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Charisma on Todd Bentley
Charisma on Todd Bentley: In the wake of Todd Bentley's separation from his wife, J. Lee Grady, the editor of Charisma reflects on the mistakes made by leaders and laypeople alike in embracing Bentley's ministry. Grady writes, "But among those who jumped on the Lakeland bandwagon, discernment was discouraged. They were expected to swallow and follow. The message was clear: 'This is God. Don't question.' So before we could all say, 'Sheeka Boomba' (as Bentley often prayed from his pulpit), many people went home, prayed for people and shoved them to the floor with reckless abandon, Bentley-style. I blame this lack of discernment, partly, on raw zeal for God. We're spiritually hungry--which can be a good thing. But sometimes, hungry people will eat anything." Read the full article and please pray for Bentley and his family.
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Comments (5)
Josh,
This is really interesting to me -- and I'm glad you posted it. I kept hearing about this "revival" in Florida and was sent articles on it, but when I sought God in prayer before checking out what people were talking about He put a serious hold on my spirit -- I just felt that for some reason I wasn't supposed to look into this thing at all. It felt really wrong, you know. So this is the first article I've read about it. Pretty much all I heard was "miraculous healings" and all I kept thinking was, "But what about the people's hearts? The only revival this nation needs is for its people's hearts to turn to God with a prayer like Psalm 51."
As I've mentioned before, my mom is a prophet. Most people hear that and balk, thinking we're weird and would be into this type of movement. But that's the opposite of what anything truly of God is about. What God likes is when we humble ourselves, when we're obedient, and when we love and thus speak and live in light of the uncompromised and untainted Truth as Jesus did.
The thing that really bothers me about this is that people fall for it -- so many people fall for it -- because this is what they really think that revival and blessings from God will look like. They seem to have no concept of who Jesus was (as we can see in Scripture) and what His disciples look like or that when Jesus or they healed people the religious sought after them... to kill them. They have no concept of the fact that when God really works through His people it's not something that brings praise to men or applause from the religious, it's something that challenges satan's strongholds and causes him to fight back through persecutions. Right now, I think that revival and blessings from God in our country would look like an economical depression and natural disasters drawing us to our knees and causing us to repent and surrender, miraculous restoration or no. Where is the Cross of Christ in our churches and our message? That's the first thing that needs to return -- the work of the putting to death of the flesh and the old man always comes first.
For example; back in, I believe, 2004, Pat Robertson was praying that the hurricanes would not hit the country and was speaking words of comfort. My mom and I couldn't believe some of the stuff he was saying (claiming to be acting according to God's Will) because what God was telling my mom was to tell people, "Get on your knees and pray Psalm 51 on behalf of this country." With over 4,000 abortions being commited each day, and unjust laws and court decisions that harm the innocent, why would God protect us when we cry out to Him without a broken heart for what we've done? Why would God protect an unrepentant city full of sin (New Orleans)? After Katrina hit, the first structures they rebuilt were casinos and the first event on their streets was a gay parade.
Anyway, speaking of zeal... No, actually, though; just to add one more thing: I am always bothered when people look at poorly done films/media or stuff like this and they say that the people have "too much raw zeal for God" and that it leads to poor craftsmenship or immaturity. The real truth is that IF we have zeal for God it will exhibit itself in actions leading to work that is excellent and a worthy offering of praise unto God and likewise in our mature seeking of the truth and God's Heart on each matter and towards each person. That is zeal for God. I think that this form of "zeal" that we see so often and many are so quick to label as "for God" is really not zeal for the Kingdom of God, the Truth, the Blesser, the Creator, or the Lover of our souls; but rather zeal for our own interests and our own self-made, self-glorifying kingdoms; for what sounds best to our itching ears; for the blessings only (rather than the Blesser, Himself); for mere creation (not the One who Creates); and for the unlawful desires of our corrupt hearts (i.e. the adulation of men, riches, peace, prosperity, temporal comforts, etc.).
