Unveiling of God no 71

The Christmas Message - "Fear Not"

December 23, 2018

Brian Kocourek, Pastor

This morning I would like to speak on The Christmas Message, and this message that I want to bring to you this morning is the same Christmas Message that the angel of the Lord brought to Joseph before the First Born son of God was born. It is also the same Christmas Message that the Angel of the Lord brought to Zacharias before John the Baptist was born and it is also the same Christmas Message that The Angel of the Lord brought to Mary before She conceived the Spoken Word first in her heart in order to let it drop down into her womb. It is also the very same Christmas Message that The Angel of the Lord brought to the shepherds that beautiful morning when The Son of God was born.

It is this same Christmas Message I would like to bring to you this morning, seeing that as your pastor I am God's angel to this church.

William Branham prophet of God said in his sermon Revelation book of symbols 56-0617 P:33 If a boy was at the door, and knocked at the door latch, tell the ushers, "I have a telegram here for Mrs. So-and-so and Mr. So-and-so." He would be a messenger, a earthly angel. Your pastor, when he stands here on the platform, ministering the Word of God, he is God's angel to the church, messenger to the church. Therefore, a pastor should never leave that Word, but stay straight with the Word, because He's feeding the shepherd's place, 'cause the word "pastor" means "shepherd." Look it up and find out if that ain't right. A pastor is a shepherd, and the Holy Ghost has made him overseer over His church and flock to feed them. What with? The Word of God. Amen.

And with this in mind, let me read something else brother Branham said concerning the minister and the people in his sermon God in simplicity 63-0317M P:21 When a minister walks into a congregation of people praying in the anointing of the Spirit, you're bound to hear from heaven. That's just all. There's no way to keep from it. But if you walk into confusion, then you're so confused, the Spirit's grieved. And, we don't want that, no. We want to come here to worship. We have lovely homes that I'm going to speak about just in a minute and so forth at home, where we visit our friends and take them. This is the house of the Lord.

Therefore, when you go to our friends homes, that you visit with your friends, but when you come to God's house, and as William Branham said, "This is the house of the Lord." Therefore here is where you come to visit with him. So if we come prayed up and expecting to hear from God through his proper channel, we are bound to hear from heaven.

When a minister walks into a congregation of people praying in the anointing of the Spirit, you're bound to hear from heaven. That's just all. There's no way to keep from it.

Therefore as God's angel to this Church, His messenger to this local assembly, I wish to bring to you this morning the very same Christmas Message that The Angle of the Lord brought to his first church at the time of the birth of the first born son of God.

And to do that we must also understand who that first church was, because if we can see who they were and look at their attributes and characteristics, then perhaps what we saw in the Alpha will soon become a reality to us in this Omega.

Therefore, I wish to show and point out to you who that very first church was in the Alpha, so you may see that they were the very first witnesses to the birth of the son of God.

Br. Branham called them the first church. And therefore we will look at this Christmas Message in the Alpha and see how it affected each and every one whom this Beautiful Christmas Message was given to.

So let's open our Bibles this morning for our text the Gospel of Luke, and we will begin with chapter one and we will begin reading at verse 5.

Luke 1:5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

Now the first attributes we see mentioned here concerning the very first members of the first church is the fact that they were righteous before God. Now this word righteous comes from the old English and means rightly-wise. So they were rightly-wise concerning God and His commandments, and His ordinances of which they were considered blameless.

Notice there is nothing said of how religious they were, or how zealous they were, but the word righteous is used to describe their walk with God. In other words their walk with God and their following and walking in all the commandments and ordinances is a reflection or their right-wise-ness with God and His Word.

Now, the Apostle John taught us in I John 3:7 "he that doeth righteous-ness is righteous, even as He (He's speaking of God,) is righteous." So we see that we receive the designation being righteous not from what we know, but from what we do with what we know to be right. "He that doeth righteousness is righteous, He that doeth what is right shows he is rightly wise. And then John adds, "even as" (which means in the same way as) He (God,) is rightly-wise. So our doing is what God looks at, because "by their fruits you shall know them". And that is John 14:12, doing as Jesus did. So when a person tells you that the church does not need to do as Jesus did, they are showing that they are not rightly-wise.

Now we continue reading in Luke 1:7  And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. 8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, 9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

Fifth seal the 63-0322 P:158 Now, the incense was the odors, odorous stuff that they burnt, which the Bible said was "the prayers of the saints." If there isn't no sacrifice on the altar, then the prayers cannot be received. It's only by the Blood on the sacrificial altar that lets the prayers go through to God.

