Off the Shelf

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 … Continue reading "Episode 77 – Pastor Jeff Jenkins – 7 Years Later (Part 3)"

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 … Continue reading "Episode 76 – Pastor Jeff Jenkins – 7 Years Later (Part 2)"

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 … Continue reading "Episode 75 – Pastor Jeff Jenkins – Seven Years Later (Part 1)"

This is the first in a new series that we are going to be doing called Talks with Tim.  Tim Kraus, as our regular listeners know, is one of the co-hosts on Off The Shelf.  If you would like some background on Tim, please listen to episode 61 where we talk to Tim at length … Continue reading "Episode 74 – Talks with Tim – Donny Reagan Gets Excited"

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 … Continue reading "Episode 73 – The 2020 Debate (Part 7)"

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 … Continue reading "Episode 72 – The 2020 Debate (Part 6)"

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 … Continue reading "Episode 71 – The 2020 Debate (Part 5)"

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 … Continue reading "Episode 70 – The 2020 Debate (Part 4)"

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? … Continue reading "Episode 69 – The 2020 Debate (Part 3)"

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 … Continue reading "Episode 68 – The 2020 Debate (Part 2)"

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 … Continue reading "Episode 67 – The 2020 Debate (Part 1)"

This is the conclusion of the interview with Eleisha Moreno, a former follower of Joseph Coleman, who initiated the Seven Thunders Inspiration, a sub-cult within the “Message” (which is how followers of William Branham refer to themselves). Book – When Prophecy Fails by Leon Festinger Music – Losing My Religion by Lauren Daigle from the … Continue reading "Episode 66 – The Seven Thunders – An Interview with Eleisha Moreno (Part 3)"

In this episode, Emily, Rod, and Tim interview Eleisha Moreno, a former follower of Joseph Coleman, who initiated the Seven Thunders Inspiration, a sub-cult within the “Message” (which is how followers of William Branham refer to themselves). Rod starts the podcast with an editorial comment on a topic that is getting a lot of play … Continue reading "Episode 65 – The Seven Thunders – An Interview with Eleisha Moreno (Part 2)"

In this episode, Emily, Rod, and Tim interview Eleisha Moreno, a former follower of Joseph Coleman, who initiated the Seven Thunders Inspiration, a sub-cult within the “Message” (which is how followers of William Branham refer to themselves). Joseph Coleman preached his first sermon in Eleisha’s grandparents’ home in the early 1960’s, so Eleisha’s knowledge of … Continue reading "Episode 64 – The Seven Thunders – An Interview with Eleisha Moreno (Part 1)"

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

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. Music – The Storm Still Rages by Rhonda Vincent – Available on Apple Music

Season 2 (Episode 61) of Off The Shelf starts with an introduction to our new co-hosts. Rod Bergen talks to Emily Arndt (see episode 16) about what has happened to her over the last couple of years and Tim Kraus tells of how he came to the message and why he left. Music – Call … Continue reading "Episode 61 – Season 2 Kick-Off – Introducing Your New Co-Hosts"

Listen to Jay Cox, a message follower, in a conversation with Rod Bergen, a former message believer.  In this conclusion of their interview,, they discuss why someone should follow William Branham and the status is of those who do not follow William Branham.   Other topics referred to in the interview: Dallas Willard on Post-modern … Continue reading "Episode 60 – An interview with message follower C. Jay Cox (Part 4)"

With apologies for an almost 2 year hiatus, Rod continues his conversation with Jay Cox, a follower of William Branham.  In part 3, they discuss whether William Branham made any real prophecies.  Their discussion includes (click on the underlined links to read further): Related Links Searching for Vindication Pillar of fire on the Ohio river … Continue reading "Episode 59 – An interview with message follower C. Jay Cox (Part 3)"

Rod continues his conversation with Jay Cox, a follower of William Branham.  In this second part, they discuss whether William Branham made any real prophecies.  Their discussion includes: What is the Biblical Test for a Prophet? The Seven Visions of 1933 Did President Roosevelt start World War 2? Video – The prophecy of the egg-shaped … Continue reading "Episode 58 – An interview with message follower C. Jay Cox (Part 2)"

Listen to Jay Cox, a message follower, in a conversation with Rod Bergen, a former message believer.  In this first part, they discuss what it means to be a follower of William Branham; where Jay places himself in the world of the message and the types of prophecies that William Branham made. External links: The … Continue reading "Episode 57 – An interview with message follower C. Jay Cox (Part 1)"

