Power of the Cross

Power of the Cross

Bro. Lee Vayle November 14, 1970

a. The prophet sets in order by the revelation in which was real to him, and he had the complete spiritual substance of it. What we in turn are to have by the water to the ankle, the water to the knee, the water to the thigh, and to swim in, and that will be it. Do you follow me? It’s coming, we’re growing up into it. So, that’s what we have heard from the Word, we say, “Yes, that’s true.” The faith of God is real. The righteousness of God is real. And these things are real, and we know they’re real, because they have been academically given to us. But, there comes a time now, when the Holy Ghost in the soul of man, and the mind is a part of that complex, that spirit, will then begin to well up, and by revelation make the reality so good, that nothing else is even in comparison. You see?

Just ask this question. What is more real? Answer me, before God. Your own idea of sin, or God …?... and His righteousness? Don’t you dare tell me, unless you’re prepared now to take a very strong stand. If you have a complete revelation of His righteousness. Because I’ll be expecting something of you that you’ve never dreamed possible. Because when the Bride comes to this mind age, she’ll have ‘Thus Saith the Lord’ in her. That’s right, do you follow me?

b. So, this age of which He spoke, is the age of the dynamism of revelation, which makes the things of God so real. That we could say with John, “We saw the Word of life. We handled the Word of life. We listened to the Word of life. He was here. We know It, we want you to know It too.” And I submit that nothing else is going to be satisfying for this last day age, if we’re going to be restored. Because they had it.

What made Peter say at that day, "Such as we have we give unto you, in the Name of Jesus, rise up, and walk.” [Act 3:6] And they said, “By what power have You done this?” And He said, “Don’t look on us as though any power…any holiness or power that we have, did it.” See? They knew there was a power there, which is linked to holiness. It was the righteousness of Christ, that Peter had anew. And the revelation of the faith of God, and the Name of Jesus. And he was right in action, because of that revelation.

c. And brother/sister, I want to tell you. There are certain things in this life I know…and I’ve always known it. I have an analytical mind, and I could do mathematics until my mind went sort of ‘phooey’. Algebra, analytical geometry, just a snap. Analytical grammar, composition, just a snap. I could do it. Because it was more real to me. I’ll tell you one thing. Unless something becomes very real to me concerning a carburetor on a car, I didn’t even know what that vacuum thing was good for, until Bro. Harold came along and told me. And I’d driven the car roughly thirty thousand miles. All I knew, it went up and down, and it said something about a vacuum. And the other day I was even wondering if maybe a valve was going, or something. And he told me, “Now if a valve was going, the vacuum would show it”. I’m learning something. But as far as mechanics are concerned, I don’t know for nothing.

But there’s certain things that I do know, and we in this life, the Scripture warns us, “No man knows the things of man save the spirit of man.” [1 Cor 2:11] And we know those things. Right? You don’t need anybody to teach you, as far as a man or woman is concerned. You were born to It.

d. But now we’re born again. For what end? That the Spirit of God may make the things of God to such an extent so clear, that we know those things. And now, the things of man, go down. And Paul said, “All those things I once knew I count as nothing. And I don’t walk in that realm anymore. I’ve been crucified, and I’m dead. But I’m now risen in the Spirit of God.” Now you see, that must become real. And that’s what we’re coming into. I believe there’s coming an age brother/sister, when we are going to be like Daniel. Did not turn the world upside down. I don’t want to turn any world upside down. It’s been turned upside down, long enough. I don’t want to go around emptying hospitals, I don’t think it’s going to happen. I don’t go around preaching any great revival. I believe that’s over. But I believe there’s God’s got something in reserve, by His Spirit, that will restore us. And that’s got to come, we saw. And I could not under any consideration, believe that that is not our portion. And that is revelation. The Spirit making the things of God real. And God Almighty, so real.

e. So, that’s the age we talk about. As I said, “Simeon, had the revelation, ‘Christ is coming’, it was there.” He knew It. But the day had to come when God Himself was manifest in flesh. And He put Him in His arms, and held Him there. We too, are not simply waiting for Jesus to come…that is true. But we are waiting now, for the restoration, the reality of the things of God. And Lord knows, we need it in this age of the Laodicean Church. Because everything else is too real, and the things of God are dim. He said…Jesus Himself said, “You’ve come to Me for what?” For those, for raiment and for eye-salve, to anoint your eyes. How we need to have the eyes anointed.

d. As Bro. Branham said when he was a little boy, the cold wind blowing in, would cause the eyes to get matted over. His mother would take some hot coon grease. and God know how we need some hot coon grease again. See? Do you follow me? It’s not that it’s not there. But how real is it? How real is His faith? How real is His love? How real is His righteousness? See? We wouldn’t deny the reality in the abstract. But how many could say I have It? It’s operating. That’s what’s real. This Laodicean Age of cold ‘much’…I was lukewarm ‘much’, which, is even worse than cold. Has got to change to the red hot. Not, in the world, but in the Bride. Because, God said, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord would raise up a standard.” [Isa 59:91] And according to the Word of God, the standard is revelation by the Spirit. Now then, listen to me. You cannot act except by your mind.

e. I know people say, “Bro. Vayle, I have involuntary acts.” And aha…now let’s watch it. I put my hand upon a hot stove, and what happens? The sense goes bing, bing, bing, in my brain, tells me to get it off quick, up goes my hand…just faster than that. You knock a certain side of the [medulla], that part of your brain, your heart stops beating. Man acts according to knowledge. Therefore, when the knowledge of the Most High God, supersedes all other knowledge, you will act like God. ‘Thus Saith the Lord’, will be in It. Right? Now you know It, from what He said. The day must come when the Bride is the Word Bride, and she will approach unto Christ by means of the Word, becoming like Him in order to be united to Him. Not in order to turn the world upside down. Not in order to empty out the hospitals. Not in order for God, or anybody to recreate the earth. It’s uniting time brother/sister, because it’s dis-uniting time of a .?... Right? Follow me?

I hope you do. Some of you look like you’re drawing a blank, gets me kind of nervous. Because if you’re skeptical, I’ve got nothing more to say to you. But, this is the best I can express it. Follow me? Okay. Let’s bow our heads in prayer.

Gracious Heavenly Father, we look to You tonight, Lord, in order that Your Spirit, Who has been given unto us, illuminating our hearts and our minds. For, Lord, You said we can do nothing, except You are doing It in us. But, Lord, we can only do according to knowledge, unless we are sleep-walkers, or automatons, robots. But we are not. So, we are confined, O God, to the truth of spiritual revelation, which is Word made real. So that we become Word epistles, walking, read and known, amongst all men. Lord, that’s been my bonding through life. That men must read me, and read me they will. And it’s been so dis-satisfying to know, that they haven’t read the Word, so many times. But, Lord, You said to repent in this day, and I do repent, and pray, O God, that Thy Holy Spirit Who was given to this end, shall make You and Your things so real.

That men can literally turn my pages and not one page be blank. Or not one page be faulty, but every page the revealed Christ. And help each one, O God, tonight having the same earnest cry to be like You. Not waiting only for that day when we’re changed in the atoms. But at this moment, we can manifest You to a people. Lord, help us all. Now, God, I pray that every word coming forth to be Your Word, in sweetness and love, and humility, earnestly contending for the truth. And every heart, Lord, submits us to the Word of God, not the word of man. And then every heart receiving the Word of God, not the word of man, to be enflamed thereby, incited, excited, ennobled to do all that You’d have each one to do. We pray now, Lord, for an understanding upon our subject tonight. Because Jesus, this is so important, that we speak.