Now, brother Branham was referring to here from the book of Revelation 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.

Now, let me explain what John is saying here. How many have ever seen a wind tunnel. Of course you can't see wind, you can just feel it. But in order to see it they use smoke or the mist from dried ice so that when the wind passes through the tunnel you can see it's shape and the form it takes as it swirls through the tunnel.

Picture of wind tunnel to test wind drag Notice the lines of smoke when they hit the aerofoil

Now, when the incense is burnt according to the Scriptures we just read, it ascends up to heaven and as it ascends up it gives us an indication of how the prayers of the saints also ascend up to God. So as you will see in an aerofoil, the streams are not like an instant flash, like we have with data technology, not like a lightning strike, not instantaneously, but slowly, and gently they rise up to God. Like the old Indian smoke signals that were used to communicate to one another.

Now, back to our scripture reading. Luke 1:10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. You see, they understood what the incense represented, and they wanted to be part of that group prayer that went up to God. For God has a way, and he has ministries that assemble the people together and when they come together around that ministry and pray, we are told by God's prophet that we are bound to hear from heaven.

But today, it's like it was in the days of the judges when there was no Prophet in the land and every man did what he thought was right in his own eyes, and they refuse to gather together. But we are commanded to gather together even the more so as we see the day of Christ approaching.

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

This is what we are supposed to do, and I have often wondered, and almost like a premonition or mental Vision, I've seen so many times where the Prophet for this age will one day on a Wednesday night as we are gathered together, I've seen in my heart so many, many times like a mental vision the prophet of God for this age will walk through those doors back there and tell us come, the Resurrection is on.

Now, you may think I'm trying to make something of myself by saying that, but before God as my witness, I am not, and God is my witness. I think I am a spiritual man, and I believe sons of God are led by the spirit of God, and that is just exactly the way Brother Branham said it would be.

From his sermon Man that can turn on light 63-1229M P:69 My son Billy Paul, he talks in his sleep, but he doesn't have dreams very often. He had one the other night that shook him up. Said he'd dreamed he was at a church, and they... I hadn't come in yet. Said when I come in, fire was flying out of the eyes. And I said, "The time is here; it's over." And everybody begin screaming, "I can't, my children." And me...My wife said, "I can't get Sarah to ask the blessing at the table," and so forth. And I said...He said, "I've got to go get Loyce and the baby."I said, "Loyce can't come now. The baby's too young to know. Billy the hour is here; we must go." I said, "It's midnight now, before daylight Jesus will be here. If it isn't then I'm a false witness of Christ."And somebody spoke up and said, "No man knows the minute or hour.""I never said minute or hour; I said sometime between now and daylight." I said, "Let's go, Billy. And I said something... I said, "But we're at the time; let's go." And we got in the car and started. And we started up the mountain. And when we did, it was, looked like the light was coming, and the skies were dark upon the earth. He said I pulled off the side of the road, held my hands over like this, fire still flying from my eyes. And he said I said, "Lord, I have did this at Your command. I have did this just because that You told me to do it this a-way. I have did these things according to what You've told me." And I motioned to a big granite mountain, and a Light without hands cut a stone out of the mountain weighing hundreds of tons and here it come. I said, "Turn your heads; don't look. It'll be, all be over just in a few minutes." Said, "Then a great holy hush come everywhere as this Stone come towards the place." 70 It may be later than we think. There... See, that's exactly Scriptural (You see?), the Stone without hands cut out of the mountain. And so one of these days it's going to be that way when you're going to scream for something. I said to him, "You've already had that time. God has constantly warned you time after time." Yeah, I said, "Even if it's my own kid or whoever it is, the hour is here. I can only say what He's told me to say, and it'll be here, and it was." And then all of a sudden here He come a Stone cut out of the mountain without hands. Daniel saw that, you know, back many years ago. And Billy knowed nothing about that, but it was a dream sent to him from the Lord. Now, see, they claim to be worshipping that very God that they were making fun of. And the same thing has reversed again today by the same reason, living in a glare instead of the Light.

11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 15  For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. 16  And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 18  And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. 19  And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. 20  And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. 21  And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. 22  And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. 23  And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.

