Talking about IHOP-KC: My Appearance on the Long for Truth Podcast

Recently I was asked to come on the Long for Truth podcast to talk about the teachings of Mike Bickle and the International House of Prayer. We talked about a variety of topics, from Bickle's teaching of a Kenotic Jesus to what IHOP-KC teaches on the power of prayer, as well as a bit on prophecy and what Bickle teaches it means. I pray that God uses to reach out to His sheep and save them from false doctrine.

The original blog post can be found here, over at the Long for Truth blog.

The podcast can be listened to below:

Listen to "The Dangers of Mike Bickle Part 2 With Tony Allen" on Spreaker.

Over-Importance of the End Times

There was recently an article posted on the IHOP-KC blog entitled: Why We Can’t Know the Day or the Hour: the Commandment to Know the Generation of the Lord’s Return. It was written by Adam Wittenberg, who serves on IHOP-KC's marketing department. I wanted to write a response to it, not only because of some of the erroneous teachings it bears, but also because it makes an amazing statement regarding eschatology which I felt convicted to address.

As I often do, all quotes from the article will be in purple. I'll be quoting the entirety of the article over the course of the blog post, but feel free to read the blog post in full before reading this blog post.

We know from Scripture there’s a storm on the horizon. It’s already here in many ways, and it’s going to increase. Darkness will intensify in the generation of the Lord’s return, and the more severe the darkness gets, the closer His return gets.

We find this tension and paradox in the end times—there will be the most intense darkness, and yet the greatest measure of the Spirit’s power and glory will be released. Both dynamics will be operating on the earth at the same time.

Scripture offers us many reasons to hope, yet without a solid understanding of the biblical narrative, we are left with a secular narrative, which will lead to confusion, fear, and offense.

Note that this article starts off with the presupposition that IHOP-KC's eschatology is correct, and takes it for granted that all the evil we see in the world is what is described in scripture as what will happen in the end times.

Obviously, any group, theologian, etc., is going to take certain beliefs for granted. The relevancy here is that this eschatology is grounded upon Mike Bickle's complete abuse of scripture, whether it's interpreting Haggai to mean the building of IHOP-KC (see my post here), or how Psalm 2 is a major end-times prophecy, even though the New Testament writers interpreted it as a prophecy of the death and resurrection of Christ (see my podcast here). Therefore, the presupposition here is important to note, since we will soon see Mr. Wittenberg commit a false dichotomy between IHOP-KC eschatology and secular thinking.

This applies to believers. There are many in the church today who say things like, “I love Jesus, but I’m not into the end times.” Instead of trying to search the Scriptures, they’re content to live off of someone else’s understanding.

I stop here because this is perhaps the most ironic thing someone can write on an IHOP-KC website. We shouldn't "live off of someone else's understanding" of the end times? That's precisely what happens at IHOP-KC: everything is grounded upon the teachings and personal revelations of Mike Bickle. This has been attested by those who were former members and experienced this cultic veneration of Bickle's authority firsthand (see my blog post here, as well as the post here). This is likewise attested by the simple fact that, the minute IHOP-KC supporters stray from Bickle's teachings and are forced to deal with scripture's context, and how the church has interpreted passages throughout history, their entire position falls apart (see, for example, my blog post here).

I invite any IHOP-KC supporters reading this blog post to attempt this themselves: without appealing to Bickle, or anyone else at IHOP-KC, try to look at the original context of scripture, and try to teach that there will be an end times, night-and-day prayer forerunner movement based on John the Baptist. I can promise you that you will come up with zero justification for such a doctrine.

Yet there are more than 150 chapters in the Bible that talk about the generation and events surrounding Christ’s return. God wants us to have more than a basic understanding of this.

Contrary to what some say, it is intensely practical—and relevant—to learn about the end times. Because without knowledge we are left with human logic, reasoning, and the secular narrative to interpret these events, and that will not help us amidst the intense pressures.

I have to wonder about that "150 chapters" number, given, as we saw earlier, Mike Bickle will apply eschatological interpretations of non-eschatological passages (eg., Psalm 2). There's also a tendency for IHOP-KC to take many passages regarding the church at large, and read the end-times prayer movement into it (for example, Isaiah 62:6). One can't help but wonder how much that 150 number would drop if all those chapters received a much more serious study.

More importantly, note what Mr. Wittenberg says here: it is important to know about "the generation and events surrounding Christ's return," because without that knowledge we are left with "human logic, reasoning, and the secular narrative to interpret these [current] events." This is the false dichotomy I mentioned earlier; that is, either we know the generation and events around Christ's return, or we're left being no better than atheists trying to make heads or tails of world events.

On the contrary, not having a dramatic narrative of the end times akin to Left Behind (though IHOP-KC denies the pre-tribulation rapture) has not caused much trouble for people of other eschatological mindsets. Amillennialists, Postmillennialists, and others have never been too troubled by current events, even with a denial of special knowledge regarding "the generation and events" regarding Christ's return. Those who see the moral decline in our current society can point to Romans 1, and say that the writers of the New Testament saw firsthand how a society could decline. Those who see the rise of false religions know such things were spoken of in the New Testament times. Even those without a scholarly understanding of Revelation are perfectly capable of comprehending the book's central theme, which is that, no matter what may happen, God still wins.

What gives such people peace, if they don't have the same elaborate knowledge which Mike Bickle and company do? It's the fact that Christ is sovereign, that our King is already set on His hill, and still reigns. This is why countless Christians have faced persecution and certain death for dozens of hundreds of years. The people who suffered under the Roman Empire, facing brutal torture and death, did so without any knowledge of the "generation and events" regarding Christ's return. Why do we suddenly need to know this to "help us amidst the intense pressures"? An honest and balanced review of various eschatological views, as well as even a cursory study of church history, shows we don't.

One of the greatest misconceptions in the church is that since Jesus said that no one knows the day or the hour of His return, except the Father (Matthew 24:36), we can’t know the season either. But Jesus commanded His people to know the generation. He said that those living in the generation of His return would know it.

In Matthew 24, after laying out the signs of His return, Jesus says, “So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors” (Matthew 24:33)! That’s not a suggestion; that’s a command—know these things, because “this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place” (vs. 34).

Mr. Wittenberg interprets Matthew 24:33 as a command; we are commanded to know the generation. Is the verse a command? There's nothing deriving from the text itself to suggest it is. The NASB reads: "when you see all these things, recognize that He is near." Even if IHOP-KC wishes to say that "recognize" must be a command, it's not to be taken as one at face value. Christ is simply saying that if the acts he is describing happen, then the people will recognize what's going on - they'll have a logical inference from the state of things. It'd be like if I said, "When the low fuel light comes on, know that it's time to fill the car." That's not a command to fill the car, that's just a logical conclusion from the situation. Likewise, when Christ says "when you see all these things, recognize that He is near," that's not commanding all believers to study about "the generation and events surrounding Christ's return"; Christ is simply stating that, if we see all these things, we'll then know that it's close to other events about to unfold.

But Wittenberg states that "this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place," referencing Matthew 24:34. He's obviously applying it to a future generation, outside of Christ's immediate audience. Is such an interpretation possible?

We need to remember that, earlier in the chapter, Christ had spoken of the destruction of the Temple (Mt 24:2), which would eventually come about in 70 AD by Roman armies under General (later Emperor) Titus. As they sit on the Mount of Olives, the disciples ask, "Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" (Mt 24:3). Matthew then records that Jesus said "to them" (αὐτοῖς - plural), "See to it that no one misleads you (ὑμᾶς - plural)" (Mt 24:4). Christ is directly speaking to the disciples who had asked that question. Immediately we recognize that Christ's audience are the disciples, and hence everything Christ says would have to be somehow relevant to the disciples and the very first believers. This is likewise clear in the language of verse 33: "you also," from Mr. Wittenberg's translation, or "you too" in the NASB. The point is, Christ is clarifying that he is speaking to his present audience. In my conversation with Allen Hood, I asked him if he believed Christ could return that very minute, as we were speaking, and he replied no. According to such logic, and according to IHOP-KC's interpretation of Matthew 24:33, Christ saying "you too" to the disciples was completely nonsensical.

After much of Christ's description about coming events, we get to the part where Christ speaks of "this generation."

"Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place." [Matthew 24:34]

Christ, speaking to the disciples, says that "this generation" (γενεὰ αὕτη) will not pass away before the events he describes will take place. Within the Gospel of Matthew, Christ had used "this generation" before, and in all occurrences, it references the generation at that time (cf. Mt 11:16; 12:42, 45; 23:36). This isn't counting the other times Christ uses the word "generation" in reference to that current generation (cf. Mt 12:39; 16:4; 17:17). Within the teachings of Christ, and especially within the Gospel of Matthew specifically, we can only assume that the γενεὰ Christ is speaking of are those believers who lived at the time of Christ. For certain many interpreters have stumbled over the meaning of "this generation" (not just Bickle), but I would argue this stems from a tendency for man to read his eschatology into verses, rather than letting the verses form his eschatology.

In brief, Christ does not speak here of a special, future generation during which several specific events will take place. That would make the use of "this generation," as well as Christ's use of "you," completely nonsensical in this context.

What, therefore, is Christ speaking of? I actually hope to write a longer post on this, but I would argue it is a future judgment against Jerusalem and the unbelieving Jewish nation, which would be seen from the mid-to-late 60's AD, culminating in the destruction of the city and Temple in 70 AD. This would mean it happens at the tail-end of "this generation," and indeed many of the disciples listening to Christ (for example, John) were still alive. If one studies the events around Jerusalem's destruction, and the events described by Christ, you find a near perfect parallel. It likewise makes sense given Christ's language of approaching judgment upon the Jewish nation,

I know by saying this I've stepped on a lot of people's toes - not just IHOP-KC's, but brothers and sisters in Christ. I hope, however, this will not distract them from my larger point: 1) Jesus does not "command" Christians to engage in studious eschatology regarding an end times movement; 2) when one interprets Matthew 24, they must do it with the realization that Christ's words were relevant, somehow, to the believers present, not just believers 2000 years down the road.

We are very likely living in the early days of that generation. It’s not too early to prepare ourselves, and our children, for the return of Christ.

For the first time in history, all of the signs leading up to His return are increasing on a global scale at the same time. Various signs have been present since Christ ascended, but we live in a day and hour when they are rising globally.

What signs and wonders? Much of this is based on Mike Bickle's poor handling of Acts 2 and Joel 2, especially in the way he divides Acts 2:19 into two separate parts (see my blog post here). Many other supposed signs and wonders either didn't happen or were exaggerated and changed over time (for example, Bob Jones' drought prophecy).

Notice also "we are very likely living in the early days of that generation." IHOP-KC here, and many times in the past, has openly stated that Christ is coming back soon - whether in several decades or less, they don't know. (They don't make the same error as Harold Camping.) They literally believe they are part of an end times movement. The wiggle room of "we are very likely" here is interesting, however, as I've heard IHOP-KC personalities (such as Allen Hood) explicitly say that we are in the early days of that generation. One has to wonder if IHOP-KC may be getting a little bit anxious.

In these days, we need to gain more understanding of what Jesus said will happen in that generation. We need to study Scripture and to grow in knowledge of our Messiah who is coming.

Jesus warned that deception is one of the greatest threats to believers in the end times (Matthew 24). In light of this, we need to fill up on God’s truth like never before.

When you know what the Bible is referring to by all of these things, you’ll act differently. You’ll live differently. You’ll make different decisions.

Those who speak His truth will be lights in the darkness, helping turn others from death to life and keeping believers on the path.

Here is the crux of these end times movements: they place a high importance on eschatology, to the point that it nearly eclipses the gospel. Note that Mr. Wittenberg says "when you know what the Bible is referring to," you'll "act differently," "live differently," and "make different decisions." These are all things which, throughout Christian history, have been said of the Gospel.

One strong passage in this regard:

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. [Colossians 3:1-7]

It is through the Gospel, and the sanctifying work by the Spirit, that we find we begin to act, live, and make decisions differently. From Christ's work on the cross, we are made new creatures. It is all owing to the salvific work of the Trinitarian God.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. [Ephesians 2:8-10]

It is never any wonder to me that, when I encounter people from IHOP-KC or similar movements, a common trait I find is they struggle with the Gospel. They have issues with depression, or doubts about their salvation, or show a lack of knowledge in regards to God's work of redemption. It's not that you would never hear anything close to the Gospel at IHOP-KC, Bethel Church, or anywhere else in the New Apostolic Reformation movement; it's just that something else is tacked onto the Gospel, and something else is made of equal importance. You are told that, now you are a Christian, something else is expected of you, and you are made to focus on that even more than the Gospel.

Am I saying Christians can't study eschatology? Not at all. Eschatology can be interesting, and sometimes (if done properly) it can nurture your understanding of the Gospel. Yet when we make eschatology as important as the Gospel - or we make eschatology serve the same purpose as the Gospel - we in essence create another form of Law. For those involved in IHOP-KC, or other New Apostolic Reformation movements, a heavy burden has been placed upon them, and for many it is too much to bear.

If you’re seeking greater knowledge of the end times and how to recognize the generation of the Lord’s return, check out Mike’s newest book, God’s Answer to the Growing Crisis: A Bold Call to Action in the End Times from Charisma House. Gain a fresh biblical perspective on the agenda to secularize and de-Christianize America; what the upsurge of secular humanism looks like; the rise of ISIS and Islamic extremists; and the looming financial crisis. Readers will overcome fear and confusion in the last days and learn to pray effectively for this nation and the world.

And herein is the cognitive dissonance I mentioned earlier: after being told we shouldn't "live off of someone else's understanding," we are in essence told live off Mike Bickle's understanding. I once spoke with a former IHOP-KC member who took a class studying a passage of scripture, and it was based solely off of Mike Bickle's commentary. When asked why they weren't looking at anyone else's commentary, the man was in essence told, "Who are you to question Mike Bickle?" I've walked into the bookstore at IHOP-KC, and I was shocked to find literally wall-to-wall copies of Mike Bickle's teachings on various subjects. If anyone thinks that IHOP-KC's teachings and doctrines aren't somehow grounded upon Mike Bickle's teachings and his person, then they are living with a spiritual blindness.

This article, though brief and perhaps not as detailed as other articles we've looked at, is but one example of the scriptural mishandling which happens at IHOP-KC, but more importantly why IHOP-KC's doctrine is so dangerous. It seduces people by promising a higher sense of spirituality, as well as a chance to make sense of what is going on. As I mentioned before on a podcast explaining forerunners, IHOP-KC promises order and sense to those who might be struggling with rising sin during this era. In the end, however, it only latches chains onto those who should be free under their King.

Do we need to know an end times narrative in order to feel peace with the world? Do we need to know this narrative in order to act, live, and think differently? No - as we saw before, from the very pages of scripture, all we need is the Gospel.

I hope and pray this article serves the body, and serves to awaken some within IHOP-KC to this error. God bless.

Podcast: CBN and IHOP-KC

In this episode we examine two clips about the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, which were played on the Christian Broadcast Network's 700 Club. Most importantly, we review how IHOP-KC will hide key points to their theology in a more public setting, and ask if CBN is really fully aware of what they believe.



This link sends you to the blog post giving the meeting notes where Bickle tells IHOP staff they are committed to this, and God will judge them for how they act.

This link sends you to the podcast episode covering Misty Edwards and forerunners.

This link sends you to the blog post discussing the Song of Solomon and whether it's literal or allegorical.

Podcast: What Happened at OneThing VA Beach

The following is the latest podcast, featuring a conversation that happened between myself and Allen Hood, Associate Director of the International House of Prayer and President of their university (IHOPU), at the OneThing Regionals Conference in Virginia.


This link goes to the post where I discuss whether or not IHOP-KC is a cult.

This link goes to the post where I discuss IHOP-KC's teachings on prophecy.

This link goes to the post where I discuss IHOP-KC's teachings on forerunners.

This link goes to the post with the first IHOP-KC podcast, discussing its foundation.

This link goes to the post where I engaged in discussion with an IHOP-KC supporter over the scriptural basis for the forerunner ministry.

This link goes to the post where I discuss whether or not all Christians are supposed to prophesy.

Re: Worship That Shakes the World

Recently, Misty Edwards, the International House of Prayer's worship leader, wrote an article for Charisma Magazine on the subject of prayer and music in worship. The full article can be found here. When I read it, I felt compelled to write a response, not so much because of what was said, but because of what wasn't said. That is, Misty Edwards would touch on the subject of prayer and worship music, but not clarify what she meant by it, or what she really meant by it. We need to understand a person's theology not by what we want them to mean, but by how they themselves define what they mean. Someone reading the article might assume from it that IHOP-KC was a theologically sound place, or might think that their beliefs regarding prayer and worship are like any other Christian group. As we go through the article, however, we'll see that's not the case.

