Established in Present Day Truth ( 0270A)

Established in Present Day Truth

Bro. Lee Vayle - February 19, 1970

Gracious Heavenly Father, we come to You now at this time relative to the ministry of Your Word and earnestly beseech Your help at this time, O God, to give us those things we ought to say in a little message tonight. And may the people, Lord, be built up in the faith which has been delivered to us in this last age, that may turn our hearts back to the fathers, and get us ready for the Rapture. These mercies we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, and for Your glory, Lord. Amen.

1. Now, I want to bring a little message called 'Established in the Present Truth'. Established in the Present Truth, and we're going to go to the Book of 2 Peter 1: and we'll read verses 10-21

(10) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: if (you) do these things, (you) shall never fall:

(11) For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

(12) Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though (you) know them, and be established in the present truth.

(13) Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;

(14) Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

(15) Moreover I will endeavour that (you) may be able after my decease (that's after He dies) to have these things always in remembrance.

(16) For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

(17) For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

(18) And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

(19) We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto (you) do well that (you) take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

(20) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

(21) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

2. Now, the tesx here is verse 12,

(12) Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

Now, it is well to listen carefully to what Peter is saying in this Scripture. For he is not saying that they have a need to be established in the Present Truth. He is not saying that. He admits that they already are established in the Present Truth. And he goes on to say that as long as he is with them in the flesh, that he will continue to remind them and impress upon their memories the truth that they already have. He will keep reminding them of the truth that they already have. You get the emphasis? Of the truth, they already had. He keeps reminding them and impressing them and constantly bringing it to their attention.

He does not say that he will bring them future truth, or that he has something else to teach them. For he says in verses 13-14

(13) Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, (or living here in the flesh) to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;

(14) Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus...hath shewed (us). (See?)

He doesn't say, that he has some future truth, or even something at a future time to give them. Now, Peter most evidently gave the Word of the message to them in Its fullness and thereby completed, or finished his Word ministry to the Elect. (See?)

3. Notice, in John 17: (from which I know we got the pattern) and in verse 8 and the first phrase. Let's read first of all in verse 4

(4) ... I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

Verse 8,

(8) For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; ...

Also, we go to the Book of Acts chapter 20: to hear the testimony of Paul. Let's start in 25.

(25) And now, behold, I know that (you) all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. (See, I'm as good as dead as far as you're concerned.)

(26) Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

(27) For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. (See?)

Just like Jesus gave the Word to the Elect, Paul gave the Word to the Elect, and Peter gave the Word the Word to the Elect. And It was a finished Message, and they died passing off the field. Now listen carefully, I will not try from this to establish a rule, as God has not revealed to me that there is nothing left of the Word to come since Bro. Branham left by a private resurrection, or in the Resurrection. You follow me? You get what I said just then?

I have nothing from God. It tells me there is not something further to come, other than what we've already heard from the prophet. But my own belief based upon the Word that I have just read to you, and what the prophet said makes me to believe that Bro. Branham's Word ministry, like Jesus and Peter and Paul to the Elect had to be finished before their demise. Now remember, this is on tape. I didn't say, "That's the way it is." I said, "I have nothing to go by to prove it otherwise, but I don't know." (See?)

4. Now, back to our text, looking at those words again in [2] Peter. [1:]

(12) Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though (you) know them, and be established in the present truth.

Examining the words, first of all 'established'. This comes from the same word that is interpreted as 'steadfast', in 1 Peter 5:9, so let's look at It.

(9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, (resisting Satan) knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Now, basically the word 'steadfast' means 'firmed in its place'. This is not simply a stubborn stand such as one would not necessarily implying anyone stubborn, but you could use the word to get the whole picture, a stubborn stand a real strong stand, an immovable stand. This is not all of that implies, but it means more a solidarity in the very mass and of body the thing itself. (See?) Not that this word study said like a weed, or a pear that's got a root on it, and you know how stubborn some of those things get. Man I've seen weeds that I had to use both hands on.

5. Now, that's not what this word means. (See?) As you say, "A man steadfast he just stands there." (See?) No, no sir! That's, that's part of it, but that's not it. It means 'solidarity' in the very mass and body of the thing itself. Like therefore a steadfast person would be a solid person. Like that elder, coordinated, a coordinated person well oriented. (See?) In other words, you're not off in a tangent that this whole group is solid. Why you know what I'm talking about. One fellow grab this "made in Jesus Christ." One grab this, "made in that." One grab this, ...?... "Oh, (he said) one rooster, many hens. One bull many cows, get married all they want." They just grab anything they wanted, and they're anything but solid. They're unstable as water. You follow me? Okay. Coordinated person.

Not only does this mean a person in the singular, but it means the group that Peter was addressing, the brethren. (See?) They're wide awake, oriented in the Word, they're coordinated, they're solid. They're not pushed here and there. They don't grab little ends and run. In other words, there's a cohesiveness within the group due to a true Word orientation. Which is Spirit revealed. (See?) In other words, there's got to be a group somewhere all together that has this truth and understands the way it is. Now, Peter said, "That's the way it's supposed to be." Said, that's what means 'established'. Established.

6. Secondly, Present Truth. This does not refer to some truth under present consideration. Like, let's study French since predestination. Let's study what the evidence of the Holy Ghost is. Well, let's study this subject. No, it doesn't mean that. It mean the truth which is present with you through instruction by your teachers. Peter was the teacher. Paul was the teacher. William Branham was a teacher. So therefore 'Present Truth' means, 'that which was given you as the body of truth for your day'.

Now, looking at the word 'present', we see an opposite to this in [2 Peter 1:] verse 9 of that same chapter. Now, let's look at It.

(9) But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

What was his old sins? I don't know. Maybe some of those sins were whoring with denominations. Prostituting with the false creed or a cult. Enamored by the seductive power of suggestion, that you know something that God showed you, but He didn't show the prophet. Hogwash! (Oh, I love that word 'hogwash', it's just so descriptive.) (Uh?) Certainly.

(9) ...he that lacketh these things is blind...

This is not the true translation. The true translation is: 'to whom these things are not present', he is blind. They wouldn't be saying, "These truths are not present, that person is blind."

7. Let's look at Revelation 3:17

(17) Because thou sayest, I am rich, increased with goods, and have need of nothing; knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

Something was missing. The truth was not present with them. Notice at this Laodicean age. Rich. How are they rich? Increased with goods, they don't need a thing. And they don't know that they are wretched, and they're miserable, and they're poor and they're blind and naked.

8. Let's just go back to Ephesians 3:14-21. Let's see what it is to have present truth with you.

(14) (And) for this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

(15) Of whom the whole family (this group Peter talked about) in heaven and earth is named,

(16) That he would grant (unto) you, according to the riches of his glory, (not the riches of material things, not the riches of goods, but the riches) of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

Not to show social status, not your bank account, not your pocket book, not your world endeavor

(17) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that (you), being rooted and grounded in love,

(18) May be able to comprehend with all saints (notice, that comprehension, we're orientation, steadfast, solid, see?) with all saints what is the breadth, and (the) length, and (the depths), and (the height;)

Brother/sister, don't you know that's a complete revelation of Jesus Christ? When the whole mystery of God comes into full view the last time according to Revelation 10:7? (See?)

