Who Is This?

1 You may be seated. I would apologize. I was talking to my son there, and I never noticed that he'd already asked for me to come up to the--the pulpit. I'm still living on the joy and honey of last night, just having a great jubilee in my soul. After going home, and praying awhile, and reading, and then going to bed, I got up this morning just feeling on top of the world like. I love to feel that.

2 Coming in yesterday, Satan has been giving me a--kind of a rough way to go, as you know what the street expression, and I had been feeling the effects of his presence, spiritually speaking, for some time, because I believe it's the bringing in of my new ministry. He will do everything he can to knock me away from that, but I'm going right on by the grace of God.

So, the Lord willing, tomorrow night I want to--to tell to the congregation all I know about it, tomorrow night, just how it's come up to the present time. And I believe it's just about almost time for it to be issued in. Trusting that it'll be during this meeting that God will do that.

3 And I'm sure you all had good times this morning at the churches around and everything, great turnouts and the glory of God; so that's really good, makes us all happy. And the best is just ahead. See? That's right. Tonight will be better than it was this morning. We just keep filling up. And then we get just running over after while, just filled up so full. As David said, "My cup runneth over," I like to get that running over portion, don't you? Just running over... And then you can help somebody else (You see?) when you're running over.

4 So remember this coming week now, if the Lord is willing, we'll be speaking Monday night, the Lord willing, upon the issuing in of the new ministry. Now, many know that way back from the beginning, how the Holy Spirit revealed first before I started on a gift. And then I come up the West Coast and across Canada for three or four years, telling you that He said that something else would come which would be far greater. Then along it came. Then he said, "Just keep humble; keep away from money and all the things of the world. Don't never try to be big; just stay humble; and there'd be something else greater." Now, that's coming in now. You see? Oh, He's just God; that's all I can say, just, "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound." So we're happy for these things and grateful to God for them.

5 Now, we're--I just asked Billy out there... I asked Leo and Gene if they'd give out any prayer cards and they said, "No."

And I said, "Did Billy give out any?"

Said, "No."

Then I met Billy here, and he said, "Yes." So then I guess we'll have prayer line this afternoon, the Lord willing, after the message. And now, before we turn to the Book, the Book of books... It's a Book that's never been anything written like It, and there's a... It's a love story of prophecy; It's--It's a Book of Psalms; It's--It's just the complete... Everything that we have need of in this journey is right here in the Book. And I'm kind of a person of one Book; that's the Bible, plenty in it. I love what He said because I know this is the inspired Word of God.

6 I stood at Bombay, India, sometime ago with the Koran in my hand on one side, and the Bible on the other one, before, oh, a quarter of a million or more, Mohammedans. And I said, "Something... Someone has got to be right and someone's got to be wrong. These books both speak of a God, but contrary one to the other." Mohammedans believe that Jehovah God is God. But they believe that Mohammed was His prophet. We believe that there's one true and living God and Jesus is His Son. So I said, "Now, if Mohammed was His prophet, what Mohammed prophet--prophesied, if he was a prophet of God, it'll come to pass." I said, "If Jesus was the Son of God, then He was God of the prophet, and what He said will come to pass. They both wrote books, made promises; now let's see who keeps his promise."

Oh, my. Know that you can put them to a showdown, that God keeps His promise, every one of them. Don't be afraid to put it to a test. If you're the seed of Abraham, as we talked of last night, just believe it. God will bring it to pass, everything that He has promised. Because if He--if He doesn't, then this--He isn't God and this is not His Word, if it isn't. This is the promise. And if He doesn't keep His Word... That's the reason I believe solemnly in the Bible.

7 Now, I... No doubt but what I have plenty Catholic friends setting here this afternoon. I was asked by a Catholic friend of mine not long ago; he said, "Why is it that you don't return to the mother church?"

I said, "You're referring to the Catholic Church?"

He said, "Yes, sir."

I said, "I am a Catholic."

He said, "You're a what?"

I said, "I'm a Catholic."

And he said, "A Roman Catholic?"

I said, "Well, I'm just a Catholic, is all I know."

And he said, "How do you figure that?"

I said, "Is it true that you say that the Bible is a Book written by the early Catholic church, that Jesus Christ established the Catholic Church, Peter being the--the pope, and the apostles and so forth?"

He said, "That's correct."

"And the--the apostles was the first original Catholic Church."

He said, "That's true."

I said, "Then I'm an old time Catholic. I believe what the old-time Church taught, and not what the new Catholic church teaches, so I'm more of a Catholic then, than you are, 'cause I believe what they said first was right. These men walked with God." There's too much contrary. No other mediator between God, but that one Man, Christ Jesus. And we can't have a whole lot of virgins and saints and everything, mediators; there's one Mediator; that's Jesus Christ.

And the early church, the early Catholic church that walked with Him, and talked with Him, and wrote this Book, and the Holy Spirit in the back of it said, "If any man will take anything out of it or add anything to it..." This finishes it all, "if any man shall take away or add to, the same will be taken out of the book of life for him." So I'm an old-time Catholic, one of the first ones, the early apostle Catholic then.

8 So we love the Lord that way and stay with His Word, for what He has written we believe solemnly to be the truth. This is the truth of God. No contradiction, no misreadings, it's just the truth. Now, let us pray before we read it.

And while we have our heads bowed, I wonder how many'd like to be remembered in prayer, would you just raise your hands and say, "God, be merciful to me." Now, be thinking this, especially, you sinner friends. I was at breakfast this morning in your fair city. There was a newspaper laying there, and I noticed where Max Baer, the world champion, former world champion, dropped dead yesterday. A great rough fighter, burly, strong man, but did you read what his last words was? No matter how rough you are, when that time strikes you, you better be ready. No matter how--how religious you are, how much you go to church, you better be right with God when that strikes, 'cause that's it.

9 Lord, we would pray, Lord, that that man, Mr. Max Baer, I--I--I did not know him, but being that at the end of the road he screamed Your Name, have mercy on him, Lord. And now, Father, we would pray for those who are here that's just raised their hands, and for many of those who should have raised their hands, perhaps, and did not. We pray, Lord, that You'll remember them now while they're in their right mind, feeling healthy, that they'll make that decision today for Christ and be sure of it, that they are right with God before that hour comes.