Worship and prayer are inseparable. Through worship, we agree with who God is, and through prayer, we agree with what He promised to do. I don’t believe worship can be disconnected from prayer at all. The only thing that makes “worship music” worship is that we’re talking to God; otherwise, it’s just music.

Prayer is a dialogue with the Invisible, and there are many expressions of this conversation. Sometimes it is a contemplative meditation on Scripture. Other times it’s a heartfelt plea for help, a cry for justice or a lament of repentance. Prayer also includes a declaration of who God is and gratitude for what He’s done and will do, as well as a prophetic declaration of what He’s saying today. Intercession, worship, praise and the prophetic are all one seamless flow involved in this holy conversation that we call prayer. When we combine these elements with music, there is a dynamic impact on our hearts—individually and corporately—that affects society at large.

To those unfamiliar with IHOP-KC and its theology, this might all sound well and good. However, just as a Mormon means much more than an orthodox Christian when he says he believes God is the "God of this world," so too does Misty Edwards mean a bit more here. In fact, she fails to mention a couple of things here.

One thing she fails to mention here is what she means by "contemplative meditation on Scripture." While I agree that it's good to meditate over Scripture (that is, ponder what a verse means, study it in depth, etc.), she means something entirely different by it. At IHOP-KC, they teach what amounts to the Roman Catholic doctrine of Lectio Divina, which teaches "praying God's word" in order to receive feedback or a deeper "communion" with God. They likewise teach the monastic (and also pagan) teaching of contemplative prayer, where you attempt to discover the deeper secrets of God by meditating (in a pagan sense) over a verse (I talk about this somewhat here and here).

Another thing she fails to mention is exactly what she, and IHOP-KC, believes prayer can do. That is, they believe that through our prayer we in essence give God permission to act on earth, similar to the beliefs of Word of Faith teacher Myles Munroe; God cannot release great conversions or miracles or powers until we pray for Him to. To quote from Mike Bickle's book Seven Commitments of a Forerunner:

Speaking forth the Word of God back to God is the catalyst for releasing His power. The Father has chosen to govern the earth in partnership with His people through intercession. [pg. 35; Forerunner]

And again:

Today, God requires our intercession to release the fullness of His power and justice on earth. As we speak, or pray, God’s will back to God, the Spirit releases it on the earth. If we do not speak out God’s Word, then the power of the Spirit will not be released in the same measure. God requires holy, persevering, believing prayer to release the fullness of what is in His heart. The fullness of God’s justice will only be released in the context of night and day intercession. [pg. 36; Forerunner]

Another thing she fails to mention is what she means by prayer being "a declaration of who God is and gratitude for what He’s done and will do, as well as a prophetic declaration of what He’s saying today." IHOP-KC believes that through prayer, we actually receive personal revelation of God's intentions for today, especially for the end times. This leads into the rather Gnostic belief held at IHOP-KC that those who engage in heavy prayer (especially if they join the Forerunner movement or something like it) will receive from God "deep secrets of His heart."

Prayer is much more than a spiritual discipline to be performed, or the means by which we find our way out of difficult circumstances...Rather, it is the place of encounter with God where our spirit is energized as we grow in love with Him...As we dialogue with Him in prayer, He reveals glimpses of His personality, giving us revelation of His thoughts and feelings toward us. This is a necessary foundation for all who wish to grow in intimacy with God. [pg. 30-31; Forerunner]

Again, there's far more under the surface here than we may realize.

Often we use these two words—worship and prayer—to mean singing and speaking our conversation with God. I believe there’s a powerful connection between spoken prayers and those that are sung. In Revelation, we see both spoken word and song offered continuously around the throne. We see a harp, signifying music (Rev. 5:8), and a bowl full of the intercession of the saints (vv. 8-9). And we know that if this is the way it is in heaven, it’s also a model for how it ought to be on earth.

Today we see prayer meetings springing up around the world where the intercessors are being carried and sustained by enjoyable prayer (Is. 56:7). One way such prayer becomes enjoyable is through the combination of spoken prayer with prophetic, inspirational music and singing.

It is common for those at IHOP-KC to take the vision in Revelation 5:8 as a literal representation of what it is like in heaven, and while I don't deny that it's probably close, I would likewise ask if they believe there is also a bloodied lamb with seven horns and seven eyes walking around heaven (Rev 5:6).

Also note that she says the bowl in verses 8-9 are the "intercession of the saints" and that it is "full." This is because at IHOP-KC (according to the end-times beliefs of Mike Bickle) they believe the first seal will not be broken until the bowl is full of the intercession of the houses of prayer (a clear teaching that is not clearly taught in the text). To put it another way, God's automobile of judgment needs gas, and praying fuels it up, hence one reason those in this movement are so adamant about prayer. They in essence believe that they are praying Jesus back.

In fact, the forerunner movement gets a silent nod at the end of this section, when Misty Edwards talks of "prayer meetings springing up around the world where the intercessors are being carried and sustained by enjoyable prayers." I talk more about the forerunner movement here, but suffice to say IHOP-KC believes that these prayer meetings (more accurately prayer cultures, as Lou Engle calls them) are being raised by God to bring about His end times plans. In fact, God personally spoke to Mike Bickle and personally told him to help start this movement. Almost everything at IHOP-KC is grounded on personal revelation...one of the traits, by the way, of a cult.

Music originated from God. The human spirit is musical because we are created in His image. There is something mysterious yet simple about song and the connection it has to our emotions, our memory and our ability to focus mind, body, soul and spirit. It is a beautiful gift God has given each of us.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a singer or a musician, you are musical. Paul said that he sang spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). I doubt he was a worship leader, but he was a man of prayer, and he sang in the spirit to God (1 Cor. 14:15).

Note how she says that music has the ability to help us "focus mind, body, soul and spirit." If you listen to the music at IHOP-KC, especially at their special events, one thing you'll notice quickly is that they tend to repeat words a lot and use music in a rather hypnotic way. This is something done in New Age music and some pagan rites, and is simply a manipulative use of music done to help the people get into a kind of spiritual high. Somehow, I don't think this was what Paul was talking about. If you read all of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, you'll find that when he spoke of "spiritual songs", he was talking about "psalms and hymns". Psalms and hymns don't do what the music at IHOP-KC does.

In our individual lives, singing our prayers is beneficial in many ways. One way is by giving us the ability to focus at a greater level. When we sing Scripture to God, it has a way of leading us into meditation, due to the repetitive nature of song. It also writes the truth on our hearts in a way the spoken word does not.

For example, if I said, “Twinkle, twinkle, little star,” you would immediately remember the song and likely be able to sing it word for word. But if I said “Ephesians 1:17,” many of us would not know that prayer at all. However, if we put this prayer of the apostle Paul to music, even children would remember it. Add in the spontaneity and development of Scripture a teacher would bring to such a text—yet do it through song—and you would not only remember the text, but you would also understand it.

Note that here, in a way, Misty Edwards confirms what I said before: we can "focus at a greater level" and hence lead us "into meditation, due to the repetitive nature of song." IHOP-KC has their musicians repeat the same lyric over and over and over again so that the listeners can get into a kind of meditative state -however, this form of meditation belongs more in monasteries and false religions than it does in Christianity.

In regards to the second section, while I agree that putting scripture to music (as many hymn writers did) can assist even children in remembering the verse. There's nothing wrong with that. However, I've rarely seen it happen at IHOP-KC in such a way that one would "understand it." Usually what might happen at IHOP-KC is someone would take Ephesians 1:17, repeat it a few times, then focus in on one thing and say something like "Give us the wisdom and revelation!", and repeat that over and over again. One time, while I was personally visiting the prayer room, I was listening to the music and realized that they had taken a well known hymn (I forget which one) and just repeating the first verse over and over and over again. That's hardly edifying to anyone.

As I've said before, it seems like those at IHOP-KC's prayer team believe that Christ said "do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words", they believed it was a friendly suggestion.

In our corporate life, singing prayers has a dynamic impact too. Through song, we are able to become one voice and one heart as we sing the same thing to the same Man at the same time. Through song, we can also feel the same thing at the same time while either declaring the truth or interceding for a breakthrough. 

Again, do you see the subtle hint at IHOP-KC doctrine here? When she says "interceding for a breakthrough," she means praying to God to grant Him the ability to perform something.

Song is a powerful tool to unify the body of Christ. Whenever you have the combination of spoken prayer and singing, an entire room or a whole stadium of people can come into agreement with what is being prayed through simple songs that make us one voice. I believe this unified intercession and worship is one thing that changes the spiritual atmosphere of a city or a region. 

