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

(Heb 13:8)

Circular Letter September 1982

I greet you all very warmly in the precious name of our beloved Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To start with, we take what the apostle Paul said: “But by the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10)

By God’s grace, not for our merits, we are what God has made of us. We may also be counted among those who received of His fullness, grace for grace. Humanly speaking, we are poor creatures and as hopeless as all others. We do not need to be reminded of this. However, in God’s eyes, we are new creatures in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Paul, who was really sincere, called: “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24) Thanks be to God that we could come to believe in His all-encompassing work of redemption. We profess that our soul is redeemed, our spirit is set free and we have the Holy Spirit in us as the earnest of our redemption (Ephesians 1:14), still awaiting the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23). In 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 we read: “It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.” “But by the grace of God I am what I am…” “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2) This is God’s reality for us which even the devil alone cannot deny. We have experienced it and we know what God has done with us. We have received Him and He has received us. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name…” (John 1:12) Therefore we can pray with all our heart: “Our Father who art in Heaven…”

In this respect, what Peter said is of great importance: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” (1 Peter 1:23) Our forgiveness, redemption and reconciliation have been done through the shed blood of the Lamb of God on the cross of Calvary. However, to be born again, God’s seed of the Word is needed. Without such a seed, there is no new life, no birth of God. Therefore the Word of God as the seed came first to the prophets and then was fulfilled in Jesus Christ as the Word that became flesh. Every child of God is begotten and born of God through the same Word and the same Spirit. Therefore, Jesus Christ our Lord is firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:29).

“But by the grace of God I am what I am…” “Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God…” (Acts 17:29) we can see ourselves as God sees us, i.e. as His children. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ…” (Romans 8:14) “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” (Galatians 4:6-7) It is time that we look away from the human nature that still prevails in some of us and that we give prominence to the godly that He placed into us. “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15). All sons and daughters of God must recognise by faith their position in Christ. Only then can God make us overcomers as it is written “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

On the cross of Calvary, God manifested His omnipotence and granted us the victory over every power of Satan, death and hell in Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, faith working in us through the Spirit receives the work of salvation and becomes the power of victory in our life. As surely as Jesus overcame and preceded as the victor so will all sons and daughters of God overcome and appear in front of His throne as the host of the overcomers.

In 1 Peter 2:1 the apostle addresses those born of God with unusual words: “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings…” Who reads the previous verses could be surprised by what Peter is saying to the believers. The words “All evil speakings” (in another translation: “slander of every kind”) are especially noticeable. We live in the time when people fall victim to various lusts (addictions). What was unheard of in previous generations makes newspaper headlines these days: drug, tobacco, alcohol addictions etc. As believers, we are grateful on the one hand that we are free of such things, on the other hand we fail to recognize that even a born-again child of God may fall into various lusts in the spiritual realm. Peter mentions evil speakings (the lust of slander) here or envy elsewhere. Indeed, there has never been a time like today when demons are making such a massive attack against the whole mankind and believers are in the midst of the greatest spiritual battle ever fought. Yet, we can fight with God’s armor and sincerely confess that who the Son sets free is free indeed. But first we have to follow the call to prove ourselves in the light of God to recognize what we need to get rid of. It may then be as John writes: “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3). The apostle did not only look at himself with pride, but he took care that it was believers in whom God was pleased. While having God’s life in our souls, we are still in our mortal bodies. We have God’s treasure in earthen vessels, but at the return of Christ, also our bodies will be changed.

Therefore we do not look at what is visible, but at the invisible, confessing: “But by the grace of God I am what I am…” We are God’s children, the redeemed, having the Word of God’s promise in us, and we shall be like our Lord and Saviour. In earthly terms, there is no difference between a believer and an unbeliever. They have the same jobs, walk in the same streets, eat and drink and have the same natural foundation. Whether believers or unbelievers, both will grow old, their health will deteriorate and they will eventually die. The bodily difference will only be visible when the transformation takes place. In spite of this, there is already a huge difference between those who serve God and those who do not. To better understand it, we will let God continue speaking to us through His Word. The thought we are following is very important: “But by the grace of God I am what I am…” i.e. God’s child.

Many people knew Lord Jesus naturally. They could say: “What are you making of yourself? You are just a human! Are you not the carpenter’s son? Aren’t your brothers and sisters with us?” This was an earthly, natural way of thinking.

Jesus told them: “Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?” Isn’t it of special importance that it was in this respect that our Lord made the mighty statement that “the scripture cannot be broken…”?

This is the greatest reality of God, which was in God’s plan from the beginning, was announced through the prophets and came true in Christ. Before the foundation of the world, God predestinated people to be His sons and daughters. The elect exist in the period of the Old Testament and the New Testament.