Lord, we ask today for all those who are needy everywhere. And this morning when that drunk man, maybe setting present now, moved up there to the car and asked for enough--a nickel or a penny, to help him get a drink, while putting my arms around him and said, "Brother, my daddy died drinking. Don't do this. I could not give you money to drink, 'cause I'm a minister." And the tears coming down his cheeks, asking You to bless him. And I pray, God, if he's in Divine presence now, that this will be the day that he will make his decision. And if he's out on the street somewhere, let the prayer take effect, Lord, and save that poor man so bound by the power of the enemy.

I pray for the sick and the afflicted, that's bound in other ways by the enemy. May Satan turn them loose. May there come a revival through this country that'll sweep from coast to coast. We pray that You'll bless Thy Word as we read It, and may the Holy Spirit take the Word, and may It fall into every heart, and lay there until It grows into the promise. Grant it, Father. We'll give Thee the praise, for we ask it in Jesus' Name. Amen.

10 Now, you that have your Bibles and would like to mark the text and so forth, turn with me to Saint Matthew 21. And we're going to read the 10th and the 11th verses of Matthew 21.

And when He was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?

And the multitude said, "This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee."

If I was taking a text, I would take it something like this, them last three words in the 10th verse, "Who Is This?"

11 It must've been just about sunrise. The people had begin moving around in the city, because it was to be a very busy day. You see, it was the Passover; people had gathered from all over the world to this Passover. It happened annually. It's where the paschal lamb was killed and the blood was sprinkled. But there was so many people there this time, until there was no room for them to sleep inside the city; they were laying out on the hillside, just laying down anywhere they could, to sleep, because this was a special Passover.

You know, God does sometimes do things just special. We have meetings sometimes that just stand out; something special happened. In revivals something special happened. And the people realized that there was something going on, yet they could not say just what it was. The whole air seemed to be charged with expectancy, just like it is today. The whole air, the atmosphere over the world is charged. We are expecting something, but we--there's many that just doesn't know what to expect.

12 But there was some people there who was expecting Him to arrive. They'd believed Him. And they knowed that He kept His promises, because it'd been noised out that He was going to be there. And the people were waiting for Him, believing that He would keep His Word.

And under that great charge of expectation, there was somebody that knew what it was all about. And so is it today. In this time of--of flusteration, nations against nations, our enemy coming over trying to make peace like it was at the time of Pearl Harbor with another enemy, the people just don't know what to do. When they speak of billion dollar missile programs, and--and see who can make a race to the moon, and other science saying that it might set the whole universe afire, and war everywhere: just at one moment some fanatic could touch a little lever and blow the whole world up; everybody's at attention.

They go down the street sixty miles an hour in a thirty mile zone to get to a beer joint to drink a little beer before they get home. They'll run over you in a grocery store. They have no time for nothing, and they don't know what they're in a hurry about. Ask them, "What's your hurry?" They don't know. Because it's something fixing to happen. I'm so thankful that there's somebody Who knows what's going to happen. We know it's the coming of the Lord. He said these things would be just before His coming, that this would be taking place. And it's like it was at Jerusalem that day. Some didn't know, but there was others who did know.

13 And we can see them little groups, some over by the east gate, and some by the west gate, and some at different places. But after while we begin to see them all coming together at the east side of the gate. That was a sign that something was going to happen, for when God's people begins to come together, something's fixing to take place. A little group from Galilee, and--and one from Nazareth, and one from Bethlehem, and they begin to get together because they had the same feeling.

And like it is today when we begin to see ministers of different denomination setting together in heavenly places, different colors, different creeds, and yet that doesn't even enter their mind, they're assembling themselves together. That's been the burden of my heart to see the church assembled together, not speaking of their denomination, just coming together in fellowship. I believe that's the working of the Holy Spirit, to run men together to drive His church together.

14 When Solomon's temple was cut out, parts of it was cut out all over the world. The logs floated into Joppa, and from there by a cart on to Jerusalem and so forth. And the stones from different parts, the cedars of Lebanon, and... But when it came together, there was no friction; every stone was cut just right for the fitting of the building.

I believe that's what God's done to the days come by, the Holy Spirit just cut them out and made them just a little different one from the other so that they'd fit together in this great economy of God. But I believe the time is at hand now where they're coming together. There's no buzzing, no friction, just coming together.

15 I can watch those little groups as the Galileans come and the ones from the different parts of the world who came. Why did they have--come together? Because they were kindred spirits. Now, the rest of the religious world of that day, they didn't know what it was all about. But these people who had things on common grounds, who had seen Jesus, and knowed His nature, and knowed what to expect of Him, they were coming together making themselves one unit, because they had--they knew Him.

Now, that's what's happening today. There's many people who goes to church. There's many who recites a creed. There's many who studies the Scripture. But there's some who know Him. Not to know the creed isn't salvation. Not to know the rules of the church is not Eternal Life. Not to belong to the church is Eternal Life. Those things are good. But yet to know Him is Eternal Life, to know Him the Person, Christ. That's where Eternal Life lays, is knowing Him personally yourself: Know His nature, know what He does, how He acts, and then when you do that, you'll have a knowledge of His Word, what He wants you to do. That's where faith comes. You cannot go step out half--halfway thinking He might do it, or He probably will do it, perhaps He will. You've got to know exactly it's His will. You've got to believe it with all your heart.

16 A person come to me recently and said, "Brother Branham, do you really think it's wrong for a man to smoke cigarettes as a Christian?"

I said, "Why did you ask me? That proves that you're condemned or you wouldn't have asked the question." If there is a question in your mind, get away from it. You cannot walk by faith with a question mark in your mind. If you're a Baptist and got a question mark, Pentecostal, got a question mark, Presbyterian with a question mark, get that question mark out of the way. Know Him, then there's no question to it; you know you've passed from death unto Life, because you know Him. His Spirit dwells in you; you take His nature; His Word is alive in you; everything He said is "Amen."

