As I post this, I know many people will think that I (and similar bloggers) are going to gloat with a ‘I told you so’ attitude. For me, this is not the case. I too am a sinner just like Todd and my righteousness is as filthy rags. My only reason for posting these is that hopefully, christians will become more discerning when these ‘christian superstars’ appear. I CANNOT EMPHASIZE ENOUGH, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, KNOW HOW TO READ THE BIBLE AND RIGHTLY DIVIDE GOD’S WORD. The bible makes it very clear that the last days will be characterized by deception and false teachers and doctrine. The difference we see here now the consequences of disobeying this commandment and the guidelines about those who are in leadership
Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (1 Tim 3:8-13)
The reason for those admonition is made is now clear to see. If I commited Todd’s sins, I would not have as much effect on those around me because I am just a lay member and am not in a position of leadership (which doesnt make it less sinful by the way) but look at the damage that this episode has now done to the name of Christ. Millions watched it every night which included unbelievers and now it has made the church a laughing stock in the site of those who already believe that christians are just hypocrites. As he says below ‘thousands of hurting people are left questioning God and their salvation’.
Pastor Chris Elrod now recognises that once he started seeing some ‘off things’ from Todd he should have ‘exposed them’ as per Ephesians 5:11.
As I was on my way home from South Carlina last Thursday night I got “the call”. My friend and fellow Lakeland pastor let me know that the news about Todd Bentley…the news that had circulated around Lakeland for weeks…was finally about to break. For months it had been rumors…with very little hard facts to back it up. Local church leaders had been hearing things about Todd…and Ignited Church…that caused us to question even more the validity of the “revival”. Then the truth began to come out bit by bit…first to Lakeland…then the world…and now Todd’s wife was in Canada getting help while he was “floating around” the United States trying to get his head together. Yes Todd had been convicted of molesting a 7-year-old boy in Canada. Yes Todd was legally separating from his wife. Yes there was another woman involved. Yes this was not the first time Todd had been involved with another woman. Yes Todd and Ignited Church had failed to address concerns…many being voice by their own denomination and people that support such Charismatic outpourings…about the heresy being preached and displayed at the “revival”. Yes there was not one single medical document to prove that any healing had actually taken place. Yes the media could find no one…not one single person…to come forward and say they had been healed during the “revival”.
As the fall out continues and more facts are beginning to emerge about everyone involved with this mess, I have begun to ask myself some pretty hard questions. Did I handle this correctly?
When the first news began to break around here about Todd, healings and the revival…I went to see it for myself. In all I attended four separate “revival” meetings over a two month period. I also watched countless hours of the events on the Internet. I witnessed Todd hollering “BAM” a lot. I witnessed “verification teams” in the parking lot carefully choosing people deemed candidates for “healing” while turning many others down. I watched ushers push ill children away from the stage area because they had not been preapproved for “healing”. I heard stories about pixie-dust-spreading angels and conversations with the Apostles in some abstract heavenly cabin. I saw leg drops, high kicks, head punches and every other Wrestlemania cliche under the sun. I heard anonymous crazy stories about people being healed and others being raised from the dead. I heard and saw many strange things…but nothing that even remotely kept with sound doctrine. Every Biblical discerning bone in my body showed me that there was nothing going on at the “revival” that was in keeping with God’s Word.
I began to speak out against the revival, Todd and Ignited Church to our people. Mainly it was through our Journey Groups, one-on-one conversations, phone calls and emails. However, I was advised by several other pastors not to speak out against it publicly because “I might be speaking against something that God is actually doing” (I wasn’t questioning God…I was questioning Todd). Therefore I never addressed it from the pulpit because our podcast is heard by hundreds of people all over the world. I never blogged about it because I get a 1,000+ hits on a normal day. I dodged the questions about the revival in recent radio interviews I did in other parts of the United States. Finally, I refused to answer the hundreds of emails I got about the “revival” from other folks all over the world. In essence I protected my flock from the three-ring circus and hoopla…but did nothing to protect the Body as a whole.
Hindsight they say is 20/20. It now turns out that all of the rumors were true. It now turns out that the Scriptural discernment was correct. It now turns out that this was the same hyper-Charismatic craziness without accountability that the leadership of the sponsoring church is known for. The three ring circus has been packed up, the tents have been taken down, the moral failure has been announcement, everyone involved is pushing back and thousands of hurting people are left questioning God and their salvation. The question that I now have to ask myself…the question that will haunt me for quite a while is…did I sit on the sidelines while the playing field burned? Should have I blogged about it…spoken out about it publicly…done more to get the word out to the rest of the world that this whole thing was about Todd and not God? I took care of my own house…but should I have done more to take care of the entire neighborhood?
