Todd Bentley Lakeland Revival

[Vince]

Quote from Todd Bentley

"Now let me talk about an angelic experience with Emma. Twice Bob Jones asked me about this angel that was in Kansas City in 1980: “Todd, have you ever seen the angel by the name of Emma?” He asked me as if he expected that this angel was appearing to me. Surprised, I said, “Bob, who is Emma?” He told me that Emma was the angel that helped birth and start the whole prophetic movement in Kansas City in the 1980s. She was a mothering-type angel that helped nurture the prophetic as it broke out. Within a few weeks of Bob asking me about Emma, I was in a service in Beulah, North Dakota. In the middle of the service I was in conversation with Ivan and another person when in walks Emma. As I stared at the angel with open eyes, the Lord said, “Here’s Emma.” I’m not kidding. She floated a couple of inches off the floor. It was almost like Kathryn Khulman in those old videos when she wore a white dress and looked like she was gliding across the platform. Emma appeared beautiful and young-about 22 years old-but she was old at the same time. She seemed to carry the wisdom, virtue and grace of Proverbs 31 on her life.

She glided into the room, emitting brilliant light and colors. Emma carried these bags and began pulling gold out of them. Then, as she walked up and down the aisles of the church, she began putting gold dust on people. “God, what is happening?” I asked. The Lord answered: “She is releasing the gold, which is both the revelation and the financial breakthrough that I am bringing into this church. I want you to prophecy that Emma showed up in this service-the same angel that appeared in Kansas city-as a sign that I am endorsing and releasing a prophetic spirit in the church.” See, when angels come, they always come for a reason; we need to actually ask God what the purpose is. Within three weeks of that visitation, the church had given me the biggest offering I had ever received to that point in my ministry. Thousands of dollars! Thousands! Even though the entire community consisted of only three thousand people, weeks after I left the church the pastor testified that the church offerings had either doubled or tripled.

During this visitation the pastor’s wife (it was an AOG church) got totally whacked by the Holy Ghost - she began running around barking like a dog or squawking like a chicken as a powerful prophetic spirit came on her. Also, as this prophetic anointing came on her, she started getting phone numbers of complete strangers and calling them up on the telephone and prophesying over them. She would tell them that God gave her their telephone number and then would give them words of knowledge. Complete strangers. Then angels started showing up in the church.

I believe Emma released a financial and prophetic anointing in that place. That was the first angel that I have ever seen in the form of a woman. Some angels I’ve seen seemed like they were neither male nor female. However, Emma appeared as a woman who was like a Deborah, like a mother in Zion. When she came, she began to mentor, nurture and opened up a prophetic well. The people in the church began having trances and visions and the pastor began getting words of knowledge and moving in healing. That congregation also saw more financial breakthrough than they had ever seen before.

I was at another meeting in Atlanta when my wife, Shonnah, saw two financial angels walk into the service and pour oil out on the pastor. Shonnah then knew there was financial breakthrough coming. That night two people wrote the pastor cheques for $16,000 and $17,000 and others also wrote cheques to Fresh Fire for thousands of dollars, which we used for missions to the nations. In addition, many people experienced great financial blessing as well. The day after this angelic visitation one guy had millions of dollars released to him-he had been waiting for about 10 years for this breakthrough. All this financial release came because my wife saw two financial angels walk up and stand on the platform. Can you imagine? We need to pray for the Father to give us financial angels for our lives, our church and region. With this angelic assistance, we will prevail and overcome the warfare trying to hold back our financial breakthrough. Some of you don’t know how to use the angels in intercession like this. You don’t even know whether it’s OK or not….”

Well I think Todd has been seduced by Demons to make a mockery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, your thoughts?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSlt0_8HwMk
http://deceptionbytes.com/BentleyKicksWomen

[Jason Ingersoll]

The problem with word-faith healing isn't the fact that you pray for healing, but the emphasis on the idea that if you have enough faith, your prayers will be answered. This leads to disenchantment when people are not able to heal others simply through prayer. They are told they do not have enough faith and therefore, God is holding back His blessing from them.

I have first hand experience with this. I have a severely mentally handicapped younger brother. For years, my parents took him to word-faith healers. My mother heard a word of knowledge on the 700 Club that spoke of a child who would one day be made whole, and she accepted it as for my brother. Years and years of this falsehood did nothing, and my parents were consistently told it was because they did not have enough faith. Benny Hinn refused to pray for my brother. Luckily, my parents didn't let this destroy their faith, and they moved on past this ridiculous teaching.

[Vickie Warren]

When I began to first, hear the news reports; second, see the videos, and I was just stunned. Stunned that no one was able to distinguish heresy from the scripture. I did much research on the websites of those named persons in Kansas City and continued to be amazed. Then I began to see it being exported to other nations, seeing churches being swept into the false teaching, seeing sincere people so unschooled in the scripture, that they were completely taken in. I think that is in line with the scripture which warns us of these things; Matthew 24:11, 2 Peter 2:1, 1 Timothy 4:1, are the scripture listings.

