Off The Shelf

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): 1. Was William Branham credible? 2. The mystery of the Branham Tabernacle … 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)"