O God, and then we’ll fulfill the last commission, which Your servant gave. And in these end days, when He told us not to withdraw ourselves. Not to fuss amongst ourselves, but to be sweet and kind, charitable, yielding, and in honor preferring each other. That’s exactly the way it should be. And in our hearts, we wanted it that way. And You’re greater than our hearts, because You’re God. So, we trust in Thee, Lord. That Thy should surely make Thy redemption complete. And we’ll be satisfied with Thy goodness, in Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

1. I want to bring a message tonight, concerning the ‘Power of the Cross’. And I’ll read in a little while, from the Book of Colossians, whereby we will find the Scripture, that will show us the truth which we have in mind. Now, this study of the power of the Cross, is very enlightening. Because I feel that the majority of us have not thoroughly studied the truth of the power of the Cross, as we ought to have done so. And the reason we’re not aware of this power, is four-fold. The first is; that we have thoughts. That the Cross is rather a passive instrument, and that is we're to negative, now that it is the Cross has been completed two thousand years ago. That the atonement is over, and we look back upon it, and we say it is a finished and completed work. So, we say the Cross is passive. We call it negative. We do not look for it to produce a literal, functional, power in our lives.

2. Now the second reason; we have not known of It’s great power is, that we are so used to thinking of the Resurrection, in terms of power. But we can hardly begin to think of the Cross, in terms of power. And thirdly; we have not distinguished between the power of the Cross, and the power of the Resurrection, even though they are both set forth in the Word of God. First of all, our thinking I say has been that the Cross has been passive. A completed work. Now lying in the back of history, so that the Cross is passive. See? That’s the way our minds think. Secondly, our minds have been so imbued, with the truth of the power of the Resurrection, that we have automatically put all our of confidence in the Resurrection, and forgotten that there might be a dynamism in the Cross. Therefore, we have not distinguished between the power of the Cross, and the power of the Resurrection, as set forth in Scripture. Which, believe me, we have tonight.

3. In Colossians 1:20-22 listen,

(20) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to

reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things

in earth, or things in heaven.

(21) And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind (your

heart) by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

(22) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblamed-

able and unreproveable in his sight:

With that, in Colossians 2:13-15

(13) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh,

hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

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

(15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, (at that cross) he made a

(show) of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Which is the cross)

You see? Now, with that 1 Corinthians 1:18

(18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved (the preaching of the cross) is the power of God.

Now, the Scripture sets forth here, says that the Cross cannot be a negative implement. It cannot be passive, because It is still reconciling men to God. And furthermore, Paul says, “That the preaching of the Cross, is powerful.” [1 Cor 1:18] Now, listen to me. You can’t make anything that’s dead, possess power by talking about it. Talk all you want to that stone out there. It’ll never come to life. Talk all you want about a stone being able to walk. It’ll never walk. So therefore, you can preach the cross all you want, …if it is passive or negative, it will never do anything. It’s got to have the power in It. So therefore, when men preach the Cross, It has to be an implement of power, because simply saying it, doesn’t make it so. See? Either Jesus is a Savior, or He’s not a savior.

4. Like as Paul said, “If I preached the Resurrection, and Christ be not risen, that doesn’t do one thing.” [1 Cor 15:14] Preach It all you want, he said.

And brother/sister, you could preach all you want about a cross being an instrument of power. And if it isn’t, talking will never make it so. The Cross according to Paul, is an instrument of power. And It has a vitality, and a virility, a dynamism, that is absolutely fantastic, when you view It in the light of the Word of God.

5. Now, let us view the power of the Resurrection. It has Its own power. In Romans 1: 3-4

(3) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, (who) was made of the seed of David, according to the flesh;

(4) And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

. Now, in Ephesians 1:15-23 which we have been dealing with. We read again.

(15) Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love

unto all the saints,

(16) Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

(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(self):

(18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that (you) may know…

See? There’s revelation, and the mind begins to see by the Spirit of God, what the truth of God really is. See? The mind alone can’t do it. That you may know,

(18) …what is the hope of his calling, and (you may know) what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

(19) And (you may know) what is 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 from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in … heavenly places,

(21) Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

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

(23) Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Now, you will notice here, that there is a difference. And that difference is that on the Cross, the power of the Son was manifested. But, it’s in the Resurrection that the power of God is manifested. See? There are two complete operations of power.

6. Look it, over here It says in verse 3, of Romans 1:

(3) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

(4) And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection (of) the dead:

But was He not also the Son of man, God manifest in flesh when He had hung upon the Cross? And there it was said, upon the cross He openly was able to blot out the hand writing, which was against us, and foil principalities. See? You will notice therefore, the difference between the power of the Cross, and the power of the Resurrection. Is, that the power of the Son, (God the Son) manifested upon the Cross. See? But God, manifested again, through Resurrection, in a higher degree of power once more.

7. Now then, this brings us to the fourth point, and that is this; that the power of the Son, or, the power of the Cross, always precedes the power of the Resurrection. [first three points, on Page 3] See? The Son must act first. Then act the Father. In other words, that which is accomplished by the Cross, will always precede that which is accomplished by the power of the Resurrection. And that’s exactly where we have made our mistake in this last day of the Laodicean Age.

Nobody has given any thought to the power of God. I don’t mean nobody, I mean that the general run of the people, have turned away from a dynamism, because they didn’t know it existed. And they didn’t understand by Scripture, that the Son must act first. See? Which is upon the Cross, in obedience to the Father. Then, the mighty power of the Resurrection comes into being. Now, with this in mind, we will study the virtual…actual, virtual, power of the Cross. And thereby we can empower our lives, until the manifested power of God, comes forth as it’s never come forth before.

Now, to do this we must recognize the factor of the Cross in our lives. Much more than we have even recognized the factor of the power of the Resurrection in our lives. You see, this is reversing It. We have been taught to recognize the factor of the Resurrection, making the Cross passive. Putting It out of the way.

8. Now, if we are going to really have the power of the God, we’re going to have turn around the way God did It. We’re going to have to come to the factor of the power of the Cross. In Matthew 10:38

(38) And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy

of me.

It's what It says. And again in Matthew 16:24

(24) … If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up

his cross, and follow me.

There must be a Cross in every man’s life. And that Cross my brother, my sister, is not a weakening, negating force, but, it is an actual power, in the life of every believer. As a song-writer once said, “Must Jesus bear the cross alone, and all the world go free? No, there’s a cross for everyone, and there’s a cross for me.” That we understand It to be true, is bought out in the 12th chapter of the Book of Hebrews, again.

(1) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of

witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which … easily

beset us, (that’s unbelief) and let us run with patience the race that is set

before us,

(2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that

was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down

at the right hand of the throne of God.

(3) For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against (Him,

they killed Him), lest (you) be wearied and faint in your (souls).

(4) (You) have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. (See?)

9. The Cross is a dynamic factor, in the life of every Christian. And we’ll show you this by our study now of the Book of Colossians. Now this is a lengthy reading, so I’ll let you have plenty of time to go to It, the Book of Colossians. [1:]

(1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus

our brother,

(2) To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse:

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord

Jesus Christ.

(3) We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, pray-

ing always for you,

(4) Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which (you)

have to all the saints,

(5) For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof (you have) heard

before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

(6) Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth

fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the

grace of God in truth:

(7) As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you

a faithful minister of Christ;

(8) Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

(9) For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray

for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

10. You see what we’re talking about in revelation? Anybody can read the Bible here, and understand the will of God per se…as just simply written out. But, to understand the will of God in wisdom and Spiritual understanding takes the Holy Ghost, my brother, my sister. Do you follow me?

(10) That (you) might walk worthy of the Lord (See? We’ve been taking this

all week long) unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and

increasing in the knowledge (by revelation) of God;

(11) Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all

patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

(12) Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

(13) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

(14) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of

sins:

(15) Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

(16) For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth,

visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities,

or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

(17) And he is before all things, and by him all things (maintained). (the word ‘consists’ means ‘maintained’)

(18) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the first-

born from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence.

