Christ Risen Among Us Bro. Lee Vayle - April 11, 1982 Shall we pray. Heavenly Father, we’re grateful this morning that the Holy Spirit is here, You are here in the form of the Holy Spirit amongst us. And we’re grateful, because the Blood of Jesus Christ, that we can stand in Your Presence, and even more so, that You can stand in our presence, which is indeed wonderful, for the lesser is always blessed of the greater. And we would never hope to confer blessing upon You, but we know that You confer blessing upon us. And here this morning, Lord, as we try to stay in the Word, and to say those things which are true about Your great Person, and about Your great thoughts, and about Your great deeds. Above all that greatness, which we have heard of and been informed of, and know of, because It has been manifested. But we pray our understanding is correct. Teach us therefore what we need to know this morning, Lord. Grant us the ability to say and to hear, and we’ll be careful to give you the praise, in Jesus Name. Amen. You may be seated. 1. Now, this morning the message is, ‘Christ is Risen’. You could call it, ‘Christ is Risen Amongst Us,’ whatever thoughts you have as the title, that is fine. It will go along exceedingly well with Friday night. Now, I trust this morning, we’ll be able to just have a little more liberty within myself, than I’ve been having recently. This feels very strange on this trip that I haven’t been able to feel within myself that I have been getting across to you what I really want to get across. That’s not your fault, that’s mine. Whether it’s simply a …I’ve come to the place where I've slowed down, or I work only in a certain kind of media, like, some microbe got to have a special kind of milieu. I don’t know. But, I trust this morning that we will be able to set the things right by getting into the Scripture in a way that I like to get into It, and also, tonight by the help of the Lord. The Scripture reading this morning is 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. And I’ll try to be a little slow, so you’ll understand everything I say. Read my notes carefully, and then sort of go into them. And as I do, you no doubt are already becoming aware how that I am trying to parallel the teaching of Bro. Branham, how that he brought certain things to our attention. One of which was consistently that he was that end time prophet, standing on earth when that Mighty One came down from heaven. Which of course, is God manifesting Himself. 2. And then also, how he consistently brought to us, that people simply would not get what was being done by God, and what he was teaching us, as to that which had been done. That unless there is a definitive revelation, by God Himself to the individual. You could stand in the very midst of the See of the All Knowing, and All Performing God, realizing something was taking place. And not being a part of that revelation. Now, I don’t want to scare you by that, but look, I can’t preach any other way, than what I understand to be the truth. Reading then from; 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 (12) Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? (13) But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: (14) And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. (15) Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. (16) For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: (17) And if Christ be not raised, your (faith) is vain; (you) are yet in your sins. (18) Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. (19) If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 3. Now, there is three things I want to set forth here, and immediately in this First Church Age. Number one: It is very evident from these few verses that the Corinthians were appallingly ignorant about the Resurrection. You can see that’s true. Number two: They were even teaching what they actually did not have any faith in. What is it? They were preaching it. Number three: They couldn’t put together what they were saying, and drew up a wrong conclusion. Now, I expect people of your spiritual status and pilgrimage, and therefore, your astuteness and revelation to have caught what I have said already, and applied it to this hour. I wouldn’t say I was wasting my time if you didn’t understand. But I would say this, I would be forced to bring every point to your attention, and elaborate on it, which would take several hours. Let me repeat: Number one: It is very evident that from these few verses, that the Corinthians were appallingly ignorant about the First Resurrection, or about the Resurrection. And this Resurrection was in their generation of the First Church Age. It happened in their generation. Number two: They were even teaching what they actually did not have any faith in. Number three: They couldn’t put together what they were saying, and drew up a wrong conclusion. 4. We read again verse 12; (12) Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? You will notice that the doctrine of the Resurrection of Jesus from death by crucifixion, was well known amongst them. Paul was the teacher. In 1 Cor. 2:1-2. (1) And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony (or the actual factuality of the things) of God. (2) For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. It was preached by them. It was part of the doctrine of the church. Yet some said, there is no Resurrection of the dead. [1 Corinthians 15:] verse 13; (13) But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: Now, if there is no Resurrection, then Jesus has been killed, and remains dead. He is not risen. Verse 14; (14) And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is (vain also). 5. If it is preached but can’t be believed, because, He has not raised, it is ridiculous to preach It. It is useless to preach It, for it is a dead precept. Do you get what I telling about? People love to mouth off. They love to mouth off, especially in the church. Have I caught some of you dead flat this morning? You talk straight out of your lips, but in your heart…I won’t finish that. You know by now. Most of you here aren’t babies. Verse 15; (15) Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. Not only so but we’re liars, and have compromised God for saying, how that Christ rose from the dead. God being the One that raised Him. But if the dead rise not, they do not rise, then God could not have done it. (16) For if the dead rise not, then is (Christ not) raised: If the dead do not rise then Christ is not risen. (17) And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; (you're) yet in your sins. If Christ isn’t risen, and our preaching is a lie, it is all useless we are still sinners. (18) Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. (19) If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. No one has any hope, life is useless, and is only a constant source of misery. So, who needs it? 6. Now, I’m not trying to tell you, that this was the cross section, representation of the entire people. I’m simply letting you know the conditions that obtained at that time, for in that church there were believers, make believers and unbelievers. And you’ve got the same thing today. Now, we want to get this straight. It is not only possible, but proven right, here by Scripture, that a doctrine can be preached, and of the same time be both misunderstood and denied, as to its application to the believers, where that doctrine was being preached. Now, that was found in these verses 12-19, I want to repeat. It is not only possible, but proven right here by these Scriptures, that a doctrine can be preached, and at the same time be both misunderstood, and denied, make believers, unbelievers, as to its application to the believers, where that doctrine is being preached. Now, it won’t be down the road, it’ll be right in the church, where the doctrine has once been correctly set forth. And taken by people on the grounds of their misunderstanding, which is usually an interpretation through the so-called authoritative voice of those who run the outfit. Denominational teachers, presidents, popes and what-have-you. As it was with the Sanhedrin, exercising their authority through the Sadducees and the Pharisees, and what not. Because the Sadducees denied a Resurrection, and the Pharisees believed in It. 7. And you’ve got the same hangover right here, in a Gentile church, which in not composed of people of a background of so-called Judaism, or the Mosaic law. Paul came preaching the Resurrection. And some said, “Amen, Hallelujah,” entered right in. And some said, “That’s a lot of hogwash.” And the others believed it in a manner of a perversion. Believers, make believers, unbelievers. Now, the very…Word of God is voided as to the truth of its doctrine, and God backing that doctrine. When the church per se, or individuals, turn to tradition or a cleaner dogma, or that which purports to interpret, but is not the interpretation of God Himself. Now, this is not strange, in the light of the first coming of Messiah. If you want another example, which we will take. Messiah coming, was a pertinent well verbalized doctrine. It was preached for hundreds of years. As Bro. Branham, I know, correctly said, “Concerning a virgin to bring forth a child. This was to be a natural human born individual. In a certain tribe, which was the tribe of Judah, and no doubt every father, when that little child, baby girl was born into their family, could well say, …now listen… let’s be very careful, because this one could be the mother of that Great One, which is coming.” 