“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

(Heb. 13:8)

Circular December 1996

Special greetings to you, my dear brethren and sisters in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the grace and the peace of God be with you. With the statement the widow addressed to the prophet Elijah, after her son was raised from the dead and the Word was confirmed to her, I like to greet you all:

“Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that
the word of the Lord in thy mouth is truth.” (1 Ki. 17:24).

One must know two things: firstly, if someone is truly a man of God, and secondly, if the Word of the Lord is in reality truth in his mouth. God has always confirmed His Word proclaimed by His servants.

The Word of God is truth, but it must be left the way it came forth from His lips. That was always the mark of a true prophet who was the mouthpiece of God and served for only one purpose, that the Words of God could be expressed in a humanly comprehensive language.

The Lord commanded His prophet Moses, “Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say” (Ex. 4:12). There is also another ministry, namely to pass on the Words received by a prophet. Moses was told to put the Words he had received from God into the mouth of Aaron, that he might deliver them to the people (v. 15-16). With those who pass the Word on it quickly can happen as with Aaron who was very close to the prophet, that straightaway the first commandments are transgressed and other gods are made, which do not necessarily have to be a golden calf. The producing of »idol gods« was always “in”. Blindness is manifested in its peculiarity and repeats every time. While the dance around the golden calf is in full swing the proclamation is made, “Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord” (Ex. 32:5), although something totally different is being worshipped.

In the mouth of everyone called like Elijah the Word was always the truth. But what is the position of those who pass the Word on? The apostles received the revealed Word from the Lord, and we must hand it on in the original way. Prophets and apostles stood and are still today under the same leadership and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is written, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants, the prophets” (Amos 3:7), also, “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27 a.o.) and also about »the mvsterv« which was hidden to the children of man, but then was made known, "… as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit” (Eph. 3:5).

We are dealing with the actual performance of the great plan of salvation – the great mystery: God manifested in Christ, Christ manifested in His Church. This mystery unfolds itself and includes all sons and daughters of God who walk in faith and obedience. The chosen ones from the nations experience the placing into the sonship (Gal. 4:4-7) which only was made possible through the Son (Eph. 1:5 a.o.). Therefore they are rightful heirs with God and co-heirs with Christ, placed into the one Body together with the elect believers of Israel. The true Church of the »first-born« (Heb. 12:22-24 a.o.) – the real »ecclesia«, the called-out ones – from the very beginning at all times and now is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Eph. 2:20). The Church is the »house of God« (Heb. 3:6 a.o.), the »pillar and foundation of the truth« (1 Tim. 3:15), the »Body of Christ« (1 Cor. 12 a.o.), the »Bride of the Lamb« (Rev. 19:7 a.o.). About His Own the Lord said, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (Jn. 17:16). On earth we are guests and pilgrims (Heb. 11:13), our walk and citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20).

As it is with a natural building where various professions are necessary, so we also find the various ministries which are necessary for the building of the Church. Such callings are exercised by men whom God can show His »blueprint« and reveal His Word to them fresh from the throne, putting it into their mouths. The »fivefold« ministry is set for the »upbuilding« of the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11 a.o.). This divine order for the structure of the Church of Christ is valid from the very beginning until its completion. Thereby is fulfilled what our Lord said, "… I will build my church” (Mt. 16:18). He builds His Church amidst all other churches and completes the same until the day of Christ (Phil. 2:16).

When our Lord called the first twelve men, He used the word »apostle« which means a “sent one” – messengers who were sent by the Lord were called by Him personally. If there is today a prophet, an apostle, a teacher placed and sent by God, then we hear the same words of God, the same teachings, whereby is being confirmed: one Lord, one faith, one baptism (Eph. 4:5). Everything – whether it is in the natural or the spiritual creation – comes forth in the original way like in the very beginning. The Word came from God to His prophets, the apostles passed it on, and the teachers properly placed it within the Holy Scriptures. As God manifested Himself in diversity as Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, King, Judge etc. and cannot be explained, neither can we comprehend Him, we receive Him and accept His different manifestations by faith. The same applies to His manifold revelations of His Word and Spirit right to His Self-manifestation as Father in the Son and through the Holy Spirit. For ever it remains true, “All things are delivered unto me by my Father, and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, except the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him” (Mt. 11:27).