(19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that (you may) be filled with all the fulness of God.

(20) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

What power? The power of the seed. Why? Because every seed has within it, it's own power of transformation.

(21) Unto him be glory in the church (that body which Peter spoke of) by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. (See?)

See, there's no revelation at the end time.

9. Now notice, this same phrase, (now watch) this same phrase showing that something was not present is used in Colossians 1: and we're going to read verses 3-8. All right:

(3) We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying 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) 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 (you) heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

(7) As (you) also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

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

Now, notice verse 6. "Which is come unto you." What's come unto you? The Word of the truth of the Gospel. (See?) Came unto them. This in the Greek is identical to Peter 'is present with you'. (See?) 'Present with them' is the Word which Paul brought unto them. (See?) A present. There's a difference there.

Now, it is the Present Truth as what Peter mentioned was missing back there to those showing that they were blind. No revelation, nothing could be done for us. Now, Paul over here eulogizes the Colossians, because he said, "Which is present with you." See, the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof you've heard before in the Word of the truth of the Gospel, which is come unto you, or which is present with you. And It brings forth fruit. What brings forth fruit? The Word of power, the church has got to bring forth for its day. Otherwise the Word of God is void.

10. Now, the Bible says, "No Word of God is void of power." And remember, It absolutely will bring forth what It was sown for. (See?) It's got to. Now notice, look at the difference here between 2 Peter 1:9

(9) But he that lacketh these things is blind, (see?) and cannot see afar, off, ... (he that does not have the Present Truth.)

Can you find Paul saying, "These are blind?" No, it's bringing forth the fruit. So, over here there's no bringing forth of fruit.

11. Now, back to Colossians 1:6 again:

(6) Which is come unto you,...(which is present with you.)

Now, let's look at that very same thing in the Book of 1 Corinthians 14: (we're making a little word study here) 36-37.

(36) What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

In other words, he said, "Did you have the Word of God present with you when I came on the scene?"

He said, "No sir, you did not have the Word of God, the Word of truth presence with you."

See It wasn't there. Paul had to bring It. Now:

(37) If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknow- ledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

Now, you can see here that the Present Truth is the revealed Word of the age. Because that's what Paul said to the Corinthians. He said, "You didn't have It."

He said to the Colossians, he said, "You've received It, the Word of the Message I brought you."

And Peter said over there, "Some of them didn't have it." (See?)

The truth was not with them, and therefore they were in a state of blindness.

12. Now, it might also be good to follow this through by looking at 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14. Now, with It we recall the usage of 1 Peter 5. Now, let's read this verse.

(13) But we are bound to give thanks alway(s) to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit (even) belief of the truth:

Because the Spirit of God cannot do anything for anybody outside of that Word. It's got to be one, because the Spirit and the Word are one.

(14) Whereunto he called you by our gospel, ...

What did He call you to? The sanctification of the Spirit by Paul's Word. What Word? The Message of truth, the Word of truth for the day. Notice:

(14) ...to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

That's the exact thing that Peter said, was going to follow. And then he tells you of his glimpse of it, even before Jesus will come back with that same glory. See, it's in the Word.

13. Now, (hold your fingers here) let's go to 1 Peter 5: and read It, because there's something in here we don't want to miss. Now:

(1) The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

He tells you right here we're already partaking of His glory. Before its glory and glory, this is glory in the Word, but that other is glory in glory. It's a mis-major for the time being. (See?) But it's our consolation till we get there.

(2) Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

(3) Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

(4) And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, (you) shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

(5) Likewise, (you) younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, (gives) grace to the humble.

(6) Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

(7) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

(8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

(9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, ... (See?)

In other words, the resisting of the devil is not written as many people think simply restraining themselves by some type of a discipline to conform to a code of morals, but it's being in the Word for the day, so that you don't get deceived and deluded as Eve was, to destroy yourself before God. Otherwise how could a prophet like David ever stand before God typing Jesus, and covet another man's wife, commit adultery and kill? (See?) You can't make the Bible read any other way. The minute you do, you've got no eternal security, you've got nothing. There's nothing in the Word of God becomes so heathen. (See?) Understand Present Truth?

14. Now, see?

(9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith,..

Knowing system is what? Standing as a coordinated Word oriented believer knowing the truth. (See?) Now that's a sure far cry from what anybody preached before. Because they didn't believe the Bible, it was right here in the Bible all the time.

We're like that old ...?... did. That old Hagar, she took her son out, Ishmael thought she was going to die. And the angel of the Lord opened her eyes and there was a well of water. And I read someplace in the old original translation in Hebrews it meant 'well, that well of water was there all the time and didn't even see it'. That's the way the Bible is.

15. Now, see, now remember what we said over here in 2 Thessalonians. I read to you, see? About the fact that Paul mentioned these people being in the Word for their day. Like in Colossians, just all the way through.

Now, over here in Peter It tells you that you resist the devil through the Word oriented revelation, that you got, that you know where you stand. Listen brother/sister, don't you see that millions of people today will never will commit adultery? They never cursed, they never drunk, they never smoked, they never missed a Sunday, or a Sunday school. They being godly and loving people are going to join the harlot world system and go to the lake of fire, because they've done it. Why? Because they don't know what we're talking about tonight through the Message of the prophet. Now, Peter says, "Resist." You follow me?

16. All right, now let's go back to 2 Thessalonians [2:] to prove my point. (See?) This time we're going to read here verses 3-12

(3) Let no man deceive you by any means: ...

Now when did Paul say that before? (See?) He said it in Ephesians. "Let no man deceive you through vain words." [Eph 5:6a]

(3) ...for that day shall not come, except there come a (divorce) first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

(4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God (sits) in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (That's anti Christ 'instead of'.)

(5) Remember (you) not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

(6) And now (you) know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

(7) For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now (hinderth) will let, until he be taken out of the way.

(8) ... then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

(9) Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan... (let no man deceive you.)

Tells you how it's going to be done. Satan didn't walk up to Eve, he took an animal which looked just like a man. Now, he's going to take a man:

(9) ...with all power and signs and lying wonders,

(10) And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish;...

Oh, they think poor little old Eve, she just ate an apple. The Bible says, "Her seduction was physically and morally, as spiritually and mentally complete. All unrighteous. See that deception that took place there in the Garden. Now listen:

(10) ...with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

They never smoked, they never drank, they never failed church, they never cursed, they never swore, they never committed adultery. But they got fooled.

(11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe (the) lie:

(12) That they all might be damned...(who committed adultery, who smoked, who blasphemed. No sir!) who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Now you see what Peter is talking about? Steadfast in that Present Truth. Word oriented, knowing that that's the truth, for your day in order that you will not be lead astray.

17. Now, please notice Peter's vindication of Present Truth. In other words he's going to prove his authenticity in the Word of God. And you'll see in [2 Peter 1:] verses 15-16.

