Life After Lakeland...J. Lee Grady

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Life After Lakeland...J. Lee Grady; Todd leaves Lakeland/divorce
Topic Started: Aug 13 2008, 06:55 PM (465 Views)
worshipHim	Aug 13 2008, 06:55 PM Post #1
Member Posts: 81 Group: Members Member #4,798 Joined: July 17, 2008	Wednesday, August 13, 2008 Life After Lakeland: Sorting Out the Confusion Todd Bentley’s announcement that his marriage is ending has thrown our movement into a tailspin—and questions need to be answered. It was not supposed to end like this. Evangelist Todd Bentley had heralded the Lakeland revival as the greatest Pentecostal outpouring since Azusa Street. From his stage in a gigantic tent in Florida, Bentley preached to thousands, bringing many of them to the stage for prayer. Many claimed to be healed of deafness, blindness, heart problems, depression and dozens of other conditions in the Lakeland services, which ran for more than 100 consecutive nights. Bentley announced confidently that dozens of people had been raised from the dead during the revival. But this week, a few days after the Canadian preacher announced the end of his visits to Lakeland, he told his staff that his marriage is ending. Without blaming the pace of the revival for Bentley’s personal problems, his board released a public statement saying that he and his wife, Shonnah, are separating. The news shocked Bentley’s adoring fans and saddened those who have questioned his credibility since the Lakeland movement erupted in early April. “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.’ ” I’m sad. I’m disappointed. And I’m angry. Here are few of my many, many questions about this fiasco: Why did so many people flock to Lakeland from around the world to rally behind an evangelist who had serious credibility issues from the beginning? To put it bluntly, we’re just plain gullible. From the first week of the Lakeland revival, many discerning Christians raised questions about Bentley’s beliefs and practices. They felt uneasy when he said he talked to an angel in his hotel room. They sensed something amiss when he wore a T-shirt with a skeleton on it. They wondered why a man of God would cover himself with tattoos. They were horrified when they heard him describe how he tackled a man and knocked his tooth out during prayer. 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 spiritual hungry—which can be a good thing. But sometimes, hungry people will eat anything. Many of us would rather watch a noisy demonstration of miracles, signs and wonders than have a quiet Bible study. Yet we are faced today with the sad reality that our untempered zeal is a sign of immaturity. Our adolescent craving for the wild and crazy makes us do stupid things. It’s way past time for us to grow up. Why didn’t anyone in Lakeland denounce the favorable comments Bentley made about William Branham? This one baffles me. Branham embraced horrible deception near the end of his ministry, before he died in 1965. He claimed that he was the reincarnation of Elijah—and his strange doctrines are still embraced by a cultlike following today. When Bentley announced to the world that the same angel that ushered in the 1950s healing revival had come to Lakeland, the entire audience should have run for the exits. Why didn’t anyone correct this error from the pulpit? Godly leaders are supposed to protect the sheep from heresy, not spoon feed deception to them. Only God knows how far this poison traveled from Lakeland to take root elsewhere. May God forgive us for allowing His Word to be so flippantly contaminated. A prominent Pentecostal evangelist called me this week after Bentley’s news hit the fan. He said to me: “I’m now convinced that a large segment of the charismatic church will follow the anti-Christ when he shows up because they have no discernment.” Ouch. Hopefully we’ll learn our lesson this time and apply the necessary caution when an imposter shows up. Why did God TV tell people that “any criticism of Todd Bentley is demonic”? This ridiculous statement was actually made on one of God TV’s pre-shows. In fact, the network’s hosts also warned listeners that if they listened to criticism of Bentley, they could lose their healings. This is cultic manipulation at its worst. The Bible tells us that the Bereans were noble believers because they studied the Scriptures daily “to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11, NASB). Yet in the case of Lakeland, honest intellectual inquiry was viewed as a sign of weakness. People were expected to jump first and then open their eyes. Just because we believe in the power of the Holy Spirit does not mean we check our brains at the church door. We are commanded to test the spirits. Jesus wants us to love Him with our hearts and our minds. Because of the Lakeland scandal, there may be large numbers of people who feel they’ve been burned by Bentley. Some may give up on church and join the growing ranks of bitter, disenfranchised Christians. Others may suffer total spiritual shipwreck. This could have been avoided if leaders had been more vocal about their objections and urged people to evaluate spiritual experiences through the filter of God’s Word. Why did a group of respected ministers lay hands on Bentley on June 23 and publicly ordain him? Did they know of his personal problems? This controversial ceremony was organized by Peter Wagner, who felt that one of Bentley’s greatest needs was proper spiritual covering. He asked California pastors Che Ahn and Bill Johnson, along with Canadian pastor John Arnott, to lay hands on Bentley and bring him under their care. Bentley certainly needs such covering. No one in ministry today should be out on their own, living in isolation without checks, balances and wise counsel. It was commendable that Wagner reached out to Bentley and that Bentley acknowledged his need for spiritual fathers by agreeing to submit to the process. The question remains, however, whether it was wise to commend Bentley during a televised commissioning service that at times seemed more like a king’s coronation. In hindsight, we can all see that it would have been better to take Bentley into a back room and talk about his personal issues. The Bible tells us that ordination of a minister is a sober responsibility. Paul wrote: “Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others” (1 Tim. 5:22). We might be tempted to rush the process, but the apostle warned against fast-tracking ordination—and he said that those who commission a minister who is not ready for the job will bear some of the blame for his failures. I trust that Wagner, Ahn, Johnson and Arnott didn’t know of Bentley’s problems before they ordained him. I am sure they are saddened by the events of this week and are reaching out to Bentley and his wife to promote healing and restoration. But I believe that they, along with Bentley and the owners of God TV, owe the body of Christ a forthright, public apology for thrusting Bentley’s ministry into the spotlight prematurely. (Perhaps such an apology should be aired on God TV.) Can anything good come out of this? That depends on how people respond. If the men assigned to oversee Bentley offer loving but firm correction, and if Bentley responds humbly to the process by stepping out of ministry for a season of rehabilitation, we could witness a healthy case of church discipline play out the way it is supposed to. If all those who were so eager to promote Bentley now rush just as fast to repent for their errors in judgment, then the rest of us could breathe a huge sigh of relief—and the credibility of our movement could be restored. I still believe that God desires to visit our nation in supernatural power. I know He wants to heal multitudes, and I will continue praying for a healing revival to sweep across the United States. But we must contend for the genuine, not an imitation. True revival will be accompanied by brokenness, humility, reverence and repentance—not the arrogance, showmanship and empty hype that often was on display in Lakeland. We are weathering an unprecedented season of moral failure and spiritual compromise in our nation today. I urge everyone in the charismatic world to pray for Bentley; his wife, Shonnah; his three young children; Bentley’s ministry staff; and the men and women who serve as his counselors and advisers. Let’s pray that God will turn this embarrassing debacle into an opportunity for miraculous restoration. J. Lee Grady is editor of Charisma. To read Charisma’s news story on Todd Bentley’s recent announcement, click here. Discuss this article Visit fireinmybones.com Tell a Friend! Sign-Up FREE for The Fire In My Bones Newsletter. OUR SITES: Charisma Magazine charismamag.com Ministry Today ministrytodaymag.com New Man newmanmag.com Spirit Led Woman spiritledwoman.com OUR NEWSLETTERS: » Charisma News Bulletin » Strang Report » Daily Devotional » Fire In My Bones » New Man eMagazine » Ministry Report » Streams of Revival » Power Up! 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Lazarusty	Aug 13 2008, 09:37 PM Post #2
Advanced Member Posts: 643 Group: Members Member #248 Joined: October 12, 2006	And Aug 15th isn't even here yet!
	Check out my Wild Speculations thread!