You'll not say, "The days of miracles is past, and no such a thing as Divine healing," with the Spirit of the living God Who wrote the Bible in you. You can't do it. He will vindicate Himself. Then when you see such things going on, you'll not criticize that, you'll glorify God, because the very Spirit that wrote them and is performing them will bear witness of them. That's the Spirit of the church of the living God, the living God living in the living church. And they are dead to sin and trespasses, and have been awakening in His likeness and moved by His Spirit. Therefore, no matter what denomination you go to, if you are borned of His Spirit you have His nature in you.

17 They knew His nature. So they were remembering that He had made a promise. And those who know Him and know when He promises anything, He keeps His promise. He said, "Heavens and earth will pass away, but My Word shall never fail." He keeps His promise. And those who are natured like Him, has His nature in them, believe that with all their heart. That's the true seed of Abraham that we were speaking of last night.

If the Bible said, "He was wounded for our transgressions, with His stripes we were healed," the true seed of Abraham says, "Amen, that's the truth," because the Spirit of God is in them and they witness to the truth. They don't take what things look like; they take what God said about it.

18 What if Abraham would've took what it looked like, twenty-five years waiting for a promise that God gave him? Why, he'd have never had the baby. They'd have never--he'd never been the father of little Isaac. But he believed God's Word and wouldn't turn It loose. But he watered it day and night, strong, giving praise unto God. Oh, when Sarah would say, "Honey, it's been twenty-five years ago since the promise was made, here I am nearly a hundred."

He'd say, "Praise God, we're going to have it anyhow, 'cause God said so, and that settles it." That's right. He knowed the nature of God because he was a friend of God. He knowed how to take Him, because he knowed that His promises, no matter how foolish they looked, or how simple they looked, or how unreasonable they looked, they were true because God said so, and that settled it forever.

That's the way every seed of Abraham does today. That's the way the borned again Christian does today. No matter what the world says, what science says, what they say, this, that, or the other, God's Word stands above it all. And they're looking at His Word and what He said to be the truth. It doesn't matter if they say today the world can't be burned up, and the dead, or them bodies can't rise again. God said so, and that's the truth; that settles it forever. God said so, and we keep our eyes on what He said.

19 Now, they believed His Word to be the truth. So they believed that He kept His promises. So they gathered themselves together and waited outside the gate. And the city went on with their ritualistic ceremonies, the religious worshippers of the city. The unbelievers went about their tasks; the religious people was at the temple doing all their ceremonial worship as they was celebrating something that happened back in Egypt. But the believers were on their toes watching for Him to come.

Oh, there were many in the city who loved Him. There's no doubt many of them believed in the coming of the Messiah, but they didn't have the Spirit of God in them to draw them to Him. There's millions today that go to church and worship, but they don't know Him. And just as it was then, so will it be at His coming; they won't see Him.

There was thousands in Jerusalem that felt that expectations, and that excitement going on; they never did see Him. And the sad thing to say today, yet the Scripture must be fulfilled: there's millions of Americans that go to church regular and--and faithfully, that'll never see Him when He comes, because the Bride will be caught away. Like a thief in the night, He will come. He will catch the Bride away and the rest of them won't see Him. Think of it: millions of Americans going to church in ceremony worship, but will never see Him when He comes. The elected, the Bride will be caught away just as it was then.

20 They had gathered outside the gate. They were talking with one another with perfect confidence that He'd come. Let's say there was an unbeliever pass by, "Why are you people gathered out here? Why ain't you up there at the--at the worship?"

"We have something in our hearts; we are waiting for the Messiah."

"Oh, you bunch of religious fanatics," might be said to them. "Why don't you go with the rest of them?" There's something about it, when a man or a woman is borned of the Spirit of God, they don't go with the rest of them. They go with God, where He goes. They worship with His people. "For God is a Spirit; and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in the truth." That's the reason they wasn't with the rest of them.

21 And as they waited with long expectations, after while up across the hill came someone riding on a little white mule. It was a type of His coming the second time from heaven, riding on a white horse. Coming up over the hill on this little donkey, little white donkey, nobody paid any attention to Him. But these who were looking for Him, they cut down branches and run out screaming, "Hosanna, to the Son of David that comes in the Name of the Lord." Their hearts were thrilled above measure, for they was expecting Him; and all their expectations had been met, for they knowed the Scripture had said He would ride into Jerusalem on a mule. And they seen Him coming.

The rest of the city went right on with their pouring of waters, and washings of pots, and their ceremonies as they went on. And when they heard this great noise begin to start, "Hosanna, hosanna..." screaming to the top of their voice, oh, I can imagine what those people said, "You're interrupting our church service with your noise." Do you think that stopped them? The very Christ that they had looked for was right with them; how could you stop them?

And it caused a great stir in the city. The people begin to say, "Who is this that's causing all of this stir? Who is it? He's got the people, that little group of--of people wrapped around Him. Who is it that's causing this?" They couldn't find Him in any of their books; they had... None of their seminaries had produced Him. None of their churches had produced Him. Therefore they asked, "Who is it? Who's causing this stir? What makes these people act like that?" the religious people was saying. "What makes these people scream? Why are they hollering, 'Hosanna.' Make them hold their peace."

He said, "If they hold their peace, the rocks will immediately cry out."

22 Something had to take place, because a living Christ was amongst a living people. Something had to take place. The coming of the Holy Ghost in this last days has caused somewhat a like manner stir amongst the people. Of the coming of the Holy Ghost in these last days has sent forth a revival, a people that's a called out, separated people, a people that's free in their religion, that shouts and screams the praises of God, that believes in signs and wonders. Why? The same thing as it was then is now. The Spirit of the living God lives in them. That's why they cry out. That's why they can't hold their peace.

And the religious world looks on, "What's the matter with them people? Who is this? What causes this?" Or may I might say this, "What is this? What is this that causes that?" If they would only read the Scriptures, they'd find out that it's the Spirit of Christ promised by God, that, "In the last days I'll pour out My Spirit upon all flesh, and there'll be a latter rain, a rain of the Spirit of God falling upon the people in the last day." And He said there will be also a latter rain and a former rain in the same time.

