4:3, alright:

(3) Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

Now, wouldn’t that be something if Paul was going to tell the people something that they couldn’t know anything about. And he was so mysterious they couldn’t get it. Now, what would that do to his faith? Bro. Branham said if everybody’s got faith. Old Mary Bishop exemplified faith which anybody could have to come to Christ. Now, Paul is going to see something so vast and so great. So complicated, so unknowable. Aw…it doesn’t add up, does it? No.

11. All right, 1Corinthians 4, (I’m just really quoting Bro. Branham said these things, so don’t worry, I’m building up to it. 1 Corinthians 4:1

(1) Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, (even) stewards of the mysteries of God.

What is a steward? A steward was a man who controls and disperses the expenses and uses it for the welfare and good of his master, what his master puts in his charge. That’s a steward. In plain English to make it simpler, a steward is simply a man who is given the wealth of a wealthy person, and he is supposed to administer in such a way as to do his master real credit. So, Paul was a steward of the mysteries of God. In other words, he was a minister of those mysteries in such a way as to bring a fruitful abundance of that which he ministered right back to the man who owned it. Ministers.

12. All right. 1 Corinthians 13:2

(2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, …

And yet, people say they can't understand. I thought the Bible was easier. See, that's somebody got his own idea in there. And when he’s got his own idea, he’s got tricked by the devil. So the devil could say, "Now, you can't understand that, that's faith, [inaudible comments] …understand anything. That isn't sensible is it? No, that's not sensible.

13. All right. Let’s go now to Mark 4:11-12

(1) And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of

the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things

are done in parables:

(12) That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

Now, you put that that in the sense of you and me receiving revelation from God, which is what it is supposed to be. And what are we supposed to have? In seeing, we see, and to understand, and be converted, and then turn right back to God. Anytime you slip, the Word's to bring you right back. See? And our sins are forgiven. Now, It says, the world doesn't have this privilege , but we have it. We are to know, to understand, to see, perceive these things that are from God.

14. Now, the students of religious history, which history, is very beautiful from the times of the apostle Paul, have this to say about the word ‘mystery’. Now, many of you …?... in your dictionaries. Among the ancient Greeks, the mysteries were religious rites, and ceremonies, practiced by secret societies, into which anyone who so desired, might be received.

Those who were initiated into these mysteries, became possessors of certain knowledge, which was not imparted to the uninitiated, and were called the perfected. Isn’t that what Jesus said, here in Mark? He said, “You don’t belong to those that are…to that other group. They are not initiated into our group.” If they were initiated into, or in vestured and they were a part of us, then they would see, and hear and know. See? But he said, “They won’t be able to.”

Now, what we're doing here, is showing you the word Paul used as 'mystery', was an ordinary word of the day. It was a knowledge that you got only from certain teachers. And then you receive that knowledge, you were called ‘one of the perfect’. Now, that’s the illustration, as somebody’s ancient writing.

15. Now, let's notice exactly how true and perfect this is, along with what we’re reading, in 1 Corinthians 2:1-10

(1) And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of

speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

Now, what about what he’s saying about the mysteries?

(2) For I determined not to know anything among you, save …Christ,

and him crucified.

(3) And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

(4) And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's

wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

(5) That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power

of God.

(6) Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: …

We speak the same thing. If you belong to this group, you’re perfect. You'll understand it, you’ve been trained. There won't be foolishness here. Remember the Cross of Jesus Christ, as foolishness to the Greek, and was a stumbling stone to the Hebrews. Why? John the Baptist turned and said, “Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.”

16. They say, “You’re pointing to a man.” He said, “I’m not pointing to a man, that’s the Lamb of God.”

They said, "Now, hold it right there, bud. Where do you find the Scripture that God can pick a human being for a lamb?" If the lamb was to shed blood, we are forbidden to sacrifice a human offering. So, get out while the going is good." What? You’re not going to sell them anything. It’s a stumbling block. God said you don’t sacrifice human beings. Now, he’s going to sacrifice one. You can understand. See? But to them that are perfect. “Well. (they said) that’s Isaiah 53:” They understand, the life of the animal cannot come back upon the believer. But the life of the man, could come back upon a man, giving him Eternal Life. So be that man had Eternal Life to give, by the grace of God.

Now, what about those Greeks? Well they snorted. They said, “This fellow the Son of God?” They said, “That gods have been coming down for years and have our women, and have babies by them.” See? That orgy.

17. "Now, are you telling me that this God came down in human form, and then he died for people?" They said, "Hoo, hoo, man, you missed it, our god don't do things, they have a ball." See? It’s over their heads. They throw out lightning bolts, and thunder bolts, and stones.

"Awww, no, we can’t believe it." But to the initiated, to those that belong. See? Now they said, “Now, that’s what God, look it, He’s called Father, Son, Holy Ghost. He was the Father, but now He wants to express Himself as perfect ….?...Son of man. And He came down here to sacrifice, then He came back as the Holy Ghost."

What, that makes great sense. If you tell that to the fellow down the street, when he's a Trinitarian, right now his blood is boiling, and he’s in bad shape. "We can’t follow you at all." He wouldn’t, would he? He hasn’t been brought into the mysteries. …?...it right here. Maybe like my hand before my face. Oh say that's …?... See? Oh, my brother/sister, we’re living in the realms of a revelation today of the mysteries of God. That's the truth.

18. Now, [1 Corinthians 2:]

(7) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, (the hidden mystery and wisdom) which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

(8) Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

That’s exactly why they killed Him, they didn’t understand. It wasn’t revealed to them. See?

(9) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have

entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

(10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (Okay)

19. Okay, Galatians 1:11-12

(11) But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of

me is not after man.

(12) For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the

revelation of Jesus Christ.

Now, with that, don’t forget what we read back here, in Romans 16:25

(25) Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, (even) the preaching of Jesus Christ, (which is all) according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

How many of you tonight, would like to have Paul as your teacher? Everybody. But what for? He might not teach you nothing. Well, all those mysteries? Naw, see, it doesn’t gel. The mysteries can be known. They are knowable. It’s just that there’s a certain group of people know them. And another certain group, never know them. But they can be known. Now, thus we can see, what the mysteries are. The mysteries are absolute the revealed truth, the revealed truth of the Word of God to the Elect. They’re the revealed truth, to the Elect. That’s what they are.

20. Remember, how Nicodemus went to see Him by night. And he said, “Rabbi, we know You are a man sent from God, because nobody can do the works that You do, unless God be with him.”

And Jesus said, “Nicodemus, a man must be born again.”

