…….And They…….Believed.

The church was doing fine! Money was pouring in as the religious leaders of the day were in business themselves and with others to rake in the dough. Markets were even set up within the temple grounds to sell goods to those seeking salvation, lambs for the more wealthy and doves for the poor, the required blood sacrifice of that day. Matthew 21:13 & John 2:16. The priests were oh so busy, preparing the way, preaching sermons that could leave even the most educated, articulate individuals speechless. Teaching lessons and bringing messages to the throngs of people that were based on the written Word. Words that were written by the hands of men of past ages by the divine inspiration of God Himself. 2 Timothy 3:16.  Messages that contained content that was correct, being exactly in-line with what the Almighty God Himself had directed the people to follow. Everyone was in step with the procedures and policies of the church in that day. 

Meanwhile, out on the back streets of the neighborhoods, in the temple square, the market places, beaches, and byways, a humble man was street preaching a doctrine that seemed to go against all that the devout priests were presenting. A doctrine that didn’t just cause those that heard Him to be spellbound, but teachings that inspired, enlightened, and seemed to give Life itself to those that sat and heard Him. Thousands followed that man, witnessing miracles that hadn’t been observed for hundreds of years and then only by the prophets of years past like Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Jeremiah and Daniel. Many had been brought up throughout their childhood hearing of the tales of time past when their forefathers walked with God and His mighty hand delivered the chosen ones from the bondage of the wicked. The priests of the day had done their jobs, teaching and preforming sacrifices. Those in the highest positions within the religious world ensured that the written Word of God was being followed to the smallest detail. They had heard about the man on the streets, even going out and listening to His teachings, asking questions and presenting arguments attempting to catch the man in a trap, but always failing, not knowing the humble man was God Himself and His Words were the Way, the Truth, and the Life! This man had those who closely followed Him. Disciples that He had handpicked. Men that may not have been the most popular, educated, or in the high social standings of the day. Outright sinners, tax collectors, fishermen, prostitutes, lepers, blind, lame, dumb, businessmen and the common ones, heard the spoken Words of the God-man and were strengthened, healed, delivered, and forgiven. 

This thought came to me while reading in the Gospel of John 2:17 & 22. 

17 “And his disciples remembered that it was written,”…… and

22 “When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.”

Jesus Christ spoke His Word of that day. He brought a Message that would catch the attention of those chosen before the foundation of the world. Individuals that he stated had been given Him by the Father and that would come… John 6:37-42 

37 “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.”

40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. 

His Spoken Word based on, reflecting and revealing the Written Word. Spoken Word that the disciples remembered and believed. 

Did it end there? No. After Jesus’ ascension, what happened? Paul (Saul) came onto the scene. Acts 9:3-6 3” And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.”

The Word of God shifted from the Jewish people to the Gentile people. Acts 13:46 46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

The same Spirit that spoke through Jesus Christ, filled Paul and spoke the Word through him, and what happened? Acts 13:48. 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Believed what? The Spoken Word of God through who? Paul….. and what did they do with that Spoken Word? 49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

Does any of this sound familiar? What is the condition of the church today? The set religious world of today is raking in billions of dollars. Turn on just about any preacher and see how long he talks about sending in donations. They have this book or that program and all it takes is $49.95! Preaching messages from the Written Word that once again can leave a person breathless. Great sermons that actually may be Bible based. There is little difference between now and what was occurring during Jesus’ time on this earth or Pauls’ time ministering. In both of these instances, the religious leaders of the day, although relying on the Written Word, completely missed the Spoken Word that was sent. What happened during Martin Luther’s day? What happened during John Wesleys’ day? What about you in this day? Do you see and believe the Written Word but have failed to hear and see the very same program God has always followed? The Spoken Word to an elect, ordained people? 

Malachi prophesied that in the end times a prophet would rise. Malachi 4:5 5” Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:” and what will this prophet do? Malachi 4:6, 6 “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” And how will he do it? The same way he has always done it. The Spoken Word through a God sent man! A man who does what? Brings a Message to those ordainedindividuals that is based on, reflects, and reveals the Written Word! 

Today my friends, this website is intended to introduce you to the Spoken Word, brought by a God sent man. The religious leaders of today have missed it. The churches may have turned it away, but what about you? Additional information is available. 

Revelation 22:17 17 “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

“The way of God was to lead them by the cloud of fire, prophetic utterance, miracles and signs, and God-given wonders. This was to be accomplished by “God-selected,” and “God-ordained,” and “God-equipped,” and “God-sent” men, with the whole camp being dominated by a Holy Ghost move.”  -Rev. William Marrion Branham
An Exposition Of The Seven Church Ages - 3 - The Ephesian Church Age