Circular Letter February 1978

My dear brethren!

I'd like to greet you in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ with Jer. 20:9, “Then I said, I will not make mention of Him, nor speak any more in His Name. But His Word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forebearing, and I could not stay.“

The year 1977 has come and gone. With the ushering in of 1978, we have reached another crucial junction. Perhaps to some, the wake of the new year was a great disappointment. May we utilize the time and be more determined than ever to serve the Lord. The greatest task still lies before us. Let us look towards heaven and examine ourselves and the things we believe and teach and take inventory from the scriptural point of view. May we not look for excuses to justify the preaching about 1977, but rather acknowledge the Word of God to be true, “No man knoweth the day nor the hour of His appearing.“

Already in the year 1972, the Holy Spirit had impressed it upon me to correct a few things when I visited the different countries. Because of the special emphasis then placed upon the year 1973 and 1977, I also felt led to touch upon that issue amongst other vital statements in my last brochure. Some were shaken at my straight forward approach, but now thousands are thankful. No one, however, will know the agony of soul I went through correcting some of those things. Of course, I could have let things slide, go along with everybody and enjoy the friendship of all the brethren, but the Word of the Lord was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones. I had to speak up. My only regret is the fact that I have mentioned names in my last brochure and thereby have hurt the brethren. I wish to say here that I have nothing in my heart against any of them. I could put my arms around any brother in the true love of God.

„And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.“ (Rom. 8:28) God knows, in actuality, nothing better could have happened to us than to grant us this year 1978. It is true, Bro. Branham referred to the year 1977 on three occasions during the year 1960 and 1961, but what has been done with it? Many hearts were broken and left in despair because of the wrong application.

In the 'Seventy Weeks of Daniel', he speaks about 1977, — the 70^th Jubilee, the going up of the Gentile Bride and the return of Christ to the Jews. He states very plainly: „I never learned this until yesterday. I picked it up from the historian…“ He didn't say it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit from the Word, he learned and picked it up from the historical books. He says, “And I'm grateful to Mr. Smith of the Adventist church for his views. I'm very grateful to Dr. Larkin of his views…“ Would he still be grateful today? He mentions the 1954 years allotted to the Jews until AD 33, when they rejected Christ, and also states, “If the same time were allotted to the Gentiles, then…“ He does not say it will be, but if it were. I never could agree with calculations, because there is no scriptural foundation for them. I just respected it because Bro. Branham had used it. Such predictions have always failed. God is only obligated to His Word, not to any dates, whether the mathematical calculation is right or wrong.

“That was in 1933 and I predicted that there would be some great tragedy happen to this United States before or by the year 1977,“ Some were repeating this statement and others spoke very enthusiastically and forcefully about it. Now there is silence on earth about it. We must admit it has not taken place.

There is a difference between a prediction and a prophecy. In a prediction, the man is speaking even if he is a prophet. In a prophecy, God is speaking through the man. He stated while predicting, “I could be wrong, I could miss it…“ God is never wrong and God can never miss it. When he said, “Thus Saith the Lord!“, it could not fail.

There can be a prediction in a prophecy, but a prediction by itself is not a prophecy. This is where the misunderstanding has come in. Some have taken for granted that a prediction of a prophet should be treated as a prophecy and preached it thus. But don't we realize that thereby we ascribe infallibility to a man, rather than to God only? The visions the Lord showed him in 1933 will surely come to pass, even if they did not materialize by 1977. Now is the time to watch and pray, lest we say in our hearts, “My Lord delayeth His coming.“ Anything can happen at any time now.

We must admit that no harm would have been done, had those statements been left in their place and context. Bro. Branham was not only a prophet, who received the Word directly from God, he was also a man, who obviously studied what others had to say.

