Episode 90 – Charles Paisley (Part 2)

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Episode 90 - Charles Paisley (Part 2)
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Charles Paisley was born into the message and grew up in raised in Faith Assembly Church in Clarksville, Indiana where Junior Jackson was the pastor. Charles became assistant pastor of the church in the years after Raymond Jackson died.

Charles is currently a minister at The Gospel Church of Jeffersonville, Indiana, where he is working with other former message believers to help people find community and support as they leave the message.

Transcript in PDF format:

Episode 89 – Charles Paisley – Another minister leaves the message

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Episode 89 - Charles Paisley - Another minister leaves the message
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Charles Paisley was born into the message and was raised in Faith Assembly Church in Clarksville, Indiana where Junior Jackson was the pastor. Charles became assistant pastor of the church in the years after Raymond Jackson died. He has traveled international and has visited dozens of message Churches.

His family has been in the message for decades and attended the Branham tabernacle while William Branham rather was still living. Charles personally knew and has been acquainted with many witnesses of William Braham’s life and ministry, including personal friends and acquaintances who knew William Branham all the way back to the 1930’s.

Charles is currently a minister at The Gospel Church of Jeffersonville, Indiana, where he is working with other former message believers and former message ministers to help people find community and support as they leave the message.

Transcript in PDF format:

Episode 88 – The Serpent’s Tail (Part 5)

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Episode 88 - The Serpent's Tail (Part 5)
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This is the conclusion of our interview with Deborah Daulton Thibodeau. Her story is chronicled in “The Serpent’s Tail”, which Deb has authored. The book is published by Adelaide books is available directly from the publisher or from Amazon.

Why were Ed Daulton’s last words : “Brother Branham, lied to me. I have been betrayed!” ??

The transcript of our podcast is available to download:

Episode 87 – The Serpent’s Tail (Part 4)

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Episode 87 - The Serpent's Tail (Part 4)
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Rod continues his interview with Deborah Daulton Thibodeau in this episode. Her story is chronicled in “The Serpent’s Tail”, which Deb has authored. The book is published by Adelaide books is available directly from the publisher or from Amazon.

The transcript of our podcast is available to download:

Episode 86 – The Serpent’s Tail (Part 3)

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Episode 86 - The Serpent's Tail (Part 3)
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In Part 3, Rod continues his interview with Deborah Daulton Thibodeau. Her story is chronicled in “The Serpent’s Tail”, which Deb has authored. The book is published by Adelaide books is available directly from the publisher or from Amazon.

The transcript of our podcast is available to download:

Episode 85 – The Serpent’s Tail (Part 2)

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Episode 85 - The Serpent's Tail (Part 2)
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Why would you ever give this to your child?

In this episode, Rod continues his interview with Deborah Daulton Thibodeau. Her story is chronicled in “The Serpent’s Tail”, which Deb has authored. The book is published by Adelaide books is available directly from the publisher or from Amazon.

The transcript of our podcast is available to download:

Episode 84 – The Serpent’s Tail – Abuse in the Park

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Episode 84 - The Serpent's Tail - Abuse in the Park
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The Park

In this episode, Rod interviews Deborah Daulton Thibodeau, the youngest daughter of Ed Daulton. Her story is chronicled in “The Serpent’s Tail”, which Deb has authored. The book is published by Adelaide books and is available on Amazon and directly from Adelaide Books.

In the summer of 1962, about sixty members of several large extended families moved across country seeking a place away from the world to wait for the rapture. They were driven by William Branham’s comments that Rapture was at hand.

They settled in the Pine Lawn Trailer Park (the “Park”) in Prescott, Arizona. They were led by William Branham’s “tape boys”, Leo Mercer and Gene Goad, who had been close friends since college.  Ed Daulton asked William Branham about the planned move and he said at first that he shouldn’t go. Later he changed his mind and said that they should go – “I see it come out alright in the end.”

If William Branham was a prophet, how could he promote a sexual predator and abuser of young children to the position of authority at the Park. Where was his discernment? How could he describe the physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse of children as something that comes out “alright in the end?”

