Was there any doubt aging New Apostolic Reformation neo-charismatic leaders would stage a Todd Bentley comeback?
GodTV finally piped up with it’s statement this week on the Canadian charlatan who was pushed front and centre by US and UK neo-charismatic interests this year. They need him. They need the money. While claims of healing have been looked at, the theology of various ministries weighed against the bible and found wanting, there has not been anyone following the money trail.
More importantly they need the youth and they will take them.
A few weeks ago The Vancouver Province contacted Shonna Bentley, Todd’s soon to be ex-wife. She didn’t know where he is. He has had ‘apostolic’ leaders of C. Peter Wagner’s network do his talking for him while the furor over Lakeland died down and as internal infighting plays itself out.
Given the revenue streams drying up GodTV released it’s statement in support of The Lakeland revival, blaming everyone but themselves.Â
Fresh Fire Ministries bought property in Florida and GodTV US has moved it’s offices from Washington to Alamonte Springs Florida.(Angel Christian Television Trust, Inc is a Not-For-Profit Florida Corporation with 501 (C)(3) tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service)Â
Rick Joyner of Morningstar Ministries has been Bentley’s mouthpiece and yesterday he stated Todd Bentley will be back.
The number one question I am asked is, “How is Todd Bentley doing?†Todd came to spend a few days with us, and in general I was encouraged with how he’s doing. He is deeply sorry for the problems that his problems have caused others. He is well aware that he made some mistakes and foolish choices. Todd wants to express this as clearly as he can in a letter, which should be coming in a few weeks. It will take that long because I will be helping him with this, and I will be out of the country for three weeks. We also want to get input from a few others, and this will take time.Â
The present plan is for him to get some practical issues worked out in his life, visit with a couple of friends who have gone through similar things in their lives and have come through them victoriously, and then come to Heritage for a period of time to begin a healing and restoration process.
I have also spent some time with two of the primary leaders of Fresh Fire Ministries. I am confident that both Todd and Fresh Fire will not only make it through this, but will be a powerful force and factor in what will be unfolding in the coming times.
How long before Strang Communications is all over this promoting like white on rice?
Hello:
The underlying problem concerning Todd Bentley is that history records that he was conditioned and deceived from the beginning–groomed and mentored by those conditioned and deceived before him.
Todd Bentley needs solid, Bible-based Christians to minister to him–not those who were/are part of the problem.
I pray that God will be merciful and open Todd Bentley’s eyes and ears to the truth, and be born again.
In Christ,
Bud Press
Agreed Bud.
At the risk of incuring the ire of neo-charismatics – he never had a prayer. This crew got their hooks into him from day one. It does not excuse any of his behavior, it’s just observation of the saga.
In an ideal world he’d see his need, and be given an opportunity to retreat for full healing: physical, spiritual, emotional, social, mental.
Be helped by Christians as far away from this deception as possible over a long period of time.
I believe part of what healing is possible with Bentley would be his realization he has no role as leader, part of the plan would be to help him equip himself to work for a living.
It’s only a matter of time before he’s back up on stage being used by his peer group.
Wantabe ‘apostles’ using each other; toxic, co-dependent, deceived.
Just like Paul Cain, or Bob Jones, Bentley’s behavior and bentness will be spiritualized, ‘forgiven’ and as we are already seeing, the narrative will set him up as martyr.
And once again thousands will be harmed.
May God be merciful indeed.
Bentley never preached the Word of God and this ALONE makes him totally false – Isaiah 8:20; 2 Tim 4:2; 1 Pet 4:11. Jesus and His prophets and apostles preached God’s Word – Bentley didn’t and is therefore revealed as a wolf.
Any person in leadership who endorsed or endorses Todd Bentley, Stephen Strder, John Arnott, Rodney Howard Browne or espouses I.H.O.P. (International House of Prayer), any of the “Kansas City prophets,†the so-called “prophetic†movement, or “apostolic†movement, should not only be rebuked and exposed as false (Rom. 16:17-18; Tit. 1:9-13) but are demonized and need real deliverance from demons.