I am glad that this Pastor has been brave enough to say this. Lets hope that many other leaders will follow his steps and lead their followers to test ALL things and not just follow every wind of doctrine
Remember to pray for Todd and his family
Great post. We are so afraid of looking judgmental that we put discernment on the back burner. When Todd started making my headlines, a friend was like isn’t this great! Whether or not he is of God, God name is out there, He is moving! As I gave a questioning look in regards to the whole thing , she basically told me not to be a kill-joy. I didn’t say anything – but I felt in my spirit he wasn’t right. Later the spirit convicted me on my silence stance.
We have to learn to hear the spirit, trust Him, and speak up – if we remain silent people think we agree and people end up being hurt.
Rachel
After considering all the evidence, I think that that Todd Bentley is living like a Warlock, taking instructions direct from angels of light (Lucifer, demons etc.).
2 Cor 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
Todd has carried out all his “BAM power” ministry in the name of Jesus, but make that a false Christ:
Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect–if that were possible.
The devil puts on a good show to entice, and Todd has represented the devils way well by satisfying the desires of the flesh for physical sensations, visions, etc.
2 Thes 2:9-12 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
I believe the “bride of Christ” is being enticed to fornicate with demons.
Take heed Christians, and repent quickly if you have been involved with “charismatic fornication” with other spirits, as it is unclean before God.
Consider the warning given to believers to stop committing adultery with the “whore of Babylon” in Revelation 18:2-4
Jesus said “a wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign” (Matt 12:39).
Does “asking for a miraculous sign” demand a performance from God just like the pursuit of supernatural experiences such as being “slain in the spirit”, “Toronto Blessing”, heavenly visitations and visions, etc.?
The Bible does not endorse people directing the Holy Spirit or teach methods to repeatedly make supernatural experiences or events occur.
The desire to have experiences could be a self indulgent avoidance of what God really wants us to do.
When this disobedience and lack of discernment are combined, people may easily accept counterfeit phenomena from the Devil, eg.:
Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect–if that were possible.
Could Christian fellowships become dens of the occult with things like body vibrations, howlings, apparitions, and visions given by demons?
The seeking of experiences could be an attempt to treat the Holy Spirit like a circus clown or temple prostitute for personal indulgence.
All these wrong things may be tolerated because there is no fear of God and poor discernment:
Prov 1:29-31 Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
At a New Zealand Promise Keepers event 2 years ago well known evangelist Bill Subrizky got all the men up who couldn’t speak in tongues.
Then he got them to practice saying aba-daba-aba-daba-aba-daba-aba-daba-aba-daba.
That mocks the Holy Spirit.
A strong desire for truth, and confidence to reject the false is critical to avoid fraudsters, scams and counterfeits of any type.
The “big party” will occur in heaven after we die (eg. Rev 19:9), not now.
For now, we have to prove ourselves faithful through difficulties.
1 Tim 4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
If we are truly “hungry for God” we should only do things the Bible specifically affirms, such as repent of sins, develop the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – Gal 5:22-23), worship and appreciate God, endure through trials, help people, read the Bible, share the true gospel, etc.
Signs, wonders, visions, and other supernatural experiences are God’s business according to his agenda.
Seeking them is unsafe.
Todd Bentley and all his mentors should repent of their witchcraft, false teachings and false prophecy.
Authentic Christians who love the truth avoid unity with falsehood, or even a mixture of true and false.
Matthew 5:48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
May I reproduce this citing credit? It is very well written and I have tried to alert people who would not listen. Now the truth comes out.
Jan Markell
http://www.olivetreeviews.org
John do you want to reproduce the last comment or the original post?
Well it’s Finally came out!!
More TRUTH about Todd Bentley that he is a FALSE YES FALSE Word of Faith”Healer” that Scams you and not having Doctors Present too see if He/She is Actually HEALED!!
The Offerings goes too his NEWER Motorcycle,Houses,New clothes too wear when Riding his NEW Motorbike!! and so on from the $$ you given!!(Worst thing of all no TAX Receipts)”WE never GOT OURS ever since we had him in Stony Plain!!”
