<TITLE>15. Par 161-177</TITLE>L-161   Now, how many knows that that is the attribute of the Word of God? [Congregation says, "Amen."--Ed.] Sure. Now, Hebrews, the 4th chapter, the 12th verse said, "The Word of God is sharper than a two-edged Sword, and a discerner of the thoughts that's in the heart." That's what them prophets were. They, that's where they foresaw things, you see, and it was exactly right, because it was the Word for that age. If you understand that, just raise your hand, silently. So, see, it was the Word for that age. That's what identified them the prophet.

L-162 Now, a prophet, our--our English word prophet, means "a preacher."

L-163 But in the Old Testament, it wasn't exactly a prophet, it was a seer. And the seer foretold things that would come to pass. And, also, that was his credentials as a divine interpreter of the written Word, because his own ministry was manifesting that Word. See? So that made him the prophet.

L-164 So when Jesus came, He did exactly that, He looked right down, said. Not only did He know him, by name, being Simon, He knew his father, Jonas, also. And he knew then what his father told him, that that Messiah would be a prophet.

L-165 Now, it wasn't by healing. They had had healings, the pool of Bethsaida, and all. God has made a way of healing for His people, all along. But here was the identified Messiah. Quickly, Jesus, or... Pardon me.

L-166 Simon recognized that. And Jesus told him, upon his confession, his name would be called, you know, "Peter."

L-167   Then we find there was one standing there, by the name of another young fellow, that by the name of Philip. And he had a friend; they been studying the Scriptures together. You ever been in Palestine, look where they were preaching. And he went around the hill, about fifteen miles. And he found Nathaniel under a--a tree, 'cause Nathaniel owned a--a--a olive orchard. And so, going out there, he found him under a tree praying. He said, "Come, see Who we found, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Said, "Come. Come, see. We found Him."

L-168 And then, you know, of course, this guy, being a--a real fine fellow, he said, "Now could there be anything good come out of Nazareth?"

L-169 He give him the best answer that a man could give another. "Come, see." "Don't stay home and criticize. Come, bring the Bible, let's search It."

L-170 Now, no doubt, around the hillside they went to talking, said, "Now, you know, we know that when the Messiah comes, He's going to be a prophet."
"Oh, yes, Moses told us that. We're looking for a prophet."

L-171 And, of course, the people thought that, "If the Messiah come, that God would let the corridors down, and He'd come right down on the temple grounds, and say, 'Caiaphas, I've arrived.'" But God don't do things that way.

L-172 He makes it so simple. He just gets His Church. That's what He's after, His Church.

L-173   So we find, that he said, "You know that old fisherman you sold some fish, or sold you some fish, one time, didn't have enough education to sign his name for that receipt?"
"Yeah. Simon."

L-174 "He told him his name was Simon, and told him who--who his father was. Well, wouldn't surprise me He won't tell you who you are when you come up."
"Well, we'll go see."

L-175 He come up before Jesus, wherever it was at, maybe in the prayer line, or whatever it was, and he come up. Jesus, praying for the sick. And He looked at him. He said, "Behold an Israelite in whom there in no guile."

L-176 My, that deflated him. He said, "Rabbi," which means teacher, "when did You ever see me? How'd You know me?"

L-177 He said, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the tree, I saw you."


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