It must be revealed; human shaping and knowledge is only a repetition of what Aaron did. All of God’s Words must be used properly and are not to be placed opposite towards one another; in the contrary, they must be taught harmoniously to remain original truth. The Holy Scripture is being used by the 324 denominations which are now joined in the World Council of Churches. True Bible references are placed into a self-made doctrinal conception. The true sense is lost, something totally different is being achieved. Whoever does not wish to baptise, refers to what the apostle said in 1 Cor. 1:17, “For Christ sent me not to baptise but to preach the gospel.” Whoever prefers to sprinkle infants, uses the statement, “Permit the little children to come unto me …” (Mk. 10:14b) and also points to the house of Cornelius (Acts 16:30-34).

Who wishes to baptise in the Trinitarian way refers to the great commission in Mt. 28:19, totally ignoring the actual documented way baptism was administered in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ at the time of the apostles and throughout the New Testament since the inauguration of the Church (Acts 2:38). This only valid rule left to us for ever is not even being considered. If somebody wishes to pronounce a triune benediction, they refer to 2 Cor. 13:13 and other places. Those who teach that the Church will go through the great tribulation point to 1 Cor. 15:52, where we read about the »last trumpet« in connection with the first resurrection and the changing of our bodies. They place the sounding of the trumpet which calls to the feast at the taking away of the Bride to be the seventh judgement trumpet« in the last part of the tribulation. How could Paul have referred to the seventh trumpet in the book of Revelation, when John about thirty years later was brought to the isle of Patmos, where he saw and heard what he wrote? Whoever teaches »soul sleeping« refers to Dan. 12:2. Whoever does not believe in taking the Lord’s Supper gives the ordinance a spiritual significance. As many as there are use the Word, but sad to say, it is no more the pure teaching and the original Word of truth, but interpretations. As through misunderstood scriptures all try to justify their own heresy, so again by rightly understood and used scriptures every wrong doctrine can be exposed. It is a proven fact that all see the wrong teachings of the others, but do not detect their own errors.

It is possible to refer to the apostles’ and prophets’ words, but still not have the right understanding about them. The Prophet Jeremiah has brought the subject to the point, "How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain. The wise men are ashamed; they are dismayed and take. Lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them?” (Jer. 8:8-9).

Our Lord had to tell the spiritual leaders of His day, “However, in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men … Making the word of God of no effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered; and many such things do ye” (Mk. 7:7-8a + 13). Therein lays the fault. The original Word is being set aside everywhere and replaced with creeds, dogmas and doctrines of men. All are sincere and do mean well. But they have forsaken the straight way, they speak of salvation without it being there in reality (Jer. 5-7). From God’s viewpoint all such worship which is not done in Spirit and in Truth is in vain. What is being celebrated as service unto the Lord is actually like in the case of Aaron “idol worship”. To God only lead the things which come from Him. Before Him is only valid what is done according to His original plan.

Especially the Roman Catholic Church lives in her own traditions, not coinciding with the Bible at all, but also referring to scriptures. The popes whose beginning dates with Leo I in the year 441 A.D. use the passage addressed to Peter after receiving the revelation in Mt. 16:16-18 about the »rock« and the »keys of the Kingdom« etc. as their own justification. Self-deception is being exercised through misunderstood, misinterpreted and misplaced scriptures.

In all denominations and revival movements which came into existence since the Reformation we find the same situation. After World War II, Brother Branham was used of God to bring about the breakthrough. Again misunderstood Scripture and quotations are being proclaimed. Every time another gospel comes into existence, which is under a curse (Gal. 1:6-10). Another gospel and another Jesus is taught Who is being presented as the right One. The whole matter is under the influence of a strange spirit, being praised as the Holy Spirit. These three points about another Jesus, another spirit, another gospel Paul mentioned in 2 Cor. 11:4. Exactly therein lays the great religious misguiding and deception, which only the elect will escape as they cannot be deceived.

For instance someone can confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God Who came into the flesh. Thereby generally is believed that the condition spoken of in 1 Jn. 4:2 is met, “By this know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God …” They do not notice that actually a totally different Jesus is being presented, namely a »son« who supposedly pre-existed. But such a »son« does not exist at all. Not a »son« became a »son«, but rather the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (Jn. 1:1 + 14). In the beginning was the Word, the Logos, the visible appearance of the invisible God. It was Yahweh Who already appeared in a visible form and walked in the Garden of Eden in who’s image we were created. That is the true Saviour, the Yah-shua, which means »Yahweh-Saviour«, as Immanuel does denote »God with us«.