(15) Moreover I will endeavour that (you) may be able after (I'm dead) to have these things always in remembrance.

(16) For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

18. Now, let's go to Acts 3:1-8, let's see Peter's vindication here.

(1) Now Peter and John went up together into the temple the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

(2) And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered the temple;

(3) Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

(4) And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

(5) And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

(6) Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; (but that's a far cry from the Laodicean Church Age) but such as I have give (unto) thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

(7) And he took him by the right hand, lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

(8) And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

In Acts 5:15, It says,

(15) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

(16) (And there) came (out) multitude(s) (from the) cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

A demonstration of the power of Almighty God in this man's life, showing that he positively had something to say to the people. Not only had he been with Jesus, but he was vindicated at Pentecost. And after Pentecost that he had something for the people. This is exactly what Jesus had in His ministry. And this is what Paul had in his ministry.

19. Because 1 Corinthians 2: 4,

(4) And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

Now, you can see here that Peter was telling the folk, "I want you to know that my ministry of my word has been a vindicated ministry." And it has been with the truth vindicated. In other words, Peter known he had a vindicated truth, he launches into reminding them what he taught. (See?) He reminds them what he taught.

Now, it is very strange, but the whole Book deals with the end time corruption of the truth, the people becoming absolutely perverted as they pervert the Word, they deny the Coming of the Savior. They wrest the Scripture to their destruction, and the age ends in total loss. Now, let's read It if you want. Now, he goes right to the Mount of Transfiguration, which is a preview of Jesus Christ Coming in glory, with the Raptured Saints and the Resurrected Saints out of the ground, putting His Kingdom upon earth in the Millennium.

20. Now, notice [2 Peter] chapter 2:

(1) But there (arose) false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

(2) And many (many, oh lots) shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

Many people were to get on the bandwagon against God by following a lie. And all the time think they're worshipping God.

(3) And (these people) through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

(4) For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

(5) And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

Not upon the saved. No sir! The Bride just taken care of. It's the ungodly, the ungodly world, not the world of God. Because remember, there's two governments. God's government and the devils upon earth. "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." [Mt 6:10b] (See?)

21. Now,

(6) And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes con- demned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

(7) And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

(8) (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)

Now, that was the First Pull. The Second Pull was the two messengers, and the Third the third was what? God Himself going down.

[Does not read verse 9]

(10) But chiefly them that walk...

No, the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.

(10) But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. (Despised what government? The authority in the church by the Word.) Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, (and) they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

(11) Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

(12) But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

22. And that's exactly happening today. They don't know the first thing about the William Branham Message, and they speak evil against It, and against the man.

(13) And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, ...

Don’t you see that Word every place you go for end time unrighteousness? Which is what? Turning down the Word. Believing the lie. What is sin? Unbelief. (See?) Then what is righteousness? Belief. That goes back to Romans 5, justified by faith. It's counted to him for righteousness if you believe God. Oh, I'm getting real blessed, I don't know about you, I'm sure glad you came out to hear me preach. Yes sir, just stick around.

(13) ...as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

Deceive how? From the Word, that's the only deceit there is, there's no other deceit. I can be fooled by some fellow down the road, take me for a ride for a million dollars. That's nothing, God said you needed that lesson. You can even marry the wrong girl, you needed that lesson. There's only one deceit, that's the Word. (See?) Deceived on the Word.

(14) Having eyes full of adultery,... (sure this is not physical fornication, this is spiritual, latter-rain. You've got every bit fornicating with every doctrine under the heaven, they) cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: (Children of cursing.)

23. Well who was cursed? Cain! Serpent seed!

(15) Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

What wage of unrighteousness? Go down and twist the Word on it. (See?) Tell them something that's a lie.

(16) But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

(17) These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

(18) For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, (See, they're vain words. They can't come to pass) they allure through the lusts of the flesh, much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

(19) While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: (What corruption? Corrupted word. They haven't got the Word of God. Now:) for of whom a man is overcome, the same is he brought in bondage.

(20) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, (Now, how did he get that knowledge, except by the Word?) they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

24. That's exactly right. The minute that you go back to organization you're the dog that's returned to his vomit, the sow to the wallow. (See?) It's is worse for them? Certainly, because they can never come back once they put their ear to the door, and have the awl punched through their ear.

(21) ...(It's) better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. (See?)

It tells you what unrighteous is, it is to turn from the command of the Word of God.

(22) But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit. (What's your own vomit? It's your own ideas, your own creeds, your own dogmas, your own thinking.) and the sow...to her (own wallow...)

Why? Because she can't stand the washing in the water by the Word.

25. Now notice: [2 Peter 3:]

(1) This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; ...which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

What pure minds? The Present Truth that's delivered to them. Now as you're reminded .

(2) That (you) may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord (Jesus Christ.)

Peter himself saying here, "I'm not teaching you one thing that hasn't been already in that Word by a prophet." (See?)

(3) Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

(4) ... saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

(5) For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

(6) Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

(7) But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

(8) (And), beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

(9) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

(10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

(11) Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought (you) to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

(12) Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

(13) Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

(14) Wherefore, beloved, seeing that (you) look for such things, be diligent that (you) may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

(15) And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

(16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (See?)

(17) (You) therefore, beloved, seeing (you) know these things before, beware lest (you) also, being led away with the error of the wicked, (That's why God said, "Depart from me you wicked workers of iniquity." See?) fall from your own stedfastness. (See?)

Fall from your Word orientation. Fall from where you are. Say, "Well, you believe a man can leave this truth?" Peter said he could. (See?) "Make your calling and election sure." [1 Pet 1:10]

(18) But grow in grace, (see the growth) and in the knowledge (that's the revelation) of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever.

26. Now, notice in there in chapter 3:15-16. It says:

(15) And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

(16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable ... (See?)

They can't relate the whole body of truth. They'll just take one thing that Peter said, run with it . They'll take a thing Paul said, run with it. They'll take a thing William Branham said, and run with it. You can't do it, it's the whole body of truth. (See?) Now,

(16) ...unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

It's the wresting and the perverting of the Scripture that brings on destruction. So now, he says here,

(17) ... beloved, seeing (you) know these things before, (he said, I've warned, and I've warned you again) you beware (see?) lest (you) also, being led away with the error of the wicked,

Lest you sometimes begin to change your mind about this truth that has been brought to you in the vindicated manner in which it comes. (See?)

27. Now, notice what I read here: I said it is very strange, but the whole second Book of Peter, deals with the end time corruption of the truth and the results thereof, which end in end time destruction (see?) that is brought out of you.

But in all this pronunciation we find two verses of deliverance. Now notice those verses of deliverance. [2 Peter 2:] 9,

(9) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: (See?)

Now, God's got His hands on the Elect. And with this [2 Peter] 3:9

(9) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Now, notice these come out of 2 Peter 1:19-21

(19) We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto (you) do well (to) take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

(20) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

(21) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Now, he said, "Now, as I see this our deliverance and our ability to stand steadfast is what I've been preaching to you. We haven't any vindication ourselves, but we only know we can know the way we know, is if we are in the truth of what William Branham taught is, can we line up with the Word?" (See?)

