John explores the disturbing evolution of “holiness” from its biblical meaning to the authoritarian distortion seen in Pentecostal and Apostolic movements today. Tracing the thread from Frank Sandford and John Alexander Dowie through Charles Fox Parham, William Seymour, Chuck Smith, and John Wimber, he exposes how the theology of holiness became linked to pride, hierarchy, and unquestioned leadership. Through this historical lens, John reveals how the New Apostolic Reformation’s obsession with “apostolic authority” mirrors ancient Gnostic elitism—redefining holiness as group loyalty instead of Christlike transformation.<br /><br />Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why so many modern movements repeat the same pattern of control, abuse, and spiritual manipulation, and how true Christian holiness—rooted in humility and service—stands in stark contrast to the self-exalting “Moses models” that dominate today’s revivalist culture.<br /><br />00:00 Introduction<br />01:04 Why cults attack those who leave<br />03:13 What “holiness” means inside destructive groups<br />06:07 Growing up in Branham’s tabernacle<br />09:03 The pride of being “the holy elite”<br />10:12 Tracing the roots of Pentecostal holiness<br />12:11 From Gnosticism to Azusa Street<br />13:06 Frank Sanford and British Israelism<br />17:18 How “apostle” was redefined into hierarchy<br />19:49 John Alexander Dowie’s empire and corruption<br />23:01 Charles Parham and the birth of Pentecostalism<br />27:54 When holiness became submission to leaders<br />32:02 Modern examples: Mike Bickle and IHOPKC<br />33:46 Chuck Smith’s Moses model of leadership<br />38:12 John Wimber and Kingdom Theology<br />43:01 Miracles, power, and false holiness<br />47:52 How “apostolic authority” silenced accountability<br />51:19 Why cult holiness is about belonging, not transformation <br />______________________<br />Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:<br />Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962<br />Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K<br />______________________<br />– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham<br />– Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSpezVG15TVG-lOYMRXuyQ<br />– Visit the website: https://william-branham.org<br />– Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamBranhamOrg <br />– Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@william.m.branham<br />– Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wmbhr<br />– Buy the books: https://william-branham.org/site/books
