{"id":206,"date":"2024-03-20T20:17:40","date_gmt":"2024-03-20T20:17:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robertgladstone.org\/?p=206"},"modified":"2025-08-05T16:04:37","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T15:04:37","slug":"den-of-thieves-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/robertgladstone.org\/index.php\/2024\/03\/20\/den-of-thieves-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Den of Thieves, Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Interpreting a Recent Dream about Leadership<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article is part two of a series, going out specifically to those leaders in various cities connected in some way to our ministry work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you for caring for God\u2019s flock with love and integrity. I hope these exercises in discernment help you to understand the Scriptures, and therefore help you lead more effectively and biblically. The Lord has appointed this time to address his people about authentic leadership in his kingdom. We want to be \u201cbeautiful in [that] season\u201d (Eccl 3:1-11).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does Anybody Really Know What Time it Is?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is quite clear that Jesus is amid his church, purging us of hidden sins, abuse, and corruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But we must also see that he is purging his church of unhealthy forms of leadership.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To yield to Jesus\u2019 fiery, purging gaze on this <\/em>issue, however, is a great challenge. Many ministry systems are built on popular but unbiblical views of leadership we wish to avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As local leaders, we want to align ourselves with the Scriptures and the Lord\u2019s purpose for this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That means we must humble ourselves under his mighty hand and let him confirm us as leaders according to the high standards in his Word (1 Tim 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet 5:1-5), according to the clear call of the Spirit (Acts 13:1-3; 14:23; 1 Tim 1:18; 4:14), and according to fruit-bearing character clearly proven in the context of a local church and affirmed by authentic church planters and local elders (Acts 13:1-3; 16:1-3; Eph 4:1-16; 1 Tim 4:14).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not misinterpret the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some are making that mistake. They do not know what time it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would advise us not to follow their lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere is a time for every matter under heaven\u2026 a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to tear apart and a time to sew together; a time to be silent and a time to speak\u201d (Eccl 3:1, 6-7).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We live during a time of spring cleaning. Passover is coming, and the Lord is getting ready his house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He is throwing some things away he no longer wants to keep. We should not keep them; we should let him throw them out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He is tearing some things apart. We should not try to sew them up; we should let him tear them to pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He is silencing many opinions and falsehoods. We should not listen to them any longer; we should silence them in our heads\u2014and perhaps on our devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But we should speak the truth in love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You<\/em> faithful shepherds should speak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The church <\/em>should speak. That is what an equipped, mature church does. It is not passive; it is active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up<\/em> in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ\u201d (Eph 4:14-15, emphasis added).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The healthy, local body of Jesus Christ is irreplaceable and irrepressible.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We need that church restored, led by humble leaders of integrity who equip the saints rather than use them as their platform and audience. So let us hear what the Spirit is saying through the Scriptures and, as healthy churches, let us speak<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proclaim the gospel. Teach the gospel. Prophesy the Spirit\u2019s messages in accordance with the gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Voices on social media often say nothing even when they are \u201cspeaking.\u201d Their authority is derived from their audience, not God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History will not remember what we pontificate on self-made platforms. But God will remember what his humble, covenant people say to one another (Mal 3:16-18). This local, self-edifying speech empowers the saints to speak to the world with divine authority (Eph 4:16; Heb 3:12-15).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me make the purpose of these articles clear. I am not writing generically for the mirage audience of social media. I write for you, fellow leaders, who pastor and equip saints in your city, on the ground, in reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you feel these articles can help others, you are free to share them however you wish. I do believe the broader church needs to return to the offensively-simple, biblical principles these articles seek to articulate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, it is important to note that I speak specifically into a group of leaders where God has given me some degree of authority to serve. It is not my interest to hoist myself up and blast my thoughts to an audience so broad and generic, that the mere attempt does more for my ego than for people\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to share this article, please do not share it without first allowing it to serve its intended purpose: that you<\/em> take these crucial, biblical principles to heart for yourselves as leaders in God\u2019s Kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With you, I am trying my best to do this, along with my family and fellow leaders in our ministry work. I urge you to do the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus died for the saints you serve. They deserve leaders who are real-life examples of Christ-likeness rather than online specters who use God\u2019s sheep as a support base (Gal 6:13).