28. That's what Peter said here. He said, "Sure I was on the Mountain and saw the glory. Certainly I'm a vindicated person." He said, "That's right, but everything I've got has to line up with Scripture?" Now, how many people are lining up with Scripture? (See?) How many people in this ministry, this Message? (See?)

Now, here is the secret, God has a Present Truth for this day. Like He had in Paul's day, like He had for Peter. (See?) And this present day Message is a Message of correction of the perverted, and wrested Word of God. Mis-interpreted, mis-placed and mis-located. (See?) It's dislocated, taken entirely out of where it stands and trying to build on it. Or it's mis-placed it doesn't go into the proper doctrine and there you get out, (see?) or it's absolutely misinterpreted. (See?) It is a Message of correction of the perverted and wrested Word of God. Now, I hope you see the connection. And if you don't, let's get the connection.

29. Now, let's go back to Matthew 16:28. You may have to hear the tape a couple of times to get what I'm driving at. The first time I preached it, and everything isn't as smooth as I like it to be. But it's very clear to me, because I got it from God. Now, let's look at It, 16-28

(28) Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

[Matthew 17:]

(1) ...after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and (brings) them up into an high mountain apart, (That word 'brings us up' means 'carried in His arms'.) The do not walk up, they're lifted up like in a Rapture.

(2) And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

(3) And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

(4) Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for (Elijah).

(5) While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: (and said) a voice (said) out of the cloud... This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

(6) And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

(7) And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

(8) And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

(9) And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

30. Now listen, they had seen this vision. Wherein Jesus said, "Some shall not taste death, till they see the Son of man coming in His Kingdom." [Mt 16:28b] Is that right?

Now then listen: because of this, what they saw, they said:

(10) ... Why then say the scribes... (Elijah) must first come?

(11) And Jesus answered and said... (Elijah) truly shall first come, and restore all things. (See?)

Now, there's got to be a Message of the end time, where they wrested and perverted word. And the errors of the ages are corrected before the Son of man can come in power. Oh, you can see exactly what the Bible says. There wouldn’t be anybody able to make it. (See?) Couldn’t do it.

Now, Peter by vision and revelation and prophecy, knew what lay ahead the Second Coming period of time. He lays out the fact of the correctness of the doctrine, and then warns the falling away into error. He said, "We've got it right here. It was brought to you, It came to you, I gave It to you, I'm repeating It to you. I'm reminding you, but it's going to go down." (See?) It's got to go into error. But he knows, as there was a Present Truth for his day, there will be a Present Truth for our day, based upon Matthew 16:28 and 17:1-11.

31. Now, in the Book of Acts 3: in verse 19,

(19) Repent (you) therefore, and be converted, ...(change your minds) and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, ...

What sins? The sins of bringing about the entire destruction like it brought about the flood. (See?) The harvest does corruption. Where was the seed sown? Back there in the Garden through Eve. (See?) Now listen, let's go further:

(19) ...when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Now, what the Presence of the Lord mean? The part of anything that is presented to the eye. Now, what got presented to your eye? You never saw God even going back to the days of Jesus. You saw the miracles, the signs and the wonders. Bro. Branham said, "Let's prove that He's Present with us." Was He not Present with us? He was, but you can already see the fact that He was Present was through the eye-gate.

32. Now listen, notice that after this which can be known of God is manifested:

(20) (Then) he shall send Jesus Christ,...

The Second literal Coming and the figure, the first man, Jesus, is after this here in verse 19. Now listen:

(21) Whom the heaven must receive until the...restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

So, that takes place in verse 19, the vindicated ministry and the Word of God to the people.

Now, Elijah must first come and restore all things. That's exactly right! And Elijah does come and restore all things. Because the Lord God is perfect amongst the people, through the ministry of Elijah himself who is vindicated to bring your attention to the Word of God. This is the restoration. And this is exactly what Peter knew.

33. Now, there is a Message of restoration for this age, which is set forth as the correcting of the errors, that have risen all during the ages and relate the Word of God to the present day. All the errors are corrected and the Word of God is related to the present day.

Now, you know as well as I do, that what Peter spoke of that day though was a complete Present Word of God. In other words, It was the revealed Word of God. And Paul not shunning one verse. Yet that Word was not applicable to that day. Because the Second Coming of Jesus Christ can only come at the last time. (See?) But there couldn't be a Second Coming as long as the word was in error. (See?) Impossible. The Word has to be brought back. Present day demands Present Truth. In other words, the Word must come unto us, and be brought to us, it must be taught to us. Nobody's got It by himself. (See?) Can't have It, It's got to be taught.

34. Now, we are all aware that God has sent a vindicated prophet. We know how the Word describes such a man, and we saw one. Because that's over in the Book of Deuteronomy, It tells you what a true prophet is. Tells you what a false prophet is, and so we know.

Now, some won't agree, I realize that. Many people do not agree that we had a vindicated prophet. But listen to me: if I wanted to know what a certain bird was like and had never seen that bird, I would go to the encyclopedia on birds. Then if I saw a certain bird and didn't know what the bird was, I would go to that encyclopedia. Now then, if Elijah is supposed to come, there's only one place that you identify him, and that's in the Bible. (See?) The Word of God.

35. So, we can get a description from the Word which we know. Now, the description is His vindicated ministry of Luke 17:26, which we've been through.

(26) And (so) as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. (This is the experiences that came forth.)

Now, if you should get a little book called, 'The Son of Man', I please want you to notice the author of that book lied when he said certain men in America teach that the days of Noah would repeat. Not Noah himself, and not Jesus. I alone in America made that statement. I categorically denounced him as a liar and he knows that he's a liar. And I owe my friend this tape, because I categorically stated that as Noah could not come back as a man, neither does Jesus come back as a man. But the very ministry of Christ is duplicated on this earth. And that's in the seventieth week of Daniel, three times mentioned.

36. I categorically stated what Bro. Branham stated, that the Elijah for this day is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, Appearing and manifesting Himself amongst His people. It is not a man, but God, but It will come by a prophet. (See?)

Not that I detest anybody who wants to do these things, but I do not like my words, or anybody else's word twisted in order to build a little kingdom. Now, you may get that book and you may not, but that book is available. And though I say harsh things, it is time that we took a firm stand. Because this is what this Message is about. (See?) No animosity at all, but I certainly have a right to make any correction whatsoever. Of course, that's not as bad as some things they said about me in America. You should read the letter I got from a fellow in South Africa. According to that there's only one place I could have been born. I won't tell you where it was. Come on, I'll tell you in private sometimes, if you can't guess it. Never saw so many lies in my life. He'll answer in judgment day. Okay by me.