Once again, a subtle reference to IHOP-KC's doctrine. When she says "unified intercession and worship" can change "the spiritual atmosphere of a city or a region",  she's saying that when we pray, we release "spiritual energy" (as Lou Engle called it) into the atmosphere, to combat demonic forces. If you listen to Lou Engle talk about the house of prayer movement, you'll hear him talk about Christian houses of prayer are literally in direct spiritual warfare with non-Christian houses of prayer, because according to this doctrine mosques and synagogues and other non-Christian places of worship are blasting energy into the atmosphere. The house of prayer movement believes that when we pray, we combat that spiritual energy, and hence break it away and help bring revival to a city.

You don’t have to add music to the conversation—prayer—you’re holding with God, but music combined with prayer opens our hearts, writes truth on our minds, changes the atmosphere and facilitates sustainable, enjoyable corporate prayer that leads to a unified heart with one another and with God.

As I said earlier, all this sounds good, and perhaps if it was someone else writing this, I would give a hearty "Amen!" But we need to realize something: theology matters.

Podcast: IHOP-KC and Prophecy

Below is the latest podcast, covering the International House of Prayer and their beliefs regarding prophecy.

Podcast: IHOP-KC and Prayer Power

Here is the latest podcast, where I examine a message by Lou Engle to discuss the house of prayer movement and the International House of Prayer's beliefs concerning prayer.

Podcast: IHOP-KC and Forerunners

The following is my latest podcast, reviewing a message by IHOP-KC worship leader Misty Edwards on the Forerunner movement.


The discussion I had with an IHOP-KC member, regarding Forerunners, can be found on this page.

An Open Email to IHOP-KC and Mike Bickle

The following is an email I sent to the International House of Prayer on February 6, 2013. Initially, when I had sent a question to the Twitter account of IHOPU, I received cordial and prompt responses. They eventually directed me to Mike Bickle's assistant at IHOP-KC. As of yet, I have not received a response. Because of the explanations I went through in the email, I decided to share it on my blog for others to read. Perhaps I will receive responses here.

***

Greetings,

During the One Thing conference, I replied to a tweet made by IHOPU, which had made mention of an Anna anointing. I asked them for the biblical foundation of such an anointing, and they sent me to a lecture by Mike Bickle regarding it. I printed out the notes, listened to Mr. Bickle speak, and then sent an email to IHOPU asking if I could direct some questions and concerns. They provided me with this email address, and so I thought I would send said questions and concerns this way.

Firstly, in Part II, a heavy emphasis is placed on the function of the Temple in the Old Testament. However, this is all under the old covenant, and in the way worship functioned in the theocracy of ancient Israel and Judah, and the Temple itself was twice destroyed - the last time being by the Romans in 70 AD. Since then, it has never been rebuilt, and its services have not continued. Mr. Bickle argues, in the lecture, that the Temple worship was never nullified in the new covenant - however, there seem to be two problems here:

1) The Temple model at IHOP-KC seems to be selective about what is accepted from the old covenant worship. For example, the musicians and dancers are used, but no animal sacrifices or priesthood. As pertaining the priesthood, Bickle calls the Levites "intercessory missionaries" in the lecture, however the Levites were the priests descended from Aaron and who assisted in the sacrifices - they did not simply sing and dance and pray. Hebrews 7 compares and contrasts Christ to those Levitical priests, saying that Christ has now replaced them as a better priest, fulfilling their function more perfectly. As pertaining the animal sacrifices, it will be granted that one might argue Christ's sacrifices undid the animal sacrifices, but that brings us to the next point:

2) No where in the New Testament is the Temple ever made the exact model of worship. In fact, the Epistle to the Hebrews makes it clear that the worship and Temple in the Old Testament were but a shadow of the heavenly things, and that in the new covenant it takes place in heaven with Christ, who now functions as our intercessor.

Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. [Hebrews 8:1-7]

And likewise later on, in which Christ is called the "greater and more perfect tent":

But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. [Hebrews 9:11-14]

The law and all under it is called by the author of Hebrews "a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities" (Heb 10:1). The lesson of the epistle to the Hebrews - written supposedly while the Temple was still up and functioning - seems to be that Christ fulfills the role of the Levitical priesthood, as well as the role that the Temple functioned in in sacrificing and atonement. The Temple was not a model for how to worship, but a shadow for the final "Temple" in heaven, where God the Son would intercede continually for His people and their sins, which were wiped clean by the blood spilled on Calvary.

For certain, worship and the formation of God's church was discussed in New Testament scripture. We see the leadership organized in the pastoral epistles. We see rules for orderly worship in 1 Corinthians 14:26-40. We have examples of how early Christians worshiped from both Christian and non-Christian sources in the days of the post-apostolic church. None of it suggests anything close to the Temple of David, or that we should emulate the Temple worship right down to constant, never ceasing worship.

Secondly, some of the quotations and use of passages from the Old Testament in Section III concerned me, as they often seemed to be out of context or eisegeted.

For example, Isaiah 62:6-7 is cited and is said to be about intercessory missionaries at the end of the age, however it appears no commentator or theologian has ever perceived it in this fashion until recently. The "watchmen" mentioned in verse 6 has most often been interpreted as general ministers of religion (cf. Ez 3:17; 33:7; Isa 22:11; 52:8; 56:10), and Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi were definitely "watchmen" in the post-captivity era. Today, the "watchmen" are ministers and pastors of the Christian faith. The words "they shall never be silent" does not imply constant singing or praying, but rather constant vigilance - it was a reference to the practice of watchmen of the era to call out the hour and the state of security ("three o'clock, all's well," etc.). Generally, the passages do not immediately reveal any prophecy about an end times prayer movement. It might discuss ministers of the gospel, but not "intercessory missionaries."

Another example is seen with Isaiah 42:10-15. It is said to be the "clearest picture" of "prophetic singing before Jesus' return." However, context has to be examined here. verses 1-9 had discussed the coming of God's Servant (ie., Christ), and part of this section is quoted by the evangelist Matthew in Mt 12:18-21 and is said by him to have been fulfilled (Mt 12:17) - in other words, it's talking about the first coming of Christ. In light of this news of a coming savior, the prophet Isaiah therefore tells the people to "sing to the LORD a new song" (v. 10). The following sections are in reference to the lands around Judah - where Jews either lived or interacted with the people of - celebrating this news.Like with Isaiah 62:6-7, one cannot see an end times prayer movement here unless it is first assumed.

While perhaps not a big deal, the last part of this use of Isaiah 42 that surprised me was the wording of verse 15 in the notes, which are done with: "I will lay waste [by earthquakes] the mountains..." [emphasis/italics in original]. Actually, look at the full wording of verse 15:

I will lay waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn the rivers into islands, and dry up the pools. [Isaiah 42:15]

The words "lay waste" actually are "dry up" in the original language, and the "mountains and hills" are a synechdoche for the trees on them. The overall context is saying that, through a kind of drought, the Lord will defeat his enemies. It is not talking about an earthquake.

Thirdly, I was also concerned about some of the passages cited in Section IV, regarding the New Testament and "night and day prayer."

For example, Mr. Bickle says that the "order of worship that God commanded David to embrace...is timeless and valid today," and then quotes Matthew 6:10 and highlights "on earth as it is in heaven." However, this isn't saying anything about 24/7 prayer. In fact, this is from the Lord's Prayer, which - after advising us not to pray in overly public ways or commit vain repetition (v. 5-8), Christ states in verse 9: "pray then like this" (or "in this manner" literally). Again, it's not talking about praying in the same fashion the Levites and Temple employees did, let alone committing 24/7 prayer.

Another example is seen with Luke 18:7, which I have noticed seems to be a favorite of many IHOP-KC staff members to validate the growing prayer movement. In the lecture, Bickle attempts to tie it in with Isaiah 62:6 simply because it speaks of "night and day" and "justice." However, a reading of the full context shows what it's really about:

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. [Luke 18:1; emphasis mine]

Verse 7 is coming off the tail end of the parable, but the parable is said right off the bat to simply be a lesson about how we should pray to God always and not lose heart if prayers are not answered. That is the context of the parable - not an end times prayer movement.