Not everything that is called “Christian” has a connection to Christ. Not all that is called “biblical” does coincide with the Bible, not everything labelled as “apostolic” is in connection with the apostles. Not all that is called “Pentecostal” is truly in agreement with the original Pentecost experience. Not all who say, “Lord, Lord”, will enter into the Kingdom of God, even if they prophesied, healed the sick, cast out demons, etc. (Mt. 7:21-23). In all denominations the paid ministers strive for their doctrines and their interpretation and practice. The original pure Word as it came from the mouth of God has long vanished. The proof thereof are the many schools of doctrines.

Brother Branham, a dispensational prophet, was the exception among all the known evangelists in this generation. He was a true man sent from God in who’s mouth the Word was the truth. He brought to surface the pure original Bible teachings. He emphasised, “Say what the Scripture says and believe as the Scripture says.” He placed weight upon that which is valid before God and what prophets and apostles taught in the Name of the Lord. He called God’s people back to the Bible. Holding the Bible before the congregation, he said, “This is my absolute”. True »End-time Message« is the true »First-time Message« – the Word that was at the beginning (1 Jn. 1). It is so important to have the right understanding of the written and spoken Word which remains the original truth. This divine understanding for the Scripture can only be given by the resurrected Lord to them who walk with Him as was the case with the disciples to Emmaus (Lk. 24).

In the true Church today exists the same divine order, teaching and practice as at the very beginning. But how can somebody preach the same, unless he is called as a servant of the Lord directly and sent for that purpose (Rom 10:15)? A sent one must be called and commissioned before he can go. With God there is no sending without a call first. The mere schooling in theological seminars and Bible schools as well as the repetition of scriptures is found with all ministers. Yet the question remains, Who truly has a heavenly call (Acts 26:12-23) and therefore is authorised to handle the Word? Only in his mouth the Word of God will be the truth, and because of divine authority he will divide the Word properly, as Paul wrote.

All who are not divinely called serve God in their own way in the respective churches and defend the doctrines they vowed to be faithful to. But it is also written, “… and thou hast tried them who say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars“ (Rev. 2:2b). Who tries someone today or puts himself through the Word-test, to see if the teachings and practice coincide with the apostles? All celebrate themselves, and the higher someone ranks the more honour is given to him – everywhere we find »Hollywood-evangelism« connected with showmanship and money racket. It is end time: everything is decorated as being Christian and is made acceptable for everybody. But where do we find truthfulness?

A true Word-pattern ministry

Repeatedly I have given comparisons in circular letters of the written and predicted Word in the Old Testament and as it was referred to in its fulfilment in the New Testament. That is to show how a Biblical proclamation really should be. The Spirit of God rested upon the four evangelists, led them and watched over them, inspired them to note the things which were, for instance, relevant to the first coming of Christ. Later the apostles were guided in the same way to show what would happen and come to fulfilment in the course of the time of grace and how the predictions pertaining to the plan of salvation from the very beginning were placed. It should be permitted that I refer to a few scriptures showing by comparison the fulfilment at the first coming of Christ.

