Well, it appears Todd wasn’t too happy about some of the comments made by the board of directors of Fresh Fire Ministries in their recent letter sent out: (see, Update from Fresh Fire Ministries concerning Todd Bentley) Perhaps I should add Todd Bentley’s name to the list: “the gift which keeps on giving”.
This story amazes me: his first thought is to defend himself. Unless God literally knocks him down to get his attention, I can see no hope that true repentance will ever be forthcoming from this guy…
***
From Western Standard, Tuesday, December 02, 2008:
Readers who remember my post last Friday on beleaguered Canadian evangelist Todd Bentley may be interested to know that, in a surreal turn of events, he has responded to the criticism levied by the governing board of his ministry last week.
In a second-hand way.
The details come in a story in today’s Lakeland Ledger, the newspaper in the city where Mr. Bentley held his revival earlier this year. Reporter Cary McMullen, who has done a lot of great coverage on Mr. Bentley’s recent work in Florida, decided to report on the board’s public complaints about Mr. Bentley’s conduct.
Pastor Stephen Strader (of Ignited Church, host of the revival meetings) was asked for comment and passed on some alleged comments from Mr. Bentley about the statement by the ministry. Mr. Bentley, vacationing in California, reportedly made some specific denials of items in the statement, but did, allegedly, confirm that he is shacked up with his former intern while still being married to his wife.
What is odd about all this is that there is nothing preventing Mr. Bentley from telling Pastor Strader that he would be happy to answer questions himself–just pass on his number. Certainly, being honest and upfront would be part of a process of adopting the appropriate moral character to resume ministry, but Mr. Bentley sees no need for that yet. He could have even issued his own statement, or found a reporter willing to lob softball questions at him. If it is so urgent to reply to the criticism, I am sure he could find a sympathetic reporter.
Mr. Bentley has reportedly said that he is not able to return home to Canada to see his wife and kids due to visa issues. Actually, the issue is access to the United States. American charismatic Christians like to stay close to home to attend meetings and conferences–complete with collection plates and groaning book tables full of things to buy–and Americans have most of the money in this wing of Christianity. So, in order to make a better living, you move to where the money is. It appears that Mr. Bentley, who bought residential property in Florida this summer and rented an office for his ministry, might have been thinking along these lines when his revival imploded.
It looks like a donnybrook may be in store if Mr. Bentley and his board start to snipe at each other. But Mr. Bentley may have an ace up his sleeve. Fresh Fire Ministries needs him more than Mr. Bentley needs them. The evangelist (his books, his DVDs and tapes) is the ministry’s main source of revenue. Mr. Bentley, however, may have a alternative ready to go.
When Mr. Bentley first published his autobiography, it was self-published under the imprint of Sound of Fire Productions, a private company on Vancouver Island, where his father and stepmother live. Mr. Bentley has always been careful to keep Sound Of Fire viable and separate from Fresh Fire. At meetings and conferences featuring Mr. Bentley, Sound of Fire materials and Fresh Fire materials were kept strictly separate, with separate sales staff and separate cash registers. If you have a look at the Sound of Fire website, linked above, you will note that it includes video teachings, an online bookstore and such. It could easily be turned quickly into a new charity for Mr. Bentley, if it comes to that.
A new chaity could force the parents of Mr. Bentley’s wife, Valerie and Earl Andres (who both currently work for Fresh Fire) to find new work. Mrs. Andres, who no doubt remembers “doing Timmy runs (trips to Tim Horton’s)” and working in a room of Todd Bentley’s house as his first employee hoping that he would be able to pay her, would, I am sure, be chagrined to see this happen.
***
Excerpts from the Lakeland Ledger story mentioned above…
Todd Bentley Controversy Continues
LAKELAND | Controversy continues to swirl around Todd Bentley, the evangelist who led a faith-healing revival that drew thousands to Lakeland from around the world.
Within the past few days, a phone conversation between Bentley and the pastor who invited him here and a letter from the board of Bentley’s ministry have revealed new details about Bentley’s conduct and raised questions about the legitimacy of the faith-healing revival he led between April and August.
The Rev. Stephen Strader, pastor of Ignited Church, where the Lakeland Outpouring revival began, said he talked to Bentley by phone Monday…
Bentley left the revival Aug. 5 under a cloud of rumors about infidelity and drinking bouts, and Strader had not spoken with him since then. He said Bentley called from California, where he has been staying since leaving the revival.
“It was a very good conversation. He wanted to make sure our church was OK,” Strader said Tuesday.
Strader said Bentley defended himself against a couple of allegations contained in a letter from the board of directors of Fresh Fire Ministries, the British Columbia-based organization Bentley ran until August. The letter, released Friday on the ministry’s Web site (www.freshfire.ca), broke months of silence about Bentley’s status.
In the letter, the board stated that Bentley recently gave his formal resignation from the Fresh Fire board of directors. The board also criticized the evangelist for an ongoing inappropriate relationship with a former intern and for failing, until now, to submit to supervised rehabilitation.
Strader said Bentley did not deny the relationship, and Strader said he agrees with the position of the board.
“I’m uncomfortable with (the relationship). I would probably stand with their letter at this point,” he said.
But Strader said Bentley told him he did not have a problem with alcohol as described by the board’s letter. He said Bentley admitted he had gotten drunk in the weeks he was in Lakeland, but the incidents were isolated and he has resolved not to drink again.
“He was apologetic for the harm he caused to us and the body of Christ. … (But) he told me, ‘I’m not an alcoholic,’” Strader said.
The board’s letter said Bentley had not seen his wife and three children since July, but Strader said Bentley has maintained contact with them. Bentley has not been to their home in British Columbia because of visa problems, but he has talked to his family by phone and e-mail, Strader said.