We read in Psalms 82: “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men…” (verses 6-7) Who reads this Scripture just intellectually will not be able to understand it. On the one hand, the prophets are called gods and sons of the most High – because the Word of God came to them and they became the messengers of God’s promise – on the other hand, they are told: “But ye shall die like men…”

The prophets were men born into this world like all others, they ate, drank and died just like other people. Many of them were even killed. Outwardly, no-one could have seen them as gods. They made mistakes and were often treated with contempt. However, through the Word, God’s substance was put into them. The same has happened with us who have received the Word of God. Our soul has taken part in God’s nature and has fellowship with God. The prophets were no dead idols, but living gods, as they were carrying the life-giving Word of God in them.

The Lord says: “I have said, Ye are gods.” In the New Testament, our Lord repeated and emphasised what had already been said in the Old Testament. The Same who had spoken through the prophets in the Old Testament was then there and confirmed what they had spoken on His behalf. It is also written: “all of you are children of the most High.” In Luke 1:32 it is written about Jesus Christ our Lord: “He … shall be called the Son of the Highest.” A portion of the Word was in the prophets, therefore they were called the sons of the most High. The fullness of the Word was manifested in Christ and He was called the Son of the Highest. However, they reviled Him and said: “…because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.” (John 10:33)

The people who are not born of God see the human realm. However, all who are born of God, look beyond the human veil and see the divine. Concerning those who were to believe from gentile nations, God says through the prophet Hosea: “that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.” (1:10) So we can rejoice that by His grace we are what we are. In the flesh we are humans, but we are God’s children by the Spirit. It is written about prophets that they died like humans and it was not only them who died in the flesh, but also our Lord and all who have gone home so far as believers. The difference is in resurrection. The prophets died, but with absolute certainty that there would be life after death, they died with assurance and living hope that they would take part in the resurrection. Jesus Christ our Lord could say: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19). He could tell His disciples that He would rise on the third day and would go before them to Galilee. For the sake of humans He was born into this world as a child, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger and circumcised on the eighth day according to the Law. He was likened to His brothers in all things so that He could be the faithful High Priest.

Our Lord has never looked on anyone with contempt. It was only the Pharisees full of righteousness who said: “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are…” (Luke 18:11) However, our Lord looked at people with eternal love and divine mercy and He felt pity for the people. He was a human and died as a human. He was God and transformed people into a divine condition – He turned children of men into God’s children. The resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord was God’s proof that death, hell and the devil had been defeated. Lord Jesus says about the true believers that will be raptured: “Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.” (Luke 20:36) The prophets and all those in the Old Testament who believed the Word that came to them rose with Christ according to Matthew 27: “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose.” (verses 51-52) At the return of the Lord, all those who received the Word of Promise in their time will be awoken and those who are alive will be changed and go to glory together with Him.

We have received God’s life of resurrection because the Word our Lord said is valid for us, too: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26) After this statement the Lord asked Martha, Lazarus’ sister: “Believest thou this?” Today, He is asking you and me the same question and we can also answer: “Yea, Lord: I believe.”

Faith is God’s gift. It comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. By His grace we are what we are.

Through the prophetic end-time message we are again shown the all-encompassing meaning of God’s Word. We have come to know that what matters is not the interpretations of the Word, but the true Word as the original seed of God. Never before has God’s Word been proclaimed with such purity. By God’s grace we can be counted among those who believe and accept God’s final message. By His grace, we can see ourselves among those who will have part in the first resurrection. Concerning overcomers, it is written: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11) The Word of God is a living testimony for the overcomers. They have surrendered their own lives so that Christ could live His life through them. “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” (Revelation 12:12) The moment Jesus takes His own to glory, Satan with his own will be thrown out. There will be rejoicing and jubilance in heaven, but the worst time ever on earth. Only then will all the redeemed see and appreciate what we are by His grace. The Lord told Moses: “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious.” (Exodus 33:19). The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ our Lord. That day we will be in glory with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, all prophets, forefathers and all the elect from the Old Testament period as well as the apostles and all the elect from the New Testament period.

Paul greets the church in Ephesus with these words: “… Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:1) and finishes saying: “Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity [in unbreakable faithfulness – German translation].” (Ephesians 6:24)

May it be granted to us by God’s mercy that we do not receive grace in vain, but that we hold fast to it and love our Lord Jesus Christ, who has loved, saved and redeemed us, with unbreakable faithfulness. Because the one that endures to the end shall be crowned.

Trip report

I and bro. Barilier from Lausanne attended meetings in four towns in Zaire. Through God’s guidance, thousands have been reached during a short time. Local brethren, Zaire's ambassador in Bonn, radio and the press all played their role in promoting these meetings in a special way. It is no exaggeration when we say that this has been God’s merciful visitation for many in the country.

