Questions and Answers about Todd Bentley & Lakeland

Aug 162008

Note: I shorthand Todd Bentley to be TB and Lakeland to be L, and the two together are TB&L.

Given Fresh Fire Ministries’ announcements over the last few days regarding Todd and Shonnah Bentley’s separation and the subsequent announcement that Todd had developed an emotional bond with another woman that was inappropriate, a number of people are asking questions.

Perhaps the most common is, “How did all those leaders, pastors, and people who flocked to the revival lack discernment?”

My satirical response is, “Did YOU know it was going on?” (to which you’d reply, “no, but I knew SOMETHING was…”, and my further response would be, “Because millions and millions of Christians are poor, ignorant slobs who are dumber than a big bucket full of hair and who are incapable of hearing from the Lord and who should bow to your obviously superior connection to God” … except that the complainers generally have complained that many felt that Todd Bentley had a superior connection to God and I’m sure that said complainers don’t want THAT association. (not to mention that it’s rather ridiculous!)

The simple answer to “Why didn’t you know?” is, “He didn’t tell me.”

Contrary to popular opinion (mostly among non-prophetic folks), God does not tell His prophets everything. He doesn’t tell anyone everything. Paul argues in 1 Corinthians 13 that even if God DID tell us everything, but we lack love (KJV=”charity”), it’s all rather pointless.

My question is, “Where’s the love and charity for the Bentleys?”

Best ask God before you reply, “But we knew something was wrong from the beginning…”

Kathie Walters has a GREAT piece over on the Realms of Glory blog – talking about discernment and bitterness with regards to this whole situation. She even talks about Branham, Ron

Someone else (when I remember who/were, I’ll edit) said that perhaps God has reasons for not telling people – because He’s wanting to teach the church about how to respond in love and humility to this situation.

A counterpart to the above question/response is this: The revival is/was never about Todd Bentley. TB is a man. But Jesus is Jesus, and that’s Who the revival is about.

A second counterpart to the above question/response is this: God used a flawed man. Find me one that’s not. [self included there!]

There’s no “excuse” for sin – but when it happens, what is the one who sinned supposed to do? Perhaps the critics and heresy hunters would be happy if TB doused himself with gasoline and lit himself on fire? One would hope not (but I wouldn’t doubt it!)… all TB has to do is go to God with it and get right, and take steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again, and marvel at His grace and love (as the rest of us should, daily!)… and it sounds like he’s doing just that.

I do wonder what God thinks of all the curses that have been leveled at Todd and Shonnah. The Bible says that life and death are in the power of the tongue. That’s not some magickal formula, but it is a practical spiritual principle. If it’s true that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks – and the mouth is speaking vile words against a Christian – what is in the heart? Jesus says that we’ll give an account for our words, you know! (NOTE: again, I’m not referring to people who disagree. I’m sure if I attended my local Baptist church I’d find a lot to disagree with, and I might say so – but I’m not going to call their doctrines demonic and denounce the pastor and warn people about them! *)

(I’m going to talk about me for a second, because to talk about Todd with my next statement would be speculative and that would be wrong to do. Could it be part of what happened? Yes. Is it? Time, and God, will tell.) I’ve been the recipient of loving, constructive criticism. It can be hard to take sometimes, but when God is in something, even when two people disagree, all grow more in Him. I’ve also been the recipient of hateful, spiteful, cursing, venomous words – most often from people claiming to be Christians. Some of it’s current, but most of it’s in the past from my involvement at EW. Hopefully I’ve learned some lessons from that time, that I can apply to now. But I can say that discouraging words do tend to do just that – discourage. When it seems that not only is every demon on the planet out to get you, but friends, neighbors, brothers, sisters, and complete strangers are out to get you also – it’s hard to maintain focus. It’s hard to escape the bitter soap opera (it just occurred to me, lots of the Psalms are about this very subject…).