The Lakeland Outpouring drew criticism from many in the evangelical and Pentecostal communities for its claims of hundreds of miraculous healings and even claims that people were raised from the dead because of prayers offered at the revival. The Assemblies of God and other groups also cautioned that some of Bentley’s claims of mystical experiences such as visiting with angels and figures from the Bible were suspect.
Both the letter and Strader indicated that Bentley intends to move to Fort Mill, S.C., in early 2009 to undergo supervised rehabilitation from Rick Joyner, leader of MorningStar Ministries and a fellow evangelist.
The letter held out the possibility that Bentley could return to the ministry if he completes the rehabilitation process.
"If the professed convert distinctly and deliberately declares that he knows the Lord's will but does not mean to attend to it, you are not to pamper his presumption, but it is your duty to assure him that he is not saved. Do not suppose that the Gospel is magnified or God glorified by going to the worldlings and telling them that they may be saved at this moment by simply accepting Christ as their Savior, while they are wedded to their idols, and their hearts are still in love with sin. If I do so I tell them a lie, pervert the Gospel , insult Christ, and turn the grace of God into lasciviousness."
Scary…
Among other things, cultic and heretical movements downplay Jesus Christ, deny the authority of God’s written word by clinging to “new revelations,” and elevate a man or woman to the position of “mediator” between God and man.
The classic warning signs for the emergence of a new cult-like messiah were there during the Florida revival–incubating behind the scenes. Although all of the “prophecies” foretold over Todd Bentley during his so-called “Commissioning” were false, they added fuel to the fire for a brand new messiah-like cult leader.
Sound sensational? Then get out your Bible and carefully test the following with God’s written word.
In his June 2008 book, “The Reality of the Supernatural World,” Todd Bentley devotes an entire chapter to “…some inspiring testimonies of ordinary people who have experienced powerful spiritual encounters. Every single one of these encounters is a result of a passion to know, experience, and see the Master” (p. 339).
On page 340, Bentley gives his stamp of approval to the upcoming “inspiring testimonies,” stating that, “I’m so thankful for those who have shared their stories here, and I rejoice for what God has done in their lives and through our ministry. We thank them for ‘saying so,’ for declaring His works, and making known to our readers that the Kingdom of Heaven is now.”
As the reader sifts through the testimonies, he or she will learn first-hand just how much Todd Bentley is adored and idolized, as well as,
– a Todd Bentley glory-filled e-mail.
– Todd Bentley’s “Holy” lightning bolt.
– a “beautiful angel named Mary” who, along with other angels, tells a 15 year old girl “We are here to believe in you.”
– kneeling down in the presence of an angel.
– an anointing from the late Kathryn Kuhlman (necromancy).
– “pure liquid glory” from a Todd Bentley CD.
– a visit to heaven and seeing “no one sitting on the throne!”
– “Jesus” saying, “I live in another universe.”
– kissing a “hand of light” from “Jesus” in a vision.
– an anointing from Benny Hinn.
– vibrating after being thrown to the floor by the “Holy Spirit.”
– Todd Bentley’s “Lion of Judah” roar.
– knocked around a room by a 30 foot angel.
– a prayer from Dave Bentley (Todd Bentley’s father) for the “visitation of the angels involved in the ministry of William Branham.”
Glory from Todd Bentley? A female angel? Necromancy? The throne of God is empty? Is this enough? If not, then read on.
Among other things, William Branham denied the Trinity and the deity of Jesus Christ. Yet, to this day, Branham has a following of his own and is adored and idolized by many Charismatics. Furthermore, William Branham is still promoted on the Fresh Fire website–numerous times.
And if the above isn’t convincing enough, on page 385 of Todd Bentley’s “The Reality of the Supernatural World,” Mahendra Singh shares two dreams: the first is a phone call from “ABBA.” In the second dream, Singh claims that,
“I opened a door and went into a room. I saw Todd sitting inside the room and it was full of glory. He was so anointed and the light of God was shining so brightly there. As I approached him, Todd hit me three times on my head, and it felt like I was being hit by a “two-by-four.” After this dream, more miracles started to happen!”
This isn’t the first time someone has dreamt about Todd Bentley.
The adoration and idolization of Todd Bentley was paving the way for something more darker and sinister. But God, in His infinite mercy, brought it to a screeching halt, and He used solid, Bible-based Christians worldwide to expose one of the most dangerous situations to confront the body of Christ in recent years. His doing so should be a loud wake-up call and severe warning to everyone involved with Bentley and the Florida Outpouring revival:
“I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, nor My praise to graven images” (Isaiah 42:8).
“For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; for how can My name be profaned? And My glory I will not give to another” (Isaiah 48:11).
“Then the LORD said to me, ‘The prophets are prophesying falsehood in My name I have neither sent them nor commanded them nor spoken to them; they are prophesying to you a false vision, divination, futility and the deception of their own minds” (Jeremiah 14:14).
Sometimes, the truth hurts and offends. To love someone is to tell them the truth. It is my prayer that God will be merciful to those caught up in the deceptive world of the Florida revival, and open their eyes and ears to the truth.
Sincerely in Christ,
Bud Press
I’m not that familiar with travel between the U.S. and Canada but I wonder about the so called “visa” problems. Isn’t Todd Bentley a citizen of Canada??? If so, what is it about a “visa” that could keep him from returning to his country of origin???
Could it rather be a “Visa” credit card problem? Ha!
OK, genius headline. Truly good stuff.
You know, I covered this dolt once: http://hiscrivener.wordpress.com/2008/08/06/todd-bentley-hiscriveners-take-on-the-taker-himself/
It just gave me tired head. So vile, so wrong, so guilty, so obvious! And when stories like this come out, it only confirms why this dude gave me such migraines.