What a sermon that last verse could bring. Although he remained dumb, and could not speak, yet he stayed on the job and continued to minister to the people. I've seen over the years so many people get a hang nail on their toe and so they stay home from their post of duty. I want you to understand something. I understand well that you cannot be a disciple without discipline.

That is why I was so tough on my children growing up and every Saturday night we shut down all activities in the home when dad went into his study.

No videos, no entertainment, just preparation for church in the morning. To come with the right attitude expecting to hear from God. I've preached through being sick with the flu, I've ministered here and abroad with pneumonia, and even double pneumonia. I've preached when I was so sick I was about to faint, because my post of duty is here at this pulpit, and yours is to be in your seat worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth. It is not just the preacher who has a post of duty. Every Christian if he's in the army of God has his post of duty and if you don't understand that you do not yet understand what it means to be a Christian yet. The Church of this age is blind and naked and know it not. And in the army any man that is caught not at his post of duty is sent to the brig for desertion and is court-martialed and kicked out of the army. What do you think the sentence will be when the Chief Captain has his tribunal White Throne Judgment?

We've had people over the years wander in here and then wander right back out and they've never learned what it means to be a soldier of the cross. To be a soldier of the cross means "when the going gets tough, the tough get going".

So you can always tell those who come for the social aspect of church. Some who have even been elected as officers in the church, officers in the army of God, and when they left their post of duty it's called desertion. Well, at the white throne there is no excuse, and they'll be Court-Martials taking place there. That is God's army.

But this age is so filled with excuses for calling themselves men, in fact some are afraid to even use the word man. That's Insanity. But this age like non before it is filled with metro sexual, feminized, weak, sissified, and as brother Branham called them, hot-house-plants and it's no wonder there may be only as few as 500 people that will make the rapture. I can see understand why.

As you know I am in touch with believers from all over the world and I don't know if I could mark out 500 who have the mark of God, those "who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the city. "As it was in the days of Noah wherein 8 souls were saved, so shall it be when the son of Man is Revealed".

From his sermon Expectations 61-0308 P:80 brother Branham said, Clergymen, could you mark out on your hands ten people tonight in this city that's sighing and crying, day and night, for the wickedness and things that's done in the city? Does anybody in this audience know where you could put your fingers on five people that sigh and cry day and night for the sins and things of the city? Well now, the Bible said set a mark upon those who sigh and cry for the abomination did in the city. That's right. That's it. See? No more burden for lost souls; it's all gone. We've joined church and settled down. "That's all that's necessary." See? That's how we get... It's so... Sin is so sneaky, and it sneaks right up on you before you know it. See? That's the way it does. It just grabs you like the old toboggan slide use to be, and it's got you. The devil does that. Now, brother, let's get plumb back off of his territory; let's come back to God; come back to the altar; rebuild the altar again that's been torn down. And build up your home. Take them cards off the table, and all of them old love story magazines. And open up the Bible, and read the Bible, and pray. And just don't get down and say, "Bless my family, Mary, and Joe, and John, and all of them," get in the bed. No, sir. Stay there with God. Oh, my.

Questions and answers COD 64-0830M P:44 Who sigh and cry for the abominations that's did in the city... Where do you see that? I can show you ten thousand speaking in tongues to one that's really burdened for sin... That can't even pray a hour. But did you know the Bible said to mark only those who sighed and cried for the abominations in the city? How many ever read it? Sure. That was the Holy Spirit come forth to mark the people, and said to the destroying Angel, "Go forth and destroy everything that doesn't have that mark upon them." And the mark of God is the Holy Ghost; is a Seal of God. Now, where is them people that's that interested? I can show you people that jump up-and-down and cry in a church; I can show you people that shout and run all over the building; I can show you people that prophesy, and it comes to pass; I can show you those who speak in tongues, and run up and down the buildings, and say things that actually interpret and it comes to pass; but where is that person that sighs and cries for the abominations that's did in the city? Where's that burdened soul?

Oh, my He said to Zacharias, "Fear Not". From brother Branham's sermon God testifying of His gifts 52-0713E P:49 So don't fear; fear is of the devil. Everything Jesus would say, "Fear not, fear not," constantly, "fear not, fear not." Is that right? Always, "Fear not."Now, God don't want you to fear; He wants you to believe.

Revelation chapter 5 pt 2 61-0618 P:47 Now, I want you to notice here. I'm looking right down at this 5th chapter, when he looked at it, "Fear not..." In this 5th verse, "Fear not..." See, always you don't want to get scared about anything....

