The Great Leveler

The Great Leveler

Bro. Lee Vayle Dec. 2, 1979

…Yeah, we’re all different. Yeah, an old preacher years ago said that there’s a saying out, that it takes all kinds of people to make a world. He said, “I don’t know if that’s true or not, but it’s a cinch we‘ve got them.” So that’s exactly…Shall we bow our heads now in a word of prayer.

Heavenly Father, again we praise and thank You for love and mercy, Your great consideration towards us, O God. In that You’ve allowed us to come together again tonight, especially in this hour Lord, it’s kind of bad outside, but we know, Lord, we do not complain about the weather, but we just believe that You take us through it. And You help us Lord. So, we thank You, take us through and help us and guide us, and direct us in all things. For You are our mercy, You are our high tower shining Light. All these things You are, Lord. And we thank You for It. Now, be with us in the Word tonight we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

1. Now, I wrote down some Scripture here, and frankly, I forget why I wrote them down. But I’m going to read them anyway. But in 1 Timothy 4:14, It says,

(14) Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy,

with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

(15) Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting

may appear to all.

(16) Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in

doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

2 Tim 3:16-17

(16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,

for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

(17) That the man of God may be perfect, (come to a successful, proper conclusion) thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Now, in both places he mentions, profiting. One has to do with the Scripture to understand It, one has to with the gift or the ministry wherein you are placed by God. So therefore, there’s profiting in both. So, both are necessary to understand, that we’ve been talking about that, this morning, and we’re going to continue tonight. And to get a little text tonight, which we haven’t done in some messages, that go to, Isa 40:4-5

(4) Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be

made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough

places plain:

(5) And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see

it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

2. Now, I’m using these two verses to set forth a true principle concerning the lateral relationship of the Holy Spirit in the Bride. And my thought is this, number one; the Holy Spirit is the Great Leveler. Now, Bro. Branham brought that out concerning John the Baptist, that they thought that some tremendous, tremendous thing was going to happen. All the hills are going to be brought down and all the valleys brought up, and all the crooked places made plain. And it looked as if this fellow was going to be the most sensational, sensation the world has ever seen. He’s just going to be fantastic. The greatest man to that point. And he was the greatest man to that point. But it wasn’t as the people thought. It lay in a simplicity, where God was bringing down what ought to be brought down, and raising up what ought to be raised up. And straightening and correcting that which needed to be correct. And that’s exactly what the Holy Spirit does.

So now, therefore number one, the Holy Spirit is the Great Leveler. He brings the mountains and hills down, He brings the valleys up, and [number] two; He corrects and finishes, or perfects and transforms His Bride, and presents her to the world, as He glorifies Himself in her before the world. So, two things we see here, number one; He is the Great Leveler. And then, number two; He does a work within the Bride, so that she can be presented glorified…Himself glorified in her, before the world.

3. Now, we’ll take number one, that He is the Great Leveler. And we go again to 1 Corinthians 12:18-21, which we are concerned with at this particular time.

(18) But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body,

as it hath pleased him.

(19) And if they were all one member, where were the body?

Would be great to see just one big hand floating around saying “I’m a body”.

(20) But now are they many members, yet but one body.

(21) And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee:

nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

(22) Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be

more feeble, are necessary:

(23) And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

(24) For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body

together, (notice, leveled it. Tempered the body) having given more

abundant honour to that part which lacked. (See?)

4. He’s bringing up that which was down, he's bringing down that which was up. See? Like the eye cannot say, “I’ve got no need of the foot.” And the foot cannot say, ‘Well I’m not of the body because I’m not so and so.” See? Now, that that there should be no schism in the body. There should be no inequalities, inequities, which of course, would cause a breaking point, or a schism.

(25) …(but) that the members should have the same care one for another.

(Which God Himself has given.)

(26) … whether one member suffer, all members suffer with it; one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

(27) Now (you) are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

(28) And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets,

thirdly teachers, after that miracles, gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (And so on and so on, and so on.)

5. Now with that, we compare Ephesians 1:22-23 which we talked about this morning, and you will notice,

(22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over

all things to the church,

The whole church which is His body. Now, that thing is a many membered body…what we’re talking about. See?

(23) ...the fulness of him that filleth all (things with) all (things.)

In other words, the Bride must be absolutely full of and manifest forth all that which Christ has placed in her. See?

6. Now, Gal 3:26-28

(26) For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

(27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on

Christ.

Now notice, as many as have been baptized into, have put on. That signifies our immersion

into Him…but what about His immersion into us? He’s talking again of the body.

(28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, (nor) bond nor free, neither male nor female: (you're) all one in Christ Jesus.

(29) And if (you) be Christ's, then (you're) Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

So, there’s a very special leveling that God does in the body. So that there is no pre-eminence except in the head…and we’ll get to that later on.

7. Now, let’s talk about the other part in there bringing out the perfection of Himself, that is to lie in her. And how He does it. And notice, it’s by the Holy Spirit, according to Ephesians 4: 8-16. Now, we read this so many times, it shouldn’t be really necessary. But It says,

(8) Wherefore he saith, (where) he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

And then It tells you in verse 11, we’ve explained 9 and 10 before.

(11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;

and some, pastors and...(where are they?) ;

That's over there in 1 Corinthians 12:28. What are they given for?

(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the

edifying of the body of Christ:

8. Now, you can’t disassociate this from the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, you could have a vote in the church and say, “Well, I think that man’s qualified, I think this will be a good fellow. That will also fill the bill.” And the man could do the whole thing. Now, these men cannot operate apart from the Holy Spirit. See? There’s no possible way.

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

Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the

fulness of Christ:

(14) That we … be no more children, tossed to and fro, carried about

with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning

craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

(15) But (holding) the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which

is the head, even Christ:

(16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by

that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working

in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the

edifying of itself in love.

And there’s not one person left out of there. There’s a ministry in there, for the helping of the Bride. But the Bride cannot simply be helped, as though help alone will do it. She must be actually able to be helped, because she is of the same structure, and the same material and all as the rest are.

9. Over here in, Eph 1:11-12

(11) In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated

according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel

of his own will:

(12) That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

And with that, Revelation 3:9, and you get the picture that we’ve been talking about.

(9) Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are

Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

So, you can see by Scripture, that we are very correct here, and we’re using Isaiah 40:4-5 as the Holy Spirit ministering in the church, is 'The Great Leveler'. The Great Leveler, so that we all have a common denominator, so that one is not above the other. But all are a part and parcel of Him and each other, and then, this Holy Spirit through the various workings that He has laid out, is going to bring a Bride to a perfection that can be set before the world. Where the glory of God can be viewed in her.

10. Now, at this point, I think we ought to consider how we all stand as a part of the Bride, and a part of each other. Which we have done on many, many occasions. In John 14:20 Jesus speaking here, concerning the advent of the Holy Spirit, and He said,

(20) At that day (you) shall know that I am in my Father, and (you) in me,

and I in you.

And then in John 17:21-23 this is concerning the Bride,

(21) That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, …

You notice, the same expression, the Baptism with the Holy Ghost within the individual, is guarantee, that altogether we will have the same blessed unity. There is no different unity of a single member of the Bride with Christ, than each member with each other. Uh? I made a very important statement, some of you are dreaming. If it goes over your heads you’re sunk, because this is part of the end-time Message. Bro. Branham said, “This is the same at Pentecost.” Don’t look back and say, “Oh bless God, if we had such a great church.” Don’t be ridiculous, that church is here right now. See? There’s a Church right now that is going to walk to the Tree of Life, which the first church did not do…it died. But there’s a living Bride that’s not going to miss one breath. She won't die.

11. Some of you here tonight, will not see death, as Jesus said. “When you see the Son of man coming in His kingdom.” [Lk 9:27] Nah, so don’t go looking down the road fifteen hundred miles and looking back. See? Now, as I said a little while ago, and I want you to get the point. I read these two verses, then one verse refers to the individual, when Christ comes into Him. The other refers to the fact of when He is baptized into Christ, the one and the same Spirit does the identical same thing. The difference of our union with God as individuals to God, is no different, because it’s the same Spirit, that binds us one to another. The same Spirit wherein brother/sister, comes into us to join us one with God. The same Spirit that we are baptized in that body, there’s no difference, makes us one with each other. See now we’re looking at that.

(21) ...thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

That’s the very same thing. Now, Jesus has guaranteed that the world is supposed to see it at the end-times, and it will see it again at the White Throne judgement. There is a repeat, because there they will all know this is the Bride, she’s sitting in the throne. See, how the Word of God dovetails. There is no place where Bro. Branham had one error in Scripture. Couldn’t have. He’d just spoken in ‘American-ese,’ the Twentieth Century.

12. All right. Incidentally, John 17:21-23 which we are reading here,

(22) And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they

may be one, even as we are one:

(23) I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one;

and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved

them, as thou hast loved me.

Is nothing more or less, than over here in Acts 1:8

(8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and (you) shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Now listen, let’s face it, that didn’t happen back there in that day. They never got to the uttermost parts of the whole earth. Well they did go to China and you could say that. But I’m speaking in terms of the conception of the Bride. It’s that Bride. And at the end-time, there is the witness then, that there’s the witness now, and there’ll be the witness again. We are in historic times brother/sister. Epochal times, eras, junctures. But you’ve got to get aware of your history, that you’re a part of It. See? Bro. Branham kept encouraging us.