Promise Fulfilment Event

Isa. 7:14 Mt. 1:23 Son born as Immanuel

Isa. 40:3 Mt. 3:3 the way of the Lord prepared

Mal. 3:la Mt. 11:10 sending His Angel

Micha 5:1 Lk. 2:15 Saviour born in Bethlehem

Dt. 18:15 Acts 3:22-23 the predicted Messiah-Prophet

Zech. 11:12-13 Mt. 27:9-10 sold for 30 pieces of silver

Zech. 9:9 Mt. 21:5 Behold, thy King cometh …

Zech. 13:7 Mt. 26:31 Slay the shepherd …

Ps. 118:22 Mk. 12:10 builders rejected the stone

Ps. 2:7 Lk. 1:31-38 the Son begotten by the Holy Spirit

2 Sam. 7:14 Mt. 3:17 I will be Father unto Him …

Ps. 22:23 Jn. 17:6 made known His name to the brethren

Ps. 22:2 Mt. 27:46 Son of man forsaken

Ps. 41:10 Jn. 13:18 eating the bread and betraying

Ps. 22:7 Mt. 27:39 ridiculed by all …

Ps. 22:17 Mt. 27:27 enclosed by the assembly of the wicked

Ps. 22:19 Jn. 19:24 cast the lot for His vesture

Isa. 53:4-5 Mt. 8:17 He carried our sickness

Isa. 35:5 Mt. 11:5 blind see, lame walk

Ps. 16:5 Mt. 28 + Jn. 20 risen without seeing corruption

Ps. 55:13-15 Mt. 26:47-50 betrayed by a friend

Ps. 109:2 Mt. 26:59 false witnesses testified

Isa. 50:6 Lk. 22:64 they have beaten Me

Isa. 53:7 Mt. 27:12-14 Lamb not opening His mouth

Isa. 53:12 Lk. 23:33 counted among the malefactors

Ps. 109:4 Lk. 23:34 prayed for His persecutors

Ps. 69:22 Mt. 27:34 gave Him vinegar to drink

Ps. 38:12 Lk. 23:49 all who knew Him stood afar

Ps. 34:21 Jn. 19:31-36 no bone was broken

Isa. 53:9 Mt. 27:57-60 His grave was with the rich

This should be sufficient to show how prophecy merged into fulfilment. Only in this manner someone has the proof, the evidence that God does make history. We also have to heed and observe the prophetic scripture, as Peter wrote (2 Pet. 1:16-21) when he spoke about the return of Christ. Everything else can be a fable, can be religious talk, as the apostle also outlines. In the Word alone we do have true spiritual orientation.

In the last 24 hours of His earthly life 24 of the more than one hundred utterances predicted in the Old Testament were fulfilled with our Lord. The Apostle Peter already before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit took place, referred to the scripture which applied to the situation in Acts, chapter 1, and most certainly on the day of Pentecost in Acts, chapter 2. Paul did the same at every given occasion. He placed everything upon the foundation of God’s Word. Also in the course of the New Testament Church Bible prophecy is being fulfilled. We understand how much of what was predicted becomes a reality before our very eyes. Right to the end things will multiply and take place in an extraordinary way, it will just come one after the other, as stated in Rom. 9:28. The evangelist Luke writes preliminary of those men who from the very beginning were eye-witnesses and ministers of the Word. True ministers of the Word are always present whenever God makes history in their time and they can place what happens biblically. They preach the Word, experience the same and have part in what God does.

Whoever reads the Scripture with the intellect may join, as many theologians and philosophers already have, the »Club of Dr. Prof. Unbelief« who has the audacity to assert, “The New Testament and the epistles are full of contradictions.” Yes, they even write that Jesus and His disciples erred; they themselves of course do not! The criticism done by theologians in our time in reference to the Bible, especially to the New Testament, is beyond comprehension. On the other hand there is great joy in the heart of those who are in the Kingdom of God, have found grace in His sight and do experience what He promised and have part in what He does now.

Deception and misunderstandings are with those having neither access to the holiest of holies nor a divine calling. The apostles were ministers of the Word, they understood the prophetic part rightly and placed the same as teachers according to the plan of salvation. This we find proven from the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 1, to the end of the New Testament. Now we have the privilege to see the layout of God’s plan of salvation as never before in the history of mankind and also observe the fulfilment of Bible prophecy in our day.

From the Biblical point of view

In different publications unscriptural teachings were brought into circulation. The brochure sent out from the USA under the title »The Third Pull – God’s Great Secret« dealing with the topics of the seventh seal, the seven trumpets and the seven thunders etc. has no scriptural foundation at all. May I be permitted to let the Word of God speak for itself. Once for all it must be declared most plainly that only the things promised in God’s Word will happen. Everything else is presumption based on misunderstandings. These are the facts about the seals.

The seer had already written about the first six seals and what they contain and how they were and are fulfilled in Rev., chapter 6. Together we shall read the passage pertaining to the complete seventh seal, beginning with Rev. 8, verse 1:

“And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

And I saw the seven angels who stood before God, and to them were given seven trumpets …

And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mixed with blood, and they were cast upon the earth; and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

And the second angel sounded, and, as it were, a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea; and the third part of the sea became blood; and the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as though it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters …

And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars, so that the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.

And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!"

It is very enlightening that in connection with the last three trumpets voices are mentioned, as we also find emphasised in Rev. 10:7 with the voice of the seventh angel who is to sound. To make it sure beyond any shadow of doubt, I wish to point out that the Hebrew word shofar, which is being translated »trumpet«, is used in Rev. 10:7 as with the six trumpets and also in Rev. 11:15 with the seventh trumpet.

Whoever reads chapter 8 attentively and prayerfully and does not stop with the 1st verse and with the silence in heaven, which is only the introduction, but continues to read must see the events which are taking place with the realisation of the seventh seal. The seven trumpet judgements will fall in the space during the great tribulation, after the ministry of the two prophets is finished. This is evident according to Rev. 7:3 where we read, “Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God…” That is thus saith the Lord in His holy Word. Not even the first trumpet can sound unless the sealing of the 144,000 has taken place.

