At the time John saw Christ and His Church in prophecy, there were many local assemblies in existence, to whom Paul had addressed his epistles.

The Holy Spirit chose these specific seven churches in Asia Minor because of their characteristics, typical of the oncoming seven church ages. No Jewish church, not even the one at Jerusalem, is mentioned, because the messages are of prophetic significance and deal entirely with the Gentile dispensation.

The Bible tells us that the seven stars are in the right hand of Jesus Christ, as He is seen walking amidst His Church. He is the supreme Deity, exalted and loved in the midst of His own and whenever He sent forth His star–messengers, they spoke with authority. They are in the right hand of their Master, completely under His control. They’re not in the hands of a denomination; they protested organised religion.

Although the distinct periods have been identified by outstanding historians, it has taken the prophetic ministry of William Branham to identify the seven angel–messengers, who were the stars in the right hand of the Lord and brought the message to their age.

The Lord addressed two groups within the church — the carnal and the spiritual. He spoke words of praise and also of reproof. He directed His messages to the angel of each age and introduced Himself with one of Hid deity titles.

According to history and divine revelation, the church ages and the messengers are as follows:

The church of Ephesus (Rev. 2: 1–7). “These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.”

The word Ephesus means to let go and relax. This first church age was rebuked by the Lord for leaving the first love. They began to backslide from the original Pentecostal experience, allowing the Nikolaitan spirit to creep in slyly. Men began to make u a clergy, who assumed the authority over the laity. The Lord praised the elect of this age for hating the deeds of the Nikolaitans, who sought after position and rulership. Those who remained steadfast in the original teachings could easily detect the false apostles, as their teachings did not coincide with the foundational doctrines of the Bible.

This still applies today. Any doctrine that does not dovetail with the teachings of the apostles and prophets is false. Paul was so sure of the infallibility of his teachings, that he was prompted to pronounce a curse upon everyone, who dared to preach another gospel (Gal. 1). The original spoken Word of God is Truth, and any interpretation thereof is an error and a lie of the devil. In the beginning was the Word — the original seed. But then, however, the enemy subtly questioned Eve and began to misconstrue and interpret God’s holy Word in the garden of Eden. These Nikolaitans fell into his trap like Eve did.

There is a vast difference between preaching the original seed–Word or the interpretation thereof. One brings spiritual life, the other spiritual death. The enemy doesn’t always deny God’s Word. He even came to the Lord Jesus with the Word. Satan misuses, misinterprets and misplaces God’s holy Word.

Like Jesus, so do the overcomes stay with the original Word and overcome him by the Word of their testimony. The promise to them in the first age was to have part of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Because Eve had listened to the interpretation of the serpent, she and Adam were driven out of paradise and cut off from the tree of life. But through Christ, the overcomers are brought back to the tree of life and the paradise of God.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

The Ephesian church age lasted until 170 AD. According to divine revelation, given to Bro. Branham, the apostle Paul was the star–messenger in the right hand of the Lord in that age.

The church of Smyrna (Rev. 2: 8–11). “These things saith the first and the last, who was dead, and is alive.”

The meaning of the word Smyrna implies bitterness. The word is derived from Myrrh, an ointment associated with death. Those who had believed the interpretations of the enemy, known as the deeds of the Nikolaitans, died spiritually. By that time, they had established a priesthood, which ruled the laiety, disregarding the fact that the whole New Testament Church is spoken of to be the Holy Priesthood. All denominations are patterned after that first religious organisation and are motivated by the same spirit. The outer form of appearance does not change this fact. According to God’s Word, the first one is the mother, the others are the daughters (Rev. 17).

The elect of God did not bow to the false teachings and therefore had to go through terrible persecutions. They were told to be faithful unto death; then they would receive the crown of life. The second death could put no claim on them.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

This church age lasted until 312 AD. Many me were used in the ministry during that time, but Irenaeus seems to have been God’s choice — the star–messenger in the right hand of the Lord. He stood firmly upon the apostolic doctrines and preached the Full Gospel. His ministry was vindicated by Almighty God with signs following.

The church of Pergamos (Rev. 2: 12–17). “These things saith he who hath the sharp sword with two edges.”