8. And Bro. Branham said … well you know using the vernacular of his hour, which was the same as mine… “Went out to buy the bird’s eye and the booties.” Bird’s eye of course is a fluffy kind of absorbent cloth, with not too tight a weave, which was excellent to take care of little babies, when they soiled themselves. You have these Pampers and things, you simply throw away. You’ve got it sweet. You don’t even know you’re living, yet you’re belly aching. Had to throw that in, bless God, because some of you need it. The squeeze isn’t even down. What are you going to do when hard times come? My wife and I took a little bit of cloth in there, (you know) where the soil would come, and save the bird’s eye, and wash them, and wash them, and she’d didn’t have…she was too weak, I’d wash them for her. So, we know a little bit about life, and I’ll tell you what, these men all said, that my daughter could be the mother. I wouldn’t be surprised that a lot of fathers said, “Hey, I could even be the father of that boy that’s coming.” (See?) Now, that doctrine was well presented, and verbalized. It was with them constantly, that Messiah was coming. But when the time came for Messiah’s advent, and It was manifested right before them, It was still misunderstood in spite of the evidence, and the actual event was denied, and Israel lost their hour of visitation. 9. Now, the doctrine of the coming, was correct. The understanding for the correct interpretation was missing. Yet, there came an hour, when the correct interpretation was set before Israel, and the event itself, took place. And here stood the Messiah, and they said, “Who is this nut, anyway?” There were those that thoroughly misunderstood. There were those that thoroughly turned It down. There were those that thoroughly accepted It. And there were those who hung around, wondering, and then after hanging on awhile deserted Him entirely and said, “Forget it.” Now see, this Scripture, runs in continuity. Now, don’t think that the Resurrection was not authenticated to those…First Church Age, Corinthians. Paul himself, saying in those verses previous, to what I read, [1 Corinthians 15] beginning in verse 1. (1) Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also (you) have received, and wherein (you) stand; (2) By which also (you) are saved, if (you) keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless (you've) believed in vain. Notice the place the mind plays in receiving, believing, and retaining, as pertaining to Eternal Life. I know that Mary Baker Eddy, used of the devil, dealt almost a complete death blow to the understanding of faith, when she said, that God is universal mind, and began to substitute a faith, a mind power, based almost facetiously, (at least loosely) upon the Word of God. Then Pentecost came with the goose-pimples, and its funny feelings. And the majority, then placed faith in a feeling which is not so. It’s in the mind. It starts in the mind. But then, the mind is illuminated by the Holy Ghost, and the precept becomes a living dynamism within a person, because of that Life, which is in the Word released, in you. Paul speaking here then, said, “ If you remember, you keep in mind.” (3) For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; (4) … that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (5) And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: (6) After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. (7) After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. (8) And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. (9) For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10. Now, also we notice in 1 Corinthians, which I read over here in a couple of verses. that's 1 Corinthians 2:4-5. (4) And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and … power: (5) That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. The norm of the apostolic age, was the witness of God Himself, through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 11. We can see this over in the… starting in the Book of Matthew 28:18-20. (18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: (for), lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. … Now, here is His own promise, of remaining with the apostles through the mighty baptism with the Holy Ghost. 12. Now, let’s just see what happens. Further in Mark 16:14-20 . (14) Afterward he appeared (was thoroughly manifested, as to who He was. Proving that He was that One that died and is now risen.) unto the eleven as they sat at meat, (you see, there's not twelve there, there was only eleven. Paul wasn't there.) and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. (15) And he said unto them, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that (believes) not shall be (condemned). (17) …these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name …(they’ll) cast out devils; speak with new tongues; (18) …take up serpents; if they drink deadly thing, it (won't) hurt them; lay hands on the sick, and (they’ll) recover. (19) So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. (20) And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, confirming the word with signs following. … 13. Jumping over to Acts 3:13-15. (13) The God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom (you've) delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. (14) But (you) denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; (15) And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. Also, the chapter 4 of the Book of Acts. We won’t read the whole thing in there, but the first twenty-two verses could be read concerning a great and mighty miracle, which was done, that bespoke the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. 14. Over in Hebrews 2:1-4 which we can take time to read, because that won’t take too great a time. (1) Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. (2) For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; (3) How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (4) God also bearing them witness, (How?) with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his … will? Now, God majestically bore witness to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, to an imparted power ministry, wherein these apostles were able to do collectively, many things in their flesh by the power of the Holy Ghost. With Jesus, the Holy Spirit had done when He was here in His flesh, proving it was the same Life in Jesus, that was in them. 15. Now, there was also the personal testimony of the manifestation of the Resurrection in the lives of men and women. In Romans 6: we read some of this: (1) What shall we say…? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? (2) God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (3) Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should (also) walk in newness of life. Now, what was it that gave Jesus that Life? It was the Holy Spirit, Himself. What gives us our life? The Holy Spirit, Himself. This is baptism into Christ, not water. (5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (7) For he that is dead is freed from sin. (8) Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (9) Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no… dominion over him. (10) For in that he died, he died (once)unto sin: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. (11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (With that, 20-23) (20) For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. (21) What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. (22) But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, (you) have your fruit unto holiness, and the end (unto) everlasting life. (23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 16. Over, also in 1 Corinthians 6: reading a few verses, 9-11. (9) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (10) Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (11) And such were some of you: (isn’t anybody here, that doesn’t fit one of those categories, this morning) And such were some of you: (All of us placed ourselves, somewhere in that list) but (you) are washed, (you) are sanctified, (you) were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of (Almighty) God. Though sin does not have dominion. The evidence of the Resurrection, is a personal testimony in the individual, that by grace he has been changed. 17. Over in 1 John 5:18-20, the same understanding. (18) (But) we know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. (19) And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. (20) And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and (life eternal.) All this is based upon the Resurrection, and there was ample evidence in the First Church Age, on every hand. That the Resurrection was a living dynamic force, loosed upon the people. In other words, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, had now come back in order to raise people from their separation and death in sin, so that they could be one with Almighty God. Not bringing in this life a perfection, but a guaranteeing of a future perfection in the flesh, from the Resurrection of the dead. Now, with these Scriptures are the evidence, that the Resurrection of Jesus was attested to and proven. 