This is a classic articulation of the "logos/rhema" distinction.

Logos = written word of God / logic / reasoning

Rhema = spoken word of God / "now word" / "revelation" (the "word of the Lord came" to a prophet)

The only problem is that this distinction is false. 👇⬇️🧵 1/ Throughout both the Greek OT (LXX) and the Greek NT, the words logos and rhema are overlapping.

Notice I didn't say "synonymous," because there are always distinctions between words. However, they are so close that they can—and often are—used interchangeably (Ex. 34:27-28) 2/

Fatal exorcisms, false identities, séances, fraud.

These things, among many others, are said to have been part of the life and ministry of John G. Lake. But is it true? Was Lake a man of God or a con man? Here's the story... 🧵🧵🧵⬇️⬇️⬇️ From day one, controversy has abounded surrounding John G. Lake and his ministry. In the last two years, two scholars in particular have (fairly aggressively) gone at it surrounding Lake, and new info has been unearthed.

Two major stories of misconduct have surfaced this week featuring prominent musicians/worship leaders.

Both stories have a common thread (and I say this as an "insider"): almost everyone within the "industry" knew. 🧵🧵⬇️⬇️1/ People have to understand: these stories get around, but because people don't have concrete "proof" they feel powerless to speak up.

"I know it's true but I can't prove it, and if I come forward without airtight proof I'll be blacklisted forever." 2/

My heart breaks that the responsibility always seems to fall on victims of abuse in the Charismatic world.

"I was SA'd in the church." Yes but what was YOUR part? What were YOU wearing?

"I was traumatized by a leader." Yes but have YOU broken off your "spirit of trauma" yet? 1/ "I was prophetically manipulated." Yes but should YOU really be "gossiping" about this? YOU should cover for your leaders to "honor" them.

"I was lied about." Yes but have YOU forgiven that person? Are YOU bitter? 2/

My heart hurts for a dear friend who was recently forced to sign an NDA on the way out of a church position. This is, unfortunately, the new norm in non-denom churches. 1/ THREAD🧵 This can be devastating for those who have been deeply hurt and wish to confide in friends and family. There is a fear that any honesty about the situation could result in legal consequences. This is not the way of Jesus. 2/7

After 9 months of pain/disappointment re: the #ihopkc crisis, I don't have the capacity to fully engage with the Robert Morris situation. But I'd like to encourage Gateway members in a few vital areas that many of us learned the hard way during the situation in KC. 1/8 🧵 1. Respectfully but persistently ask your elders to release the letter of engagement with the investigating law firm.

2. Ask for definite clarity that the full report will be released publicly in its entirety. 2/8

I recently made a post about the Moravians and their connection to #IHOPKC. I want to be clear: the point I'm making is not "Look how bad the Moravians were!" The point is: church history was wielded out of context and in an intellectually dishonest way, especially by Mike. 🧵1/ The Moravians and Count Zinzendorf, rather than being complex individuals full of contradictions and failures, became a saint-like community centered around 24/7 prayer and missions. Zindendorf's name was plastered on the wall in the early days, a "hero" of prayer. 2/

The Moravians: almost every prayer/missions movement takes Count Zinzendorf and his community as a kind of etiological myth/inspirational story that backs the vision for revival/prayer.

Were they a pure community or prayer...or something far, far darker? MEGA-THREAD 🧵 1/ QUALIFIER: I am not a scholar of the Moravians (hereafter: "M's").

I have not been doing years of research. I'm just a guy who wanted to see some better documentation for what seemed to be extremely salacious and outrageous accusations against the M's. 2/

I still believe in modern day prophetic ministry. I am theologically continuationist and have seen beautiful, healthy expressions of the gifts of the spirit in many local churches. However, the so-called "prophetic movement" is sick unto death. Here's one thing I see: 🧵1/10 Over the last few years many, many "prophets" have been exposed for data mining social media to give words of knowledge and prophetic words. That is to say: they get details from the internet to feign highly specific words of knowledge. 2/10

One of the strengths of Eucharist-heavy traditions is that the "main character" of every service is the bread and wine. Meaning that when priests/leaders fall it is still painful and horrific, but not catastrophic. 🧵 1/8 This is why "church hopping" is not nearly as common (though not absent) in Eucharistic traditions. Why would one keep "trying out" new churches when the presence of Christ in the Eucharistic meal is consistent no matter what? 2/8