During this age, the Nikolaitan group became an established church and united with the state. The doctrine of Balaam was introduced. Balaam had invited the children of Israel and the Moabites to a great feast and caused Israel to fall. Likewise die Constantine arrange the Nicean Council and invited both groups. Israel had fallen into the trap set by Balaam, although they had witnessed the vindicated ministry of the prophet Moses. This sin was never forgiven.

During this church age, the apostate church and the state united — Paganism consolidated with Christianity. The whole programme was arranged in such a subtle way, that the carnal Christians fell for it.

Even during that time, there were gallant men of God holding fast to the Truth. They strengthened the elect, who did not compromise with the state nor the apostate church.

The promise to the overcomer was to receive the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written upon it, which no man knoweth, saving, he that receiveth it.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

This church age lasted until 606 AD. According to divine revelation, St. Martin was the star–messenger in the right hand of the Lord. Of all the great men who proclaimed the Gospel at that time, he was the one closest to the apostolic teachings. His mighty ministry was accompanied with scriptural signs.

The church of Thyatira (Rev. 2: 18-29). “These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass.”

That which had begun in its infancy in the Ephesian church, known as the deeds of the Nikolaitans, had become the ruling papal church of this period. The Church was thrust into the Dark Ages. It almost seemed there was no trace of genuine Christianity or the true Bible teachings, but God still had a remnant, who were led by the Holy Spirit according to His Word.

The Lord compared this false system with Jezebel, who had brought idolatry into Israel. They had tried to seduce God’s servants to commit spiritual fornication. But God’s elect did not bow to this manmade system. Even during that time of darkness and persecutions, the light of God’s Word shone upon the path of His children who were not deceived. The promise to the overcomers was to receive power over the nations and rule them with a rod of iron. “And I will give him the morning star.”

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches.”

This age lasted until 1520 AD. Columba stands out as the star–messenger in the right hand of the Lord. His ministry was founded upon the original Word of God and confirmed by the Almighty.

The church of Sardis (Rev. 3: 1–6). “These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars.”

This brings us to the time of the Reformation, in which a ray of light broke forth after the long period of the Dark Ages. God, in His infinite mercy, made a new beginning by bringing His living Word back into the spiritual deadness. The light that was kindled in that age gradually increased, until the full revelation of Jesus Christ was made known in these last days.

The Lord said, “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” This church was using the titles as the Roman church did. They did not recognise the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost to be the Lord Jesus Christ.

Those who believed the God–sent message at that time did not defile their garments. The promise to the elect of that age is, “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life …”

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

This church age lasted until 1750 AD. There were many valiant men during this time, who had part in the work of the Reformation, but according to the dynamic ministry, Martin Luther was the star–messenger in the right hand of the Lord, who came forth with the message, “The just shall live by faith.”

The church of Philadelphia (Rev. 3: 7–13). “These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David …”

This Church received no words of rebuke from the Lord. It was the great missionary age of the open door and of brotherly love. Those inspired by the Word and Spirit of God went into all the world. People were not disputing the Word, they lived it. Great conviction fell upon those who listened to the preaching of God’s Word. It was a great time in the history of the Church. The impact of the preaching was so mighty, that even those of the synagogue of Satan had to acknowledge and bow down to the Word.

The believers received the promise to be kept from the hour of temptation, which was to come upon the whole earth in this last church age, in which right and wrong are so closely associated together. By the grace of God, only the elect will be able to discern the difference between the genuine and the imitation.

The overcomers in this church age received the promise to be made a pillar in the temple of God.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

This great church age lasted until 1906 AD. The star–messenger in the right hand of the Lord was John Wesley, who continued to carry the torch of the Word and came forth with the great revelation of sanctification.

The church of Laodicea (Rev. 3: 14–22). “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.”

The condition of this church age is most pathetic and the Lord has no words of praise. Self–deception prevails: “I am rich … and have need of nothing. Outwardly, they’re well endowed with worldly riches, but are unconscious of the fact that they are wretched, miserable, poor blind and naked. He that has eyes like flames of fire, looks and sees the actual condition of Laodicea.