13. Now, the Scripture that we are a part with Him, and a part with each other. Of course, we found over here again, in the Book of 1 Corinthians 12:12-14.

(12) For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members

of that one body, being many, are one body: so also, is Christ.

(13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, …

By your personal Baptism with the Holy Ghost, you are absolutely inducted into the body of the Lord Jesus Christ.

(13) …whether … Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and

have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

And have drunk of It. And of course, that reminds us of 1 Corinthians 6:17

(17) … he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (Which means ‘cemented’.)

So therefore, we’ve been cemented to God. We’ve been cemented to each other. So, here is the Vertical and the horizontal relationships, that we have through the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Now, we know it immediately in 1 Corinthians 12: that the human body and its various parts, and functions, is used to illustrate and make clear the functioning of the body of Christ, through the Holy Spirit, so we have got an illustration. And therefore, Jesus Christ builds the body to which He gives His own Life. And do you know, the antichrist the devil, does the same thing. He builds an image, he builds a body, and he gives it his own life, though you see, we’ve got the same thing with both errors.

14. Now, in verse 15, speaks of the foot. Verse 16, the ear and the eye. Verse 17, the nose. Verse 21, head and feet. Verse 22, feeble parts. Verse 24, strong parts. He’s talking now in terms of illustration of the human body, liking it to the spiritual body. All parts of the human body, with their various functions, make one integrated, cooperating, unit under one life. That’s exactly right. See? All parts of the human body, …bar none…unless one dies, or is cut off or something. Which in this case could not be in the true Bride, with these parts of our bodies, their various functions, make one integrated, cooperating unit under one life.

The human life in the body is responsible for the function of each integrated part in the human body. See? The Holy Spirit, and the Bride, is responsible for the proper functioning, manifesting and revealing of Christ in the body of Christ.

15. Now, we saw that over here in Ephesians 3:20 which I read to you this morning.

(20) Now unto him (who in the exercise of his own) power that worketh in us,

Christ in you, the hope of glory. Christ in you, willing, doing, of His good pleasure. Now, a special side note here, as we think about the Holy Spirit, operating in a Bride, is to know and see how the Spirit and the Word are one. And by that law, we discern what Spirit is in the body. If it doesn’t line with the Word, I don’t care how good it looks, it does not line with Christ’s true Baptism with the Holy Ghost.

16. Now, this is seen in 1 Cor 12:4-7

(4) … (they’re for different) gifts, (it’s one) Spirit (doing it.)

(5) … there are (different) administrations, (or ministries, just one) Lord.

(6) … there are (different ways it operates), but it is the same God (doing

His work, in everyone.)

(7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man (to profit) with all.

In other words, it is valuable, it is useful, it is accomplishing something. Something will be accomplished. Now, to just break that down in verse 4. It said there’s different ministrations, but the same Lord, there's different kinds of gifts. Gifts that differ one to another. And they are distributed different, one from another, such like we have one heart, and two eyes and things like that. And in verse 5, there are different administrations, but the same Lord. That means, there are different ministries in the body, various kinds placed there. Like each member has its own particular function. And in verse 6, there are different operations, but the same Lord working all in all. The gifts and ministries operate differently one from each other, according to what the gift is. And then in verse 7,

(7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man (to profit) with all.

But all are so integrated, as is a human body that it is very evident, a life is there manifesting itself through the flesh. In other words, no cross ups, no foul ups, no interference. Everything is going exactly right. Now that’s what God’s laid down in His Word. Now, that’s what we’re striving for, and looking at. Now, we don’t care if there’s been two thousand years of bad experience. We’ve got to believe for the good experience that comes from the Scripture.

17. Now, verse 11 says,

(11) But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to

every man (individually) as he will.

It clearly says that God is sovereignly responsible, for placing each member, and designating what part each has, and how each part is to operate, or manifest the Spirit of Almighty God.

Now, please note immediately, that verses 4-7, 11, should have cleared up the picture. And that should clear the picture for anybody, and say, that’s what we look for, that’s the way it’s going to be. It should have cleared the picture up, because it tells the story, but, no sir. If you study this, which we’re doing tonight…you will find that there were problems right there in the First Age, about the lateral concept of the Bride, being living members one of another. Now, that’s where it started. The concept of members one of another, was not listened to, or, adhered to, or believed, by this church in the First Age. They would not believe it, and they started to squabble right there. See? And the problem is right with us today. And the key to under- standing the body correctly, is to understand sovereignty. First of all, the sovereignty, it is God’s sovereignty that brings us to God.

18. We’re going to go back to Psalms 65:4 in just a second. Take a look at It. Now:

(4) Blessed is the man whom thou (chooses), and (causes) to approach

unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with

the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

Now, it is sovereignty that places the members in the body. 1 Cor 12:18

(18) But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as

it (has) pleased him.

Now right away, we must recognize that this is a pleasurable concept, and if it pleases God it has to be the very best there is. It has to be perfectly working and smooth flowing, and the people should love it, because they know it’s God’s order. See? There’s something in there we must understand as being really rich and true and real.

19. Now thirdly, it’s the sovereignty of God, …or the sovereignty of the Spirit, working in each member. It says in the 11th verse,

(11) But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every

man severally as he will.

Just like the little tongue of fire came down upon each individual, so the Holy Spirit ministers at each individual. There is a ministry there. See? Now, that's to be understood and accepted.

20. Phil 2:13

(13) For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good

pleasure.

Eccl 3:14-15

(14) I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be

put to it, nor any thing taken (away) from it: and God doeth it, that men

should fear before him.

And he says:

(15) That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been;

and God requireth that which is past.

Now, we see that God does not change, He is sovereignly working today. And He will not change His methods of working. Now, we stop to consider for a moment any willful use of the gifts in Ps 68:15. Now I said, we’re going to consider just for a second here, willful usages of gifts. Over here in the 68th chapter…notice it happened way back here, and in verse 18.

(18) Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men;

But that’s in the New Testament. But notice what It also says here, that you’ve got to understand is also with us today.

(18) … for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.

Now, you notice right there, there is a true and there is a false. And one is where God simply dwells among the people by gifts. Now, you’ve got that right at the end-time, where the Bible distinctly says, the role of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, which he’s talking about…is going to repeat in the role of a Balaam. See?

21. Now, you will note that this misunderstanding, caused Paul to try to rectify it in verse 19. And he said, [1 Corinthians 12:]

(19) And if they were all one member, where were the body?

But now, of course they didn’t listen. So, we must take heed that this is very important. The lack of true understanding of the lateral work of the Holy Spirit, making a true unity of the Bride, was causing some terrible conceptions. Now, it caused real trouble. And we want to look at the real trouble it caused. Notice, in verse [15].

(15) If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body;

is it therefore not of the body?

(16) And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body;

is it therefore not of the body?

Now, because people refuse to believe this, and work according to the Scripture, which was laid out for them as to what membership really was, and to what ministries really were. What actually happened here, carnal comparisons destroyed personal faith in Christ. They actually said, “Well, I guess I don’t have anything.”

22. Now, let’s be honest, how many times have you people in the church, and I said, “Well I guess I don’t have anything.” Now, let’s get this straight, it was the lateral function of the Holy Spirit that was so dishonoured, the understanding was so poor concerning what they really had. They were so mixed up, on what true gifts and ministry on the part of Christ really was. That they got carried away in gifts, just like latter rain has done today in Pentecost. The Charismatic has done today.

And they said, “Well I guess I don’t have it.” They were losing a personal faith in Jesus Christ. No wonder Bro. Branham came along and said, “The devil can absolutely use a gift, in a man full of the Holy Ghost.” And how would he use it? To destroy people’s faith in Jesus Christ. You see, you can’t say, “This is the devil.” If I have time, maybe come back some other time, we’ll talk about what really went on in this Corinthian church. It is really terrible to think so, but, some terrible things did go on. Now, it’s just like people talk about tongues evidence.

23. And say, “Well if you haven’t spoken in tongues, you haven’t got the Holy Ghost.” Who said so? You won’t find one place in the Word of God that said so. You’ll find a supposition. “Oh, (they say) three cases out of five they spoke in tongues, so, therefore.” Therefore? Who told you? Where were you and I asked to draw some conclusions? Unless you’ve got a Scripture to point out exactly what that conclusion actually was. As Bro. Branham said, “They sure got the cart before the horse.” Because Pentecost said, “You’ll speak in a tongue if you’ve got the Baptism with the Holy Ghost.” And they all speak in ‘unknown tongues.’ And Bro. Branham said, “At Pentecost, they spoke in ‘known’ tongues.” You talk about destroying personal faith in Jesus Christ.

Let’s face it brother/sister, it’s the Charismatic ministry, that is the proof of a trinity. Which is as false as anything that ever hit this world. Now, where are you going? Now, everything I’ve said this morning, is dovetailing right now. Isn’t it? Perfectly, dovetailing. You will never find this Word that doesn’t dovetail, and the prophetic Message of a man who had, ‘Thus Saith the Lord’. It never, never, never fails. So, get rid of your ideas, and just take it, because it always proves out in Scripture. See?

