Background The Word of the Lord

1 background

1.1 otto fetting
1.2 william draves
1.3 testimonies messenger

background
otto fetting

the word of lord originated in claimed angelic visitations of john baptist otto fetting, apostle in church of christ (temple lot) lived in port huron, michigan. these visits commenced in february 1927, , ended fetting s death in january 1933. directives given build long-awaited temple in independence, missouri, instructions dimensions , temple lot doctrine , practices. while first eleven of these messages enthusiastically accepted temple lot organization, twelfth message caused considerable controversy. mandating rebaptism had come church of christ other latter day saint denominations (contrary temple lot practice @ time), message rejected leadership of organization during church conference october 6–7, 1929, , fetting silenced . unwilling continue under such restriction, fetting left temple lot church , founded own organization, church of christ (fettingite). temple lot organization retained possession of temple lot , other church properties.

william draves

four years after fetting s death in 1933, young fettingite elder named william draves claimed messenger had come him, further revelations fettingite organization. while many fettingites accepted draves claims, did not, , led split in fetting s church in 1939. accepted draves formed church of christ elijah message, while rejected him remained in original fettingite organization; subsequently split during 1950s on introduction of seventh-day sabbatarianism. separation between draves organization , fettingite remnant continues, each group proclaiming true continuation of fetting s work.

william draves ordained apostle in new organization, , continued receive alleged visitations john baptist until death in 1994.

testimonies messenger

otto fetting emphasized ability physically feel touch of alleged angel, indicating in 1929 testimonial felt hand on head, , slap on shoulder . draves, too, indicated feel visitor s touch on shoulder, , felt him hold hand. in addition testimonies of 2 scribes (fetting , draves), book contains additional testimony of 4 witnesses saw angel during final visit fetting in 1933. latter testimony signed , notarized.

in preface first message, , in 1940 personal testimony heavenly messenger , william draves wrote following:

messenger wears white robe, hair tiny bit gold next skin , blended whiteness pure wool, white snow. eyes flame , feet brightness of fine brass, if ablaze. voice has sound of 1 having authority. countenance brightness of sun greatness in light, brighter light shineth down on earth. enveloped in light , around him bright .

because messenger seen , touched, in draves church have expressed belief messages in word of lord not revelations, since revelation (according them), author unseen.