A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!
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Regardless of your denominational affiliation or theological beliefs, please understand that this web page is not against you personally. This information is here to help you and encourage you to “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith” (II Cor. 13:5), “the faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:12), “the Saviour of the world” (John 4:42), “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2). “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7). “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Gal. 2:16). “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.... For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:22,26). “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph. 2:8,9). Please read the following with an open mind and let “the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge” speak to your heart (Eph. 3:19); “and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:” (Isa. 1:18) |
(01/07/2008)
“BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS”
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WILLIAM MARION BRANHAM:
New Testament Prophet or Occult Mystic?
Was William Branham a “true prophet of God” as he claimed? Or was he only one of the “many deceivers” that our Lord Jesus Christ warned his disciples about? This is a legitimate question that should be asked and must be answered because thousands of people are influenced to this day by Branham's teachings.
William Branham believed that an angel guided him throughout his life. This “angel” would appear to him on more than one occasion. William Branham's ministry was a result of this “angel's guidance”. A predominant characteristic of Branham's meetings was his near total fixation on the “presence” of this angel. Branham said, “I'm convinced that that very Spirit that you feel, the Holy Spirit that is moving in us, I'm convinced that that's Christ. Amen! I'm convinced that, right now, that This is what I'm looking at, this Circle of Light before me, I'm convinced that's the Holy Spirit! I'm convinced that vision is over my eyes! I know it is. Amen!” When asked if it was the Holy Spirit that did the supernatural signs and miracles in his meetings, Branham responded, “No, my angel does these things!” Branham said, “I believe that that same Angel anoints us, because It was God.” This is absolutely un-biblical. Jesus Christ's apostles were led by the Spirit of truth and the scriptures, not by an angel from heaven and a feeling. The apostle Paul warned, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1:6-9). “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (II Cor. 11:14,15).
Some people might point to William Branham's ability to cast out devils and do many other wonderful works in Jesus' name as proof that he was a true prophet of God. But consider what the Lord Jesus Christ himself said: “For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.” (Mark 13:22). Some people might point to William Branham's ability to prophesy in the name of the Lord Jesus and his apparent ability to read minds and tell some people certain personal things in their life, an ability shared by many psychics and mediums, as proof that he was a true prophet of God. But hear what Jesus Christ said:
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Jesus said that a “wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign”, and “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” “And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.” (Matt. 16:4; John 4:48; Mark 8:12). Jesus' apostles did not follow him because of the signs and wonders; they followed him because he faithfully preached the scriptuers: “Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6:67,68). Paul said, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” (Gal. 1:6,7). “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.... For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” (II Cor 11:3-13). “For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.” (Mark 13:22).
Many of William Branham's teachings revealed his delusional thinking. Branham taught that the Holy Bible (KJV) had errors and that God was giving him (Branham) the “correct” interpretation (the Bible calls this “private interpretation” II Peter 1:20). What better way to deceive people than to tell them that they don't really have the pure words of the Lord in our preserved English KJV Holy Bible (Psa. 12:6; Prov. 30:5). A common characteristic among all cults and deceivers and false religions is to explicitly or subtly move authority away from the Bible to another source (a man, a vision, a confirmation in the heart, a lexicon or some other book) in order to supersede the authority of the Holy Bible. From Genesis 3:1 in the garden of Eden where the serpent said, “Yea, hath God said . . ?”, to the present day cults whose leader's words overrule the written word of God, Satan's methods of deception – to cast doubt on the scriptures – have not changed. Notice that when the serpent first deceived man the temptation was not to be evil but to be good, to “be as gods” (Gen. 3:1-5). This is why almost all cult leaders and false prophets have a deity complex, to “be as gods”, to be “like the most High”, to be reverenced and feared by their followers (Isa. 14:14; III John 1:9). Branham also taught that the occult pyramids and the zodiac (Babylonian-Chaldean astrology which is condemned by God in the Bible Lev. 19:26; Deut. 18:10,11; II Kings 21:6; II Chron. 33:6; Isa. 47:13; Rom. 1:19-28) were reliable sources of God's word. (Incidentally, both Charles Taze Russell, founder of the Jehovah's Witness Organization, and William Branham's grave sites are adorned with occult pyramids.) The apostle Paul exhorted us to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (II Tim. 4:2-4). But “after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers”: the lusts referred to here are not only sexual lusts but also spiritual lusts — a lusting after power and control, to “exercise dominion” and “authority” over others — “Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?” (Matt. 20:25-27; James 4:5). Jesus talked about “the lusts of other things entering in” (Mark 4:19). So we know by the scriptures that not all lusts are sexual in nature. “So I gave them up unto their own hearts‘ lust: and they walked in their own counsels.” (Psa. 81:12; 78:18).