Anyway, I do pray that God will raise up shepherds after the Heart of the Good Shepherd who will lay down their lives and deny self to rescue, to love, to protect His sheep. That's what we so badly need among so many "hired hands" who may look good and gather a following, but are really only in it for the pay and are so deceptive about their intentions and the content of their hearts. On the subject, my mom and I have been praying (so we could be blamed for this all being revealed -- yikes) that, 1) all leaders who profess to be Christians will have to live what they speak/write or be removed from the spotlight, and, 2) the false teachers and teachings will be revealed to their core. We may be two women, but somebody has to do something to keep the innocent, naive lambs from being led astray -- or to the slaughter.
I guess you hit a nerve by posting that, Josh! Thanks for your time -- it was good to think on these issues again and be reminded to pray with more fervency for God's Church (those who will be His followers).
In Christ alone,
Nicole
Posted by Nicole T. | August 15, 2008 7:40 PM
I myself was sceptical of the revival, and Todd at fist. I mean, the stories I heard were strange. BUT THEN I went to the meeting in Los Angeles and was amazed at the power of God in that room. It was simply one of the strongest presents I have ever felt.
We are quick, as Christians, to judge, and point fingers. And quick to foget men of God like Smith Wigglesworth, who like Todd had some interesting views and theology. We forget he hit people too, and thew his dead wife against the wall several times until God brought her back....Or shall I even mention Jesus, who used spit to heal a blind man. I have learned years ago, never judge the method, judge the fruit.
And while it is sad that he fell morally, may we remember not to be too quick to point out the speck in our brothers eye and forget the pole in our own. People fall, everyday! Sure I am disappointed, but no more than if my brother or sister fell. Bottom line is that we all fall short.
I pray for Todd and his family to be reconciled and healed. And I also pray for Christians to see a real Man of God who is hurting and needs God's love.
Posted by Christina J | August 27, 2008 2:51 PM
Josh,
I thoroughly appreciate the article by Lee Grady. He is a strong, much respected, bold voice that does not fear man, but seeks truth with discernment and an unshakable fear of the Lord - a rare and undervalued trait much needed in todays society.
Grady represents the heart of God. He demonstrates the character of both the Lion and the Lamb. (Bravery & boldness, yet humility and meekness)
I understand his question - "Why did God TV tell people that "any criticism of Todd Bentley is demonic"?" and agree with Grady completely that "This is cultic manipulation at its worst."
We so often have heard the banging cymbals of those following Bentley. But what about the silent voices that have sat by and watched this sorrow unfold. What about the one's who favored intimacy with God over fan fare and stage shows; that hungered for repentance, salvation, heart change and internal renovation more than promises of healings and hopes of riches and ease and power?
As we coddle the hurt and broken (which we should do in a situation like this) we have also ignored the silent warriors like Dutch Sheets who have been brought under heavy persecution, accusations and threats because he has not "gone along with" the crowd or has been so called bound by unbelief or a religious spirit.
Undoubtedly, these humble, persecuted ones demonstrate most what it means to walk as a Christian in these end times. They sit silently, they wait, they trust that if something is not from God, HE alone is God and has the power to stop it. They prayed.
Everywhere I read in The Word of God I find the need for Christians to strengthen their stakes, hold to the rock, seek righteousness, humility and truth or they will be shaken.
Any promises contrary to The Word of God only promotes false security, not only opening Christians up to falsity and deception, but weakens and ill prepares God's people for the true spiritual fight that is headed our way.
We must trust being in the Harness of the Lord and know that only HIS ways and HIS Word is right and just.
Knowing Christ intimately requires consuming only what HE feeds us. Today's Christians must choose to be like Daniel, not defiling ourselves with the things around us. We are a hungry people, yes! But Christ alone is more than enough. He satisfies. He fills to abundance IF we seek Him first and His righteousness. We must not be hungry people who just eat anything...or the truth is...we will end up sick!
Satisfied in Him,
Bobby
Posted by Bobby | September 3, 2008 2:58 PM
Josh:
I have been following Todd's ministry for almost 3 years. I have seen this ministry grow. The miracles were credible. The prophetic experiences that Todd describes where questionable and character issues were of course not dealt with fully.
I learned so much for following Todd's ministry. First and foremost, passion for God will bring down His presence and release His power in supernatural ways.