23 Now, a few years ago the Holy Ghost went forth upon the people, believers. And It caused them to shout, and to praise God, and to separate themselves from sin and the things of the world, and to come out and be a separated people. And the Holy Ghost was poured out upon them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied, and done miracles and signs. It was the latter rain falling.

And then, did you notice, He didn't just leave it without that--or by that, He said, "The former rain also will come with the latter rain." Did you notice what the first rain was? Was His own rain; after that come the rain of the apostles; and in this last days both the rain of the apostles and the rain of the Lord Jesus, that's what's making the people cry out, "Hosanna to Him that cometh in the Name of the Lord."

That's the reason people today, the religious world asks, "What's this fuss about? Why do they holler so loud? What makes them scream? What kind of a language do they talk in? What is all these things about?"

The world asks Who it is? But the saints cry, "Hosanna to Him that cometh in the Name of the Lord." It's the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of God, poured out upon the church without--last days to show signs and wonders. The church knows it; they're borned of the Spirit.

24 Watch how He did it. The latter rain come, and then the former rain come with the latter rain to confirm that the latter rain was true. Now, the people said, "Them people are crazy. They've went out of their mind. Why, they're a bunch of fanatics." That's the same thing they said about Him. They were mixed in their opinions. They didn't know what to do. But they knowed something was happening.

But watch. They called Him when He came in the former rain, they said He was the Beelzebub, a devil. How many times have you heard people say that they that speak in tongues is of the devil? Haven't you heard it? "Them people's crazy: raise up their hands and shake and speak in tongues and shout." They just don't understand it; that's all. Scriptures are fulfilled. This great gush that's coming now, is only getting a church ready for Him when He will come riding on a white horse. They'll be assembled together in one accord, in one place, and there will come the Lord Jesus.

25 They don't understand it. They said, "There's something wrong with those people. They're mad." That's the things they said about Him. They said, "What school did He come from? What denomination does He belong to? Is He Pharisee, Sadducee, Herodian? What is He?" He didn't belong to any of them. He belonged to God, 'cause He was the Son of God. The Holy Spirit's not limited to any denomination; It's of God. And it's for whosoever will, let him come and partake of the Spirit of Life freely. It isn't limited to any of us. It's just something that's happened to us. What's it doing? In preparation for the resurrection, preparation for the coming of the Lord. Now, you see the people congregating together, the churches breaking down their little differences and all coming together, they're getting ready. Why, we'll see Him one of these mornings coming in glory.

26 Now, in those days they said, "This man, there's nothing to Him. We can't figure it in our books; we can't place Him anywhere in the Scriptures," because the Bible said the Scriptures was blinded to them. They couldn't understand, said... After Jesus had done so many miracles, yet they could not believe Him, because the Bible said, Isaiah: "They have ears and can't hear; eyes and can't see." They were blinded; it was hid from them. But then they come around to criticize those that had it.

Now, these people are odd people; they might not be able to explain it, but they got It. That's the main thing, is have It. I can't explain how them lights burn; nobody else can. But we got it just the same. That's the way with the Holy Ghost. I can't tell you how It comes; It just--It's just here; that's all I know. And It proves Itself is here.

Someone asked me one time, "Where did them ravens get bread and meat," fried meat or ever what it was that He fed Elijah with. "Where did a crow get that meat and feed him for three and a half years?" I don't know; maybe Elijah didn't either. But the only thing that he knew, that the ravens brought it, and he eat it. He lived three and a half years by it.

And that's the way it is by the Holy Spirit. I can't tell you where It's at, what It does, but only thing I know, It comes and we get It and receive It, and have It, and It's our heritage from God by grace of God. It's the Holy Ghost, and It belongs to the church. God gave It to the church to lead and guide it. A peculiar church, odd to the things of the world but glorious in the sight of God, that's His church.

27 They could not explain it, they did not know why they were doing this. They said, "Their leader... their leader what is He? He's a fake healer." Now, isn't that just about the way it is today? "A fake healer. And He is a friend to that wild, crazy, man, with no clothes on, piece of sheepskin wrapped around him, called him John the Baptist. He was a friend to him, and that's the kind of a crowd He's associated with." Why, sure it was. Thanks be to God for that crowd. I'm glad to be one of them.

I like to say with the apostle Paul of old, "In the way that's called heresy to the world, that's the way I worship the God of our fathers."

28 Oh, they were waiting for Him, and when He come they knew Him. They knew His nature. Now, today the Church, after it has received the former rain, or received the latter rain, the pouring out of the Holy Ghost upon the Church... That was first; they received the Holy Ghost, the latter rain. Then the former rain comes back with the latter rain to unite with it to prove that the latter rain was right.

Now, the Holy Spirit has come into the church to give signs, discernment. Why do we know It's right? Because It's the same Spirit with the same action, with the same signs, with the same wonders, with the same power, with the same of all that was in the early church is in this church: discernment of spirit, prophecy, tongues, interpretation, Divine healing, powers. Why, it'll take a borned again church to believe that.

29 There it is today, the same church. The Holy Ghost fell sometime ago, thirty, forty years ago here in America. And the Pentecostal move went through Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, everywhere, called out the elected of God, get them together. They organized themselves and got little groups called Assemblies of God, Church of God, Foursquare, and all those. But the hour has come (Glory to God)--the hour has come, our little differences is gone; the church is assembling themselves together; the power of God is at hand. And Jesus our Lord is in the midst of us, moving, showing, former and latter rain, pouring it out together. Shamefulness is leaving the churches, that are coming in, not asking questions, just raising their hands and praising God.

One of these mornings we'll see Him come riding across, not a hill, but across a great white cloud yonder in glory, riding on a white charger to take away His Church. While the world's still saying, "Who is this? What is this? What's it all about?"

They that know their God shall do exploits in the last days. We're at the end time.