18. Let’s just view some very pertinent words from truth on this subject. And we go back to Acts 3, beginning at verse 12. This is the mighty miracle done at the Gate Beautiful, on the impotent man, who was such from birth. (12) And when Peter saw (the people wondering) … he (said,) (You) men of Israel, why marvel (you) at this? or why look so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? Now, you'll notice, that Jesus Himself had done miracles. Jesus Himself, had spoken of His death and Resurrection. Jesus Himself had spoken of that which was to follow His Resurrection, from the Holy Spirit poured out. These people were not unaware. As Paul said to King Agrippa, “This was not done in a corner.” What happened, was that men stepped in with leadership, and blind leaders of the blind, put them all in the ditch. Now, I want to tell you something: Many people don’t understand the power of leadership. And they’ve got their hip-hurrah, and their man vote for any man that can titillate their ears, and make them think they can have something for nothing. 19. But, let me tell you flat, that’s what hit America. And everybody in America, wants something for nothing. But when it comes to your pocketbook, you want something for something. You might even be a child of a fourth generation on relief, and care less about this country going down to the dogs. Right. Leadership. That’s why Reagan isn’t going to get to first base, because nobody wants to tighten his belt. This country is finished. Something for nothing. The only person that ever give you something for nothing, was Almighty God. And He got the dirty end of the stick, because He gave His Blood for our sins, He gave His Life to make us righteous. He gives His all to take us out of the dung heap, and make us princes with Him. The other side have not preached politics, but show you something here, man is so perverse all the way down the line. But suddenly when he gets to religion, he thinks maybe just kissing the pope’s ring, or making some little testimony here and there. He’s got it. Hogwash, they’re blinded by their leaders. You’ve got blind leadership right today. Paul said, “This thing was not done in a corner.” [Acts 26:25b] And it wasn’t done in a corner. They went throughout the length and breadth of the land, and they had messengers in those days, that though it might take months and years to spread the Word. It did as Marco Polo went across to China and finally came back, and brought his macaroni and noodles and all the rest. You’d think the Italians invented, you're wrong the Chinese did. Brought back silk and a culture. 20. It might have taken years to do it. But it did it. So, this thing was not done in a corner. Many people right today, haven’t the least idea how the Gospel got to Africa. And there’s a big fight between the white and the blacks, let me tell you flat. Before the First Century ended, there was fifty-four wonderful Coptic Churches in Africa. And let me tell you why the Christians died in Africa. It wasn’t because the Mohammedans came in and killed people. It wasn’t as the history books try to tell us. We’re a bunch of dopes for asinine history. It has no truth, more no truth than nothing. But they went in there, and the Mohammedans built their communities, and they ostracized the Christians, and the Christians couldn’t take the squeeze, and they died. But, not simply from the death of Mohammedans. That came in another day. This wasn’t done in a corner. Some people got an idea when God does things, some little thing behind a hidden door, or in some vault [bomb shelter] was made to try and save the people in the atomic war, was done in public. (See?) 21. All right. Speaking here; [Acts 3:] (13) The God of (our fathers), said: you killed Him, and God, raised Him) up, (why he said, Pilate was determined to let him go. (And you put the pressure on him.) (15) (You) killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. (16) And his name through faith (and) his name (has) made this man strong, whom (you) see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. (17) And now, brethren, I (know) that through ignorance (you) did it, as (well as) did your rulers. (18) But those things, which God before had (showed) by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. And (I'll) tell you what these people did. They took one part of the Bible, and threw the rest of it away. And said, “We stand with this.” Well, what about this? “Oh, that’s something else entirely. Forget it.” It’s not. It runs hand in hand. When God sent Israel up in two groups of men, of the twelve sons of Jacob, there were six upon Mount Ebal, there were six upon Mount Gerazim, and from one mountain cried the curses, and one mountain cried the blessings. And they run hand in hand. The parallelism of Scripture, and you simply can’t take one and deny the other. But they tried to do it here. And they thought they got away with it, but they didn’t. 22. Now he said, (19) Repent (you) therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,… (Period. Then he says;) when the times of refreshing shall come from the Lord. (That’s God Himself.) (20) (Even God) shall send Jesus Christ, which before was (appointed) unto you: And you killed Him. This One, that had the witness of God, amongst you. This One that’s still got the witness of Almighty God, still going on. This one that is raised from the dead, God, Holy Spirit, is going to send Him back at a certain time. But He said, “Hold it.” He still can’t come back… (21) …until the…(restoration) of all things, which God has spoken by the mouths of all His holy prophets, since the world began. (22) For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him (you’re going to) hear in all things whatsoever he shall say (to) you. (23) … (it'll) come to pass, that every soul, (that) will not hear that prophet, shall be (annihilated. The word isn’t just ‘destroyed’, it is utterly destroyed. An absolute annihilation of cosmos)…from among the people. (24) Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. (25) (You) are the children of the prophets… 23. I want to tell you something. If anyone should be able to understand the Father, the kids should. But isn’t it strange, the kids are the … last ones to even begin to understand what dad’s do. Let that sink in. I’m just bringing her right down to the human example. (25) (Little) …children the prophets, and of the covenant which and of God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. (26) Unto you first God, having raised up his Son … sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. Now, we’re in that particular period, and our attention is drawn to verse 26 again. (26) Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from (your) iniquities 24. Now, you be very careful here, we do not misuse those words, "God, having raised up his Son," unto you first, to interpret them to mean; John 1:10-11. (10) He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. (11) He came unto his own, and his own received him not. Now, the average student, the average person will positively take those words, God having raised up His Son, and place Him erroneously in a category where He doesn’t belong. Or and one of the categories is, His birth when He was raised up a child in Israel. And so, (10) He was in the world, and the world was made by him, the world knew him not. (11) He came (to) his own, and his own (did not) receive him. But in no way is that correct. That first coming, in the flesh of Isaiah 9:6, (6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given …the government be upon his shoulder(s)… and so on. 25. And also of Luke 1:34-35. (34) (…the angel (said unto her,) How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? (Mary said to the angel,) (35) …the angel answered…The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, the power of the Highest shall overshadow…therefore also that holy thing born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And also, over in John 1:14 (14) …the Word (became) flesh, and dwelt among us, … This is absolutely not what is referred to in Acts 3:36. For the words ‘raised up’ are the very root words that are interpreted, ‘Resurrection’. So, He’s not speaking of the birth. See, many people just want to categorize everything very simply to their own taste and their carnal reasoning, foisted upon them by their teacher. And they say, “Well, you see, Israel didn’t understand Jesus coming on the flesh the first time.” And God raised up their Messiah amongst them, and then they killed Him. And now, He’s going to bring Him back in flesh again and raise Him up of His existence here upon earth, in human flesh. You can’t do it. Because the very word, ‘raised up’ has nothing to do with rearing and breeding. It has to do with that word concerning a literal Resurrection, where God reaches down, and picks a man up from death. Picks up that body. Picks up that one, and raises him. 26. Now, those very root words then refer to the Resurrection. As we see in; Acts 2:22-24. (22) (You men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as (you) yourselves also know: (23) Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, (you) have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: (24) Whom God hath raised up, That’s that same Word. (See?) God has raised Him up. (24) … having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. And in verse 32. (32) This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we … are witnesses. 