Pastors who have been a part of this phenomena report that their churches are devastated when the infestation departs. I watched several of the videos and there is no ministry of the scripture. They have been bilked out of support for this visiting team of folks, because his team must be supported--the period of time to collect (I want to say remove) an offering is lengthy and oppressive. These pastors have publically acknowledged that they were deceived, and I wish that others could make that statement--it would be freeing. There are those who speak of the reserections which have been acknowledged, mostly by family. Would it be so hard for anyone to say that those reserections were the result of the "effectual fervent prayer" of the righteous family members who have surrounded those bedsides, with the greatest faith that God would return their loved one to them. And if that is so, then it pleased God to extraordinarily intervene in their behalf. Certainly, we know that "The just shall live by faith," Romans 1:17. Certainly, not to give credit to a man who speaks with demons and is surrounded by them. On the evening that I saw the program telecast, Mr. Bentley became very weak. He was in a weight reduction program and had to have a protein shake before he could continue. This type of demonic hosting does have a radical effect on the mortal body of a person. I would invite those of you to investigate the voodoo ceremonies that are demonic in origin and see the devastating effect that this has on the participants. It is enlightening. My reports actually come from missionaries who lived in Haiti and the accounts were chilling. Many of us who live in the U. S. in a rather established Christian church would be amazed at the demonic power exhibited.

I certainly pray that God will deal with this young man in a way to get his attention and cause him to see with whom he is actually keeping court. I pray that the churches who have supported this program ( I do actually have a difficult time keeping calling them revivals) will be supported by local congregations where the leaderships have "tried the spirit to see which are of God," 1 John 4:1.

And our attitudes should not be something that is sinful as well. We are admonished in scripture in I Corinthians 10:11,"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."
When we see these things happening in a segment of the body of Christ, we should be prayerful for the terrible effect that this is having on these congregations. We should not have "a looking down on you" perception of these difficulties.

I recently cut my thumb with a knife. It bled and drew my immediate attention; I applied pressure for several minutes; and finally was able to get a bandage with a gauze to absorb what I knew would continue to bleed until clotting was accomplished normally. Well, in my efforts to protect and help my thumb, I realized how I missed it being able to work properly.
I could not type, I could not use water without having it in a plastic tubing, to prevent infection, it has hurt for several days and I am continuing to apply antiseptic and bandaids depending upon my chores.

My thumb is representative of the Lord's body that is being hurt and swindled in these precedings. Those sheep which have not been schooled properly in His word, have fallen prey to a wolf in sheep's clothing. Those people feel like they are on the mountain top, but what will happen when the infestation moves on. They will soon be cut and bleeding sheep that must have a good shepherd to help bind up the wounds and heal the injuries inflicted by this man and his team. The shepherds that I have read about are not showmen. They will go back to doing what good pastor/teachers do: feed the sheep, protect them in good sheepfolds, watch them for falls and injuries, watch for those who stray away in unsafe environments and apply oil and ointment to the injuries, Otherwise those sheep will die. Now, I don't know which Satan will be happier for: those who were deceived by demons, or those who died in the aftermath. All of these people need prayer.

Every pastor who has the mantle of God to lead a congregation is going to give an account of his shepherding, I Peter 5:2,3: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain, but eagerly, nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

If this situation apprears egregious to me, it is because it is. These situations are shocking and outstandingly bad. The God of Heaven is getting a bad rap; his Son is being ignored and the Holy Spirit has been sent fleeing from his place, the church.

Thanks for hearing me out on this very emotional issue.

[Vickie Warren]

Thank you Kevin.

That is the most enlightened thing! When my loved ones got
to the point physically that they were suffering, having continuous medical treatment for one thing or another, bed fast, and unable to enjoy most everyday activities, I prayed the prayer of release (that is what I call it) asking God to take home my suffering loved one to be with him. When I know that my loved one has fought the good fight, and kept the faith, only selfish reasons would cause us to pray otherwise.

On the flip side of that issue, no one wants to give up their loved one; it is human for us to want to hold on to the people that God has given to us. But it is so selfish to see someone do this.

We just have to be willing to accept God's will for the lives of our loved ones. And the prayer of release is where you turn your face to the wall and let your loved one go home. If we could see that person one second later, in heaven, happy healthy looking great we would not, could not call them back.

It has happened too many times in my life. But let me cry my selfish tears, for I am really going to miss them.

Vickie

[J. Matthew Barnes]

Ugh. This guy gives real Christians and real spiritual gifting bad names. But worse yet, he reflects negatively back on Christ. Ugh.