37. Now, this ministry, has a purpose. And the purpose is Luke 17:30

(30) Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

Now, what is the revelation? Oh, I just quote It over here in the Book of Acts 3, don't bother looking for It, I'll get It myself, verse 19

(19) ... when the times of refreshing...(which Bro. Branham absolutely put in Isaiah 29) shall come from ...(that part of anything that is presented to the eye.)

He said, "If He is here, He will do what He did when He was here, being the same yesterday, today and forever." And He came and He showed the sign of the Messiah and he did those mighty miracles when he could challenge the world, "bring me twenty-four of your worst cripples, I guarantee healing for all." See, manifesting It.

38. Now, He revealed the Son of man in order that Matthew 25:6 should take place.

(6) And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom... (not cometh, but) Behold, the bridegroom...

And Bro. Branham categorically states, (I think it's in the Seals, page 105 and paragraph 8, the Book of Seals) that this is the Message, Christ the revealed Word. Now, this takes place in order that Matthew 25:10 can take place.

(10) And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; (there He is) and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

This number 6 of 25, is the Message of the hour, it's the Present Truth. (See?) That's why Noah's message won't work, it's not present. That's why Moses won't work. That's why these others won't work. Pentecost won't work. Luther won't work. Wesley won't work. Restored gifts won't work. It's only one thing will work, you've got to get back to where It was, which is the beginning. (See?)

39. Now, you can see this from the first coming of Elijah what we're talking about. [Luke 1:]16-17

(16) And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

(17) And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of (Elijah), to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just;...

What were they disobedient to? They were disobedient to the Word of God. Their disobedience lay there. That word in the Greek means 'to turn aside', now:

(17) ... to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

What is Elijah to come for? He is to bring us back to the Word in order to get the people ready who were already prepared for the Lord. And a prepared people is what? A foreordained, decreed, predestinated Elected people. Because the purpose of God stands in Election, and the purpose of God is bringing many sons into glory. (See?)

40. Now, they've got to be made ready, and when the Bride was made ready; how was she made ready? She was made ready on the grounds that she woke up from the cry, "Behold, the Bridegroom." As Paul said, "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from amongst the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." [Eph 5:14] (See?) What were they? They weren't dead, they were amongst the dead. Their dead creeds and their dogmas have been done, the dogs and all. Polluted on every hand, lying in their blood. (See?)

Now, (see?) this here of [Luke 1:]16-17 repeats in Matthew 25, bringing us that Word of God. Now, Paul warned when this Message comes to us, (when this revealed Word comes) and remember, that this Elijah, plants the Seed of the entire Bible from serpent seed which was in September 28, 1958, through the prophet in the former-rain, which in my estimation was 'Anointed Ones at the End Time', August 25, 1965, which is exactly seven years almost to the day. One month out, you can't worry about that, because God counts a part of the year as the whole year. Seven years in bringing the Word of God, (see?) to us, that cry went forth.

41. Now, Peter warned us, concerning this Message. Be solid as an individual, be oriented in that Word. (See?) It's ... and I must say that Bro. Lloyd did say the truth. "There are too many people in America who do not go back to their Bibles just because they've got tapes and things to listen to." They don't do it. They think by simply hearing this, and not getting the Spirit of God to bring this all the way through the Word, they think they're safe. And they turned down five-fold ministry. They turned down those who can teach them, because God put those men in the Church in order to bring the Bride into perfection. The very thing they're looking for, God set them in the Church. (See?) That people may know the Word, but they turned It down. They're not solid. They're not Word oriented. They don’t see the truth. As Bro. Branham said, "See, if you follow this you get off there." You've got to bring that bullet back to where it went off. How about people that don't know where the bullet got off. See, they're not solid. Neither as individuals, or as a group. There's not even solidarity, but we're cleaved right down the middle, we've got a heavy strip down the middle, then we've got spirits in the flesh. Of course that's how things go. Now see?

42. Now, God says here to us in this end time, "To get coordinated and be cohesive." Where's the coordination and the cohesiveness in this movement? Now, it cannot be done by organization. It cannot be done by preachers sitting down and saying, "Well, I can go and put our heads together and figure this thing out." That's what God warned about. He is not in a secret chamber, means when three people or more get together and come out with an answer. (See?) No, God's got to teach It.

Now, don't just say, "We are, we believe in the Message. Well, I believe that." That's good, we got to believe it. But it's not sufficient to say, "Well, I'm a believer." Or to say, "Just believe it, just believe it." Now, you could be right if you had the right understanding what means 'just believe it'. (See?) But, He said, "If you believe Me, you do what I say too."

43. Now, get into It all the way. (See?) And get into It with each other. Everybody is reading each other out of the party. Yeah, see? That's right. You know, it's hard, I just... I don't know, I can make headway with some people, never with others. I know what goes around this country, I'm back and forth, there's no other man living, in this Message goes back and forth across this country knows what's going on, because they've got access to pulpits that I don't think any other man's got access to. And that's a fact. Even though places that don't want me, you know, they're scared to turn me down. That's a nice way to be. (See?) Because that goes around the country, they say, "Well, that man didn't want Bro. Vayle." (See?) So, I know what goes on.

And I'm sorry, that many things are going on amongst the people that should not be there. (See?) People not coming all the way into the Word of God. At least in their love and under-standing and trying to help each other, and trying to be a blessing to each other. But it's a matter of reading each other out of the party and all. Not standing that way for God to reveal what is already here, but looking down the road for something more. If we haven't got our hands on what's here, why should He give us something more down the road? Doesn't make sense. I can't find where the rest of them, Peter and Paul didn't do it. (See?)

44. So, not just say, "We're believer in the Message, but to go into It all the way, and to get into It with each other. And this can only be done as I say, not by organization, not by getting to figuring everything out, but by the people themselves tolerating, and not only tolerating, because that's when does toleration goes into intolerance, (see?) but you've got to start somewhere. But loving to the point of realizing as Bro. Branham said, "The mysterious things can only be known as they come into manifestation. (See?) But people don't want that. You know, I want that, I want that with all my heart.

When I find people in this country here, around the country are not a bad attitude, I can't hit them with a club. I can't make them do it. I can warn all I want and exhort all I want. But as God knows my heart, there's certain things I do not know, and I will not compromise myself as though I knew them. I just keep watching the evidence. But when a man takes a stance and thereby causes a cleavage and he himself does not know, (though he thinks he knows) he's in dangerous grounds.

Now, that's what Peter was saying, "I've expounded these things," he said, and Paul later laid it on the line. They laid it out. And he was warning them, "Be cohesive in this." Paul said, "I know they're going to rise before very long, and strip the folk, taking people away. You listen to me, you listen here, you listen there." But you see, that's not the way it is, it's to stick with that truth the best you know.

45. Now, how do we get in ...?...? No, first of all, "Have you been baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ?" I've thought for a long time, I could be a believer in the Message, because my conscience is right, I didn't need to be baptized over again, because I knew the doctrine, why bother? (See?) Be baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. All right, what about foot washing? "Well, (you say) I was taught against it, but I think it's alright Bro. Branham said so."