24. Now, the foot member seeing, what appeared to be the exalted office of the eye, felt and spoke, and believed himself to be unregenerate. Well I think if I was a foot that stunk, I wouldn’t be too happy about it…not being an eye, either. But some of us are kind of stinky. Let’s go back to verse 18. [1 Corinthians12:]

(18) But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body,

as it hath pleased him.

Therefore, I conclude that I would be different if God wanted me to be different. Foot doesn’t have to try to be a foot. Look, if my fingers are weak, I exercise my fingers. So therefore, it is not a matter of you and me changing, in order to be what we are not, but to consecrate ourselves to be what God wants us to be in the better form of what we are. See? And in verse 21.

(21) And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of (you): nor

again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

25. We find the more powerful manifestations and ministries, were puffing people up. I’ve got it right on one of your tape, when one of your preachers not too many million miles from here, sort of took some of these preachers to task by saying, “Which of you preachers getting answers to prayer like me?” Well, I want to tell that preacher, that when did you ever have a ministry like Leroy Jenkins who is now in jail, for bribing somebody to set somebody else’s buildings on fire. Whoopee. We’ve got a great manifestation now, haven’t we? Not of God brother/sister, but, of the devil. Puffed up. Look at me…please don’t. Will you be kind? But Paul deflates them in verse 22.

(22) Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

The only time some people think members are necessary, is to send them the seed…you know, the money. Then he sets the church in order in 23 and 24.

(23) And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable,

upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts

have more abundant comeliness.

(24) For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

Now, by more illustrations, Paul is setting the church in order relative to the body these illustrations are. And Paul puts us then, as Bro. Branham puts it now, “There are no great ones amongst us.” The Great One is the Holy Spirit, no pope, no cardinal, no bishop, no this.

26. Then Bro. Branham gave us an example of a great man, in contra distinction to those men who are not so greatly recognized. He said, “When you are in the presence of a truly great man, such as a king or a president, he will make you feel important.” He pointed that out as a sign of greatness. Furthermore, in verses 23-24, we are to understand all as a whole, are considered and not individuals. For if God grants comeliness, it is laterally, for all of us.

(23) And those members of the body, (and those of the body which) we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

(24) For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body

together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

(25) That there should be no schism in the body; …

In other words, God does not say, “I have made you what you are either for the sake of pulling you down, or, putting you up. I have made you what you are for the sake of all, which is the body”. So, if you don’t seem to be very glamorous, so what? If you think the glamorous spot of being in the five-fold ministry is any glamour, be my guest, I’ll just switch with you kid. Any day of the week. It’s much more interesting the other way. See? No, there’s not to be a personal glamour. And glamour hasn’t got a thing to do with it. What it is, is for everybody.

27. Now, let us carry this thought right on. And in verse 23, illustrates how human nature and human ways, are an example of God …that God Himself has worked in a Bride. Verse 23.

(23) And those members of the body, we think to be less honourable, upon

these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have

more abundant comeliness.

Now, do you know what a smart man will do? He’ll improve his weak points in order to enhance his whole being. He doesn’t have to work on what already has the good appearance of strength and ability. So, by the time he puts his attention and energy on the weak points, and on the small things of life, he really looks great. And that’s what God does. There never was a time when he hasn’t been there to bless somebody, no matter what the position is. And when everybody is being blessed, and understanding the flow of the Holy Ghost, that’s when the Bride will really look good. And then, Christ will look good. Because you see, when you look at a person’s body, you’re just seeing the shell of what really is there. You’re seeing the vehicle. You’re seeing the screen as it were, upon which the light of the spirit of the man falls. In other words, there’s something that you can characterize, or see manifested there.

28. Let’s go to 1 Corinthians 6: and just see something here that Paul mentions about the little fella.

(1) Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the

unjust, and not before the saints?

(2) Do (you) not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world

shall be judged by you, are (you) unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

(3) (Don’t you) know that we shall judge angels? how much more things

that pertain to this life?

(4) If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to

judge who are least esteemed in the church.

(5) I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you?

no, not one that shall be able to judge between his (brothers)?

Now, right in there he said, “Look, (he said) you’ve got this thing all mixed up.” He said, “You think the smart guy, the cunning guy, and the fellow has got there in the eyes of the public, is the fellow that should set things in order. And here’s a little fellow that’s very unobtrusive. You let him come in here, and you let him talk to you.” And God will start to use him. Because, he knows he’s got a call upon God. The other fellow, he’s so smart, he doesn’t need God. He’s like the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin says, “When God gets in trouble, He talks to us to get the answer”. Sounds like a few things I’ve heard in my own life.

29. Now, we can view again, [1 Corinthians 12:] 23-25, those same verses we read.

(23) And those members of the body, which we think to be less

honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour;

and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

(24) (And) our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered

the body together, having given more abundant honour to that

part which lacked.

What if somebody in the church, …what if somebody…let's just say there's gifts among us, let’s just says there’s nine gifts. Well you know tongues is supposed to be the lowest gift of all, the simplest gift of all. But you know the very fact of the matter is, that that gift of tongues is just as good as prophecy, once it’s interpreted. And then on the other hand, there’s such a thing as a man praying in tongues like Bro. Branham did, when that woman was dying of tuberculosis, I think it was. They tried to bring her to his meeting in Chicago, or somewhere, …I forget where it was anyway. But at the very minute that she was literally expiring, he got down on his knees, and heard himself speaking in tongues…it was that moment that woman had deliverance. I’m not saying we’ve got to do those things.

I’m just drawing you an illustration here. That people have no right to begin to formulate comparisons, and draw conclusions. When the fact of the matter is, everyone that God put in the body of Christ, is identical in stature to each other, and the ministries don’t make that difference, it’s the faithfulness, and the attitude to the ministry, as concerning everybody. It wasn’t there for my personal benefit, and your personal benefit.

30. Remember the words of Bro. Branham on the tape, when he talked about the time they were out there in camp, and Billy Paul had an attack. And somebody had an attack, and Bro. Branham would pray, and you remember the Wertz boy, and the cancer was healed, and it fell off of his face. And that night when the people were …the brethren there in the camp were being touched. Bro. Branham pulled up his pant leg and showed a great big, awful, ugly condition on his leg. And he said, “See, I can’t use the gift for myself.” Then talk about people trying to make money for themselves. This and that, for themselves.

Oh brother/sister, listen, the Scripture said, “If we believe or judge that One died for all, then, are not all only all dead, but the fact is, if One rose for all, then, we’re all risen in Him, then let Him have the glory.” [2 Cor 5:14-16] You see? So, we’ve got to get new attitudes. See? Because the attitude is... there’s nothing wrong with the people per se, for what Christ had done. Nothing wrong with ministries, but they got off on another spirit. See? That’s the whole trouble we’re looking at. See now.

31. I want to try to place what we’re doing in a spiritual context here, by going to [1 Corinthians 12:] 27-30

(27) Now (you) are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (See?)

(28) And God hath set some in the church, …

And he mentions them and he says they are all this or all that, he said, “No, do all have gifts of healing? No?” Then he said, “I’ve got a better way to show you.”

Now, verse 27, we are warned to expect differences. You are members in a particular way. You are unique. See? There’s a lot of books being written right today, ‘I’m Okay, You’re Okay.' You are not the target. You are unique. You are a certain one.’ The emphasis is on the realization, that I am a certain one. This is the hour as when Jesus said, when He spoke of God being His Father. It wasn’t God wasn’t the Father of the rest of the people, but God was His Father in a very unique and a special way, that He wasn’t the Father to the others. That’s where we stand. In the same hour when the Lord Jesus said, “I and My Father are one.” The shuck pulled away from the wheat. Then there’s got to come a time when the shuck shall pull away from the wheat again. When? When I and My Father are one. Particular members. I am unique. Don’t say, “I am a freak.” That rhymes with ‘unique’.

I know what people think. They just can’t feel that they could be worthy. In your flesh, you are not worthy. It’s Christ. The life is of God. So therefore, we’re looking at membership in particular. You are the body, but everyone is a particular member. Has his value, has his use. You know what makes old people go plumb to the grave in a hurry? Just as soon as they don’t have any use.

32. I was talking to Sis. Daugh the other day, I don’t know how old she is… she’s sure…she’s younger …older than I am, I’m not exactly a spring chicken along side her. But remember, she is quite a bit older than I am. And she keeps going, day and night.

I said to her, “Sis Daugh, how in the world do you keep going?”

She said, “I don’t dare sit down.”

She’s right. She wanted to be useful. I’m a useful member. People cry hours and hours, that’s not going to get you anywhere. As to recognize what God had said, “You are a member, in particular.” Each member of Christ is different from other members. Don’t expect it to be otherwise. This would even go as far as our characteristics are concerned, and the nature we’re born with. Because Bro. Branham categorically said, “He took your great, great, grandmother, and your great, great, grandfather, brought them down, down, to where you are.” You say, “Look at me”. I’m looking at you. So, what? No problem. Verse 28.

(28) And God hath set … in the church, …

Exactly what He wanted, in certain orders. The ministries of gifted men, who are called five-fold ministry, were called first in this set up.

33. This has to be according to Ephesians 4:8-16 which we read. And Hebrews 13:8 and 17 which is, "Obey them that have the rule over you," teaches you the Word of God, they’re necessary. But we must be careful here. These men may seem to be and are in our thinking, number one: in position in 1 Corinthians 12: and Ephesians 4: But that’s not so, actually in the body they’re number two: because over them is another group of seven men, seven church age messengers. You see?