The transcript of our podcast is available to download:

Episode 83 – The Downfall of the Message in Brazil? (Part 2)

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Episode 83 - The Downfall of the Message in Brazil? (Part 2)
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This is part 2 of our interview with Arthur Antunes, the author of “The Secret of the Seventh Angel: The Downfall of Branhamism” which was published in July 2021 in Brazil.

Arthur Antunes is a pseudonym or pen name and the true identity of the author remains a secret. For the purpose of this interview the voice of our guest has been disguised using up to date computer technology.

Followers of the message in Brazil have been rocked by a sexual scandal involving Joaquim Gonçalves da Silva, one of the most well known message pastors in Brazil. The allegations against him came out in June 2021 and he died of Covid-19 in August, shortly after the book was published.

External Links

The transcript of our podcast is available to download:

Episode 82 – What is happening to the Message in Brazil?

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Episode 82 - What is happening to the Message in Brazil?
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In this episode, Rod interviews Arthur Antunes, the author of “The Secret of the Seventh Angel: The Downfall of Branhamism” which was published in July 2021 in Brazil.

Arthur Antunes is a pseudonym or pen name and the true identity of the author remains a secret. For the purpose of this interview the voice of our guest has been disguised using up to date computer technology.

Followers of the message in Brazil have been rocked by a sexual scandal involving Joaquim Gonçalves da Silva, one of the most well known message pastors in Brazil. The allegations against him came out in June 2021 and he died of Covid-19 in August, shortly after the book was published.

External Links

The transcript of our podcast is available to download:

Episode 81 – Pastor James Manuel of South Africa (Part 3)

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Episode 81 – Pastor James Manuel of South Africa (Part 3)
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Rod, Emily and Tim conclude their discussion with former message pastor James Manuel of Cape Town, South Africa. James was in the message for almost 40 years.

Link to the Testimony of James Manuel

The following is a transcript of the podcast:

Episode 80 – Pastor James Manuel of South Africa (Part 2)

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Episode 80 – Pastor James Manuel of South Africa (Part 2)
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Rod, Emily and Tim continue their discussion with former message pastor James Manuel of Cape Town, South Africa. James was in the message for almost 40 years.

The following is a transcript of the podcast:

Episode 79 – Pastor James Manuel of South Africa (Part 1)

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Episode 79 – Pastor James Manuel of South Africa (Part 1)
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Rod, Emily and Tim interview former message pastor James Manuel of Cape Town, South Africa. James was in the message for almost 40 years.

This interview continues James’ story from where we left off in Episode 52

External links:

The following is a transcript of the podcast:

Episode 78 – Pastor Jeff Jenkins – 7 Years Later (Part 4)

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Episode 78 - Pastor Jeff Jenkins - 7 Years Later (Part 4)
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Jeff Jenkins was the pastor of Believers Christian Fellowship in Lima, Ohio for almost 33 and a half years. In the conclusion of our interview, we talk about whether what his advice is to those that have left the message and what the proper approach should be to religion and faith based on his experience since leaving the message.

Links
Finding God in the Waves by Mike McHargue
– Our first interview with Pastor Jeff
– Jeff Jenkins discusses the 1963 Arizona Cloud

The following is a transcript of the podcast:

Episode 77 – Pastor Jeff Jenkins – 7 Years Later (Part 3)

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Episode 77 - Pastor Jeff Jenkins - 7 Years Later (Part 3)
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Jeff Jenkins was the pastor of Believers Christian Fellowship in Lima, Ohio for almost 33 and a half years. In part 3 of our interview, we talk about whether he has had any contact with other message ministers since he left the message and how his ministry has developed over the past 7 years.

Links
– Our first interview with Pastor Jeff
– Jeff Jenkins discusses the 1963 Arizona Cloud

The following is a transcript of the podcast:

Episode 76 – Pastor Jeff Jenkins – 7 Years Later (Part 2)

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Episode 76 - Pastor Jeff Jenkins - 7 Years Later (Part 2)
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Jeff Jenkins was the pastor of Believers Christian Fellowship in Lima, Ohio for almost 33 and a half years. In part 2 of our interview, we talk about what has surprised him most since he left the message.