Yet another example is seen with the citation of Paul in 1 Th 3:10, 2 Ti 1:3, and 1 Ti 5:5 which is said to show how the apostle "embraced night and day prayer in various seasons." However, in all these examples, it clearly appears that Paul is using a figure of speech. Are we to believe that the apostle Paul literally prayed 24/7 that he would met with the Thessalonians again and encourage them? Was he literally praying 24/7 for Timothy and nothing or no one else? Was he commanding widows to do nothing in their lives but 24/7 prayer? Was he commanding them to take shifts doing 24/7 prayer as IHOP-KC does? The answer would have to, logically, be no. Paul's use of "night and day" here is not to be taken in a literal 24/7 sense, but in the same sense as a husband might tell his wife, "I'm always thinking about you," while not meaning literally that he's always thinking of her and not the bills, his job, etc.

The final example I'll bring up can be seen in part D of Section IV, and go through it bit by bit:

1) Citing Luke 10:38-42, with the story of Mary and Martha, it is written by Mike Bickle in the notes that "Jesus valued the lifestyle of Mary of Bethany in sitting before him." He combines it in the lecture with Mark 14, even though these are two different stories and were isolated events - not necessarily lifestyles. While Mary lived in honor to the Lord and it cannot be denied she had a good presence in his earthly ministry, it was not night and day prayer that was emphasized in these two stories: in Luke 10, it actually states that Mary was seated and "listened to his teaching" (v. 39) - it was her honoring of God's word that was commended; Mark 14 was about Christ's burial, not about 24/7 prayer.

2) While Cornelius and John the Baptist and the apostles did indeed pray, how are these related to "hourly" prayer, let alone an "end-time" prayer movement? All believers pray, and while some certainly pray more than others, does any mention of a person praying signify that they are doing so in the same manner as a 24/7 prayer movement? It seems like any time prayer is mentioned, it is automatically assumed to be in the same context as what is done at IHOP-KC.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, much of what happens at IHOP-KC and how it operates seems to be grounded upon the personal revelations given to Mike Bickle (1983, Cairo, etc.) and, at times, Bickle's peers. Throughout the lecture, we constantly hear "God is doing this," "now this is happening," "the Spirit is doing this," etc. This seen both in the notes and throughout the spoken part. The very foundation of IHOP-KC was by divine revelation. The very acronym "IHOP" was through divine revelation. Several sections of scripture are read through the lens of IHOP-KC-centered divine revelation. This causes me to want to ask a few questions:

1) How do we know it all comes from God? With what surety do we have? How do we know it was God that Bickle heard in Cairo?

2) Does this not logically mean that any who oppose IHOP-KC and its cause are acting against God? This isn't a matter of a difference of opinions - if God is truly working through IHOP-KC and is using it as an instrument for His end times movement, then there is no in between or gray area for this...those who work against IHOP-KC or oppose its theology, teachings, and causes are working against God and His end times movement.

3) Isn't the authority not truly on scripture, but on our presupposition about what scripture says through the guidance of supposed divine revelations? The last statement in the notes is:

We grow in revelation of the Word gaining insight into His will, ways, and salvation and to understand the unique dynamics of His end-time plan to transition the earth to the age to come. [emphasis in original]

Given that barely any one, in the past 2000 years of church history, has ever received such revelation regarding God and His end-time movement, how is this not reading scripture through a lens? If not, why isn't it?

I look forward to hearing your response.

Prayer and Prophetic Conference Tweets

Recently, the International House of Prayer had a Prayer and Prophetic Conference in their home territory of Kansas City. I watched the events in Thursday evening and, feeling inspired, decided to tweet my responses as things went along. I ended up tweeting a lot during the three days that the event unfolded. It was a good experience, and though I won't claim I "shook the heavens," I did get in some brief conversations with some people who work at IHOP-KC, as well as some people who had either left IHOP-KC or lost friends over IHOP-KC.

I thought for fun, I would share the tweets I made those days. The schedule can be found here.

October 11

NOTE: The following were in response to filler videos they were webstreaming before the conference events. They were a combination of interviews with Mike Bickle, round-table discussions held with members of IHOP-KC's staff, and interviews with individual leaders within IHOP-KC.

4:29 PM - Everyone in the New Testament spoke in tongues? So Paul was lying in 1 Cor 12:30? #IHOPKC

4:39 PM - "If it's not written in the Bible, I don't care." #mikebickle #ihopkc Then as John Owen once noted, why bother with revelation and prophecy?

4:58 PM - Why do Dominionists use "seven mountains"? Do they understand that has negative connotations in scripture? (Rev 17:9) #dominionism

5:00 PM - "Who knows when the Lord's returning..." #mikebickle You've openly said it'll happen within the next generation or the next several decades.

5:08 PM - "The Lord spoke to me and said..." Well then write it down and put it after Revelation, we have a new book of scripture. #ihopkc

5:14 PM - "Christ wants the church united." #mistyedwards I'm sorry, but Rom 16:17 forbids me from uniting with #ihopkc

5:18 PM - I can't help but feel, as I watch video after video, that one can basically idolize the prayer room. #ihopkc

NOTE: The following were tweeted while I was watching the Worship part of the day's events.

7:27 PM - There's an "Anna Anointing"? I don't recall Luke writing about that. #ThingsNotInTheBible #mikebickle #ihopkc

7:32 PM - "Sometimes Isaiah hides from me..." #mikebickle #PrayerProphetic He doesn't want his words misused.

7:36 PM - Isaiah 58:10 is about the prophetic ministry? That's incredible eisegesis. Isaiah is calling for repentance #mikebickle #PrayerProphetic

7:40 PM - Why does #ihopkc keep acting as if they're the new Temple? Do they know what happened to the LAST two...?

8:08 PM - How many times can one repeat a lyric? #PrayerProphetic

NOTE: At this point, the worship music stopped and we began to hear of a "prophecy" from Julie Meyer, namely a dream saying how God was blessing IHOP-KC. 

8:10 PM - Now we have someone talking about their dreams, which supposedly came from God. Jeremiah 23:28, any one? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:13 PM - "You shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams...God is testing you" (Deu 13:3) #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:16 PM - "They have seen false visions and lying divinations...the LORD has not sent them" (Eze 13:6) #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:19 PM - Should we welcome all "prophecies" of good things to come for our ventures? 1 Kings 22:19-23 says otherwise. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

NOTE: The following was tweeted during Session 2, done by Allen Hood.

8:28 PM - At the beginning of this sermon, we already have eisegesis into Song of Songs 1:3-4. #PrayProphetic #ihopkc

8:32 PM - We're doing some serious verse jumping. I've lost my place. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:37 PM - Did we just get Eph 3:16 turned into quid quo pro? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

9:53 PM - I'm sure when Christ warned about "many words" in prayer (Mt 6:7), he also meant repeating a lyric fifty times #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

October 12

2:34 PM - There is a thin line between concert and worship. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

2:41 PM - They just plugged "Growing in the Prophetic." I highly suggest it for eisegesis lessons. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

2:42 PM - David Brainerd is rolling over in his grave. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

NOTE: They had just mentioned Jonathan Edwards's book on David Brainerd.

2:43 PM - They just mentioned Jonathan Edwards. Now I'm rolling over in my grave, and I'm not dead. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

2:43 PM - Now a "7 Commitments of a Forerunner" plug - Also a book that's a fine example of eisegesis. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

NOTE: The following tweets were in response to Session 4, given by Brian Kim.

2:51 PM - Isaiah 42 is about what God is doing in #ihopkc ? Does Isaiah know that? #PrayerProphetic

2:51 PM - "That's kinda crazy!" Yeah it is. #briankim #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

NOTE: I forget the exact context of the previous tweet, but I'm guess it had something to do with IHOP-KC's warped eschatology.

2:55 PM - "Worldwide intercession movement" - Where is that in scripture? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

NOTE: I actually received a response to this from "danielprays," which I found out was the Twitter account of Daniel Lim, CEO of the International House of Prayer and someone I've reviewed on this blog before. He pointed me towards Malachi 1:11, Luke 18:1-8, and 1 Thessalonians 5:17. I pointed out that Malachi 1:11 was about the Gentiles (as often "nations" means in the Old Testament) coming into the fold, causing the Jews Malachi was speaking with to become jealous (hence the "for" at the start of the verse). I pointed out that Luke 18:1-8 was about why we should "pray and not lose heart," as v. 1 says plainly, not about a worldwide intercession movement. I pointed out that 1 The 5:17 was simply telling us to pray without ceasing, not speaking about any specific movement. Obviously I didn't say all this in so many words given the limitation of Twitter, but it was the gist of what I said. Since then, the tweets sent to me by Daniel Lim have disappeared. I didn't delete them and I haven't blocked him - I don't know if he deleted them, or Twitter went buggy. Either way, when you go to my Twitter account and go to this date, you'll see me talking to him, but without any of his original tweets.