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let Us Test the Spirits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On January 26, 2024, Jeremiah Johnson posted a dream and its interpretation on Facebook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This dream-and-interpretation must be tested because it makes some bold claims into critical, current issues that face the broader church. I am not sure how widely this dream has been accepted. But since it seems some have accepted it, and since it has been published on a public forum, it must sustain the broader church\u2019s close scrutiny. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture commands us to test the spirits and judge prophecy (1 Cor 12:10; 14:29; 1 Thess 5:20-22; 1 John 4:1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The recent crisis surrounding IHOPKC in the charismatic world has exposed a sickness that must be healed through repentance on a scale vast and deep. In my view, though, this disease would not have metastasized so successfully over a long period of time if there were not two pre-existing conditions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, a profound lack of biblically-based discernment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, a model of leadership that is wholly unbiblical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I do not see how we can be healed unless we face our long-held, systemic problems honestly before God\u2019s Word, but also with hope in our gracious Shepherd and Head, Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We need his discernment and leadership, rooted in the Scriptures and anointed by the \u201cSpirit of wisdom and revelation\u201d (Eph 1:17). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note that \u201cdiscernment\u201d does not mean we become cynical watchdogs who find our identity in constant suspicion and criticism (Matt 7:1-5). It rather means we obey the Scriptures cited above in order to protect our innocence, as well as the innocence of our churches <\/em>(Matt 5:8).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We must become like children, in the image of the Son (Matt 18:1-4; Rom 8:29). But his innocence demands <\/em>that we exercise discernment and follow God\u2019s Word. Childlike innocence requires biblically grown-up reasoning: \u201cDo not be children in your thinking. Instead, be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature\u201d (1 Cor 14:20).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Innocence is a glorious, divine virtue. It remains childlike in purity, wonder, joy, and faith. And it still refuses<\/em> to follow the voice of strangers (John 10:5). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It tests everything (1 Thess 5:19-22).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is Berean (Acts 17:10-11).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make no assumptions. Guard your innocence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The more we mature spiritually, the more childlike innocence we develop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

King Jesus is today exposing the enemy\u2019s attempts to rob his children of their innocence through false leadership (Ezek 34:1-16; John 10:1-18).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So this essay is an exercise in discernment regarding a dream about leadership. My primary bases for this exercise will be the Bible and the public confession of Mike Bickle (hereafter, \u201cMB\u201d), applied to Jeremiah Johnson\u2019s dream. I have asserted in the previous article that if we take the confession by itself, even without other testimonies, we have enough to know MB was not legitimate for much of his public ministry\u2014at least from \u201c20+ years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I further contended that everything connected to him in ministry should be reevaluated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are two important background points for the following evaluation. So if you need to read the first article, you may find it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dream by Jeremiah Johnson (hereafter, \u201cJJ\u201d), and its interpretation, claim to address the current IHOP situation. You may find that dream posted here<\/a> or here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please read it carefully before reading this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JJ\u2019s dream, in my estimation, does not hold up to the scrutiny of Scripture. Nor does it hold up to the actual facts of the situation involving MB, IHOP, and their combined history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further, it assumes, affirms, and perpetuates a popular but unbiblical view of leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And its propositions fail to reflect a biblical perspective on the current crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I see at least six elements of the dream that wilt under the sunlight of Scripture:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First: Contextus Vaticanus?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The setting for the dream begins in Rome, at the Vatican, with MB playing the symbolic role of a former \u201cpope.\u201d Many would immediately recoil at this picture, naturally assuming the dream intends the Catholic setting to carry a negative message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all, the idea of a Charismatic-Evangelical \u201cpope\u201d ruling from a central location with overtones of Roman authority structures is radically unbiblical and, frankly, obscene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the dream clearly conveys the \u201ccrown\u201d on MB\u2019s head as a positive image: it was given to MB by God at one point (symbolizing \u201cauthority and favor\u201d), it represents authority to \u201cgovern\u201d the prayer movement, and then it is taken and given to good men and one people group. (We will discuss the crown by itself further below.