There was only 6 or so in the first church that saw the first coming of the Son of God, and I think it will be more like the days of Noah wherein only 8 souls were saved. It's time for people to like the apostle Paul said in 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

But The first Christmas Message to those 6 in the first Church was "Fear Not". And to the Bride of Christ I say this morning, you have the Holy Spirit, and you know you are led by the Spirit of God and you know you are always at your post of duty, so "Fear Not" For He is Hear, He has arrived." It's all over, now and "in the presence of the Lord is fullness of Joy."

24  And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, 25  Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. 26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

Now, I want you to notice something here if there be any male chauvinists listening in, The Angel of the Lord came to Mary before she came to Joseph. Not making Mary the head of the house, but sometimes God deals with the wife before he deals with the man. So just because you are male don't you ever get that thought in your heart that you are better than your wife. Your stinking DNA has nothing to do with it, it's God's DNA that counts.

If your having trouble with what I just said read it again, 26  And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

And I will tell you something else, brother Vayle told me that William Branham prophet of God told him there will be more women make it in the Rapture than there will be men. So just get humble before God and get your eyes off of any flesh, and get them on God Who is the Word.

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor (Grace) with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

And so what did Mary say? Well according to some fool who calls himself a professor in Minnesota, he said He impregnated Mary against her will? Did He? That's not what Mary said, she said, 38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

What was Mary's response to God's Christmas Message Fear not, knowing all the mocking and name calling that would occur if she stepped into that Word of Promise? She said, be it unto me according to thy word. and upon hearing her words the angel of the Lord departed from her. He was comforted enough to just be able to leave he with the promise, and not have to hold her hand throughout the entire next 9 months. Oh, give me a Bride of Christ like Mary or Elisabeth over doubting men like Zacharias and Joseph any day.

39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; (She was so excited to tell the news to her cousin Elsiabeth she went in haste. Just Like Abraham did when the Lord appeared to him, he went to the tent in haste to prepare the fatted calf. No wonder about what was happening with him, nor with her. Didn't have to twist her arm, nor Elisabeth's arm, nor Abraham's arm, they went about stepping into the word of Promise with haste.)

40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. (Now this word saluted means she embraced with her arms around Elisabeth. We may be in the army of God but our salute is not like the armies of today, our is embracing the brethren with Godly love which she did.)

41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

You know the Apostle Paul said we can transfer the Holy Ghost to one another through the laying on of hands, and so we see Mary wrap her arms around her cousin and now Elisabeth and John both received the Holy Ghost at one and the same time. Hallelujah.

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

But let me also give you a warning concerning this laying on of hands, if your motives and objectives are wrong, it matters not if your understanding is correct. because there was one who saw this laying on of hands, and he wanted to use it to make money for himself.

Acts 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22  Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

Notice at least this man after getting rebuked didn't leave the church, but asked forgiveness because he knew he had seen the reality of the living God in the midst of the people and the working of the Holy Ghost in the lives of the Apostles. But today we've had people come to this church and see more miracles among this little group of people than Simon had seen in the early church there, and yet they've left as though they're just moving on and they don't know how backslidden.

Oh I preach hell and I preach it hot, and for that I expect to be hated, but what did Peter tell Simon?

20  But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: (you don't have the Holy Ghost and you never will with your attitude) for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 But then Peter gave him a way back, and said,  "Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23  For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

And of course look at Simons response. 24  Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

It's very rare to see that response in men today. But by Grace I have seen it in a few, and I am so happy when I see it.

And look at Elisabeth's response to Mary's report, she didn't get jealous, she realized that the Holy Ghost was at work in Mary and her own life. Too often today when God does something for someone people get that jealous spirit on them. Don't you ever let that spirit come in, rebuke it the first moment you recognize it coming and God will bless you for doing that

42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Oh how humble she was. She could have said, well that's nothing Mary, you're young and it's no big thing for you to have a baby, but look at me I'm 69 years old and I'm going to have a baby too. And at my age it's a far greater miracle it is for you? Now, that is the way it would happen in this hour. People have got that silly jealous spirit so much that instead of getting blessed when others are blessed, they get jealous. Stop it! Just stop that nonsense, and enjoy the fact that God has a family he is dealing with.

44  For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

Mary, my baby was dead in my womb until he heard your voice with your embrace of me, and we both received the Holy Ghost.

45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Oh how I love those words. Blessed is she that believeth, and there shall be, not I hope there will be, but there shall be a performance of the promise given to you. As it was spoken so shall it be done.