(19) For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

(20) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to

reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things

in earth, or things in heaven.

(21) And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by

wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

(22) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblame- able and unreproveable in his sight:

(23) If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away

from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached

to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

(24) Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind

of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

(25) Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

(26) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations,

but now is made manifest to his saints:

(27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this

mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

(28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

(29) Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh

in me mightily.

11. [Colossians 2:]

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

at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

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

all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of

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

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

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

(5) For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying

and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

(6) As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

(7) Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been

taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

(8) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

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

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

(11) In whom also (you) are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands,

in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

(12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also (you) are risen with him through the

faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

(13) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath

he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

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

(15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a (show) of them

openly, triumphing over them in it.

(16) Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an

holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

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

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

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

seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

If that doesn’t go on today, I don’t know the Word.

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

having nourishment ministered, and knit together, (increases) with the

increase of God.

See? It’s a good growing up.

(20) Wherefore if (you) be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world,

why, as though living in the world, are (you) subject to ordinances,

(21) (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

(22) Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and

doctrines of men?

(23) Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility,

and neglecting of the body: not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh.

12. [Colossians 3:]

(1) If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, …

The word is not ‘seek’, it’s the ‘mind’.

(1) …(Mind) those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right

hand of God.

(2) Set your affection (the same word again ‘mind’) on things above, not on

things on the earth.

(3) For (you) are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

(4) When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear

with him in glory.

(5) Mortify therefore your members …

That’s put to death those members.

(5) ...which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection,

evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

(6) For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of dis-

obedience:

(7) In the which ye also walked some time, when (you) lived in them.

(8) But now (you) also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy,

filthy communication out of your mouth.

(9) Lie not one to another, seeing that (you) have put off the old man with his

deeds;

(10) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the

image of him that created him:

(11) Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

(12) Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

(13) Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a

quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do (you).

(14) And above all these things put on (love), which is the bond of (perfection.)

(15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also (you) are called

in one body; and be (you) thankful.

(16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, …

That’s a far cry from a crack in the face, isn’t it?

(16) …singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

(17) And whatsoever (you) do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord

Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

(18) Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

(19) Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

(20) Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

(21) Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

(22) Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with

eye service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;

(23) And whatsoever (you) do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

(24) Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance:

for (you) serve the Lord Christ.

(25) But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done:

and there is no respect of persons.

Now, there’s a lot of verses here that we’re going to talk about respecting the Cross, because this to me is the Book of the Cross.

13. Let’s go back now, and look at the verses carefully. Beginning at [Colossians 1:] 9

(9) For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray

for you, and to desire that (you) might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

(10) That (you) might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

(11) Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all

patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

(12) Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

(13) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

(14) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness

of sins:

Now, notice in verse 11, It says,

(11) Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all

patience and longsuffering (and) joyfulness;

14. You will notice in here, the cross in the life of the Christian, is set forth immediately. Because, patience and longsuffering has to do with the crucified life. Many people feel that they are brought to nothing if, they were literally as it were, crucified upon a cross. If God could take, and pinion them, if He should demand of them a debt, they say, “Well, that’s not it, because you see, that’s not the point. I want the power, which is resident in a resurrection. I want an authority.” But you will notice here, that it says, "reason with all might, according to His glorious power." The power of Christ. And it’s the power that lies in patience, and in long-suffering with joyfulness. This power, is a definite power…a real power. As I say, It is not negative. It is not simply passive, as though nothing were going on. But it is a reality, because this is strengthening us.

There’s no such thing as I understand my Bible, as a man simply being senses. That God had simply formed sense in him, and said, “This is it, entirely.” But, it is man through the Spirit of God being strengthened by man being literally crucified. Man himself, going out of the way.

15. Now notice:

(12) Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

(13) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated

us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

(14) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of

sins:

Now, the secret here is:

(13) (That God has) delivered us from the power of darkness, and (has) translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

(14) In whom we have redemption through his blood, …

Now, where does the blood come from? The Cross. Is that, right? Without the Cross, there was no blood. And without the Cross, and no blood, there was no deliverance from the power of darkness.

16. Now, listen to me, hold your thumbs there, and turn back to 2 Corinthians. I’ve never used It this way, but I’m going to use It this way now. 2 Corinthians 3:13-15

(13) And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

(14) But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail

untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

(15) But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

There’s a veil upon the mind, and a veil upon the heart.

(16) Nevertheless, (the mind, …(See)…and consequently the heart) … shall

turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

(17) Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

(18) But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of (God.)

Now, listen to me. Israel could not accept Jesus Christ’s sacrifice upon Calvary, according to the Old Testament. When Jesus talked to His disciples in Emmaus, and then later in the building with them, He showed them all the things in the law and the prophets concerning Himself, that confirmed His death, particularly. And Israel could not accept the Cross. And because they could not accept the Cross, they remained in darkness.

17. Now, what It says in Colossians [1:] here.

(13) (But we have been) delivered us from the power of darkness, and (have been) translated us into the kingdom of his…Son:

(14) In whom we have redemption through (the) blood (of the cross), even

the forgiveness of sins:

And let me show you tonight, that this is absolutely true. That amongst the Christians today, there is a complete darkness. There is a complete authority of …?... …?... over the multitudes. Even as Jesus said, "Because of abounding iniquity, the love of the many shall wax cold.”

[Mt 24:12] And there has not been a translation, into the light, the kingdom of life.

In other words, our understanding is doctrine tonight because we have not accepted the Cross of Christ. You know that’s true? I’ll prove It to you. The day when Pentecost, go back to when you were first in Pentecost…go back when you were born again and all. And the move, which was the last day move, they had one thing; Pentecost, Resurrection, Pentecost, Resurrection…it’s all we ever talked about. They never talked about the Cross. And today, their minds are blackened and darkened. When the prophet came they could no more accept him, than the Jews, the authority of their day, could accept Jesus Christ.

18. And the same thing obtains today in the majority of Christians. Because we have turned aside the Cross, as an instrument of power, that will take us from darkness, to light. Today we are wondering, why are these things going on? What’s all this trouble? Your own prophet told you, that somebody should come in the church to stir you up, and to destroy you; take up your cross, don’t turn to one side. Don’t miss it. See? If they persecute you, don’t stop. Don’t stop. If somebody amongst you rises up, don’t fuss. Don’t fight. Take the Cross. Why? Because, the time is coming to be translated into the kingdom of Light. But, no more, could Jesus Christ translate us spiritually from the world of darkness, to the world of His Kingdom. Except by means of a Cross, can you or I ever come to a place of life, until we take up our cross, and let the people of this world buffet us, and do what they want with us.

We are in darkness today, because we have not taken the cross, but denied It. The Bible says, “If any man will follow me, let him take up his cross.”

19. Now, the Scripture says here concerning the time of Moses, back in this Book in 2 Corinthians, that 3rd chapter which I have read. It says,

(16) Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken

away.

(17) Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there

is liberty.

(18) (And) we all, with open face… (and so on, going on and on.)

And today there is a gross darkness, and people are not going on in the Spirit. They are not understanding, and receiving the Resurrection power of God. Because they say, "We are going to bypass the Cross. We’re going to bypass It. Who wants to talk about the Cross? That’s finished. He died, didn’t He? We’re identified with Him. We know what this is. Let’s talk about power. Where is the power?" See?

Where is the life today? You’ve never seen people so nervous, and so aggravated. Never seen people under such pressure. Under such bondage. Never seen people so confused. Tell me, are you really clear today, in your minds? How clear are you? Can I even say things up here that you’re not one of us, that you take the prophet’s words? What are you scared of? Huh? Come on, let’s be honest. I’ve got nothing to lose. You throw out the challenge. What is it? Who wants to take up his cross? Who wants to take up his cross?