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So clearly the crown conveys a positive image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the crown cannot be separated from its Vatican context. If the crown communicates positively about God-given authority within the dream, that is how I must take the physical setting of that crown\u2014Rome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JJ clearly integrates these elements: Vatican, Rome, pope, crown, MB, and the distribution of the crown. They all co-mingle in the same portrait of the dream. Together they communicate the same message. And later in the dream, JJ speaks favorably of MB\u2019s former authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So if the crown is positive, and the crown is worn by the pope in the Vatican, then by association, the Catholic setting is a positive symbol within the dream. It conveys MB\u2019s once-held authority that others must now carry on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this light, what kind of authority is being expressed here? Rome and the papacy conjure up images of rigid hierarchy that squarely contradicts Jesus\u2019 teachings on leadership in his kingdom\u2014the exact culture of leadership we aspire to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus calls leaders to eliminate <\/em>hierarchy (Matt 20:25-28), to shun titles (Matt 23:8-12), to wash feet (John 13:1-17), and to serve like servants rather than rule like Protestant Popes (Mark 10:41-45)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And yet this papal, unbiblical view of leadership is the central theme that runs like a river throughout the whole dream\u2014sometimes overtly and sometimes subtly\u2014from MB, to JJ, to four out of the five new recipients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is where we as local leaders must discern and learn. The kind of leadership being assumed, confirmed, and redistributed in this dream\u2014rather than denounced<\/em>\u2014is both unbiblical and dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet it is a style of leadership that is typical throughout the charismatic world. It has caused grave damage, and was one factor in enabling the present crisis surrounding IHOP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite this, here we have it adopted and advanced in a dream that purports to represent God\u2019s future intention for this crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus is not endorsing the view of authority this dream presents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He is purging it from his church<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This kind of leadership leads to control, abuse, and resistance to the Spirit of Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So I repeat: This dream does not convey a view of authority from God\u2019s perspective, <\/em>a view he makes clear throughout the New Testament, particularly in Jesus himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dream rather addresses authority from a perspective that is worldly, hierarchal, top-heavy, carnal, controlling, and VIP-oriented. For this reason alone, in my view, the dream should be rejected. How could the rest of the dream not follow in the wake of this error?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dream consistently portrays church authority from a more Catholic point of view than from a Christ-like one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This image of authority is the pervasive defect, the terrible ghost that haunts the entire dream\u2014as well as many of our modern church systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second: A Papal Tiara?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The image of a leader in the body of Christ wearing a papal tiara is not merely unbiblical; it is anti-<\/em>biblical. It is inappropriate to view MB this way at any time in his history\u2014even without his sins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While crowns are mentioned for believers in the New Testament, and for elders in particular in 1 Pet 5:4, they are never given <\/em>until the age to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, in the previous Scripture reference, Peter tells the local elders not <\/em>to oversee God\u2019s people with hierarchical power structures: \u201cnot as exercising rulership over those allotted to your care, but rather be examples to the flock\u2026\u201d Then he tells them when <\/em>they will receive their crowns: \u201c\u2026and when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, <\/em>you will receive [future tense] the unfading crown of glory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I believe I can accurately paraphrase Peter\u2019s words for the sake of my point:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou elders, do not <\/em>lead people as if you wear a crown now, so that you will<\/em> be given a crown later<\/em>\u2014after the Chief Shepherd comes and approves of the way you led by example rather than by positional power.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crowns of authority come only in the age to come, after a life of humble service in this age. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s kind of leaders get crowns later if they refuse to wear crowns now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The images of MB\u2019s papal tiara, followed by others\u2019 receiving pieces of that crown, flies squarely in the face of Peter\u2019s words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further, Paul speaks of his crown, which will be awarded to him in the future, \u201con that Day\u201d<\/em> (2 Tim 4:8). The person who perseveres under trial will receive the crown of life in the future \u201conce he has been approved\u201d <\/em>(James 1:12). The city church of Smyrna is promised the crown of life in the future if they are \u201cfaithful till death\u201d <\/em>(Rev 2:10).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus tells the church of Philadelphia to \u201chold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown\u201d (Rev 3:11). The context implies this is also for the future, since Jesus first tells them, \u201cI am coming quickly,\u201d and they must \u201chold fast\u201d what they have. At any rate, this particular crown is promised to a whole church, not a leader.