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Post by galen on Aug 13, 2018 2:13:37 GMT -6
I haven't been on here for months, since I did a long post about my personal struggles which after posting was embarrassed about and decided was too much information and have stayed away from here since. Anyway living in very secular New Zealand I was hard pushed to find a church with end-time teaching in my area. I eventually searched online and found one that was half an hours drive away, contacted the pastor asking if he knew of anything closer (he did not). So I decided to check out said church. I spoke to the pastor afterwards about my interests and he gave me one of William Branham's books. I'd never heard of the man but did some basic research, anyway it turns out he was a proclaimed so-called fulfilment of Malachi 4, the church is part of The Message umbrella which subscribes to Branham's teaching (not the wacky modern Bible translation). Wondering if anyone here has any knowledge or opinions about Branham, I typed his name into the site search bar on the site but found nothing, thought I might find mention of him in an article somewhere, whether positive or negative. Anyway it seems that Malachi 4 requires an end-time prophet before the Day of the Lord (as opposed to referring to Elijah coming as one of the two witnesses during the Day of the Lord) so if Branham wasn't the real deal we're left with the options of a) another past figure, b) a present-day figure currently fulfilling the prophecy or c) someone to fulfill the prophecy at a future date. The chapter is also a blow to those who think there was potential for the Rapture at any time during the church age (no prior prophecy requiring fulfillment). Not got deep into Branham's teachings yet but I am skeptical due to the fact that he predicted an end of the church age in around 1977 (the book is 1960 and Branham was probably anticipating seeing this end himself, he died in a car crash in 1965 however). He thought things were wrapping up in his time, although he did say that '77 was not an absolute prophecy but a personal belief). I do want a church with an end-time message, the latest churches I've been to expect the church to bring in the Kingdom of God by making the world more heavenly before Jesus comes with no reference to rapture or the tribulation and a replacement theology message concerning Israel.
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Post by Natalie on Aug 13, 2018 7:14:05 GMT -6
I found this on him: www.apologeticsindex.org/5870-william-branhamI will be praying for you that you find a good church. I know you want one with end times teaching, but you may first have to just find one with solid doctrinal teaching. Then the end times teaching may come.
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Post by Gary on Aug 13, 2018 8:06:43 GMT -6
Hey Galen,
No shame whatsoever brother. The Christian community is the best and proper place to air your dirty laundry... I have plenty and when you're with a community of grace, you're well received and find healing, forgiveness, and growth.
About Branham - he was definitely a false prophet (I'm surprised that pastor would recommend his book ): )
Regarding Elijah, I think John the Baptist is the most straightforward answer. His ministry was *before* the Day of the LORD and Jesus had this to say about him:
"And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come." - Matthew 11:14
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Post by mike on Aug 13, 2018 8:28:46 GMT -6
I have heard of this concept before in the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement where they ascribe chapter 3 to John the Baptist and chapter 4 to the church. The church would experience the greatest revival in history. However no commentary I've reviewed displays this rather chapter 4 is restating chapter 3. Not sure if that helps at all or not but that is what i am/was aware of.
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Post by mike on Aug 13, 2018 8:31:26 GMT -6
i had my reply sitting there for about an hour "edit-before hitting the reply button" and noticed that Natalie and Gary replied. I looked at the link Natalie provided and WHOA!!! Stay away from this guy and his influence
from the link: "He denied the Trinity, calling the Trinitatian doctrine "of the devil." Now don’t get excited. Let me say this with Godly love. The hours approached where I can’t hold still on these things no more… Trinitarianism is of the devil. I tell you that – Thus saith the Lord."
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Post by Natalie on Aug 13, 2018 10:11:19 GMT -6
Amir Tsarfati (Behold Israel) was just recently in New Zealand. I don't know what churches he spoke at or if they would be anywhere near you, but there are believers in New Zealand who are interested in end times teachings.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2018 10:23:45 GMT -6
Amir Tsarfati (Behold Israel) was just recently in New Zealand. I don't know what churches he spoke at or if they would be anywhere near you, but there are believers in New Zealand who are interested in end times teachings.
Great note! I would contact Amir at his beholdisrael website and ask him for advice.
I'm pretty shure, he can connect you galen to a vibrant church with solid teachings over there. Last year I met a brother in Christ from NZ in Jerusalem, but unfortunately we did not exchange numbers or email adresses...
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Post by galen on Aug 13, 2018 16:45:42 GMT -6
Thanks all, I have contacted Amir through the site.
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