Any leader who refuses to repent before the LORD for his own wickedness and completely and publicly denounce any and all evil connection with these wolves and their ravenous organizations, is false.
This is so pathetic, it makes one want to cry. We talk about Mormon’s, JW’s and Scientology followers being deceived.
The Charismatic Movement is beyond belief in their gullibility and lack of discernment.
And it still goes on throughout the world.
Wow, you are the one making money look at the sponsors on this website. I would suggest you drop the critical spirit and give thanks that people are working to restore a brother in Christ.
Bill:
What sponsors on this website?
There are no sponsors, no ads, I don’t make a cent off BDBO.
Would you point out what you mean please?
Do you understand the difference between a critical spirt and criticism?
I’ve been in meetings with Todd since he started.
Yes, many people in the Charismatic movement are deceived.
Not all of them, but many.
The Spirit of God is real.
God does heal, still today.
I never thought highly of Todd or Bob Jones, or most of the others for that matter.
But I go to a Vineyard Fellowship, and I do enjoy it.
God is there too.
Joy is a fruit of His Spirit also.
I would also enjoy the Toronto Church.
Though not mentioned here, I encourage you to “check out” Heidi Baker. She is a true “apostle” of God, that is one sent out.
You can be charismatic without being false.
Thanks for giving me the space to share my opinion.
Please don’t bash me for it.
Sandy, I’m not going to bash you at all.:^)
There are charismatics who have not gone off the rails – for example Dan Edelen at Cerulean Sanctum.
A former superintentent of the AOG in Australia, personal friends of mine who understand the history of their movement and love God, justice and mercy.
The Spirit of God is real, God heals still.
ttp://ceruleansanctum.com/
The Bentley comeback is on the move.
Hard to believe, reading all the facts
posted on so many websites.
What can be done in the face of such evil?
Sandy, do you know that Todd does not believe
that God wrote the Bible?
It was posted on the FFM website.
It is written in his book.
Neither does Morningstar Ministries.
They sent me an email saying so.
Be careful who you follow Sandy.
And read 2 Tim 3:16.
Good question Randy:
We pray, we warn carefully, we watch.
He has put up new web pages, I think you are correct, he’s working on a comeback.
everybody sees things through different eyes not always through christian eyes. lakeland wasn’t bout a man it was bout seving our KING JESUS. .Remember bentley is a man .we all make problems for ourself . if u can tell me 1 who is perfect besides our Lord BUT U CAN’T. What all say todd did is forgiviable.as christians we are to help each other.I went to lake land for 5 days it was awesome and it was like touching a peice of heaven praise God. it wasn’t bout todd . he was only there the first nite i was.and after there was as much fire without him . Faith in God is what did the healing and saving not Todd. but if he did do something out of text I FORGIVE HIM and would like to see him back preaching again . i may sound crazy but what if he didn’t do anything and just wanted to get off a man and set their eyes back on Jesus. Just a thought .God Bless all cotinue to pray for todd to find his way back .
kathy
Dear Kathy,
You are very sweet to have such a forgiving spirit. No one is judging you here. We have studied the history of this movement that spawned Todd Bentley, and found it to be occultic in it’s origins, beliefs, and practices. We are not saying this to be mean to people, we are saying this because it is the truth. We have the Biblical command to search out and find out what is of God, and what is not of God. We do this, not to be cruel or critical, but to be obedient to the holy word and will of God.
Kathy, I am going to give you one word. I want you to take this word, and do research on it, and study what it is, and where it come from. It will help you to understand the spirit that is being spread throught the charismatic/prophetic movements right now through the laying on of hands. It is a place to begin to search. Here is the word: “Kundalini “
The effects of divorce on children, and ex-wives, is not anything God ever planned for them. (“Thy will be done…..”). My God would not place a man in charge who threw away his family. My God would not let one lamb (Todd’s children AND wife) get lost for the sake of another (Todd’s entourage)! Todd’s children and his wife were HIS responsibility. How many ex-wives and children of divorce will go to this man for spiritual/emotional/physical healing? WHY?? Are we pretending that divorce is NOT the worst thing that could happen to a family? Are we forgetting that God HATES divorce? How could anyone go to a man who dumped four of God’s children, his MAIN responsibility in life, and think this man is a man who is close to God? How could these people who back up Todd allow what is happening to his family and embrace this woman he has shared the sin of adultery with??? WHAT ABOUT HIS EX-WIFE AND KIDS? We are justifying their misery by even considering this fool! Talk about the King’s New Clothes!!!