No! Get in there and get your feet washed and wash somebody else's feet. You do not get a revelation by sitting on the sideline and say, "Well, I don't understand." Get in there and wash their feet. And after the fourth of fifth time something will happen to you, because God says so.

46. Where's our communion gone? The Bible says, "As often as you come together." And yet people try to say, "Well, because Bro. Branham said, it could be something less serious and it would be some little creed to you, some little formula. So therefore I won't do it anymore."

As far as I know the early Church every time they got together, they took the Lord's Supper for a very special reason, because there they examined that your conscience might be examined, have I got ought against my brother? Am I living in victory? Do I have more grace than I had yesterday, am I going on with God? How can that be a formula if you're doing those very things? Yet they say, "Well, we don't need to do it." Seek to be full of the Holy Ghost. People say, "I don't know if I'm full of the Holy Ghost." Well, you know this day, He doesn’t come with a sensation. This day He comes in the pure ground of faith. (See?) Because it is a matter of faith, a matter of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. A matter of faith in that Word of God.

47. So, open our hearts, with open our hearts and listen to the Word of God and stand in It, and to cut ourselves off in all those things which would take us away from the Word. Remember Peter said, "I've not given you cunningly devised fables." [1 Pet 1:16a] He said, "I haven't told you these things as though they were fables, and when I go I want you to know I told you the truth." And William Branham said, "That food is stored upon those tapes." It's not something he got out of his own mind, or his own imagination. But as he said, "The thoughts of God are the Words of the prophet, or the Words of the prophet are the thoughts of Almighty God." (See?)

This has been left to us and we are to live in It. Some people say, "It's dead manna, leave It alone." But they're wrong. (See?) It's not dead manna, anymore than this is dead manna, that which Peter said two thousand years is coming right to pass today. And that which Bro. Branham said a few years ago is getting stronger and stronger until one day it shall be all over. And then there shall be a Bride caught up with the Bridegroom.

48. No, this is to be our guide and our correction. It's is the Truth for this day. (See?) Shun those who go about the country say, "Ain't nobody got nothing." I've been running across that, there's a lot of it going around the country. Preachers stand up and say, "Ain't nobody got nothing ." I've been looking around. And they say, "Well, what have you got?" He won't tell you he hasn't got anything. But when he drives you down to the place where you believe you've got nothing, then you go sneaking to his door. And when you go sneaking to his door, he'll say, "You came exactly right, bless you heart, I'm the one whose got it, I'll show you."

He's a liar from the beginning and the truth is not in him. I can show you a man right now, (I won't ...?... his name) but I know the prophet of God said, "The man's mentally deficient." People listen to him. I'm talking tough, you're partly my people in a sense, I've got responsibility here. They go out saying, "You haven't... haven't got anything?" What about the day of old Abraham, now a hundred years old, sitting at the table, an old tottering old fellow and his cane. Sitting there, long beard looking so fine.

Say, "What's your name?"

"My name's Abraham." [Said in an old man's voice]

"Abraham, that's a fine name, that's means God loves you, you've got many subjects ."

"No, ain't got one. Oh, I did have one, by Hagar, but that didn't work out too good." [Old man's voice]

"Well, why don't you change your name?"

"No sir, God gave me the name." [Old man's voice]

"You, God gave you the name?"

"Oh, yes sir, God gave me that name. I'm going to be part of that ...?.." [Old man's voice]

"How old are you?"

"I'm a hundred years old." [Old man's voice]

You messed me up on that, you said that ...?...

49. Now, watch old Abraham. What's he doing? At a hundred years of age, he's still waiting for the promise that God said he had. What was it? To be a father of multitudes through Sarah, who only past menopause for thirty years, or better. (See?)

He had less to go on. He had less to show. Somebody come along and say, "Ain't none of you got nothing. Why, Abraham look at you, you're a dead stick." That's exactly what he was. "Sarah your womb's dead." Ain't nobody got nothing, and you're talking about a promise God gave. I just imagine an old fellow about that time for a hundred years of age mustarded all the strength he got and uncorked one swing of faith and knocked that guy square in the chops. I'd be ready to fry me guts and backbone.

That's what Peter said when the devil comes around roaring said, "You ain't got nothing." (See?) These guys comes around to try to get you out of the Message, so you'll follow them. Oh, I'm on their tricks. Sure, I know what goes around the country. I've been there stuck up to my neck and past it. You ain't got nothing. They don't know their Bible. They're telling you the prophet was a phony. They're trying to tell you that vindicated Word can't stand. They're trying to tell you their own fears and doubts that they don't believe and try to pass it on to you.

50. Peter said, "Stand steadfast." Get oriented to this Word. (See?) Well, why do ...?.. nothing. "Why, bless God, you don't even talk in tongues. You don't have gifts in your church, you don’t have this and that. No we want to hang on to that don't they? (See?) "You're not shouting and screaming." Now, I believe that's fine. I'm going to play a tape one day that Bro. Branham had in Albuquerque, he led them all screaming and shouting, I'm all for it. I've got nothing against that. Absolutely, but just don't build on it. Say, "Well, I scream and shout and that's it." Scream and shout for something, got a revelation of God's Word. (See?)

Sure, he'll come along and try to lead you astray. But, Peter said, "Look, you have the Present Truth, you're established in it, because I gave it to you, you don't have to doubt and fear anymore wondering about this and wondering about that." Sure, you can un-fear himself, but look about what Paul said about the very thing I'm preaching. There are something's so hard in here to under-stand that a man will wrest to his own destruction. Now, how will you stop wresting a thing? Just don't fool with it, leave it be till God shows. Just let it be. Don't understand it, let it be. Don’t knock your head against a wall. Won't do you any good anyway. You can knock you head against a wall, in the place to get a revelation, it's an institution for the insane, where they bang their heads against the wall. Then they stop and get a revelation, because they put up mattresses. Come on, we're not a bunch of fools.

51. Yes, they're going to rise up in this end time. Don't think for one minute, just because we heard the Message we're so secure. Because Peter said, "You be sure that you don't fall from your steadfastness, that's your orientation, your solidarity within you and the group." Sure, I know these boys run around the country splitting groups, this and that. Go in there and do my best to heal the breech, and two weeks later another guy come along and split it wide open again. That's not the Word of God. Oh, that is the Word of God warning you, and it's just happening. (See?)

So, Peter brings us the Word of truth. And he said, "Don't you fall from that." (See?) "Shun those that would lead you to follow after them." Only Bro. Branham was vindicated. Let's this present truth be your light, because there's nowhere else to turn. Where are you going to turn? "Oh, I'm going to look for somebody else with more vindication."

"Well, that's alright, go ahead." What if it doesn't come? And you done close the back door. (See?) What about that? What about there's no place to turn? (See?) Where are you going to find something? Where can you get something greater? Where could there possibly be a man come with anything greater? Where can anybody be in the Scripture more clearly presented than the prophet of God? (See?)