30 Now, the Pharisees said, "Who is He?" They knowed Who He was. Now, the question is this today. When you see Him come and stand in the meeting, the Holy Spirit, and give a person enough faith to speak to another one here and tell him just exactly all about his life, what could do that? Whatever did do it? Never did until Jesus came and never has since then. What is it? The former rain coming into the latter rain. And the people that's called you crazy... Sometimes maybe you've had just hold on with teeth and toenails, as we call it, to try to hold on to what you knowed was right. Now, the Holy Ghost has come right back around and confirmed with the former rain into the latter rain to prove that it was His move; they're both falling together. Amen. Oh, I wish you could see that, that the great move of God that started forty years ago back yonder when the latter rain begin to fall, the former rain, the former power, that started with Jesus Christ has come into this church and proven that He is the same Jesus Christ.

31 Then the church begins to move forward, gathering themselves together, breaking down everything, moving out. The world's still saying, "Who is this? What is this?" The question is not what they said. The question's to you. What do you think it is? Who do you think it is? Would you class it Beelzebub? Would you say a spiritualist? Would you say a fortuneteller? Would you say some kind of a mental telepathy? Or do you say, "Hosanna, to Him that cometh in the Name of the Lord." That Him is the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God that's come in power and resurrection to prove that Jesus Christ is not dead, but He is alive and ready to return for His church. Do you believe it? Let us bow our heads.

32 O Lord, truly these words are the truth. We believe that the hour is so close to the coming. The world is quivering; they don't know what's the matter. But we know that Jesus is on His road, and we're begin to congregate ourselves together by the gate, the gate of the power of God. Those who believe in God, those who's borned of His Spirit, those who have the Holy Ghost, they know that that Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God and that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He cannot change His nature, for He's God.

And when God comes into people, it makes them believe for the impossible. It also produces the same kind of fruits that the former rain produced, because it is the former rain mixed with the latter rain. And the world cries out, "Who is this?" or "What is this?" They don't have it on their books; they don't believe in that kind of a coming of a Christ. They're still having their ceremonies, walking to statues and blessing themselves, and washing and sprinkling of waters, and wearing of clothes.

33 But the church of the living God is making herself ready inside by renewing their faith daily in the Holy Ghost. The Holy Spirit now has come in, and in this latter rain He is placed us in there, already confirmed around the world amongst the believers that He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. He's the same Jesus that a woman touched His garment in the former rain, and He turned and told her what her troubles was, and she was healed. He's the same Jesus Who told Peter his name was Simon and He was going to call him Peter and his father's name, what he was. And they told Nathanael where he was before he came to the meeting. He told the woman of Samaria what her sins was. Looked out across the aud--audiences and perceived the thoughts of their heart. And when the great Saint Paul wrote, "The Spirit of God is sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing even to the sunder of the marrow of the bone, and a discerner of the thoughts of the heart."...

34 Jesus speaking and said, "As it was in the days of Sodom, so shall it be in the coming of the Son of man." Seeing that Angel, that Man come in a human form, eating and drinking milk, eating flesh from a calf, eating butter, corn cake, and sit there and ask Abraham who he knew not, where was Sarah his wife? And in the tent she laughed, and He said, "Why did she laugh?" Jesus said that will come again just at the age of destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

And how the modern world down in Sodom was still doubting and flusterated, just saved by the skin of the teeth... But yet, Lord God, we see the atomic power, the hydrogen powers laying in the hands of the enemy. Most any time the heavens could be on fire as it was in the days of Sodom. Here it is the latter rain been poured out now, forty years. It's went through the people; into the second generation it's starting. That generation, the first generation, it rose up, the second generation was the one that went over in the promised land.

35 Father God, have mercy. You have sent Your Spirit. You confirm those words. You are pouring out in the latter rain now, in this second group, the former rain also. And they're seeing it; they're believing it; they're embracing it and crying, "It is the Holy Spirit coming in the Name of the Lord Jesus." It's the Holy Ghost and we embrace It and believe It and crying, "O Lord, no matter what the world says, give more of It to us, Lord. Oh, raise up a standard against the enemy every time he comes in like a flood." It's Your promise.

Father, we pray today that You'll confirm Your Word with every heart in here. May there not be one person go out of here that misses the message. We ask it in Jesus' Name. Amen.

[A brother prophesies--Ed.]

[A brother prophesies--Ed.] Amen.

I love Him, (Worship now.) I love Him,

Because He first loved me

And purchased my salvation

On Calvary's tree.

I love Him, (Just shut yourself off now, just you and He.) I love Him,

Because He first loved me

And purchased my salvation

On Calvary's tree.

36 Lord God, we love You, Lord. We could've been out in the world today, torn, battered about, all flusterated and not knowing what was going on. But oh, how happy we are to know today, this afternoon, that our names are written in heaven, that the Spirit of God is with us. Even the scientific world has took the picture of His Being. The great Pillar of Fire that led the children of Israel, we have it in our midst, by scientific proof. We have it in our hearts because of His grace. And now we see It, and wonder if It is the right Spirit the world might say. We watch It and see It does the same things the former rain did. And what the latter rain did... It does the same thing It did in the Bible. We know then It is the Spirit of Christ. We love You, Lord. There's not a shadow of doubt in our heart; if there is, take it away, Father.

37 If there are some here, Lord, today that hasn't enjoyed this fellowship around the Holy Spirit, that doesn't know for sure whether they're just right, may this be the hour that You speak to them. Talk to them, Lord.

Now, words are words, but we know that God's Word is true. Now, make Your Words live again among us this afternoon by signs and wonders, that everyone might know and believe that You remain the Son of God. And this that they're speaking of and wondering what it is, and Who it is, may they know. May they hear a word like the disciples that night on the boat, when they thought it was spooky, some spirit was walking on the water, said, "Be not afraid; it's I; be of a good cheer."