Found in Revelation 1:16-20; Revelation 2:1,7; 2:8,11; and so on. You can follow that for yourself. Now this group which is the Seventh Church Age Messengers, is headed up by one more who is above them. Which is Christ. Then if you want to go further, you take one further step and you go to, 1 Cor 11:3

(3) But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ;

and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

And you get your structure. There is the Bride, New Jerusalem, there sits Jesus, there is the Pillar of Fire. See? There is the order God set it in… a human pyramid. That’s why there is only One Great One, and He is the Holy Spirit, because He is the author and the architect of It all.

34. And now, while we’re at it, let us understand that male and female, are distinguished between, when it comes to members in particular. Because they are forbidden certain offices. I don’t care how charismatic they are. I don’t care how smart they are. When I ever get back here, I will show you that that’s the place where the devil slipped in, and that’s the place where he still slipped in. The old charismatic, gimmick.

1 Timothy 2:11-15

(11) Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

(12) ...I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man,

but to be in silence.

(13) For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

(14) And Adam was not deceived, the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

There is something about a woman, in her nature, that does not qualify her. Now, you simply can’t argue with God. You simply take It. It doesn’t make her one bit inferior to anybody else. It just simply this, you don’t dig a post hole with a pitchfork. You pitch hay with a pitchfork. You keep the fork pitching hay, she's a perfect deal. Don't dig the post hole, and don’t try to take the post hole digger to pitch hay. Now, I might have tried both at one time, because I didn’t have what it took in the first place to do the job right. And believe me, forget it, don’t even try the job.

35. All right. And I think it befitting here, to take a drop a thought, …the Bride is a woman. Her earthly head in each age, is a Church Age messenger. He alone has the Word. He alone can teach. And that’s exactly right. The Church Age messenger will come over all the churches, and no one in that body has the right to teach or to speak outside of that messenger. Can’t do a thing about it. You say, “That’s because, God did it.” See?

So now we’re seeing something here in 1 Corinthians 12:23-25. Again, you see those members who we think aren’t too wonderful, and look at other members as though they’re greatly wonderful, and wish we could change positions. Forget it. You are exactly where God wants you. You are exactly what God wants you to be. And therefore, it’s a matter of consecration. Be the best. If you’re called to be a post hole digger, be the best post hole digger. If you’re called to be one who forgives with cheerfulness, forgive with cheerfulness, and be the best one of the works.

36. If you’re called to exhort to draw people near, be the best one. See? That’s it. We need the full ministration of the Spirit, and it comes through every member. But didn’t Bro. Branham say, “Sin in one person, can mess the whole thing up.” What happened in Israel when Akin took one wage of silver? You say, “How Bro. Vayle? That’s true, when sin comes in.” Hogwash. This is sin. Because to rebel against the Word of God, and deny the Word of God, is sin. That’s exactly what Eve did. See? That’s why Paul was screaming, “God says I’m righteous.” He didn’t say, “Bless your heart, I’m righteous. Just look at me, I’m a great guy.” Somebody down in Texas, might. Not Paul. He said, “God said I’m righteous.” I say, “Drag me into God’s court, and see what happens.” See?

I told you tonight, here we go into New Jerusalem, the heavenly city, and the Just Judge stands there, and His approving eye, is upon everyone. He says, “Come in. Come in.” He said, “You’re lovely.” I’ll speak on this, but I won’t right now. See? We need the messenger in the Age, we need the five-fold ministry, the five-fold ministry needs us. Now, I know there’s a pre-eminence that comes automatically to the five-fold ministry of gifted men. That is true. Because, they are placed in a certain position in there. But this is a very precarious place. You want trouble? Take over. “Oh, I wish I was Bro. Branham.” Ooo whoo…are you kidding? You better not have any foolish thoughts.

37. 1 Corinthians 4:1-7

(1) Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and

stewards of the mysteries of God.

(2) Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

(3) But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you,

or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

(4) For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he

that judgeth me is the Lord.

(5) Therefore, judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who

both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make

manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have

praise of God.

And see what he says there? Boy, some people can sure boast. And some people can sure knock themselves down. Paul said, “Forget it, just wait.”

(6) And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and

to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men

above that which is written, …

Ha. 1 Corinthians 4: see?

(6) … that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

(7) For who maketh thee to differ (one) from another? …

Your beautiful sexy blue eyes, eh honey. Ooo, you’re some charming gal. Ooo Whoo. And you smart looking men, well. Put the same thing in the Spiritual now. Who gave you compassion? Who gave you this, who gave you that? He said right here,

(7) For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou

that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost

thou glory, as if thou (hadn’t) received it?

38. I like old Paul. Pull him up on one side, pull him down on the other side. That’s what a blind is for. Up and down. [BV makes a sound] Now you’re full. Now you're rich. Now you’ll reign as kings without us. "I wish to God you did reign. That we might also reign with you." Isn’t that, a beautiful thought. He said, “You want to get rid of me. You want to be big shots.” Oh, he said, “My you just take over.” Ever see a congregation run a preacher? “Oh Bro. Vayle, that poor Paul, he had such a terrible time.” And you do the same thing. Pot calling the kettle black. “Preach it Bro. Vayle, good preaching.” Ha ha ha, right Bro. Neal? Come on, don’t be a coward, you get up here and tell the truth. “Oh, poor Paul.”

Oh, poor Bro. Guenther, if necessary. Oh poor Bro. Vayle, if necessary. Yeah. Not feeling sorry for ourselves. Why he wanted to reign without Him. Wanted someone to do without a five-fold ministry and everything else. He said, “I would God…(he said) you want to reign as kings, I would to God you did reign, that we also might reign with you.” Paul never took a wrong stand with the Word saying, “Okay, go to it.” Do you want to be a bunch of boobs? Hop to it. Just went right back to drawing the circle bigger, and plead to bring them back in. Yeah. Quite a different spirit, isn’t it?

39. These gifts can turn men from God… that was a gift that men have in ministries. Popularity, money and women. Many preachers become autocratic and dogmatic with dictatorships. When the prophet said, “The church be subject to the pastor, and the pastor is subject to the church.” In other words, there’s give and take.

Have you ever had a man come up and tell a preacher “This is it, bless God.” We’ve got it right in the Message. We have a fellow down there, went to our pastor, because the pastor didn’t agree with forty-five minutes in every sermon. He put him out from under the Blood, and under the Word, and everything else. You show me forty-five minutes in the Bible. And you show me where Bro. Branham mentioned only forty-five minutes. He mentioned not just forty-five minutes, he mentioned all night preaching, …easy filling, slow filling, and everything else. Then preached the whole thing. But when somebody wants to be somebody, boy, can they puff up like ‘a toad full of buckshot,’ Bro Branham said that, and I like it.

It’s like a toad with a cigarette…my brother in law said, …I don’t know if it’s true or not, he could’ve fibbed to me, I don’t know…he said he put a cigarette in a frogs’ mouth one time, and he couldn’t stop breathing in, and pretty soon he just puffed up and puffed up. I don’t know if it busted or not, …but it could’ve. That’s the way a lot of people are. When they bust though, they bust all over the place, and it sure ain’t nice. True. Not understanding. The lateral ministry of the Holy Ghost. Suddenly, God is truly perfect, as God sitting on a throne. But He loses everything when it comes to the lateral, in men’s hearts. He loses nothing, it’s a matter of consecration. That’s all.

40. It’s not that the people can’t see. Many times, they don’t see. Bro. Branham said, “In this age, they live in a cellar. And the man says there’s sun shining out there. And he says, “No, I won’t go out and see it. It’s imposter, there’s no sun, I just won’t look.” Very true. See?

Now, often these men forget that without the sheep, that preachers can be wrong too. They forget, without the sheep, …well, there’s no sheep, there’s no shepherd. Sheep without a shepherd are prey to the devil, to the wolves. But people don’t want to admit it. Even Bro. Branham was warned in a vision by the Angel, “Don’t try to do without the ministry.” Do you know that? On more than one occasion as I understand. God didn’t say, “Now son, you go ahead, and you show them and you do it.” Bro. Branham did the best he could, but he missed the ministry.

In other words, God said you’re not cooperating full enough. You bring that ministry in. And when I hear men going out in various parts of the world, and they ignore some faithful men of God, and bypass them to raise up their own crew and take authority, I wonder what spirit they’ve got. Well I don’t say they don’t have the Holy Ghost. But they’ve got a wrong …they have a wrong human spirit towards things, or a wrong atmosphere, a wrong life.

41. Now, we’ve got to become very serious, and make an indelible print on our minds and hearts. And that is God’s Word very plainly tells us what causes schisms in the body. [1 Corinthians 12:] Verse 24 and 25,

(24) For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

(25) That there should be no schism in the body; …

Plainly stated, unless we act toward each other as God has acted toward each member, there will be schisms or divisions. Because they’re not recognizing It’s the one God that they’re joined with individually, doing everything amongst them with everybody else. There is no difference. See? Now, there is a living with each other process. A living with each other process. Not just living, but living with each other process, that must be followed. Here we have a perfect example of the Vertical and horizontal work of the Spirit. The complete unity. The same Spirit that gives us the rebirth, and places us as equally useful, and necessary members, and all both honourable and honoured of God.