27. So now, you can perhaps see what I’m driving at in [Acts] 3: where It says in here; (26) Unto you first God, having raised up his Son … sent him to bless you… (Unto to you first…) And notice the emphasis is always on the word ‘first’. There is no Word in this Bible, that’s devoid of meaning. There is no word that does not have its proper impact. "Unto you first, God resurrected and raised up his Son Jesus." And what was that Resurrection all about? Well, let’s get the liberal translation here, to help us understand verse 26. And by ‘liberal’, I mean a literalized translation. God resurrected Him, and sent Him on a mission, to confer benefits upon you and turning each one of you from your pernicious sins. Reading again. God resurrected Him, and sent Him on a mission, to confer benefits on you, and turning each one of you from your pernicious sins. 28. All right. When God raised up Jesus the man, what mission did He send Him on? We go to the Book of Hebrews 5: we’ll find out. Because the Bible has the answers. This will come as a two-fold, but we’ll want to hit this part first. (1) For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices … (2) Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. (3) And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. (4) And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. (5) So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee. (now, that’s from the dead) (6) As he (also said) in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. (7) Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; (8) Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; (9) And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (10) Called… (or saluted, not called. That calling was there before, this was the hour when the voice screams out ‘Melchisedec’, the understanding of that, which is now in effect) Called of God a high priest after the order of Melchisedec. 29. Now, you will notice in here, that He was raised up according to Acts 2:22-24. Let’s go back, you’ll notice I keep going back and forth. Because I want us to all keep…learn these Scriptures, almost by heart. (22) (You) men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as (you) yourselves also know: (23) Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, (you) have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: (24) Whom God … raised up… Now, God raised Him up. It says so. It says over here in Hebrews, He was raised up to be the great high priest. 30. Okay. Let’s go back now to Revelation 1:4-5. (4) (Unto) the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; (5) And from Jesus Christ …(now notice, Jesus is not taught to be that what’s in the fourth verse. He is additionally there.) who is the faithful witness, (who was) the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 31. Okay, let’s go to Revelation 5:8-10. (8) And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and (the) four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. (9) And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, nation; (10) And (Thou) hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we (will) reign on the earth. Now listen, you see what God raised Him up to? And you see the mission that God applied to Him. Now, we’re looking at this very carefully. Because when you’re dealing with this, you simply cannot bypass with this the understanding of the incarnation. Though at this time God is not incarnated in Him. Because of His works, meritorious as to what He has done, all power in heaven and earth, absolutely is shared by Him, as though He alone were Godhead in simplicity. But He is not Godhead in simplicity, or implicitly. He’s the Son of God. And He’s called a man. He’s called a High Priest, and He’s got a service to do. (Huh?) I won’t say anything there. I could sort of stagger you right there. Some words that Bro. Branham said. 32. Now listen, God raised up Jesus to Israel, and He was the Redeemer, and He is the Redeemer. Now, that’s what Peter said in Acts 3:13-19 which we read about. And his conclusion was, "repent you therefore." Then notice, what he says, after that. Now, I know students will disagree with me. I know scholars will disagree absolutely. But I’ll tell you, I’ll stand here and I’m waiting for that day when God will vindicate me by taking me out of this world, standing here in immortality. And those that fight and fuss with this revelation, will stand here, licking their chops. They’ll say, “Wasn’t such and such a thing to happen?” It’s already happened. But they weren’t aware of it. I’m not here to judge anybody. But I want you to know I believe certain things, and I will stand with them. And I am standing with them. And this what I’m preaching, is the rule how people go. "Few there be that find it. Narrow is the way that leadeth unto that eternal realm." [Mt 7:14] "Wide is the road and the gate that leads to destruction." [Mt 7:13] "Blind leaders of the blind falling in the ditch." [Mt 15:14] The whole world gone after the beast. 33. All right, we’re looking at it. [Acts 3:19], and he said, now listen, (19) Repent… therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, (and then He speaks of a future era) when times of refreshing shall come from the presence of (God). (20) (Even God) shall send Jesus Christ, which (is appointed) unto you: (But you killed Him.) And God raised Him, and He’s going to send that same One back again. But He said, “Hold it.” I'm going to tell you something, “Don’t get too excited when that great big revival comes on, that great big healing revival sweeps the world.” And a visitation from God strikes the entire universe. He said, “Don’t get too excited, there’s something far more exciting.” And that’s restoration! 34. Now, listen to what He says about the restoration. (21) Whom the heaven must (retain) until the … restoration of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy (angels) since the world began. 22. And you say, “Hallelujah, glory to God.” That’s the big thing that’s going to come. That’s the big thing that’s going to turn the world. That’s the great thing that’s going to do the work. You just better keep silent, until you read the rest of It. Now listen, he said; (22) For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him (you will) hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. (23) And (it'll) come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. (24) Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after… Now Samuel’s ministry is thrown in there; Jesus ministry is thrown in there; Moses ministry is thrown in there; Samuel's ministry is thrown in there and there’s not one prophet that hasn’t got something to say about It. You do what you want. I’m telling you what It says. (24) as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. What days? The days that Peter spoke of, that hasn't happened as those days yet to come. And the emphasis is on these days that were yet to come, because I’ve maintained they’ve already come. You say, “Why, they’ve got to come to somebody?” Well, me saying they come to us, doesn't make it that way. You’ve got to have the earmarks. But we won’t go into that at this particular time. Now, you were the children of the prophet, and the covenant that God our Father, saying unto Abraham, “And in thy seed, shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.” [Acts 3:25b] 23. Now notice, right in there, the Gentiles were not thrown into the first. Jesus was not born into the Gentiles. He came from the tribe of Judah. He came according to election. The Bible says Jesus was in the election. And you try to tell me, that you can bypass the election and number for seed. You better read your Bibles again, and get right with the doctrine. Begin to understand God, as God is revealed in His Word. "And in thy seed, shall all kindred." But unto you first. He was raised up to them first. And you well know It doesn’t simply say He was raised up unto you. It said He was raised up to them first. Then if there’s a first, there’s got to be at least a second. I'll go to your room…you go to a restaurant, and you read the menu and the waitress will go first, serve you soup. Now, you’ve got a pretty good idea, that you’re going to get something else. So, the waitress brings soup, and you sit there another hour and you say, “Well, you were going to serve me soup first.” "Well I made a mistake, that’s all you’re only going to get. You say, "Now, hold it." First does not say,) and we’re talking about food) I’m going to get soup first, then I’m going to get the shaft. I want more food. Because if they put on the menu, you get soup first, and then you get that before the shaft, come on, God doesn’t do that. You may do that, but God doesn’t. I say it, and I say it again. Don’t try to make God a fool, because you’re a nut. I don’t want to hurt your feelings. I don’t mean to. But you see, when I talk to you that way, I’ve already talked to myself that way. And I’ve talked to myself hours that way, where you just get a little dose, when I sling it across the pulpit here. I get hours and hours. And I sit there and I know that I made God every kind of a fool. Made Him a liar, spit in His face. If it weren’t for the Blood, I’d been gone a long time ago. But because people say nice things, and act in a fairly nice manner, they think they can blaspheme the Word and it's okay, but brother/sister, get this flat: You can’t. God has not been left. God has not been left to the jurisdiction, or the disposition of man, which one day judgement will prove. And neither have you and I. Because He won’t lose one Seed. 24. All right. Two sets of days. We saw that. Now watch carefully: [Acts 3:] 22-23. (22) For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him (you'll) hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. (23) And (it'll) come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, … Now, remember they came to him and said, “Are you Messiah, are you that prophet?” They understood ministry. Now, It says; (23) … shall be destroyed from among the people. Now listen to me. And let’s understand this in verse 19a. (19) Repent (you) therefore, and (turn from you sins) that they may be converted, that your sins may be blotted out… He said in one place, and in another place, He said, (23) …(He that doesn’t) hear that prophet, shall be (utterly) destroyed from among the people. And in the third place He says here, God sent him, raised him up. Sent him on a mission. And turning every one of you, from his iniquities. 