And then, Lord, may every wayward person in here welcome the Saviour into their little--their little bark, that they're sailing life's solemn main in. Grant it, Father, that He might take them to the land where there's no death, no sickness, no sorrow, no old age, or nothing that'll ever diminish; it'll all be perfect there. May Christ come into every unsaved heart and be the Pilot and Guide from this hour on. We ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

38 Now, the prayer cards was give out, B, B-1 to a 100. Where'd we start at the last time? Does anybody know? 1, we started on 1 the last time, so we can just break it up somewhere else, let's start at 25. All right, 25, who has it? B-25, raise up your hand. Prayer card B-25, someone got it? Where? 25, 26? Who has 26? 27? Raise your hand if you can get up. 27, 28? 28, who has B card 28? 29? 30? 30, 30 I didn't... 31? 32? 32, I didn't see your hand. Please, raise quickly so we won't spend much time. We want you to get back home now so we can go to church tonight. 32? 33? 34? 35? 36? 37? 38? 39? 40? 40? 41, 2, 3, 4, 5.

How much room you got down there? We don't know just how far it'll get; we don't know. 46, 47, 48, 49, 50. Doesn't matter just how many's there, the thing is get just your attention to Christ.

39 How many was here last night, let's see your hands. We never even had a prayer card last night. Don't need them now. Oh, He's here. I'm so glad. I'm so... How many are there hasn't got a prayer card, raise up your hand. All right, look this way and believe. Believe with all your heart, and see if God doesn't bring it to pass.

The lady setting there, kinda heavy set, you raised up your hand, didn't you, lady? All right. You believe me to be His prophet, His servant, His witness? You believe this ministry's not just exactly just an ordinary, it's--it's a--a sent ministry from God to warn the nations in these days. Do you believe that with all your heart? You're having gland trouble, is what your trouble is. Because someone say, "Yes, she looks large." But I might tell you this; you're a preacher also, a woman preacher. You believe with all your heart now? Go home; believe with all your heart; your gland trouble will be over. See? See? Just have faith in God. Don't doubt it. Just have faith, believe that what God said is true. That's all I ask you to do is have faith in God.

40 If thou canst believe... See, before the prayer line ever starts here has... When the Holy Spirit... When you people like you are here, you don't realize the opportunity you got right now. I--I'm sure you don't. If you only knowed, every one of them nine spiritual gifts could be placed right into the church at this minute. Why, things would take place; there'd be another Pentecost. See? That's what these revivals are for. That's what is coming in greater, greater gifts moving in. Because it's to wake the people right quick, it's beginning to start when you see ministers getting together. They're gathering outside the gate. Don't forget the message as the Holy Spirit confirms the message. Remember the message and then God will take care of the rest.

All right, they're trying to get the people lined up. Some of the rest of you pray; just start believing, saying with all your heart, "Lord, I now believe. I now believe with all my heart."

41 Here's two men, setting right here looking at me now, right back here. One was looking sideways; he was sympathizing with the prayer line. The other one was looking up like that with his eyes closed, praying. Yes, sir. Your prostate trouble has ceased, sir, you that raised up your hand just then, because you believe. Put your hands over on the man setting next to you, the elderly man there. He has a sinus trouble that's a bothering him. That's right isn't it, sir? If that's right raise up your hand. Now, go home both of you and be well from your trouble, in the Name of Jesus Christ.

If that isn't the... What is it? It's the former rain coming into the Pentecostal move as the latter rain, both poured out together in the last days. God said He would do it in the same month. Amen. The Scriptures must be fulfilled.

42 We don't need prayer cards; we need faith, don't we? All that's in this prayer line hold up your hands that we're strangers to each other, that I don't know you all, raise up your hands, don't know nothing about you, none of your troubles. What about you? All right. How many out in the audience knows that I don't know nothing about you, raise up your hands.

43 A little lady setting there with a bouquet, having trouble with her bowels, you don't have to fool--bother any more, sister; your faith healed you just then. Raise up to your feet and accept your healing, yes, you with your hand waving. That's right. Ra... Right here, setting right, little brown coat on. Raise up to your feet; stand up to your feet so the people will know where you are. Been suffering with that bowel trouble, like a colitis like in there, but it's left you now. Jesus Christ made you whole. Amen. If you can believe... Have faith in God. Oh, what could happen?

44 The little lady setting right here, she's holding her prayer card in her hand, setting right back here looking across this way. Yes. You--you--you believe me with all your heart? You don't have to use that prayer card. Put it back in your pocketbook; keep it for a memorial; your arthritis left you anyhow then. See?

That thrilled the man setting behind her; he's been bothered with a cough. That's right, isn't it, sir? Raise up your hand. It's gone from you too; now you can go home and be well. Amen.

45 If you can believe... Even the woman laying there on the cot, I know what's wrong with her. I can't heal her. But you got one chance. Cancer's killing you. If you'll believe with all your heart... There's a dark shadow over you; it'll leave you and you can go home and be well. I don't know you not... You got a prayer card? You have? You won't have to use it if you'll just believe with all your heart. You're going to die laying there, so I'd take Christ as my Healer, and walk out, trust my faith in the hands of God, 'cause the doctors give you up. There she goes, to go home.

Let's just give God praise. Everybody give God... She's going to go home believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, accepting her healing. God bless you. You feel better now? Wave your hand if you feel better. There she is, she's... The Lord God has did the work, getting up going home. Let's sing a song to God as you go by. "I will praise Him, I will praise Him."

I will praise Him, I will praise Him, (Raise your hands to Him.)

Praise the Lamb for sinners slain;

Give Him glory all ye people,

For His blood has washed away each stain.

Do you feel His Presence? Let's just praise Him now.

I will praise Him, (Praise Him.) I will praise Him,

Praise the Lamb for sinners slain;

Give Him glory all ye people,

For His blood can wash away each stain.

46 You may be seated. Oh, my. Can you see why we're gathering at the gate? Look at that poor crippled woman bound in that wheelchair, setting here last night. The Holy Spirit commanded her to rise from there. Up got that crippled woman, walked out of the building whole.

There laid a woman dying, give her her choice, there she goes out with her hands up in the air, give up by the doctor and everything, singing, "I will praise Him, I will praise Him, Praise the Lamb for sinners slain." The Holy Spirit's moving in. "If thou canst believe, all things are possible." [Blank.spot.on.tape--Ed.]...?... card... [Blank.spot.on.tape--Ed.] He's here. There goes the ones taking the cot and stretcher, taking it back where it belongs. She's gone out walking under the power of the Holy Ghost, supervised by Him and spoke by Him, the Spirit of the living God. See, you don't need prayer cards; you need faith. Amen and amen.