He was a tool all right… of the slewfooted one. I hope he enjoys a warmer climate, because I think you are right, he is nowhere close to repentance. Pity.
Surely a misprint? Don’t they mean ‘repentance’ process? To paraphrase Fawlty Towers: ‘Don’t mention sin!’
The thought of this complete lunatic being let loose on the gullible public again is almost unbelievable – but I suppose some people will do anything for money.
It reminds me of a friend who told me that while he was in hospital he was visited by one of the chaplains. My friend said he didn’t believe in God, and the chaplain said he didn’t either! So my friend asked him why he was a chaplain. The man said that he had found that he was good at it, and couldn’t do anything else. Sound like Bentley…
Quote from above article:
“He said Bentley admitted he had gotten drunk in the weeks he was in Lakeland, but the incidents were isolated and he has resolved not to drink again.”
Sadly, getting drunk during this great “move of god” was just a minor issue. Not taking responsibility for getting drunk while representing “christianity” to the whole world is, in itself, sickening. This man delievered a great blow to the public face of “the church” and appears not to even care.
What is he doing in California? He has kept a separate ministry to make sure he keeps collecting the doe? For the damage he did to the real Body of Christ, he should be on his face day and night, learning to be Holy, repenting until there is nothing left of him. He shows no signs of repentance. This man is a charlatan and his apostasy allowed demons to use him mightily.
Sadly, as the Todd Bentley fiasco continues to be in the headlines, Benny Hinn looks more and more legitimate. Perhaps Mr. Hinn was aware that all of this nonsense was about to be stirred up once again and he saw this as the perfect opportunity to use his “bad preacher, good preacher” psychology on those searching for a supernatural move of God. Wow, Satan is just running wild right now. When we see these things happen, we should look up! Even so, come soon, precious Jesus.
“No, I don’t think you understand. It is all wrong, and you got it wrong about Todd’s problems”.
Todd really is a good messianic representative and you should turn and look the other way when his sin rears its ugly head!
Don’t you understand?
No, I do understand and I stand on the Word of God and stand with Christ instead of coming under this stuff from Todd.
Look here where he and we should stand. Count how many times that one word “stand” is used by Paul the Apostle here:::>
Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Eph 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Eph 6:15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
Eph 6:16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
Eph 6:17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
Eph 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Eph 6:19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,
Eph 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
It seems to me the only ambassador he represents is himself and he is in the chains of someone other than Christ.
In light of this verse following I believe we now should be able to understand the differences between his fresh fire, the sound of fire and the Fire of God?
Psa 68:2 As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away; as wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God!
I don’t think Todd is worried about going back to Canada. It is the return trip that may be troublesome. Fraud in America is a crime, and yes that also applies to “Ministers”…accepting money for deceiving practices. Remember , England banned him, depriving him of a visa, even when he had meetings scheduled in Scotland.
Also remember that Todd , as a teenager, was imprisoned for Homosexual rape and torture, a severe felony. The US visa could easily be revoked, or reviewed in light of his spurious claims of Lakeland, not withstanding any child support issues that might arise.
I don’t know Todd’s wife, but I would bet she isn’t real thrilled about hubby at this moment. Do you think she might be feeling a bit angry right now? Todd probably fears that confrontation more than anything, not withstanding looking into the faces of his beautiful young daughters. Betrayers hide when exposed, for what could be more shameful?……Sorry… I forget; I was speaking of people with a conscience.
This is all so sick and devious..but it had to happen, Jesus said ;”Do not think that I came to Earth to bring Peace; No!…but DIVISION!”
Bentley was used to expose an entire Satanic wing of American “Christianity”, and all of it seems to be connected with the NAR and affiliate organizations. He was, and is of an Anti-Christ spirit…but we didn’t know that in a full way, until his rave in Lakeland.
I think he’s stuck. He’s not going to be able to leach off of Joyner for too long, in this depression, and sooner or later, his wife, and the Canadian government will demand their pound of flesh to support his kids. Also, it seems that about half of the Charismatic wolf pack has written him off anyhow…[see Benny Hinn's denouncement of Todd here on Sola..]..
He just couldn’t keep his mouth shut…with more fantastic exploits , healings, resurrections, angelic rap sessions, and voyages to Heaven each meeting, even his comrades [his board and more..] had to wash their hands of him. He became bad for business.
I want to make clear that I am not condemning Bentley for the sins of his youth. We all have got them….but I also do not believe he was ever saved. No man could do and say what he has done, consistently, with the Holy Spirit living in him.
“By their fruit you SHALL know them.” This is sordid, and hideous fruit…but necessary to behold, for; “It is also necessary that there be HERISIES among you, that those that are approved be made manifest.”
Now I can see why we are to wash one another’s feet now and then. You can step in some disgusting stuff, and we are beholding a bucket full right now.
Maybe Todd’s “visa problem” is that if he returns to Canada he wouldn’t be allowed to return right away, due to the fact that he’s been here for more than six months. This is just speculation on my part, because visas these day are a real thicket. For all I know, Todd might have been admitted on a “religious worker” visa, which may have its own restrictions on it.
As I was reading this, the Lord impressed some things into my Spirit.
This current season in Charismania will be as it was in the 1980s with the televangelists. The Lord let them deceive the flock for a season and then brought a swift end to it all.
We’ve seen the rise and fall of Todd Bentley. That has lead some out of deception and has lead many to start re-considering things, but something is going to happen in the next few months that will cut to the very heart of it all, and many more are going to repent for years of following man and the un-clean spirits. First, a well known “apostle” and his ministry are going to be brought down, which will cause many to mourn in repentance. Shortly thereafter, I saw I picture of a prominent leader of the Toronto/Brownsville movement on national TV weeping and asking the Church to forgive him for introducing such massive deception.