He said, “What are you talking about?”

He said, “Can a man be born a second time, or enter his mother’s womb a second time, and so forth?”

He said, “No, you don’t understand.” He said, “You must be…you’ve got to be born again. Unless you’re born of water, even the Spirit, you cannot enter the kingdom of Almighty God. You cannot see it, you can’t enter it.”

Now, you see, those were mysteries. But they’re not all mysteries, what they are is great proof of tremendous depth. Absolute fundamental, proof. But Nicodemus couldn’t get it at that time. See?

21. Now, notice what it says in John 3:27 here. It says,

(27) John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

This will of God, cannot be revealed to you. He cannot get it. Unless God has given it to us, in the sense of election, so that we may be able to understand.

Now, don’t forget to put the emphasis on revelation. Because this is what Bro. Branham put it. This is what Paul said. And a mystery without a revelation, is mysterious. It’s baffling, it’s confusing. Actually, it’s pretty well suicidal. See, that's right, it’s best to take it out. The Word of God on your own. It takes a divine revelation, where it'll bring you to …?... Just like it did Israel. That's not good, So, I say, "Don't forget to put the emphasis on revelation. So you can coordinate what I am saying, with what Bro. Branham taught us. When he defined a mystery, according to Dr. Schofield. Which he did, he said it was right in the book. ‘A mystery in Scripture, is a previously hidden truth. Now, divinely revealed. But in this a supernatural element remains, despite the revelation. See?

22. Now …?... He said, “No matter how clear you get, I only speak in the Word of God.” There’s always something in there that you've got to believe. You just can’t make it to one, two, three, four, five six, seven. Along about five, seven, you say, “Well I just don't place that six.” Don’t worry about it. In due season if God wants to you’ll get it. See? There’s a little something in there, that maybe you just can’t make this go so clear, that you know it anyways. Says, "If you both know so much about that business of one God explain this. "Well, I tell you, I don’t know if I can explain it, and you don't feel bad at all. Because you know down in here, from what went on up in here, that this, and this, and this Bible, are all together. And so you might not have have one little point. Well, that doesn’t bother (the enemy)(?)

Oh, it might make the other fellow think that he’s got you on the run now. But you could turn right around with these Trinitarian dogma, and have a lot of fun with him too. I mean, he is…he'd be like …[inaudible]…

23. So, what I’m trying to tell you here, is it clear like He is real, but may be some little thing you just can't just line up. Like you hear preachers say a thing say, "I know that’s right."

"So, how do you know?" That’s a very good question. At this minute, I can’t tell you how I know, but I know. And you know tongues? You don't. And the day comes when that preacher comes this like that. I remember the time Bro. Branham said, “The evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost, …having received the Holy Ghost, is to receive the Word for your day.” In other words, to be so fully exposed to that Word for your day, and that , that Word expose itself to you in that day, as soon as they could get together. I said, “Amen, that’s right.”

I don’t have one thing to think about, but, maybe they’re right. About …?... going down the road, …[inaudible]… that’s great. I sure did what he said. I'm sure what he said? So, what is the Scripture.? And just like a voice said, "There isn't." The Bible’s full of it Huh? It’s full of it. John 14: John 16: 1 Cor. 2:12; on and on, …?... Bible’s full of it. See?

24. Now, back in there, like we said that this revelation, we believe it. It’s given to us, we understand it, maybe, ninety-eight percent. That’s all right. We believe It one hundred percent. And It's still ninety-eight percent. A little something in there. But remember, Jesus said, “The other fellow wouldn’t get it at all.” He said, “My word, in a real …?... mystery to them.” But He said, “You will know, the mysteries of the kingdom of God.”

In other words, you can’t explain the truth, with perfect understanding to any natural mind. Amen. You can’t explain It, perfectly to a natural mind. But God, gets …[inaudible]…

25. Now, let’s look at John 16: and see It. 12 and 13. Notice, it’s a revelation, of the Spirit of God.

(12) I have yet many things to say unto you, but (you) cannot bear them now.

How would you like someone tell you that? You’ve been around Jesus about two and a half years, you thought you knew everything that He taught. And one day He comes to you and says, “Let Me tell you something. I’ve got a lot of things to tell you yet, but you haven’t got what it takes.” It's here, you get it. He said now, “Hold it.” That’s exactly what He told them. He said, “You don’t have what it takes, so, there’s no use Me telling you.” Now, if you haven’t got the Holy Ghost, you’ll never know the true mysteries. Right? If you’re not baptized with the Holy Ghost brother/sister, though you might get it down Word perfect by having a fine mind, and be a very fine theologian, to the world, you’ll never make one of God’s theologians. You won't do it. You have to be born into the kingdom of God.

26. You have to be one of the initiates. Yes sir. You’ve got to be in that Body. You’ve got to be full of the Holy Ghost. And then, and only then, can you bear to hear the truth. What is truth? …?... I’ve got fifty Scriptures, did you hear what He said? Well I sure hear he's dead now, but it's too bad he didn’t die before he wrote that book. In fact, we ought to get that book, and tell them the truth. Then burn those books, and put in jail those that believe. Now don’t think that hasn’t already been said. Right? Bro. Branham's hardly cold in the grave. And …[inaudible]… See? Don’t talk to me about serpent seed. I like it, see my eyes bat? I’ve got [inaudible] ...Unless he's directly under control. Ha, ha, ha.

Now listen, I want to tell you that…you're …?... of my soul. Because when that serpent seed doctrine came into view, and the understanding through the Spirit of God, they stayed right down the line and watch It move, and watch It move. See? That’s what Jesus told him. He said,

(13) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: (how far? As far as He is able to go) for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and (so on.)

27. Now, let me quote from 'Anointed Ones at the End Time' [65-07-25 - pg. 59 - Par 262]

The Third Pull was the opening of the Seven Seals, to reveal the hidden Truth that’s been sealed in the Word.

The mysteries came down from God, as the Word of God. Because the mysteries are (or is) the Word of God, and reveal the entire revelation of God. Now, I had to put this on in here so you know I’m not trying to bypass something, to what Bro. Branham didn’t say. See? It's right important to what he said. Now, we can see actually then, from what we’ve got tonight, that the mysteries actually equate to doctrine. Mysteries are actually doctrine. God’s wisdom or truth, transmitted to man, in order that He may comprehend as far as a human limitation. Even though God by the holy Spirit, He would allow the Holy Spirit to take him. Remember, we are still human. We are like that grain of seed, wheat promised in the cocklebur. And though there is a body, coming up out of the wheat, there’s still that old rough fellow called a cocklebur. And so, the Holy Spirit reveals to us as far as we possibly can because of our present limitations. The exalted beautiful Word of God, It comes into view.