20. The Son must first act, before the Father brings His power. But the Son must die, before the Father raises Him. But we want a Resurrection without death. We’re in darkness brother/sister. If there's' five hundred here tonight, we've got five hundred opinions. There’s roughly five hundred, running scared. Is that translated from darkness into light? There’s something wrong. I think we’re just as bad as the folk that turned down Bro. Branham when he stopped doing all the miracles. Because they wanted to see miracles, they didn’t want teaching. …?... the Father will act in power. [raps on the pulpit] But remember, It was upon the Cross, not in the Resurrection, but upon the Cross, that we received the power to be literally translated from darkness to light.

Say, “What’s going on? Why am I in this darkness? Why am I in this Spirit?” I’ll tell you one thing, just submit to the Cross, and that fear will begin to go. Because I found every single time I’ve submitted to the death, and I have submitted, to that which is against me, and I have let them take me, and crucify me, I have not only had peace, but I have life, and I walked in victory. Because when God stretched His hand down! But He wouldn’t stretch His hand, until the Cross. It says we have redemption, through this Blood, the forgiveness of sins.

21. I say the darkness my brother, my sister will go, the minute we express ourselves willingly, to go to that Cross and say, “Let them do what they want to me.” Let them say what they want to say. I’m not going to fuss back at them. I’m not going to argue. I’m not going to worry. Let them do it. Then, isn’t that what Jesus did? And in that very process, that was the process, that translates from darkness to light.

Let me submit to you tonight, the ways of God will never become real, until we take up that Cross. …?... And those who take up the Cross, will always be a mystery to those who don’t. But I’m going to tell you one thing. You’ll always see the power of the Resurrection, in those who take up the Cross. But you’ll not see it, in those that don’t. The cocklebur never took his place in death with Christ. It was a seed.

22. Now, let’s go a little further here. As I said, we set forth the translation of darkness to light, of sin having dominion, to reigning with Jesus Christ. Because [end of side one] we’re put in the Kingdom of His reign. Now, let’s take [Colossians 1:] verses 20- 21.

(20) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to

reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

(21) And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind

by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

(22) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Now, notice in these verses.

(20) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to

reconcile all things unto himself; …

Notice, it was the Cross that reconciled all things unto Himself. Wouldn’t we like to have all things reconciled unto us? Now, doesn’t say we'll be reconciled unto them. It says, “all things reconciled unto us.” If Christ had not died upon the Cross, there could’ve been no reconciliation of those outside of Him, to come into Him. See? And It says, …

(21) … you that were alienated in your mind(s) by wicked works, (and)…now hath he reconciled

(22) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable…

23. I read these verses in Scripture this morning, concerning that in the Book of Matthew 5:23-26

(23) Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

(24) Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; (and) be reconciled…

How do you get reconciled? By death. By the Cross. There is no reconciliation, except by means of the Cross. The world today is silent, but the group that don’t see the truth, are trying to reconcile the Words of God, through a power ministry. You can’t do it. It’s through the Cross.

(24) …and then come and offer thy gift.

Now notice,

(25) Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him;

lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

(26) Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

24. God is looking for reconciliation. But there isn’t any reconciliation apart from the Cross. Now, if God employs the Cross to reconcile the world unto Himself, we too must employ the Cross to reconcile the Word to ourselves. "I'm at loggerheads with this man. I’m in trouble with this one. I’ve got trouble with that one." There’s a constant bickering that goes on the today. It knows only one thing. That somebody is afraid, if he humbles himself, it won’t work. Somebody’s afraid that the Cross doesn’t work. How can you glory in the Cross of Jesus Christ, if you don’t believe in Its power? See? If It works for Him, It’s got to work for us. Because, every man must have his Cross. We need reconciliation, but somebody’s got to do the humbling. We need to get along. But somebody’s got to say, “I’m wrong.” We need to have a soul with love and peace, and …?.... But somebody’s got to say, “I’m sorry, I spoke out of turn. I’m sorry, I judged.” (See?) Reconciliation

25. Now, let’s see if this is true, what I’m talking about. Some more in, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

(18) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus

Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

(19) To wit, (to know this) that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto

himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto

us the word of reconciliation.

Christ said, “Look, our …?... I’ll take the Cross, only let’s come together.” How many of us can say, “I’ll take all the blame?” No, we just want to think we’re right with the Laodicean spirit, “I’ll defend my rights to the death bless God.” I’m not preaching down to you, I’m telling you, what’s in Lee Vayle’s heart. If you back away these days, you say, “I’ll take the blame.” They think you’re as weak as a sucker. They’ll think you’re a coward. That’s right. This is the day as it were, for groups to stand up against groups and say, “I want you to know I’ve got what's true.”

All it’ll do is bring further reproach. All it’ll do is bring further enmity. It takes the Cross to reconcile. Because you can’t find any place in Scripture of reconciliation without the Cross. See? Now then, if we become reconciled by the Cross, isn’t that a place of power? Well, isn’t It? Certainly, It is.

26. Let me show you in Ephesians. Hold your Bibles. “Bro. Branham I'm on the side of the truth.” What do you know about truth? You’ve got vindication anymore than I’ve got? This is the first step of truth towards vindication, "we’ll take the Cross." And I’m going to show you, before I’m finished, how right I am. Not, how right I am, but, how right the Word of God is, because I'm not saying It. You see if I can find It in Ephesians 4:16

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

which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the

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

itself in love.

It was love that put Jesus Christ upon the Cross. Love was manifested by a Cross. It was there that Christ was reconciled the world. It is in reconciliation that unity comes, and if we want the body to increase, that means reconciliation not division, and somebody’s got to take up a Cross. Do you know who it’s going to be? It’s going to be the one that’s really got the Spirit of God, that’s going to do it. Because It was a Spirit of God that led Jesus through the wilderness to be tempted and tried, literally upon the cross of the devil, before he was crucified on a Cross of wood. See? Now, we cannot reconcile people to ourselves without the Cross, anymore than Jesus Christ could. Look at our family lives. Even as much as men and women love each other. Let’s be honest. How many of you don’t have little resentments toward each other? It’s not that they don’t tell me that doesn’t happen, the Bible says it does.

“Husbands don’t get bitter against your wives”. [Col 3:19] I don’t know what kind of women you are, but, the Bible says, “Watch out, you men.” Now, is that the way it ought to be? No! It says what? “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loves the church, and gave Himself for it.” [Eph 5:25] What was It? The stronger vessel took the cross, that the weaker might have life. And I say it’s more incumbent upon the man, than it is the woman. See? Look at the home. All these things. It’s got to start somewhere where somebody says, “I’m sorry.” It’s got to start somewhere. Or there isn’t any reconciliation, there cannot be. It’s an impossibility.

27. Now, let’s go a little longer in this chapter of the cross. Let’s go to [Colossians 1:] verses 24-29,

(24) (But) now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind

of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the

church:

(25) Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which

is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

(26) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations,

but (is) now be made manifest to his saints:

(27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the (glorious)…

mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

(28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all

wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ …

(29) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh

in me mightily.

28. What was working in him? What was working in him was, to be sacrificial in his nature to present Christ. That’s what he said. Aw, he didn’t say, “I want to tell you folks something, I’ve got the power of the Resurrection, Hallelujah. I’m going to show you mighty things, bless God. You turkeys want to know a thing or two? All right, I’m going to raise the dead, bless God. You want vindication? I’ve already got vindication, bless God, I’ll do It”.