I speak of the revival in the present tense, and will continue to do so. To the best of my knowledge, services are still going on at Ignited Church, but even if they were to cease, the impartation I received and revival I experienced still live in my heart. There is a holy passion for Jesus and a level of intimacy with Him that I have now that’s qualitatively and quantitatively DIFFERENT from what I had pre-revival (and I had no small measure before).

Someone (Anita or Alycin, I think) said that we should not take “pride” in our relationship with Christ. I think I’m going to have to write another post, about intimacy and relationship. To an extent I agree – if we start thinking that because we’re in tight with God, nothing bad can happen to us, and we can do no wrong, then things are likely to unravel. But we also must rest secure in Jesus and strive to grow in that relationship every minute of every day! I’ll say more in another post, maybe later today – we’ll see.

Again, I’ve written a much longer post than I intended to! I just get wordy in my old age and general sleepiness (it’s been an odd day – had to have Kayt to the RDU airport 90 minutes away, at 4:30 this morning for her flight to Florida. That means we got up at 2 and left here around 3. Came home, took a nap, but still zzzzzzzzzzz!! She just called a bit ago, arrived safely and is headed to Southeastern to get settled in! Thank You, Lord, for her safe travel!!)

* Clarification – since I’ve mentioned them before – There are two Baptist churches in our town that I DO warn people about – not because they’re Baptist, but because they routinely throw people out of church for not giving enough money and not dressing “appropriately” (One church asked Mother Louise not to ever come back, because she attended an evening service wearing a pantsuit). However, these two are exceptions to the rule and most of the other churches are quite nice.

http://iamhealed.net Kathi

>> before he did the revival<<

Rev, that’s the thing… HE didn’t “do” the revival.

Beyond the first couple of days of it – which is what most churches do when they have “revival” services – and the thing picked up steam – that wasn’t something man could’ve planned, IMHO.
Rev Frederick G Merry

I agree Kathi, but to most people he did.
Rev Frederick G Merry

I agree Kathi, but to most people he did.
http://lunarskeletons.blogspot.com Oengus Moonbones

Kathi,

Any revival that happens in this country will have two big things working against it:

(1) Satan making it his Numero Uno Priority to labor overtime to find something he use as a wedge to smash into it.

(2) Xtians likewise working overtime to destroy it because it doesn’t exactly fit whatever “paradigm” they expect things to fit into.

Years ago I watched a small revival get destroyed. It was not a pretty process, but I am not surprised that another revival can likewise be destroyed.

For me, the real miracle would be anything that managed to last for any amoount of time.

That anything happens at all in this country is a miracle.
http://lunarskeletons.blogspot.com Oengus Moonbones

Kathi,

Any revival that happens in this country will have two big things working against it:

(1) Satan making it his Numero Uno Priority to labor overtime to find something he use as a wedge to smash into it.

(2) Xtians likewise working overtime to destroy it because it doesn’t exactly fit whatever “paradigm” they expect things to fit into.

Years ago I watched a small revival get destroyed. It was not a pretty process, but I am not surprised that another revival can likewise be destroyed.

For me, the real miracle would be anything that managed to last for any amoount of time.

That anything happens at all in this country is a miracle.
http://ancientcrossroads.org mark

then most people are wrong, Rev.
http://ancientcrossroads.org mark

then most people are wrong, Rev.
http://iamhealed.net Kathi

Gotta love how Mark can say in six words what it takes me 1600 to say…
http://iamhealed.net Kathi

Gotta love how Mark can say in six words what it takes me 1600 to say…
Rev Frederick G Merry

But Kathi remember, the word World, not church, but again the biggest ones who will come against will be the church as this makes the world happy to see someone fall. I told my people this morning, this is time to pray for TB not come against him.
Rev Frederick G Merry

But Kathi remember, the word World, not church, but again the biggest ones who will come against will be the church as this makes the world happy to see someone fall. I told my people this morning, this is time to pray for TB not come against him.
http://ancientcrossroads.org mark