28. Now, this is why there is always that element of supernatural remaining even though the teaching, is the thoroughest possible. And I’m sure that everybody who ever brought anything from God, knew that there would be limitations in his ability to put that Word across. Think of the prophet receiving something from God, that they themselves, only knew a part of. You say frustrating. Yes, but at the end-time, “It shall be light about the evening time.” [Zech 14:7]

Now then, as we speak of the mysteries of these great truths, those formerly hidden truths, are come down to us, revealed to us, even by the Spirit. They are the cardinal doctrines of the Word of God. We want to study something about these mysteries, how they come to the people. How do you see them? All right. One; …[inaudible]… Only men gifted by God, can bring any revelation to the Elect. Repeat; only men, who are gifted by God, can bring any revelation to the Elect.

29. All right, let’s go to Ephesians 3:7-10

(7) Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace

of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

(8) Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given,

that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

(9) And to make all … see …

"I've got a gift of teaching," (said Paul.)

(9) … the fellowship of the mystery, which (before times eternal has) been hidden in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

30. Okay. Let’s look 1 Corinthians 4: (one verse) verse 8.

(1) Let a man so account of us, (Paul, Timothy, Titus , the brethren) as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Stewards, those who keep themselves and this sense, for the welfare of the owner, the gifts, by that Spirit. These ones that God, ordained, placed in the church, so that they would be entrusted to handle the Word of God, for the people.

Now, you notice, we said in Ephesians 3:7 Paul was gifted, to bring the revelation. He was the original, gifted man. Right. No one else was gifted. Peter was not gifted to bring the message to the Gentiles. John was not gifted. No sir. Paul was gifted. Literally gifted. You know, the world today is talking about these charismatic preachers. They talk about faith in a certain charisma. Yeah. A sign of the times. The real hearts have the charisma amongst us…in a prophet, turn it down. Paul was given the privilege by grace. And remember, grace for one's election. There’s no grace to put in election. Now, he said he was grace gifted, to bring the original revelation. And remember, this abides all through Seven Church Ages.

31. Paul was the first messenger, Irenaeus was the second. And every single Age, remember it all starts by the Holy Spirit revealing Christ to the messengers. And bringing the Word for the day, and every Age has the same admonition. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” [Rev 2:17] That the Spirit is speaking to one man especially, who in turn preached It together. Because Paul said, “Teach faithful men, that they in turn will teach others.” They did do that. See? God, has instructed the mysteries to the messengers, and a dedicated five-fold ministry. The mysteries of God, the revelation, do not come through ordinary church membership. If it did, Elijah would not have been a prophet/messenger, it would have been a group.

So many people say things today, that the Word of God is going to come if we didn’t have to bring it together, and fully consider what they have, that is not true. The Word of God comes by the messenger of the day, of the Age, of the hour, and those to whom God has entrusted the Word. He said, they're teachers, pastors able to preach. He said your elders are able to preach. It gives the evangelist who must …?.... on the Word of God. And he brings …[inaudible]… because he talks about mother. Now, mother is a sweet woman. Forget her when it comes to the Lord Jesus Christ. She’s not in the picture. Then their fathers and the uncles and the brothers are not in the picture, it is Jesus and Jesus only.

32. Remember, even Moses and Elijah, were not in the picture. “This is My beloved Son here.” See? It’s got to be that Word, because Christ is that Word. See? God entrusts men, and in every Age a special one. And remember the word, ‘star’ as I’ve explained here before, in the Greek is not simply a luminary, or a light holder, but it’s the one to whom God has given the pre-eminence. See? The pre-eminent one, amongst many like him. See?

I think you’ll see the same kind of clothes, same hat, same shoes, same language. And maybe not trying to make the same decision somebody else had. And that’s …?… Pretty hard to install this into a man. And the first guy down the road sees spirit in it. You know that spirit, ought to hear them saying, “I’ve got the Holy Ghost.” Isn’t that silly. Why does God put…in the church? See? These truths, these cardinal doctrines, the Word of God, the depth of the wisdom of Almighty God, has been entrusted to Seven Church Age messengers, and within the Age to those that God raises up, to teach the Word to the heathen.

33. Now, that doesn't say to the people, "I'm on the edge of anything." No, because certain of these will have to teach everybody. But remember, these are the guides, to make sure we're thinking right, we're going right.

Now, think of it, only gifted men can separate and coordinate, the truth for the Bride. To simply know each mystery, will allow contradiction of the Word. And then, the Bible fights the Bible. The whole Word must be reconciled to one body of truth. One living body of truth.

Now, I received that. It’s given to the messengers, and to those that God raises up to teach (in His body, in the five-fold ministry, those He brings into, and even elders can do it too. It's up to God,) gives them the ability to coordinate the fruit in the Word of God. Because if you don’t understand coordination, of the fruit that’s in the Bible, …it’s in the Bible. See?

34. Now, let's go to the one I had in mind a while ago. Romans 11:25, Paul said,

(25) For I would not, brethren, that (you) should be ignorant of this mystery, (you) should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Now, I want to ask you. …?... How many know even what …?... tonight? You’ve got them running to the Jews, and running to the Jews, and even running to the Jews, and it won’t do you any good. Because God cannot bring in Israel, until they're through with their blindness, and that is not true until the last Elected Gentile member of the body of Christ comes in.

Now, you see, if we did not have the divine revelation, concerning this mystery, we'd begin to have the Word fight the Word. Because the Bible by Paul said, “To the Jew first, and also to the Gentiles.”

35. Well now listen: if it's given to the Jews first, and also, then I ought to be running to and every Jew to Christ. Forget it, forget it. I’ve just got the Bible fighting the Bible. That’s what’s wrong today. That’s why you’ve got those denominations. That’s why you’ve got fussing, and people fussing at each other. And instead of pulling together, they’re pulling apart. Why? Because evidently, there is some teaching amongst the people, by the wrong teachers. Not this stuff, it's all over the Word, so called in the Christian world. That’s why we’ve got a Baptist, and a Presbyterian.

Now, the Bible does not fight the Bible. Why? Because God, is the Word, and Jesus said concerning the devil, “If the devil casts out the devil, then, Satan is divided and his kingdom falls and then if God fights God, then His kingdom is divided, and God falls. Right? Then how can the Word fight the Word? Can’t do it. This is the place of reconciliation. And that can only come, by a man like the apostle Paul, and the messenger for the Age, who speaketh the truth, so the Word become reconciled. Otherwise you just have a fault.