52. Let this Present Truth be your Light. That's what it is. It's above the job, it's above everything. You think for one minute I've lost by doing this? When I laid down everything I had to follow the prophet of God, to write the books, and to deliberately lay on the line my whole living with no guarantee, no nothing. Do you think I've lost? I've gained as no man's gained. Because I didn't seek any glory and shove myself forward to anything, try to take up a humble place to assist the prophet of God. You think I've lost? I've gained as no man's gained. Never had to compromise for one minute. If anything, I have gained an inexorable wealth, and I hope I've laid a little treasure in heaven. I don't know about that, but no man can say I've lost. I've not lost a thing, I've gained as nothing else could ever gain me something.

For this Present Truth is our life, it's a guarantee to Eternal Life, because every other word is wrested. Every other preacher stands as an unrighteous preacher. Everything else stands as unclean and deceit before Almighty God. (See?) This is it, for we have no other hope. We don’t need another hope, because this is the Message which has been restored to us, we have the Word of God. (See?) "Well, I don't understand logic." That's alright, I don't think I understand either. But I know they're true. And everything that He shows will be in this Word.

53. Now, and remember, as Bro. Branham said, "Above all let there be love." I know sometimes I don't sound very loving, but I can't help those times, because I've got a word. I've got to warn and exhort, because that's all I can do. In 1 Peter 1:18-23

(18) Forasmuch as (you) know that (you) were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain (behavior) received ...(notice, receive) by tradition from your fathers; (See?)

(19) But with the precious blood of Christ, ...

What was it that took...to take away the effects of that perverted word, to destroy the effects of creeds and dogmas? It took the Blood of Jesus Christ Himself. If God had to manifest Himself in a Son and die upon Calvary to undo the results of the perverted word. (See?)

(19) ... a lamb without (spot and) blemish:

"Which of you can prove Me wrong, which of you can convict Me of sin." That word in the Greek is, 'which of you can compute one word' I've said? Show one Word that I'm wrong in. They couldn't do it. There He was, the perfect Lamb of God, because He went right back to the beginning, one Word was wrong, and the whole human race fell. Now, here comes that Lamb of God, every Word. (See?)

(20) Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest (notice, manifest) in these last times for you,

(21) Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

(22) Seeing...

Now, how are you going to get this, what He purchased for you? How are you going to get it? You've got to go back to the Word yourself.

(22) Seeing (you) purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that (you) love one another with a pure heart fervently:

How do you get back? There's only one way you get back. You got to be a part of that same Word. Can't have one creed or dogma. Can't have one bit of unbelief. Can't turn down one Word. Can't add one to It. Now listen, It says,

(22) Seeing (you've) purified your souls (how?) in obeying the truth through the Spirit ...

The Blood of Jesus Christ will not avail you. I don't care anybody said, as Bro. Branham decreed, showed so strong there in the Exodus. He said, "I don't care how right well you're circumcised, you're the best circumcised man in town, if you're not under that token that time, you're lost."

54. You can say, "I believe in Jesus Christ, I've gone to that altar, I've spoken in tongues, I've have every evidence, I love the Lord. Yes sir, I got to church, I did this." That's alright, see where it takes you. (See?) Where are you in the Word?

(22) ...obeying the truth through the Spirit...

The Spirit of God tell you to cut your hair? Women preachers? Join a church? Spirit of God tell you not to listen to the prophet? What Spirit of God you've got, not listening to a prophet? Korah and Dathan had a Spirit on them too. Spirit of God, they talked in tongues, they prophesied. Sure, and they sat up and said, "Is not the whole congregation holy?"

And God said, "Separate them, I'll kill them for that!"

"But Bro. Vayle, they're holy."

'I'll still kill them! I'll still kill them! Stand back, Moses I'll get the whole bunch of them."

Let one man dare to stand up with My anointed prophet that brought the Word. Were they holy? Sure they were holy. Where did that get them? I hope you're catching something's the prophet of God talked to them. Maybe they weren't too clear for them. Get them clear tonight. Get them clear tonight. He said, "Are not the whole congregation holy?" Did Moses say he was holy? Did Moses say he had something? God said, "Stand back, I'll kill them, I've had it up to here." The whole bunch of them.

55. Don't tell me that Korah and Dathan and Abiram didn't have something. Sure they did. They had something great. They had a measure of the Spirit of God. But the Word descends by the prophet's spirit. Not by the congregation, not by preacher, not by the evangelists, not by the pastor, not by the teacher. But by the Word prophet! How do you by an ordinary prophet? You just agree he's right. (See?)

(22) ...obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren,...

Now he said here, "Your unfeigned love of the brethren." Sure you love them. Not feigned love. Not something you put on. You get that Word, you're not going to have feigned love.

(23) (Not) being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, ...

Now he doesn't say, "You've been born once, get born again." People infer that. Because It says that in the Book of John, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." [Jn 3:3b] Right away they think that's the same thing here, but It doesn't say that. It says,

(23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, ...

You can get born of corruptible Pentecostal seeds. Join the church and go to hell, and be the most moral sweet person in the world. As Bro. Branham said, "This woman walks around, she's got shorts on her, a dress she's been poured into, riding her bike down the street with her peddle-pusher. Pusher's all ...?... up and being gazing attraction for the men. And she has never had one thought about a man, but she's committed adultery right there. Say to her she's a harlot prostitute, she'd spit in your face. Put the law on you. "Don't you dare call me that." But she is, she's got a prostitute spirit on her. I know you can get used to these things, and think noting, but pretty soon they've got a hold of you.

56. I remember the first time my wife in ...?.. I saw the Baptist preacher in Canada going by on a bicycle and over the north end bridge in north Red Deer. Came peddling over that time with her shorts on. We were flabbergasted, astounded at such a thing should take place, that woman show herself. It wasn't long (bless God) she would have worn a bikini. Now, she's naked. (See?) It's the incorruptible seed we want to get born by, which is the Word of God. And the incorruptible seed is the Word of God which has not been perverted.

Now, listen to me, there isn't one age where the Elect come out, but they're born again by the un-perverted Word of God. Everyone has the Word for its day. Until this day, (bless God) for coming into Headship, we've got to have it. Now, which...was is it?

(23) ...by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Will anything else live forever? No sir. When that great Stone comes down and hits that image, that Stone made without hands, everything image goes to power as it's blown high (See?) .

57. But what does Peter say here?

(24) ... all flesh is as grass, (sure it is) ...the glory of man (passes away) as the flower... (everything that man built. Everything man looks is good is going to go away.)

The one thing that will not fade is the revealed Word of God that comes to the people. Present Truth the Word of God. And Peter warns us, he said, "Yes, just do one thing about it, just see that you walk in love." Does that mean that you're not going to have a difference with somebody? Certainly not, you're bound to have differences. Does that mean that you can't speak against the thing that exists? No, certainly not. But how are you going to love? You're going to show your love by not trying to pull anybody away into a camp.

As God is my Judge, I don't want anybody to follow me, or to pull anybody after me whatsoever, but to present the Word as I believe God has laid down that Word by a prophet. And I see It reviewed by the Holy Ghost, and that people do what they want with It, but to divide the people of God, I am against it.