Now, does the same through human flesh and in a Bride, for each member now holds each other as a honourable and honoured person equally. That’s right. Can’t be otherwise. Because of the life is there, it'll perform that which is the life.

42. Everybody got an idea Bro. Branham said, “If that life of Christ in you.” And then of course because he referred to miracles and wonders, they thought that’s all there was to it. Well, I’m not preaching that sort of subject, I’m preaching the other side of the subject, where he said, “Don’t clique, and don’t clan, but, love each other. When someone’s sick amongst you, and he tries to tear the thing up, you just love him in or love him out.” You can’t just take one thing Bro. Branham said. If you take one thing Bro. Branham said, how come he said, “You Baptists that don’t speak in tongues and prophesy?” That don’t pray say, "shame on you’ Baptist, you ain’t got It, you think you do."

Then turn you Pentecost, because you say you raise the dead and speak in tongues, and prophesy. The prophet said, “You think you’ve got It. You don’t got It.” Well for heaven’s sake, what is he talking about? One doesn’t have It, so, don’t got It, and one’s got It, so they don’t got It. Simple as a-b-c. No problem there. They were both out. One should have had It right. And the other, should’ve had It right. They both had It wrong. See?

43. I read over here in 1 Corinthians 4:6-7, I just want to read a couple of verses this time.

(6) And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself

and to Apollos for your sakes; that (you) might learn in us not to think

of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up

for one against another.

(7) For who (made you) to differ what have you got, if you (did not) receive? now if (you did) receive, why (do you) glory as (though you didn’t have) it? (See?)

So there is a humility. There is a peace, and a fellowship, and a friendship, to respect God’s ministers and gifts, in no way, give anyone any leverage over another. Mmm Mmm, no sir. I don’t care how sweet and nice we are. It gives no leverage, it simply means the person is utilizing to a more extent than a greater degree than the other guy is. Now, listen, it is impossible not to be blasphemous, to read 1 Corinthians [12]: 28,30, and Hebrews 13:7,17 apart from 1 Corinthians 12:27- 31 in the context which they’re written. I’m going to go over that now. So, let’s go to verses 28-30 again. God set in order in the church these people. Okay.

44. Now in Hebrews 13: we’re going to read the context of what God says. I only quoted It for you. Now, watch this very carefully. In verse 7,

(7) Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken

unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end

of their (behavior).

Verse 17.

(17) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they

watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it

with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

That’s why the pastor is the supreme authority, and he’s responsible to carry you through. Now, we can read these verses, and we can take a Roman Catholic’s theologian report concerning them.

Like the Bible said, “Feed My sheep; feed My sheep; feed My sheep.”

The Catholic Church Bible says, “Rule My sheep; rule My sheep; rule My sheep.”

But the Bible doesn’t say that. It says, “Rule; feed; rule.” Which means to rule by feeding. Nobody’s going to make you do anything. That’s why Paul said, “Would to God, you came to the place where you saw these things.”

45. All right. Now, you can’t read those verses where the authority is set in the church, in a ministry, apart from 27 and 31 of [1Corinthians 12] of God. It says:

(27) (And you) are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

There isn’t one person in the pew who is not as important in the sight of God, as is the pastor. The fact of the matter is, God has given a special gift in the pastor, to help you to come where he is, come right up into Christ. That’s how much He thought of you. To make sure you had the help that you needed. Giving men special gifts, in order to see you get special help. See? Now, with that we go also, and verse 31,

(31) But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more

excellent way.

In other words, there is a tremendous way in which these ministries and gifts, and everything else; the body of Christ can come to the foreground. And that is by the Spiritual condition of the person himself, his attitudes and his, the air and the atmosphere that he carries about him. Now, one might also read, 1 Timothy 4:5-6, and you can do that at home on your leisure. And you can get some highlights in there, about pastors and elders. The ones that are ordained to see you through, the one with supreme authority in the church. He’s put there in order to be a help to you.

46. Now, we’ll go back again to, 1 Corinthians 12:24-25, that’s about our comely parts. The equal treatment of God toward each member is to be carried on amongst us personally. The equal treatment of God, to the individual. It’s the same Spirit in us, that gave us the equal treatment. Bond or free, male or female, it doesn’t matter what. That Holy Spirit, you see, gave us the proper treatment, to bring us into Christ.

The same Spirit which is in us, will give each person the same proper treatment. Because it’s the same God working in all of us. The Scripture does not say it’s the Spirit of man working in us. It says it’s the Spirit of God. This does not mean that each cannot have his own, or more particular friends, but the moment anyone of us defends one member above another, because of personal love, we are dividing the body, and causing schisms not discerning the body. And preachers got to be careful of their families. I know a lovely brother, but anything his daughter says is fine. She can go to any church and misquote the pastor, or say opposite, and he believes his daughter. If he goes to a preacher’s meeting, he hasn’t got enough brains to keep his mouth shut, what goes on in that meeting…goes right home to his family. There is just something interesting there…the family is included.

47. Look brother/sister, I want to tell you flat when it comes to ministry, and the minister doesn’t have a family, even his own. A minister’s family usually gets the worse treatment of anybody in the whole church. Because he’s got to personally deny what he himself would stand for, in affection and everything else, in order to stand true to the people of God. It’s tough to be preacher’s kids. Any preacher is not worth his salt, that doesn’t stand up and stand for the people of God. You say, “I don’t have a personal interest, I’ve got to be right.” Do you think it’s been fun going down the road all these years, knowing my kids had problems? And have to pray on my knees, the church’s problems, my own problems, my kid’s problems. Try it sometime, I’ve been there. But I was faithful, thank God, I can stand up and say, “I was faithful.” It was rough, but, it wouldn’t be half as rough, as disobeying God.

There’s also warning right here, that when the pastor and elders must correct a member, the other members must stand aside, and cannot accuse or excuse, but let the Word have Its way. You ever notice how it is, that people take sides?

48. Now, you had a classic example here one time, …I won’t mention names, …but you know a certain preacher from somewhere got up, and mentioned how it was in the Spanish language, that there was something that you could illustrate concerning the Word of God. And this preacher from Europe was so mad, he wouldn’t even close in prayer. So, certain brethren, got with him and he began fussing. And you know…got so visible, and audible out there in a restaurant, that I was told by a certain person in his meeting. And a certain person comes along and said, “Now brother So, and so, I have a revelation from the Lord.” And you know some little pompous…listen, the devil is very tricky. Do you think he’s going to bring a revelation in that’s a phoney? No, he’ll bring in something genuine. So now, this guy brings out a little revelation or two in, and it seems like it’s okay, and it hasn’t hurt really. Maybe it looks okay.

And I phoned about it, I said to this brother, “Do you know that Bro. Branham said, “It’s got to be in that room and judged.”

But he said, “Bro. Vayle, you don’t understand.”

I said, “My brother, I do understand the prophet very easy, because I talked it over with him. It’s to be in that room. To be written down, then it’s read over the pulpit.”

But he said, “You see, (he said) the think is the best we can do because the brother is out for a visit.”

Then I said, “How come his word gets to church?”

Now, come on. If this is the Word of God, it’s important enough that he go to that church, in that room to do what the Word of God says. Not sit at home. The devil got him trapped, and the preacher’s trapped. I hung the phone up, I said, “Good-bye.” And I’ve never even shook the man’s hand since. Not that I’ve had a chance. It's not that I wouldn’t shake his hand, but forget it. Look, you’re not babies tonight. You’re a long way down the road. It's a super race, and a super church. If we can’t do something as simple as that, …forget it. You know what they need? A dip in the fountain. Either the baptism with the Holy Ghost, or refilling, something’s got to be done somewhere. I’m illustrating simply. See?

49. Now, I want to go to more serious places. Back to 1 Corinthians 12:14-27.

(14) For the body is not one member, but many.

(15) If the foot shall say, …(And so, back and forth, and on.)

Now, this refers to verse 12-27, and you’re the body of Christ in particular. And this sounds very strange, that the truly Spirit filled saints, who are predestinated members, should carp and wail, in dis-satisfaction against God for their placing and designation in what is ultimately the New Jerusalem. The glorified, redeemed Bride. Do you realize, where you are placed is going to get you there, you are already a member of the glorified, redeemed New Jerusalem. They were carping and wailing in dis-satisfaction. Murmuring and repining. Do you know what repining is? Repining, is “Oh I wish I was back in the good old days. Oh, you people don’t have anything here in Gruenthal. You don’t jump and run around. You don’t speak in tongues, you don’t do so and so.”

Repining, repining, repining. Put it in a room. Then if it doesn’t work, fine, it doesn’t work. Didn’t Bro. Branham say when they said to him, “Why Bro. Branham, if I did what you say, I wouldn’t have a ministry.”

And he said, “Anything that won’t work in the Presence of the Word of God, ought to be done away with.” Well he said, “Don’t settle for counterfeit, when the heavens are full of the real.” In another place he said, “I’d sooner have nothing, than have something that doesn’t work out.” See? We’re looking at that. So therefore, back in Israel they were wailing, they were repining.