Why, he said, “I was caught up to Paradise. And I could tell you things, but, I won’t tell you. Because, bless God, I just want to be too proud about this thing.” Why, you want to know power? I’ll show you power, I’ve got with God, I’ve got Holy Ghost. Hallelujah.” Paul, didn’t say that. What did he say? [Colossians 1:]

(24) Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, (who likes suffering? Who likes to suffer? Paul says, I) rejoice in my (suffering) for you, and fill up that which is (left) behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake,…the church:

29. You don’t only suffer my brother, my sister, and I take up our cross in order that you be translated from darkness to light. That we walk in a spiritual knowledge of God, but we do it for the sake of the body of Jesus Christ. They gave Him the unity and blessings of love. Where the body increases Itself, and Paul said,

(25) (Where I had been) made a minister (of this very thing, in order to show forth) …

(26) …(this) mystery…

(27) … which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

(28) Whom we preach, warning every man, …teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

(29) Whereunto I labour, (striving) according to his working, …

What working? Of the sufferings of Jesus Christ. (See?) Not popular to preach about suffering today. People want their rights. People want rights, say, “We’re democratic. We can do what we want. We raise our own standards. We make our own way.” That’s not God. Paul here brings out the thought that if a body of Christ is going to come to perfection, and Christ would be made manifest. In other words, the manifested Christ, will come by suffering. If men and women can take up their cross and suffer.

30. Now, going to the next chapter. [Colossians 2:]

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

There’s a conflict, the Cross. Because the cross, means conflict. See? Crossing. Two things coming across each other, making a cross. Contradiction. Across…’contra – dico’, say again, across. See? …?... across, and pick them up.

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

them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

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

all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement

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

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

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

(5) For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying

and beholding your order, and…stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

What is that faith in Christ? The trial of their faith. They’re being tried, they’re being tested. They’re carrying their cross, but, they’re being faithful. Now,

(6) As ye have therefore received (in) Christ…the Lord, so walk…in him:

(7) Rooted and built up in him, and (established) in the faith, as (you) have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

(8) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after

the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

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

31. Now, you will notice in here, that Paul is bringing out of them, the philosophy of mankind. The philosophy of mankind in his day, was a complete rejection of the Cross. See? That’s why it said in the Book of Romans. “Say not in thine heart, who is to bring down. See? They say, "Hey, what's this about a God up there, now you brought Him down?"

“Yeah.”

“Then, that's funny, he dwells in a man?"

"Yeah, but you killed Him.”

“Yes.”

“Well, if you killed God, who’s going to raise Him?”

He said, “God's dead.”

“They're saying the same thing right today, your God is dead.”

Now He’s going to bring Him back? Now if you kill God, that’s all over. Because if God’s dead, …He’s supposed to be the Head Man, and He’s gone, then, what are you going to do about it? See? The philosophy of man, never embraced the Cross. It never has. The philosophy of man is the utopian dream. It’s the bypassing the suffering, man says it’s a garden of Eden, man’s desire is the pushing of the button. Where all machines are run by a …?... But that’s not God’s philosophy. See? The vain philosophy of man, is not God’s way. God’s way, is the darkness can only be brought into the light by means of the Cross. Man says, “Educate him.” Our people like today turn around and say, “We’re going to the doctor.” And the doctor says, “You’ve got the so-and-so, go to the psychiatrist, take shock treatment.”

32. Has it ever been taught, the beauty of suffering and humility? They wouldn’t be in the position that they need shock. But our very fighting against the trials of this world, our very fighting against the Cross, brings us to a place which is darker and darker. Until we are so distraught, we have nervous breakdowns on every side. I came into almost a complete nervous breakdown, attempted…ready to attempt suicide, on the very grounds I felt the cross that Christ placed upon me. There is no life, my brother, my sister, except the makings of the Cross. Because It’s thereby, you are translated into life. When we stop fighting against the pressures of this life, submitting ourselves to God, is when we’re going to have peace and confidence in Christ. Why? Because, that means God fights your battles instead of you. In the vain philosophy of men, Paul said, “Beware of it.” Now look it [Colossians 2:] 9

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

Just hold your thumb there, and turn back to [Colossians ]1:19, will you.

(19) For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

It says, “It is pleased that it should.” It didn’t say that ‘it did.’ Is that, right? Didn’t say that it did. It said, ‘should dwell’. But, now in verse 9, after the Cross, it dwells in Him fully now. We talk about knowing the fulness of God. My brother, my sister, apart from the Cross is gross ignorance in our …?... There isn’t any man can go to God, and get an experience and say, “Now, I’ve got that fulness, Hallelujah. I know it by experience, I’ve got it.” No sir, you only know the fulness of God, after the Cross. Let a man be crucified. Let him take up his cross. Let him deny himself. His ambitions, his passions, no matter what he desires to tell you, let him be crucified by the hand of God. Do what? To know the fulness of God in his life, and not before. Not very nice preaching, is it? Not the popular Pentecostal kind. To get you all whumped up, until you cut a rug, and go out into society and fall flat on their face, show the world that we haven’t got a thing.

“I thought you had something.”

“Well, I’m a Church of God. Hallelujah.”

33. That’s the thing I fought all my life, with the so-called Pentecostal movement. Everybody’s happy in the prayer room. Everybody’s “Glory to God.” Take your time, but get out in that street, one word that crosses anybody…Bam! ...attack, the fight’s on, the dog fight’s on. How can God move, except somebody stopped moving so God can? See? It was, God was pleased that in Him should dwell the fulness. But, it was only after His death upon Calvary, that He was raised and is above all principality and power. See? If we want to get above the world and its stink and its problems, there’s only one thing to do. Just submit to the whole thing, by crucifixion, that’s what it means, that’s the Cross. And then let God come in and take over. You say, “Is that easy?” I’ll tell you how easy it is. Jesus sweat drops of blood at Gethsemane, to submit to it. That’s the hard thing.

Now, He was man and God, before the Cross. Because He had a physical, fleshly body. But after the Resurrection, He took His seat upon the Throne, and when John looked, he saw One, because He had taken upon Himself, His glory by right, of having done the miraculous work of overcoming all principality and power, through the Cross…not, the Resurrection.

34. We’ll go on and show you this, now, watch it. In [Colossians 2:] verse 10.

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

and power:

(11) In whom also (you) are circumcised…

Notice, Paul brings out here, don’t forget you’re circumcised, you’re cut off, you’re dead.

(11) …with the circumcision (not made with) hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

(12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through

the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

(13) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh,

hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Now notice,

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

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

Now, what’s He saying here? It wasn’t the Resurrection that did this. So, don’t say that it was. It was in the Cross, that He brought it out the handwriting of ordinances against us. Now, if that isn’t power, I don’t know what power is. This is not Resurrection brother/sister, this is death…this is the Cross. On the Cross He literally blotted out what was against us, and contrary to us, and he spoiled principalities and power. You know we do the same thing by the Cross? What’s against us? People, things, circumstances, …right? So, we get up there, saved by the power of God, …Hallelujah…I’ll knock ‘em all dead. Uh uh. No sir. You put Him to an open shame. You destroy what’s against you, not by going against it, but by dying to it. Just like Christ.

35. He literally despoils principalities and powers by saying, “Take Me where you want to, put Me upon the Cross, and kill Me.” And when He did it, He took complete victory over them. Oh, that’s hard to understand. Because go…pow…right in the kisser. Do you know what happens? You get licked every single time, because neither you nor I, nor all of us, are a match for principalities, and powers, or anything else. You say, “Bro. Vayle, do you mean to tell me the way to getting things out of my way, is to let them ride over me?” That’s absolutely right. You’ll get them out of your way once and for all, let them do what they want. "Brother, I’ve got rights according to law. " Forget it.

Listen to what It says brother/sister, listen to It.