2:57 PM - We've established the existence of our theology before looking at scripture. That can be a very dangerous thing. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

3:02 PM - "Get ready to sing"-that's not in Isa 42:10-13. It's talking about what we should do now, even during Isaiah's life #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

3:04 PM - Col 3:16 does not say we teach one another by songs. It says we teach AND sing. Separate things. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

3:15 PM - "You who go down to the sea, and all that fills it, the coastlands and their inhabitants"-How is this islands? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

NOTE: In fairness, the Hebrew word used here for "coastlands" can mean "islands." My main contention was towards the application of this verse to the specific work of IHOP-KC, as if Isaiah was predicting that. Isaiah, in the full context of the verse, is actually talking about merchants on the coasts of ancient Israel, who would sail to places like Malta, Cyprus, Crete, etc. It isn't about IHOP-KC missionaries going to Pacific islands.

3:16 PM - "My mentor Lou Engle..." Well there's your first problem! #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

3:18 PM - OK, no really, how is Isa 42:10-12 about #ihopkc missionaries? #PrayerProphetic

NOTE: The following are in response to filler videos again.

4:08 PM - I don't doubt people in need are being helped, and while that's good...at what cost? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

4:19 PM - I've got it - #ihopkc eschatology is essentially impatient postmillennialism.

4:49 PM - "Jesus...probably will return in my lifetime." Didn't he say no one knows the day or the hour? (Mk 13:32) #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

NOTE: The following tweets are in response to the musical performance.

6:09 PM - What do Wayne Newton, Ray Charles, and the Prayer Room have in common? Three young female backup singers. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

6:15 PM - Writing worship songs seems so easy. I don't know why Charles Wesley spent so much time writing so many lyrics. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

6:28 PM - When we sing, are we looking for a "spiritual high," or for edification? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

6:52 PM - I feel sad for the worship singers. They look incredibly exhausted. I pray they are freed from this yoke. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

NOTE: At this point the band was starting to ease out the music, and they started praying for healing miracles.

6:59 PM - Now we're cold calling. Peter Popoff would be proud. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:03 PM - I don't know why Paul told Timothy to have wine for his ailments (1 Tim 5:23) - just go to a conference. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:11 PM - "One time Jesus didn't heal instantaneously." There was a purpose for that. Don't try to cover your poor theology. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:17 PM - I have a healing to report. I had a paper cut earlier, and it hurt, but now it's not there. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:25 PM - "I put my hand over my eye and claimed it." Some form of name it and claim it theology just confirmed. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:30 PM - Why is it at these faith healings, it's always conditions you can't readily see or notice? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:33 PM - Even if signs, wonders and healings are done, is that enough to accept it all? No - theology matters. (Deu 13:1-3) #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

NOTE: Here they started warming up into Session 5, given by Mike Bickle regarding the Lord's Prayer.

7:53 PM - If the Lord is directly moving #ihopkc then those who oppose them are opposing God. #PrayerProphetic

7:56 PM - The first Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians; the second Temple was obliterated by the Romans. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:06 PM - Isa 62:6 has generally been understood as generally ministers of the Gospel, not specifically "intercessors" #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:09 PM - Wait, did Isa 62:6 just become used to ask for donations? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

NOTE: For those who are curious about the context in the previous tweet, this is what happened. Isaiah 62:6 was cited, and the part regarding the watchmen on the walls was emphasized. During the prayer before the collection plates were passed around, the IHOP-KC official basically asked God to "raise up watchmen" to answer the needs of the ministry. In other words, if you want to be a watchman like God wants, you better donate.

8:27 PM - Just a thought - what would have happened if Mike Bickle backed up his text to Mt 6:7? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:55 PM - Ah, here's our first plug for the house of prayer movement. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

9:03 PM - Rev 2:1-5 says Ephesus was heavily missionary but didn't pray enough? Where is that in the verses? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

9:04 PM - "Why does God want to talk to me?" #mikebickle Given the abuse of scripture, it can't be God talking to you. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

9:10 PM - Where exactly does the Lord's Prayer say God's will being done and kingdom coming are dependent upon us? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

9:23 PM - I see people walking forward, and part of me desires to see people walking out. #PrayerProphetic ihopkc

9:24 PM - Cue manipulative use of music. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

9:30 PM - I am praying, though for different reasons. But it is also for all those in that room right now. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

October 13

NOTE: Here I came in during Misty Edwards's lecture for Session 4. My fiance was actually watching with me for this session.

2:44 PM - Somewhere in the Middle East, Isaiah is rolling over in his grave. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

2:46 PM - Listening to #mistyedwards speaks, I can't help but think about 1 Ti 2:12 and 1 Co 14:34 #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

2:51 PM - Can't go far in an #ihopkc sermon without the Book of Revelation being mentioned. #PrayerProphetic

2:55 PM - I'm hearing a lot of bold eschatology and very little scriptural exposition. This isn't instruction and edification #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

3:09 PM - Funny thing about the tribulation, John said he was a "partner in the tribulation" (Re 1:9) It's existed a while #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

3:12 PM - I can't help but feel many times eschatology supersedes soteriology. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

3:23 PM - My fiance on this lecture: "I have no idea what she's talking about." #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

3:26 PM - We're not expositing God's word, we're expositing someone's dream. Jer 23:28 #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

3:37 PM - Baptize their hearts, O Lord, for them to see the true "crisis of truth" among them. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

NOTE: Here I began tweeting during the worship music.

6:04 PM - Surely there are other lyrics to this song. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

6:05 PM - Tonight's topic: "What the Spirit is Saying about the Church" - the Spirit has already spoken in scripture. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

6:13 PM - Tonight Mike Bickle is going to touch on Acts 2. I wrote on his misunderstanding of it http://bit.ly/SOiv9w  #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

6:14 PM - To summarize the last tweet: read the context and history - it's about Pentecost and Jerusalem destroyed by Romans. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

6:38 PM - Screaming for God to do something while singing nonstop - didn't the Priests of Baal do that? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

6:41 PM - OK, I'm serious - is this singing or chanting? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

6:47 PM - This is neither Christian singing nor worship. This is New Age inspired, meditation, repetitive nonsense. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

6:49 PM - If you want to "know what God's thinking" and "don't know," you're in luck - God put it in His writ, it's all here. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

6:52 PM - "God is raising up sons of thunder" - Wasn't that meant as a semi-insult against John? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

NOTE: I actually corrected myself here. The idea that the "sons of thunder" title may have been an insult was from their suggestion that fire be rained down on a Samaritan village that rejected Jesus (Luke 9:54), however most commentators believe it to be in reference to their zeal in preaching.

6:57 PM - Work up the crowd by music, then speak to them with messages. This is like a political rally. Emotion-driven #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:03 PM - Some of this singing reminds me of Dr. Moreau. "That is the Law, are we not men? That is the Law, are we not men?" #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:05 PM - I should take my Bible and sing, "I am reading, reading. I am reading, reading. I am reading, reading..." #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:07 PM - Ah, the cold calling healing. Here we go... #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:09 PM - Is Vangelis the worship leader? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:14 PM - "Excuse me - what does God need with a musical kick?" #williamshatner #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:22 PM - Surely they're baptized already. Are we Anabaptists? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:26 PM - "A revelation of the zeal of your love." He already showed you. It's called the cross. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:29 PM - We're hearing a testimony of what Jesus has done through #ihopkc . Usually testimonies are about what Jesus did alone. #PrayerProphetic

7:31 PM - "What better way to know God than a 24/7 prayer place?" How about the grace of the Spirit? The power of the word? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:34 PM - "If Jesus is real, this is what Christianity should look like." Upon what basis? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:36 PM - Testimony similarities: no real faith before; they desired "more"; #ihopkc solved all their problems #PrayerProphetic

7:47 PM - "The Lord is putting on our hearts..." in olden times, that was called scripture. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:48 PM - Leaving the prayer room webcast on is a blessing? That's borderline idolatry. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:52 PM - Having the relic of a saint is a blessing. Having the prayer room playing is a blessing. How is either different? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

7:53 PM - "Supernaturally provide" - ie., don't worry, give as much as possible, God will foot the bill. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

NOTE: The following are the tweets during the final session, Session 8, done by Mike Bickle.