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elsewhere, humankind wears a crown of dominion over creation (Psa 8:5), which ultimately goes to Jesus as the Son of Man (Heb 2:7, 9). Monarchs in the Old Testament wear crowns (2 Sam 12:30, etc.). Elders around God\u2019s throne wear crowns and robes in the heavenly city, in the age to come (Rev 4:4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But none of these apply to particular ministry leaders in this age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul speaks of his churches as crowns on his head (Phil 4:1; 1 Thess 2:19). But these references do not speak of current leadership; they speak rather of future, shared glory in the parousia<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bible never portrays present-day leaders as popes wearing crowns! Much to the contrary, the New Testament portrait is precisely the opposite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJesus\u2026 knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. <\/em>Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples\u2019 feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded\u201d (John 13:1-5, emphasis added).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kingdom leaders are outfitted like slaves:<\/em> with basins and towels for washing feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not crowns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet this dream symbolizes Christian leadership with a papal crown as a matter of course\u2014it is taken for granted that this is acceptable rather than appalling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That believers read this dream and concur with this image, or at least overlook it, speaks far more to the acute spiritual illness in our theology than to the accuracy of the dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fact that MB\u2019s papal crown was taken away does not negate the more general error that he\u2014or others\u2014would wear it at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture\u2019s radical teaching on servant leadership contradicts this rather menacing view of leadership-with-a-crown found in the dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, JJ interprets its meaning clearly: \u201cI knew the crown represented authority and favor with God and man.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But this is impossible. God would not give a \u201ccrown\u201d of \u201cauthority and favor\u201d to a man thoroughly disqualified from Christian leadership. MB\u2019s own confession in light of Scripture, as well as the testimonies against him, insist he was not qualified since before IHOP began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if God gave crowns of leadership to \u201cspiritually govern\u201d in this age, MB never had one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet the dream implies that God formerly qualified and launched MB into ministry, but he fell along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JJ says: \u201cI had this sense in the dream that his salvation and heavenly treasure was [sic] secure but that he was being stripped of his crown (authority) in the earth to spiritually govern in the years ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But on the contrary, MB was never qualified<\/em> during the span the \u201ccrown\u201d represents. He cannot be stripped of what he never had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no doubt this implies MB\u2019s past qualifications before God, or else the \u201ccrown\u201d would carry no value to be given to other leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MB assumed<\/em> authority, but he was not granted<\/em> authority by God \u201cto spiritually govern.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now consider the crown from its description of \u201cfavor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order for MB to enter and remain in ministry while entrapped by sin, thoroughly unrestored, and therefore disqualified, he had to hide his sins intentionally and, because he was disqualified, elevate himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a leader to engage in ongoing ministry under these circumstances, while also empowering a culture to accommodate these circumstances, requires more than self-deception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It requires self-exaltation, which is pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And pride is incompatible with Jesus\u2019 teachings on leadership, as well as the Spirit of Jesus himself as a leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No, the heart and soul of everything \u201cleadership\u201d in God\u2019s Kingdom is rooted in, saturated in, and abounding in the utter humility of our Lord Jesus Christ (John 13:1-17; Phil 2:1-11).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGod opposes<\/em> the proud, but gives favor to the humble\u201d<\/em> (James 4:6). Favor does not go to leaders who refuse to humble themselves but instead exalt themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God resists<\/em> the proud\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He does not give them crowns of favor.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So on the one hand, the crown as a symbol of \u201cauthority\u201d contradicts MB\u2019s unrestored status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, the crown as a symbol of \u201cfavor\u201d contradicts MB\u2019s self-exaltation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture does not support the suggestion that the Holy Spirit is speaking through a papal crown of authority and favor. It rather supports the opposite:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our crowning of papal leaders is an illness in the church that must be healed through repentance, not redistribution.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let us humble ourselves and fear the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dream subscribes to an unbiblical view of leadership that it should be exposing and renouncing, not assuming and affirming<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our original problems persist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Later, you may refer to the \u201cAppendix\u201d at the end of this article for my rebuttal to an analogy that uses Judas\u2019 leadership as one possible way of viewing MB\u2019s leadership in JJ\u2019s dream.