After the first four trumpets sounded, the last three trumpets with their judgements are announced with three »woes« at the end of chapter 8. In chapter 9 we read,

“And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth; and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit…” (vv. 1-12).

“And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden alter which is before God, Saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, Loose the four angels who are bound in the great river …” (w. 13-21).

The first six angels at that point have sounded their trumpets and every time a plague of judgement followed. Before the sounding of the seventh trumpet in chapter 11, verse 15, we find the announcement about it in chapter 10. Because this is such an exceptional and unique event, when the Angel of the Covenant with the rainbow over His Head would come down, a special announcement is given. Just at that time when this great event takes place, the seven thunders will utter their voices. That is thus saith the Lord in His Word! Only at that time, when this mighty Angel will place one foot on land and the other one on the sea as the original owner, He will cry as a lion, and that is the moment when all contained in Rev. 10 happens. Just as all the other trumpet judgements are fulfilled literally, so must it be with Rev. 10. It cannot be spiritualised, it cannot be placed differently, it must and shall remain in the connection it is given in the Holy Scripture.

Because of the mighty experience, when the supernatural cloud came down accompanied with a tremendous detonation like seven successive thunder claps, Brother Branham repeatedly referred to it and called it »the seven thunders«. As was shown to him on 22nd December, 1962, and preached on 30th December in »Sirs, is this the time?« (that was before the opening of the seals in March 1963), he states, “The reason that was such a tremendous thing, that He spoke of it here and showed those »seven thunders«, and ‘Look’ and ‘Life’ magazine there packed that circle of cloud of light there, that they could not understand and don’t know it yet…“ »Science« and »Life« Magazine most certainly did not record the event of Revelation 10, but rather the appearing of the seven angels in a form of a pyramid where Christ is shown as the Judge being wigged. As there is only one scripture speaking about seven thunders, Brother Branham frequently referred to Rev. 10, he even knocked seven times on the pulpit to demonstrate the seven thunder claps. In Revelation 10 there are seven voices. And because it is a prophetic scripture, Brother Branham could apply it to his ministry, but this does not annul the actual event which is still in the future. Referring to the seven thunder experience in 1963, Brother Branham connected many expectations. He spoke about “rapturing faith”, “the third pull”, “riding this trail once more”, but we need to realise that he expressed all these thoughts before the opening of the seals. At the end of the seals he made the statement in reference to Rev. 10, “… right along with what He said:no one would know His coming; they also would not know about this seven thunder mystery.” (pg. 576).

In Rev. 10:7 – and that is very important for our observation, very meaningful and convincing – we read most definitely, “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants, the prophets.“ Also this prophecy contained in the »book of Prophecy« is of no private interpretation. God for ever is His Own interpreter. What He foretold will take place in the connection it was meant to be.

Very clearly we see the first four angels blowing their trumpets (chapter 8), after that we read the announcement about the outstanding three trumpets which are declared as three »woes«. Thereafter we see the next two who blow their trumpets according to chapter 9. Altogether we then have six. One is still left. In chapter 10, verse 7, – and that is, and must be said once again, so important, so final, – that event is announced for the last time. In chapter 11, from verse 15, we are informed of what takes place, when this seventh angel sounds his trumpet. “And the seventh angel sounded: and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever. “

Whosoever does not see from the Holy Scriptures these seven angels sounding the seven trumpets and what will happen at that time is nearsighted. God has not yet opened the eyes of the heart of your understanding. And whosoever interprets them in any way will never have the right perception. We must let God be right and His Word be true. There is absolutely no room and no need for any interpretation. Only what the Holy Scripture says is valid and must be respected by all.

It is as perfect as perfect can be: In Revelation 2 and 3 the seven church age angels, who were the earthly messengers, are spoken of. In their connection nothing is mentioned about »sound« or »trumpet«. In Revelation, chapters 8, 9, 10 and 11, we are shown the seven angels who are in heaven before the throne, whom at the opening of the seventh seal are given seven trumpets, and then we see what happens when they sound the trumpets. At the last trumpet the »mystery of God« will be finished. To the Church Christ, the mystery of God, was revealed right from the beginning, to the Jews it will be revealed and finished at that time. There is not a word said in Rev. 10 about »mysteries«, but rather the statement is found in the singular »the mystery of God«. No one on earth has the authority to change the singular into the plural. God’s Word is perfect and must be left as it is. In our generation the hidden mysteries in the Word were revealed from Genesis to Revelation through the last church age messenger.