36. Now, you can see why there is such fighting in doctrine. The thing is, there are not very many true messengers, or teachers, or five-fold ministry. Now, let’s take a look at this. Eph Ephesians 4:11-13

(11) And (God) gave some, apostles; prophets; evangelists; pastors and teachers; (five-fold ministry)

(12) For the perfecting of the saints…

All right, for the what? Perfecting. Who’s the perfect one? The taught one. Those who are… [inaudible]… And how? For the Word of God.

(12) … for the edifying of the body of Christ:

(13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, …

Now, you know that there can be no unity of faith brother/sister, until we all believe the same revealed thing. Because you cannot have true faith unless it’s based upon a true revelation. Because Paul said if you say that God raised Jesus, and God raised Him not, your faith is vain. Huh? What’s going to happen to these folks with the Holy Ghost is going to fall in a certain place? We see some things got to happen down here, …?... Check your Bible and find out. Lay it on the line.

37. Ever have the experience of running up to somebody you thought you knew, because he looks like somebody else, only to find out it’s the wrong guy? I had it happen to me once, this is the most embarrassing thing, that ever happened to me. Well, it's not the most embarrassing thing in my life, but it's one of the true embarrassing things. And this guy …?... , that's where the guy wasn't there. One fellow thought about me…thought I was his cousin. Well, I said, “Fellow, that’s sure nice, but I’d sure hate to inflict my looks on the other guy." Not …?.... complex as I got. But I said, "I ain't he."

All the faith in the world only promise in the destruction, if it is not based on reality. See? Now, God gave these men, not to go to some Bible school. No, not to go to some seminary. But to hear the messenger of the Age. And in every generation, God would raise up these faithful men, to pastor His flock, until the new messenger came. …?... from the Word of God.

38. Now, let me show you something here. Let’s go back to the Book of Matthew 7:15

(15) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing,

inwardly they are ravening wolves.

It’s the inside man is the wolf, the outside man is a thief. Fool you any old time. Now, he asks nice and sweetly.

You say, “He’s a real man of God?”

“Yeah, he is.”

“It’s not a wolf in wolf clothing, it's a wolf in sheep clothing.

In other words, he’s a hypocrite. Make believer.

(16) (You) shall know them by their fruits…

Now, you know you don’t get fruit off a sheep, you get wool off a sheep. Now, he is really putting the mystery down there, to confuse the general public. Good thing we have a prophet definitive.

(16) …Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

(17) Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

(18) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree

bring forth good fruit.

Bro. Branham said that was, people preaching the Word. God has an absolute, genuine five-fold ministry, that wouldn’t tell you a lie. They wouldn’t teach you anything wrong. He would never make a disciple out of you. There would be only one thing, that’s to take you to the Word of God. And if something came up to into a cap, that would take you to the cap. He would just lay the Word of God down, you do what you want. You’re …?... God’s done it. Now, you’ve got the false who teach. Sure. Now, we know where those false ones came from.

39. They came from Acts 20: Let me show you where it is. Now, let’s get this now. The five-fold ministry, there’s a genuine five-fold ministry. Now, where does the error come from? In verse 17, of Acts 20: Paul was in Miletus, and sent to Ephesus for the elders. Elders never were a part of the five-fold ministry. But because they wanted to preach, God let them preach. And then here's where he said to the elders. Not to the apostles, pastors and prophet and the five-fold ministry, to the elders. He said in verse 28,

(28) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and…all the flock (of God), over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

(God’s own Blood is Jesus Christ.)

(29) For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves (in

sheep’s clothing) enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

(30) Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things,

to draw away disciples after them.

There you are, elders. See? God always does everything in sevens. So, He allowed the five-fold ministry to have added to it, deacons and elders, in order for sin to come into the church.

40. There are too many preachers that preach tradition. Bro. Branham said, “A man that is really called of God to preach, really doesn’t want to preach, because you almost got to make him preach.” That's certainly the truth. That’s the one thing, I was scared stiff of, …God wanted me to preach. He let me know ahead of time. I’ve been scared stiff ever since. As far as I`m concerned, preaching and I don’t get along, in we're …?... If I wasn’t following Him, I wouldn’t be preaching. I’m not trying to vindicate myself in that way. Because I know some of you here now. See?

There’s got to be reality somewhere. God's Word says so. If you handle, it'ts handled by those, that should be handled by those that are …?... to God. And they're ..?... of God the Bible says distinctly, “They will not have bad faith.” A thoroughly ordained elected minister of God will no more teach you a lie, than you’d believe a lie. Why? Because they're both Elect. Right? Bible says it.

41. Number three: the mysteries of God are for edifying the Bride. And they are never intended of the Lord to be judging or whipping. Howbeit they do correct and direct the Elect. Paul said here, "all the mysteries, if you haven’t got love, it won’t do you one bit of good." No show off. Nobody’s trying to beat the other fellow over the head. How they lie like a lot of these preachers do. "You know, Bro. Vayle the Bible does say so and so." I don't care if the Bible says so and so. I just can take this Scripture and say to everybody tonight, where you can prove with two glass eyes in his head, that the twenty-five thousand …?... until the New Jerusalem comes down. If you want to read the Bible, it’s part of the human chronology.

Because It says, when the wolf and the lion, and the lamb, and the little kid and the asp, all get together in the Holy Mountain, It says, then, God will raise up an ensign to which the Gentiles can trust. He did that two thousand years ago. For I can read my Bible, and prove not even a Gentile is going to make it there.

42. So, you don’t take the Word of God to take somebody something to hold him in. Just like the particular book of creeds and dogmas, our holy father this. Have that little book today, it’s about the Pentecostal …?... Oh listen, this bit of nonsense you ever heard. They get more and more spiritual now since they talk in tongues, and get all that love and go to Mass, and say the rosary, and pray the beads, and do their penances, and all this other hogwash. “Oh, he’s really something now." Well, while you’re robbing a bank, while you talk in tongues. You’d be awful good too. It makes you sanctified bankrupt. That’s the one …?... because I've been talking in tongues, I really appreciate the virgin Mary. Well I do too.

I’ve got nothing against the virgin Mary. But she’s not offended. Now, the pope says she was offended, but she wasn't offended. But she was in the grave. I just want one thing. I want to come forth like Mary if I go down. And if I don't go down, I want go up like Mary. And that's as far I need to. See? …?... God’s not giving their clubs and creeds and dogmas, and beating people into submission. It won’t work. That’s not what I’m talking about. Because I’m one of those guys that can up root the roots with the tares the way I preach it the way I want to. If I even put my hand on something, and really have put my hand out…it’s God. Because you can’t do God a service apart from His will.