During this season, I feel many Churches and people involved in this movement are going to contacting those who left because of excess and error, and asking for their perspective. The Lord is calling us to walk in ABSOLUTE humility in a spirit of gentleness and love in this. Were not here to condemn are brothers and sisters, but to gently restore then to the truth.
I think Todd is a coward. He is still letting other people do his dirty work for him, and he will continue to do that until the money runs out and they are no longer willing to cover for him.
I do not believe for one moment that he called Strader to make sure he and his church were okay, although he did tremendous damage to their reputation. He called to take up for himself. With that ego of his, he has never been able to stand criticism for very long without responding in some way. In fact, the last miserable weeks at Lakeland were all sermons in response to criticism.
I don’t believe the reason he hasn’t returned to Canada is Visa related. He is probably afraid his wife will get a judgement against him for alimony and child support. And probably even more afraid that he might not be allowed back in this country possibly due to his past.
I found it interesting that his whole family, including in-laws, seem to be making their living off of him. No wonder FFM has been so slow to respond to this mess. It is sad, though, to think about the children, and how they are the real losers in this ordeal. But maybe it will be a blessing in disguise, and will lead them to the Truth. I just hope it doesn’t turn them away from God altogether.
The only semi-amusing part of this whole torrid affair is that now the NAR guys are the ones scrambling to cover for and clean up this mess, and the damage Todd has done to their reputations. I’m surprised they were willing to invite Todd on board at all, but in their lust for money, I guess they weren’t too worried about all the people being deceived or offended. And now they’ve found that they cannot control him any better than FFM. Yet they still seem to want a season of restoration and to turn him loose on the public with their blessing. And while they’re doing his dirty work by making the appropriate apologies and such, Todd’s busy ‘vacationing’ in California, living it up with his honey by his side for all to see, and with a disabled wife and kids at home with no support or daddy. I wonder how they will spin that.
So whaddaya think…? Will they come out with the book or the movie first? … or just throw caution to the wind and go full scale supermarket quality DVD straight off the bat…?
I feel sick. My heart is grieved. Even reading about “his justification” as to why he can’t get back to Canada…nice try on the Visa excuse…good one.
It must be first rate deception, because someone “in the know” apparently thinks rehab is the ticket.
Okay…listen up and listen hard ~~ Jesus willingly healed and restored those who came to Him with faith-filled (and repentant) hearts…believing Him to make them well. I am beginning to think Todd looks like the man at the healing pool…complete with all the excuses…and the whole time there was healing to be received.
Todd needs to want Christ for himself. Unless he is willing to receive…then it is the same ole song being sung over and over and over again…
His Amazing Grace is the answer…but remember that as a believer we have an individual responsibility to be part of the equation. 1 + 1 really does equal 2.
hot news flash.
I was in a public market place today buying things for my wife and guess who I saw walking talking cheerie with someone who wasn’t his wife?
Yes, him, tatoos and metal in parts of his face and all.
He is taller than I the youtube makes him appear.
I live in Northern California.
Oh well, there was no manifestation of the powerful presence of God as they walked past!
No kidding!?
We’re you tempted to go up and say anything Michael?
Though you were probably taken by surprise–i know i would have been.
silly question, but has he lost weight? I was watching a clip of him teaching from early this year at the link to his publishing company yesterday; Sound of Fire Productions, and was taken aback at the difference in his appearance [weight, clothing, etc] in that clip compared to what he looked like the last time i saw him during the Lakeland ‘event’
Big difference…big…
Well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle. Ya saw ol’ Toddy himself did ya Michael. How weird…well…what did you do?
No, I wasn’t tempted to go up to him. I would have had I the chance. He has shortened his hair a bit but he is big!
What troubled me was the “air” about his mood and step. He and this shorter woman, were having a laugh about something as they were talking and walking along in this crowd of people going about their day.
It is a stark contrast to what you see on the youtube clips.
Youtube brings across a paranormal weirdness.
Walking through the crowd as one of the normal people there wasn’t out of place.
I live a bit west of Redding near Bill Johnson’s “Bethel” Church. I am speculating of course that maybe he is in the area to meet with Bill? I cannot say but I read somewhere that he was at the time “vacationing in California”.
We have a family that have joined my fellowship who ‘grew’ up at Bethel.
There are several of Bethel’s sister or daughter fellowships in my area and sometimes I will rub shoulders with them at a pastor’s meeting or some conference.
When you live in Biblical reality and then go there, Redding Bethel, or mix it up with one of the fellowships aligned with them, which I have on occasion, since I have friends who go there now, there is a deeper sense of gratefulness within my spirit to the Lord for the gift of the Spirit of power, love and a “sound” mind He has graced me with too.
That is what makes me anger quickly, as I did today seeing Todd walking by totally consumed with this person.
I better stop before I start repenting of being judgmental, again! grrrrrr!!
Michael!
Now there is a piece of gossip, huh? The big celebrity himself? Was he buying expensive stuff? Did he look remorseful? Did he smell like sulfer? Oh, there are so many questions going through my mind right now. I think that if I saw him, I would either want to cry and ask him if I could pray for him or I would run with fear! Until I hear some accountability and repentance from this guy, I am going to have to consider him an enemy of the Almighty. I know that sounds judgemental, but every time I picture him kicking the guy with cancer, I just get so angry.
I am going to spend extra time praying for him tonight, and you as well, my brother! Did anyone seem to recognize him?
Wow! For real, Michael? How funny. I know I probably shouldn’t ask, but what did his girlfriend look like? Is she young, or is she older than he is?
I’m sorry, but I am so curious.lol
Michael:
Are you saying you saw Todd Bentley? Also, what is the name of the city?
Thanks,
Bud Press
Bud, you lived in Northern California or at least you know about our “big foot”?