25. Now, what I’m driving at is this, and watch carefully. In one place he says, concerning him, He will turn you from sin, and save you. In the next place He said, “He’ll kill you.” Do you follow me? One place raised up to save you. The next place, raised up to destroy. We’re talking of annihilation of cosmos at the end time. Because this Scripture here concerning Him coming as Revelation 19: when He comes with His Bride upon white horses. With the flame of fire out of His mouth to destroy, and He destroys every single thing, that is not marked with the Holy Ghost. And there’s nothing left that’s not marked with the Holy Ghost. Do you get what I’m saying this morning? Are you really getting it? Don’t just sit there, I’m not talking about sweet little girls that married some nice man in this Message. And you liked him, and he loved you and you got married, and you just drift along with him. That’s nice, but, that won’t count in the judgement. You’ve got to be born again. We’re not talking to nice little boys and girls this morning that are second generation. And you think because mammy and pappy believe this thing, you know absolutely had a vindicated prophet right one hundred percent with the Word as I've been showing you Wednesday and Friday, ear-marked all the way down the line. When it’s ear-marked in Scripture, listen, don’t be a fool. I was born in Canada. I never saw a red bird; a cardinal. But I read about it, and I saw the picture. The first time I saw a cardinal, I knew it was a cardinal. 26. “Oh, ye hypocrites”, said Jesus, “You read the sign of the skies out there.” Red at night, what it means a very nice day. Red in the morning means there’s going to be trouble. You can’t begin to understand Scripture though. The smug complacency here, what I’m saying on this Scripture, in one place, he tells them, God turned them from their sins. That prophet, the next time he appears, there is judgment. You say, “Well Bro. Vayle, just a minute, that has to do with the fact that (you see,) He’s coming back on that white horse.” A prophet come back on a white horse prophesying, you’re …?.... A prophet comes amongst the people to bring the Word of God, and reveal It. Hope your sensibilities aren’t too shocked because I scream. One day you’ll hear a Voice that’ll shake the heavens, and would to God, you heard a still small voice somewhere, telling you the truth. I’m not a nice preacher. I never intended to be, I never will be. The Word of God isn’t too nice. The two-edged sword. He said, he raised him up to turn you from his iniquities. It has to do with Resurrection. The next time He raises Him, and it’s the very same Word, He’ll do just like Moses. 27. Let’s see the pattern of Moses. Are you still with me? That’s nice of you. I’m rolling this morning, I feel good, two nights I didn’t, this morning I feel good. Are you saying, “Vayle, you mean the meaner you get, the better you feel?” No way. No, I’m not mean this morning, I only preach this way in order to get a thing across to keep you entirely roused every minute I’m speaking. You’re not going to go to sleep on me, as far as I’m concerned. Moses; Hebrews 3: (1) Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, (or confession, Jesus Christ); (2) Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was (appointed, and) faithful… (3) For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he that builded the house (had) more honour than the house. (4) For every house is builded by some man; (and) he that built all things is God. (Now listen, they’re building a house.) (5) And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; Moses was a type. And he was doing something that was look down the road concerning Christ building a house. Oh, if that’s not what It says, what does It say? (6) But Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are, if we hold back the confidence and rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. That's the same thing that Paul said to the Corinthian church.) (7) Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost (says), Today if (you) will hear his voice, (8) Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: (9) When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. (10) Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. Hold your finger there. Ecclesiastes 3:14, (14) I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. (15) That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. It tells you, God has a way of doing things. And if you ever learn that way, and you’d better learn that way. Or you’ll make a mistake, and you’ll miss it. 28. [Hebrews 3:] (11) So, I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) (12) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. (13) But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. (14) For we are made (fellow members) of Christ, if we hold (fast) the beginning of our confidence…unto the end; (or companions, that word is.) (15) While it is said, Today if (you) will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. (16) For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. (17) But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness? (18) And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? (19) So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. 29. Let’s keep reading. [Hebrews 4:] (1) Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should (believe that you have) come (at too late a date.) Like over there in Corinthians. Some said the Resurrection's over, some said there’s no Resurrection. People in this Message are saying, “Well, it’s too late.” What makes you think it’s too late? Who gave you the Voice of God? It says right here, at this time of typing of Christ and Moses, because that’s what this is all about, because Moses is not a high priest. It’s leadership, into the place where God wants His people. That’s the type. Moses never offered blood. Aaron offered blood. Don’t get your types all messed up. I could, I’m not a typist but I could read my Bible. (2) For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard… (3) For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. God never got that seventh day. Now, we’re not talking about the baptism with the Holy Ghost here, you can if you want, but, we’re not. (4) For he (spoke) in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. (5) And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. (6) Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: (7) Again, he (limits) a certain day, …in David, today, after so long a time; as it is said, Today if (you) will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (8) For if (Joshua, that's not Jesus the Christ. If Joshua could) had given them rest, then he would not afterward have spoken of another day. Now, the land that they were going into for their rest, was to be a land, completely dominated by God. That will never happen until the Millennium. So, you're talking about the Millennium. (9) There (then) remaineth a rest to the people of God. (10) For he that is entered into his rest, he also (has) ceased from his own works, as God did from his. (11) Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (12) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13) Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: (So, that’s the Word of God you’re talking about, is God Himself is here) … but all things are naked and opened unto the eye of him with whom we have to do. 30. All right. Now, we go to Hebrews 10:11-39. (11) And every priest standeth daily ministering offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: (12) But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; (13) From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. All right. Now, you’ve got a place coming up, where this High Priest, also type of Moses, He's waiting to take over what was promised him. And subdue every enemy must be brought under. That starts in the Millennium when death is swallowed in victory, and He is reigning and ruling amongst the glorified people in the First Resurrection, the entire Bride of the whole Bible. (See? We’ll tell you when this starts over in Corinthians later on.) (14) For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. (15) Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 31. In other words, if you’re part of this, you’re baptized with the Holy Ghost, if the Blood of Jesus Christ had been applied. If He is your High Priest there is only one evidence, and that is to be full of the Holy Ghost, or you don’t have it. The evidence you have, is to believe the Word. Because It says so right here, if you didn’t believe. (16) This is the covenant that (I'll) make with them after those days, saith the Lord, (I'll) put my laws into their hearts, (write them in their minds.) (17) …their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (18) Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. (19) Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, (20) By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (21) And having an high priest over the house of God; (22) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (23) (We’ll) hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) (24) And let us consider one another to provoke (that’s to incite) unto (acts of) love and to good works: (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as (you) (you) see the day (approach. Now, this is about the approaching day.) (26) For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remainseth no more sacrifice for sins, It tells you right there, there’s going to come a time that the sacrifice is no longer efficacious. And there’s coming a time, (27) (When…only a fearful) looking for judgment and indignation, (that will) devour the adversaries. 