Of course, they still sing and speak about Him, they still engage in a form of worship, but worldly activities have the pre-eminence in their midst. Instead of taking time for prayer before and after the service, people look forward to the games and entertainments following the meeting. They don’t even realise that they have ousted Him — He is no longer in their midst. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock …” The church generally applies this statement to the sinner, but God applies it to the church. The Lord is standing outside, knocking, asking us to open the door.

Under false pretense, they give the impression that the Lord is still with them. They purposely overlook the actual situation described by the Lord Jesus Himself in the Word of God. This is the most deceptive time of all. People are still trying to work up an atmosphere of revival. They don’t want to admit their condition. But because they do not believe the Truth, God is sending them strong delusions that they should believe a lie (2 Thess. 2: 11). Regardless of who it is, if we reject the Truth, we open up to error.

In the most cunning way, the enemy is setting a trap for every church and denomination, for every evangelist and preacher. He even gives the success as long as they don’t recognise the message and messenger for this time. Some even claim they’ll never go into the World Council of Churches, but the same spirit is upon them and they have been part of the same system unawares. Every Christian organisation is of the same spirit as the first one. Anyone rejecting God’s message revealed by the Holy Spirit, will receive the mark of the beast.

All kinds of things are declared to be a move of the Spirit. Right and wrong are so closely associated together, that only the elect, the ones that are founded in the Word, will detect the difference.

There is the charismatic movement, which tries to bring spiritual life even into the World Council of Churches, which is, according to prophecy, the image of the beast. But God’s Spirit is calling, “Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you”(2 Cor. 6: 17). As Christ is outside the camp in this Laodicean church age, all the elect, who hear His voice, are coming out of every religious camp and take their stand with Him — the Word — and bear His reproach. But they also have the promise to share His glory.

The promise is, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne.”

Without a shadow of doubt, there are many outstanding men in the different denominations, but who was the chosen star–messenger in our generation? The criterian must always be a scriptural one. We cannot merely go by success, impressions or personalities, we must recognise God’s choice.

Without hesitation it can be said before God Almighty, that Bro. Branham was identified by the Scripture and vindicated as the angel–messenger to this last church age. May all who have an ear to hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches, be no longer bound by tradition, but come out, be separated from all unbelief and return to the original Word of God.

At the time John saw Christ and His Church in prophecy, there were many local assemblies in existence, to whom Paul had addressed his epistles.

The Holy Spirit chose these specific seven churches in Asia Minor because of their characteristics, typical of the oncoming seven church ages. No Jewish church, not even the one at Jerusalem, is mentioned, because the messages are of prophetic significance and deal entirely with the Gentile dispensation.

The Bible tells us that the seven stars are in the right hand of Jesus Christ, as He is seen walking amidst His Church. He is the supreme Deity, exalted and loved in the midst of His own and whenever He sent forth His star–messengers, they spoke with authority. They are in the right hand of their Master, completely under His control. They’re not in the hands of a denomination; they protested organised religion.

Although the distinct periods have been identified by outstanding historians, it has taken the prophetic ministry of William Branham to identify the seven angel–messengers, who were the stars in the right hand of the Lord and brought the message to their age.

The Lord addressed two groups within the church — the carnal and the spiritual. He spoke words of praise and also of reproof. He directed His messages to the angel of each age and introduced Himself with one of Hid deity titles.

According to history and divine revelation, the church ages and the messengers are as follows:

The church of Ephesus (Rev. 2: 1–7). “These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.”

The word Ephesus means to let go and relax. This first church age was rebuked by the Lord for leaving the first love. They began to backslide from the original Pentecostal experience, allowing the Nikolaitan spirit to creep in slyly. Men began to make u a clergy, who assumed the authority over the laity. The Lord praised the elect of this age for hating the deeds of the Nikolaitans, who sought after position and rulership. Those who remained steadfast in the original teachings could easily detect the false apostles, as their teachings did not coincide with the foundational doctrines of the Bible.

This still applies today. Any doctrine that does not dovetail with the teachings of the apostles and prophets is false. Paul was so sure of the infallibility of his teachings, that he was prompted to pronounce a curse upon everyone, who dared to preach another gospel (Gal. 1). The original spoken Word of God is Truth, and any interpretation thereof is an error and a lie of the devil. In the beginning was the Word — the original seed. But then, however, the enemy subtly questioned Eve and began to misconstrue and interpret God’s holy Word in the garden of Eden. These Nikolaitans fell into his trap like Eve did.