You know where Redding, Ca. is?
I live west of Redding and I “don’t” walk on water.
I was in a very large Costco store and in line behind about 4 others just at my check out line. The store was swarming with hundreds of souls of all ages. He and this lady were walking by on the other side. I didn’t think it was him at first, thinking and imagining this is some really strange goings on because of the amount of time I have spent in here commenting about him. But when he saw me “staring” as they walk by about 15 yards from where I was standing, he nodded and smiled. That smile was the give away. It was a brief glance, but I kept my eyes on him as he walk out of sight.
The lady, golly, you ladies, hmmmm, she was dressed well, I think, a light brownish pant suit something or another, and how can say what she looked like? I wasn’t looking at her but the gaudy tatoos and metal stuff on this guy and thinking, he is taller and a bigger belly than on youtube. I found myself thinking about Bill Johnson and something I read or heard just quite recently, maybe as recent as yesterday that Todd was on a vacation out here in California. At first when I read it I thought he would in Southern Cal. at Che An’s area. I also do remember thinking and wondering though if he might come up this way because of Bethel Church and Bill Johnson.
By the time I got through the check out myself and got behind a long line of others pushing their carts out the door, it had to have been 20 to 30 minutes later. If it wasn’t him, some one would have to convince me by proofs it wasn’t, he has a very good looking twin brother who likes tatoos with a gaudy grin!
Just a sidenote here. This was sent out by Patricia King this evening in regard to the letter from FF Ministries sent out a few days back. (i look for more of these people to wade in on this in the coming days)
It is a fact that Fresh Fire Ministries latest letter about Todd Bentley has only given more consternation to many of his supporters who have to deal with the fact that Todd is even adamant not to repent of his sins and has hardened his heart since He insists on divorcing his faithful wife and continuing in the unholy abominable sexual relationship he is been having with their former nanny . The whole Todd Bentley saga is just too much for many of Todd supporters to handle and many have stopped supporting financial fresh fire ministries.
The Fresh Fires words and phrases like, “Soaking each day ” and the continuous excuses they keep making for Todd by listing his “great accomplishments” and also indicting others for criticizing them too not to mention the misquoting of certain scriptures to suit their purposes or should I say, the careful selection of suitable Biblical references to suit them has cause problems and confusion even to their supporters as it’s evident there is not true repentance from the ministry or Todd by only arrogance and pride.
Mr. Bentley is unhappy with the Fresh Fire Ministries board statement and gave a statement to Charisma magazines asst. news editor.
http://charismamag.com/cms/news/archives/1204081.php
Michael: In the article the FF Cdn board says:
“FFM is in the process of restructuring its ministries with assistance from Johnson’s church in Redding, Calif., and Joyner’s ministry in South Carolina.”
Makes sense you saw Mr. Bentley in your area.
As for what Bentley has to say…
Can one of my US friends point me to the search for charity statements on the IRS site?
I’d like to look up Sound of Fire Productions (it’s not listed in Revenue Canada I can find) and Fresh Fire Ministries US.
Thanks.
Michael:
Thank you for your mini-summary of “War and Peace.”
I was born in Long Beach, CA which is, as a one-winged crow flies, about 566 miles south of Redding, CA.
I have heard of a Bigfoot (or Bigfoots or Bigfeets) that is said to inhabit parts of California, but I have never met it personally (mainly because it doesn’t exist in the first place).
Yes, I know where Redding, CA is, because it is included on Google Maps. Besides, how many Costco stores are there west of Redding, CA?
In an above post, you said that you saw “him, tatoos and metal in parts of his face and all.” In turn, I asked, “Are you saying you saw Todd Bentley? Also, what is the name of the city?”
Is the name of the city you saw “him” in named “West of Redding”? And, besides bugs and insects, who in Redding, CA walks on water?
Here are some photos of Todd Bentley:
http://www.blackchristiannews.com/news/images/todd-bentley3.jpg
http://theway2k.journalspace.com/new/photos/view.php?i=266640&u=78721&m=1
Does the “him” you saw look anything like the photos?
Therefore, with the above in mind, are you saying you saw Todd Bentley? Also, what is the name of the city you saw “him” in?
Thanks,
Bud
Bene, thanks for the link to Charisma’s take on the FF letter plus…
Couple items in it caught my attention:
What a crock..
This shows me that the entire Joyner restoration plan is bogus. I’d be willing to bet Todd will bring her with him, and Joyner and associates will be ‘fine’ with it. Coming soon, the divorce and then a new wife.
I’m sure that’s true…Todd can’t stand to face the truth and wants to cover it up as do Joyner and those who have hopes in placing Todd back on stage in the future..
what a bunch of wolves.
Bene, i don’t know exactly where to look for IRS info concerning FF…maybe someone else might know???
Michael,
Bene is right…this article does point to Todd being in Redding, Calif.
Bud,
yep, that was what caught my eye, the arms first.
West of Redding about 120 miles west to the Coast on “299″. The water bit, sorry for my humor! I was being a bit enigmatic.
Have you “found” it yet? “I” have, I was born here.
When you drive west or east you are on the road about 3 hours from here to there or there to here on the Coast. It is a nice drive over here to the big, really really big trees, the Redwoods and we have vacationers here all year round.
And as I said, if it wasn’t him, I would have to have some convincing proofs it wasn’t.
By the way, sadly, over here in my neck of the woods, he’s a hit and some of the conversations I have had with Pastors associated with Bill Johnson’s group get a bit testy when you even question some of the stuff some have witnessed personally there in Lakeland or I have watched on youtube-casts.
I thought that rather strange that some would jump to his defense so hotly! I believe they are self-conscious and in denial about the reality that they are a part of Bill Johnson’s crowd and nothing like that Todd anointing happens in their meetings. I have gone to some of them and haven’t experienced anything like you see in Lakeland.