46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47  And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For He hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49 For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

Oh My Bride of Christ, can you say along with Mary those same words? My soul doth magnify the Lord... can you say along with Mary He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. for this is the hour that God has said, "I no longer call you church but I call you Bride."

50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. (do you rightly fear Him this morning little bride?)

51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. 54 He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55  As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. 56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

Oh, my, w could stop right now, because we have covered 9 pages, but I'm just getting started. This is rich.

So let's go to the book of Matthew and read on concerning this first Christmas Message from the Angel of the Lord to the first Church and see what he said to Joseph....1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privately. 20 But while he thought on these things, (now the word thought upon is not what you think. The Greek word says he was so infuriated and full of wrath and anger that he could hardly catch his breath. And so his thoughts are "How could she do this to me" and while he was in that condition.) behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Now, I don't want to make small light of what took place here. You might say, well it was only a dream. But listen, It took a lot more faith to believe a dream than to believe an angelic being that suddenly appeared to you. So this man definitely was led by the Holy Ghost to do what was right to do, which is righteousness, doing what is right.

But that First Christmas Message to Joseph was "Fear not".

Believe ye that I can do this? 51-0509 P:33 Jesus always said, "Fear not." Do not fear. Don't fear. Don't do that. If you do, then God can't work with you. And if you do believe, then God can work with you. Isn't that right? Now, have faith in God. I believe that's what Jesus said, "Have faith in God."

Now, let's continue with our little study of the first church as small as it was. And I think most of us can identify with this first church because this congregation if it were all assembled together in one place although it might be considered a large church, yet because we are scattered all over the world, and only a few here and a few there, just a handful here and a handful there, but our setting all alone here and there is to help us to stay focused on Christ and to be able to identify with the first church. For the Alpha must repeat in this Omega.

Now, this next group I want for you to see were the shepherd who also heard this beautiful Christmas Message that the others were given.

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Now, to hurry so we don't keep you too late let's continue and see yet another member of this early church, as we pick up at verse

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. 25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: (see, another member of the first church who was led by the Spirit) and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory (the Doxa) of thy people Israel. 33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35  (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Notice his words to Mary were to warn her that although her son would save the people yet he would be fought against at every turn. Sometimes, people get their minds all messed up thinking why is everything such a struggle? Because it is ordained to go that way. He told her what was in store for this little bundle of joy when he came into his ministry, and the same is ordained for anyone who proclaims the name of the Lord.

Now, let's go to our last example as we pick up at verse 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 39  And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

Reproach for the word 62-1223 P:75 There's old blind Anna setting in the temple praying. The Lord revealed to her "Simeon is right." Amen! She couldn't see daylight from dark, but she could see farther than many people today that has got good eyes. She saw in the Spirit the coming Messiah was at hand, the Spirit moving in her heart. See what a little bitty church there was? Zacharias, Elisabeth, Mary, John, Anna and Simeon, six out of the millions. Like in the days of Noah; six of them. God dealt with everyone of them. They was all in harmony. They all got together. Amen.

How can I overcome 63-0825M P:72 That's the way every believer does. That's the way Noah did. That's the way Lot did. That's the way... Look what a mess he was in. That's the way Moses did. That's the way Joshua did. That's the way Daniel did. That's the way Shadrach, Meshach did. That's the way John the Baptist did, Zacharias, Elisabeth. That's the way that Simeon, that's the way that Anna, every one of them did. They overcome the mud that was around them and packed into them, stuck their head above the thing, and shined forth the glory of God. That's what a real Christian does.

Why cry speak 63-0714M P:50 Look at old Simeon, ordained to Life. When the Messiah come in the temple in the form of a Baby in His mother's arms, Simeon, back in a room somewhere reading, the Holy Spirit raised him up, for he was waiting. That Life was in him. He said, "I'll not die until I see the Lord's Christ." And there was the Lord's Christ in the temple. The Holy Spirit led him from his duty out, and walked down through there, and picked that baby up, and said, "Let the... Let Thy servant depart in peace, for my eyes see Thy salvation."There was an old blind woman in the corner by the name of Anna who served the Lord day and night. She also was predicting and saying, "The Messiah is coming. I can see Him coming." Yet she was blind, and that same time when He was there, that little Life that was in her that was predicted it would be there; it would be there; it would be there. Then that same Life, the Light, came in the building in the form of a Baby as an illegitimate child, wrapped in His swaddling clothes, coming up through the building; and the Holy Spirit struck that old blind woman, and she come by the Spirit, led to the people, and stood over this Baby, and blessed the mother and blessed the Baby, and told what would be the future for it. See? Ordained to Life. See? Look at them. There wasn't a dozen of them. There was only eight souls saved in the day of Noah. Hardly very many, but all that was ordained to Life come in at that time. See how the Holy Spirit works in each age, drawing the people?