There is a vast difference between preaching the original seed–Word or the interpretation thereof. One brings spiritual life, the other spiritual death. The enemy doesn’t always deny God’s Word. He even came to the Lord Jesus with the Word. Satan misuses, misinterprets and misplaces God’s holy Word.

Like Jesus, so do the overcomes stay with the original Word and overcome him by the Word of their testimony. The promise to them in the first age was to have part of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Because Eve had listened to the interpretation of the serpent, she and Adam were driven out of paradise and cut off from the tree of life. But through Christ, the overcomers are brought back to the tree of life and the paradise of God.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

The Ephesian church age lasted until 170 AD. According to divine revelation, given to Bro. Branham, the apostle Paul was the star–messenger in the right hand of the Lord in that age.

The church of Smyrna (Rev. 2: 8–11). “These things saith the first and the last, who was dead, and is alive.”

The meaning of the word Smyrna implies bitterness. The word is derived from Myrrh, an ointment associated with death. Those who had believed the interpretations of the enemy, known as the deeds of the Nikolaitans, died spiritually. By that time, they had established a priesthood, which ruled the laiety, disregarding the fact that the whole New Testament Church is spoken of to be the Holy Priesthood. All denominations are patterned after that first religious organisation and are motivated by the same spirit. The outer form of appearance does not change this fact. According to God’s Word, the first one is the mother, the others are the daughters (Rev. 17).

The elect of God did not bow to the false teachings and therefore had to go through terrible persecutions. They were told to be faithful unto death; then they would receive the crown of life. The second death could put no claim on them.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

This church age lasted until 312 AD. Many me were used in the ministry during that time, but Irenaeus seems to have been God’s choice — the star–messenger in the right hand of the Lord. He stood firmly upon the apostolic doctrines and preached the Full Gospel. His ministry was vindicated by Almighty God with signs following.

The church of Pergamos (Rev. 2: 12–17). “These things saith he who hath the sharp sword with two edges.”

During this age, the Nikolaitan group became an established church and united with the state. The doctrine of Balaam was introduced. Balaam had invited the children of Israel and the Moabites to a great feast and caused Israel to fall. Likewise die Constantine arrange the Nicean Council and invited both groups. Israel had fallen into the trap set by Balaam, although they had witnessed the vindicated ministry of the prophet Moses. This sin was never forgiven.

During this church age, the apostate church and the state united — Paganism consolidated with Christianity. The whole programme was arranged in such a subtle way, that the carnal Christians fell for it.

Even during that time, there were gallant men of God holding fast to the Truth. They strengthened the elect, who did not compromise with the state nor the apostate church.

The promise to the overcomer was to receive the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written upon it, which no man knoweth, saving, he that receiveth it.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

This church age lasted until 606 AD. According to divine revelation, St. Martin was the star–messenger in the right hand of the Lord. Of all the great men who proclaimed the Gospel at that time, he was the one closest to the apostolic teachings. His mighty ministry was accompanied with scriptural signs.

The church of Thyatira (Rev. 2: 18-29). “These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass.”

That which had begun in its infancy in the Ephesian church, known as the deeds of the Nikolaitans, had become the ruling papal church of this period. The Church was thrust into the Dark Ages. It almost seemed there was no trace of genuine Christianity or the true Bible teachings, but God still had a remnant, who were led by the Holy Spirit according to His Word.

The Lord compared this false system with Jezebel, who had brought idolatry into Israel. They had tried to seduce God’s servants to commit spiritual fornication. But God’s elect did not bow to this manmade system. Even during that time of darkness and persecutions, the light of God’s Word shone upon the path of His children who were not deceived. The promise to the overcomers was to receive power over the nations and rule them with a rod of iron. “And I will give him the morning star.”

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches.”

This age lasted until 1520 AD. Columba stands out as the star–messenger in the right hand of the Lord. His ministry was founded upon the original Word of God and confirmed by the Almighty.

The church of Sardis (Rev. 3: 1–6). “These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars.”