58. How can there be anything but feigned love, when you know you're dividing somebody and yet you're sweet? Just can't be done. Love is corrective, sometimes it's hard. Love is not just this and that, as some people think it is. Love is what God would do about the situation. And the love of God is to love that Word.

My brother, my sister, the stumbling block I want you to know tonight according to the Word of God is not Jesus Christ, but it's the Word. Everybody loves Jesus. Sure, Christian Science love Him. They say He was a great man. They got nothing against Him, they love Him. Unity loves Him. Unitarians love Him. Mormons love Him. Everybody loves Jesus. But the minute the Word of God for the day comes on the scene, everybody hates that Word. It's a Rock of offence, and a Stone of stumbling. Present day truth. Serpent seed.

59. Imagine he said, "A woman has had a serpent defile him." (Huh?) That dirty rotten dog, he should have died, they should have hung him. Oh yeah, yeah. Such a book should be off the market. Yet I can get Swedish books and French books (I haven't seen them, but I know I can get them) because they advertise in the paper You'll see them doing intercourse right on that page, and hundreds of positions if there is such a thing. But sell them to little kids even. But that's great, that's wonderful. Give them marijuana Sure, that's okay let them experiment. LSD just killed three more recently, down around Fort Bragg wasn't it? Three more like that Tate affair. The poor pregnant mother and two kids. They're calling them pigs.

But that's fine, you'll watch how the government will allow passes are nuts. Well, they say, "They're under the influence, so it's okay, forgive me." But let a prophet stand up and tell you where sin came from and how it is. Then he should be hung, hamstrung and a dirty filthy book. But they all love Jesus, hallelujah. Glory to God ain't He sweet. I doubt that. I don't think He's sweet. Not the way the world thinks is sweet. I don’t think He's good the way the world thinks He's good. I don't think He's fair, the way the world thinks He's fair. I think He's God, and I'll just let it go at that.

60. But, you see where you stand in that Word tonight? Peter said, "Look, you have had that true Prophet ." That Present Truth. I came, you were taught. That was the bottom truth laid out. And I said, "I'm going off the scene, now you stick with me." Stick with that. Don't let anybody come along and try to shove you here and there. Just you go right on going. As long as there's a five-fold ministry, believe in that ministry. As long as there's something God says is yours, believe in it.

But remember brother/sister, restoration means, or reconciliation, because restoration is like healing. Now if I've got restored, but the Bride is being restored, she's got to be steadfast which is truly solid in itself and with each other. Sure. Unfeigned love. Why? Look brother/sister, if I believe Bro. Branham instead of certain things and I do my best to bring you that way to prove that man right, I'm just kidding myself. Right today, the people are worried whether Bro. Branham comes back to have a tent, or not, why? And you know why the two sides are worried? Though I could be just as guilty not believing in a ministry of him coming back in a tent, because I want to stand up for him. And they can be guilty wanting to stand up, and wanting a tent. I want to be absolutely fair and impartial. I want to know one thing, that is I don't know what's going to happen. But I know as far as God has led me, and to where I stand, I can believe this. But to stand up and to make issue, I make no issue. No sir. It's got to be in the Word. Word oriented, solid.

"Bro. Vayle, I had a great vision." Peter had a better one than you ever had. But he said, "We've got something bigger than that." That's this Word here. "Well, I've seen a great demonstration." Peter saw a big one really, because he actually saw the Kingdom of God come right back to earth in a picture. He was right there to hear that Voice. The very thing everybody is screaming for. He was there in a preview and stood in it. Said, "I've got something better than that" You follow me? I trust you see Present Truth brother/sister, be established, and keep it that, stick with it. Amen. The Lord bless you. Let's rise and be dismissed.

Gracious Heavenly Father, we thank You, Lord Jesus Christ, that we can stand up here without fear, or favor. Not that we might not be guilty of many things, but, O God, under no circumstance have I ever stood up before the people and say, "You better listen to me." Because I've got some certain something. Not even Your prophet said that, Lord, but he went word by word, letter by letter, sentence by sentence, verse by verse until literally came paragraph by paragraph and chapter by chapter until we saw a Book before us.

Now, Lord, tonight I want stand the same way and so do Your people. We had the Present Truth, O God, and we want to stand. Lord, tonight I know that this is where the devil will try to get us. Like a roaring lion, he'll enlarge everything, (he will) throw it up out of size and proportion. He'll try to trick us in a thousand ways. But, O God, tonight here we stand. And we stand in that, Lord, with only one hope, and that is the revealed Word by the Holy Ghost. Sealed in, O God, unto complete truth unto an absolute perfect revelation, which each might need. I don't know how much each will need, Lord. But I know, O God, that we're coming into that beautiful place that You spoke of, where that Bride becomes Word.

And we're standing here like Abraham of old, Lord, looks like we're getting weaker and weaker. Things are getting rougher and rougher and more and more miserable. But that was that day, Lord, when she was ninety and he was a hundred. That You came by there when there wasn't one bit of hope left. And You brought that Word and in Its season the Word of Promise came forth. And, Lord, we've been left the Word of Promise this day. And Peter said, "You weren't slack concerning that Promise as some men count slackness." And, Lord, I believe that people right today are trying to make You slack. They're trying to tell us, "Look see, nobody's got anything." But, Lord, we've got a Promise tonight. "I will restore, saith the Lord. Then I can come, and I won't destroy." You won't be in that bunch. No, no, you'd be caught up in a Rapture.

Gracious Heavenly Father, since that's our lot, purge my heart of everything, Lord, that could be rough and mean against anybody, because I don't want to be. Though sometimes I speak of, Lord, they don't know what's in my heart. And I'm not inflamed, but how can they know, Lord, or even talk about it roughly? Help me, Lord, not even to talk about a thing roughly. Not even feel anything, Lord, because wouldn't want to feel guilty for same way, Lord. Just walk in love, but in doing it, not be fooled, because the love of the truth is greater. God help me, and help each one here tonight to walk in that love of the truth toward each other. Jesus, grant it tonight.

Lord, if we committed any sins forgive us. We fought highly, we shouldn't have fought, forgive us. Lord, we might not come together, I many never preach here again, I don't know. Somehow I feel those days are shortening, O God, they're shorter perhaps than maybe You're just letting me know it'd be over pretty soon. I never know, Lord, if I'll come back, I might not even get away to come back. Might be some morning, Lord God, lying there stiff and cold, who knows? Don't understand. But, Lord, whether that's to be that way, or any other way. Because I know it doesn't matter if we go, or wait till You come, if we're part of that Bride in this Word, that's what counts, Lord. And that's how we want it. Help us tonight, Jesus, to be what we heard about from Your great servant the people Peter. And then so beautifully brought back to this day, where the two ends of the line are meeting and forming a circle. Hallelujah. Bless us therefore, Lord, to this end, and unto Thee shall we give You all the praise and all the glory, because Thou art worthy in Jesus' Name. Amen. God bless you.