True sign that's overlooked 61-1112 P:152 Day and night, constantly Ann was in the temple constantly praying day, night. When they brought Jesus in, she had come in blind through the building, moved around--a blind woman--put her hands upon Him, and blessed God; because in her physical blindness, in her spirit, she was moved by the Spirit up to where He was standing. There Simeon, waiting for Him back in the prayer room, back there, knowed that he had a promise by the Holy Ghost that He'd not die, an old man eighty, nearly ninety years old... And he was--told the people openly, "I'll not see death until I see the Messiah." And at that same minute, a little old Baby... What was He? Not a celebrity, all the guards standing at attention when they brought the Messiah in, wrapped up real sweet and nice, and pretty and spiced up, and perfumed like little babies who come to be dedicated. But a little mother that had been spoken evil about... Said she had a baby out of holy wedlock, wrapped in swaddling cloth,... yoke--ox yoke goods wrapped around Him, walking up through the building and everybody keeping their distance from Him. But here come that little bunch, that little group, Anna for one, Simeon another, walking down through the line, not knowing when he was going, and cast his eyes upon It, and raised his hands, and said, "Lord, let Thy servant depart in peace now, according to Your Word, for my eyes are beholding Thy Salvation." See, see?

Expectations 51-0714 P:20 Now, let's take this case now of Simeon. Now, he was a righteous old man. He believed that God was going to let him see the Christ before he saw death. Now, let's say he's eighty something years old. And then He had another witness there. There was Anna the prophetess at the temple, John the Baptist, and Joseph and Mary, and many of them: a remnant. God has always had a remnant somewhere. And He's got a remnant tonight. Don't you believe that? Now, tonight, His remnant are composed of His Body, His spiritual Body here on earth, baptized people into the Body making it the Body of Christ. Now, that doesn't represent any certain church; it just represents all the baptized people of God into one Body. By not one church, but by one Spirit are we all baptized to one Body and become members of the Body of Christ.

Revelation chapter 4 pt 1 60-1231 P:10 Did you notice in the coming of the Lord, those who really received Him was Simeon, nobody never heard nothing about him, but he was looking for the Lord; blind Anna in the temple, John the Baptist in the wilderness. And those...John went in the wilderness at nine years old, never appeared again till he was thirty: in the wilderness. And men like that who secretly believed, and kept humble, they was looking for the coming of the Lord. And they never did blow their meetings up and have to put it on great signs (the hour, the time) and telecasts and everything. That's all right to those who want to do it that way, but, to me, that doesn't seem Christ-like.

Sirs we would see Jesus 57-1211 P:45 Look at Simeon in the temple that morning when he was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death till he had seen the Lord's Christ. Came right out in the temple, led by the Holy Spirit, right straight to that little virgin standing there with a baby in her arms, wrapped in swaddling cloth, and picked that little baby up in his arms, and said, "Lord, let Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy Word. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation."Look at old blind Ann, Anna in the temple, a prophetess, waited for the consolation of Israel. And she served the Lord day and night in the temple by fasting and praying. And being Spirit led, she comes by the Holy Spirit, blind, right straight and picked up the baby and prophesied over Him, and for those who waited for the consolation of Israel.

Then Jesus came and called 64-0417 P:62 The disciples was upon the sea one night, and all hopes was gone. Maybe you're setting here tonight the same way: all hopes gone. Their little boat was waterlogged and everything, and then Jesus had... They'd went away without Him. And then when they was screaming, and crying, and wondering what was going to happen, what taken place next? They seen Him come walking upon the sea. You know what? They were scared of Him. It looked spooky. Looked something like might be some kind of spiritualism or something. See? Here come a Man walking out there like a shadow on the water, and they begin to scream out. The only thing that could help them, and then they were afraid of it. If that ain't just exactly the way it is today. They're afraid of it: afraid of it. But what happened? Just in the hour of their fear, a voice came, said, "Fear not. It is I." Then Jesus came along. Oh, my. Jesus came along. "Fear not. It is I."