Links
– Our first interview with Pastor Jeff
– Jeff Jenkins discusses the 1963 Arizona Cloud

The following is a transcript of the podcast:

Episode 75 – Pastor Jeff Jenkins – Seven Years Later (Part 1)

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Episode 75 - Pastor Jeff Jenkins - Seven Years Later (Part 1)
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Jeff Jenkins was the pastor of Believers Christian Fellowship in Lima, Ohio for almost 33 and a half years. Rod Bergen and Tim Kraus talk to Jeff about:

– What have been the biggest changes in his thinking since he left the message 7 years ago?
– What has surprised him most since he left the message?
– Has he had any contact with other message ministers since he left? 
– How has his ministry developed since he left the message?
– What is his advice to those that have left the message?
– What is the proper approach to religion and faith based on his experience since leaving the message?

Links
– Our first interview with Pastor Jeff
– Jeff Jenkins discusses the 1963 Arizona Cloud

The following is a transcript of the podcast:

Episode 73 – The 2020 Debate (Part 7)

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Episode 73 - The 2020 Debate (Part 7)
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This is the conclusion of our discussion with message pastor Jesse Smith regarding the status of William Branham as a prophet.  Jax Cox and Tim Kraus act as moderators. The discussion focused around this agreed issue:

William Branham is considered by his followers to be a prophet and, specifically, the messenger to the church of Laodicea (the fulfillment of Rev 3:14), the Elijah prophet (fulfilling Malachi4:5-6) and the angel of Revelation 10:7. Was William Branham who his followers say he is?

This episode is comprised of the closing statements of both Jesse Smith and Rod Bergen.

The following is a transcript of part 7 of our discussion:

Episode 72 – The 2020 Debate (Part 6)

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Episode 72 - The 2020 Debate (Part 6)
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This is part 6 of our discussion with message pastor Jesse Smith regarding the status of William Branham as a prophet.  Jax Cox and Tim Kraus act as moderators. In this portion of our discussion, we deal with:

  • If William Branham’s teaching is correct, why do message followers display so little love for those who leave?
  • Why is the fruit of the message so bad?
  • Did William Branham have any valid prophecies?  Three prophecies are specifically considered:
    • First, the immoral condition of the church;
    • Second, that no greater ministry to the Gentiles would rise than William Branham; and
    • Third, that no denomination would ever break up and come back to the word.

These questions all focused around the agreed question for discussion:

William Branham is considered by his followers to be a prophet and, specifically, the messenger to the church of Laodicea (the fulfillment of Rev 3:14), the Elijah prophet (fulfilling Malachi4:5-6) and the angel of Revelation 10:7. Was William Branham who his followers say he is?

External links

The following is a transcript of part 6 of our discussion:

Episode 71 – The 2020 Debate (Part 5)

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Episode 71 - The 2020 Debate (Part 5)
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This is part 5 of our discussion with message pastor Jesse Smith regarding the status of William Branham as a prophet.  Jax Cox and Tim Kraus act as moderators. Specifically, in this portion of our discussion, we deal with:

Specifically, in this portion of our discussion, we deal with the following:

  • If William Branham’s teaching is correct, why did God require Christians in earlier ages to believe false doctrine in order to be saved?
  • Are Trinitarians Christians?
  • Is there clear proof that William Branham lied habitually?
  • Why did William Branham fake that he spoke in tongues?

These questions all focused around the agreed question for discussion:

William Branham is considered by his followers to be a prophet and, specifically, the messenger to the church of Laodicea (the fulfillment of Rev 3:14), the Elijah prophet (fulfilling Malachi4:5-6) and the angel of Revelation 10:7. Was William Branham who his followers say he is?

The following is a transcript of part 5 of our discussion:

Episode 70 – The 2020 Debate (Part 4)

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Episode 70 - The 2020 Debate (Part 4)
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This is part 4 of our discussion with message pastor Jesse Smith regarding the status of William Branham as a prophet.  Jax Cox and Tim Kraus act as moderators. Specifically, in this portion of our discussion, we deal with:

Specifically, in this portion of our discussion, we deal with

  • Does the Holy Spirit lead a person into the message?
  • Was William Branham lying when he said that he was standing under the Cloud?
  • Does the doctrine of the Trinity teach that God has 3 minds?
  • Did any giants of the Christian faith not follow the doctrine of the Trinity?