32. Now notice. (28) He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: (29) Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (30) For we know him that hath said, Vengeance (belongs) unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. You get what I’m saying here? (31) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (32) But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye (you) were illuminated, (you) endured a great fight of afflictions; (33) Partly, whilst (you) were made a gazing stock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst (you) became companions of them that were so used. (34) For (you) had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that (you) have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. (35) Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. (36) For you) have need of patience, that, after (you've) done the will of God, (you) might receive the promise. (37) For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. This has to precede the literal coming of Jesus. And will be at that time of restoration. Do you see it? Look brother/sister, there is no way you can take an understanding of the fact, that Jesus will one day, return to earth. And there are certain evidences and signs concerning it, and pick out what you want, and say…well… you know. Who do we think we are to take part and leave the rest. This is part of It. Do you follow what I’m saying? 33. Listen, (37) For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and (shall) not tarry. (38) Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (39) But we are not of them who draw back unto (chaos, and loss and) perdition; but (unto) them (which) believe to the (salvation) of the soul. Now, this is the original type back two thousand years before Jesus’ death and Resurrection. Did you hear what I said? I brought out two types. I brought out the Aaronic priesthood, which signified that Jesus would be a Priest, but not after that order. Because He was born in Judaea, and took on Him a Priesthood absolutely the same as Aaron's, but a million times greater, as Melchezidec. But when you look at that, you are prone to forget there is another type. That’s Moses. Then you forget to believe and see exactly what Moses was doing, so that Jesus would complete the type. 34. Let’s go back to Acts 3: now It says; (19) … when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. That means anything visible to the eye from God. Jesus Himself said in John 15:24 (24) If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. Now, those works were indicating the fact that only God could do those works. Proved absolutely, they saw God when they saw those works. Now, the prophet indicated, a great healing revival sweeps the world, … but hold it… that’s not the answer. That only indicates He’s coming back in the flesh. But something else is arising. And that is a restoration. 35. Now notice, [Acts 3:] (22) For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him (you'll) hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. (23) …(it'll) come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. That’s Moses’ ministry. In the day of the great deliverance, God said, “I’m going to come down, and I’m going to take him into the Promised Land. I’m going to set up My Kingdom over them. I’m going to give them a prophet and a Pillar of Fire, and I will be there. I will lead them. I will give them rest, I will destroy all from amongst them. And they will rest there in the inhabitation I have given them unto My hand. They'll be the flock of My hand. The people of My pasture.” God’s great pasture. And Moses came with a message. Moses came with that Word. But, did they hear Moses at that hour? They did not hear Moses at that hour, and they all died, that turned their back on that message, and that’s the type that’s here. God raised up Jesus Christ again. And this time, at the end-time, it is unto destruction for those who don’t hear. That buffalos you, I’m sorry. Don’t be buffaloed, just let your own thinking go. It isn’t worth a plug nickel anyway. 36. Listen to me. [Malachi 3:1-2] (1) Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple even the messenger of the covenant, whom (you) delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. (2) But who may abide the day of his coming? … In the first, little tiny portion, It says; ‘I will send my messenger, before Me, and he will prepare the way’. John the Baptist. Then It distinctly switches to the next thought; ‘the Lord will come suddenly, and who shall abide it?’ 37. Okay. [Malachi] chapter 4. (1) … behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: (then that) day … (that) cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, (it'll) leave them neither root nor branch. (2) But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings… (5) Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: (6) And (he'll) turn the heart of the fathers to the children… It tells you right there, I am coming, and will be there with a prophet, and I won't smite. But the next I come, I won’t come with a prophet. And I will smite. Now, It says right here at the end-time, Jesus the Christ, that was the Redeemer, is to manifest at the end-time, as a prophet like unto Moses. Who brings the Word of deliverance, to the people. Those that turn it down die, and those that take It live. You do what you want with your understanding, I've told you what the understanding is here. Don’t let your minds be mixed up, because you can’t figure out Aaron, and Melchezidec from Moses. He’s talking about building a house. Both were trying to build a house, and Moses got nowhere. 38. Jesus is building a house, as the great High Priest, everyone given Him. At the end-time, It distinctly says, ‘In the last day, God is going to raise up this same One.’ Raise him up, means 'to bring Him literally forth, as in a resurrection'. In the power of the Resurrection, send him amongst us. And he’s got to come with a message, because, that’s exactly what Moses came with. As Moses came with the signs and wonders vindicating who he was. And in turn, vindicating the God who sent him, or proving that God sent him. The same thing happens at the end-time, because restoration belongs to Elijah. Then who is here, when God is here in the Holy Spirit, ready to lead the people out? None other but Elijah. Crisscross your Scripture back and forth, you can only come to one conclusion. Now, concerning Moses, him being the type, it was, hear him, and come out and live. Don’t hear him, and die. In Revelation 18:4, It says: (4) … Come out of her, my people, (lest you be) partakers of her sins, (you can see the type) … 39. All right. We’re still in, Acts 3:26. (26) Unto you first God, having raised up (a) Son (His Son) Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities All right. We saw God raise up Jesus to the Jew first. It does not say that God raised Him up, period. It’s first, that makes Him therefore a raising as we already noted. Now, we see that second raising, in Acts 3: 20-23, positively designating that it will come God Himself, at the end-time being His Own Prophet. Because, that’s exactly what He is. He was scarcely a Prophet there back when He was born in the flesh. He was not actually called that though He did prophesy. He was called the Lamb of God, the sacrifice. 40. Now, we’re going to go to Hebrews 12: And I can’t read a lot of it as I’d like to, because It would give me a better setting, but I’m working this as fast as I can to get us out of here, because I don’t want to keep you too long. Chapter 12, and It says here, concerning that same Moses, the same typing is going on. Verse 25, (25) See that (you) refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: (26) Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, … Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but heaven. Now, He's still typing with Moses. (27) And this word, Yet once more, (signifies) the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Well, now, look it, If you're going to shake every single thing down, that’s made from something, you’re going to have to deal exclusively then, with that which cannot be shaken, which was always eternal. Now, you tell me who was always eternal outside of Jesus Christ and the Bride.? They’re the only ones that are going to escape. Doesn’t matter about anybody else said, it’s just what the Word said. 40. Now listen: (28) Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, … 36. What kingdom can’t be moved? The Kingdom of God, in the glorified state, can’t be moved. You say, “Bro. Vayle, what at the end of the Millennium, when they renovate the earth?” Well, has anything happened to you? No, certainly not. Just brings you back to a better place. Jesus stood there and He said, “The kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” He was the Kingdom. Does that just any less or anymore? No way. You don’t have to have a throne to sit on. Who needs thrones? Oh, they can be there, but that means nothing. What about that fellow a