9. Testing the Practice that It is OK to lie, deceive and twist the truth for God and the Prayer Movement.
The above statement seems so absurd that 99% of Christian Groups would NOT have to pray over whether it is OK to lie and cover up sin. Yet it would seem that this is exactly what the practice of the ELT and members of leadership at IHOPKC did. Wise leaders learn to not “uncover” a specific person’s failures when it is appropriate. But all leaders should be convicted of sin, if they tell known untruths – there is a way to tell the truth and not lie in all circumstances.
When we enter the realm of creating untruths – we have entered the realm of satan.
John 8:43-45 NASB 1995
Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me.
Revelation 12:9b NASB1995
… the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world.
Signing an NDA is asking the person to “NOT” tell the truth. This in many cases is requiring a person to NOT tell the truth when God wants them to tell the truth.
Many ministries – not just IHOPKC require those who may have information that will hurt the organization to sign an NDA – Nondisclosure agreement. Some at IHOPKC quit – without support - when asked to sign their NDA.
When someone requires you to sign an NDA, they are asking you to “NOT” tell the truth – to protect the organization from liability. Never make a contract or agreement with anyone that you cannot tell the truth when and IF the Holy Spirit wants you to tell the truth. There are times to keep silent, but the Holy Spirit should be the Person to tell us when to keep silent – not a lawyer.
IHOPKC Executive Leadership Team (ELT) lied about the timing of their final crisis. They had been working on how to deal with the crisis for months. So why did they feel that it was OK with God to stand before the congregation and LIE. I can only assume that lying for God, to help Him keep the prayer room open was something that the ELT and the Liability Insurance Lawyers had as an acceptable practice.
Although in Babylon Groups, lying may be required to keep the movement going, God does not need anyone to lie for Him. He will accomplish His will no matter who fails or who sins. This lesson is easy to learn as you read through the Bible. There are only a few people in the Bible that have a testimony of never failing or sinning.
Covering a brother’s sin
I Peter 4:8
Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
This one-to-one love of another person when discovered to be in sin leads us to not immediately expose our brother. It is NOT participating in a Public Cover-Up of a fact that has become public knowledge throughout the church. Peter is not asking Christians to LIE for God. To understand this concept of loving someone in their sin is seen in the story of Noah and his son’s reaction to his sin.
Leaders and more mature Christians are asked by God to do Galatians 6.
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Galatians. 6:1
This restoration “back to fellowship with God and the church” will probably include some type of exposure depending upon the circumstances. Since everyone in the Church have sinned, this humble attitude of gentleness should be easy for all of us. We wouldn’t be in the church, if we had not admitted, confessed our sins and confessed that we are need of a savior – Jesus.
So, our relationships of love throughout the Body of Christ helps us all be healed and restored to fellowship. This scripture does not address men or women of leadership being confronted in their sin.
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