News from all over the world

There are very interesting news from all over the world informing us about the progress of Bible prophecy. The most important come from the Vatican and from Israel. The “Vatican state” with its size of 44 hectares (approx. 110 acres) and its 469 inhabitants is the smallest country on earth, but exercises power over the kings and rulers of the world as written in the book of Revelation.

The city built on seven hills is indeed a conglomeration of political, economical and religious power. In the daily press and the mass media the »Pontifex Maximus« ranges in the first place. All politicians of the world and those of the Near East are searching his favour. The counsellors of the Vatican are found everywhere, especially in the European headquarters, in Brussels and Strasbourg. They take influence in politics and concentrate their interests in an unusual way toward Israel and especially Jerusalem.

All with rank and name with the exception of those from the USA have taken their position against Israel in favour of the Arabs. One of them is the French President Jacques Chirac. He, who would never permit anyone to mingle in the affairs of his country, as no other Western politician had the audacity when visiting Israel in October 1996 to tell the government in Jerusalem what they must do. The press reported that Chirac even shouted at Nethanyahu. He spoke about the returning of the annexed parts and also about the future role of France and Europe in the Middle East. On 25th October he repeated in an interview what he said in Beirut, Lebanon, “Christians and Muslims must stand together.” Israel of course was forgotten. When he was inaugurated in the highest office of state he kissed the ring of the archbishop of Paris, cardinal Lustiger. This cardinal Lustiger was born in Poland of Jewish parents who both were gassed in the concentration camp. He himself, being 11 years old, after the war landed in France and became a catholic. In his youth the Jesuits took him under their care. When he was made cardinal on 10th January, 1983, he said, “I remain a Jew.” What a strange constellation!

Israel, which tried to be recognised by the papal seat since it became a nation in 1948, now has a direct adversary from within their own ranks, who is looked upon to be the architect of the relationship between the Vatican and Israel. It is Dr. David M. Jaeger who was raised in Tel Aviv as an orthodox Jew. In 1981 he converted to Catholicism, then moved up right to the higher level and became part of the advisory board in the Vatican in 1986. On 30th December, 1993, the basic agreement between Israel and the Vatican was signed in the foreign office in Jerusalem. But that seems not to be sufficient. Everything must be fulfilled, so Jerusalem will become the burden stone for all nations round about (Zech. 12:2-3).

In February, 1994, 430 Jewish and Christian clerical personalities and professors coming from 91 countries met in Jerusalem for a conference. Among them were 5 cardinals, also Mr. Lustiger, 4 metropolitans, 9 high ranked rabbis, 103 bishops, 54 rabbis and many professors and spiritual leaders. The ex-mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Teddy Kollek, was so enthusiastic about it that he said, “If I had not seen this with my own eyes, I would never have believed it.” In view of the religious and political uniting process spoken of by the Prophet Daniel, merging into »the covenant« as predicted in chapter 9:27, one can only cry out, “O God of Israel, be merciful to Thy people!” If all the world is blind that does hurt, but if the Jews do not see, that is unbearable pain. But as we are told (2 Cor. 3), only when Israel will be converted to the Lord the veil will be taken from them.

As can be seen from Bible prophecy, Israel will fall into the trap of the antichrist who presents himself as the »peacebringer« and finally will take his seat in the temple (2 Th. 2), before Christ, the true Messiah, the deliverer and Prince of peace will reveal Himself to them.

There, where the God of Israel made Himself known as the »Etemal One« and had it written in the first commandment and over again as an everlasting ordinance which is binding for ever, “Hear, O Israel: The Eternal, our God, the Eternal is One!“ – there a three-person God will be presented who was brought into existence by Hellenistic philosophical ideas in the 4th century, but is totally unknown to the Scriptures. Then a man-made »Trinity« is supposed to be presented officially to the Jews. The most important credo for them exists of four words, “Adonai Elohenu Adonai Echad – the Lord, our God, the Lord is One”.

As stated by press reports, the pope has declared a three-year spiritual time of preparation, announcing the »holy year 2000«. This time shall begin at the first advent Sunday, 1st December, 1996. In his »Apostolic Letter« he points strongly to the 3rd Millennium. “The three years, 1997 to 1999, are to be successively one for the Son, the next for the Holy Spirit, the third for the adoration of the Father. In the year 2000 the glorification of the Trinity is placed into the centre of the catholic services in Rome, in the Holy Land and the local churches.”, one can read. We must reflect what the whole matter actually stands for. In a successive order one year the Son, the second the Holy Spirit, the third the Father shall receive worship. Thereby it is to be demonstrated that there are three eternal persons being omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent. But such a God does not exist. To Israel and the whole non-Christian world a totally unbiblical presentation of God is to take place.