(15) … he made a (show) of them openly, …

He made a show of them for what they were by letting them do what they wanted. Bless God, I’ll let them do what they want. I’ll show them what they’ll do. You know what happens? We get showed up for what we are, …every time. To triumph, to get things out of the way. To show in view, who is in truth. You don’t fight, you take a crucifixion. And God, will make manifest, through Jesus Christ. Now you say, and I say, we love the prophet, and honor him. Now that didn’t go this far, that’s what you did. Tell me where William Branham fought one fight? Show me where Moses fought fights. Show me where Paul. Show me where anybody you have ever admired as a true and tremendous servant of God, who did not do exactly what Jesus Christ did. He submitted, and thereby openly shows where the power is. And you know that’s the truth.

36. We talk about the power of God. We talk about a Resurrection. The Son must first show His power upon the Cross. Which is what? Complete submission. Then, the Father will reach down, and raise Him from the dead. And place Him in heavenly places, manifesting His power. See? Now, this is what I admire in William Branham. I don’t know what you saw, but this is what I saw. Just when I found Jonathan Goforth in ...?... as I thought. I saw it in Bailey, in South Africa, and I cried my heart out. Because I saw God. I saw God in action. It was God Who openly spoiled, openly took away what was against Him, by submission to It. And demonstrates the mighty power of God. What are people like, without this Cross? The same bunch of carnal impersonators, that are taking the people to the mainstream of Christianity, which is ecumenicity. Which is a beast of a power that is raised up to the antichrist.

And they’re doing it all, by flexing their muscles and say, “Boy look at our crowds we had in Jamaica. What did we have down there in India? Look at our mighty works, man, we’ve got it.” But the Cross is missing. Because you cross one of those men, and they’ll come against you like a bulldog. They took Him, and they hanged Him on a cross, because He was God manifested in flesh. And He didn’t raise one finger. But in the Cross is where He openly showed the world, what they were. And He triumphed over it. And He took away exactly what was against us. And brother/sister, when you and I are fighting and fussing and there is something against us, we do not resist any longer, but humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, and lie down and die. And you’ll show the whole world, who it is, that’s got truth and love. And then God by Resurrection power, will come down and raise you up. And set you in a place of authority. Let denominations scrap, let the pseudo religious do their fighting, but let the Christian die, that God may raise him.

37. Now, the Bible says concerning this suffering, in the Book of James 1:2-4

(2) My brethren, count it all joy…

The word ‘all’ means ‘pure’. Nothing in there that’s adulterated. Like you say, “Pure sausage.” Pure pork sausage, means there’s no beef, and no bread crumbs. See? It’s pure pork sausage. See? James said,

(2) …count it (pure) joy...(there’s nothing in it but joy, wonderful joy. Has it, imputed, pure joy,) when (you) fall into divers (testings, which is the Cross. See?)

(3) Knowing (the revelation), that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

(4) But let patience have her perfect work, that (you) may be perfect and

entire, (lacking) nothing.

Why we say, “Bless God, you wait until I get one of those gifts, and then two more gifts, Hallelujah. In fact, I believe maybe I’ll have all nine.” I’ll show you a thing or two, boy. I’m going to go to God, and I’m going to get this thing worked out, and I have so many things from God. Bless your heart, I know we’ll go all the way. Better reconsider that. Because James said, “We become perfect and entire, lacking nothing, by the way of the Cross.” Because you see, if the Son acted death, and then God in His Mighty power, can raise It up and manifest It. Then what is more perfect than God’s perfection? See? God, is showing us the way of the Cross. Now, [Colossians 2:] verses 14-15,

(14) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us,

(See, we’ve been talking about that) and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

(15) And having spoiled (the) principalities and powers, he made a (show) of

them openly, triumphing over them in it.

38. It’s strange, but submission, is the one way to get out of it. Our idea of Christian virility my brother, my sister, may not be what the Word of God says. Now, I realize this is a little bit hard on the flesh. But, there’s nothing we can do about it. We just look at the wonder of it, and say, “God, if this is Your way, we submit.” That’s what Peter said, “Submit yourselves unto the mighty hand of God.” Then, you can resist the devil. We’re doing awful, we’re trying to resist without submission. See? Submit to God. Why? For this is the will of God, concerning you. It’s God Who is the head of our daily affairs. It is God in us, submitting ourselves. Knowing that in this hour would be manifest. God’s going to put It right in the open. See? And bring It to a proper end. But I love this thought brother/sister, because, this is the one that’s the hardest in my own life.

To realize that the way to get rid of anything that’s against me, just let it do what it wants… and trust God. Do you want to run over me? Run over me. You want a big problem? Go ahead. Oh, I hate that. I don’t mind giving it. I want you to come and take it. Oh boy. When I find shenanigans, I take out a black …?... That’s not the actions, that’s going to bring us into power. That’s not going to translate us from darkness into light. That’s not going to get God working in us, and openly showing who’s right. Openly shows that the both are wrong. See? It’s getting it out of the way by saying, “All right, let them do it.” Kids come in, jump on your couch and destroy it. That’s all right. Oh my, that new couch of mine. Well, yeah. Sure. That shows how dead we are to things. The first nail lets us know how hard we will go. See?

39. What, is it? It’s the Son act, (see?) the Son acts in death. Complete submission to all things. Except, where they try to make you go contrary to God’s Word. And then you say, “Kill me. But I’ll not disobey one Word.” Now, why don’t we do the same thing here? Kill me, in my submission. What God said, “Let them do what they want, and I’ll let them do it.” Right? That’s what Daniel did. That’s what the Hebrew children did. That’s what the prophet did. That’s what Jesus did. He said, “Which of you can find one sin in Me? One Word that I have said wrong. Which of you can put your finger on Me? I’ve lived a life, I’ve portrayed God, I’ve done the works.”

And they said, “Crucify Him.”

He said, “If that’s want you want, crucify Me.”

And then when they came to get Him that night, they were going to take the other disciples. He said, “Look, it’s Me you’re looking for, let them go.” Did He die? But what happened? He made a show of the whole world, when He did it. Proved Himself right, and God came down, raised Him from the dead. And the power of God, is in Him tonight. And He’s above every name. He owns it all, because He is Mighty God. But He proved Himself, in the death.

40. You know, Satan couldn’t figure that out. Satan said, “I will go up above the Most High. I will do this, I will do that.” You know, that Satan spirit? You don’t get Satan dying. It’s the Spirit of Christ, that says, “Death. Then let God move upon the scene.” Oh brother/sister, I know what I’m talking about, academically. I know It with all my heart. Because all my head-aches, all my worries, all my grief, all my heartache, all of these things, I’ve been from one order alone. And that is refusing to submit my thoughts to what God wants to put me through, and say, “Let Him do it, Hallelujah.” For my life is hid in Christ, in God.

And we can say with Polycarp, when they say, “We’re going to kill you”

“You can hardly do that,” he said, “I’m alive in Christ,”

They say, “We’ll take away your life.”

He said, “You can’t do it, I’ve already given it to God.”

He prays for them that are going to kill him. Don’t tell me brother/sister, that Christ and Polycarp are different from the Christ in us. Or some one of us haven’t got the real thing. The Son, must die upon the Cross. The Son, must act first in obedience to death. Then the Father, reaches down, Resurrection, comes after death.

41. Now, let’s go a little further. I don’t have to read the whole chapter.

Now [Colosians ] 3:1-3

(1) If (you) then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,

(who mind) where Christ (sits) on the right hand of God.

What is that? That’s an expression. Like when the king says, “Sit down on my right hand.” What does that mean? Is he going to sit on the right hand of the king? He can’t, that means he’s giving Him the kingdom. It’s an expression. It means he has proved himself. See? Means He’s gone through showing the victor. It’s an expression. Christ died, and the way of death, was the way of power. Because that’s where It licked sin. See? That’s where it’s defeated. Now, He’s risen, set your affection, notice,

(2) Set your affection on things above, …(see?)

