I recieve a booklet periodically from the Voice of God Recordings in Jeffersonville, IN. The June, 2009 issue came the other day that tells about the Easter meetings held in Jeffersonville a couple of months ago. According to the editors, over 6,000 people attended this Easter meeting. 36 display boothes were set up to display the VOGR work around the world (a work, I might add that consists mainly of distributing books and recordings of William Branham, who died in 1965). Actual items (and some recreations) of William Branham's personal belongings were on display- including a rifle that exploded in his hands, furniture from his house and the bear skin rug from the Grizzily bear he killed in Alaska. Even splinters of wood from the floor of Bro. Branhams den were displayed (and are even available for purchase! $35 + handling).
I'll quote from Catch the Vision: (in part)
William Branham addresses over 600 youths:
'For most, the hightlight was the Saturday evening youth service.... Brother Joseph (Bro. Branham's son)...introduced the guest speaker, Bro. Branham, who brought the Message: The Door To The Heart. Toward the end of the Message, Brother Brahnam called the prayer line. The Holy Spirit rushed through the crowd, drawing hundreds to the altar.'
William Branham leads the singing:
'Once we all took our seats and were quietly praying or reading our Bibles, the sweet melody of that familiar Voice entered our ears....the Resurrection Service was underway with Bro. Branham leading the opening song.'
"This was the time we were waiting for! We were about to hear God speak through His prophet.'
'Six thousand people joined in worship during the resurrection service. Bro Joseph (Branham) encouraged the congregation and then handed the service to Brother Branham.'
Pretty good meeting for a man that has been dead since 1965. The point in this: When the "Messenger" takes precedence over the "Message". people have fallen into idolatry. Its interesting that the very first quote of William Branham in this glossy full color, photograh filled booklet, is from his sermon "Christianity versus Idolatry"(1961). Whats even more intersting is that I counted at least 4 direct quotes of William Branham. Not one quote from the Bible except on the back cover, a quote of
Rev. 10:7 which is often used to "vindicate" William Branham as "the voice of the seventh angel".
This isn't meant to disparage the life and ministry of Brother William Branham. Its meant to show that, yes, there is a battle between Christianity and idolatry. And it seems, at least in this case, idolatry is winning.
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