We saw Todd Bentley at Sonrise Camp in 2007 and his Team in 2008 and boy it was LONG like till Midnight and it started at 7P.M!!
Even when we saw Todd Bentley at lighthouse PENTECOSTAL in Stony Plain Alberta was a JOKE YES JOKE too due too People sent BACK too their SEATS because they went up for Prayer but Todd said only Come up when I call your illness(But Honestly we saw the SAME PEOPLE going up Every Night).
Why have the SAME PEOPLE go up for Prayer when they are Already HEALED the Night Before and even the so called Pastor Archie”Archibald” Binnie was Talking like a $$$ Scam himself and said give this much too God and you will get 100 a Hundred Fold back(Were Still waiting on this since he TALKS about $$$ since 2004).
It’s like in our Church he calls it Lighthouse Church and not say our REAL NAME Lighthouse PENTECOSTAL Church!! Archie is ASHAMED too be PENTECOSTAL in Word/Mouth!! Lots of Ex STAFF,MEMBERS and even NON told us this Truth since 2000!!
Wonder why 89% of our Former Church is going too Churches that PREACH YES PREACH the Bible like Alliance,Baptist,Lutheran or even smaller PENTECOSTAL Churches that SPEAK and PREACH the BIBLE!!
We wish these so called FAITH HEALERS that can READ YES READ their BIBLES YES BIBLES again and not Pick the Words they want too say!!
Wonder Why Todd Bentley is having a BAD TASTE in our Mouth and many of our Churches he Destroyed YES Destroyed in the Edmonton Area and even our Church of Lighthouse PENTECOSTAL in Stony Plain Alberta!!
Wonder WHY 80% of our Former PENTECOSTAL Pastors are BURNT OUT or attending a Church(Alliance,Baptist etc) and they have more JOY,PEACE and most of all feeling like Children of GOD and not Working 16 Hour Days and YES not being BURNT OUT or even WORSE having Marriage Affairs that we seen in our PENTECOSTAL Churches that has been done since 1980’s!!!
So we are OVERJOYED too hear that this so called Faith Healer finally got MORE EXPOSED we were PRAYING for long time ago but the TRUTH finally is known in 2008!!”About Todd Bentley and YES more of these Leaders should get EXPOSED too like Mel Mullen,Dennis Varty,Bob Gal,Cal,Jan Switzer,Alex Florence,Archie Binnie,George,Hazel Hill,Phil Marshall,Laurence Hueppelsheuser”
WE seen LOTS of our FRIENDS Quit Church due too these Pastors that tells us things that are NOT even in BIBLE and we Cry for them and say you’re always Welcome back too Jesus/God and too have his Awesome Grace,and too live in his Grace and not these faith Healers that Scam you for Money for their New Cars,Houses,House Boats,Clothes and you get the Picture!!(Where your $$ is being Used for).
A Pastor that saw the REAL LIGHT of God and serving now the God Of GRACE and not these Faith God’s”Faith Healers”.
Oooo!! I have an idea!! How about we stop listing out other pastors names and calling them thieves?! I mean who are we to judge? Doesn’t the Bible tell us that there is only one lawgiver and judge? And obviously that one lawgiver and judge ISN’T any of us. The Bible clearly says that when you judge your brother, you are judging the law and when you judge the law, your not keeping it, but you’re sitting in judgement on it. So seriously, focus on your own personal walk with Jesus and stop pointing fingers at other people and calling some REALLY great pastors THIEVES and saying they spend peoples money on their own stuff because i know for a FACT that they don’t… If you don’t PERSONALLY know them and you’ve just heard ‘rumors’ about them.. STOP JUDGING THEM and spreading false rumors further cuz your just digging a deeper whole for yourself! What good does LYING do for you? Lying doesn’t do any good for anyone.. so please.. do yourself a favor and stop. Sound good? … i think it does.
when true shepherds return to leadership, so will the sheep. until then, the sheep will continue to wander looking for a true shepherd. problem, the longer they wander, the loster they get. with all the lost sheep wandering around, i see only one conclusion. a lot of wolves out there teaching a lot of false doctrine. because leadership has built their house on sand it has forfeited it’s right to point fingers, complain or lecture anyone about anything. on the other side, the sheep have earned corrupt leadership because we have never held their feet or our own to the biblical fire. there is no biblical mandate requiring us to tolerate any snakes in our midst. all we gotta do is read, comprehend and apply equally ALL the bible teaches on this subject. but with so few biblically rooted shepherds, what we gonna do?