I have watched the different ministries and the incredible claims with sorrow and grief. Precious souls were misled, simply because some utterances were made a doctrine and placed above the Word. Those that have tried to exalt Bro. Branham so highly have brought the greatest reproach upon him. Some who still endeavour to be expositors of his statements and explainers of his visions should realize that it doesn't work. Thus they obviously disqualify themselves of being ministers of the Word.

Bro. Branham says, “… I turned and looked, and I saw this United States burning like a smolder — rocks had been blowed up. And it was burning like a heap of fire in logs or something that just set it afire; and looked as far as I could see and she had been blown up…“ Can anyone spiritualize the blown-up rocks? Did Bro. Branham put a spiritual application to the seventh vision or the others? If, when and where? If not, why do you try to do it?

Should the beginning of this year not have been the most sobering experience and cause us to place the ministry of the Word first and leave the rest to the Lord? Unless we cease with all explanations, we cannot start out in the right way with God. Why does a minister have to specialize on something, which brings nothing but confusion? Why has no one corrected himself? Too proud? The way up is down for all of us.

Lately, the doctrine of the seven thunders has swept the earth. Why is it, instead of bringing about the awaited revival amongst the Bride, nothing but contention and discord has been the outcome? What about the new name of Christ, that was to be revealed in the thunders, as the prophet said? (Seals 158) Can you see, any kind of interpretation is given, but in reality, not the first thing is made known. Just give it the Word test and it cannot stand.

Others waste their time with the white horse rider explanation. In the first seal, the antichrist is seen riding a white horse, which later changes into other colors. In Rev. 19, Christ Himself is seen coming on a white horse. His eyes are as flames of fire and His Name is called the Word of God. Where does the Scripture speak of another one riding a white horse?

There are those who try to interpret the tent vision and place it in connection with the resurrection. May I ask, how could this be possible? How can you have an altar call and a tent ministry at the resurrection? The Bible tells us, “Behold, I show you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we will be changed.“ Praise God for that. In connection with the tent vision, Bro. Branham says, “A lady was there to give her testimony on a tape recorder, and was asked: ,What happened in the little room?…“ I am sure there is no need for anyone to record anything once the resurrection has been. At that time, not healings, but the changing of our bodies will take place; not in a little room, but worldwide.

Many of the Old Testament saints rose with Christ. They had to wait 40 days until He was ready to ascend into heaven. It is widely spread that there will be a 30—40 day period of a special ministry between the resurrection and the rapture. If anyone knows where Bro. Branham preached this clearly on any tape, I'd appreciate hearing about it. Many things are assumed and spread under impression that they originate with Bro. Branham. Furthermore, where is the scriptural basis for it? Let us stay with sound doctrine. Amen!

I have tried my utmost to bring about a balanced attitude in placing Bro. Branham's message into the Scripture. Come what may, I have taken my stand for the vindicated ministry of our day. Many times I have risked my life. I love and esteem the prophet of God. At the same time, I am convinced that the brethren in the first Christian century did not preach Paul, although he had a special commission. They preached Christ and lined their teachings up with the revelation he had received from God. They did not go around explaining his visions, they preached the Word. Why don't we do the same? I never heard about a commission to preach a prophet. I only know we must preach Christ — the Word, and only refer to a man of God in connection with the subject we are dealing with. Hasn't the time come, wherein we must emphasize the personal walk with God? — how to get ready and live a holy life? If we don't learn our lesson now, God will have to take another people to move forward with. Some congregations are enthused as long as Bro. Branham is mentioned frequently, but pay a little to what the Word says. How far is this to go until we realize that something is wrong somewhere? We speak about the resurrection, but did we rise with Christ to a new life? We speak about the changing of our bodies, but did we think of the changing of our mind, soul and entire being? Only those who were changed in their soul will be changed in their bodies.

On Dec. 25^th 1977, we were informed that now the cloud picture is under attack, as the date of appearing on Feb. 28^th 1963 does not seem to coincide with the records on tape. But no satisfying answer could be given.