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third: A New Pope?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As the dream unfolds, JJ becomes the central figure enrobed as God\u2019s agent to dole out the \u201cpope\u2019s\u201d ministry crown to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem with this image should be self-evident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is troubling to me\u2014and in my view, contrary to the Spirit of Christ in leadership\u2014that one man should address a \u201cfallen pope,\u201d only then to become the main man who then doles out that pope\u2019s crown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my opinion, this image by itself should invoke alarm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are in a crisis that has not yet been fully unpacked. And one root of this crisis comes from the fact that we put men in positions of power without proper process or accountability. But here we have a man dreaming his own dream with himself as the central figure with remarkable authority to distribute ministry authority to others (including a whole people group).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the perspective of the New Testament, as well as trying to \u201cread the room\u201d of the recent crisis, this image does not move hurting souls toward health and restoration. We do not need a new central figure to assign a papal “crown” to other key leaders. We rather need a Spirit-empowered revolution away from this pattern and back to biblical leadership<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To have a dream where the dreamer implicitly declares himself the key man to clarify and appoint for us the new leaders in the prayer movement, seems unfitting and toxic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the apostles appointed elders in churches, they either worked in pairs (Acts 14:23) or in clear conjunction with others (Titus 1:5). Further, Timothy was given a grace-gift for leadership through prophecy and the laying on of hands, locally, by a team of elders<\/em> (1 Tim 4:13; see also Acts 16:1-2).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why Paul, as an apostle, gave Timothy and Titus, younger apostles, authority and instructions to appoint local elders (1 Tim 3:1; Titus 1:5). They did not work alone\u2014they worked in tandem with one another and the local churches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Someone was always on the ground locally to test the qualifications in a local church context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such holy appointments were never bestowed through a dream, by one man, from a distance, for four separate people and locations\u2014and one people group!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God does not operate this way. It seems to me, in view of the New Testament patterns, if the Spirit did <\/em>prophetically call out a person or people for ministry leadership, it would still occur in the context of the local church for confirmation, as well as prayer, fasting, and laying on hands (Acts 13:1-3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One might say that some local churches could still surround the four men and confirm JJ\u2019s dream. But that still begs the question: why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why should a local church trust a dream with such anti-biblical images of leadership to then appoint new leaders\u2014or an entire people group!\u2014to ministry positions? This seems random and, to me, completely off the rails. Are there no elders and prophets in these locations?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are there no authentic apostles with actual authority in the Spirit, who have deep, historical relationships with the local churches of these men?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet in the dream, JJ mounts a horse to deliver \u201cpieces\u201d of MB\u2019s illegitimate crown that indicate \u201cauthority\u201d for various ministry roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am sure the men JJ visits to give ministry authority are good men. But if I were them, I would not want to be associated with MB\u2019s crown nor JJ\u2019s implicit claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God seeks to deliver us from these practices, not affirm them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amid a major crisis in the charismatic world, it seems quite inappropriate that a man would dream of himself as God\u2019s agent to appoint others into ministry, and then post it on Facebook for everyone to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ethos reflected in this aspect of the dream does not come from the biblical value system we leaders have embraced. It is not the Jesus Way of leadership that joins us together as Kingdom leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I plead again: remain faithful to the biblical teachings and vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are no longer in the era of the Old Testament, where prophets who bear the \u201cWord of Yahweh\u201d are sent to crown kings (of ministry). We are in the New Testament era, where that Word of Yahweh borne by the Old Testament prophets has now become flesh (John 1:1-14; Heb 1:1-5).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means that the role of Old Testament prophets\u2014as the main bearers of the Word\u2014has been completed and fulfilled in Jesus himself<\/em>. He came in the flesh, so he is <\/em>that Word formerly borne by the prophets. Those roles no longer exist for lone rangers. We now have a plurality<\/em> of ministry gift leaders who equip a many-membered <\/em>body to function (Eph 4:1-16).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus now works through this plurality of leadership gifts and body members to appoint and confirm leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is one King, even locally (Rev 2-3), and he does not share his unique role with popes or Old Testament-styled prophets over movements. He rather preserves this unique role as Leader by distributing it through plural leadership and the body. In my estimation, this assignment assumed by JJ conflicts with the entire point of the ascension of Jesus Christ, the outpouring of the Spirit, and the New Testament era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, of course we may expect the Spirit\u2019s charismatic activity surrounding ministry callings, but that should happen in the safety and glory of New Testament churches where peoples\u2019 lives are known and prophecies can be tested and proven, rather than online!