I have been a christian all my life…! Grown up in my faith then back slidden etc. depends on whose opinion. I am very confused as to what is real and what is not any more. The black and white nothing in between closed minded christianity of my parents is too judgemental and turns everyone off, but the ratical charasmatic ones seem to turn out to be fakes so how does one discern truth from lies. I am going through some hard times and need prayer. I have asked for prayer by some ministries are thought where legit now I am totally confused is God really there. I finally had faith again, that things will work out now everyone is bad or messed up what do I believe.
confused in Canada
Hey Ruthie!
I can tell you from my own walk with the Lord that I too fell away when I was in college. However, let me tell you something profound. If you were really saved then you never were able to really fall away. Like I during my rebellion season I always felt the Holy Spirit pulling at me. I felt conviction. I tried to avoid other Christians I knew because of shame. Ruthie if that were you then you never lost your salvation. Christ would walk the ends of the earth to bring you back seeing that he would NEVER lose one of his sheep. God elected you Ruthie. You were blood bought and saved by the grace of God and Grace alone. Nothing can take that away.
If you have specific questions and you want to ask them please do. Never assume that your situation is/was different then most other Christians.
I hope to hear from you soon!
In Christ,
Kyle
Ruthie
I agree with all that Kyle says. My testimony also follows the same route. Do not be afraid but rejoice that the Lord has drawn you back to His flock and you are once again seeking Him.
My personal experience has dragged me all over the show, but one thing I will say. There is nothing grey about God’s law. The Bible is black and white. Maybe you are feeling your parents are judgemental because they are challenging your lifestyle, or those of your friends? I know I felt that way also once, but now I’d rather be totally convicted of any sin before it took a hold on my life.
‘Come as you are, stay as you are’ Christianity is false, God is loving and forgiving to those who seek forgiveness. But those not living in His light and without repentance and true change from the heart outwards will fall short.
Hi,
I just happened on this blog site today and am wondering what all this is about re Todd and the other pastors that are mentioned (specifically Cal and Jan Switzer). I agree that these people were / are money hungry scammers that stripped a lot of folks of their hard earned money and in some case most of their savings ( including me). But this thing with Todd seems quite a bit more serious.
I attended VCC in Edmonton from 1995 to 97 until I started working overseas. My wife attended up until 2000 but these guys took a lot of personal and financial possesions from my wife. A long story but I was never too comfortable with Cal and Jan (and there flash cars and clothes etc)
Mark Bowers, (Kuwait)
The thing that really gets to me, is the total waste of time this whole issue is. It has sucked up people’s time like you would not believe. Just as Alan here states, he visited the meetings 4 times, and then watched countless hours on the net or TV.
I think the enemy really had a hold on people (and still is) who should be focussing on going about the Father’s business – whatever it is that God is calling you to do.
Even now, we need to be careful, not to spend too much time digging up all the details, discussing things.
Lets get on with bringing people to Christ, touching hurting lives with God’s power and love…. LETS MOVE ON! and be wiser next time.
I firmly believe this whole thing highlights a couple of basic issues – It is not about Todd Bentley – Todd has just brought a big problem to the forefront.
God will not share his glory with another. He is a jealous God. We put people on a pedestal that God has not placed them on. Lots of people are on pedestals. We give ourselves titles… we expect reverence and respect.
We must focus our eyes firmly on Jesus, and discern what role we as people (including leaders)play – a role of humility and service.
to #7 ruthie r
you are doing the right thing by reaching out. it hurts to be in a dark and evil world but know and remember this, He that is in you is greater than your accuser. you have G-D’s permission to cry and pour out your pain to Him. seek His face and you will see only loving-kindness. press into Him, know the strength and protection of His arms and then listen to the heart of the Lion of Judah. looking back we only see shadows. looking to Him and we see only Light. be of good cheer and protect your brave heart.
suggestion: contact “grace to you” at 1-800-554-7223 or letters@gty.org. they may have a group in your area where you can find a safe harbour in your storm.
Ruth, and others.
Billy Graham Ministries offers solid Word and solid understanding. The NKJ Bible with their studies and
help sections, would assit any hungry Believer.
May i suggest checking it out.
Contact them online. They have a 1-800 number there too.
Also, you can ask for a recommended church to go to,
in your area. A Pastor there can answer your questions
effectively as you attend regularly.
Hope that helps.
Here is a cute ditty i heard.