Church of God fellow, down in … (what is it, Tennessee… Cleveland? One day he decided he was the king of the earth, or something as a real vicar of Christ with some screwy idea. So he went down to Mason’s, and rented their chair, and he sat there and had two pretty girls crown him. I guess he’s dead by now, the worms got him long ago. That ain’t got nothing to do with it, that’s stupid. God’s people aren’t a bunch of wax head, dough heads. God’s people have dignity, sobriety, honor. They don’t have some kooky idea. They have the Word of God. It tells you right here. We’re not going to get moved. No, when this great prophet, and God is His Own Prophet, is raised up amongst us, at the last time, the same as Moses, bringing the Word in order to take us in. Those people will not turn from that Word. No way, because they know that this is the hour of receiving that Kingdom. Listen: (28) Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: (29) For our God is a consuming fire. The One that’s here right now. The One in mercy and grace. The One’s that’s come with peace, and in Him toward you and me. Just as soon as this mission is over, …turns to a consuming fire. The wrath begins to fall. All right now, It says here in the Scripture, ‘utter destruction’. And it is. Utter destruction is cosmos completely annihilated. And that is in a total of three and one half years, with one last great Day of the Lord. 37. All right. This looks like the entire judgment as God raises Christ, at the end of time. But hold it, notice, in Acts 3:25. (25) (Little) children of the prophets, of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Now, there’s a promise at that time, of the blessing of God. Which I read to you in Malachi, and showed you how it is at that particular area. 38. Again, we go to Ephesians 1: which I read to you. And preached sermons to you on It. And perhaps you've got the tapes of others you haven’t heard me preach. Where It says here, in verse 17. (17) That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (18) (…through the enlightenment of the) understanding (of your heart); that (you) may know the hope of his calling, the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (19) And … the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (20) Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him… Right there, the Spirit of God, the Logos is promised to the Church. To come in the midst of them. And to bring them a Word of deliverance, which is enabling to put him in a Rapture. 39. Let’s go over here and see the same things in 1 Thessalonians 4: (and perhaps about verse 16 or so…but I won’t read too much of It.) Saying; (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: And then It tells you over here about the day of wrath coming. And then It says in verse 9, in [1 Thessalonians] chapter 5. (9) For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation … See what we’re looking at. God raising up a prophet. And that prophet is designated as Christ. 40. Now remember, let’s ask a question. Who is a prophet? Might as well pin the thing down. [Hebrews 1] (1) God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers (in) the prophets, God, was in the prophets. Then, God was His Own Prophet. Using a human instrument. Moses was that instrument. 41. Now, let’s go to Revelation 10:1, and I’m hitting this hard, if you have no understanding of this Message, this will be hard to follow…But listen: (1) And I saw another mighty (messenger) come down…clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, … Who’s got the rainbow? According to Revelation 1: God’s got the rainbow. Who dwells in the Pillar of Fire? God dwelt in a Pillar of Fire. What comes down upon the earth? Pillars of Fire. But notice in verse 7. (7) But in the days of the voice of the seventh (messenger), when he shall begin to sound,… (all of this runs out.) Therefore, there will be a prophet when God comes down upon this earth, veiled in a Pillar of Fire. There will be a prophet. Then if you don’t hear that One, that is speaking in the prophet. And remember, ‘Thus Saith the Lord’ has nothing to do with the prophet, it is God Himself. Oh listen, you can sit here this morning, and you are a postman, or you deliver for the UPS, you bring a package from somebody. You know if your taxes are overdue, you owe us a penalty of six thousand dollars. Jump up and down, take a club, try to beat the poor guy. It’s not the guy that brought the message. Then you put God in a prophet. A man making him a prophet, it’s not the man. Period. It’s God within the man. You’re not dealing with a man, you’re dealing with God. That’s what ‘Thus Saith the Lord’ is all about. 42. Now listen: The Pillar of Fire hung there, typing the days down the earth, when Jesus will be that One raised up from among them. In other words, Jesus once more coming up through the power of the resurrection of creeds and dogmas. Once more stand amongst the people, it's His prophet standing there, and at that hour, the whole time runs out, it’s all over. 1 Corinthians 15: (absolutely the same as Ephesians 1:15-23) Paul speaking here. Verse 22. [correction] (22) …as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all (will) be made alive. (23) But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his (Presence). Who comes down to raise the dead? God comes down to raise the dead. Because Christ means 'the anointing of God', or God in His purpose. You do that which is special. God Himself, comes down to raise the dead. "The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout. [1 Th 4:16] 42. And let me tell you flat right now, in the Greek, that does not mean He uses His Own Voice, He uses another man’s voice. He’s always had a man’s voice to use, prophet. When He sets Himself at the head of the Church, that last Word comes forth. What is that Word of revelation? What is that Word that comes to the Church? I’ll tell you what it is, says over here in Ephesians. "The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Himself. [Eph 1:17] God revealing Himself. Did He reveal Himself in Jesus Christ? To reveal Himself now in the Word. Who brings the Word? Prophet. The prophet has no more to do with the Word of God than nothing. That I've got to telling President Reagan what to do. Not that he’d be heard, if I gave him a few ideas. And again, it could destroy him. Prophet hasn’t anything to do with it. Church doesn’t have a thing to do with this. This is something that comes in at that hour of deliverance. And God raises up amongst us, the anointing, the Word, the revelation. And this is that hour. How do you know it’s that hour? 43. Romans 11:15 speaking of Israel blinded. Literally turned off by God. Now listen: (15) …if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them, but life from the dead? I want to ask you a question. That tells you right there, when God turns to Israel, it’s Resurrection time. Is Israel back in their homeland? Yes. When did that happen? They became a nation in 1948, according to the world. But according to their own records…as far as I know…1946. "This generation shall not pass away."[Mt 24:34] A generation is seventy years. Every new generation is every twenty, though every day starts another generation. 44. Let’s go back to Moses. Everyone over twenty died. Those under twenty went in. Taking your type. Everybody twenty or less in 1946, add fifty to bring out the seventy, which God actually cuts back, you actually get ‘96. ‘98 if you want to go politically. It's okay by me. Not, very long is it? What if God cut it back? 1906 the Latter Rain fell, 1946 the Angel of God appeared to Bro. Branham. Perfectly vindicated. Absolutely Scriptural. Add a generation … forty… 1986. I don’t know. I don’t set dates. Brother/sister, what does it matter about a date? Nothing. Nothing at all. Dates don’t mean a thing. Because time has run out anyway. When time runs out, we’re getting to eternity. What am I talking about this morning? I’m telling you that Christ is risen amongst us. He’s out of the tombs of creeds and dogmas. It was the creeds and dogmas that put Him in a tomb, and killed Him. Do you think things have changed? "Oh well, we’re Christians." What do you think they were? 45. They were blinded. Our turn of blinding is here, because He said of Laodicea, and Israel is in the homeland, "wretched, miserable, blind, naked." and don’t know it. [Rev 3:17] Those people said, “Let’s kill Him, let’s get Him out of the way, because if we don’t, we’ll lose our place.” And the preacher, can't leave their organization. Because their pensions go down the drain. I was a Baptist once, a Northern Baptist. There’s nothing to stop me from becoming a full-fledged Baptist preacher in the organization. Because they do have an autonomy up there, that I do enjoy. But it’s not as good as ours. Years…(that was some time ago, I was with them)…years before I was even part of them, and in a very loose sense. John D, Rockefeller had left one million dollars, to the minister’s pension fund. [Makes a whistle sound] What would be a million bucks in Coca Cola shares worth today? Even if they’re depressed. What has that million dollars gone through for the Baptists, and the millions they’ve taken in, likely billions and billions. You know what? I don’t want it. It’s going to burn. Before it burns the bottom is going to fall out. And the anti-christ system will take over. Why do you think gold has dropped to its level? So the last bunch can come in. And when the last bunch is brought up, the man with the gold will control the world. An American citizen almost controls silver, and he could have wrecked