8:02 PM - "What is the Spirit saying to/about the church?" Read the Bible. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:05 PM - Why is Isa 60:2 about the end times? One could say it was fulfilled in Mt 4:13-16. Plus there's no "deep darkness." #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:05 PM - I posted this earlier, but again - examining Bickle's misuse of Joel 2/Acts 2 http://bit.ly/SOiv9w  #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:07 PM - "We do not honor a dream or vision that doesn't honor the written word of God." That is false. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:07 PM - "No one knows that day or hour, but we're in that generation." Ah, semantics. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:12 PM - #mikebickle warning us about false religions is a bit like Stalin warning us about Hitler. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:13 PM - "The Lord visited me in Cairo..." - RUN. RUN RUN RUN. RUN AWAY. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:17 PM - How does one know the difference between fake and fluff declarations of what God has said? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:19 PM - "I'm going to change Christianity." That's what God told Joseph Smith initially, too... #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:21 PM - Did God not have the foreknowledge to know about the future lawsuits from the already trademarked IHOP? #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:25 PM - Eph 5:27 is about our glorification by God's justification and purification, not an end-time state. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:29 PM - Mal 4:5-6 is about John the Baptist, not us or something we have to do (Mt 17:12; Mk 9:13) #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:30 PM - "We don't know what 'generation' means." Sure, if you ignore the context the readers understood it as. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:32 PM - The "great and dreadful day of the Lord" is the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:40 PM - #mikebickle misuses 1 Co 12:31. Paul is talking about those with the gifts of prophecy, not everyone #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc #context

8:51 PM - Acts 3 is not on Israel restored. It's calling the listeners to repent. Not all from Abraham are of him (Rom 9:7) #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:55 PM - Some truth is being presented. A pity it is being done so in the midst of so much error. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

8:58 PM - Regarding Bickle's notes: Jer 23:20 is not about forerunners, but the Babylonian invasion and warnings clear then. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

9:02 PM - I do pray now - that those in it may see the error and flee, casting off their yoke. Amen, amen. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

9:02 PM - Such manipulative use of music. This truly does make me sad. Help them see through it, Lord. #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

9:04 PM - Do not pray for dreams or visions, Christian - simply pray for sanctification, and thank God for your justification #PrayerProphetic #ihopkc

IHOP-KC and Acts 2

Introduction

Among many of the favorite passages of scripture used by International House of Prayer founder Mike Bickle is the prophecy found in the second chapter of the Book of Joel and used again by Peter in the second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. From here, Bickle draws inspiration for his "prophetic ministry," as well as his beliefs regarding the end times (which he believes will happen within the next generation at the most). Here is a sample from Mike Bickle himself:

When the prophetic ministry flourishes, it is often confirmed by signs and wonders. In his sermon on the Day of Pentecost, Peter quoted the Joel 2 promise for a last-days' revival. Of course, the last days began with the cross, the Resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. However, the complete fulfillment of the Joel 2 promises will be in the final decades of the last days - those years just prior to the second coming of Jesus, which I refer to as the "End Times."

The first half of the passage in Acts 2 speaks of the outpouring of the Spirit and the increase of prophetic revelation on the entire body of Christ:

And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy;
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
And on My manservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy - Acts 2:17-18

The second half of the passage focuses on the great increase of the acts of God in nature:

I will show wonders in heaven above
And signs on the earth beneath:
Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.
The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved. - Acts 2:19-21

There is a specific order and sequence in the text: the outpouring of the Spirit, followed by the increase of the prophetic dreams and visions, followed by the occurring of confirming signs in the sky and on the earth. We have witnessed a few supernatural confirmations in nature of significant prophetic words. [pg. 11-12; Mike Bickle, Growing in the Prophetic, 2008 edition]

Bickle believes that these signs and wonders spoken about in Joel will increase as Christ's return draws near.

In the end times, the awesome signs and wonders in the heavens and on Earth prophesied in Acts 2:17-21 will be much greater than anything ever before seen in history. [pg. 21, Prophetic]

Bickle uses this teaching to emphasize the importance of "prophetic ministry" that he and others at IHOP-KC teach.

...the outpouring of the Spirit, the prophetic ministry, and the signs and wonders in nature are clearly a part of God's agenda for the End Times. God has ordained that the church needs the input of the prophetic ministry to stay properly encouraged and focused as well as to minimize unbelief that plagues so many ministries today. [pg. 22, Prophetic]

Bickle even believes that what is being spoken of in Joel 2 and Acts 2 is being fulfilled in the here and now.

We know that a "Great Awakening" is soon to sweep across our nations. Though many see no hope, no solution to the coming crisis, we look with confidence to God’s promises to pour out His Spirit on all flesh in the last days (Acts 2:17-21), when all nations will receive the witness of the kingdom with power (Mt. 24:14; Rev. 7:9). What a privilege to live in this awesome hour of history! [pg. 5; 7 Commitments of a Forereunner, 2009]

Many believe the words of Mike Bickle that "the church needs the input of the prophetic ministry." Thousands flock to the IHOP-KC prayer room every day, and countless more watch the live webcast of their prayer room at home. A former neighbor of mine had the webcast on every day, and even had it playing with the speakers directed out his windows, as if some kind of magical force was flowing from them. Someone at my last church who knew an IHOP-KC attendant said that she had it playing at her house nonstop. People have left their homes and traveled hundreds upon hundreds of miles to live in Kansas City, just to be close to this prayer room. Thousands flock to the conferences sponsored by IHOP-KC and associates such as Lou Engle. Its visitors are of many ages, but a large number of them are teenagers and young adults.

How legitimate is Bickle's exegesis of Acts 2? Does it really speak of an end times prophetic movement? Does it really speak of a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the end times? I thought it would be worth going over Acts 2 and examining what is really going on with Peter's sermon to the Jews. I recognize that, in doing so, I could cover a whole lot more than just IHOP-KC (Dispensationalism comes to mind), but for this post I will focus on Mike Bickle's own exegesis and teachings.

Analysis

First, we need to understand the immediate context that leads to Peter's quotation of Joel 2.

Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel..." [Acts 2:5-16]

After the sending of the Holy Spirit, the apostles had begun speaking in tongues, shocking all present because each individual Jew (visiting from their home nation) heard the apostles speak in their own native tongues (signifying that these "tongues" were in fact foreign languages). Some started to disregard this, saying the apostles were just drunk, but then Peter speaks up. Note what Peter says: "This is what was uttered through the prophet Joel." What is the "this"? Peter is referring to the Day of Pentecost as the center of the Joel prophecy. Hence, immediate context of the Joel quote involved what was unfolding that day, and would have been applicable to those listening.

For certain, much of what is described by Peter happened in those times. Peter describes the Holy Spirit being poured out on all flesh - that happened at Pentecost with the Jews (Acts 2:4) and then with the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-45). Peter says their sons and daughters would prophesy - and indeed, men prophesied, as did many daughters, such as those of the evangelist Philip (Acts 21:9). Peter says young men shall see visions - and indeed, many did see visions (Acts 9:10, 10:3, 11:5). Peter says the old men shall dream dreams, and indeed, old men dreamed dreams (Acts 16:9, 18:9). Peter says men and woman shall prophesy, and indeed, people did so (Acts 11:28, 21:10-11). There's nothing from the immediate context of scripture that says this wasn't fulfilled in Peter's day.

Those at IHOP-KC would argue that they recognize the first part of the Joel prophecy could be related to Pentecost, but that the second half is related to future events. Mike Bickle's own handling of Joel 2 involves cutting it up, dividing it in the middle of verse 19. From this, he says that the "wonders in heaven and signs on the earth beneath" are about general wonders and signs, while the "blood and fire and vapor of smoke" are about specific future signs and wonders. However, no such division exists in Peter's original use. Peter quotes it as a single passage. Humorously enough, even the translation Mike Bickle uses treats it as a single thought. To quote from it:

I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor of smoke. [v. 19]

Note the colon there - what purpose does a colon serve, grammatically speaking? Colons serve either to explain, prove or list elements related to what preceded before it. What Bickle's own translation says is that the signs described by Joel involve "blood and fire and vapor of smoke."

Now granted, colons weren't present in the original Greek manuscripts, therefore some might call this contention a non sequitor. However, whether by using a colon, semi-colon, comma, or run-on sentence, most translators recognize that what Joel is doing here (and verse 20) is describing specific signs that will be seen in heaven and earth. By cutting verse 19 in two and dividing up the context, Bickle is manhandling the text to get it to say what he wants. Unless Bickle can claim he's seen "blood and fire and vapor of smoke," he can't attribute this to any signs or wonders he's seen to this passage. To do so is to read into the text what isn't there.