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We should not expect such activity to come through one man <\/em>for four other men and one entire people group\u2014especially if that one man is the one informing us that he is that one man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leaders, please do not let the explicit errors of this dream, nor the implicit rhythms of unbiblical leadership, lull you to sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scour the Scriptures. Test everything. Lead well. Follow Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fourth: Not Ignorant of his Schemes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the dream, JJ \u201cprophesies\u201d to MB: \u201cSatan believes he will wipe out the prayer movement by unseating you, but he does not understand that the diaspora movement is coming.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if MB has been disqualified from the beginning, hiding both his sin and lack of restoration, why would satan want him unseated? Is not the reverse true? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

MB was unseated<\/em> because he was exposed by the Lord.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which means he was unseated by the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The enemy had nothing to do with this sequence. Indeed, the enemy was the one getting exposed from his hiding place. Why would the enemy want to unseat the person who helped to hide him amid God\u2019s people?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now we are to accept a \u201cprophecy\u201d that the Lord\u2019s holy purging is the enemy\u2019s attack?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I cannot accept that we should view the divinely mandatory unseating of MB as a satanic ploy. It is not a satanic ploy. It is divine judgment that brings correction to the body and foils<\/em> at least some satanic plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dream\u2019s claim to perceive the enemy\u2019s tactics is incompatible with biblical reality and significantly irresponsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So at the very time it is incumbent on us to recognize the Lord\u2019s<\/em> purging, exposing, and unseating duplicitous leadership, we are being told that the enemy is the culprit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This inaccurate interpretation of the spiritual warfare waging behind the current crisis is dangerous. It is a reckless distraction from what God is actually doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fifth: And Let the Others Pass Judgment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By now it is clear that I do not see this dream as an actual prophecy. The details contradict God\u2019s Word, the facts of MB\u2019s confession, and a biblically-sensible interpretation of the times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet JJ asserts the dream is a prophecy. He explicitly claims to \u201cprophesy\u201d twice. And the rest of the dream implicitly claims to prophesy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first explicit \u201cprophecy\u201d (MB\u2019s exposure) was already obvious to all. So it is hard to count that a prophecy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second explicit \u201cprophecy\u201d (the enemy\u2019s plans) was inaccurate to the biblical and historical facts. So that too must be rejected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So also the implicit<\/em> prophetic claims\u2014JJ as the divinely-enrobed ministry appointer, as well as those who get pieces of MB\u2019s crown\u2014must also be rejected as prophecy. Especially if the theology of leadership surrounding the entire narrative contradicts Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If any of these prophetic claims happen to fit into the calling of any of those identified, so be it. Personally, I question the biblical feasibility of always affirming \u201cmovements.\u201d I believe any \u201cmovement\u201d of the Spirit must be funneled into a disciple-making, church-planting, Jesus Movement <\/em>that emphasizes Jesus embodied by his people in local cities and regions, rather than trans-local movements governed by popes and structured like corporations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But be that as it may, any overlap between JJ\u2019s dream and any man\u2019s actual calling is purely the product of coincidence or common sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If we were picking future \u201cIHOP\u201d teams for the \u201cdiaspora,\u201d some of the men mentioned in the dream would be obvious selections, not prophetic selections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recognize that some Christians may be desperately seeking assurance that the \u201cprayer movement\u201d will continue in various places. So the dream may attempt to give hope and comfort to some.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But not if the whole prophetic claim is inaccurate<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In that case, these prophecies bring false<\/em> hope and false<\/em> comfort all in a setting of false<\/em> leadership appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And I would argue that we should not want <\/em>hope based on the continuation of various movements, anyway. Instead, we should want hope based on God\u2019s Word, as well as genuine <\/em>prophetic messages from the Holy Spirit, that assure us of God\u2019s restoration of his Kingdom way of ministry.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We do not need to repeat the same problems that caused the current crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

