Todd Bentley and the Florida Outpouring
Todd Bentley has been conducting a series of meetings in Lakeland Florida known as the Florida Outpouring. Apparently people are being healed and if this is a true movement of God I think it’s great. However I have some concerns I’d like to share with you that leads me to believe that this is nothing more then another Satan inspired hoax perpetrated by Mr. Bentley and some of his cohorts……..
Todd Bentley is a 32 year old man from Canada. Apparently he was “saved” at 17 and shortly after began preaching. He also began prophesying during this time and allegedly people came to know the “Lord”. You can read more about Bentley here.
Like many of today’s “prophets” Bentley claims to have visited heaven and actually met with the Apostle Paul. He makes some interesting claims about this “visit”, such as;
1) Paul told Bentley that Abraham co-authored the Book of Hebrews.
2) Paul told Bentley to eat the Books of Titus and Hebrews.
Most biblical scholars agree that Paul is the author of Hebrews and most likely Luke penned the book for Paul due to the language used. This is the first time I’ve ever heard that Abraham was the co-author…I’ve always assumed the Holy Spirit inspired the writings of the Bible….silly me. I guess we aren’t as privileged as Bentley to actually visit Paul and get the scoop first hand??
Eat the Books of Titus and Hebrews? I suppose this makes sense as Bentley probably couldn’t read the manuscripts in their original language. Fortunately for Bentley Paul had the gift of tongues because it appears Paul spoke to him in English!!!
Bentley hasn’t only visited heaven, but he also sees angels! You can read the rest of this outstanding article here.
Todd Bentley and the Angel that carries the “Winds of Change”:
…the second night of the Lakeland meetings…he said he saw an angel he described as carrying the “Winds of Change.”
Asking him to describe this angel, Bentley replied that those familiar with the life of William Branham would recognize the angel from being a relevant factor in his healing ministry. He felt that this angel’s appearance signaled a “shift in the atmosphere” for the meetings and felt that an openness for revival had been ushered in.
-Teresa Neumann, Reports of Revival Breaking Out in Lakeland, Florida
http://www.freshfire.ca/index.php?Act=read&status=revival&Id=132&pid=954&bid=923
This is a new youtube clip (from Florida) where Todd Bentley talks about this angel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-nwMfOKgXo
Of course Charisma Magazine has reported on this “move of God” and you can read Lee Grady’s column here. Grady believes this “revival” is “of God”….which doesn’t surprise me at all. Charisma has a LONG history of endorsing these types of “ministries” only to wind up with egg on their face…as I believe will be the case with Bentley and his “Lakeland Outpouring”.
This “revival” has it all folks….holy laughter, people being slain in the Spirit, mass healings and hour long worship music highlight this “revival”. A buffet of signs and wonders all thanks to Todd Bentley. Here’s a 10 second clip of people “drunk in the Spirit”.
Now, isn’t one of the Fruits of the Spirit self control? Laughing uncontrollable, dancing in the aisles and acting “drunk in the Spirit” hardly demonstrates self control….which makes me question what “spirit” is actually in control of this “revival”.
There are just too many red flags here for me to believe that this “outpouring” or whatever they’re calling it is Holy Spirit inspired. In all of the videos and articles I’ve read I have yet to hear the word “repent” or anything even remotely close to anything biblical.
Matthew 7:15
Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
Any thoughts?
Hat tip to Dorothy for all her help!!!!!!!!
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Hi All,
Here are links to a movie about signs and wonders. I think this movie fits right in with the above topic;
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5411907440673613510
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=684564137529404621
Phil Naessens - April 30, 2008 at 12:14 pm
I think you should give it a shot- actually view the revival for a week and maybe consider going. I was there, and found it to be totally opposite to what you wrote- the interesting thing is…. you could be using Scripture to fight Scripture- for example in Acts 2, you would probably use the same Matt 7:15 against Acts 2, judging by your tone. If you want to be totally fair and sincere, tune in for a week or two- but take care. Don’t take shots at leaders/people who actually have more ‘revival’ (the true Life of Christ) than yourself, more souls saved, more orphans helped and more widows helped in Africa. As an African missionary, I think you need to be fair, instead of just critical- for example anyone can have a blog that criticizes leaders… but few people actually go out and serve others. Anyone can tear a house down, but can actually build a good house.
Phil: Welcome to Theology Today John!
I can’t attend…I live in Greece…but it’s doubtful if I would even walk across the street to go and see it in person. I will be watching on God TV this weekend.
John S - April 30, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Hi Phil,
Interesting that Bentley was told to eat Titus. Paul instructed Titus to shut their mouths (Titus 1:9-12)
I can’t thank you enough for the addition of the videos. I’ve been convinced they were using these techniques and the videos confirmed my initial thoughts. Thanks. Everyone here should take the time to listen to them and recognize what is known as hypnotic/sublimenal mind control. Scarey stuff.