I wish I could agree 100% Rev, and I do agree that we should be praying for him rather than kicking him.
What I don’t quite agree with is that the world is happier to see someone fall.
There are times when it seems that the church is happy to see it.
And that disturbs me more.
http://ancientcrossroads.org mark

I wish I could agree 100% Rev, and I do agree that we should be praying for him rather than kicking him.
What I don’t quite agree with is that the world is happier to see someone fall.
There are times when it seems that the church is happy to see it.
And that disturbs me more.
Rev Frederick G Merry

Ya know Mark, its a shame the church does do this. I remember when Michael English fell the church came against him so strongly and then was watching a Gaither Video and when he was through singing he walked over to Vestal Goodman and she held him and then it seemed right after that he was okay again.
Rev Frederick G Merry

Ya know Mark, its a shame the church does do this. I remember when Michael English fell the church came against him so strongly and then was watching a Gaither Video and when he was through singing he walked over to Vestal Goodman and she held him and then it seemed right after that he was okay again.
Jules

Stephen Strader from Ignited who invited Bentley to Lakeland has confirmed that this was Bentley’s second affair:

http://www.theledger.com/article/20080818/BREAKING/1280971&title=Popular_Evangelist_Todd_Bentley_Had_Inappropriate_Relationship__His_Organization_Says

My question is: if they knew that he had had an extramarital affair/liaison/whatever 3 years ago, exacerbated by time away from his family, why invite him to be away from them AGAIN for months? That’s not right or loving; that’s lining him up for the same temptation. Yes he bears the ultimate responsibility for his actions, but what about those leaders? It’s like giving a twist of heroin to a recovering drug addict, then distancing yourself when they succumb.
Jules

Stephen Strader from Ignited who invited Bentley to Lakeland has confirmed that this was Bentley’s second affair:

http://www.theledger.com/article/20080818/BREAKING/1280971&title=Popular_Evangelist_Todd_Bentley_Had_Inappropriate_Relationship__His_Organization_Says

My question is: if they knew that he had had an extramarital affair/liaison/whatever 3 years ago, exacerbated by time away from his family, why invite him to be away from them AGAIN for months? That’s not right or loving; that’s lining him up for the same temptation. Yes he bears the ultimate responsibility for his actions, but what about those leaders? It’s like giving a twist of heroin to a recovering drug addict, then distancing yourself when they succumb.
Rev Frederick G Merry

Jules what a great question in light of what you said. I would assume that TB went through some type of counseling after the first affair, but an earlier comment suggest he was still in counseling with his wife, so maybe pressure was put there. But if he was then why did the leadership allow him to preach. Did they say he was okay to preach. We don’t know the answer, but if he was still in counseling for the first affair, then the blame falls on the leadership for allowing it.
Rev Frederick G Merry

Jules what a great question in light of what you said. I would assume that TB went through some type of counseling after the first affair, but an earlier comment suggest he was still in counseling with his wife, so maybe pressure was put there. But if he was then why did the leadership allow him to preach. Did they say he was okay to preach. We don’t know the answer, but if he was still in counseling for the first affair, then the blame falls on the leadership for allowing it.
Ron Larson

AS woman were’s a pants suit and gets tossed out of the church building….wow, and I thought I had it bad when an “old timer” in my church literally grabbed a baseball cap off my head before I entered the sanctuary…it was only by God’s grace that I didn’t knock him senseless after he did that on fromt of others and then attmepted to lecture me about my “inappropiatness.”
Ron Larson

AS woman were’s a pants suit and gets tossed out of the church building….wow, and I thought I had it bad when an “old timer” in my church literally grabbed a baseball cap off my head before I entered the sanctuary…it was only by God’s grace that I didn’t knock him senseless after he did that on fromt of others and then attmepted to lecture me about my “inappropiatness.”
Rev Frederick G Merry

And to be honest after what I wrote earlier, Todd has to be able to shoulder the blame also knowing he was not fully recovered from last affair
Rev Frederick G Merry

And to be honest after what I wrote earlier, Todd has to be able to shoulder the blame also knowing he was not fully recovered from last affair
Donna

Quotes from The Ledger link above:

“One of the things we don’t understand is how God uses people of flawed character. People ask me, why choose someone who’s dysfunctional? Because God does it,” he said.