False hope coming through prophecy is a disservice to God\u2019s people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local leaders, let us remember: There is a mysterious but beautiful dance between the written Scriptures and modern prophetic words from the Spirit. The latter flow out of the former, never<\/em> vice versa. In other words, we do not automatically accept prophecies and then cherry-pick passages out of the Bible to prop them up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our knowledge of Scripture should elegantly inform our minds\u2019 ability to discern what the Spirit is saying. How else can we distinguish between spirits in a church meeting (where most prophecies should take place)?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or on the streets or in market places (where prophecies definitely also take place)?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or on Facebook (where prophecies should probably shut down for a few decades till we restore respect for God\u2019s way of building his house)?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And this dance\u2014this graceful, intricate dance between the accurate knowledge of the Scriptures and our minds\u2019 abilities to discern the Spirit\u2019s voice\u2014always ends by exalting Jesus and edifying the saints (1 Cor 12-14).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It does not promote the one prophesying.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If our doctrine is faulty\u2014and the underlying doctrine of leadership in this dream is faulty\u2014so will be our prophecies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s Word distinguishes between soul and spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If we are not willing to prophesy out of trustworthy biblical doctrine, then God\u2019s intended goals of the exalted Jesus Christ and the saints\u2019 edification will never be met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other goals will be met. But not God\u2019s goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One more point about JJ\u2019s claim to prophesy, particularly at the beginning of the dream: \u201cMike, you are being exposed. You must kneel and not rise and the Lord will forgive you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It should be obvious that someone claiming to \u201cprophesy\u201d would not tell a person who is being exposed for adultery, abuse of power, deceit, and illegitimate leadership to \u201ckneel\u201d and thereby be forgiven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The one claiming to \u201cprophesy\u201d should rather call such a person to repent, fully confessing his sins, begging God for mercy, and making everything right with the many people who were hurt\u2014including individuals and churches and prayer groups around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, \u201ckneeling and not rising\u201d may be seen as a convenient symbol of humbling oneself. But it is grossly insufficient by itself. Further, kneeling in the presence of the dream\u2019s implied hero, without any reference to repentance before God and others, really <\/em>seems amiss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is unacceptable to think that a prophetic word from the Holy Spirit would merely instruct MB to get low, declare that his crown of authority is being taken away and given to others, and then imply assurance that everything will be fine into the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is not a prophecy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One may counter on the dream\u2019s behalf: \u201cBut JJ got this dream before MB confessed his sins. He did not know all that was being exposed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that is precisely my point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the dream were a prophecy, it would not need data from MB\u2019s confession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It would prophesy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sixth: Another Man’s Treasure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One final point. JJ claims to \u201csense\u201d the security of MB\u2019s \u201csalvation and heavenly treasure.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the present circumstances, this kind of statement is both out of place and pretentious. No one has the right to make such a claim. Are we really to believe that, in light of this catastrophic crisis, God gave JJ a \u201csense\u201d<\/em> of another man\u2019s eternal destiny\u2026 and then released him to publish that \u201csense\u201d<\/em> on Facebook?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No one can judge another man\u2019s servant. It is not anyone\u2019s place to make such a statement, whether for or against that servant. The state of MB\u2019s soul is between him and God and is well outside our purview. Making the claim to \u201csense\u201d<\/em> this lacks tact and prophetic aptitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is unbelievably irresponsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I urge you to instruct those in your charge to prophesy responsibly, in the Spirit, and within the parameters of Scripture. I know this is a challenging task, but it is what we signed up to accomplish: Disciples must grow sufficiently in the Word and<\/em> the Spirit to prophesy, not out of personal biases or opinions or preferences or ambitions, but out of mindsets geared as objectively as possible in the fear of the Lord. This takes time to develop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And even then, we are commanded to test these spirits and judge these prophecies. It is a process. Let two or three prophesy, and let the others\u2014those with the gift of \u201cdiscernments of spirits\u201d\u2014pass judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(A note on the Greek text: \u201cdiscernments of spirits\u201d is a charismatic gift that follows directly after \u201cprophecy\u201d in 1 Cor 12:10. These two are companion gifts like tongues and interpretation. The Greek word for \u201cdiscernment(s)\u201d is diakrisis<\/em>, and the word translated \u201cjudge\u201d later in 1 Cor 14:29, is diakrin\u014d<\/em>. They share the same Greek root, being essentially the same word, with the former being the noun and the latter the verb. Discernments of spirits is the charismatic gift of judging prophecy. <\/em>Unfortunately, the nature and practice of such an exercise\u2014meant for the local assembly\u2014is for another time. I am only stating here that the New Testament does not advocate for prophecy by itself; rather, it advocates for prophecy with its companion gift operating to \u201cjudge\u201d or \u201cdistinguish\u201d those prophecies.