47 All right. What do you think about this, sister? You believe it with all your heart? You believe It's the Spirit of the living God? You believe that He comes and do--does these things to confirm His Word, what I've just preached about? You believe God could tell me what your trouble is? I don't know you; you know that, no more than I knowed those people out there. You're just a woman that got a prayer card somewhere, where we called from, and just happened to be the first one on the platform.

Is it the same Christ? Do you believe that the--the former rain now, has come into this latter rain as God said it would and mix it together, caused the emotion amongst the people? The outside religious world cries, "Who is this? What is this?" But we know what It is. We see the nature of It. We see what It does. Now, see if It's the Spirit of Christ. If It's the Spirit of Christ, it'd be like the woman standing at--from the well, a man and a woman. Now, it won't be... You and I won't be them, no, but the Spirit of Him is here, and He has to use my lips, because His body is setting at the right hand of God in glory. His Spirit is here. And then if His--my spirit becomes His Spirit and my spirit can get out of the way by a gift, just move back by way I have doing it by a gift, then His Spirit will speak. Is that right?

48 You want me to pray for you for arthritis, and it's in your fingers. That's right. That's right. I'll tell you something else that you might know that I be His servant. You're praying for someone else; you got someone else on your heart. And that person's in a serious condition, got cancer. The cancer's in the kidney. And they live in a city called Sacramento. You're from Oakland. Your name is Miss Belcher. Go on home and be made well in Jesus Christ's Name.

You believe on the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart? It's His Spirit a doing that. If thou canst believe, all things are possible.

49 How do you do? I'm a stranger to you, but not to Him. We both know Him because you are a Christian sister. If I could help you and wouldn't do it, I'd be evil. But I cannot do it no more than to surrender myself to the will of God and let Him speak, see what He says. You have an allergy, spasmodic intestinal, colon, the doctor said. That's right. That's your trouble. You believe with all your heart? If thou canst believe, all things are possible. Miss Andrews, that's right, and you're from Oakland, now go home, it's finished. Jesus Christ makes you well.

Could I do that? No, certainly I could not, It's the Spirit of God. Now, that's the reason the world says, "What is this? It's the devil." That's what they said about Him. "He's Beelzebub, He's a fortuneteller."

But they who know it, cry, "Hosanna, hosanna, the Lord is coming; the Holy Spirit's bearing record of His coming by putting the former rain into the latter rain what we believe." Amen.

You're standing here for somebody else, it's your husband. He's all nervous and upset. You believe? Take that handkerchief and lay it on, and it'll leave him. Believe now and don't doubt nothing; you'll have what you said. Amen.

You believe with all your heart?

50 How do you do, sir? We are strangers to one another. God knows us both. You believe God can reveal to me what's your trouble if I will submit myself to Him? Then it'll be perfect, He will speak. Would you accept what He said? You believe it. You're here for your arm, your elbow and arm. You had a--in a car accident, hurt it. They're thinking about operating. But you've come to ask God to heal you. That's right, isn't it? All right, believe Him and you'll get well and you won't have to have your operation, in the Name of the Lord Jesus.

You believe? Everybody believing?

51 How do you do, sir? I do not know you, but God does know you. You have a muscular and bone condition; it's arthritis and rheumatism kinda mixed together. That's right. You're a minister. You're from Oakland. Return back and get well; Jesus Christ makes you well. God bless you my brother.

52 Have faith in God, believe. Oh, we don't have to go farther, don't you believe this with all your heart? Now, is the hour, now is the accepted time. Hold the prayer line there a minute, Billy. Hold the prayer line.

Sinner, what do you think about it? What do you think, backslider? Isn't this your time? Don't you see the Scriptures confirmed exactly? The former rain, the first one, when He was here, come down into this group that people thinks is crazy, and confirming that the latter rain has been poured out in these last years, and has formed this great full Gospel church. The former rain's moved right into it like God said and will both be in the same month. Here we are: former rain with the latter rain.

53 Is that--is this the patient? Is this one of the... All right. Lady, we don't know each other, but God knows us both. Does anybody know this woman? Anybody? Well, yes, see hands go up in the... All right, let it be known. The rest of you sinners watch this now, and think that that very thing that's speaking to your heart telling you that you should repent, it's the same thing will tell this woman whatever she's here for. She might be a sinner; she might be a backslider; she might be a sick woman; she might have financial needs; she might be standing for somebody else; I don't know; God does. But if He will reveal it, will you accept it and believe that it is the Son of God, that His Spirit is here? It's not me; it's Him. It's not you; it's Him. That's Him speaking to your heart.

Your trouble's in your head; you have trouble with your head. You're a ministers wife. Your husband's a preacher. Your name is Benson, Beson, B-e-s-o-n. There's something strange about the man. He was healed here the other night. That's right. That's exactly the truth; I see you stand. All right, go home. Bless you now, you can be made well.

54 Believe on the Lord Jesus. Do you believe it? Come, sinner, let me ask you just a minute. How about, sinner friend, come here, He's talking to your heart; come stand right here just a minute, will you? Let's give us a tune, "Almost Persuaded" just now. How much more could He do? Almost persuaded now to believe. Don't allow some great fancy something, the Holy Spirit's here. Let's sing it now, and you sinner friends come stand right here, let me pray for you. The Holy Spirit's speaking to me, "Call the altar; somebody wants to come right now." All right, let's sing and come now; come right on.

55 "Almost persuaded,"... (Come, sister, come right here now.) now... (This lovely little Spanish girl coming up.)... believe;

"Al...

Come on now; move right out of your seat; come up here. Backslider, sinner, without God, without Christ, without hope, in the Presence of the Holy Ghost, why don't you come now? That's right, sister dear; come right on take your place.

Seems now some soul to say, "Go, Spirit... (God bless you, sister. Come. God bless you, brother, come right on.)... Thy way;

Some more convenient day, (What other convenient day could you find?) on Thee I'll call."