Shalom 64-0112 P:43 The hour is upon us, darkness, gross darkness, gross darkness on the people now, that's what it is. What does it all mean? Where we standing? What hour are we in? How close are we to the coming? Why, you say, "When all they have a revival...""Fear not, little flock, it's your Father's good will to give you the Kingdom." All right. What does it mean? God has begin to separate the Light from the darkness (See?), pressing it behind, like He did in the beginning to show the dawn of a new day. The church ages are fading out. God is pressing the darkness into a place; it has to do it to fade out the church organizations, fade out the world. The world is covering the thing over, and worldlyism has took the whole thing. Then isn't God right? By worldly things, and worldly dressing, and worldly acting, and worldly living, it's the world. Ye are not of the world, little children. You are of heaven. This is not your home. Why should I look to, us older people try to look back and get young again? We can't do that. But we're looking forward, not looking back. Looking here, what has been, and we want to know what's going to be. And we're looking for that hour, pressing for it.

Remembering the Lord 62-1209 P:1 Thank you, Brother Neville. So glad to be here, Brother Neville, and the opportunity to set in these heavenly places again in Christ Jesus. And numbers never did bother me; it always excites me. You know, I'm more at home when I'm with a small number, 'cause that's what I think the Church is. Yeah, I have a Scripture for that, says, "Fear not, little Flock; it's your Father's good will to give you the Kingdom." And I would... That's the little Flock I want to be numbered with at that day, the one that He said, "Not to fear."

Letting off the pressure 62-0609E P:51 Jesus said in John 14, "I am the Vine; ye are the branches." And the first branch that come forth out of that Vine they wrote a Book of Acts behind it. That's right. And today, we have denominations living on the name of Christianity, but only bearing denominational fruit. That's right. But if that Vine ever puts forth another branch, you'll write a Book of Acts behind it, because it'll bear the original life. If the Spirit of Christ is in the church, well, it'll do the works of Christ. Jesus said so. Then we can let off the steam, let off the pressure. You don't have to run from church to church. Just come to Christ. What did He do? How did we know Him? What would He be if He was here in the city tonight? What would He do if He stood here? He would tell you of a place. "Fear not... (the first thing after the resurrection), fear not. Don't be all upset. I'm He that was dead and is alive again. I am the same yesterday, today, and forever." We would know Him.

Be not afraid 61-0311 P:89 "Fear not; it is I. Be not afraid. Be not afraid now; it's I. Be of a good cheer. Be of a good courage. Build yourself up. I've got My eye on you, I'm watching you. I'm coming into the midst of the Assemblies, into the midst of the Church of God." I'm coming in here to do what? To take out the elected, not to make another organization but a rapture to go home. I'm coming for that

Patmos vision 60-1204E P:134 Don't get scared. Why would we fear? Why would the church fail to think of His Word? Let's stop here just for a minute, 'cause we're closing. Why would this church ever fear? What has He ever promised that He hasn't manifested before us? Why would you fear a punishment or a hereafter, "Fear not. I am He that was, He that is, and will come. I'm the First and the Last. I have the keys of hell and death right here." Why? "I've overcome and conquered both hell and death (That's both grave and hades; death itself, hades itself.) for you. I've overcome it all. I overcome hell, death, grave." When He was on earth, He was the only gra...

When divine love is projected 57-0126E P:41 When those hornets had me covered, and I knew that I'd be stung to death in a few moments, instead of running or being afraid...There's only two elements that you can be controlled by: That is either faith or doubt. And that is... Doubt will accompany, fear will accompany doubt. So if you're... Jesus said, "Fear not." Don't be afraid. God keeps His Word. No matter what condition you are tonight, God keeps His Word. In closing now, in a few moments, listen close. What happened? I loved those fellows. That seems strange, but I did. And here's why... I talked to them. Now, I do not say they understood me, but somebody understood me, for I said, "Little creatures of God, I've interrupted you. You were sleeping, and I interrupted you. But I am the servant of your Creator, and His sick children are in my home to be prayed for. And I was mowing the grass, and I'm sorry I disturbed you, little creatures of God. Now, in the Name of Jesus Christ your Creator, my Lord, hurry back into your house, and I will not bother you no more."And when I meet you at the judgment... Those hornets swarming over me had never touched me as yet, and they lined up in a single line and went right straight back in their nest. Love projected, sovereign grace takes its place.

Let us pray