William Branham believed that he was God's “mouthpiece” and that God was using him in much the same way as the Old Testament prophets. However, the “mouthpiece of God” theology was not original to Branham. Joseph Smith, who founded the Mormon church in 1830, claimed repeated “revelations” from God. Smith's newly formed church was given a “revelation” from God to accept “his [Smith's] word . . . as if from mine own mouth, in patience and faith.” (Doctrine and Covenants, 21:5). But even Joseph Smith was not the originator of this myth, as other cult leaders, both before and after Smith, claimed this divine authority. In the latter part of the second century a self-appointed end time prophet named Montanus, founder of Montanism (who was a priest in a Phrygian mystery cult prior to his supposed conversion to Christianity), was subject to ecstatic trances and repeated revelations and viewed himself as the “mouthpiece” of God (Another Gospel, Tucker, pp.33,34). William Branham said, “Now, I'm just your brother, by the grace of God. But when the Angel of the Lord moves down, it becomes then a Voice of God to you... But I am God's Voice to you... Now, see, I can say nothing in myself. But what He shows me.” (William Branham, Footprints On The Sands Of Time, p. 214). Even today some misguided modern-day “prophets” erroneously believe that they are God's “mouthpiece”. Though sincere in their beliefs, teaching that God speaks to us as “in time past... by the prophets” is both un-biblical and anti-biblical and leads to errors and false doctrines. “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son” (Heb. 1:1-3). In the Old Testament, “in time past”, God spoke to his people “by the prophets” and by the scriptures written by the prophets. But in the New Testament, “in these last days”, God speaks to each and every one of his people “by his Son” “through the Holy Ghost” in each and every one of his people by the scriptures written by the apostles (Heb. 1:1-3; John 14:26; Acts 1:2; 10:44; 11:15; 15:8; II Tim. 3:15). “These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.” exclaimed the apostle John, “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” (I John 2:26,27; John 14:26; Rom. 10:8; Psa. 119:99,100; Prov. 30:5,6; Deut. 4:2; Rev. 22:18,19).
Branham's teachings directly contradicted much of “that which is written” in the “holy scriptures” (I Cor. 4:6; II Tim. 3:15). Branham said, “I saw seven angels in the form of a pyramid that swept down, picked me up and was brought east to open the seven seals of God” (Commissioned by Seven Mighty Angels). But in contrast to Branham's teachings the apostle John said, “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. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.” (Rev. 5:1-4). Verses five and nine tells us that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only one who is “worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof.” William Branham, the Branch Davidians and the Heaven's Gate cult all believed that they were chosen by God to “open the seven seals”. Thier teachings, which contradict the Holy Bible, were all from the same source – the father of lies (John 8:44). And other false doctrines being propagated by modern-day ‘seers’ and ‘prophets’ are the “secret rapture” and “the close of the Gentile Times”. To dispell the “secret rapture” theory the Bible assured us that when Christ returns (and there is only one return) “every eye shall see him” (Rev. 1:7). And as far as God “closing the door of grace” to the world, the Bible assured us “that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”, and Jesus himself assured us saying “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Acts 2:21; Matt. 28:20). The “close of the Gentile Times” is not a new idea or new “revelation”; it is a false doctrine that various cults like the Jehovah's Witness organization and others have been teaching for over a hundred years (God's Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 1973, p. 330).
Jesus Christ and the apostles are our pattern and our example of the true New Testament church, for “us not to think of men above that which is written” (I Cor. 4:6). And the New Testament, “that which is written”, is the revelation of Jesus Christ. But this simple truth of scripture is hidden from “them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight” (Isa. 5:21). Jesus said, “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.”, babes in Christ (Matt. 11:25): “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (II Tim. 3:15). The apostle Paul said “to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think”, and “that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written” (Rom. 12:3; I Cor. 4:6). But instead of “understanding what the will of the Lord is” by trusting the Holy Bible and searching the “holy scriptures”, many are turning to man and leaning unto their “own understanding” (II Tim. 3:15; Eph. 5:17; Prov. 3:5). Instead of hearing, “what saith the scripture?” (Rom. 4:3) and “Search the scriptures” (John 5:39), we are hearing “What saith the man of God?” and “Search his latest book.” The phrase, “it is written”, referring to the scriptures, occurs sixty-three times in the New Testament. But instead of hearing, “It is written”, “It is written again” (Matt. 4:4,7; Acts 1:20; 7:42), we are hearing “Thus saith the LORD, etc., etc.” Many people are apparently unaware of the fact that the phrase, “Thus saith the LORD”, does not even exist in the New Testament.
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Numerous prophecies and predictions made by Branham did not come to pass. It is significant that Branham falsely predicted that America would be destroyed in 1977, given the fact that he was believed by many to be God's end-time prophet (The Seven Church Ages, p. 322). Mediums' and soothsayers' prophecies often fail, as did many of Branham's prophecies. The Holy Bible tells us that the hit and miss prophecies of Branham and other modern-day prophets are proof that “they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart” (Jer. 23:26).