56 Mr. Max Baer, maybe he heard that sing. I hope and trust that the man was saved and went to Jesus. But in a moment in his hotel room, a great strong man, well known, popular, just had refereed a fight over at Phoenix, never thought of dying at that time, young man, yet fifty years old, strong, athlete, a choice of the nation, but in a second, a vein struck him in his heart, and a pain run down his chest, and he screamed, "God, I'm--I'm coming." And here he went out to meet God. That might be your estate, maybe not in that way, but some way you've got to meet it. Don't you pass the time when the Holy Spirit's here calling like It is now. Won't you come now while we sing once more?

You that's all flusterated, you don't know whether you're a Christian or not; don't take that chance, friend. You who've never accepted the great message of the Holy Spirit and been filled with His power, you've never did that, don't take a chance on it. You say, "Some more convenient day." What if Mr. Baer would've said that? See, you--you must think of it now; think seriously. This is the hour. Who is this? What's it all about?

What if He give the same record that Jesus did when He was here on earth. No one can explain it; we can't explain it. I can't explain it, I don't know nothing about it no more than the Scriptures said it. And here it is. What is it speaking of? The close coming of the Lord Jesus. Come, will you now, while we sing again?

"Almost persuaded," now to believe;

"Almost persuaded," Christ to receive;

Seems now some soul to say, "Go, Spirit, go Thy way;

Some more convenient day, on Thee I'll call.

57 Let's bow our heads just a moment. [Brother Branham begins humming--Ed.] Is there those here who doesn't know Christ, and you just haven't the courage to come up? Raise your hands, I'm sure someone... God bless the man back there that raised his hand. Someone else? God bless you, young fellow. Someone else? God bless you over here, young man. Oh, don't let Satan hold you like that, brother dear, sister dear. Believe me as His servant. Believe me, because that my words are not mine; I speak His. It proves it here to know things that I know nothing about; it's Him. I persuade you in Christ's Name; be reconciled to Christ this afternoon. Come, won't you now? Just believe on Him with all your heart and receive it. While the personal workers are walking up close with these here, won't you come with them just now, while we keep our heads bowed? Four, five, or six raised their hands. Won't you come just now while we sing slowly?

58 "Almost persuaded...

You want the Holy Ghost, will you come? You that's seeking the baptism of the Holy Ghost, will you walk up too with these?

"Almost...

That lady's trouble it's all gone from you now. Your lady's trouble is all finished now; you can go home, be well. Rest of you down in that prayer line, just believe with all your heart, it's all over now. The Holy Spirit makes you well. Go believing. Come now.

Some soul to say, "Go, Spirit, go Thy way.

Some more convenient day, on Thee I'll call."

[Brother Branham begins to hum--Ed.]

59 Very solemn time. I don't know why the Holy Spirit keeps having me sing that over. There must be something somewhere. Perhaps... Would it, could it be this? I don't know, you're a Christian. Could somebody be getting their last invitation? It could be that, could it? If it is, don't--so don't put it off, brother, sister; it might be the last time. Come now, won't you just now while we sing one more time, then I'll feel free to close and pray.

"Almost persuaded," harvest is past!

God bless you, young lady. You seen me looking at you. I knew it was you, so this is your time.

... comes at last!

"Almost" cannot avail; "Almost" is but to fail!

Sad, sad, that bitter wail: "Almost--but lost!"

60 Our heavenly Father, we are grateful, Lord, for these children of Yours that stands here penitent with their heads bowed to the dust where they were taken from. And someday they shall return to the dust, for it is written, "Dust thou art; dust thou shalt return." And now, Father God, we are indeed happy that the message has produced this people. It is written and said by our Lord Jesus, "No man can come to Me except My Father draws him first." Then we know that the great Holy Spirit has convinced these people of their wrongs and they have come on the invitation of the Holy Spirit. And then it is also said, "He that comes to Me; I will in no wise cast out. I will give him Eternal Life and will raise him up at the last day." We know that dwells in reach of these people today that stands here penitent. They come publicly before this audience to confess that they have sinned and did wrong. And it is written in Thy Word, "He that will confess his sins shall have mercy. He that covers his sins shall not prosper." And it is also written again, "He that heareth My Word..." They heard it by lip; they saw it by action. "He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, has Everlasting Life, and shall never come to the judgment; but has passed from death unto Life."

61 As Your servant, I stand now between the living and dead, and I plead to You, Lord, to forgive the sins of these children that has come forward by the invitation of the Holy Spirit, that's walked up here to witness that they are wrong and asking for mercy. You will in no wise turn them out. You will receive them, all of them, these young women, young men, elder, whatever they are, You will receive them because You have called them. "Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." You promised it, Lord. And at the--at the message I now thank You for them and present them into Your hands as trophies of Your grace. May You keep them, Jesus, as they go to the room to kneel and give thanks to You for the salvation of their soul. I accept it for them, Father, as they come believing that You forgive them because they have repented of their sins.

Now, fill them with the Holy Ghost while they're in the room. Give them power and stand them at the gate where we're watching for the coming of that glad Millennium day when our blessed Lord shall come and catch His waiting Bride away. We're watching for it, Lord. May they be numbered with that group. In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

62 Now, go with us, with the workers right to the room here where they're to meet you in a few minutes, right back here. And you who here wants the baptism of the Holy Spirit, would you come forth at this time to receive the Holy Spirit. You are here and if you wish it, it's right now the wonderful time where trained people will be able to direct you to receive the Holy Ghost.

How many love Him, raise your hand. Oh, how I love Him, how I adore Thee, Thou matchless Christ, Thou Son of God's grace. How I admire Him, how I love Him. Me, a poor lost sinner has been privileged to come into the congregation of the most holy God's saints and to worship and preach to them.

Let us stand to our feet now while we sing.

I will praise Him,

I will praise Him,

Praise the Lord for sinners slain;

Give Him glory all ye people,

For His Blood washed away each stain.

Remember the church services this night everywhere.

I will praise Him, (Sing it, everybody.) I will praise Him,

Praise the Lamb for sinners slain...