50. I want to ask you a question. Do you look back to the good old days? Oh, people still do about the good old days when butter was 10 cents a pound. I didn’t have the 10 cents. I don’t care if butter goes to two dollars a pound, or, ten dollars a pound, as long as I got what I can purchase it with. Good old days, my foot. This is the greatest day ever. This is the climax, the super, super race coming to the Tree of Life. People carping and groaning, trying to pull some shady deal. Forget it! Yet, here we are in the heavenlies. We are. And yet, we’re bemoaning. Many people are. What they are not, or what they are. And making a mess by trying to be what they aren’t. That’s in their own thinking.

Now, on top of that, a whole section is puffed up with pride, arrogance, and a spiritual manner of a dictatorship. Some have become glamourous actors. In their charismatic ways, they drop names, or cause reference to others to enjoy pre-eminence and rob Christ of His glory. Now, I love Bro. Branham, and I’m going to tell you one thing. I can only speak so much of Bro. Branham…and it’s going to be a whole lot less than Jesus Christ. Because I’m going to tell you, the man who brings the Word, of the man who has the Word, which is Christ, to me is more important, than the man who brought the Word. But I respect the man who brought the Word. Because He’s vindicated the one who did bring the Word. But, I respect that Word. See?

51. Now, but it doesn’t seem to end there. In [1 Corinthians 12:] verse 26, It said:

(26) … whether one member suffer, all the members suffer…

That’s how the body should be. That’s how a true body is. Now, any disjointed member in the body, is not only a pain in himself, but he’s a pain to everybody else. Unless his suffering is the kind that jives with the Word. Now It says,

(26) (If) one (man) suffer, all … suffer…

But, what if this guy’s suffering isn’t Word suffering?

52. Let’s go to 1 Peter 2:11-20, I’m trying to go very fast here, but I think you catch what I have got in mind here. Trying to get members responsible.

(11) Dearly beloved, … strangers, pilgrims, … (same as such) which

war against the soul;

(12) Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: whereas

they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works,

which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

That’s very important, then for this day.

(13) Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake:

whether it be to the king, as supreme;

I preached on that in [Priorities] last year at camp. You know all about it.

(14) Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by (them) for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

(15) For so is the will of God, that with well doing (you) put to silence

the ignorance of foolish men:

(16) As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but

as servants of God. (See? They were doing it back there. )

(17) Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

(18) Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only the good

and gentle, but also to the froward.

(19) (And) this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience (sake) toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

(20) (But) what glory is it, if, when (you're) buffeted for your faults, (you) shall take it patiently? but if, when (you) do well, and suffer for it, (you) take it patiently, this is acceptable (to) God.

It’s not like saying, “Look I deserve it, so I’m going to take it.” It’s suffering and saying, “Well, I didn’t deserve it, but, I’ll take it anyway.” You see?

53. 1 Peter 3:8-17. Now you can read that for yourself, it has the same idea there. In 1 Peter 4:11-19 going on with the same thought. Now, that is suffering righteously in Christ, for the cause of Christ. Now, let us note immediately, that there are two kinds of suffering here, as seen in, 1 Pet [3]:14-15.

(14) But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy (be you): and be afraid of their terror, neither (there) be (trouble);

(15) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

(16) Having a good conscience ...(and so on)

(17) For it is better, if the will of God be so, that (you) suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

So therefore, there is such a thing as the wrong kind of suffering. Now, I’m going to balance 1 Corinthians 12:26, about one man suffers, all suffer. And Hebrews 10:32-33, which you took to spoiling your goods, and took suffering in that age.

54. Now, I’m putting 1 Peter 3:4-5; 4:15 with 1 Corinthians 12:26 Now, does not the local part of the Bride, suffer real shame and agony, when its members bring reproach to the body? Now, you hear what I’m talking about. There’s two kinds of suffering. It says right here, if one suffers the whole body suffers. Let me tell you, there’s two kinds of suffering. And the body gets both. Now, when one person suffers because of wrong doing, and it catches up, the whole body is put to shame.

What did it look like to the world in 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 when this young man had his step-mother? The man, and the leaders of the assembly, did not care one iota for the suffering it caused the brother. Then there is Phi 2:1-4

(1) If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love,

if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

(2) Fulfil ye my joy, that (you) be likeminded, having the same love, …

one accord, of one mind.

(3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind

let each esteem other better than themselves.

(4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things

of others.

Now, that’s a tremendous Scripture, and a tremendous attitude. See? Now, here’s the direct command, to think about the body, not ourselves.

55. Matthew 7:12. Now see? We’re getting right there, the man loves his wife as his own body. Just like Christ, now you see what we’re finding in the Word. The very same thing, we’re spread out before our attention. So, we go to Mat 7:12,

(12) Therefore, all things whatsoever (you) would that men should do to you, do (you) even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

See? Now, this might not be considered for the Bride, but it is.

Now, we look at Philippians 2:4 which we read, and we connect it with, Gal 6:2

(2) Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

And with it, I’m going to link, Eph 4:28

(28) Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working

with his hands, the thing which is good, that he may have to give to

him that needeth.

To put them all together, [Phi 2:4]

(4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Esteem others above yourself. If you’ve lived a rotten life before, have a good life now, and live to serve others.

56. Now, I want to make it exceedingly clear from these verses, that God forbids us to be a part of the problem ,but rather we are to help solve the problem. And here was the Bride of Christ, creating problems with this effect. “Well, I'm not with this, this guy’s got that and blah, blah, blah.” Repining and grumping and groaning. Instead of taking what God said about them, and standing on it. Looking for every excuse. Got the same stinking mess right today. But there’s a Bride somewhere. Don’t you ever doubt the Word of Almighty God. See?

Now we are warned, we should not be a part of the problem, but we are set here to solve problems. The Scripture abundantly sets forth, that we are to live in such a way, as to be non-burdensome, but be able to take and bear the burdens. Paul even sets up the terribly strict laws helping poor old widows.

57. Over here in 1 Timothy 5:3-10, I read some this morning on it. You just read it for yourself, I guess. She’s got to be sixty years old. She’s got to have done certain things. And she’s got to have…or she doesn’t have children to help her, and nephews and things. She can’t have any help. See? Notice in verse 8.

(8) But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his

own house(hold), he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. (See?)

58. Now, he doesn’t stop there. We go to,

2 Th 3:7-15

(7) For yourselves know how (you) ought to follow us: for we behaved not

ourselves disorderly among you;

(8) Neither did we eat any man's bread for (nothing); but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

(9) Not because we have not (authority), but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow …

(10) For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any (man) would not work, neither should he eat.

(11) For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

(12) Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that with (kind) quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

(13) But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. (See?)

Now, you can see where Bro. Branham had to take the subject as he did in his day. People were living riotously. They were going into debt. They were borrowing money just to be in meetings and things. They said they’d make the Rapture that way. The Rapture hasn’t come yet. See? Running up debts and not paying them. He had to sit down with the congregation, because they were making problems, problems, problems. See? I know people myself, who would just actually ascend on you, and literally say, “Here I am, take care of me.” People run around with almost nothing but a shoe string. And when they break down, they want utter strangers to help, and blame it on being brothers. Right in this Message. Come on! What kind of nonsense is that? Next thing, they’ll pull a gimmick. Now, I can tell you personally how I suffer in the face of carelessness, amongst brethren. Because it tears me to pieces when I see carelessness. Where I see they could have helped themselves, and didn’t help themselves. I see it in churches, I see it around my place.

59. Now when I get such Scripture over here, as I’m going to read in the Book of Proverbs 6: 6-11, so you might as well turn there, if you’ve got your Bibles.

(6) Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

(7) Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

(8) (Provides) her meat in the summer, and (gathers) her food in the harvest.

(9) How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

(10) Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

(11) So shall thy poverty come (to thee) as one that travelleth, and thy

want as an armed man.

In other words, it will come upon you and you will really have trouble. See? Chapter 10: verse 26.

(26) As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard

to them that send him.

That’s a good one. And he’s a pain in the neck. Pain in the teeth. 20:4

(4) The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

[Proverbs 26:]

(16) The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. ( And you better believe it.)

Listen, the Bible that I have read, pictures many people perfectly. They're dissolute when it comes to doing the right things. Some just don’t work, they don’t like it. Some overspend themselves, on non-essentials. Some like entertainment and vacations. Some won’t budget. Even when the preacher said, “There’s a nice little Christian group going to come to town, and teach you how to budget, and live within your income.” Oh, they’re too smart, they won’t go. They won’t spend on the real necessities. Then you watch the local Bride suffer, because people get tore up.

60. Now, I’m going to put you on the spot tonight. I don’t know the first thing of how you conduct your business, I care less. But just supposing you were in a church, where certain brethren just wouldn’t attend to business. And now sickness comes. Tragedy strikes the family. I want to ask you: are you obligated by the Word of God to dig in and help him? I know one brother who takes vacations, spends hundreds. She’ll go to concerts and pay a baby sitter, which she hasn’t been paid yet. He owes me and everybody else money. I’ve given one man close to two thousand dollars. I’m not begrudging it, if he wants more, he can have it. But it tears me to pieces, because all this is unnecessary. Now, if those people love the Bride, and had a true concept of the Holy Ghost, the Vertical in the individual, they couldn’t do that.