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The gnostic teachings of Branham (serpent seed doctrine, etc.) and his acceptance of Freemasonry (a satanic occult organization) should have been a dead giveaway from the very beginning. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” (Eph. 5:11). Another occult aspect of Branham's meetings was his total dependence upon an angel when ministering to the people. Branham would always ask the people if they believed he was God's prophet. People had to first acknowledge that Branham was God's prophet before the angel would begin to perform supernatural manifestations. No true New Testament prophet or apostle ever did such a thing. The apostles of our Lord asked the people if they believed that Jesus Christ is the son of God and the savior of the world. Philip said to the Ethiopian eunuch, “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:37). The fact that Branham's angel guide granted certain supernatural signs, and the fact that some of Branham's prophecies did come to pass does not mean that he was a true prophet of God:
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There is little doubt that William Branham was truly sincere in what he believed. But he made a deadly mistake in believing that his sincere heart would prevent him from being deceived: “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool”, and “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man,” (Prov. 28:26; Jer. 17:5). Instead of trusting the scriptures, William Branham made the fateful decision to trust his own feelings. “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” (Matt. 22:29). “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they [the scriptures] are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” (John 5:39,40). The following links are to web sites and articles exposing the un-biblical fallacies and the anti-biblical dangers of Branham's teachings:
“BROTHER” R. G. STAIR:
Prophet or Profit?
Fornication - Adultery - Lewdness - Lasciviousness - Filthy Lucre - Murder
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“Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.” (Luke 21:8; Matt. 24:5; Mark 13:6) |
For years many people have put their faith in radio “Evangelist” Ralph Stair and followed his guidance. Many of his former followers, people who knew him, people who were very close to him and knew the inner workings of his ministry have now come forward with extremely disturbing information regarding both his personal life and public ministry, The Overcomer Ministry. The Bible tells us that “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” (Matt. 18:16; II Cor. 13:1). According to court documents and a number of independent credible witnesses, Ralph Stair has in the past practiced murder in the form of abortion and continues to this day to practice lewd and lascivious behavior and deception for his own personal gain (filthy lucre - I Tim. 3:3,8; Titus 1:7,11; I Peter 5:2). The Lord Jesus Christ said, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matt. 7:15); and, “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” (Matt. 24:4,5; Mark 13:5,6).
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The Lord said, “Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.” (Luke 12:1,2,3). The Bible says that “the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God” (II Kings 17:9). Many people have had their eyes opened to the truth about this man, “Brother” Stair. Unfortunately, many people are still following him, not knowing what this man is all about. The following links are to web sites and articles exposing the deception of a modern day “Prophet” of God, Ralph G. Stair:
Remnants Of Hope Ministry
http://www.remnantshope.com/rgstair.html
False Prophet, Brother Stair Exposed
http://messiahsbranch.org/art_brother_stair.htm
The Arresting Behavior Of Brother Stair
http://www.christianmediaresearch.com/stair-01.html
False Prophet Brother R. G. Stair
http://www.webspawner.com/users/stairfalse/
False Prophecies of Brother R.G. Stair
http://www.thenetteam.net/failed.html
Stair Ordered To Pay Former Members $731,679
http://www.thenetteam.net/index.html
R. G. "Brother" Stair Overcomer Ministry Exposed
http://www.isitso.org/guide/stair.html
R.G. Stair, the False Prophet
http://home.bellsouth.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&groupid=26396&ck=
The Truth about False Prophet Ralph Stair
http://prophecy.sinfree.net/stair/stair.htm
"Brother" R.G. Stair - False Prophecies of a False Prophet
http://www.watchman.org/cults/endtime.htm
Prophet Stair, What has become of you?
http://www.radionewjerusalem.com/archive2/stair.htm
From Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brother_Stair
Answer:
They all teach (taught) that they are (were) God's “representative” or “anointed” and that you cannot trust nor believe the Holy Bible; and that you must put your faith in their words, theologies, traditions, customs and rituals in order to please God and have everlasting life.
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CLICK HERE for CATHOLIC INQUISITION VIDEO
It is both interesting and disturbing to see how that in recent years many once Bible believing churches have compromised the Word of God and fallen away from the sound doctrine of the scriptures back to the fables of the Roman Catholic church, as the prophecies of the scriptures are literally being fulfilled before our eyes (II Thess. 2:3; I Tim. 4:1-5; II Tim. 4:1-4). The “falling away” foretold in second Thessalonians chapter two began in earnest in the fourth century with the establishing of the Pagan/Christian Roman church. The “falling away” refers to the falling away from true Apostolic Christianity, “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (II Thess. 2:3; Jude 1:3). The early Christians clearly understood this, as did the Protestant Christians of the Reformation. Read what Protestant churches taught for centuries in their official prayer books and in their public declarations of faith. Even the Episcopal church in America and the Anglican church in England exposed many of the “blasphemous fables, and dangerous deceits” of the Roman Catholic church (see Book of Common Prayer, Article 31). As late as the middle of the twentieth century, circa 1953, the Episcopal church understood and revealed, at least in part, the doctrines of antichrist. (See A FALLING AWAY)"A FALLING AWAY" II Thess. 2:3