In the »Jubilee Year of Christendom« John Paul II plans a meeting with all Christian denominations, inviting them to the “Common feast of the 2,000th return of the Birth of Christ”. As suggested by the Vatican, all are to participate – the Muslims, the Buddhists, the Hindus and all other religions are invited. The Hindus and the Buddhists have the most ancient trinities in the world. It therefore fits into the uniting process with all religions. Special meeting places of Christian pilgrimage from all over the earth will be Rome and Jerusalem. In the Italian capital at least 30 million guests are expected, and in Israel they hope to have 5.5 millions making their pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

But this is not all. As known, the Catholic Church avails itself since the Second Vatican Council using the vocabulary of the Protestants, “We shall speak the language of our separated brethren, so they would understand us.” The children of God have a longing to hear God’s language! A special headline says, “Catholics have taken the initiative to start »Evangelisation 2000«”. It states, “The whole world must be evangelised anew under the emblems of Catholicism.” The articles of high ranked Protestants who wish to return to Catholicism are very significant. The main theme is, “Did Luther intend to split the church?” The leaders of the daughter-churches very gently take their flocks back into the mother’s lap from where they came. So before us is established the »Mystery, Babylon the great« (Rev. 17) – the final spiritual world-power which rides the earthly power, as it is described very clearly. O God, be merciful and let Your people be called out quickly (Rev. 18:1-4)!

The »Pontifex« is also anxious to reconcile his church with science. “Pope accepts the »evolution theory«”, is the headline of the article, if the coming into existence of the world is recognised as the creative work of God. New knowledge “in the 13 years of research shows that the »evolution theory« is more than a hypothetical theory”. For all of God’s children is valid throughout eternity what is recorded about the creation of the universe in the Bible. God created man in His Own image, and God made all creatures, and all bring forth after their own kind right up to this day. Is that not so? How is it possible on one hand to say, “God created” and on the other to accept the atheistic evolution theory? It is a perfect Babylon in the end-time where all find their place.

At the ecumenical Church Congress 1991 in Nürnberg, Germany, 8 articles were written about the celebration of the triune God and dedicated to Him. The formulation »Trinity«, »triune God« etc. is not found a single time in the Bible. 6,700 times in the Old Testament we find in the singular the terminology „Lord God«. Uncounted times we read about the only God. The Apostle Paul at the beginning and at the end of his epistles, addressed to the various local churches, has written as should be valid up till today and for ever, “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Col. 1:3). “To God, only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” (Rom. 16:27). The Apostle Jude also ends his letter in a similar way, “To the only wise God, our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. ” (v. 25).

The apostles, especially Peter and Paul, in their epistles gave praise to God, the Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Let the Scripture speak for itself, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Eph. 1:3; 1 Pet. 1:3 a.o.).

There is no God in heaven Who has begotten and given birth to another person of God, as was proclaimed in various church councils. Also the terminology »eternal Son« does not exist in the Bible, only »everlasting Father«. All that is heathen theology within the deceived and misled Christianity for which they fight right unto death. God is one from eternity to eternity. He has manifested Himself, of course, in various ways. For our salvation He revealed Himself as Father in heaven, as Son on earth and through the Holy Spirit.

In charismatic meetings they lean more and more to magnify the Holy Spirit for which there is not a single example found in the Bible. Therefore, we must put such things through the test and compare what is being done with the final authority of God’s Word. Not the historical Pentecostal movements, not the charismatics are the measuring rod – that is the Holy Scripture, the Word of God which remains for ever.

In the interdenominational charismatic meetings one can hear, “Holy Ghost, I love thee. Holy Ghost, I adore thee. Holy Ghost, I embrace thee.” etc. etc. All this is totally unscriptural. God is one, Whom all praise and honour is due. Such are the words coming from the lips of our Lord in the New Testament, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (Jn. 4:23-24). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. The same Holy Spirit was hovering over the deep at the time of the creation (Gen. 1). The Holy Spirit rested upon and anointed the prophets. The same Holy Spirit came down upon the Son of God after being baptised (Mt. 3:17), whereby the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Him in this human form (Col. 2:9). The same Holy Spirit came down as the power of God into the Church on the day of Pentecost. Thereby God Himself took His abode in the believers. As He did reveal Himself in the Redeemer, being manifested in the visible form in a human body on earth, He also manifests Himself by the Spirit in the redeemed.