The best explanation I got was, “Todd” flows in a different stream than you, apparently?
Hmmmmm, apparently so.
Are you seeking some prima facia evidence for your blog, Bud of where Todd Bentley is physically?
Here where I live, we have a lot of world class and famous folks come by land, air and sea for a visit. We are one of those picture postcard places many travel to to enjoy what God has created.
I know I am being a bit evasive as to the exact “name” of my home town, now a depressing “city” but you never can say who is in here reading my remarks and might want to do something about it?
If you need an actual confirmation, email me or ask me to email you and I will.
Do you have a problem with that?
Michael:
No problem. E-mail me at
admin@christianresearchservice.com
Thanks,
Bud
Bud Press,
Has Michael given you reason to doubt what he is saying about seeing Todd Bentley?
WHy is it so hard to believe that he saw Todd at Costco? I met Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort at the movies in September here in WV and Ray preached at my church the next morning and picked on my husband who was doing security for him because my husband was crunching granola bars. Sounds pretty crazy and far fetched doesn’t it. Well it was pretty crazy but it’s all true and I have pictures to prove it. So if Michael says he saw Todd then I believe he saw him and if Michael is making up stories then that is on him.
I think I am going to take a blogging vacation so if I don’t post for a while I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy new year!
>>”What a crock.”<<
I have to agree with you. I especially liked the part where the ‘emotional mistress’ only stepped in to comfort him as a friend would. What a joke. He really is deceived if he believes that.
It seems if it comes to a choice between FFM and Bentley, Joyner will obviously support Bentley. After all that’s where the money is. I wouldn’t be surprised if this gets even uglier, especially if there is a divorce, which seems certain.
For the record, I just emailed Bud.
Bud, be warned if you will do a search of me, as I checked into the Wynham in Palms Springs some years back and found out there were four other me’s checked in before me and all of us were currently staying there.
I got several in trouble because I couldn’t believe it and accused them of being frauds and the house manager on duty stopped all electronic door keys from being used, mine was the exception, until each of those other me’s could come to the front desk and verify that they indeed were a me too!
I was traveling to Europe and Africa one year for a period of several months and when I returned home, my wife queried me as to why I didn’t tell her I was traveling to Hong Kong. Huh? wondering why she would ask such a thing. Her suspicions mounted and promptly left the room to come back in a huf with my “visa and american express card” bills showing I spent about $2300 dollars in Hong Kong!
What I exclaimed, let me see those!!!
I immediately called the fraud divisions of both cards and filed reports. The money stolen was put back into my accounts. The fraud detectives assigned to the cases told me that when I crossed over the border at Basil to a border “German” town to do lunch and shopping before boarding my next train to Antwerp, the crooks double receipted my signature and then sold my information to whoever. They said that was a common problem over there and that I should always check to make sure there is only one receipt with the correct charges before signing authorization to pay by credit card.
Because of that I thought maybe I had found the fraud several years later in Palms Springs because I couldn’t believe there would be so many of me checking into the same hotel resort at the same time.
Oooops! They were all legit customers!!
Bud, rest assured, I am me and that’s my name and that’s my home town and it was there that I saw Todd or his body and gaudy grin double.
mb
Quote:
On Tuesday, Bentley said there had been no sexual immorality between him and the former nanny. He claimed that for two years no “spark or interest” in the former staff member existed, and that the two developed only an emotional relationship several weeks after July 1, when Bentley filed for divorce.
Todd Bentley says there was no sex with nanny before June 1, 2008! So if Todd Bentley is having sex with his nanny now it’s still adultery and hypocritical for a so called man of God?
Quote:
{Endtimes note – even if this were really true – and let’s face it Todd Bentley has lied about everything else, so why would we believe him here? – [and other key people such as C Peter Wagner have said the relationship with the nanny is 'sexual'], his so-called ‘emotional relationship’ with this other woman is still adultery. Especially as he is reportedly still with the former nanny, and has no intention of returning to his wife, Shonnah, at all.]
http://endtimespropheticwords.wordpress.com/2008/12/05/todd-bentley-says-his-adultery-was-too-soon-and-more-gems/
Miriam Franklin is one of many who has spoken up about Lakeland; the theology, history, personalities and tactics. In dissecting the recent Canadian Fresh Fire Ministries statement about Bentley’s latest affair she said something haunting:
Todd Bentley has opened the gate for more deception. And lying prophets have got worse since Lakeland as they know they can get away with it. Todd Bentley has shown how gullible the ‘church’ are, and how people will defend evil and attack good. He has shown you can say anything, however unbiblical, and blaspheme before millions, and they will still love you and send you money – all in Jesus’ name.
http://www.benedictionblogson.com/2008/12/04/charisma-magazine-speaks-with-todd-bentley/
Brad i sure agree with Mariam…Lord only knows what he’ll be like when he returns to the stage.
Un-repented of sin will open that door even wider…Todd, God forbid, could end up possessed.
Amen
For all of us who watched this fiasco closely, Lakeland, Bentley [and others who were personally involved] it was not only a wake up call, but a shock.
At least it was a shock for me.
I”d always known there was a percentage of people who would follow after anyone…and who had little discernment–but, this entire thing showed me just what a large portion of the Church this was!
What this also brought home to me was even though you took the time, over and over again to show these people, in God’s word, how these things being taught there were biblically wrong, they didn’t care. They did not want to hear the truth.
There were many days right here on this blog in which i wanted to throw my hands up in the air, and say ‘enough!…
Because it did no good whatsoever–they were determined to believe everything happening at Lakeland, including Todd’s skewed doctrine was of God.
Deception is very common amongst so called Christian including their lusts for power, wealth and fame! As a result people leave themselves wide open to deception.