“Too much Word, you dry up,
too much Spirit, you blow up,
Get both, you grow up.”
(-:
The Todd Bentley “situation” is possibly less about Todd, and more about discernment, which appears to have been completely lacking from many church leaders.
Consider the prophecies spoken over Todd Bentley at his commissioning ceremony.
Here are the transcripts:
Peter Wagner:
“This commissioning represents a powerful spiritual transaction taking place in the invisible world. With this in mind, I take the apostolic authority that God has given me and I decree to Todd Bentley:
Your power will increase.
Your authority will increase.
Your favor will increase.
Your influence will increase.
Your revelation will increase.
I also decree that:
A new supernatural strength will flow through this ministry.
A new life force will penetrate this move of God.
Government will be established to set things in their proper order.
God will pour out a higher level of discernment to distinguish truth from error.
New relationships will surface to open the gates to the future.”
Che Ahn:
“Recognizing that God has chosen you and appointed you to bear much and lasting fruit in this Lakeland revival, and revival around the world.
Recognizing that He has called you as an Ephesians 4 evangelist and a revivalist moving in signs and wonders.
Knowing that you have walked in a manner worthy of the Lord, pleasing Jesus in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in the intimacy and knowledge of God, we as your brothers and your friends, who have a deep love for you, Shonnah, your whole family, we just esteem you.
We are here to stand with you, support you.
And we are here to commission you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–in the power of His name–with special oil from Chuck Pierce.
It’s called ‘Revival Oil.’ Chuck could not make it, so he sent this Fed-Ex. Special oil for you. He’s in Africa.
And so we anoint you and commission you in Jesus’ name.”
John Arnott:
“We bless you today, Todd Bentley. You’re a friend. You’re a man of God. You’re a man of prayer. You’re a man of the spirit. You love the anointing.
And I would say that it’s not just the Lakeland revival, but the whole world that goes into revival.
And you’re leading an amazing charge.
And, multitudes are getting in behind you and saying, ‘Come on. I’m gonna go with you.’
And so we bless all of that. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for raising up this young man, to lead such a mighty charge around the world, and to partner with God TV in all that has happened here in the last, uh, several months now, three months almost.
We bless it in the name of Jesus, and we stand with you, and we encourage you, and we honor you.”
Dr. Clarice Fluitt:
“Hallelujah! For the word of the Lord would say, Behold the vanguard. Behold the tugboat that is cutting through the ice of religious traditions–the cruel, hard things.
The understanding of the mind of men will now bow to the reality of the revelation of the finished work of Calvary.
Behold, sayeth God, you have been equipped with cutting power.
You have been equipped to go through those traditions of the mind of man.
Yea, sayeth God, and you are pulling the church into the realm of glory.
Behind you is a great ship that is laden with healing and deliverance and prosperity. This is the word to you, oh man of God- arise, kill, and eat.
No longer; no longer; no longer will men call unclean what I have called clean.”
The first 2 (Peter Wagner and Che Ahn) can be seen on video at http://vodpod.com/watch/835371-todd-bentleys-apostolic-and-prophetic-commissioning-14
Dutch Sheets is also a false prophet who promotes “New Age” (occult) teachings, see http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/narfalseprophecies.html and http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/wagnerquotes.html
The Bible warns of false practitioners (savage wolves) who will infiltrate and harm the church:
Matthew 7:15-17 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
Mark 13:5-6 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.
Todd Bentley was mostly a false practitioner (going by the fruit of his practices, teaching and personal life) and he was commissioned by people whose fruit is false prophecy.
I think it is all an exercise in discernment, as the Bible predicts there will be worse to come:
Matthew 24:10-13 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
We should encourage each other, not with manifestations, and “experiences”, but with the word of God, the Bible.
It is full of wonderful counsel to endure through difficult times:
Psalm 62:5-9 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.
Psalm 62:11-12 One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done
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I, for one, was never afraid of looking judgmental. I have a friend who is a kook. He is a charismatic hack who seeks after signs and wonders. I pray for him daily. He is lead astray by every “new thing God is doing” and Todd Bentley was one of those things.
My friend told me to go down to the Lakeland Outpouring, that miracles were happening there. So, I decided to do some research of my own. I saw two sermons/healing services of Todd Bentley in action and immediately I wanted to puke. That was 5 months ago.
I could not believe that thousands of people could be so foolish. I could not believe that so many people lacked even a shred of discernment. Are we that naive? Are we that eager to be fooled? No wonder the world looks upon Christians with scorn and ridicule. We have come by it honestly.