These questions all focused around the agreed question for discussion:

William Branham is considered by his followers to be a prophet and, specifically, the messenger to the church of Laodicea (the fulfillment of Rev 3:14), the Elijah prophet (fulfilling Malachi4:5-6) and the angel of Revelation 10:7. Was William Branham who his followers say he is?

The following is a transcript of part 4 of our discussion:

Episode 69 – The 2020 Debate (Part 3)

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Episode 69 - The 2020 Debate (Part 3)
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This is part 3 of our discussion with message pastor Jesse Smith regarding the status of William Branham as a prophet.  Specifically, in this portion of our discussion, we deal with:

  • How do we respond to WMB’s failed visions given the clear requirements of Deuteronomy 18:20 to 22?
  • How is this affected by cognitive bias?
  • Is the baptism of the Holy Spirit a separate work of grace, like salvation?
  • Do you have to accept the message of William Branham to be born again?
  • If WMB was the messenger to the church of Laodicea, the Elijah prophet and the angel of revelation 10:7, how could he be so lacking in credibility?

These questions all focused around the agreed question for discussion:

William Branham is considered by his followers to be a prophet and, specifically, the messenger to the church of Laodicea (the fulfillment of Rev 3:14), the Elijah prophet (fulfilling Malachi4:5-6) and the angel of Revelation 10:7. Was William Branham who his followers say he is?

The following is a transcript of part 3 of our discussion:

Episode 68 – The 2020 Debate (Part 2)

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Episode 68 - The 2020 Debate (Part 2)
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This is part 2 of our discussion with message pastor Jesse Smith regarding the status of William Branham as a prophet.  Specifically, in this portion of our discussion, we deal with the King James Version Only-ism, women wearing pants and whether it is OK to condemn people who are not Christians. Jay Cox and Tim Kraus are the moderators of our discussion.

The agreed question for discussion:

William Branham is considered by his followers to be a prophet and, specifically, the messenger to the church of Laodicea (the fulfillment of Rev 3:14), the Elijah prophet (fulfilling Malachi4:5-6) and the angel of Revelation 10:7. Was William Branham who his followers say he is?

MusicThe Disease of Conceit by Bob Dylan from the album, “Oh Mercy” (1989) – Available on Apple Music

Episode 67 – The 2020 Debate (Part 1)

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Episode 67 - The 2020 Debate (Part 1)
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On September 12, 2020, the first-ever English language debate was held between a message pastor (Jesse Smith of Akron, OH) and an ex-message Christian (Rod Bergen from the Off The Shelf podcast and the BelieveTheSign website). The discussion was moderated by C. Jay Cox and Tim Kraus.

The agreed question for discussion:

William Branham is considered by his followers to be a prophet and, specifically, the messenger to the church of Laodicea (the fulfillment of Rev 3:14), the Elijah prophet (fulfilling Malachi4:5-6) and the angel of Revelation 10:7. Was William Branham who his followers say he is?

In Part 1, Jay Cox and Tim Kraus introduce the participants followed by the opening statements of Pastor Jesse Smith and Rod Bergen.

MusicWar in my Mind by Beth Hart – Available on Apple Music

Episode 63 – Introducing Your New Co-Hosts (Part 3)

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Episode 63 - Introducing Your New Co-Hosts (Part 3)
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This episode concludes the discussion with our new co-hosts. Rod Bergen talks to Emily Arndt and Tim Kraus about a number of important issues relating to the message.

External links – Article on Pastor Vinworth Dayal from Trinidad

MusicGod Still Loves Me by Andrae Crouch – Available on Apple Music

Episode 62 – Introducing your new co-hosts (Part 2)

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Episode 62 - Introducing your new co-hosts (Part 2)
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This episode continues the introduction of our new co-hosts. Rod Bergen talks to Emily Arndt and Tim Kraus about a number of important issues relating to the message.