Concerning spiritual covering, Todd entered into apostolic alignment with Peter Wagner. He had accountability. The apostolic structure was in place and God used Peter Wagner to place individuals into Todd's life such as Bill Johnson and John Arnott and Che Ahn to bring restoration to his life. Yes, he has fallen. His ministry will never be the same.
But thank God for what God did. Many healing's and salvations occurred. Jesus poured out His power and glory. If you can learn anything for this revival or other revivals such as the Brownsville Revival it is this: When the glory of God falls sin will be exposed. Thank God for His grace. Thank God for the blood of Jesus.
That does not by no limits eliminate the consequences of sin. Todd is a human being. I am proud of him for the good God accomplished through him. The Bible says to hold on to that which is good. This is what the Body of Christ must do.
We must pray for Todd. We must love him with the love of Christ. We must reach out to Him through our prayers and if we know him, through our relationships. How is that Biblical? Read Galatians 6:1-4.
God is still seated on His throne. He is still moving. We must press on and press deeper. When revival comes you can't expect it to come like it has before. You can't have revival without the glory of God. You can't have the glory of God without revival. We are changed from glory to glory. That means every time His glory manifests it will look different.
I can't wait until the Body of Christ gets it. We must quit judging. We must love through mistakes, confront the sin but not condemn. Character builds a ministry.
God, raise up a generation of people who will carry Your glory, whom will fear Your Name and walk in holiness. Let REVIVAL FIRE FALL!!!
In His Love,
Pastor Rene
Revived Student Ministries
First Assembly of God
Copperas Cove, Texas
PS. "Sheeka Boomba" falls under speaking in tongues. Don't quench the Spirit's fire. When you pray in tongues you edify yourself. You build yourself up in the most holiest faith.
All those pointing the finger at Todd Bentley and other leaders who took part in the Lakeland Outpouring read Matthew 7:1-2 and Romans 2:1-10.
Posted by Pastor Rene | September 21, 2008 12:14 AM
here's some truth from behind the scenes in Abbotsford. Jessa first of all was an intern in the fall 08 cycle. She never applied for it Todd invited her into the internship. Even after a board member severly opposed it. Later Todd invited her and another intern to live in his house during the internship, and after the internship as a live in nanny.
At the same time the Bellingham, Washington church was being established so fresh fire could get a legal foot hold in America. This is evident by the lack and the sheer refusal to work with the local churches. It was just for the papers not the church.
In January 2009 2 members of the board confronted Todd about Jessa, and that it was wrong and they couldn't stand by him about it. They where "relieved" of their position for doing so. This shouldn't be surprising as another member of FFM was faceed with the same threat, after he caught Todd with another woman in England (this is what the dark night of the soul was actually about), the FFM member was forced to either work for FFM outside of North America or be fired. Jessa is woman number 4 that Todd has cheated on Shonnah with.
Todd isn't 100% to blame just 80% the rest of the blame falls on those board members and pastors that refused to confront Todd on his infidelities. One in particular had the mind set that if Todd does it, it's okay even if it isn't for others. Others refused to confront because they didn't want to loose their jobs (like many have over the years)
Even in Lakeland which I personally think was a two edged work of God, it was a blessing to the locals who have prayed for God to move. And the other edge was a judgement on Todd, in total over the top Todd style. During the highet of revival there was excessive drinking, slasher flicks, and other things I wont get into now with Todd and his inner circle (yes men). There was infighting with the leaders on stage, and the interns where just slaves with ministry badges. Or the fact that all the money collected for the orphans and for sudan never made it to them, it was instead used to pay for the buildings/land for the revival.
Even after Lakeland fell apart, and the news finally became public, Todd never returned home to Abbotsford. He remained in America (illegally) in California, then a breif stop in Reno for their quickey divorce rules. Then it was off to Rick Joyner and his marriage with Jessa
These words are not made up, this is a summary of many conversations I have had with former FFM employees, board members and former interns. I just can't stand by and see Todd get away with this for a fourth time. A man who has turned his back on his wife and children once again. yet will be received by the masses as THE man of God.
Posted by Daniel | May 18, 2009 4:03 PM