We should be ashamed of ourselves. I know I am.
Tim
May those that has negative opinion about Todd Bently, have you reason out from your natural flesh or you have worded your opinion from the Holy Spirit?
I know alot of Americans like to view their opinions openly but I just wonder whether you have seek God of the following
1) Have you seek God before voicing out your opinion?
2) Have your opinion being born from your own reasoning (flesh) or from God.
Pls consider!
In summary, everything that I have said has been grounded in the word of God.
Hi Victoria:
Christians are under a Scriptural command to test all things and try the spirits by what God has already established in His written word(1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1).
For the Christian who truly loves the Lord, His word is the go-to and final authority. Feelings and emotions are not to be relied upon.
When anyone claims to be a Christian, but teaches falsely, Christians are under the Scriptural command to defend the faith and expose the unfruitful works of darkness (Jude 3; Ephesians 5:11; Acts 20:27-31).
I don’t have a “negative opinion” about Todd Bentley–nothing personal. In fact, I love him in Christ. However, I love the Lord and the truth of His written word more. And it is love that prompts me to warn the body of Christ about the wolves in sheep’s clothing.
I, and many others, pray that God will be merciful to Todd Bentley, send solid, Bible-based Christians to minister to him, open his eyes and ears to the truth, and be born again.
In Christian love,
Bud Press
Hey been down the VCC path myself, hurt there very unforgiving people. Booted from a funeral of my best friend. Asked to leave and go down the road in tears. Everything is about money. Your their friend if you dont stir the pot and have money. Is not everything in life like that man. I have seen Todd Bently and heard of the lakeland revival. Been to those things even in Toronto. The same spirit asked to leave. They want absolute unquestioned follow that rat pack agree with them or else submission for their decietful mission. People constantly use GOD GOD GOD to scare you. God will get you if you dont. To this day I have been blessed by many experience and am much much wiser fo it, and am definitely not a sucker to the scams. Im not that nieve. Some people just go on submitting to it all. They dont think just want some kind of disneyland holy ghost sounding joy ride without real life bible. We have all been caught in all these types of things. Money men who use God and Christ and fear to make tonnes of money “In the name of Jesus” People go broke due to these guys. Who would go broke for me? They all know what they are doing and do it well, they plan things like a concert. Plan things like a political rally etc. They dont like being accused of different things espcially if they are found to have merit to them. You have to be pure and holy to have a great ministry. God id God and God does not need our help, he hasthe real power to heal with out our “big shows”. But big set up shows are great for bringing in money and desperate people who may be suckers to it all. Thank God for the understanding. Great message hear it sure shows that no one is perfect although they claim to be and wont admit and correct their own faults. I am amazed that people in the hype give to blatantly to these people. Just spread the real word and maybe hand out nothing but bibles instead of creating false sense of spiritual wellness. Nothing is that instant. Glad to have read this blog here, very infomative. People wake up!
I happened upon this website also…You can not judge the heart of people – only God can. And to the person who mentioned all the pastors who they think are crooks, I would be very careful about what you say. You can judge them by their fruits. As in Todd Bentley’s case…his fruit has been shown, but to go after every church that is effective and active in the community is WRONG. Jesus warned about blaspheming the Holy Spirit -unpardonable sin-(Saying that the work of the Holy Spirit was the work of the devil). Again….I’m not talking about Todd Bently, if you don’t have facts, and are just offended, tread lightly. Church we can’t be pointing fingers!! We have to be united. We may do things differently, but it is still the same Jesus. And about the leaders who are not managing their flocks right, THEY have to account, not to YOU, but to GOD. All this online gossip makes me sick..
We should only be united when it comes to the word of God rightly divided. When it is wrongly divided and falsehood is preached and this can be proved by the scriptures, that is where the unity ends. we are admonished to expose the unfruitful works of darkness and to judge with righteous judgement. See http://realchristianity.wordpress.com/2008/05/07/judge-not/
I think if we are to use scriptures we should read (at least) the chapter in it’s entirety (and sometimes the chapters before and after) to get a full understanding of what is being said. If someone sins it does not necessarily mean that the works were not of God. We must be balanced.
Who can say they never sinned or made a wrong decision since they’ve been born again?
2 Corinthians 13 (AMP) deals with Christians and sin…
7But I pray to God that you may do nothing wrong, not in order that we [our teaching] may appear to be approved, but that you may continue doing right, [though] we may seem to have failed and be unapproved.