God knew ahead of time Todd’s frailty but chose to use him anyway,” she said. “Unfortunately, some Christians are going to be disappointed with God. It’s a good lesson for Christians to say, maybe you had unrealistic expectations.”

So why do I keep hearing that God chose TB? Maybe God made good out of what possibly was not supposed to be at all?

You once said Kathi that God can and does work miracles from those that don’t necessarily even serve him.

I’m not saying that TB wasn’t in service to God, but it’s obvious he should not have been in the position he was in. And if those above him were not aware of this, then he should have been.

I don’t think God put TB up on that stage. I think man made that decision. But, if God did have a hand in that revival, then in my opinion he was there to salvage what he could before it all came tumbling down.

Todd Bentley to lead a revival and then fall before it’s concluded, God’s choice? I don’t think so. But again, that’s just my opinion.
Donna

Quotes from The Ledger link above:

“One of the things we don’t understand is how God uses people of flawed character. People ask me, why choose someone who’s dysfunctional? Because God does it,” he said.

God knew ahead of time Todd’s frailty but chose to use him anyway,” she said. “Unfortunately, some Christians are going to be disappointed with God. It’s a good lesson for Christians to say, maybe you had unrealistic expectations.”

So why do I keep hearing that God chose TB? Maybe God made good out of what possibly was not supposed to be at all?

You once said Kathi that God can and does work miracles from those that don’t necessarily even serve him.

I’m not saying that TB wasn’t in service to God, but it’s obvious he should not have been in the position he was in. And if those above him were not aware of this, then he should have been.

I don’t think God put TB up on that stage. I think man made that decision. But, if God did have a hand in that revival, then in my opinion he was there to salvage what he could before it all came tumbling down.

Todd Bentley to lead a revival and then fall before it’s concluded, God’s choice? I don’t think so. But again, that’s just my opinion.
Ron Larson

Good reasoning Donn. This from the beginning was a man made “revival” that was encouraged by Bob Jones last winter. And quite honestly, it is well documneted that Jones, personally and theologically is bereft of any spiritual discernment along witht hhose of others that were at Todd’s coronation ceremony…errr, I mean “commisioning.”

From the so called prophets and apostles they beleived they were hearing from the Spirit and prophesies all sorts of falsehoods that never came to pass, as well as theoligical errors when using Old Testamnet verses that foretold…ACCURATELY the coming Messiah, not anything remotely to do with Latter Rain outopouring theories.

This was from the first week Todd got there a paln in place, web sites ready, and Madisdon Avenue marketers that got theis “thing a rollin’.

God had very little to do with it. He is not obligated to honor heresy, financial manipulations, false prophecies etc.

I know Kathi you testify to being healed. But if I my memory fails me, did you not mention that Ken laid hands on you while watching. I would be more confident by the Spirit that God worked throuhg your beleoved than anything or anyone else. Just my opinions. It has also been stated here that healing is NOT a sign necessarily of God’s blessing to the person who claims an aointing, rememeber the words of those who wil say Lord, Lord, didn’t we heal, cast out demons, etc, and the LORD will reply away from me you evil doers I never KNEW .

Yes, obviously he uses flawed people. I am flawed hurt and struggling, but there are people who are in the minstry for personal gain, and who use the “touch mine anointed”, as a defelction, and have refused correction, rebuke, and to submit to those who are concerned for the integrity of sound biblical exegesis, being sound in character, speeech, and being above reproach. Bentley and those who propped him up in my heart are flagrant violators of this, and will give an account.
Ron Larson

Good reasoning Donn. This from the beginning was a man made “revival” that was encouraged by Bob Jones last winter. And quite honestly, it is well documneted that Jones, personally and theologically is bereft of any spiritual discernment along witht hhose of others that were at Todd’s coronation ceremony…errr, I mean “commisioning.”