43. I don’t care what you think you’re doing, brother/sister, take it from me. I lived my life in salt, because I’m being salty. You can’t even help somebody, thinking you’re doing God a service, if God’s really in it. That’s this Word, got to be handled right. It’s got to be handled with the love and a reverence, just to show the people. Then they do it.

There’s something wrong, I’ll tell you this: we used to buy the best stuff for our cows, you could ever get for a farm. There is nothing that a cow likes better than prairie …?.. Oh, they love that. I used to look at that thing, and I'd say, "Now, I never forget …?... in that prairie over there. I’m going to give them something else. And I'd doctor that stuff up with a …?... turnips and …?... you know. And man did her tongue on that prairie …?... Hmm, she really loved it, There's certain things that cows love. And you know what? That's the way people are. And furthermore they've even got …?... cow …?... where people go. And [inaudible at this point]…

Now, I've preached myself a very pretty little sermon right there. And I'm just getting …?... I know what I'm talking about now, I may laugh about it, but I'm just as serious with a lot of …?... Because you can’t handle that Word, as a …?... or you're a hypocrite. He said it was wrong. We’re not here brother/sister to get our hands on anybody. Or power anybody, especially students of the truth. "Feed My sheep." That’s what Jesus said. Now, that’s right.

44. Let’s take a look at it here in, 2 Timothy 3: now these are the mysteries here. We know what we’re talking about. Yes sir, you haven’t got one reason at all. Look at these beautiful trees in the Word of God. All right, now, 3:16-17

(16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, (I love that) and is

profitable for doctrine, (that’s your mysteries…) for reproof, for

correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Wait until we talking about later on in the week.

(17) That the man of God may be perfect, (one with the …?... one.)

How? Being one with that Word. Why? Then because your faith is right with God. And brother/sister, by faith we're just absolutely righteous. See? Line up your faith,

(17) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all

good works.

How can any man that’s a prophet, that served God, apart from this Word? Can’t do it. Got to be one with the Word.

45. Now notice also, that in 1 Corinthians 13:2, "Today I speak with tongues of men and angels, and know all mysteries and all," makes it very clear that Christ's church is not based upon thesis handed down from the fathers. That’s [David] du Plessis, and Bro. Branham commented on it, “God does not have grandchildren.” He doesn't take our doctrine by Sunday school, where they can take a bus and you gather all the kids, and teach them that Word perfectly. Huh, it doesn’t get anywhere. It’s just a bunch of doctrinaire kids, They're not Christ's children. You know what I’m talking about.

Now, listen. Do you know something? Everybody knows and knows anything about Sunday School, the minute the Sunday school structure becomes top heavy, you have already backslidden, before you're finished. In other words, what’s on the board? Now, you don’t have it here, [inaudible] …they took boards with some of the Scriptures up here. Sunday school a hundred and twenty-five. Oh boy, that’s a nice place. Then the kids go home, and they see six people, of which five are women, sitting there. You haven’t got no church, you got nothing. They think I'm nuts. They say, “Yeah, I'll wait honey, I'll wait honey, I'll wait till Patsy purchases their …[inaudible at this point]… I'm not fond of these things, but I’ve got to be. You don’t do it that way. Not something handed down, because you can recite the apostle’s creed, and know this and that. It’s a revelation, brother/sister. It's taught in love, this God is laid out to the people. It’s laid up there, except but the grace of God that fall upon it. Heart responding to heart.

46. That’s how Bro. Branham did it. That’s why the end of day message, causes them to jump and have a great time. I don’t think they can tell me that they had a lot of singers…I’m not against a lot of singers. And I’m not against that, I’m all for it. I’m all for anything, any emotion you did I’m all for it. Do whatever you want. But I want to tell you, when they try to tell me that the holy Scripture is that enemy and not that Word, I back away right now. Because I saw what Bro. Branham could do. And I’ve seen it at many meetings. And this Word of truth, and the love of God, and the Spirit of Jesus Christ those people are so enthusiastic, they're so enamored, the stimulation by the wine of revelation coursing through their veins. It sets them on fire. Absolutely. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of God." [Rom 10:17] Not something that you have worked up. Don’t you know brother/sister, psychology proved absolutely true, that your emotions can swing into faith, that’s not what you want… emotion. That’s not the Holy Ghost. The Word my brother, my sister, the Word. The Word, the Word, amen. Sure.

47. All right. Fourth thing:

The mysteries of God which are foolishness to the world must be proclaimed with boldness. No sin in preaching what others repudiated. Bro. Branham preached a whole sermon on it, according to him. Okay, Ephesians 6:19

(19) And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open

my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Paul said, that I may ever be bold to preach this Word. Notice, it takes courage to preach the Word of God, …?... It takes courage to stand up and explain Mystery Babylon. It takes courage to stand up and explain who the harlot is. It takes a lot of courage to stand up in the face of Pentecostalism which is being embraced by every denomination. And tell them that this was a false thing. That they think that they’re under an anointing. The two spirits being so close, all takes courage brother/sister. They may die for it. You can’t stand behind the pulpit, and believe me, you can’t get a revelation from God, sitting in that pew, and …?... Now sometimes it’s hard. Paul knew it would be hard. But he said, "I'm prepared to go to Jerusalem and die for what I’m going to preach. I’m going to go down and preach Christ, and Him crucified. I’m going to confront the High Priest, …?... I'll be gentle about. I’ll be a man of God. But I’m going to do it. See? Boldness, it takes boldness to preach the Word of Almighty God.

48. Notice what It says in Colossians 4:2-4

(2) Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

(3) Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of

utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

Notice that Paul said, “I want you to explain to me, why God opened doors, so that I can take this Word. You know, right today a lot of people think it's too late to take this Word out. Now listen folk, I've got news for you, don’t be that way. I know for a while I wondered if it's all over too, but don’t do that. Now let me tell you to hold your finger there, and let me read what It says in the Book of Hebrews 4:

(1) Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his

rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

Any of you should feel that He’s come too late. As long as this Bride has not yet been changed in her flesh, you just keep taking that Word out. And bless God, if He lets us stay here, a few days after the flesh has been changed, …and I’d kind of like that too, if He’d let you. Right. Pray for those doors. Pray for those doors! See? Stay with this Word …?...