I’ve had my blood and tears, and didn’t have to go anyway but to God to get my help. And I gave, and I gave until I was able to give liberally to everything that I felt God would want me to give to, to be pressed upon Him. But it took a time to do it. When I got it in 1962, I didn’t even buy a house or anything. I determined not to go into debt. And to this hour, I am not in debt. And I refuse to be. I’m not saying you can’t go into debt. Bro. Branham didn’t say you couldn’t. But, he said, “You’d better meet those obligations.” You see, I’m travelling on the road. I’ve got to be extra careful. You’re living, and you’ve got a job. And you had a picnic alongside of some of us men that are in the ministry. I don’t begrudge you. You're supposed to be, or I'm supposed to be my way. I’ll get my reward, you’ll get yours. And we both have it just as hard to serve God in our own way, …no problem there.

61. I’m going to tell you something brother/sister, you have no right to make a problem for anybody in the Bride. Preach it, Bro. Vayle! Thank you, Bro. Guenther. You know why I’m preaching it? Because I’m fed up with it. There’s no necessity. I don’t know the first thing about you. I imagine, this church is a very prosperous church. Very good church, all the young men working. I hear the young man, the young lady getting married this coming week. I heard very, very, very good things about them. She is frugal, she’s a good girl, she works hard. She saves, she’ll be a credit to her husband. And then, she might beat him out of bed and make his breakfast. He’s a good worker. That’s good, kids. Now see, you’re the kind that can get married. Even I’ll bless you, and I’m an old curmudgeon. My blessing comes very hard. I don’t give them easy anymore.

Listen brother/sister, this church may be riding on a high tide now. I hope you are. But there are churches that aren’t too. Bro. Branham nipped the thing head on. There’s something wrong with a Bride member that doesn’t respect the other person. Paul said, “I wasn’t chargeable to anybody, and believe me, you are not …no one is chargeable to anyone of you today.” You must conduct yourselves, to never add to a problem, either in the physical, or the Spiritual. And brother/sister, Jesus does not create problems, He solves them. And you and I have the same spirit. I’m trying to show you that today. We haven’t quit preaching yet.

62. Now, people get torn up, then they have to sacrifice needlessly. Then if they’re not careful, bitterness can come. Smoking, what about smoking? Some people smoke, why should the money be wasted? Some people like junk cars. Why have your yard full of them? Some people buy things they don’t even use. It’s ridiculous. People, a squeeze is coming. A squeeze is coming. So, we must not be of a nature in our personal economics, to tear people up now, or what will it be when it comes later? See? I’m not saying, now start canning and things like a lot of people are. I’m just saying, start living the life that is right, and God will lead you.

63. Now, I want to go further: this is something that really bothered Bro. Branham. It was the toe trying to be the eye. Same subject, just we’ve got to go to the parts of the body, I got to bring the whole thing in. They wouldn’t let him carry the ball, but tried to grab it. Instead of running interference for him, they interfered him. The same one said, “The evangelist does not come along and tell the pastor, and neither the teacher come along and anybody else come along and tell the pastor.” Trying to take authority. How often we get out of our places. Any member interfering with the ministry of another, is wrong.

Let’s start with deacons and elders, and trustees and secretaries, and song leaders and so on. We mentioned the pastor already. So, let’s talk about a deacon or elder. It’s easy for the deacon or elder to start counselling folks. I won’t look you in the eye, because I don’t know if this happens here, but I do know where it does happen. Or you become a problem solver above the minister. You’re nice and quiet. Did I hit a chord here? You don’t know. Okay, I don’t know…I’ll tell you, I hope you don’t know, because you shrug your shoulders. I’m not trying to put you on the spot. There’s something makes me feel I hit a little chord here. And if I did, you better smarten up tonight. There’s your pastor, you get behind him. Or, the devil just brings somebody here, to just take you down the primrose path. And when you get stuck, shut up and take it, and answer for everybody else you got in hot water.

64. See, I know what I’m talking about. Not about you, but look, I have pastored for years, and I go from church to church. I know what goes on. So, I’m warning you, I hope you don’t have this problem. A deacon or an elder, or someone even with a ministry other than the pastor whose fruit you are, and the sheep God gave, that he must be responsible. Can become a problem solver above the minister. It starts maybe with a favour, the man might even think, “I’ll take the load off the pastor.” Then it ends up a mess, because the pastor alone, is the day's man called of God. Where he takes the hands of the people, and brings them together. Not some local ramrod. I’ve worked with them…don’t work. No matter how you preach the Word of God, they go running to him, and whether he wants it or not, he’s stuck.

That’s usually the kind of guy that buys his own church, or he buys a church you know, and says, “Here it is. This is the Lord.” It ain’t the Lord nothing. Put a box out, and let everybody pay for it. If any one person, pay for the church, give me the matches, I’ll burn it down. It isn’t worth a plug nickel. Everybody pay. Or maybe the deacon will become a pulpit committee, and invite preachers. Even lay members do it. I’ve heard one fellow is supposed to said one time, almost in the face of the pastor to one other man coming by, he said, “When are you going to come by and preach a sermon and set the church on fire?” I have a hot foot, that might have set him on fire. Ha! Not physically, just thinking, thinking, thinking, how sweet the thoughts that come sometime.

65. In some cases, we see businessmen, or men of so-called stature or repute, acting as though they are apostles or leaders. Uh huh. Trustees want to run the money instead of get the money, as the prophet said. Song leaders want to preach. They are two different anointings. I know one soloist, who's got to testify with a long wind, before he sings. Even oral prayer requests become talk-a-thons, that Bro. Branham had to outlaw, and put them on the pulpit. Then there are others that are out to preach, and they will teach doctrine among the congregation. And Bro. Branham said, “The pastor alone, teaches the doctrine, and you go to him.” What are some of you doing? Huh? I want to know. What’s going on amongst the Bride?

Bible said, “Teach faithful men that they might teach others also.” [2 Tim 2:2] But then, they’re respected as elders or deacons in the congregation, with special ministries. They were ordained and set there. I didn’t see everybody running around and start spreading things in the church. You say, “Well our pastor didn’t say certain things.” Fine. Then talk to God about it, and shut your mouth. You weren’t called. Then some men blame women for preaching. I’d sooner hear some women I think sometime, than, some men, because they’re just as much out of order. Now, you can witness, but if He ain’t called you, He ain’t called you. Oooo…I’m in hot water now Bro. Neil, and got you all messed up. It’s too bad. That’ll teach you to invite Lee Vayle to your pulpit.

66. You’re a nice fellow, and I spoiled it all. Let me see if I have. Colossians 2: beginning at verse 9.

(9) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

(10) And (you) are complete in him, which is the head of all principality

and power:

(11) In whom also (you're) circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

(12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also (you're) risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

(13) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

That’s the personal Baptism with the Holy Ghost.

(14) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

(15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

(16) Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath...

(17) Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Huh? I don’t care what a man says, how do you get in? By being baptized with the Holy Ghost. Then you watch as people come and bring to you…now listen,

(18) Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and

worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not

seen, vainly puffed up by his (own) mind,

(19) And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands

having nourishment ministered, knit together, increaseth with the

increase of God.

And It says right here. A man out of his place not recognizing who is the one in the ministry, and doing the ministering, he’ll just mess you up but good. Preach it, Bro. Vayle. Huh? I’m sorry in one way, the Bible is written this way. And the other way, I enjoy it, because it sure does correct, if anybody wants correction.

67. Now, how many people do you know risen from the pew, and gone up and really preach, preach, preach? They just run like wildfire, everywhere, and they know better than the preacher or better than anybody else. They got ‘it’, and they don’t care two cents, they don’t hold the head from which all-l-l-l-l-l-l, the body. They’re something ‘special’.

I told you Bro. Branham was like Mohammed Ali, he could back-pedal faster than any man living. And do the old rope-a-dope-a, and he heard from God, and he’s a great servant of God. But anybody with a big mouth can run. And the bigger the mouth, the faster the running too.

Did you hear what I said a little while ago about what Bro. Branham said about people and doctrine? Huh? Do you see why he said, it? Huh? Now come on, let’s get down to business, are you Bride, or ain’t you Bride? Do you respect the body, or don’t you respect the body? It’s the same Holy Ghost in you Vertically, and horizontally. If it’s not, there’s something wrong somewhere.

68. Paul was afraid of it, he said, “Another spirit will come in sure and sure alive, you get off that Word.” Oh yeah. Women preachers, short hair, slacks, the whole bit. We’re not smart up here, I’m not smart. You might think I’m mouthing off and being smart. Look, I’m reading that Word, and I’m sarcastic for one reason. I’m kind of fed up. Because people will talk about anything, they think that’s the Holy Ghost hold the head from every joint's got to be in supply with Him. And He’s the One we glorify. Oh yeah. Thank God, we do not have gifts on the floor, there are some churches want to practice them on the floor, to get going good.

How do you practice on the floor, the gifts of Romans 12:7-8, showing mercy and giving, and a few things like that? Try that one out for size. Then there are those sometimes in the congregation who will let the other fellow always do it, … or they’ll drag their feet if they’re not pleased about certain things that need to be done. Huh? Well, I think I preached long enough. I haven’t run out of notes. I have a bag in the back there, I just take them out and keep going. Because it’s certain, the series is not over. But I’m going to stop now, in a little while. I’ve got just about a page left to go, …about two hours…hopefully.