From the so called prophets and apostles they beleived they were hearing from the Spirit and prophesies all sorts of falsehoods that never came to pass, as well as theoligical errors when using Old Testamnet verses that foretold…ACCURATELY the coming Messiah, not anything remotely to do with Latter Rain outopouring theories.

This was from the first week Todd got there a paln in place, web sites ready, and Madisdon Avenue marketers that got theis “thing a rollin’.

God had very little to do with it. He is not obligated to honor heresy, financial manipulations, false prophecies etc.

I know Kathi you testify to being healed. But if I my memory fails me, did you not mention that Ken laid hands on you while watching. I would be more confident by the Spirit that God worked throuhg your beleoved than anything or anyone else. Just my opinions. It has also been stated here that healing is NOT a sign necessarily of God’s blessing to the person who claims an aointing, rememeber the words of those who wil say Lord, Lord, didn’t we heal, cast out demons, etc, and the LORD will reply away from me you evil doers I never KNEW .

Yes, obviously he uses flawed people. I am flawed hurt and struggling, but there are people who are in the minstry for personal gain, and who use the “touch mine anointed”, as a defelction, and have refused correction, rebuke, and to submit to those who are concerned for the integrity of sound biblical exegesis, being sound in character, speeech, and being above reproach. Bentley and those who propped him up in my heart are flagrant violators of this, and will give an account.
Rev Frederick G Merry

some great post here lately. My covering is my wife, my mentor is my spiritual adviser. I tend to believe if we will seek the Lord then we will see the move of God go forward. Not a time to stop revivial but open your heart and that is where revival begins. If it can’t start in us then it can’t start anywheres
Rev Frederick G Merry

some great post here lately. My covering is my wife, my mentor is my spiritual adviser. I tend to believe if we will seek the Lord then we will see the move of God go forward. Not a time to stop revivial but open your heart and that is where revival begins. If it can’t start in us then it can’t start anywheres
Donna

“Unfortunately, some Christians are going to be disappointed with God. It’s a good lesson for Christians to say, maybe you had unrealistic expectations.”

I have to also say that I’m having a real hard time with this statement above. ‘Unrealistic expectations’?? And what would that be? Would it be the expectation that this evangelic leader of this revival, the man that saved the lost, healed the sick, spoke with angels and Jesus himself, and visited the heavens, that he would be true to his wife and children?? That he might be true to the gospel that he was teaching every night?

I’m sorry, the more days that go by…well, I’m just hurting for the MANY that I know are hurting.
Donna

“Unfortunately, some Christians are going to be disappointed with God. It’s a good lesson for Christians to say, maybe you had unrealistic expectations.”

I have to also say that I’m having a real hard time with this statement above. ‘Unrealistic expectations’?? And what would that be? Would it be the expectation that this evangelic leader of this revival, the man that saved the lost, healed the sick, spoke with angels and Jesus himself, and visited the heavens, that he would be true to his wife and children?? That he might be true to the gospel that he was teaching every night?

I’m sorry, the more days that go by…well, I’m just hurting for the MANY that I know are hurting.
Rev Frederick G Merry

Donna your last statement is so true. I don’t care what anyone says, this became all about TB and now someone will have to pick up those who are hurt. For those who are strong enough they might make it, but for those who were new to Christ this can turn them back again.
Rev Frederick G Merry

Donna your last statement is so true. I don’t care what anyone says, this became all about TB and now someone will have to pick up those who are hurt. For those who are strong enough they might make it, but for those who were new to Christ this can turn them back again.

I Am Healed!

Questions and Answers about Todd Bentley & Lakeland

Recent Ramblings

Commentation

Radical Reformation Blog

What I'm Doing...

Follow Me!

Friends

Resources

Categories

Archives

Info

Kay Sharpe