William Branham?

[Born2BFree]

Anyone hear of this guy...? What is the general response?

Also, I am interested in knowing the dominant theological bias in this

forum. May I ask for a survey of backgrounds in the interest of

granting courtesy for the varied forms of ignorance we are ALL

subject to due to our particular cultural beginnings? It does not

serve the best interest of all to pretend that these matters are of

no consequence. Indeed, it is of great consequence as to the doctrinal

box fitted to our heads.

[larryt]

Anyone hear of this guy...? What is the general response?

Also, I am interested in knowing the dominant theological bias in this

forum. May I ask for a survey of backgrounds in the interest of

granting courtesy for the varied forms of ignorance we are ALL

subject to due to our particular cultural beginnings? It does not

serve the best interest of all to pretend that these matters are of

no consequence. Indeed, it is of great consequence as to the doctrinal

box fitted to our heads.

He had some unorthodox doctrine. Oneness, Jesus dying in Hell, some others that I don't remember off the top of my head. He had some influence of the Ken Hagan, WOF. He also would wait for "his angel" to come before he would speek or preach.

LT

[nebula]

Also, I am interested in knowing the dominant theological bias in this forum.

Various denominations of Christianity.

What's yours?

[AnotherTraveler]

William M. Branham was a Christian preacher with a very specific gift of prophecy, very accurate, and there were many miracles associated with his ministry. His calling was to be a prophet, not a pastor, not a teacher, not an evangelist, and not an apostle.

Many of his doctrinal errors are a direct result of trying to operate outside of the ministry calling that he had, allowing men to speak more highly than was proper of him in his lifetime, and eventually believing the grand delusions that he allowed others to say of him. (It's very terrible to be given over to our own character flaws, that's why we need one another's help)

All prophets need pastors and others that can correct them, address potential errors, and when necessary rebuke them. Without this "safty net" of relationships, there is an almost certain failure coming, and the greater the gift ability and ministry office that the Lord has given, the greater the error when the fall occurs, and unfortunately, the greater the number of people hurt when the fall occurs.

Today weak and immature Christians are still hurt by the failure of WM Branham, when they hear of or speak of his failure, and are not made aware of many years of wonderful service to the Lord and to many souls before the disaster.

The same can be said for Jimmy Swaggart, whos' ministry introduced Jesus Christ to millions, but today is remembered for the disasterous failures.

Before you elevate anyone higher than is proper, consider that you may be hurting them in the long run, and before you speak evil of another, consider that there might be much good that they have done, and they may have repented, and there is little value in pointing out failures of the past. It's better to speak of the good in the present, and the hope of the future.

[AnotherTraveler]

Also, I am interested in knowing the dominant theological bias in this

forum.

That would be nice to know, come to think of it. I would have to put it as a toss up between grace and mercy, but love and truth have a strong influence here also. :hug:

[AnotherTraveler]

Indeed, it is of great consequence as to the doctrinal

box fitted to our heads.

Some of you got a FITTED box? That's not fair. But then, when I think about the shape of my head....

[Born2BFree]

I am a Christian and am not a member of any denomination. Never was either.

My theological background is "evangelical"... I look to the Bible as the standard against which I compare everything to determine truth, or error. The HS is my teacher... I am a long term member of a local assembly. I have a liberal arts education and my reading interests are very broad. During the nineties I was blessed by God to travel internationally frequently.... most often to the middle east and to south america and africa and asia. I have distributed much gospel literature to the pacific islands (very remote ones). I have declined an invitation to have tea with the Pope. (I didn't recognize the invitation. oops.)

My first experience with God was at a very young age. My first conscious committment to Jesus was at about age twelve. Since then I have staggered from one lesson to another in the slow process toward maturity in Christ.

God has been the center of my life ... always. It is the most natural place for Him to live. I never married. Presently, I am working on three books. I haven't a clue about those who might discover reason to read them when I am done. The Grace and Mercy of a Loving God, perhaps.

[nebula]

Thanks for the response!

In case you were in need of knowing, the Board has a "Statement of Faith" which you can read: here .