The Message on Trial - Part 1: Difference between revisions
Created page with "{{Top of Page}} On January 16, 2026, Allistair Francis, a message preacher in South Africa, published a YouTube video titled ''Discouraged by the Message and the Prophet: The Message on Trial''. The following is a critical analysis and point-by-point logical deconstruction of his arguments. {{Bottom of Page}}" |
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The following is a critical analysis and point-by-point logical deconstruction of his arguments. | The following is a critical analysis and point-by-point logical deconstruction of his arguments. | ||
'''PART I: VIDEO SUMMARY''' | |||
'''Overview''' | |||
This video, titled “Discouraged by the Message and the Prophet – The Message on Trial,” is delivered by Pastor Allistair Francis, son of the late Pastor Stephen Francis, who identifies as a “Message” believer – a follower of William Branham's teachings. Allistair Francis has been in the Message his entire life, raised in it from birth. The stated purpose of this video is to address young people and families who have become “discouraged” after encountering critical material from websites like “Believe the Sign” and “Seek the Truth” which document problems with Branham's ministry. | |||
'''Speaker's Stated Position''' | |||
The speaker claims he is not trying to “convince” anyone, but rather to “appeal to faith.” He acknowledges some criticisms of “Message” churches are valid (cultish behavior, control, legalism) but maintains Branham was a true prophet. He frames his defense as showing that accusations against Branham mirror accusations made against Jesus Christ and John the Baptist. | |||
'''Core Arguments Presented''' | |||
'''1. The “Revelation” Defense:''' Critics cannot understand Branham's words because they lack “revelation” (citing John 8:43). | |||
'''2. The Elijah Defense:''' Branham is the Elijah of Malachi 4:5-6; John the Baptist also denied being Elijah when asked. | |||
'''3. The “Same Accusations Against Christ” Defense:''' All accusations against Branham were also made against Jesus. | |||
'''4. The Immoral Associates Defense:''' Jesus also had questionable people around him (prostitutes, publicans). | |||
'''5. The Failed Prophecy Defense:''' Jesus also had “failed prophecies” (Matthew 24:34). | |||
'''6. The Failed Men Defense:''' Jesus also ordained Judas who betrayed him. | |||
'''7. The 1963 Cloud Defense:''' Branham never claimed to be present on February 28th; the cloud was a personal sign for him alone. | |||
'''8. The “Where Will You Go?” Defense:''' No other church has correct doctrine on all points. | |||
'''9. The “Hurt People” Deflection:''' Critics are emotionally wounded and obsessed, not objective. | |||
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Revision as of 23:35, 21 January 2026
On January 16, 2026, Allistair Francis, a message preacher in South Africa, published a YouTube video titled Discouraged by the Message and the Prophet: The Message on Trial.
The following is a critical analysis and point-by-point logical deconstruction of his arguments.
PART I: VIDEO SUMMARY
Overview
This video, titled “Discouraged by the Message and the Prophet – The Message on Trial,” is delivered by Pastor Allistair Francis, son of the late Pastor Stephen Francis, who identifies as a “Message” believer – a follower of William Branham's teachings. Allistair Francis has been in the Message his entire life, raised in it from birth. The stated purpose of this video is to address young people and families who have become “discouraged” after encountering critical material from websites like “Believe the Sign” and “Seek the Truth” which document problems with Branham's ministry.
Speaker's Stated Position
The speaker claims he is not trying to “convince” anyone, but rather to “appeal to faith.” He acknowledges some criticisms of “Message” churches are valid (cultish behavior, control, legalism) but maintains Branham was a true prophet. He frames his defense as showing that accusations against Branham mirror accusations made against Jesus Christ and John the Baptist.
Core Arguments Presented
1. The “Revelation” Defense: Critics cannot understand Branham's words because they lack “revelation” (citing John 8:43).
2. The Elijah Defense: Branham is the Elijah of Malachi 4:5-6; John the Baptist also denied being Elijah when asked.
3. The “Same Accusations Against Christ” Defense: All accusations against Branham were also made against Jesus.
4. The Immoral Associates Defense: Jesus also had questionable people around him (prostitutes, publicans).
5. The Failed Prophecy Defense: Jesus also had “failed prophecies” (Matthew 24:34).
6. The Failed Men Defense: Jesus also ordained Judas who betrayed him.
7. The 1963 Cloud Defense: Branham never claimed to be present on February 28th; the cloud was a personal sign for him alone.
8. The “Where Will You Go?” Defense: No other church has correct doctrine on all points.
9. The “Hurt People” Deflection: Critics are emotionally wounded and obsessed, not objective.
Footnotes