Mission Report

With deep gratitude I may say that this year was the most blessed one in the service of the Lord I ever had. It was like crusades of victory. God’s revealed Word penetrates, moves forward and reaches the ends of the earth. Especially the Eastern European countries are graciously included. Also on the African continent a great harvest is brought in. There not only hundreds but thousands came to hear the Words of God. In some countries our meetings were seen and listened nationwide by TV- transmission. In others we had interviews and short speeches which were also addressed to the whole nation. God opens the doors and the hearts. Brother Branham many years ago saw a vision with the outstretched hands of the masses in Africa. He said, we can afford a doctor, but they cannot. When he was in Zurich, Switzerland, he saw in a vision the German eagle flying through Africa.

We are especially grateful for the blessed work our Brother Alexis Barilier of Lausanne, Switzerland is doing for the French speaking countries in Africa. According to his estimation which is being supported by the brethren in Zaire, through our united ministry alone in that country more than 800,000 who divide in about 2,000 assemblies believe and follow the message of the hour. In the whole region of Central Africa there are more than 1,300,000 who have accepted the revealed Word of God. Also in other countries of Africa there is a great spiritual famine as the prophet predicted (Amos 8:11). Should we be able to count all worldwide who were reached in special crusades throughout the many countries and believe as the Scripture says, there would be a great multitude. If nothing seems to happen where you might be that does not mean that God is not at work. He calls those who are ready to hear regardless of who and where they are.

From many countries in Asia right to the Philippines much good can also be reported. We acknowledge the harmonious co-operation with all the ministering brethren in the respective countries, even if we cannot mention them all by name. The Lord Himself looks after His flock. Also those are not forgotten who are scattered here and there, as they are supplied with spiritual food.

It is overwhelming to see how faithful our dear Lord leads and is with us. We did not arrange for a single brother and sister to come and join us in this work. The Lord has prompted brothers and sisters who are capable of translating the messages into eight different languages to do the time consuming work, so the revealed Word of God can be published.

For the helping hands of about 20 dedicated brothers and sisters here in the Mission Center who in all faithfulness look after the sending out of the literature we can only say, May God bless them. As it is needed we do print each brochure, book or tract from 5,000 to 50,000 copies in eight different languages. This mission work indeed has global significance. Whoever recognises this day, the message and the hour, understands and has part in the continuation after Brother Branham was taken to be with the Lord. We are privileged to pass on the same Word as it came from the lips of God and remains the truth for ever. Whoever is born of God will hear the Word of truth, “We are of God. He that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. By this know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error” (1 Jn. 4:6).

This time the report is kept briefly. We just include a few photos showing meetings in different nations.

Please, remember me in your prayers and also all the ministering brethren the world over. The work is not yet finished. Many doors are just opening up and great possibilities lay before us. We must work until the last soul is called and brought in and the number of the elect from all nations is complete. Then our Lord will come and take us to be with Him for ever.

For the year 1997 I wish you God’s richest blessings. May He give you whatever you pray for and may His promises become a reality through experience in your life. He is faithful, He will do it. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

By His commission

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P.S. The brochure »Marriage – the ancient problem« will be sent out, God willing, in the first part of 1997 as soon as it is printed.

Special notice

As some are still using the old postal area code, we need to bring to your attention, that since the uniting of Germany only the new ZIP-code 47709 can be used.

Published by: Bro. E. Frank

Postal address: Mission Center

P. O. Box 905, 47709 Krefeld

Germany

DANIEL’S SEVENTY WEEKS

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as drawn Brother William Branham

As per request of many brethren who were asking about the teaching on the subject of the 70 weeks of Daniel, I decided to publish the chart Bro. Branham drew himself while preaching the three sermons in 1961.1 used the same chart the prophet did. Wording can be different, a drawing expresses the actual picture existing in the mind of Brother Branham in total agreement with the Holy Scripture. Different statements can be made a point of discussion, but not such a documented chart. Thus saith the prophet, “Then afterwards I’m going to leave the chart hang here, and you can draw it out afterwards; come in here this afternoon, whenever you want to, and draw out the chart and so forth. It’ll help you to understand. That’s the reason I put it there, so that you would understand it.”

Parts of meetings in Zaire in September, 1996, which reached an attendance between three to ten thousand. Praise God for the great harvest of souls!