I work in marketing so I did recognize some aspects of this type of marketing being used by Bentley, but wow….those videos really were enlightening.
Thanks
Dorothy - May 1, 2008 at 3:13 am
Hi Dorothy,
You are most welcome! It does tie into what’s going on in Lakeland….as well as other places around the world. I wonder what our friend Sidharth thinks of the movie?
Don’t forget to read part two of my ongoing analysis of Todd Bentley and his ministry….
http://phillyflash.wordpress.com/2008/05/01/todd-bentley-and-the-florida-outpouring-part-2/
Phil Naessens - May 1, 2008 at 11:21 am
Hmm, what do Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard and Bentley have in common? L. Ron based his sect on complete science fiction, minus the bible. Bentley bases his ministry on the bible using science fiction.
Bentley was in the third heaven? (can’t wait to see what his “thorn in the flesh will be?
He went to Paul’s house?
Paul lives in a cabin??
Paul told Bentley “not everything is in the bible”??? (RED FLAG, BIG RED FLAG!)
Paul spoke to Bentley the inexpressible words he (Paul) was commanded not to utter??
A ladder is needed (like in Jacob’s vision> to move from the 2nd to the 3rd heaven. So i guess that God’s realm is layered, like a cake?? Mmmm…
Bentley said “a green liquid and it was pouring onto my eyes!” Didn’t I see this scene in an episode of X-Men???
Bentley says again “So I ascended the seven atmospheres of heaven”, were on earth is that in scripture???? Again NEW REVELATION, (RED FLAG!!!)
These poor people are so desperate to archive a new “experience” that they blind themselves to the fact that scripture alone is sufficient, they inadvertently create a golden calf out of their desire to experience something new.
Phil: Welcome to Theology Today Sergio! Yep, these folks look for experience after experience….what happens when their experiences stop?
Sergio Alvarez - May 1, 2008 at 4:11 pm
What happens? They get disillusioned with God, the Bible, and everything remotely associated with Christ. The backlash is coming. And the people who have been blinded will need to come to terms with it. Be ready.
dsmith77 - May 1, 2008 at 8:04 pm
“In all of the videos and articles I’ve read I have yet to hear the word “repent” or anything even remotely close to anything biblical. ”
I was actually at the revival last night and during the worship, Todd himself was on the ground repenting to the Lord, imploring everyone in the room to repent too..
You can see it here.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/great-florida-healing-revival
You also said, “Now, isn’t one of the Fruits of the Spirit self control? Laughing uncontrollable, dancing in the aisles and acting “drunk in the Spirit” hardly demonstrates self control….which makes me question what “spirit” is actually in control of this “revival”.”
I see your point but did King David not dance naked in front of his people in 2 Samuel 6, being undignified for the Lord, though despised by his wife?
These are the words of Pastor Stephen Strader regarding the Florida Healing Outpouring on April 30, 2008:
The word “revival” is used a little too flippantly among Christians, yet the intent is usually pure. We want to see the Holy Spirit changing lives. We want to see Him healing bodies, hearts and lives to the point that people are never the same. Obviously, our desire is to have this happen as part of our daily lives—to walk as Jesus did, following the Father’s lead and leaving a trail of signs, wonders and miracles. Yet when this happens in a remarkable fashion, for a remarkable length of time, we label it as a revival. That same element of time will tell whether what’s going on in Lakeland, Fla., is a revival. One thing is clear, though: God is moving.
If people are being saved and delivered of addictions and physical ailments in the name of Jesus, who are we to say it is not the work of the Lord? 1 John 4:2 says, “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God..”
I encourage you to read the story from Acts 5.
When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
If this is not of God, time will tell because Todd’s ministry will fail and fall away and will be remembered no more. But if this is truly a move of God, woe to the one who stands in the way of the Lord.
Lovy - May 1, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Well, as for the assertion that scripture alone is sufficient, Jesus of Nazareth had something to say about that:
“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” Jn 5:39-40
Sergio, you are right to rely on scriptures, but Jesus did not say that they would save you. If you have not had an experience with The Holy Spirit, allowing you to truly say Jesus is Lord (I Cor. 12:3 … no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit)then you are relying only on head knowledge of scripture. Jesus spoke to the Pharisees, who really had the scriptures down, and admonished them to come to Him. So, have a personal experience with Jesus Christ today. And, have new experiences with Him everyday. In fact, seek and you will find, ask and it will be given, knock and the door will be opened.
Regarding the ridicule of Todd having to “eat Titus and Hebrews” perhaps you should ridicule John for eating the scroll at the behest of the angel in Revelation. Or, perhaps you would like to rebuke Ezekiel for eating the scroll, in Ezekiel 3:1.
Lastly, Gamaliel had some wisdom for us in Acts 5:38-39 “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it–lest you even be found to fight against God.”