worshipHim	Aug 13 2008, 09:42 PM Post #3
Member Posts: 81 Group: Members Member #4,798 Joined: July 17, 2008	What is going to happen on the 15th!? Somebody tell me something...what? what? what? It is only 26 hours and 15 minutes away...well, until 12 o'clock midnight on the 24th, that is.



Lazarusty	Aug 13 2008, 09:53 PM Post #4
Advanced Member Posts: 643 Group: Members Member #248 Joined: October 12, 2006	The spearation of sheep and goats, as I said in the other thread. You haven't been reading Final Call's posts? Edited by Lazarusty, Aug 13 2008, 09:54 PM.
	Check out my Wild Speculations thread!


worshipHim	Aug 13 2008, 09:57 PM Post #5
Member Posts: 81 Group: Members Member #4,798 Joined: July 17, 2008	No...I am a busy person.



SpiritIsWilling	Aug 13 2008, 09:59 PM Post #6
Advanced Member Posts: 493 Group: Members Member #3,594 Joined: March 22, 2008	I have read somewhere that this whole revival was/is a seperation from the sheep and the goats. Maybe it was from Steven Benings radio show
	Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?


worshipHim	Aug 13 2008, 10:00 PM Post #7
Member Posts: 81 Group: Members Member #4,798 Joined: July 17, 2008	It is difficult to keep up with you. What is FC saying? The separation of sheep and goats is at judgment when He separates us. If it weren't for the word, alot more goats would pass as sheep.



worshipHim	Aug 13 2008, 10:01 PM Post #8
Member Posts: 81 Group: Members Member #4,798 Joined: July 17, 2008	Oooo...well



worshipHim	Aug 13 2008, 10:05 PM Post #9
Member Posts: 81 Group: Members Member #4,798 Joined: July 17, 2008	the supposed revival only lasted 100 days. I think that is what I read. It truly was one messed up business. Bob Jones said...I will retrieve an item from the net and post what he said. Those people like Jones...I mean, they are not right about some things. They say things I am not hearing from God. I don't know. Anyway...