What’s our affection, our love? Why?

(3) For (you) are dead, …

You are dead, you’re crucified, you’re dead. You died with Christ. Now, if Christ died, what happens? God made Him alive. There could be no Resurrection except for death. Now, Christ has warned us, “You’re dead.” See? You’re dead.

A young preacher came to an old preacher, “What does it mean for a man to be dead?”

He said, “Son, do you remember that well to do citizen that had a great, fine, reputation, that died last week?”

He said, “Yes.

He said, “You go down to his grave, and tell him all the nice things you’ve ever heard about him.”

Well, the kid thought it was funny, said, “If you say so, I’ll do it.”

He went down and he said, “Sir, I don’t know if you can hear me, or not. But, I want to tell you, I’ve heard a lot of nice things you’ve done. I know all the gifts you’ve given to poor folk. I know all the lovely things you heaped upon those who were not too deserving. But you in your great higher love have done so-and-so.”

42. He went back after an hour, and told the preacher. The preacher said,

“What did he say?”

He said, “Nothing.”

He said, “Well that’s good,” He also heard the other side. That boy was going to be a crook. But what he gave to the poor, was a cover up stealing from widows.”

“Now, you go down there and tell him what kind of a crook he was.”

The boy went down there. “I don’t know if I hit the figures, but, I know everybody knows it’s true. You were a crook. And everything you did was simply hypocritical. It was a great big farce and a cover up. You gave a little bit away, but, you stole a lot.”

He went down the road and told him off. He went back and said to the preacher .

The preacher said, “What did he say?”

“Nothing.”

Preacher said, “He’s dead.” [laughter]

Do you understand it now? Christ received not the flattery of men, nor was offended when they rebuked Him. But it was in that, and that alone, that the power of God became manifested. The Son must first act in the power of the Cross. Then the Father openly displayed.

43. Now It says, [Colossians 3:]

(3) For (you) are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Which is exactly true. Now, notice he said,

(5) Mortify therefore your members…(see, that means kill, put to death. Crucify what?) … fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Notice what he says about covetousness, it’s idolatry…worshipping money see?

(6) For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of

disobedience: …

Then also you watch somebody sometime. But when you listen to them.

(8) But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication…

What is that a sign of brother/sister? It’s a sign of when those things come against us, we’re dead to them. Let them come. We don’t get mad anymore. Why? Just take it, let it come. Get it out of the way. See?

(9) Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his

deeds;

(10) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the

image of him that created him: (See?)

(11) Where there is neither Greek... (and so on.)

44. Notice again, verse 13,

(13) Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do (to them.)

What is that? That’s the Cross. That’s not a man saying, “What I’m going to take him to task?” Forbearing, what is it to forbear? Bear and forbear. See? That’s not rising up. That’s taking you? See? Notice.

(13) … forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: …

That’s why Christ said, “When you bring your gifts, everything that God gave in His ordinances within the church, was for a purpose. Even bringing gifts. If you’ve got ought against your brother, when you bring your gifts with sin in your heart, is there something that someone has against me, is there some problem? Then leave your gift and go make that thing right.” It’s the Lord’s table, don’t you dare to take it, until there’s a thorough examination and a confession, concerning our weakness. Foot washing, an admiral situation, to make up petty grievances. And go and wash the feet of the person, that you’re kind of are angry with, and have an animosity. Confess, and that’s the cross my brother, my sister, a humility. The Scripture says that Christ humbled Himself, even to the death of the Cross. And the Cross spells humility. It was God coming down and dying, and it’s now we dying, and going up. See, the Cross.

45. Notice, now the Bible says, [Colosians 3:]

(14) ...above all these things put on (love), which is the bond of (perfection).

(15) … let the peace of God rule in your hearts, …

How’s it going to rule in our hearts? There’s only one way it will rule. That’s by crucifixion. Because that’s what takes away what’s against us. See brother/sister, we are not going to ever get this peace and quiet, until or unless, we let the Word Itself set the standard. If Christ went this way, you and I are going to have to ask to go this way, because we are going in the same direction He went. And we have to know the way that He went. He said, “The way that I go, you don’t know now, but you’re going to know.” I’m talking now about the way of humility, when you wash their feet. Though He is the Way, you’ve got to be in Christ. But you have the power of God, means submission to God, in crucifixion. Now,

(17) … (whatever you) do (it) in word or deed, … in the name of … Jesus (Christ)…

(18) Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands …

Is one of the biggest bugaboos in the whole thing that Bro. Branham taught. Women are rebellious. They don’t want to submit to their husbands. And the men are even more foolish, than the women, because a lot of men are going around saying that the women make it by the husbands. Of all the crass nonsense, I’ve ever heard in my life. A woman is going to make it because she obeys her husband. You obey your husband,

(18) … as it is fit in the Lord.

46. It’s got so bad in one place, they finally asked the preacher, they said, “Do you really believe I ought to obey my husband?”

And he said, “Yes.”

She said, “All right then, explain this, he says, “Cut your hair.”

Why he did a double take. Didn’t have an answer. You obey as fit in the Lord, but obedience is the place of a woman. But a man is supposed to love his wife as Christ loved the church. This is sacrificial. This is a cross. But it must be taken up daily. Because believe me, why do homes go into divorce court? Because somebody doesn’t take up a cross. It takes two to make a fight. And when two get mad at the same time, it could end in a pretty bad situation. See? It’s to back down. We think it’s a disgrace to back down. But it’s not…back down. Take the low seat. Because that’s when God will call you to a higher. Let the world fuss and fight. Let people rub us the wrong way. Let them do it…sure, that’s right. It’ll show in time, who was manifestly, the servant of God. We’re ...?... Then, He’ll give us the power. But we’re talking about a power without the Cross, it can’t work. That’s the world my brother, my sister, that’s not Christianity. Do you follow me?

47. All right. [Ephesians 6:]

(4) … fathers, provoke not your children to (anger, lest they be not discouraged.)

There’s good thinking right there. There’s a lot of people too rough on their kids. There are a lot that are true enough to their children, to have them, be obedient to God’s Word.

(5) Servants, (obey in all things) your master…(That’s the Cross.)

(6) Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but (in singleness of heart

pleasing God.)

That’s the Cross. Whatever you do, do it heartily …that’s the cross. Because many times we don’t feel like preaching. Remember the time Bro. Branham preached that sermon, you know that great one, 'The Anointed Ones at the End Time'? [65-07-25] I believe that’s the one, I’m sure it was.

And he told me literally, “Did you notice anything?”

I said, “No, it was a tremendous sermon.”

He said, “I never was so sick in my life. (he said) I thought I’d collapse, holding onto that pulpit to finally draw the last breath.”

How many times did we go to him in his utter weakness? I could kick myself in the teeth, thinking about it. The number of times he was so distressed and so distraught, and yet not once did he have a critical, mean word, for anybody. But received as with joy and heartiness unto the Lord, every rebuke and every trial, in order to help some soul. Certainly, that’s the way of God.

48. Now, no wonder the Scripture says, "As oft as you eat this bread, and drink this wine, you show forth His death. [1 Cor 11:6] Oh, we want to skip that. Oh, we say, “Isn’t it lovely. We take the Lord’s Supper, and we think about His death, because we’re looking for His Coming. Cut it out, just stop it right there. It hasn’t got a thing to do with His Coming. It says, when you eat that bread, and you drink that wine, it means one thing, you’ll let them do what they want to do to you. Because it means you’re going to die, by way of the Cross. It signifies in symbols, that you are open to go the way He went. He’ll lead me through the judgement. I’ll go with Him. He leads me through the garden. I’ll go with Him. He’ll leads me to the fiery furnace. I’ll go with Him. He leads me to the death. I’ll stick right with Him. Because what He did upon the Cross in shedding His Blood, and breaking His body, I’m just as willing to die upon my cross.