This brings us to the time of the Reformation, in which a ray of light broke forth after the long period of the Dark Ages. God, in His infinite mercy, made a new beginning by bringing His living Word back into the spiritual deadness. The light that was kindled in that age gradually increased, until the full revelation of Jesus Christ was made known in these last days.

The Lord said, “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” This church was using the titles as the Roman church did. They did not recognise the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost to be the Lord Jesus Christ.

Those who believed the God–sent message at that time did not defile their garments. The promise to the elect of that age is, “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life …”

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

This church age lasted until 1750 AD. There were many valiant men during this time, who had part in the work of the Reformation, but according to the dynamic ministry, Martin Luther was the star–messenger in the right hand of the Lord, who came forth with the message, “The just shall live by faith.”

The church of Philadelphia (Rev. 3: 7–13). “These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David …”

This Church received no words of rebuke from the Lord. It was the great missionary age of the open door and of brotherly love. Those inspired by the Word and Spirit of God went into all the world. People were not disputing the Word, they lived it. Great conviction fell upon those who listened to the preaching of God’s Word. It was a great time in the history of the Church. The impact of the preaching was so mighty, that even those of the synagogue of Satan had to acknowledge and bow down to the Word.

The believers received the promise to be kept from the hour of temptation, which was to come upon the whole earth in this last church age, in which right and wrong are so closely associated together. By the grace of God, only the elect will be able to discern the difference between the genuine and the imitation.

The overcomers in this church age received the promise to be made a pillar in the temple of God.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

This great church age lasted until 1906 AD. The star–messenger in the right hand of the Lord was John Wesley, who continued to carry the torch of the Word and came forth with the great revelation of sanctification.

The church of Laodicea (Rev. 3: 14–22). “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.”

The condition of this church age is most pathetic and the Lord has no words of praise. Self–deception prevails: “I am rich … and have need of nothing. Outwardly, they’re well endowed with worldly riches, but are unconscious of the fact that they are wretched, miserable, poor blind and naked. He that has eyes like flames of fire, looks and sees the actual condition of Laodicea.

Of course, they still sing and speak about Him, they still engage in a form of worship, but worldly activities have the pre-eminence in their midst. Instead of taking time for prayer before and after the service, people look forward to the games and entertainments following the meeting. They don’t even realise that they have ousted Him — He is no longer in their midst. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock …” The church generally applies this statement to the sinner, but God applies it to the church. The Lord is standing outside, knocking, asking us to open the door.

Under false pretense, they give the impression that the Lord is still with them. They purposely overlook the actual situation described by the Lord Jesus Himself in the Word of God. This is the most deceptive time of all. People are still trying to work up an atmosphere of revival. They don’t want to admit their condition. But because they do not believe the Truth, God is sending them strong delusions that they should believe a lie (2 Thess. 2: 11). Regardless of who it is, if we reject the Truth, we open up to error.

In the most cunning way, the enemy is setting a trap for every church and denomination, for every evangelist and preacher. He even gives the success as long as they don’t recognise the message and messenger for this time. Some even claim they’ll never go into the World Council of Churches, but the same spirit is upon them and they have been part of the same system unawares. Every Christian organisation is of the same spirit as the first one. Anyone rejecting God’s message revealed by the Holy Spirit, will receive the mark of the beast.

All kinds of things are declared to be a move of the Spirit. Right and wrong are so closely associated together, that only the elect, the ones that are founded in the Word, will detect the difference.

There is the charismatic movement, which tries to bring spiritual life even into the World Council of Churches, which is, according to prophecy, the image of the beast. But God’s Spirit is calling, “Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you”(2 Cor. 6: 17). As Christ is outside the camp in this Laodicean church age, all the elect, who hear His voice, are coming out of every religious camp and take their stand with Him — the Word — and bear His reproach. But they also have the promise to share His glory.

The promise is, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne.”

Without a shadow of doubt, there are many outstanding men in the different denominations, but who was the chosen star–messenger in our generation? The criterian must always be a scriptural one. We cannot merely go by success, impressions or personalities, we must recognise God’s choice.

Without hesitation it can be said before God Almighty, that Bro. Branham was identified by the Scripture and vindicated as the angel–messenger to this last church age. May all who have an ear to hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches, be no longer bound by tradition, but come out, be separated from all unbelief and return to the original Word of God.