49. You know, a few years ago, the women wouldn't pray. Instead of praying for the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers, they done went themselves. Oh, what a mess that got themselves into. I think that’s (you know) …?... down there in North Carolina one time I had to send a tape. Now, they said, "You men wouldn’t go."

And I said, “So, what.”

“Well, (they said) we had to go.”

“You don’t know your Bible, do you?”

"What do you mean?"

I should have read what the Bible said, “Pray that the Lord of the harvest will send the laborers into the harvest.” [Lk 10:2] "Why, you're just praying for God …?... Unless you want to cut your hair, and …[inaudible]… tippy, tippy, toes through the flowers in the…. Now, don’t tell me I don't know what I'm talking about.

50. I knew a lady in Florida, she had me bamboozled for a while too. Her pretty smart ideas, …?... now, that is just …?... believe this stuff…that's like your business men with pockets full of dough, and after ten years. Bless God if a million bucks …?... Jesus Christ, let a million bucks three times, and you folk got a …?... Come on! How do you …?... You've been called to a high and noble calling in Christ Jesus your Lord.

There's a price to pay for preaching this Word. As far as I'm concerned I don't have any price to fool them. I love this Word. I may have to pay a price later on. But, as far as being ashamed of It, I've said in many a service, if the Lord Jesus Christ was going to tarry for a hundred years, and I was allowed to preach as a pastor for the next twenty-five years, I'd have preached nothing but this Message, because nothing else makes sense.

51. I can’t understand how people let themselves be talked into it. This is …?..., this is …?... this is beautiful. It’s edifying, it’s empowering, it’s wonderful. I don’t know what you’re looking for. This is more exciting than a Wild West story. Right. You know what the Bible is. [inaudible at this point] Right. See? It could’ve cost you something. It’s a wonderful Gospel. Never be ashamed of it. They may substitute for serpent seed, and the fact that women aren’t supposed to wear these miserable kind of clothes they wear, and this and that. Well, you just stick with it, …?...

Bro. Branham said, remember about your hair, he said, “Wear your hair, your hair is your glory, wear it with pride.” Somebody tries to tell you with it hanging down around your waist, because Bro. Branham had an occasion of a woman in those days with their hair below their hips. And you say, “What about the fact, (you say) men must… their hair to their shoulders?”

…[inaudible]… woman listen: you don’t need to let your hair hang down to your waist. He said, "You women who complain about the fact that long hair is too hot, (he said, what’s cooler and rolling up on the back of your head …[inaudible]…" See?

[Inaudible comments] … I want to know we're not preaching some Gospel that's superficial, or something that's silly. Listen, we have the the absolute powerful, wonderful, Word of God, which we haven’t had for over two thousand years. And we ought to be just so proud of it. See? Children are proud of themselves. Sure, they're pleasure, you do a lot of things. Absolutely. But I want to tell you. the Bride is getting set now by that Word, but being under that Word . She believes that Word. She believes in a vindicated Message.

52. All right, what’s the fifth thing? The fifth thing is the evidence of the mysteries, will not shatter or separate the Bride, but bring her together. That’s absolutely true. Colossians 2:1-7

(1) For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for

them at Laodicea, (that’s our Age) and for as many as have not seen

my face in the flesh;

Bro. Branham had said pretty much the same thing.

(2) That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and

unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknow-

ledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

Now, you notice right there, that the acknowledgement of a mystery, would be as the man who brought it. And that’s at the end-time also. First of all, he has got to be set upon the prophet. If you’re not set on the prophet, you cannot believe this Message, brother/sister. Because this is everything. This prophet, is the fulfillment of Deuteronomy 18: and Acts 3: where a man with ‘Thus Saith The Lord’, came with a vindicated Message.

53. Now listen. what kind of a God is there, Who will allow anybody to come with ‘Thus Saith The Lord,’ and let his ‘Thus Saith The Lord’ come to pass if God wasn’t in it? You think for one minute, I would have one of you folks say, ‘Thus Saith Lee Vayle’? You quoted me wrong, and I’d say, “Just a minute there, fella. You might have meant well, but you aren't doing well, you're doing wrong , because I would not allow my name to go with what you said.” Because I didn’t say that.

Now, do you think for one minute that God Almighty is such a peculiar creature? He’s such a peculiar being? Such a mess? So, wrapped up in with dignity and honor? And yet all through the Bible, “I’m a sovereign God.” I tell you. If I don’t pay my tithes, I don’t pay tithes to anybody. And I know this, and I know that. But when that fellow William Branham said, 'Thus Saith the Lord', …?...…He, He, He, He. Huh? That’s what the world thinks.

A vindicated prophet with ‘Thus Saith the Lord’, God Himself, finishing. I promise what God is telling you now. I am speaking for God. The proof that it is coming to pass, …it came to pass. Then why don’t they believe the prophet? Why should we? Paul said, “You don’t have to believe it.” This is what Paul said, "You to give acknowledgement." Of what? The acknowledgement of Paul’s understanding of the mysteries. Paul bringing it. See?

You say, "Bro. Branham, you’ve got a vindicated Word. I believe it." Do you understand it? Nope. …?... You’ve got it all? Nope. I’m looking to. Do you believe it all? Sure. Why? The man’s vindicated, ‘Thus Saith the Lord’, infallible. That’s exactly it. See?

54. Now,

(3) In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

(4) And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

What’s enticing words? Come on now. It’s anything different what Paul said. Anything different. Just the way the devil enticed Eve. Something different. See?

(5) …though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

(6) As (you) have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, …

Now, how did they receive Christ Jesus the Lord? First of all, by the Word. That’s the first thing that had to get that Word. And the Spirit of God could use from then on.

(7) Rooted and built up in him, …

How did they do it? Word.

(7) …and stablished in the faith, …

Where’s faith? Followed by Him, and He’s the Word.

(7) …as ye have been taught, abounding with thanksgiving.

How can anybody with spirit, unless they had the Apostle Paul? How are they going to have a …?... then have a man like William Branham? Huh. Boy, I want to tell you, I'm sure glad …?... That’s what is keeping my memory what …?.... Sure, you know …?... That's exactly what Paul said.

55. Notice it in, 2 Thessalonians 2:1

(1) Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus

Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

Bro. Branham said, “That’s the last end day Message.” The gathering by the Message.

Let's prove it, Mat. 23:37. All right, here It is:

(37) O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and (you) would not!