What had come before was a circular letter written by a brother who had wanted to introduce a “Thunders doctrine” in the local churches and spread malicious slander about me. However, there were also people who had been established in the Word for many years and did not deviate from it. So this brother achieved just the opposite of what he had intended – the people gathered to hear the Word of God. He wrote to me and asked what I was going to preach and whether my coming made any sense at all when I did not come to preach “the seven thunders”. God alone answered, which was manifested when all the brethren and churches confessed their faith in the Word.

Brother Barilier and I were able to experience a victorious march of our God in an overwhelming way. When I cry: “Jesus is victor”, you can also feed the deep gratitude filling my heart. What matters is not me or anyone else, but that the revealed Word of God should be preserved and kept as pure as it was given to us – without interpretation and any additions.

Kinshasa meetings were promoted eight times a day on the radio and also announced in newspapers. Several thousand people gathered and felt God’s grace. What we experienced during those days was so mighty. Many were saved, healed and set free and all those ordained of God to eternal life accepted the truth. I cannot remember if I have even experienced such meetings before – they were a foretaste of what was going on in early Christianity and what is to be repeated in these last days. A lot of people also attended meetings in other cities. In Lubumbashi, approximately three thousand believers waited for more than 24 hours for our delayed arrival, which was one day later than planned. The Word of God then came with all the power of God. What was going on cannot be described by words, one simply has to experience it. About 30 ministering brethren were standing behind me on the platform, praying, believing and witnessing that they support this ministry.

In any case, all ministering brethren in the entire country as well as God’s people were helped to be strengthened and established in the Word. We were received as God’s servants and God’s blessing came down accordingly. Blessed are those who can rejoice together with us in what God is doing right now. Several photos are published in this circular letter; unfortunately, even a wide-angle lens was not enough to capture the multitude of people.

From Zaire, bro. Barilier travelled west to French-speaking African countries and I flew further east to English-speaking countries. This is the right opportunity to appreciate the work our beloved brother Barilier does in French-speaking countries. Thousands have been blessed through the French translations of brother Braham’s sermons and our circular letters. We want to keep our brother in our prayers. We have worked together in brotherly love from the beginning and will continue doing so until the Lord returns.

Just as in July, the hand of the Lord was working during my second African journey in August. In Lusaka, Zambia, I was repeatedly asked to address the whole nation via radio and television. By faith, I already see a great harvest to come in a short time.

The same applies to Malawi, Mozambique,Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya – the whole of Central and Eastern Africa as far as down to South Africa. We can say that God has opened the doors from one end to the other. If He opens, nobody may close. If He sends, nobody can prevent it. If He blesses, who can stop it?

We have to remember that a trip to Africa was deeply upon brother Branham’s heart. However, Pentecostal preachers influenced the authorities to prohibit him from preaching and then to ban his entry. He had to say: “Think of this: on the judgement day, the lost souls will stretch their bony hands from smoke and condemn you. Their blood will come upon you, not me, because I have been trying to come again for about ten years.” In his sermon “Reproach for the Word”, brother Branham mentioned that he had seen a German eagle in connection with Africa in Zürich in 1995. Here we see again that everything that God showed to His prophet in visions comes true, though it may be a few years later.

During both of the missionary trips in the recent days and weeks I saw God’s hand at work and recognized that it was necessary to provide help to responsible brethren in these countries so that they can carry out God’s work. Here I do not mean pious words, which anybody can say, but a practical act. Therefore, I am not hesitant to encourage all of you to assist the work of the Lord so that these brethren, who do not have money, are not discouraged and do not fall into despair, but rather can carry out their commission.

Let me use this opportunity to address admonishing words to those who believe God’s message for this time and have a desire in their heart that all the elect be called out of all nations. I ask all others not to read this and pay attention to it. However, it must be said to those who want to stand before God that it is time to obey and respect every Word of God. Obedience is accompanied by God’s blessing, disobedience is cursed. In the past we published brother Branham’s statements. However, given the urgency of the matter, today I feel led to address an appeal to all who might not have understood that they owe a tithe to God, because it belongs to Him so that He can use it for Himself. What is our profit from having a house, car or nice furniture if we obtained it for the money stolen from the Lord? Can one feel well knowing that he may have been stealing the Lord’s money perhaps for many years?

On August 23, 1964, brother Branham said: “Really, where you owe tithings is where you get your food. “Bring ye all your tithings into My storehouse, saith the Lord. And prove Me wherein saith God, that if I’ll not open the windows of Heaven and pour out a blessing that you would not have room enough to receive it.” I challenge any man or woman that’s not a tithe payer to accept that. I could stand here till in the morning, telling you just what happened when I seen that, and what condition I was in. But just as loyal as I ever could, I paid tithes. And when I took my own money from the church here or from my campaigns, …I’d give a tenth.”

