A Pastor’s Wife Responds to:Todd Bentley-Revival in Lakeland
This is the full title of this post found at CHURCH WARNINGS: A Pastor’s Wife Responds to:Todd Bentley-Revival in Lakeland-Email from a ‘Lakeland Resident’
The post was pulled from comments left in this thread: Todd Bentley Revival in Lakeland-Email From-’A Lakeland Resident’, in response to another commenter.
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I am a pastor’s wife and have not seen good fruit in our church from this revival. My heart has been grieved by what has been displayed and then has been reproduced. My desire is not to rip Mr. Bentley to shreds. I would simply like to share the Word in light of this revival because the Word seems to be lacking severely and also in the people who are embracing it.
I would also like to address the dear person that referred to Jezebel resisting the prophetic because she killed the prophets of God and you concluded this is a Jezebel spirit coming against Todd. Please read the Word! She had her own prophets of Baal in 1 KINGS 18:19 (450 prophets of Baal who she liked so much they ate at her (Jezebel’s) table). Jezebel LOVED the “prophetic” dear friend! Let us return to the WORD OF GOD and be conformed to it.
1 Thess. 5:19-21 “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. TEST ALL THINGS: hold fast to what is good.”
We MUST test all things. If we are not allowed to test or hold one into account there is a problem.
2Tim. 3:16 “ALL SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
Todd says “his fruit” and the fruit of revival is people getting saved and healed. I beg to differ. Scripture says:
Gal.5:22,23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, GENTLENESS, SELF CONTROL.
GIFTS ARE NOT FRUIT, they’re gifts and we get those gifts whether we use them for God or not because the gifts of God are with out repentance.
1Cor. 3:6-7,21,23 “I planted, Apollos watered, BUT GOD GAVE THE INCREASE. So then neither he who plants IS ANYTHING, NOR HE WHO WATERS, BUT GOD WHO GIVES THE INCREASE!” vs. 21 “Therefore LET NO ONE BOAST IN MEN. For all things are yours.” vs.23 “And you are Christ’s and Christ’s is God’s.”
Whose fruit is it then if those things are happening? It is the Lord’s fruit and ALL glory should go to Him.
There is constant talk in Todd’s messages about “his” visions and revelations and experiences. Is God’s Word not enough? I dare say we have forgotten our CHIEF CORNERSTONE CHRIST JESUS!
1Cor. 13 (ENTIRE CHAPTER) Love DOES NOT PARADE ITSELF! DOES NOT BOAST! IS NOT PUFFED UP!
1Cor. 1:31..“that as it is written, HE WHO GLORIES, LET HIM GLORY IN THE LORD.”
Beloved, Paul does NOT say glory in signs, wonders, miracles, visions, experiences!!!! In fact Paul says in:
2Cor. 12:1-6 Paul has this heavenly experience please read it for yourself. Then he says this “Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I WILL NOT BOAST, EXCEPT IN MY INFIRMITIES. vs.6 “For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain LEST ANYONE THINK OF ME ABOVE WHAT HE SEES ME TO BE OR HEARS FROM ME.”
Paul goes on to tell about the “messenger of Satan” given to Paul to buffet him and so he would not be vs.7 “exalted above measure BY THE ABUNDANCE OF REVELATIONS.” He also goes on to say there were signs and wonders that followed apostles. The difference is this….one exalts man and the gifts and the strengths, Paul or true followers exalt Christ FIRST and boasts in weakness!
Demons and men submitted to demons/satan CAN DO MIRACLES!
Matt.7:15-23 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are reavenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.”
Please KEEP READING AND WE WILL ALL CLEARLY SEE THEIR FRUITS ARE NOT SIGNS AND WONDERS.
vs.21-23 “Not everyone who says to Me “LORD, LORD, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the WILL of MY FATHER in heaven. MANY will say to me in that day, “LORD, LORD”, HAVE WE NOT PROPHECIED IN YOUR NAME, CAST OUT DEMONS IN YOUR MANE AND DONE MANY WONDERS IN YOUR NAME?” AND THEN I WILL DECLARE TO THEM, “I NEVER “KNEW” YOU; DEPART FROM ME YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS!”
Concerning a great revival and harvest that sounds lovely, but what does the Word say? Also concerning Satan not being able to do signs and wonders this is what the Word says.
2Thess. 2:1-4,9 “Now brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask of you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that day will not come unless THE FALLING AWAY COMES FIRST, and then man of sin is revealed the son of perdition.