How did God gather His people? He gathers His people by the Word of the prophet, the Word of the Messenger. See? God gathers them, we the Bride is never scattered by the Word. The Bride is brought out by the Word, and sent by the Word. “Come out of her My people.” [Rev 18:4] Who was it? The Shout. What was the Shout? The Message. What's the Shout ? Another …?... Isn’t that …?...? “Come out of her, behold the Bridegroom, come out.” [Mt 25:6] Not go forth. That’s the silliest thing in the world, that translation. That's no translation of God’s Word, ‘go forth’. That’s like falling inside the building. I’m inside the building, I say ‘go forth’. When I’m outside, then I say, “Come out.” How could you have a man, a prophet, or some messenger, somebody, inside an organization? Ha. He's got to be out. …[inaudible]…

God, gathering His Bride by the Word. Brother/sister listen, the Bride is never scattered by the Word, she’s gathered by the Word. Remember William Branham said, or it was God said, “As John the Baptist foreran the first coming, so your Message foreruns the second.” What is it? Gathering the Bride. Bro. Branham said, “I believe by the grace of God, I am bringing a Bride to Jesus Christ.” No true minister of the mysteries, will leave this office in any way. Except for the sake of the Word, and for the Elect.

56. First Timothy 3:9 the office that God gives him, the use of the Word, to preach that Word for the sake of the Elect. 1 Timothy 3:9

(9) Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

Sure, preachers make a living by preaching. But if you’re on the road just looking for money, …just get a job. See, as Peter said, "Lest that if you should be enticed by filthy lucre." [1 Pet 5:2] You know. Why do people like these great big churches? I didn't have a lot of sheep. but, have another glass of milk. Yeah, the dairy business. Now, naughty, naughty, that’s not the Word of God. Sheep business. He never said the Paul herded with a corral, he said separate from the people. …[inaudible]… They have to give according to God’s Word, that’s all.

And what does the five-fold do? Pay tithes to the church. Many people have an idea they can save their tithes for their best friend that comes in. Naughty, naughty. Don’t do that. Church order, volume 72. Come to the pastor, through the deacons, and the pastor must the …?..., then he, the Baptist church …?...the ministry. Not the building, and not the radio, and not the piano, just the ministry. Why? Because it’s a five-fold ministry. …?.. not one fold. Is that, right? Right, right, right, as the prophet of God brought it. But people don't want …?... Understand it here, understand it there, believe it, don’t do it, don't do it, don't do it. (See?) Stick with the Word. That man must… he’s got to be business-like, so must the people, but their mind is not on big buildings, of course even their minds …?... that's the old thing the world looks for. Nice this and nice that, and wonderful this, and wonderful that. Then they miss God entirely.

57. Now, certain mysteries are necessarily reserved for a certain season. And cannot be made known until it is time for the manifestation. This revelation is for the Bride, so that she may never be deceived. So, the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Now, this is in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-7 where It says, that mystery is already risen, but could not come into full provision, until a certain thing took place. So therefore, certain mysteries are revealed at a certain time. Just like Daniel. Clean up the …?... it's another Age. And brother/sister, remember at the end days they all came in.

And at the eighth point: there’d have to be some kind of manifested vindication, to prove which one of you to whom God has given the true revelation of the doctrine to the Bride. Now, that happens once at the beginning of His Church Ages, and once at the end. Paul received the vindicated Word of God. He said, “I brought it to you in power, so that you know human words will not do what My Word did.” Nope. Bro. Branham said, “You follow here what a man’s word, will not do.” God’s Word. Paul was vindicated. And so, at the end of the Age, we had another vindicated. Now why did Paul have a vindicated Message? You know what? What kind of a woman would trust a man that’s a drunkard? You’ve got to be sick.

58. Now, I’m not kidding. Any woman which is a young virgin, who will marry a drunkard, has got to be sick. See? He doesn’t have anything to say to justify her faith in him. She would have to be sick. Or a woman knows that this man has run with every other girl, and now he wants her. …[inaudible]… …he wants somebody else, all along. See?

This is why Paul, had to bring a vindicated Message for that virgin Bride, so she could have faith in the man that she was going to marry. And Paul sitting with ‘Thus Saith the Lord’, with the pure unadulterated Word. That virgin Bride says, "That's the man I'm going to marry, He’s mine." See? Paul said, “Now, I’m afraid lest some city-slicker come by, and begin to deceive you, like Eve was deceived." Where does it come? Corrupting the mind.

And a corrupt mind, brings reprobate faith. Oh brother/sister, that this mind does not line with the Word of God, you may scream loud as you want, you'll never make it. Bro. Branham said, “The correct proper mental attitude about any promise in the Book, will make it reality.” So, is the mind is the womb. See? That’s it. And of course, this Bride in the beginning, wanted nothing but the Word. And so therefore, she was a virgin of that Word. But, Paul said, “Unbelief, you’re going to fall.” And John said, “One day, you’re going to fall.” That’s Acts 20:17-21, and 1 John 3:18-19, and 1 John 12:6. Read It yourself, sometime. But the church went into error. With no vindicated prophet, …a prophet to bring her back to her original purity. Not one man from Paul down to this Age, had the pure and entire Word of God. But God gave the necessary revelation to Messengers in every Age.

59. Let’s prove It now. Titus 1:1

(1) Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to

the faith of God's elect, (even) the acknowledging of the truth which is

after godliness;

(2) In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the

world began;

(3) But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is

committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior;

Now this verse 3, in the original says this; ‘that in its own private and strategic season, He made known His Word in a proclamation, with which I have been entrusted in accordance to the commandment of God.’ Paul in his thinking was entrusted, Irenaeus in his season was entrusted, Martin in his season, Columba in his season, Luther in his season, Wesley in his season, and William Branham in his season, was entrusted.

Now, listen carefully…and get this, God promised at the end-time, there would be a complete revelation of the Word. “In the days of the voice of the Seventh Church Age Messenger, and he should begin to sound, the mysteries of God should be finished.” [Rev10:7] Remember, the mysteries of God would be finished, as God declared the news of the gospel by His servant the prophet. A literal translation.

60. Now then listen, what is it? It was the Seventh Seal. Because remember, the Seventh Seal was the seal of what? Silence. And Bro. Branham said, Going from Genesis to Revelation, he could trace the entire…the Seventh Seal all the way through."