But just because many are deceived doesn’t mean we should speak the truth especially about Todd Bentley, Benny Hinn, Richard Roberts, Rodney Howard Browne, Bill Johnson, Che Ahe, John Arnott and Patrica King that they are not friends of God but wolves in sheep’s clothing
1 Samuel 2:22 Now Eli was very old; and he heard everything his sons did to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.
2:23 So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people.
2:24 “No, my sons! For it is not a good report that I hear. You make the LORD’S people transgress.
2:25 “If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?” Nevertheless they did not heed the voice of their father, because the LORD desired to kill them.
2:26 And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the LORD and men.
Dear Lucy37:
Please allow me to share the following points before things get blown out of proportion.
1. In a December 4 post, Michael said he saw “him” and Todd.”
2. In a December 5 post, I asked Michael “Are you saying you saw Todd Bentley? Also, what is the name of the city?”
My reason for asking is called “verification” or “confirmation,” which is what a researcher is supposed to do.
3. The next series of posts between Michael and I were humorous. At least, that’s the way I perceived them (note the smiley faces).
4. Understandably, Michael chose not to divulge the city he lived in. Since it was impossible to e-mail Michael from this blog, I asked him to e-mail me.
5. Michael e-mailed me. I am in the process of responding.
Lucy37, you wrote me and asked “Has Michael given you reason to doubt what he is saying about seeing Todd Bentley? WHy is it so hard to believe that he saw Todd at Costco?” Then, you wrote “So if Michael says he saw Todd then I believe he saw him and if Michael is making up stories then that is on him.”
A. I had no reason to doubt Michael. Again, my reason for asking is called “verification” or “confirmation,” which is what every researcher is supposed to do.
B. Nothing in my posts implied or suggested that it was “hard to believe” that Michael saw Todd Bentley.
Finally, it is extremely important to carefully read what is written, in context, then base our comments accordingly, as opposed to assuming and chasing after something that isn’t there.
Thank you, Lucy37, for allowing me to clarify a few things. Have a nice blogging vacation.
Sincerely in Christ,
Bud Press
Bud,
I think it’s very important to carefully treat people with respect. I understand you take great pride in researching every claim, so that no one chases after something that isnt there, it’s appreciated and necessary! But as Christians we need to learn not only to discern the truth but to treat people with respect, and not sarcasm.
I’m looking quite forward to my vacation as well. Bud peace to you, just remember that sometimes it’s the relationships we develop in our walk that matter the most to God, people see him in how we treat each other, not just the “facts” which are very important, but just to prove a point we can’t ride roughshod over people.
God bless you and everyone here, have a wonderful Christmas and the best New Year ever!
Televangelist’s $3.6 million jet not tax-exempt, county says
By DARREN BARBEE
dbarbee@star-telegram.com
A Kenneth Copeland Ministry jet worth $3.6 million has been denied tax-exempt status by the Tarrant Appraisal District, setting the stage for a battle that could require the minister to reveal his salary if he wants the jet to be tax-free.
Jeffery D. Law, Tarrant chief appraiser, said the jet was denied tax exemption because the ministry failed to disclose salaries of directors as an application requires. Law said the ministry, based in Newark, northwest of Fort Worth, will protest the denial at a hearing Monday morning.
“The application requires that they submit to us a list of salaries,” Law said. “They have not given it to us, and as a result we have denied their exemption.”
Compensation paid Copeland and other members of his family has been the source of a U.S. senator’s inquiry, but the televangelist has been unwilling to disclose the information publicly.
If the ministry gives the compensation information to the appraisal district, it would be open to public disclosure, Law said.
http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1078037.html
Thanks Brad…i’ll check out the links.
Does this have to do with the Grassley investigation?
Same to you B!!
I understand about needing to take a break. After working on Christian boards over the last 8 years, i know sometimes we can feel we just need to take a rest from them…even from blogging.
Take your much deserved rest my friend then come back and once again, jump in.
Make it Soon!
John Arnott who speaks with a forked tongues needs to say more about his friend Todd Bentley now that Fresh Fire told us Todd Bentley has demonstrated himself unfaithful to his wife by entering into a relationship with another woman while still legally married. …
http://www.tacf.org/tacforghome/Visitors/NewsandUpdates/tabid/761/Default.aspx
Dear mrsbucket:
I have read your post carefully, and must say that I couldn’t agree with you more. I, too, believe it is important to:
– treat people with respect.
– discern the truth.
– avoid sarcasm (unless it is in the form of a joke).
– build relationships that honor God.
– avoid running roughshod over people.
I also believe it is important to:
– avoid blowing things out of proportion.
– carefully read what is written, then quote the writer properly and in context.
– base comments on what is written, not assumed.
– never read into something that simply isn’t there.
– ask simple questions that the average person can understand and answer.
– keep what is written simple, and put things in terms where the average person can understand it.
– never walk on egg shells around easily offended, hyper-sensitive people, but be free to ask questions, set the record straight, and tell the truth in love.
And last but certainly not least, I also believe it is important to never run roughshod over people who accuse others of running roughshod over people.
Thank you, mrsbucket. Have a wonderful vacation.
Sincerely in Christ,
Bud Press
How did Jesus treat people who were running roughshod over people?
He cursed them with “woe to you!” which is not a blessing when spoken by God Himself? He said:
MT 23:13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.
23:14 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.
23:15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.