(I am in NO way implying that Todd is that man of perdition for I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT MY POINT IS THE REVIVAL AND THE FACT THAT SIGNS WONDERS AND MIRACLES DO NOT PROVE REVIVAL and I’m just not sure there is going to be a great revival, but I certainly see here there will be a falling away and the love of many will wax cold)
vs.4 who opposes and exalts HIMSELF ABOVE ALL THAT IS CALLED GOD OR THAT IS WORSHIPED, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. (When we constantly speak of ourselves more than we speak of Jesus we are exalting ourself it is the “spirit of lawlessness” which WILL AND IS MAKING A WAY FOR the “man of lawlessness” to come and work.
vs.9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, WITH ALL POWER, SIGNS AND LYING WONDERS.
Dear ones, I am not against prophecies, healings, miracles, signs and wonders. Jesus Christ is just so beautiful, perfect, just and true and worthy OF ALL HONOR, GLORY, AND PRAISE we don’t need to run to lesser lovers.
Matt.24:5 “For many will come in MY name saying that I AM THE CHRIST and deceive many.” Here people are even saying “JESUS IS LORD” AND THEY’RE COMING IN HIS NAME and they will deceive.
Matt. 24: 23-24 says…..“Or go here or there because Christ is there do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will rise and SHOW GREAT SIGNS AND WONDERS to decieve if possible even the very elect.”
The church has forsaken God’s Word and we have chosen to live according to our FEELINGS or a show. Our God has become our bellies. We want to “feel” good or feel the chills or experience something instead of dying daily and taking up our cross. That’s boring and painful. That’s understandable.
However, when we exalt those things above the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world or we exalt the creation instead of the Creator we are open for destruction!!!! We are exchanging the truth for a lie then as Rom.1:25 says. Let us turn back to the Author and Finisher of our faith, the ONE who holds all things together and in whom ALL AUTHORITY, POWER AND GLORY BELONG!!! Let Jesus be front and center! Let Jesus be exalted and bragged on and glorified. Let man be hidden so that Christ ALONE is seen!
God bless each one of you as you seek TRUTH.
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This is an excellent letter from this Pastor’s wife! I was greatly encouraged by it…
Hi,
I write a blog, mainly to express my faith and to encourage myself and others by what I hear and see. Although I began writing the following post on April 30, I only published it yesterday. The urgency of the hour is upon us, and I can no longer hold back. I must speak out in His Name on behalf of truth, righteousness and justice. Who knows? It’s my hope that it may help save some from great error.
LAMENT
We are living in funky days. So much pop and fizz, but such little substance. So much talk of grace and signs and wonders, but I’m uncomfortable. There’s something crucial missing. Have we forgotten what the Bible says about His coming wrath? What about the great falling away and the man of lawlessness? Who’s preaching about that stuff?
No, I’m not some mad prophet who loves God and thinks He barely tolerates me and hates everybody else. And it’s not that I don’t believe in grace. It’s the very thing I’m saved by. Without it, I’d be toast. Grace is what got me here and I’m deeply grateful. But I’m hurting for the lost gospel. I’m pained by what I see.
Across the board, so many Christians are running blind after power–the other thing being exalted in this hour. Has the message of the cross been so disregarded that it’s now being reduced to a single chasing after signs and wonders, healings and miracles? So much fervor, but is it holy?
Lately, my fervor has driven me to my knees, mourning for the One who is coming back with his angels to judge the living and the dead. I weep before the One who is high and lifted up and demands things of His own. Things like preaching the Word in holiness and awe. Care and forgiveness. Patience and perseverance. A peculiar people submitted to the Spirit and the fear of the Lord. A people who not only pray, but who will watch with Him. This is what brings revival. A people who cry out in repentance. From Genesis to Revelation, the message has always been one of repentance, but I’m afraid people have been changing what it says in the Book.
But Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your Name and cast out devils?
I’m pained over what He will say to those who have lost the way.
“I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, you evildoers.”
Ouch.
Yes, God is love. But He won’t be mocked. As Charles Spurgeon said, “He who does not believe that God will punish sin, will not believe that he will pardon it through the blood of his Son.” Wow. I’m still resting my mind on that one. And yes, God will have a people, but it will be the ekklesia, the “called out ones.” Just because you go to church does not qualify. Saying you are a Christian is not enough. Your many revelations will not excuse your lack of preparation. Remember, it was the wise virgins who stored up oil and got to go to the banquet. The foolish ones were shut out.
Now I will say a most abrupt and unpopular thing. Not all healings and miracles are of God. That’s important to know. Go read 2 Thessalonians. Amazing, eh? Satan performs a believable counterfeit. But God is not impressed, and neither should we be. No matter if you write books about Him, boast to the masses about your third heaven experience or whip out a shiny business card with the title Apostle or Prophet under your name, God is not impressed. As Simon Cowell so often says, “Sorry.”
Signs, wonders, tongues, prophecy–all these will cease. In the end, the Lord is coming back for a remnant, a people who reflect His likeness and were willing to suffer for His Name.
Yes, God is pulling out a remnant. When I think of the word remnant, I think of two words: fabric and remains. As in a leftover piece of fabric that’s worth saving. Not one that’s stained and tattered, ready for the heap. Instead, I imagine it looking more like a seamless piece of shimmering linen unfurled.