As we said earlier, many at IHOP-KC repeat what Bickle says, which is that half of the Joel prophecy (from "blood and fire, etc." onward) is about future events, and can't be about Pentecost because none of that happened at Pentecost. In some ways, they are right - it is about future events. However, it involves the near future, and it is still related to the Day of Pentecost, as I hope to explain shortly, and in this manner:

The apostles, on the Day of Pentecost, were addressing the Jews - the Gospel had not yet gone to the Gentiles, and God would not send anyone to the Gentiles until Acts 10, with Peter and Cornelius. Peter's quotation of Joel is important because when Joel says "in the last days," it was generally understood by most Jews (as John Gill discusses from Jewish sources) that this referred to the age of the Messiah. Hence, when Peter says this prophecy is being fulfilled in their midst, the Jews listening understood the significance.

Peter finishes the Joel quotation with: "And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." He then - while still addressing the Jews - attests to the historic reality of Christ. Quoting from the ESV:

"Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it." [Acts 2:22-24]

He goes on about the raising of Christ, and concludes regarding Christ's authority: "Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified" (v. 36). The Jews understand the significance of this as well - Peter is saying that Christ, whom many in Jerusalem believed to have died - was in fact the Messiah, and was now seated with authority on heaven and earth. Realizing this, they ask what they should do, to which Peter gives the call for repentance (v. 37-38). He then says that the promise of salvation is for "everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself" (v. 39). Remember this part for later, as it will become relevant.

Then comes an important statement from the apostle:

And with many other words [Peter] bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation." [Acts 2:40]

Who is "this crooked generation"? That has been a topic of debate for those who study eschatology, but given the immediate context and audience, it is clear that Peter is referring to that current Jewish generation. Moses had called the Jews of his time a "crooked and twisted generation" (Deu 32:5), and Jesus himself had referred to those in Peter's time as a faithless and twisted generation (Matt 17:17; Luke 9:41). Christ had likewise said: "This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah" (Luke 11:29). The sign of Jonah was Christ's being in the earth for three days and rising up to bring repentance to men (Matt 12:40). Peter had preached repentance, and now it was time for those in this "crooked generation" to repent.

Now we must ask this: when Peter says "save yourselves," what do they need to be saved from? Many might immediately respond that they need to be saved from the final judgment, and this would not be inaccurate. However, let's refer back to that second part Bickle referred to:

"I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." [Acts 2:19-21]

Remember, Mike Bickle divides up verse 19 and tries to separate the signs and wonders from the descriptions, but that isn't how the text reads - they correlate with one another. What specific signs and wonders does God intend to show? Blood, fire, vapor of smoke, the sun turning to darkness, the moon into blood, and all before the great and awesome day of the Lord. Again, unless Bickle wants to claim he's seen all of these already, he can't apply these verses to this day. It will be granted that Bickle often talks about miracles and signs he's witnessed, but none of them include the aforementioned signs. Therefore, they are irrelevant to this verse. I don't care if Bickle saw Bigfoot come down from heaven and completely heal Stephen Hawking with a bent seven iron while doing the hokey pokey - if it's not blood, fire, vapor of smoke, the sun turning to darkness, the moon into blood, etc...then it's not relevant to Joel 2/Acts 2.

In any case, the language used by Joel is obviously figurative language - unless someone wants to claim the moon is going to become a giant glob of plasma floating around the earth, we can't assume the prophet Joel is speaking literally. This is also obviously apocalyptic language, dealing with destruction compounded with woe, calamity and misery. The sun is not going to be darkened because there's a light switch God can flick whenever He wants, but because of the vapor and smoke mentioned before. In like manner, the moon will appear like blood because the vapor and smoke in the atmosphere will give it a reddish or orange tinge (this can be seen sometimes even today).

Now, what significance would this have to the Jews with whom Peter was talking, and how does this relate to what they would be saved from? These are all, in fact, talking about the approaching siege and destruction of Jerusalem, which was God's judgment upon the "crooked generation" for their rejection of the Messiah. The destruction of Jerusalem, and with it the Temple, was performed by Roman soldiers under Titus in 70 AD, nearly forty years after Pentecost. The Jews had rebelled against Roman rule in the mid-60's, but soon turned on one another, murdering and torturing fellow Jews as different factions made a bid for power. Thus when Titus arrived with his legions (the "armies" described in Luke 21:20) against Jerusalem, the city was already torn by conflict.

After a prolonged siege and great famine, the city fell and was obliterated. This great calamity, described by the Jewish historian Josephus (who was an eyewitness), saw the city and the Temple engulfed in flames. Roman soldiers left not one single stone of the Temple atop another, fulfilling the prophecy given by Christ (Matt 24:1-2). Aside from the loss of property, the loss of life was even greater, and although there exist no accurate estimates, they range anywhere from a hundred thousand to a million.

This was the "great and awesome day" of the Lord spoken of by Joel, for it was the day of judgment for the Jews who had rejected their Messiah. Even Josephus, who was shocked at the conduct of his own countrymen against one another, and who was certainly not a Christian, believed this was God's judgment.

"It is God, therefore, it is God himself who is bringing on this fire, to purge that city and temple by means of the Romans, and is going to pluck up this city, which is full of your pollutions." [Flavius Josephus, Wars of the Jews, Book VI, 1:5]

If we argue this is the "day of the Lord" spoken of by Joel, one might then ask about the following passage which says "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." We should first wonder: what happened to the Jerusalem Christians we read about in Acts? Did they perish under the Romans? In fact, the Christians had left Jerusalem before the city fell. The famous church historian Eusebius accounts that the Christians in Jerusalem fled as soon as they found out the Romans were coming. As a result, the Jewish Christians were spared from the destruction of Jerusalem and what befell the unbelieving Jews therein.

But the people of the church in Jerusalem had been commanded by a revelation, vouchsafed to approved men there before the war, to leave the city and to dwell in a certain town of Perea called Pella... [Eusebius, Church History, Book III, 5:3]

It might be helpful to note here that, on the Day of Pentecost, Peter does not quote all of Joel's prophecy in full. This is not because Peter himself was playing with the text, but because he had given the full gist of it, and most Jews listening probably would have been able to fill in the blanks themselves. It is also because Peter indirectly refers to it later on. Let's review the full quotation of that section from Joel:

And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls. [Joel 2:32]

Joel prophesies that "everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved," yes, but then adds: "For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape...and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls." Remember what Peter said in Acts 2:39? He had told the Jews to repent and be baptized and turn to Christ for forgiveness of their sins, then proclaims that the promise was for "everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." It is then, in the next verse, that Peter exhorts the Jews to save themselves from this crooked generation. This is a definite tie-in between the generation to whom Peter is preaching and the prophecies given by Joel. The Jews at Pentecost were to save themselves from the crooked generation because judgment was fast approaching upon that crooked generation.

And as it stood, God kept his promises for all parties involved. Those whom He had called were saved from the destruction that befell that crooked generation, but as for that crooked and faithless generation, they were judged. There was blood (from the massacre of Jerusalem's inhabitants), fire (across the city and in the temple), vapor of smoke (rising from the ruins), the sun turned into darkness (from the thick smoke) and the moon turned to blood (from the haze of the smoke). Joel 2's prophecy was fulfilled, as Peter had said it would be.

Conclusion

There are a few assumptions made by Bickle and others at IHOP-KC about what Joel 2 and Acts 2 teach, all of which are false.

1) God will perform natural signs and wonders in the prophetic church today: This is false, at least from the text Mike Bickle relies on. As demonstrated earlier, he comes to this conclusion by chopping up verse 19 and isolating each piece from the full context. This is a blatant mishandling of God's word that is unbecoming of a Christian leader.

2) God will perform other natural signs and wonders at the end times: This is false, and for reasons dealing with the previous section. The signs and wonders in heaven and earth and the blood, smoke and vapor mentioned by Joel are related to one another. There are not two separate groups of signs and wonders here - Mike Bickle has read that into the text by, again, mishandling God's word.

3) The latter half of the Joel prophecy is talking about the very end of days: This is also false. Given the immediate context of Peter's sermon in Acts, accompanied by what he says later and what we know from history, and how the orthodox Christian church has interpreted these verses up until the rise of Dispensationalism and other problematic theologies, Peter is warning the Jews to escape the approaching judgment upon their nation.

The prophecies in Joel refer to the Day of Pentecost, the era of the apostolic church, and the impending judgment of the Jewish nation. They had nothing to do with the church today - let alone do they have anything to do with Mike Bickle and his prophetic ministry.