And this is in the Bible, and I’m going to get all my sins fixed up. And I’m going to make all my rights wrong with my fellow man. No wonder He said, ‘as oft as you eat and drink It, you show forth His death, until He come.’

49. My brother/sister, my last thought turned to me. We’ll use the Book of Revelation 5: verses 5-6. Let’s read from verse 1.

(1) And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written

within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

(2) And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy

to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

(3) And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to

open the book, neither to look thereon.

(4) And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read

the book, neither to (even) look (upon the Book. Oh, they cried and they sobbed. And as they wept,)

(5) And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not, (Oh John, don ‘t cry though) behold, the Lion…

Oh, that strong One, that lion, typifying the strongest of all beasts. Typifying the greatest force, and power.

(5) …the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed…

And He’s going to look upon the Book and open It. And John said, “Hallelujah, the lion, Oh, he said, Bless God, the power raw, unadulterated, supreme power, this is going to open the book. This is going to do it. He said, “I heard His voice roar like a lion.” And he said, “Thank God, the lion’s coming.”

(6) … a Lamb as it had been slain (from the foundation of the world, was Christ) …

I saw a man, who walked down the road, after he laid his baby in the arms of his wife. He saw her eyes crossed in convulsions, his little boy could’ve died also. He took the nursing bottle and kept it warm upon his breast, and he hugged his child. As he went down the road, a man said, “Billy, do you still love Him?” And he said, “I love Him more, than I ever loved Him in my life.” And I saw that man open the Seals in the Seven Church Age. Not because, he was a roaring lion. The world wanted him to be a roaring lion. And they said, “Branham, you must have lost something, because you’re not down there in the prayer line like you used to be. With two thousand going under your hand, and not one miss. What’s the matter with you? You’re not the man with that dynamism. Where’s your program? If you’ve got such authority, why don’t you stand up as Elijah, and call the fire down?”

50. I saw a man go out of life, the same way he came in. Crucified, from before the foundation of the world. A man who could bear the trials, the temptations, of the church. To put it in order and be rejected. And to never lift a finger, but commit all to God. And there is where the strength of God was. And as that man’s funeral oration was given, I saw that he was the mighty prophet of God. For even God witnessed out of the sun which turned red and blue, and black, and green, and multi coloured. There came out a cloud on the left hand, of solid gold. And on the right hand, of solid blood. And when the cloud got between the sun and the white building, when it was gold, it turned the building gold. And when it got red and went between the building, a white building and the sun, it turned it red. And all night long the lights were red, and the car lights shone red. Signifying the gold of God, the trial of faith was completed, and judgement was coming upon the earth.

But it was a lamb. It was a lion crucified as it were, as a lamb. But it wasn’t a man whose flexed his muscles, and took authority. I saw him that night when God gave him the power of death and life. And He tested it, when the two, young people in the audience, kissing and messing with each other. And he said, “Don’t do that.” As he rocked back with his face ashen…almost in a trance. Saying, “I’ve got power to let you go, or you’ll die.” Suddenly, He Who was inside him, said, “I let you live.” I saw God test him. He went down that road to know William Branham. God said, “I gave you a test, and you didn’t fail. because you didn’t try, like the Lord, be a roaring lion. To test your authority out. But you just came like a lamb, and gave the truth. And you let Me vindicate it.” I don’t believe there was a greater man since the day of Paul. He might have been greater for all I know. I have no idea, because what’s great with God, I couldn’t comprehend. But, I saw a lion, but when we looked, he was a bleeding lamb.

51. My brother/my sister, let’s understand this today. That was his Message, and that’s all right. I’m not preaching down to you as though I’ve got it, because you look at a man most miserable. Because I know these things, but he said, “Happy are you if you do them.” And I'm seeing the revelation of what I’m thinking tonight. As I preached to you from the bottom of my heart. It’s time for us to quit our fussing, I don’t know if we will or not. It’s time to quit pretending ourselves. I don’t know if we’re going to stop. It’s time to let them carry us where they want to carry us. I don’t know if we’re going to let them do it. But if we want to have the power of God root, it’s going to have to come first of all, by way of the Cross, the way the Son went. Then the Father will reach down and manifest Himself.

Oh, dying lamb, have you got power? "All power is given unto Me." But have you changed Lord? "No, I’m still the dying lamb." Laying the foundation, when said, “You take Your great glory, after it’s all over, and I’ll show them. But until then, I’ll just wait until He raised Himself and reigns supreme. My brother, my sister, let me submit to you tonight, that this is the way that God wants us to go. I don’t know if we’re going to go or not. But I hope we do. I hope we do, because this is the way we were taught. This is what we sought. And this is what we better have. Because this is It. May God bless you. Shall we pray.

Gracious, Eternal Father, we’ve spoken now so broken up, my words…not worthy to open my mouth [Bro. Vayle is very emotional] O God, tonight. Because like a crooked adder. O God, I can think to do. Not, Lord, to go against Your Word, O God. When You said we’re righteous with Your righteousness. But, Lord, just thinking in terms of what we’ve done with all the beauty and holiness You’ve given us. All this, O God, Lord, how able we are to take up our cross. Jesus, Jesus, Mighty God, Thou bleeding Lamb. Have compassion on us, as a people tonight, Lord. And once again, wash us by Your Blood, Lord. And give us a proper mind, and under-standing, Jesus, that the Cross is an instrument of power. You’re not trying to confuse and confound us. You’re not trying to debilitate us, Lord, or bring us to nothing. But You’re trying to raise us up, into the strength of God, to that first step.

Lord Jesus, we know now, and we can’t be held guiltless, because we know. O God, tonight help us. Help us, Lord, take the vessel once again like that beautiful pottery, and take this clay and rent it in Your hands as it were, and remold us. And in this last day, O Christ, that we might come forth. Now, Lord, You know that I’m as sincere as I can be. And I know that I’m not yet, sincere enough. I‘ve got to have help, Lord, I’ve just got to say one thing…without You, I’m nothing. I’m less than nothing because, I’m in a complete debt. But, Lord, I believe tonight, that in Your Word, believe in a measure. When You said to ask anything in Your Name, You’d do it. Here’s the one thing we want above all else, Lord. To humble ourselves even, to the death of the Cross. Humble ourselves right now, Lord, we will never take up a cudgel against anybody.

Never take up one word in defense of ourselves. Never again O God, and God I’m saying it, I know I’m going to do it, Lord, unless You do something about it. God tonight, I’m so utterly helpless, and yet so sinfully bitter, that I need help God. And I’m asking, and I’m asking for everybody here too, Lord, that wants help. God, help us. From this moment on, to have the revelation of the power of the Cross. So, even as You said to those people who years ago, that they took joy in spoiling of the goods, because they knew they had something in heaven. Let us too, Lord, as Jesus, joyfully go to the Cross, because we know by revelation, the power of It and what’s set before us. So, Lord, we do that with our children. And I know that You’re not less than we are, You’re greater.

That You’re going to do that with us, God. Please now, move by Your Spirit, that the Father may act in the power of the Resurrection, that God might be glorified. And now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be all power, and honor and glory through Jesus Christ our Lord.

While our heads are bowed, and our eyes are closed, maybe there’s somebody say, “Bro. Vayle, I agree with you, I know what it is. I haven’t been fooling myself either. When they come against me, I retaliated.” When they fuss back, fuss back, I don’t want to be that way. I’ll do one thing, I’ll pray for you, if you’ll pray for me. Raise your hand. God appreciates your prayers, because God knows I need them. We must, we must, go the way of the Word. Jesus is …?... in the hands. I’m going to remember these folk, in day by Lord. Thinking of that, I pray for them. [Audio ends]