[Joanie D.]

Just what I am reading, this man is someone I would avoid for sure. It sounds scary and destructive to the people.

OK, I watched the video at the link Vince gave us. It only reinforces that I want nothing to do with Todd Bentley.

Joanie D.

[David Mendez]

Here is some more material that could contribute to this discussion. Nota Bene: I am not endorsing this material nor the Lakeland events.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/3293977/A-Theological-Response-to-Critici...

A Theological Response to Criticism of the Lakeland Outpouring and Todd Bentley
BIBLICAL REASONS TO RECEIVE GOD’S GLORY AND GIVE IT
AWAY IN POWER EVANGELISM
© June 8, 2008 (Corrected Version)
By Dr. Gary S. Greig
Senior Editor, Theology and Acquisitions, Regal Publishing Group
Former Associate Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Regent University School of Divinity
Ph.D., 1990, Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, The University of Chicago

[Vince]

Update:

This one from Nov 28th>> http://www.freshfire.ca/index.php?Id=1067&pid=8
And then the one below from Jan 23rd 2009..

Jan 23, 2009 - From the Board of Directors JANUARY 23, 2009

BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE


To our friends around the world,

We trust you are doing well and looking forward to what God has planned for all of us in 2009. Last year was adventurous and challenging for us here at Fresh Fire Ministries (FFM), but God's grace has made us equal to the challenges. And we are excited about the opportunity to see God work everything together for our good and His glory as this year continues to unfold.

The purpose of this letter is to provide you with an update of the ministry as well as give some vision of where we plan to go from here. The first news item that we wish to bring to your attention is that Todd Bentley has resigned from his involvement with Fresh Fire Ministries Canada and will continue a process of restoration under the capable leadership of Rick Joyner and his association. Because Todd founded Fresh Fire Ministries, we feel it appropriate and honorable to give FFM's name to him to use as he chooses when he starts ministering again in the future. We here at FFM are in the process of changing our name to reflect our present and future focus as we continue with the God-given mandate for this ministry. Check back with us soon to see our new name, logo and image.

The Lord has dramatically expanded our vision both nationally and internationally. On an international level, we will continue our crusades with FFM associates, inviting and equipping teams of passionate and like-minded believers to join us. In keeping with the original mandate of the ministry we will remain focused on working together to bring in the end time harvest around the world as we champion the call to transform nations.

Many of you have inquired regarding the status of the Uganda Jesus Village (UJV). You will be delighted to know that we are scheduling a trip in the Spring. This will be an exceptional trip, in that Shonnah Bentley and son Elijah will be part of the team! As you know, Shonnah was one of the original founders with a vision for rescuing and establishing a safe place for the children to be loved and restored. Presently, we have rescued and are caring for 64 orphans with a vision for 500 children, as we continue to expand in personnel and resources.

Many improvements have been made at the UJV in 2008, with new buildings going up right now on the land purchased this year. As you read this letter, there is a 40-foot shipping container on its way to Uganda. It is loaded with medical supplies, tools for both farming and construction, food items, clothing, bedding, household products, sewing machines and various other essentials, all of which have been provided through the generosity of our partners. The most extraordinary item is a compact backhoe and roto-tiller, the likes of which our team in Uganda never dreamed to have and will be thrilled to receive. This piece of equipment will greatly accelerate the construction of all the building and agricultural projects.

Both in Canada, and internationally, we are networking with other churches and ministries that have similar passions and vision to our own. We are excited about the relationships we are building with Christian leaders around the world with a view to networking together to host conferences, seminars, and other endeavors to establish the kingdom of heaven on earth. To accommodate the many invitations coming in, we are sending our ministry associates with the Fresh Fire DNA to encourage local congregations through teaching and a demonstration of the supernatural.

Locally, we are continuing to establish our kingdom resource center. We will be re-launching our Supernatural Training Center in late spring of 2009, in which we will continue to train people from all walks of life to radically share the good news of the kingdom of heaven both in the church and the marketplace. The expanded curriculum will have modules focused on developing the five ministries found in Ephesians four, as well as, equipping students to model a kingdom culture in all the influential gates of society.
We sincerely appreciate and thank you for your partnership with us in prayer and financial support this past year. We believe the Lord will reward you for your faithfulness and that you will be blessed abundantly. We invite you to continue with us this year with a passionate resolve to transform nations. The nations are calling with invitations to hold crusades and schools, so perhaps you can join us on one of the trips being planned for 2009. Watch our website for details as they become available.

In closing we want to encourage you with the scripture found in 3 John verse 2:

“Beloved, I wish above all things, that you be in health and prosper even as your soul prospers.”


We remain in the service of the King,

Blessings!

The Fresh Fire leadership team

[Vince]

Unfortunately for Todd Bentley he is not in good hands,,,