We need to remember this next time we become to self righteous because Apostle Paul also cursed the false ones:
GAL 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
1:9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
OK…
My twin sis, Lucy, and my great friend, MrsB,are now taking a “vacation” much in the same way I pronounced a few weeks ago that I was going to take a blogging vacation and most insisted “NO!!!”. I hope you guys aren’t burned out. I have continued to read a lot of posts but find myself commenting a lot less…only when I think that something substantial can be offered. I love you 2 sisters and I hope that you will see this post before you go on hiatus. I love both of you and hope you both have a merry Christmas and a good new year, too. I know you 2 and Lisa, Kit and PJ (and maybe others) know that I am desiring to get off the road as a trucker and be back home with my family. I want you to know that I am going to Charlotte, NC on Tuesday to sell my truck. I applied for a job (man, they are scarce right now!!!!) on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. I had not heard back from them and decided to trust that the Lord will provide all of the needs of my family. Well, yesterday a man from the place I applied to called and asked me to come in for an interview on Monday afternoon! That doesn’t necessarily mean I have the job but I am hoping and praying that this will lead to employment and I am already thanking God for it. But, even if it turns out not to be for me, I will still trust that God will take care of us. However, I wanted you gals to know since you have all been praying for me and loving on me! I will miss you guys and hope you can return soon and hopefully I will have a praise report for you about my new job that God provided for me!!!!
Yahoo! A step of faith!
I’m believing with you Reformed…if this isn’t the right job, God will bring another your way. In the meantime He will provide!
Mariam has an excellent post up tonight at her blog: John Arnott, Che Ahn and Bill Johnson of Revival Alliance Mislead Public Re Todd Bentley Restoration
Quote…
read the whole post at link
There’s been so much covering up in this whole mess from the get go, plus half truth and downright lies, by all those involved, i don’t see how anyone in their right mind could ever believe Lakeland [and/or Bentley's involvement] was sanctioned by God.
The whole foundation was rotten from the beginning…
John Arnott, Che Ahn and Bill Johnson of Revival Alliance Mislead Public Re Todd Bentley Restoration
Here is an interesting piece of information – actually even more interesting now, than it was first six weeks ago when it was first posted on the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship website here as a typical Todd Bentley/Lakeland Revival puff piece. Why is it now so interesting? Because it reveals the continuing lies and deceit output by many ministers complicit in the Lakeland deception – specifically John Arnott, Che Ahn and Bill Johnson – and the depths to which they will descend in order to protect their own interests.
The Trendy Trio’s ’Revival Alliance’ statement [posted below] was written and posted before the Fresh Fire Ministry Board Directors’ update sent out last week [six weeks afterwards] indicating that Todd Bentley was still committing adultery and still had no intention whatsover of returning to his wife, and was still with the ‘other woman’, the former nanny. It is fascinating to then compare the two statements in the light of that knowledge. Neither of the statements tell us the truth, both deliberately mislead and in cases outright lie – but some facts we do know, and they simply do not measure up with truth.
Reading the Revival Alliance statement, one would think that Todd Bentley was repentent, was dealing with his issues and submitting to the restoration process…. it sounds as if all is well, and going to plan and is on track. So we are led to believe. However recall and note well that when this statement was made by Arnott, Ahn and Johnson, Todd Bentley was, after at least three months of time to get right, still totally unrepentent, still sticking his fingers up at the church, still resolute in his plans to divorce his wife, Shonnah, and was still swanning around with his fancy woman in California – while still not visiting his abandoned hurting kids due to alleged ’visa problems’. All the time while being pampered by this motley bunch and living off ill-gotten gains.
http://endtimespropheticwords.wordpress.com/2008/12/07/john-arnott-che-ahn-and-bill-johnson-of-revival-alliance/
Reformed! Wow that is news. I will definitely be praying for you that God’s will be done. Amen!
I wonder what’s up with us all. I have been feeling kinda that same way that Reformed, Lucy and Mrs.B. expressed. Is it the weather?
Lucy and B…I understand BUT…
Mrs. B and Lucy…you two better be back soon! I love you both! I can’t be the only crazy here…well there is PJ and Kari…but I need ALL my pals!…
How come no one in the Revival Alliance who are still supporting Todd Bentley has challenged Peter Wagner’s remark about Todd Bentley? Because it’s true!
Speaking of the public figure going down the tubes, Todd Bentley now carries the label of a liar and a deceiver. I’m sorry to mention it, but I felt personally deceived in the same way when Ted Haggard’s sin was exposed and he was immediately removed from ministry.”( A Message from Peter Wagner An Update on Lakeland from Peter August 25, 2008)
Reformed1,
I am so excited that you have an interview because right now not only jobs are scarce, interviews are! I am keeping you in my prayers, and please y’all remember me and mine in your prayers.
My husband has applied for numerous jobs in the last few weeks, but there hasn’t been a single call back. I cannot remember even a month that some headhunter wasn’t calling the house wanting to speak to my hubbie about a job. But that was when he already HAD a job. Where are they when you need them?lol
I am trying to trust that God will provide, but must admit that I am getting rather worried. So, Reformed, I truly know how important this interview could be for you, and I hope and pray things will work out. I really do.
Mrsbucket,… er Bouquet, and Lucy,
I wish you wouldn’t take this break for my own petty reasons that I will miss you both terribly. Y’all are my 80′s sisters and I feel like I know you both! I am honored to call you friends, and you know I love y’all.
I think we all feel a bit burned out at times. I know I am right now with the holidays and the economy, and especially this ‘upside down’ world I feel like I am living in. I feel like I don’t fit into this ‘new world order’ where right is wrong, and wrong is right, and common sense is out the window. If I didn’t have my faith in God, I don’t think I would even know what to teach my children.
Please come back soon, and refreshed. Or you can always drop me an email at PearceJackson@aol.com. (the ‘P’ and the ‘J’ are capitalized, I think, thanks to my daughter who set up my account. lol)
I will keep you both in my prayers. I am going to miss you guys, so don’t stay away too long. Who else knows what ‘diamelles’are?lol
Bubbles and Love,
Lisa