Phil: Welcome to Theology Today Kent!
So are you saying we shouldn’t warn the sheep a wolf is in their midst? I hope not because you would then be asking me to disobey God….which I won’t do. Please see the following link and then tell me there is no cause for concern?
http://phillyflash.wordpress.com/2008/05/02/heavens-realities-or-todd-bentleys-delusions/
Kent - May 2, 2008 at 1:57 am
Hi there!
Just wanted to give another view on the goings on in Florida. I have just come back from a visit there, where I went to the evening meetings every night for 6 nights. In my time there I was impressed by the strong focus on Jesus as Lord and the fact that every night ,I believe, apart from possibly one, there was a call to repentance, and an invitation to people to make Jesus Lord of their lives. I have come away from my time there with a strengthened love for Jesus and people and was impacted by the integrity and humility of the team that I saw there. Thanks for the opportunity to add my opinion, may God bless you lots and lots.
Sharon Cooke - May 2, 2008 at 2:29 am
Kent, thanks for your input, if I may quote you…
“If you have not had an experience with The Holy Spirit, allowing you to truly say Jesus is Lord (I Cor. 12:3 … no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit)then you are relying only on head knowledge of scripture.”
Paul was speaking to the Corinthians which where doing everything from desecrating the Lord’s table (Chap 11) to vicious immorality (Chap 5). The “experience” that you are referring to has nothing to do with the context of what Paul is saying here. Paul was stating that no one, by the Spirit of God will curse Christ, in contrast, those who truly say, and believe that “Jesus is Lord” will say it by way of the Holy Spirit who comes (completely, not in parts) upon all believers at the moment of Salvation (Acts 2:38).
It’s simple really, to say “Jesus is Lord” and truly believe it, is an act of faith and a complete and total reliance on the truth of scripture which is the word of God (Rom 10:17), and that can only come by way of the Holy Spirit (Gal 3:2).
“So, have a personal experience with Jesus Christ today. And, have new experiences with Him everyday. In fact, seek and you will find, ask and it will be given, knock and the door will be opened.”
Every time I open the scripture, every time I study and divide God’s Word, I stand in awe Kent. I stand in complete and total awe because the scripture is the truth of God, every nuance, every jot and title is inspiration and revelation. Jesus Himself said in John 17:17 “sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth”. Thus implying that the word not only sanctifies, but it is also the whole truth of God, and that my friend is enough for me.
“Regarding the ridicule of Todd having to “eat Titus and Hebrews” perhaps you should ridicule John for eating the scroll at the behest of the angel in Revelation. Or, perhaps you would like to rebuke Ezekiel for eating the scroll, in Ezekiel 3:1.”
Kent, please, this comparison is borderline heretical. You cannot compare Paul, John, or Ezekiel to Bentley! For God’s sake, Bentley’s “experiences cannot be verified by scripture. He was taken up and angles performed heavenly surgery on him!!!! Come on! Besides, unless there is a Book of Bentley in the bible, I cannot and will not compare.
Finally, remember who Gamaliel was referring to… Jesus Himself!
The bottom line is that everything MUST line up with scripture, I cannot rely on an experience that is not supported by the bible, why? Simply because my heart is deceitful than ALL else (Jer 17:9).
Sergio Alvarez - May 2, 2008 at 1:17 pm
I forgot to comment on the first part of the post…
“Well, as for the assertion that scripture alone is sufficient, Jesus of Nazareth had something to say about that:
“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” Jn 5:39-40″
Again, this is taken out of context.
The Pharisees thought that by holding on to the Mosaic law they would be saved. He is basically saying, You search the scripture (which was the books of the law e.g. Torah, Talmud that included the codification of the law, Mishna ect.) for in them you think you are saved. The Pharisees were blind to that fact that salvation was by faith (as in Abraham, he believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness). Jesus is in no way implying that scripture in not sufficient, he was merely stating that the Law of Moses had no power to save, and that is backed up in Joh_1:17, Joh_8:35, Act_10:28, Act_13:39, Rom_7:1-6, Rom_8:3, Rom_10:4. There are dozens of other references.
Sergio Alvarez - May 2, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Sharon,
May I recommend that you view the two videos that Phil posted right after his article here. What you were exposed to in Lakeland was a charade by some very clever marketing people. It’s mind control and it’s used heavily in marketing.
Watch the two videos…
In the meantime, would you mind sharing with me what sermons he preached, including the scriptural support he used that strengthened your love and understanding of Jesus?
Thank You
Dorothy
Dorothy - May 3, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Luke 9:49-50 Now John answered and said “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.” Mark 9:39 But Jesus said, Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me.”
Let’s let God be God in America again. He is in everything because He is God. His ways and thoughts are not ours and Praise Him for that because if they were we would all be in trouble. Thank You Lord for your Grace!!!
Justbeme - May 13, 2008 at 1:02 am