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

In this installment of Off The Shelf, Rod interviews his wife, Cindy and his daughter, Anna, about their experiences in the message. External links: BelieveTheSign article – The Municipal Bridge Vision Searching For Vindication website Music – You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker from the album 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best … Continue reading "Episode 55 – An interview with Cindy and Anna Bergen (Part 1)"

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 … Continue reading "Episode 54 – An Interview with Dr. Gabriel Pollen (Part 2)"

Rod interviews 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. Music – Songs That Answer Questions by Gaither Vocal … Continue reading "Episode 53 – An Interview with Dr. Gabriel Pollen (Part 1)"

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

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

Rod interviews 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. Since leaving the message, James has embarked on a … Continue reading "Episode 50 – An interview with Pastor James Manuel of South Africa (Part 1)"

Rod and Andrew Loza, a former police detective, continue their discussion of the doctrine of the seven church ages. External links: BelieveTheSign article on the Seven Church Age doctrine BelieveTheSign article on whether the message is a cult BelieveTheSign article on Christians that were required to believe Satanic doctrine Music – Wishful Thinking  by MercyMe … Continue reading "Episode 49 – A Biblical view of the Seven Church Ages – An Interview with Andrew Loza (Part 2)"

Rod and one of our listeners, Andrew Loza, a former police detective, discuss growing up in the message and  what led him to leave the message.  They also begin a discussion of the doctrine of the seven church ages. Sermon quotes played in this podcast: William Branham, The Invisible Union Of The Bride Of Christ, … Continue reading "Episode 48 – A Biblical view of the Seven Church Ages – An Interview with Andrew Loza (Part 1)"

Rod & John continue to examine Wisper Gwena’s defence of William Branham.  In this episode, Pastor Gwena’s defense of William Branham is challenged on the basis that: All of William Branham’s prophecies are “after the fact” and even some of those he gets wrong. William Branham made no valid “before the fact” prophecies on any of … Continue reading "Episode 47 – How to defend William Branham… poorly (Part 5)"

Rod & John continue to examine Wisper Gwena’s defence of William Branham.  They examine what cognitive dissonance is and discuss Pastor Gwena’s claim that he is not the one suffering from cognitive dissonance, rather it is John and Rod that are the ones that are experiencing cognitive dissonance.  But is this really the case? External Links: … Continue reading "Episode 46 – How to defend William Branham… poorly (Part 4)"

Rod & John continue to examine Wisper Gwena’s defence of William Branham.  Pastor Gwena is from Waltham Abbey (North London), UK where he is the pastor of Spoken Word Ministry church.  Joining Rod is John Collins, author of the Seek The Truth website and grandson of Willard Collins, the former pastor of Branham Tabernacle in Jeffersonville, Indiana. … Continue reading "Episode 45 – How to defend William Branham… poorly (Part 3)"

Rod and his daughter, Anna, share stories from our listeners about their experiences with celebrating (or not celebrating) Christmas in the message.  Rod ends the podcast with a description of what Christmas is really all about. External links Article on Christianity and the Celebration of Christmas Article on William Branham and the Birth of Jesus … Continue reading "Episode 44 – Christmas in the message"

Rod & John continue to examine Wisper Gwena’s defence of William Branham.  Specifically, they examine a number of significant problems with William Branham such as the lack of newspaper articles which William Branham said appeared across the US and Canada; his lies about travelling around the world seven times; his visit to Pigalle; the problems with … Continue reading "Episode 43 – How to defend William Branham… poorly (Part 2)"

In this episode, Rod  responds to a defense of William Branham that was presented by Wisper Gwena, pastor of Spoken Word Ministry church, Waltham Abbey (North London), UK.  Rod is joined by John Collins, author of the Seek The Truth website and grandson of Willard Collins, the former pastor of Branham Tabernacle in Jeffersonville, Indiana.  … Continue reading "Episode 42 – How to defend William Branham… poorly (Part 1)"

Several weeks ago, we received an email from a listener.  Here is an excerpt from that email: In a nutshell, I feel like I am in the very beginning stages of “Message Recovery”… terrified of attending “any church”, still struggling with fear of “damnation” and “total confusion” of who/what God is vs. the Indoctrination of … Continue reading "Episode 41 – Recovering from the message"