the system. Let somebody control the gold, and watch the system go. 46. You see brother/sister, He’s risen amongst us. He’s broken the seal. Where He was sealed in by organization. Where nobody but nobody had a revelation outside the little black book, and what the theologian said. But you see, it doesn’t matter anymore. One time God in His inscrutable wisdom, back there when He was only God, trillions of years, and there was nobody there beside Him, and He took all of His thoughts, and He brought them all together. And in the precise time, He said, “Let there be light.” And there was light. And when the light was there, the Word was no longer needed, because the light was there. …?... One day God knew that the day would come. And He said, “I’m going to raise up amongst the people, Myself, I’ll raise up. And My attributes of the prophet, the one who tells those events concerning man in history, especially the sacred. And My people will know Me. I’m going to lead them out. I’m going to do it by way of a prophet, because that’s My way of doing it. He looked way down the road, that was just a Word. Today It’s no longer Word, it’s Reality. He said, “One day I’m going to come down, and set Myself at the head of the Church. I’m going to raise the dead.” You say, “Bro. Vayle, those exact words, ‘setting Himself at the head of the Church’, what do you mean?” Well look, simple as a-b-c, if He comes down, is He or is He not the Head? “Well, we’ve got a pope, we’ve got a preacher.” Wonderful. That’s nice, you have. What can He do for you? I went through the depression. One million idiots, with one million questions. And I was one of them. 47. One man in America thought he had the answers. His name was Roosevelt, we’re paying the price right now. If you're Democrat you won’t like it. I’m sorry, for I’m a Canadian. I’m a square, square all the way down the line, Conservative. I used to be Canadian, I'm not anymore. Go back with your traditions, whatever you want. There’s a Scripture, that Scripture has God behind It. When that Scripture comes to pass, It is no longer Scripture, It is God. God's doing. “I’m going to come on down.” And He came down. Go to your Bibles and see how God does things. You see, this is where man crumbles every single time, he will not learn the ways of God. He doesn’t want the ways of God. And when He comes, he gets very, very, nervous. For the first time I got rest, and I’m a nervous person. And He said, “I am the Resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, shall never perish.” [Jn 11:25] Do you believe this? Aw listen brother/sister, I know a lot of this goes over your heads, because you say, “Look Vayle, shaddup, don’t give me any of this nonsense, He's risen, He's risen, He rose two thousand years ago.” You don’t know your Bible, you just think you do. You’re the children of tradition and dogma and creeds. Because I showed you, that that Word is Resurrection and He raised. He raised Him unto Israel first. And sent Him on a mission that Israel and you and I are both heirs to. But It says, He raises a prophet like unto Moses. 48. You can’t find that, in its perfect type, in the life of Moses paralleling Jesus, because Moses did not die. Moses was sent to the leader to deliver through the blood sacrifice. The sacrifice has been shed and spent, the Deliverer is here. " For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout." [1 The 4:16] Bringing the dead out of the ground. Then we shall be changed in an immortalized life, and who’s going to do it? And caught up, and who’s going to do it? He is going to do it, and He is here risen amongst us, this Easter Sunday. He is risen here with the pre-eminence, and the Shout will soon fail, that through two thousand years could say, “Come unto Me and rest.” It could say, “Come unto Me and drink.” Because the door to the Gentiles will be closed. It’s got to be, because He said so. He’s risen amongst us, brother/sister. The Daystar has arisen in our hearts. And He’s here to get those dead out of the ground. To change us and take us away. Remember, this is that hour of promise that says, “You’re not going to die, but, live. Those who are seventy or over, cannot have that promise. Unless by the mercy of God, you’re a Caleb, and He wants to take you in. But there isn’t one person here, who in this generation that spells out these little time limits, who cannot and who dare not turn Him down. But stand here and say, “I have been ordained to live, I shall not die, but live.” The Tree of Life no longer has the cherubim with flaming swords. I believe that…I don’t know about you. I’ve preached with a conviction, not of dying men, but of living men. At one time men had a conviction of death. I have no conviction of death. I have a conviction of life. You say, “Bro. Vayle, you’re getting close to seventy years, what if you die?” That doesn’t mean one thing. Abraham had the same conviction, and he died. And every child of God that’s Bride, has the conviction, and he may die with it for the better promise. But let me tell you something, that better promise is here this morning. Don’t go looking back. The prophet said, “Always looking back, always looking forward, never know what’s going on.” That is that hour. (It’s five o’clock,) let’s rise. Heavenly Father, we’re so glad this morning that You’ve risen amongst us. Risen with healing in Your wings. Risen in the depths and sin and degradation of a church that's wretched, miserable, naked, blind. Risen amongst us, to raise us. Even as Paul said, “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from amongst the dead, and Christ shall give thee life.” We believe that this morning, Lord. That You’re risen amongst us, risen amongst the dead, that very same Logos manifestation, purpose of God toward the Elect, and then conversely in another manner toward the world, that You are here. "Our hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus Christ our righteousness." Thank God for the Blood that stands there. Thank God for the Word that was there to be revealed to the pointing out of the last day ministry of Yourself amongst us. Father, when people are so prone eulogize men, so-called in authority, or some pre-eminence that men vote upon others. I’m so glad that You stayed true to Your Word. And You came down amongst us, for the pre-eminence. And we’re giving it to You, Lord. For we know no man after the flesh, not even Jesus, until that day comes. But we know You after the Spirit, and we’re so grateful. To know how you have done things, and continue to do things. Lord, if there’s one person here this morning that's still swinging around in the perversity of the mind, not meaning that their minds are perverse, but the mind itself is tricky. For this reason and and all, wondering. Could it be really true that God would absolutely send a prophet and the face of the pronouncements of the judgments of all the so-called authorities, and churches. But Your Word said so, “Behold, I send Elijah the prophet, he shall turn the hearts of the children back to the fathers. Lest in My coming, I smite.” [Mal 4:5-6] Father I know that You come in grace and mercy by Your Holy Spirit, this hour. And just as sure as that's true, we can imbibe of It, have It, hold It, know It, realize, take every opportunity to avail ourselves of all the grace there we're grateful. Because we know soon, Lord, the door will be shut, there'll be those clamoring and saying, "Let us in." And You’ll say, “I used to know you as My wife, but I don’t know you as My wife any longer.” To those that are shut out. I don’t want to be of that number, Lord. Father God, I don’t preach this morning to bolster my faith, I’m sure I don’t do that. Although it’s necessary to a degree. But preach to explain the faith that lies within my heart to know, that blessed assurance that has risen amongst us. And standing here with Your Voice softly saying, “I’m the Resurrection and he that believeth in Me, shall never perish.” As much as I’d like to get out of here, Lord, I stand with that Word, by revelation and I’m so glad I can do it. I’m so glad Lord, it’s out of my hands, and in Your hands today. And I pray, Lord, there won’t be one person amongst us, who doesn’t stand with the revelation of this hour, that You’re here to raise the dead, and take a living Bride into immortality. God, may that sweet Spirit, soon be amongst us. Where there’ll be no one sick, where healing, Lord, should be as natural, even more natural than breathing. Because some have a job breathing. That You’re here, Lord, amongst us, people receiving that help that they’ve cried for. There’s a witness to the reality, that the dead will soon be amongst us. I know, Lord, you have not done a thing in a corner, concerning this end time, You have not done anything that is not propitious, to the outworking of the face of Your people, and I’m so grateful. I've got confidence this morning, Lord, just keep speaking to my heart. Just keep helping me, Lord, and all of us here to keep our minds open to the good promises that are devolved upon us, and established to us. Now, unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be all power and honor and glory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Lord bless you. Don’t forget, you’re walking in the light of immortality. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, but God has revealed It. Nobody said, you’re a prophet. Nobody said I was. But God reveals It. That’s it. So, let’s go, we’ll sing, ‘We’ll walk in the Light’, because that’s what it’s all about. The Lord bless you. Christ Risen Among Us (0682c) Page PAGE \* MERGEFORMAT 1