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prophesying someone\u2019s eternal inheritance is generally out of line. But that is especially true in a public post going out into the vast canyon of social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We need discernment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Sum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Little more needs to be said. This dream fails to square with Scripture, MB\u2019s confession, and the realities they imply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But more importantly, this dream assumes and promotes a vision of leadership throughout its entirety that is contrary to Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I believe we should reject it. It is invalid. There is no \u201cgood\u201d to which we should \u201chold fast\u201d in this prophecy (1 Thess 5:19-22). In fact, if we did, we would help spread a spiritually cancerous view of leadership which the Lord is seeking to purge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few parting exhortations to leaders:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Let us reject papal tiaras and embrace Jesus\u2019 towel and basin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Let us lead in teams, well-connected in relationships both within and outside our ministry works, valuing people with proven track records.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Let us not assume Scripture sanctifies our segmented \u201cmovements.\u201d More than spiritual trends that divide the Kingdom into \u201cstreams,\u201d let us rather make disciples and pray for one big \u201cJesus Movement.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Let us be beautiful in our season, praying that God would come into the open wound of the recent crisis and its popular, unhealthy leadership systems with deep, deep healing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Appendix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A possible challenge to this evaluation may be raised, particularly related to the crown on MB: What about Judas? Was he not disqualified from ministry from the beginning? Yet, did not Jesus choose him for a role of leadership he would later lose and give to others (Acts 1:15-26)? Could that not make the \u201ccrown\u201d image work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I believe these are valid questions that make excellent points. Ultimately, however, the analogy does not fit the dream\u2019s message or sequence of events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Some may find the Judas analogy helpful to process the crisis in real life (though I do not). But it does not help us process JJ\u2019s dream<\/em>. And that is what this article addresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The dream does not present MB as a Judas-type figure. Rather, quite the opposite of Judas, the dream portrays MB\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • As a man opposed<\/em> by the devil who sought to \u201cunseat\u201d him. This is contrary to Judas, a man Jesus called a \u201cdevil\u201d in whom satan actually \u201centered\u201d<\/em> (Luke 22:3; John 6:70).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • As a man with a secure heavenly treasure and salvation. This is contrary to Judas, whom Jesus called \u201cthe son of destruction\u201d <\/em>(John 17:12).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • As a man who merely lost his ministry authority<\/em> but remains wealthy<\/em> in the afterlife. This is contrary to Judas whose fate was far worse in both ages<\/em> (Matt 27:5; Acts 1:18; John 17:12).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      (Please note: None of these comments reflect my own personal judgments. I make no claims about knowing a man\u2019s eternal fate, nor do I compare anyone to Judas. I am rather dealing exclusively with the content of the dream and one possible rebuttal.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The Judas analogy does not help the dream work. The dream clearly sees MB as a once-qualified leadership figure whom the enemy opposed. It does not present him as a Judas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In fact, I do not believe our root problem was that we had a Judas among us. I believe our problems lie elsewhere. Remember, Judas was called into a pure Kingdom ministry defined and overseen by Jesus himself. But the dream envisages MB as called into a ministry symbolized by a kind of Roman papacy. These are two, mutually exclusive contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      We cannot use the Judas analogy to justify JJ\u2019s dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Interpreting a Recent Dream about Leadership This article is part two of a series, going out specifically to those leaders in various cities connected in some way to our ministry work. Thank you for caring for God\u2019s flock with love and integrity. I hope these exercises in discernment help you to understand the Scriptures, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/robertgladstone.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/206","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/robertgladstone.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/robertgladstone.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robertgladstone.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robertgladstone.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=206"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/robertgladstone.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/206\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":365,"href":"https:\/\/robertgladstone.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/206\/revisions\/365"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/robertgladstone.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=206"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robertgladstone.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=206"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robertgladstone.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=206"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}