worshipHim	Aug 13 2008, 10:07 PM Post #10
Member Posts: 81 Group: Members Member #4,798 Joined: July 17, 2008	-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canadian Todd Bentley leaves (gets booted from?) Lakeland ‘revival’ after expose Todd Bentley wanted the attention. He got it on a US network - ABC’s Nightline. UPDATE: After this story aired on “Nightline,” Fresh Fire Ministries released a statement announcing that preacher Todd Bentley would be taking time off “to refresh and to rest” after having spent four months in Lakeland, Fla., leading revival meetings. In the meantime their Lakeland broadcasts on GOD TV are put on hold. Nightline did what any investigative show would do - asked questions. There have been plenty of bloggers focusing in on this Canadians theology, his connections to a heretical charismatic fringe, a few minor fluff pieces in Florida media, but once he was off stage facing a seasoned news team, he couldn’t hide his lies and deceptions. Bentley, from Abbotsford BC was promoted by Strang Communications, The Strader family, GodTV, and for the most part the silent complicity of mainstream leaders in Pentecostalism/Charismatic organizations. Bentley has been on the fringe charismatic preaching circuit for a few years, but it was his contract with the UK’s God TV, with the streaming of the videos of his healing shows (think Benny Hinn on steriods) and the co-ordinated efforts what he called his revival online with tightly moderated pro Lakeland sites that that sent hundreds of thousands of needy people flocking to Florida. And made a pile of money for all concerned, no doubt. No one involved wants to talk about how much has been raked in. (photo: Abbotsford blog) Night after night, blogs have exposed his lies and unbiblical teaching. A few weeks ago Bentley appeared on Geraldo Rivera’s show on Fox. Bentley did not fare any better than he did on Nightline. This leave comes in the the time June 22 - July 22, 2008 prophesied by Bentley and Bob Jones to be “the best and biggerst outpouring of God’s presence since Acts 2, when the Glory would fall fullest.” Here is the spin PR God TV released after Bentley ducked for cover after the Nightline expose:



worshipHim	Aug 13 2008, 10:10 PM Post #11
Member Posts: 81 Group: Members Member #4,798 Joined: July 17, 2008	Bentley and Jones both prophecied it would be the best and bigerst since Acts 2. It didn't last that long.



Lazarusty	Aug 13 2008, 10:19 PM Post #12
Advanced Member Posts: 643 Group: Members Member #248 Joined: October 12, 2006	If it was a real revivial, it would've made his marriage stronger. The idea that the pressure of being a revival leader broke up his marriage indicates it was in the flesh.
	Check out my Wild Speculations thread!


lionschild	Aug 13 2008, 11:20 PM Post #13
Advanced Member Posts: 417 Group: Members Member #2,333 Joined: December 11, 2007	Quote: I have read somewhere that this whole revival was/is a seperation from the sheep and the goats. Maybe it was from Steven Benings radio show Yes that is where you heard it. I did too. Well It did not take long for it to fall apart but long enough to do harm to at least some of those involved. We need to pray that devistated people will find their way back to the truth instead of loosing their faith.
	The King has need of thee!


Final Call	Aug 14 2008, 04:30 AM Post #14
Advanced Member Posts: 429 Group: Members Member #787 Joined: March 16, 2007	Another goat fleecing the sheep. He made a packet...wasted a lot of time..blasphemed the Holy spirit and ruined the faith of a lot of innocent but gullible people. The time comes soon when these men and those ministers who support them will simply drop dead. The chance..and the time to repent is fast running out. The days of the megachurch goat run deception with all its bells and whistles is about to come under FEIRCE and unprecedented judgment.



worshipHim	Aug 14 2008, 08:09 AM Post #15
Member Posts: 81 Group: Members Member #4,798 Joined: July 17, 2008	Mercy...you mean like Ananias and Sapphira? Well...I think right after they dropped dead it is recorded...all (emphasis is on all) the church feared God. I reckon that will do it to ya.



leghagha	Aug 14 2008, 10:34 AM Post #16
Advanced Member Posts: 169 Group: Members Member #2,794 Joined: January 29, 2008	How could christians be deceived by this revival,it amazes me when it was very obvious that he is counterfeit;that which is of Christ will always work in the nature of Christ and his spirit.



SpiritIsWilling	Aug 14 2008, 12:29 PM Post #17
Advanced Member Posts: 493 Group: Members Member #3,594 Joined: March 22, 2008	The weird thing about this is that the church that I was going too had all of the ministry teams going down there to receive an "impartation" of the so called "spirit" and even our pastor went as well. When they came back, they testified how all of them had gotten into deep and heavy arguments with their spouses. They were blaming it on the enemy. Some of them were even saying that God was allowing this to happen so that they could walk in their new found "annointing". I was thinking to myself, "What blaspheme! Yeah you just went down there and brought back a demonic spirit with you knucklehead !". Then they decided to impart that same demonic spirit on to the congregation. I knew it was time for me to go.
	Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?


Lazarusty	Aug 24 2008, 06:44 PM Post #18
Advanced Member Posts: 643 Group: Members Member #248 Joined: October 12, 2006	Portrait of a Wolf
	Check out my Wild Speculations thread!


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