All right. Let's go to where he said you promised do it, Promised to seed the entire Bible. From what? The serpent to the prophet in the former rain, God revealing the …?... The question arises, what was that serpent? Nobody could tell you, the prophet told you. And the prophet said, he knew it. What did he do? The prophet told you. He said, "that's right," but he knew it. What was that Seventh Seal? The Seventh Seal, opening all the mysteries in the Word of God. As Bro. Branham said, “That was the Seven Thunders, that’s what the Seven Thunders are all about.” Seven Seals. The Seven Seals give the Bride everything she needs to put her in the Rapture. All right, now listen carefully. Remember, the Bride at the beginning was what? She was a virgin. But she’s a virgin …?...? No. Only to the Word, not to the whole world. Same thing, same thing Paul said. First Age, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, but in the Seventh Age Bro. Branham had a vision, and he saw the First Age a view, a preview and a view, right?

61. All right, the First Age was a preview, then the Seventh Age came, first by the American rock and roll witch, the harlot. She wasn’t the Bride. Suddenly, there came a song, ‘Onward Christian Soldiers, marching as to war.’ A little Bride comes up, and she was identical to the first Bride. See? Why? Because the Bride is the body of Christ. And Christ is Alpha and Omega so there- fore, the Bride is Alpha and Omega. So, the first Bride must be identical to the last Bride, and the last Bride must be identical to the first Bride, and the in-between, that doesn’t matter, God …?...

So, at the end-time. William Branham, came with the Word of God, to turn her back, to being a virgin of the Word, in order that in her the last Message, which is the last revealed Word of God, to come into manifestation in the flesh, “We shall not all sleep, but, we shall all be changed … [1 Cor 15:51] “They without us cannot be made perfect”. [Heb 11:40]

So, God brings a virgin Bride, and in her is fulfilled all the mysteries. Based on what? A vindicated prophet, ordained of God, to bring that Word to the believing Elect. Who, when they identify themselves with that Word, an absolute thing, will become that living Word in flesh. It is, at this end-time.

62. So, we see, the prophet brought us the Word of Almighty God. Now, when he brought us that Word, it was the complete revelation. Now then, that’s that Bride. One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven. Completely right. Okay, the Bride is completed, the Word of God is completed. Because the Bride is that Word. Original Word, original seed. Spoken Word. Every Word manifest in the new order. No more there to be manifested. The last of the Gentiles have now come in. The Bride stands perfect. What is she waiting now for? She's waiting now for that Word to have full, absolute, authority within her. She has become one with that Word to the end-time. Why? She couldn’t be that in the First Age. Because the Word of God says “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.” [1 Cor 15:51] They couldn’t go the First Age, they weren't all there. They couldn’t go the Second Age, they weren’t all there. They couldn’t go in the Third, or Fourth, or the Fifth, or the Sixth, but in the Seventh, they’re all there.

63, Now then, the Bride is completely revealed. See? Therefore, the Word must be completely revealed. Because you see, I keep telling you, one of a part of that Word says, “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,” [1 Cor 15:51] And that’s the last Word for a mystery from the Bible.

What are the mysteries brother/sister? The Word of God, come down by revelation, reveal Himself. And do you know something? I know this sounds awful far-fetched for a bunch of people like us. But we’re a part of that. We are. We are a part of that revelation. I know that we are so full of mock humility, which is nothing but unbelief. We simply cannot give God credit, that this is that Bride.

But I have been encouraged by the Book of the Songs of Solomon. You know It says in thee that that little Bride heard Him. All she heard was His Voice. She fell in love with His Voice… and remarkably just…at the door…just loved Him… all she wanted was that Voice. [inaudible]…

64. Never mind about looking at yourself and wondering about the other fellow. It's time to sit down with the good Word of God …?... Become identified with It. Stand with that revealed Word in your faith. Remember Abraham …?... a ninety year old man with a young bride to bear a child……[inaudible]… They just looked to the Word of God and one day…he almost jumped out of bed and here was a beautiful woman… he looked in the mirror and he was a young man. Brother/sister, that's what faith in God's Word does.

Bro. Branham said, "When a man looks for a woman with character, not some …?... He's looking for a Bride of His Word". Now, I tell you, I don't blame little Rebekah …?... We know where our faith is. Now, it's time to believe It.

The mysteries have been revealed. I have got faith in that Word. And do you know some-thing? That’s all I have got faith in. Because if it isn’t, by grace according to His Word, I ain’t going to make it. But if it is by grace, and He says, It is by grace, then how am I going to miss it? Do you love the Word tonight? Amen. God bless you. Shall we rise. [Congregation sings]

“I love Him, I love Him, because He first loved me. And purchased my salvation on Calvary’s tree. I love You, I love You, because You first loved me. And purchased my salvation on Calvary’s tree.”

Our Father, tonight we thank You that You’re not a God of that is far off, as we know You're right here. We know Lord Jesus Christ, that Your Presence is with us to continue to help us in magnifying Thy name. And edifying Thy people Lord, by Thy Spirit, Word within us. This is what we desire, Lord, we’re one with Thy Word tonight. And we know, Lord, that’ we’re on the right track, because we have heard the prophet. We’ve identified him and that Word, that we would identify ourselves with It.

And we’re not going to …?... some of these off. We’re going to stand, because we know that this is the one place to stand. And, Lord, we know that as we go along, if You’re faithful, You reveal Yourself unto us, and to bring us into a place of edification we have not been hitherto, You’re going to do it, Lord, because You promised. And we find Lord that these things are becoming clearer and clearer. We know, Lord even in the darkest days in the apostle’s lives, when You met them on the way to Emmaus, and there You opened the Book to them. You opened all the Scriptures concerning Yourself, and showed It to them.

Tonight Lord, we believe this very same thing to us. One of these days Lord, we’re going to see a real manifestation of the Son come forth. Because Your prophet said, “The Bride will produce that sign.” Certainly that is what is going to happen. Lord, I know that, this Bride stands on the earth, one day …?... but I believe when that takes place, there’s going to be a Word identified Bride, and a Word manifesting Bride. What all that means Lord…I don’t know. But I’ve got the assurance that it’s going to be a simple pattern of life. It’s going to be the Word if God, living. And, Lord, it’s going to be just the way Your prophet told it, we’ll just naturally be breathing in, just walk right on in, to eternal things. Lord, I know that, and I thank You for it. Bless each one I pray Oh God. Every heart Lord Jesus Christ, be filled with joy overflowing. May every sick body, Lord, may be renewed, may we be revitalized tonight. May the God of all grace, show forth His glory to His honor and praise, in the Name of Jesus Christ, we pray. God bless You. Amen.

Bro. Branham said, "When a man looks for a woman with character, not some …?... He's looking for a Bride of His Word". Now, I tell you, I don't blame little Rebekah …?... We know where our faith is. Now, it's time to believe It.