We all stand before God Who searches our hearts and knows our thoughts. The Scripture quoted by brother Branham is THUS SAITH THE LORD and was spoken through the prophet Malachi, who prophesied about the ministry of John the Baptist and about the first coming of Jesus Christ. At the end of the last chapter, he gave a mighty promise about the prophet Elijah who was to come before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. For those who were addressed by God through the prophetic part, the preceding part of this chapter is THUS SAITH THE LORD just as the rest. Also this truth is part of the revealed Word.

What would you think about someone who has committed a bank robbery? The court and also all of us would find him guilty, feeling aversion and regarding his conviction as a necessary measure. However, as God’s children we are far more guilty when we have robbed God for years. Even today, we would ask as in the time of the prophet Malachi: “Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.” (Malachi 3:8) We may find ourselves spiritual and we say: “But we are in the New Testament period!” However, the Lord said to the people of Israel: “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” He is telling us the same today: “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye, children of God, are not consumed.”

Then He says in verse 9: “Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.” One may think that God’s blessing is upon him, pray fervently, sing the most beautiful hymns while raising hands and thinking of the rapture. However, the devil laughs knowing that that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. All who have robbed God and do not obey Him must be aware that they are under a curse. From today, I am innocent concerning anyone who reads this circular letter and then fails to comply with the Word of God and brother Branham’s statements. Let’s remain faithful also in this, because it is important to respect every Scripture He commanded and revealed. Let’s count it a privilege to give to the Lord from what He has given to us. Who rejects the Word and does not follow it may voice any objections, but it is only the written Word that is valid, the rest is just arguments. God means what He says and He says what He means.

As it has been emphasised before, these words are addressed only to those who have recognised that through brother Branham God has placed all Biblical truths on the candlestick including those concerning a tithe, which Abraham had given long before the Law. Who thinks in his heart that “this does not concern me!” must accept in love that according to the Scriptures we have just mentioned such a person is under a curse even if he/she speaks of the greatest blessings. It is my prayer that these solemn words reach the hearts of all. God knew why He gave this commandment and we must recognize it and act accordingly.

I certainly want to mention that there are many who are faithful and keep God’s cause in their hearts. From now, the rest will also have to make their decision. Now, at the end, the Lord wants to have children that are obedient and blessed, not disobedient and stricken by a curse. We believe we are coming back to early Christianity and it also includes this part. May the Lord clarify this matter for all.

Commemoration

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” (Revelation 14:13)

Two precious brothers were called home from our midst – bro. Sidney Jackson from South Africa and bro. Roy Borders from the USA. Both were with brother Branham during his lifetime and were connected with his ministry.

Brother Jackson had a deep understanding of brother Branham’s prophetic commission. In particular, he was in charge of organizing large meetings in South Africa. God could use him for many years until his old age. To me personally he was a faithful friend and brother who kept encouraging me not to give up.

I spoke with brother Roy Borders in April 1966 about publishing the printed versions of brother Branham’s sermons and I emphasised the importance of having them translated into as many languages as possible. He was responsible for having every sermon available in English printed. In this respect, He has done the most for spreading the message to the whole world. The sermons He published were not only sent to all English-speaking countries, but also translated into many other languages.

Therefore, I was deeply shaken that none other of the brothers known worldwide attended his funeral to pay him last respects. It was clear to me even without words. It is sad that people always speak about great prophets, perfect love is preached, but not a little bit of human affection is shown at the end. I can only see it as the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit that from a certain time it was upon my heart to also print in English the sermons brother Branham preached after the opening of the seven seals. The same week that brother Roy Borders went home we had our first brochure ready and now we can provide the English-speaking parts of the world with these important sermons. We had to buy a new offset printing machine and have already printed the first sermon on it. While I was in Jeffersonville, I had a long talk with Billy Paul Branham, who is sending his warm regards to all of you. As there have recently been claims that he is of the opinion that the eighth or another messenger is still to come, I specifically asked him about it. He literally replied: “Brother Frank, I have never believed it and I have not said anything like that. I only repeated what my father had said about brother Joseph.”

As far as I am concerned, even two angels from heaven could come and say something, I would not accept it unless it is written in the Word. What many present as a revelation today is just a product of one’s own imagination and spiritual fantasy. If they claim, for example, that before the return of Christ a special man with another message must come, they fail to be in accordance with Malachi 3:23 and Revelation 10:7 and do not take into consideration what the Lord told brother Branham on 11 June 1933: “As John the Baptist was sent to forerun the first coming of Christ, so you are sent with a message that will forerun the second coming of Christ.” Who does not believe what the Lord Himself said and confirmed may well believe any messenger whoever he may be. But where were they during the 1960s and 1970s when this message was going into all the world? What did the Lord tell them and when? I would like these people to come to me to justify their statements in my presence.

May the Lord grant His grace to all not to hearken to any other voice and not to add anything to God’s last speaking through the prophetic ministry of brother Branham. Who does not understand it now and get on God’s side is beyond help.

In God’s commission

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