This is part 2 of the interview with former message followers, Paul & Kathy Jenkins.  Paul’s father, Lonnie Jenkins, was a well known teacher in the message and Paul was also the worship leader for many years at Believers Christian Fellowship in Lima, Ohio.  Paul is the brother of Jeff Jenkins, who we have interviewed several … Continue reading "Episode 40 – Interview with Paul & Kathy Jenkins (Part 2)"

In this episode, Rod talks to former message followers, Paul & Kathy Jenkins.  Paul’s father, Lonnie Jenkins, was a well known teacher in the message and Paul was also the worship leader for many years at Believers Christian Fellowship in Lima, Ohio.  Paul is the brother of Jeff Jenkins, who we have interviewed several times on … Continue reading "Episode 39 – Interview with Paul & Kathy Jenkins (Part 1)"

This is the conclusion of our interview with John Collins, author of the Seek The Truth website. In this episode, John talks about, among other things: William Branham and the Ku Klux Klan (the KKK) William Branham and Roy Davis William Branham and Jim Jones The Latter Rain Movement The Manifest Sons of God External Links: … Continue reading "Episode 38 – Interview with John Collins (Part 4)"

This is part 3 of our interview with John Collins, author of the Seek The Truth website. In this episode, John talks about, among other things: His views on the message street preachers in London, Ontario – Steve Ravbar and Matthew Carapella. Were William Branham’s derogatory statements only against women that were not his followers? Would … Continue reading "Episode 37 – Interview with John Collins (Part 3)"

This is part 2 of the interview with John Collins, author of the Seek The Truth website. In this episode, John talks about, among other things: Are people who leave the message bitter or angry towards people in the message? What led him to start seekyethetruth.com in early 2012.   The new direction in his blog … Continue reading "Episode 36 – Interview with John Collins (Part 2)"

In this episode, Rod talks to John Collins, author of the Seek The Truth website and grandson of Willard Collins, the former pastor of Branham Tabernacle in Jeffersonville, Indiana.  John is also the author of two books, “Stone Mountain to Dallas: The Untold Story of Roy Elonza Davis” and “Jim Jones – The Malachi 4 … Continue reading "Episode 35 – Interview with John Collins, author of the Seek The Truth website"

In this episode, Rod concludes his interview with Abdu Murray, North American Director of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. For most of his life, Abdu was a proud Muslim who studied the Qur’an and Islam. After a nine-year investigation into the historical, philosophical, and scientific underpinnings of the major world religions and views, Abdu discovered that the … Continue reading "Episode 34 – Abdu Murray – A former Muslim discusses the doctrine of the Trinity (Part 3)"

In this episode, Rod continues with part 2 of his interview with Abdu Murray, North American Director with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. For most of his life, Abdu was a proud Muslim who studied the Qur’an and Islam. After a nine-year investigation into the historical, philosophical, and scientific underpinnings of the major world religions and views, … Continue reading "Episode 33 – Abdu Murray – A former Muslim discusses the doctrine of the Trinity (Part 2)"

In this episode of Off The Shelf, Rod talks to Abdu Murray, North American Director with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and the author of two books, including his latest, Grand Central Question: Answering the Critical Concerns of the Major Worldviews. For most of his life, Abdu was a proud Muslim who studied the Qur’an and … Continue reading "Episode 32 – Abdu Murray – A former Muslim talks about the doctrine of the Trinity (Part 1)"

Join Bryan and Rod as they discuss the many astounding things that Sylvia had the opportunity of seeing and why Sylvia ultimately had to leave the message. We know you will be as surprised as we were at the many revelations and insights into the life and ministry of William Branham.

Sylvia Perkins was at the opening of the cornerstone of Branham Tabernacle after it was struck by a car and saw what it contained. She even had an interview with William Branham and he told her she was a prophetess.

Sylvia Perkins attended Branham Tabernacle as a child.  She was in a myriad of William Branham’s services and even watched TV with Joseph Branham, the youngest of the Branham children. She was at the funeral of William Branham and attended Lee Vayle’s church for 18 years following the William Branham’s death.  She was at the … Continue reading "Episode 29 – Sylvia Perkins – Growing up in Branham Tabernacle (Part 1)"

William Branham clearly taught that the doctrine of the Trinity, a doctrine that has been held by the church for most of the past 2,000 years, was satanic. He stated it was of the devil and that people that believed it were lost.

William Branham stated on several occasions that he had visited the graves of Muhammad, Buddha, and Confucius. But did he? We looked at the issue to determine whether William Branham actually visited these famous graves. I think you will be surprised at what we found.