8For we can do nothing against the Truth [not serve any party or personal interest], but only for the Truth [which is the Gospel].
9For we are glad when we are weak (unapproved) and you are really strong. And this we also pray for: your all-round strengthening and perfecting of soul.
We tend to want to condemn people and because they fall short we think they could never have been used by God and yet we think God can use us…
And Romans 3 (AMP)says
23Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives.
24[All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,
25Whom God put forward [before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment.
26It was to demonstrate and prove at the present time (in the now season) that He Himself is righteous and that He justifies and accepts as righteous him who has [true] faith in Jesus.
27Then what becomes of [our] pride and [our] boasting? It is excluded (banished, ruled out entirely). On what principle? [On the principle] of doing good deeds? No, but on the principle of faith.
Remember Jimmy Swaggart? And yet after all he went through God is using him again (look him up online).
Ideally we wouldn’t give into sin, and yes we DON’T HAVE to give in, but if we do it doesn’t change the past (if God used you or not) it can only affect the present and the future. You can get up, ask for forgiveness (maybe take sometime to heal and grow and be accountable to someone) and move on to do what God has called you to, or you can stay in the dirt and ashes and think of what could’ve or should’ve been.
God forgives and so should we. I don’t say we pretend it never happened and allow it to continue, however I do say we don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. 1 Peter 4 (AMP) says
1SO, SINCE Christ suffered in the flesh for us, for you, arm yourselves with the same thought and purpose [patiently to suffer rather than fail to please God]. For whoever has suffered in the flesh [having the mind of Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [has stopped pleasing himself and the world, and pleases God],
2So that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living by [his] human appetites and desires, but [he lives] for what God wills.
3For the time that is past already suffices for doing what the Gentiles like to do–living [as you have done] in shameless, insolent wantonness, in lustful desires, drunkenness, reveling, drinking bouts and abominable, lawless idolatries.
THEN continues on to say
8Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].
Which says that even though we are not chained to sin and should not sin, in the event that a brethren does sin, we are to forgive.
The Word of God also says in
Psalm 105 vs 15 “Touch not my anointed ones,do my prophets no harm!” If you don’t know if someone is a false prophet then ask God. Pray and He will answer. Romans 8 vs 14 (NKJV)says For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Sometimes we use our own personal beliefs, feelings or opinions to determine things that God is not necessarily saying, so we must be careful to not fit God or His Word into our way of thinking or our justification but to accept His Word as true and final and allow Him to show us His Truth which is really the only truth and only answer!
to #23: alan higgins
a very well said response to some of the weak minded comments that preceed.
to #22: lyndsey
i agree that only g-d has the right to judge the heart of each of us.
i have never believed all pastors are serpents and i have never advocated nor will i ever tolerate baseless “witch hunts”.
there are very strong biblical mandates concerning these issues. bearing false witness (equated with murder) is a grievous sin. tolerating corruption within a congregation brings judgement upon that body.
it is impossible to blaspheme the Holy Spirit when all biblical mandates are taught in context, in their entirety and walked out in loving balance.
i always tread very lightly. but when i have the facts about a local “todd bentley”, i will stand and point my finger. these false teachers are not ultimately accountable to me but i will continue to hold them accountable by holding their feet to the biblical fire. i don’t like it but this is regularly applied to me also. truth subverted to unity is heresy.
gossip is sickening, but so is a position held in opposition to the truth of scripture.
konakofe
to: alan higgins
your thoughts and/or comments on the following will be appreciated.
should scripture be studied from an israelite context? if yes, why? if no, why?
where does romans chapters 9, 10 and 11 fit into the current church?
what is the scriptural basis for dividing the bible and the body of believers into old versus new testament/covenent?
what is the scriptural basis for dividing the
church from the israel of g-d?
why is the twig of the grafted in gentiles now independent of the olive tree?
what is the connection between jacob, israel and the israel of g-d? g-d of israel, israel of g-d?
why does the g-d of abraham, isaac and jacob figure so prominently in apostolic times and not into current greco-roman christianity?
does any of the above figure into the current lack of discernment, the ability to rightly divide the word of g-d, the on-going flood of aberrant teachers and our pre-occupation with these serpents antics?
thanks
Konakofe,my rule is not veer off the topic in my post so when I get a chance I will send you an email with my thoughts
The fruit of Todd Bentley’s ministry is adultery, lying, loving money, false teaching, and false prophecy.