And we know, thanks to John’s revelation, shimmering linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.
Let someone do a study on what God considers to be a righteous act. I think we’d be surprised.
However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
Luke 18:8
Sobering post Elizabeth…thank you so much for sharing it here.
You are right. I only wished people understood this…
Thank you so much for posting this. I wish more people could see the truth and not believe a lie.
The enemy can copycat the truth and the miracles.
I believe the Lord can do miracles and I know He does them but there can be the false ,too.
Where is the glory to God, Where is He lifted up. People getting the truth. Being saved and set free.
One thing that concerns me that this is being carried back all over the world and to the churches.
I pray people keep their eyes on Jesus and not man.
Thank you so much for posting this.
God bless you.
Lots to ponder on from the letter.
Thanks – I hope that we in revival and out of reival times
meet his presence that speaks through His word.
Also that we not be dull to to anything new to our experience that is truly of god’s word.
I agree with all you have said except to say taking up the cross and dying daily is not boring but rather it is a joy to be able to suffer for righteousness’ sake and for His name.
For more articles along the line you have written please visit my website this dog barks.com
Thanks for standing for truth!
Thanks for the link Richard!
Praise the Lord.
A wonderful note, truly wonderful note,
It gives insights of the word of God which we should live by unfortunately most of are running behind and holding on to miracle’s rather than holding on to the Love of the heavenly Father
Sometimes I feel it’s not revival – it’s a viral which make people sick which makes you go behind the signs blindly rather than believing on the Lord.
Christianity it’s not about miracles and healing, it’s all about love; the greatest Gift & Fruit.
Christianity is not a religion it’s a Relationship between a amazingly Loving father and a Son/Daughter; who gave his one and only son for Sinners(us) to a better world; to love one another as he loved us.
I think if anyone can understand the above, he or she has kept the first step to the heart of God.
God Bless You.
Sir,
Just thought you might be interested in my open letter to the Assemblies of God National HQ and General Superintendent Dr. George Wood.
http://blog.thewaycf.com/2008/05/open-letter-assemblies-of-god-re-todd.html
In Christ,
Jon Sharp
I agree with your article. It is so refreshing to know that there are still a select few of God’s people that are willing to stand for the Truth !
Just as Richard Brown stated, the only area that I disagreed with was that “dying daily and taking up the cross is boring and understandable” ; it is a joy to serve the Lord and also our reasonable service to partake in His sufferings !
I also have checked out the website that Richard Brown listed. I would highly recommend it to all ! Excellent ! Please check out his articles at : http://www.thisdogbarks.com
Keep up the good fight ! The Lord’s messengers must continue to stand for God and proclaim His Word ! Continue to march on fellow soldiers of Christ !
God Bless.
Bro. Richard Brown has an excellent web sight. You will really enjoy his article, “When the Extreme Becomes Normal and the Normal Becomes Extreme” All of the articles are excellent, especially the ones about the “Fear of the Lord”. He wasn’t kidding when he named his web sight. This dog truely does bark. I appreciate what this dear pastor’s wife has to say. She is right on the money. Keep exposing the liars and telling the truth. Bro. Brown, it truely is a joy to stand for the truth of God’s word. For the joy that was set before him, Christ endured the cross, despising the shame. Paul fought a good fight and kept the faith. It’s worth the cost.
Amen Troy.
We just have to keep reminding ourselves AND each other of this…Thanks for doing just that!
These are the days when those in the body of Christ need to be encouraging each other to press on, hold the line, and not to grow weary.
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9
Although well-intended , the pastor’s wife has it wrong. Todd Bentley and Freshfire are not attempting to deceive the elect. They are not an anti-Christ organization. But that’s what she implies when she quotes Scripture from such as Matt. 24 and 2 Thess. 2. Read her stuff again. There is no spiritual connection to it, no unity of thought in it; no spiritual discernment. Ask yourself this question: Is Todd deceiving anyone into becoming an apostate or to backslide or to reject Jesus or the Scripture? You cannot cite one instance of his having done so.
I cannot understand why so much judgement on one man! Every time there’s move of God many of us feel we have a RIGHT to speak words of ‘????’ Before speaking and judging others let’s remind ourselves how many scriptures we have concerning the tongue!!! Also how many who have written are really sick and in chronic pain (I am, constantly) if we speak on love where’s the compassion and patience on those people that are so sick they need a real touch from God. and will go anywhere to get it (what’s wrong with that?) .. do we judge those people too because they are looking for their healing?? When we open up judgement on ‘lakeland’ ‘toronto’ ‘pensicola’ we open a door for judgement on everything including stuff that is really from God!!
And by the way I’m also a pastor’s wife, who does not care about having a spirit of religion!