MusicThe Storm Still Rages by Rhonda Vincent – Available on Apple Music

Episode 56 – An interview with Cindy and Anna Bergen (Part 2)

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Episode 56 - An interview with Cindy and Anna Bergen (Part 2)
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Rod concludes the interview with his wife, Cindy and their daughter, Anna, regarding their experiences in the message and why they left.

Go to Part 1

Music – Father and Daughter by Paul Simon from the album The Essential Paul Simon (2007) – Available on iTunes

Episode 55 – An interview with Cindy and Anna Bergen (Part 1)

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Episode 55 - An interview with Cindy and Anna Bergen (Part 1)



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In this installment of Off The Shelf, Rod interviews his wife, Cindy and his daughter, Anna, about their experiences in the message.

External links:

Music – You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker from the album 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Joe Cocker (2000) – Available on iTunes

 

Episode 54 – An Interview with Dr. Gabriel Pollen (Part 2)

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Episode 54 - An Interview with Dr. Gabriel Pollen (Part 2)



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This is the conclusion of the interview with former message follower Dr. Gabriel Pollen of Zambia. Dr. Pollen recently received a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of London.

Dr. Pollen was raised in the message but recently came to grips with the problems in William Branham’s ministry.  This is his story.

Go to Part 1

Music – Love Education by Jon Gibson from the album Love Education (1995) – available from Amazon.

Lyrics for Love Education

So here I am in solo fashion
I sit alone inside my passion
Counting my years, all of my tears
I’ve cried a million, conquered my fears
The battle’s won, over and done
And yet I know that I’ve only begun…

Love education
Graduation from sin
That’s all it really is, baby
Love education
Graduation from sin

So there you were, your heart was broken, oh, yeah
Burdened with pain, words left unspoken
Don’t worry none, daughter nor son
Love’s many lessons, this is just one
Love saw you through, made you brand new
And it’s an honor to welcome you to…

Love education
Graduation from sin
That’s all it really is, baby
Love education
Graduation from sin
That’s all it really is, baby

Oh, baby, sweet love
Talkin’ ’bout love, love, baby
That’s all it really is
That’s all it is
Love, love, love
You know we all need it
Love is a healer and it saves
Oh, love is amazing, my dear

Somebody sing with me
Love is very patient
Love is very kind
Love is never boastful, baby
Love is never proud, haughty or loud
Love is very peaceful
Does not demand its own way, baby
And it bears all things
Believes all things
Hopes all things
Endures all things

Love is amazing
And it keeps getting stronger
Every time you smile
I think you better just hang on
For a little while longer, my dear
Paint a pretty smile each day
Love is a blessing, oh…
My dear

Episode 52 – An interview with Pastor James Manuel of South Africa (Part 3)

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Episode 52 - An interview with Pastor James Manuel of South Africa (Part 3)



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Rod continues his interview with former message pastor James Manuel of Cape Town, South Africa. James was in the message for almost 40 years.

Since leaving the message, James has embarked on a mission to expose the lies, deception, fraud and corruption in the message wherever and whenever he gets an opportunity.  He has challenged message ministers all over the world to prove the message correct and as a result has had some threaten his life.

James has stated that he is willing to publicly repent, recant and return to the message if anyone can convince him with hard evidence that his claims are false.  Likewise, if you fail to disprove what he claims, are you willing to turn your back on the message and follow the Lord Jesus Christ?

External links:

Music – Amazing Grace by Ladysmith Black Mambazo with Paul Simon, from the album Journey Of Dreams (1988) – available from Amazon

Episode 51 – An interview with Pastor James Manuel of South Africa (Part 2)

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Off The Shelf
Episode 51 - An interview with Pastor James Manuel of South Africa (Part 2)



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Rod continues his interview with former message pastor James Manuel of Cape Town, South Africa. James was in the message for almost 40 years.  He believed it, he lived it and he preached it. The message was all his wife and children knew and it was all he knew.

James has stated that he is willing to publicly repent, recant and return to the message if anyone can convince him with hard evidence that his claims are false.  Likewise, if you fail to disprove what he claims, are you willing to turn your back on the message and follow the Lord Jesus Christ?

External links:

Music – Jarusalema by Johnny Clegg & Juluka from the album African Litany (April 16, 1995) – available from Amazon