This has made a laughing stock of God, Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit, The Bible, and all Christians throughout the world, through the widely publicised Todd Bentley ministry via the internet.
Todd Bentley claimed he had access to “The angel of finance”, and that donating money at his services would cause the giver huge blessing from this angel. Whether he was lying, or actually did see such an angel, both are wrong.
The only “angel of finance” the Bible mentions is Lucifer, in tempting Jesus Christ about worldly wealth Luke 4:5-7 “The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours.”
“if you worship me, it will all be yours”.
Is Todd Bentley’s “angel of finance” a deception towards worship of Lucifer?
“Angel of finance” indirectly introduces teaching that goes BEYOND the Bible, eg. that God encourages the seeking of money, and that we should be contacting angels for it.
The Bible actually DISCOURAGES seeking of money, so an angel that turns up to encourage it must be a satanic counterfeit intent on deception. Scripture exposes the deception:
1 Tim 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Luke 16:13-14 “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.
TODD BENTLEY’S mystical revelations are rejected by scripture as EVIL COUNSEL.
Sadly, ANY averagely intelligent 10 year old UNBELIEVING CHILD could easily have done the CORRECT DISCERNMENT of Todd Bentley ministry with the most BASIC LOGIC:
“Dad, those church people look like they’re nuts. They’re vibrating, twitching, having slurred speech, gibberish speech and sound effects, animal acts – dogs, chickens, lions, etc., staggering about, falling over, and having uncontrollable/irrational laughter”.
“And Mr. Bentley his holding hands with another lady, not Mrs Bentley”.
“Son, stay away from them, they must be into something devilish”.
That is the correct discernment.
When people manifesting like Todd Bentley are accepted in churches, it is proof there is no discernment at all.
There has been a sinister development with Todd Bentley, which warrants serious consideration regarding the spiritual power people are giving themselves over to.
Todd Bentley has abandoned his wife, and established an adultery covenant with another – see http://westernstandard.blogs.com/shotgun/2009/03/todd-bentley-marries-woman-whom-he-had-extramarital-affair-with.html
Rick Joyner is defending Todd Bentley to continue in the new adulterous relationship – http://www.morningstarministries.org/Articles/1000045589/MorningStar_Ministries/Media/Special_Bulletins/2009/Special_Bulletin_17.aspx
Rick Joyner is known to be a member of “Knights of Malta”, which is an occultic network with links to Roman Catholic church, etc. – google “rick joyner knight of malta”
The manifestations, teachings and prophecies from the Todd Bentley / Peter Wagner / Rick Joyner / John Crowder / Patricia King networked people, and all who call themselves mystics, seem to line up with Satanic ministry.
See http://users.skynet.be/fa390968/AlphaSleepnet.pdf which has a network diagram on the second page.
Sexual immorality is a known initiation rite for satanic covens, because it is a deliberate desecration against the marriage relationship instituted by the God of Genesis 1:1. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleister_Crowley
Aleister Crowley followed “the god of this age” (2 Cor 4:4) or “prince of this world” (John 16:11), which seems the case for all people in churches who align themselves with mysticism (Todd Bentley, John Crowder, Rick Joyner, Peter Wagner, etc.).
Todd Bentley’s adultery covenant with Jessa Hasbrook may be an important rite to qualify him for deeper ministry and power from Lucifer.
This may be the reason why people like Peter Wagner and Rick Joyner support Todd Bentley CONTINUING with the adultery, rather than REPENT of it.
Ungodly covenants should be renounced.
I wonder how many mystics and members of those networks are involved in sexual immorality, or are divorced and “remarried”, in order to increase their collective power from Lucifer?
1 Cor 5:11-13 “But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
Should Todd Bentley be expelled from all Christian fellowship worldwide until he repents of and discontinues marriage type relationship with anyone except his wife Shonnah Bentley?
>> Psalm 105 vs 15 “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!” (Marsha 31 Oct 2008)
It is harmful NOT TO CHALLENGE prophets predicting unscriptural outcomes, such as Todd Bentley’s “angel of finance” teaching. It is also harmful not to challenge them for persisting in adulterous relationships.
lilB. Go to http://realchristianity.wordpress.com/2008/08/17/2008/05/07/judge-not/ and that will answer everything that you said
Switz09, your comment was taken off because you are constantly spamming this thread and you comments have nothing to do with this thread