69. All right. Listen. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7,11 now we’ve read it too many times to read again…tells you what. 1 Corinthians 12:31 tells you how. All members united, pulling for each other, pulling for God. All recognizing each other and himself, as united in Christ, and in each other. And doing whatever is allotted with no great claims as to personage, but a careful eye of cooperation. Aha…not soloist, choirs! No male lead voices. Except the Word. That is why Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 13: I will show you the right way. I will show there’s not one gift that’s there. And I will show the gifts are there and all wrong. I will put it in harmony. I will now introduce love. So that everything is done with the love to my brother. Then, if correction is necessary, a loving attitude does it.

And the attitude, love does not back away, does not before it, stands in neutral waiting for God. And if God doesn’t say It, no movement. When God says It, they walked in and It was done. And God gets all the glory. And everybody is happy again, because we’re showing love. Anything else is wrong. There must be a human atmosphere. As Bro. Branham said, "It’s the soul gives the atmosphere to the Spirit, because of the Holy Ghost."

So, in the Bride of Christ, when the Holy Ghost is down in all those souls, an atmosphere comes out, and manifests. Then no matter what it is, and Bro. Branham said correct, …God calls the little things big, and man call the big things…the little things God calls big of course. And when God does a great big thing, well, man just says, “Well that’s just a little funny kind of thing there.” You see, but man’s great big thing to God, is nothing, it’s just very little.

70. Got it all mixed up here. See? Now, he wrote 1 Corinthians 13: So, we close and if all other thoughts leave you, let this not go, and that thought is; I am a Bride member with all other Bride members. And I must not ever do anything, that will cause something to happen in that Bride that I would not want to fall on me. And say with the prophet; "if I am not a Bride, there’s a Bride out there somewhere, …perhaps some sitting right here, … and by the grace of God, I will not stand in her way." Let me so live my part, that I can contribute to those or others, unless there come a day, when I cannot, and someone has to contribute to me. And I will have the satisfaction of knowing that I have already sowed the good seed that I am reaping. For I know that whatsoever a man sows, that, shall he also reap.

And now, if I sow to the Spirit, I will reap eternal Spiritual things. But if to the flesh, I will reap corruption, in a whirlwind. God helping me, I promised myself, I’ll be more dedicated, a more dedicated member of the Bride, to do my share, and when necessary, share the load with those who aren’t so strong. Now, I hope that we see something that would …though we’ve seen it before, we see it all the clearer.

71. Look brother/sister, we are members of Eden. We got there one way. We are with each other, the same way. And every grace, that is in Christ, is in us, as the stature of a perfect man. And when you see that Bride, with those virtues, and they’re there, and the Bride understanding what it’s about, it’s an attitude. See? It’s that spiritual quality, that lies there from the Holy Ghost being there.

Then every member won’t struggle, won’t wonder, won’t …I am here, and I am part of It, therefore, I am therefore I am. Don’t go looking for something different. You’re already born again. See? You are, you’ll never be anything different. No different. Bro. Branham talked of Paul, beady sort of hooked-nosed, stoop shouldered and all. Old Bro. Marconda, when he had a glimpse of the Wedding Supper, or something, what it was in a vision. He…that’s exactly how he saw Paul. Now, Paul was sort of a little peculiar eyed, hook-nosed, that’s going to be the same as old Paul, right there. You women won’t be trying to win beauty contests. You won’t be Venus Adonis there. More like doughnuts maybe. If you want to know the truth. Now, I’m letting you have it both barrels, on this flesh stuff. It’s a bunch of nonsense and hogwash. I told you, I looked in a three-way mirror, when I was twenty years of age, and I got a traumatic experience and I didn’t dare look again. I’ll look in a six-way mirror today. I don’t care if my nose is inside, upside down, as long as I’m with Him. Who gives a (pfap) about it anyway?

72. I am me, you ain’t going to change me. My wife’s been trying for forty years. I’ve been trying to change her. Forget it, just love each other. That do the greatest thing in the world. We love each other. [Bro. Vayle chuckles] I know she loves me, she’s with me. Ha ha ha, I know He loves me, because He’s with me. That settles it. Now, we’re with each other. That settles it. You say, "I want to get away." Uh uh. Til death do us part, and there ain’t no death, because the Bride doesn't go into the Lake of Fire.

So, now we feel better, don’t we? Now, you look everybody in the eye and say, “Hallelujah, you’re a part of me, so let’s get on with the dance.” You know, because we’re marching to Zion. It’s a dance, it’s a whirlwind, it’s a beautiful thing. You show Israel to quit dancing when they quit dancing, and they lost everything. I’m talking spiritual now, not this fan-dango stuff. I’m talking in the Spiritual sense. Bro. Branham spoke of his joy, and all. It’s there, brother/sister, but I’ll tell you what it is. Looking at yourself, and denying what God said. Looking at each other and further denying what God says. It’s made a shemozzle. It's time to get back, but the Vertical and the horizontal are one. Praise God!

73. “I and My Father are one.” [Jn 10:30] And I’m part of that Bridegroom, marching New Jerusalem. Well he said, “Don’t un-Christianize anybody.” So, when they come around, and they just started it. You’re born, but you’re no dead. You haven’t heard the last of the first, and the first of the last yet. You’re just warming up. Remember these sermons, because listen, they are not only on tape, they are recorded in heaven. And you’ll face it. Yep. That’s one thing I don’t like about preaching, because if I preach wrong, I’ve got to answer. But if I preach right, you’ve got to answer. I don’t think I preached one thing wrong in this pulpit, neither is my intention wrong. Because I’m striving just like you, but I’ve taken those steps I started, and I’ll not turn back. I am one with Him, and He with me. And I with that Bride.

He promised me His glory. I’m going to be a part of It. I’m waiting, for Him to anoint what I’ve given back to Him, which He supplied me. Even as Peter cried, “Thou art the Christ.” He replied, “Thou art Peter.” And I screamed out, “I’m one with You, O God.” One day the corridors of my soul will come alive, yes, and You will be one with Me. Yep. Shall we rise?

Gracious, eternal God, how we feel Your Presence here tonight. You’re not a God that’s afar off. No sir. You’re dwelling in individual’s temples in corporately. And You’re here in our midst tonight too, so, God is in us, and with us, and over us and above us, and He’s All in all. And we’re not denying It. We’re confessing It. We don’t go by any personal experience, that we think we experienced. Though we have had an experience, a rebirth. We’re not going by feelings, we’re going by the Word tonight. We’re going by what the Word said, what the Word indicated, what the Word vindicated, what the Word manifested. We are standing on It. I am one with You, and You with us, Lord, tonight.

And we’re one with each other. We believe that, we’re marching on, O God. From now on we’re dedicated, Lord, to not create any more problems, but to be a part of the solving from now on. We’re dedicating ourselves, O God, the proper and right spirit of recognition, and humility, and honour. Preferring each other, loving each other, and considering one another. Bettering each other, Lord, tonight, Lord, we’re doing it. No more separation, no more, no more, no more. Because there’s none anyway. Father God, we know we can’t recognize two things at one time. We recognize therefore, the union, and cannot recognize therefore any dis-union. We will not do it, Lord, or we’re going to be worse then than even the Russians, who refuse to let anybody go. We will not let them go.

God, tonight when we see manifestation out here in the world, that puts us to shame. We’re not going to be put to shame anymore. We’re going to beat the world hands down, until they say, “I know God’s with them.” I know that God sent that Holy Spirit in the last time. I know that they belong to God. I know that they’re not going to die, Lord, because we’re standing on the promise. We’re standing on the promise that cannot fail. It can’t fail. You have proved It, Lord. In spite of everything, the face of powers and authorities, I stand and I proclaim as the voice of the people. We are one with You. I and my Father are one. Let the shuck fall away. Let every other nature fall away. I and my Father are one. We are one with each other, Lord. And from now on our hearts are knit together in love. No more, that union is in-dissoluble, it is a wedding not unto death, but unto Eternal Life. Life Eternal.

Bless the pastor here we pray. Bless the people, Lord God. I’m just... Lord, …I'm going to pray, I’ve got confidence to pray, Lord, that there is going to be a better spirit here, where the spirit always was good. It’s going to be better than ever, Lord, deeper, richer, fuller. Away from the shoreline. No longer where the foam and the garbage is, but out there in the deep. Cresting every wave, because the stabilizers are set. They’re going on now, Lord. Let the principalities and high places, mutter and mumble. Let all the things around begin to fall, and quicken it up. Because when You said, “When you speak from heaven that last time, it would do that.” Let it do it. We have heard from God now. We’re going on. Because the prophet’s Message settled once for all. Lord, he said, “To believe we’re a part of It.” We are today. And a part of each other.

So, Father, we give You all the glory, and all the honour. Thank You, that You’ve been so patient, and so good and kind with us. And from now on, Lord, we’re going to be by Your help, we promise ourselves to be more patient, more kind, to fulfill the Scripture, as It says. In the Name of Jesus Christ, for the glory of God. Amen.

All right, let’s sing, ‘We’re Marching to Zion’. And remember, if you’re not born again, you’ you just think you are. But we know you’re born again, so we’re marching to Zion. In other words, we’re taking steps to get where we’re going. It’s not as though we’re starting as though we hope we’ll get there. We are going there. We’re on our way. And they that declare such a thing show plainly that they seek a city. Why? Because they are a part of It. All right. Sing it.