God will not be able to complete His work in us, unless we submit to the Chief Captain and let His Word be our command. If we are the Bride church, why are the believers so divided into fanatical groups, one condemning the other for not believing their interpretation. Unless we stand together in unity, we'll fall because of the division.

My dear brethren, I don't mean to judge, I just feel burdened for God's children. I cannot claim to be extra spiritual, to have any special gift, revelation or ministry. My only desire is to be a true servant of God.

In the first church age, the believers have tested those who claimed to be apostles and soon found out that they were not. In the ecumenical move, all are being united, regardless of their doctrines, practices and views about spiritual things. Such is not the case with the Body of Christ. The unity amongst the members can only take place if we become part of that Word (not part of an interpretation), and fully submit to the headship of Christ.

The Lord still cares

From time to time, I have had a direct inner guidance of the Holy Spirit. In Oct. 1976, I had scheduled a trip to the New Zealand convention. En route, I had planned some meetings in India. The arrangements had been made, when suddenly, at 10 o'clock one morning an inner voice spoke very clearly, “Cancel the trip to India!“ I didn't want to obey, as I always try to keep my word. At about 11:30 AM, the same thing repeated more strongly, “Cancel the trip to India!“ I jumped up, took the phone and sent a telegram. Can you imagine how I felt, when I heard the 8 o'clock news at home on the date I was booked to fly from Bombay to Madras? The plane I was to have taken had caught fire after take-off, crashed and 96 passengers were killed. Maybe God was not fully through with me. Oh, what a deep thankfulness towards the Lord flooded my soul.

On Sunday, the 25^th of Sept. 1977, something very peculiar happened. While driving to the Zürich meeting, my heart was heavy for God's people. I couldn't help but weep and as I spoke to the Lord, I said, “Oh God, hundreds of  your people will be gathered for the service today. This year is nearing its end, and we are certain to enter into the year 1978. What must I tell your children at this time? They need a consolation from you from the Scripture.

As I was driving along, praying and pouring my heart out, He spoke to me clearly with that inner voice again, saying, “Speak to My people about My servant Moses.“ I thought this to be very strange and answered, “Lord, I still don't know what you want me to speak on.“ He continued, “Read Acts 7 from verse 17.“ Those who have never experienced something like it, will not understand. I began to tremble, had to pull into the next parking area and began to weep bitterly. After a while, I read the text, and I'm grateful, for the Holy Spirit gave me the understanding of it. The time of the promise for Israel's exodus was drawing nigh, but had not fully come.

When Moses was 40 years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren. He thought they'd understand that God would deliver them through him, but they understood not. On the first day, he killed the Egyptian, on the next, he tried to settle a dispute between two Hebrews, and then, fled into the land of Median without accomplishing anything. God's time was so near, but had not fully come.

My dear brethren, do you see the parallel? Moses went with the best intention. He knew he had been called for that purpose, but God’s hour hadn’t struck yet. According to Gal. 3:17, the law was given 430 years after the promise. God had spoken to Abraham of a period of 400 years. (Gen. 15:13) When Moses was 40 years of age, only 390 years had passed. He was the true prophet, he had the right message. Everything was in perfect order, just the setting of time was a little too soon.

This is the lesson for our day. It is not enough for the time to be near, the hour must strike. As long as the time is near, we predict and try to fulfill God's Word, resulting in disappointment. When the time comes, the God of heaven remembers His promises and acts out His plan of salvation with the Jews and Gentiles. That is absolutely certain.

May God help us to realize that the greatest prophet Israel had was subject to setting the time instead of waiting for God to declare it. Therefore, we should not deem it strange that the greatest prophet the church had has set tHe time in his prediction. This does not change the fact that God will accomplish His purpose in time, as He has promised. God is never too late!

Somehow, all these things are included in the great program of God. Let us go forward with Him and we shall witness and have part in the greatest work of all times. God bless you richly!

By His commission,

Br. Frank