Once upon a time there were fires of sin popping up around this christian. The christian fought hard and long, and when one fire was out two or three more would come out of the earth. Oh, how will I get all of the fires out?, the christian thought. Just at that moment two very kind soft spoken gentle souls walked up to the christian. “We will help you get the fires out.” The christian said, “Yes!” “I’ll go get the hose and will get these annoying fires out!” When the christian got the hose ready and pointed towards all the fires, they were all out . The only thing left was the smoke.
Then, the two kind souls asked the christian to come with them. They all walked down a path to an isolated area with a very dry dirt road, that was all torn up. The christian wondered, “Why am I here?” The two gentle souls looked at the christian, bowed there heads, did not smile, backed up around 5 feet behind the christian, and folded their hands. All of a sudden the earth around the christian shook. The dried dirt road started to rumble, and take a shape of a man. The christian heard bones crack, saw arms and legs form, saw skin forming over the body. The christian looked back at the gentle souls and wondered, ” What is happening?” The gentle souls did not move. Then, the christian looked back at the body being formed in front of her.
All of a sudden the christian new, that this creature was after her. She started to run and the creature, fully formed like a human, came running after her. However, the creature was more than human, it was seeking to devour the christian.
Then, the christian heard a voice that said, ” Turn around and face him.” So, she said, “Ok!” When she stopped to face the creature, he stopped and kindly asked her, reaching out his long arm with such gracefulness, “Can I talk to you?” The christian responed, “Only in the name of Jesus can you talk to me.” As she point her finger in the creatures face.
In an instant the eyes of the creature changed to pure evil, so much that you could feel his deception. The creature could not handle anything to do with Jesus, turned and walked away defeated.
Then, the christian heard the voice again, an it said, “That was Lucifer.” The christian realized that Lucifer will do all he can to steal a soul, the very breath of God, out of a man created in God’s image.
So angry was Lucifer, that he could not face the christian.
Remember who the enemy really is and don’t let lies of the enemy invade your heart. Remember, we fight against pricipalities and powers that are unseen. I was the christian and this was my dream. Lucifer can be very deceptive and will try to invade whomever he can. We must alway keep our hearts open to Jesus and Him only. No one else can fill His shoes.
Just viewed a 6/10/09 video on MorningStar Ministries Website. Mr. Joyner sounds good. However, as a christian, I keep questioning this “restoration” work he is doing with Mr. Bentley.
His first wife and second wife both need help too. Why is this not included in the public forum? Where are the concerns for them? Or do his first and second wife care? The two women were present prior to all this deception. So, what’s really going on, if Mr. Joyner is so concerned about all us christians and what we really think?
I have many of unanswered questions about where is the #2 wife, and why is she not out there too? Where is the #1 wife and why so quiet? Why a book? I quess since this mass of confusion at Lakeland occured, they don’t think that us christian’s may have a thought or two about what is really going on. Who really opened this door for a flood of inquiries to take place? I bet the truth would help stop this.
Oh, well. The truth is out there somewhere! I sure hope that when the filtering of this story stops, then the true actions of all involved will be known. That will open a door for true restoration for us all. Then, the videos may stop too!
I have a question, that should concern not only christians but non-christians too. If Todd Bentley does have a record somewhere of being a child pedifile, is he registered as a sex offender where he lives? I know that churches are more aware of the concerns over issues like this, because of the obvious.
Now, don’t get upset at me because I have thought about this. We all know he is forgiven. But Todd’s tract record lately, at being honest in the public forum, well, is not good.
Anyhow, I was just wondering about it. After all, if it’s true, well I would want to be very informed. Let’s face it, he has not been real honest in the recent past.
I know, none of us is perfect. But Jesus gives us common sense tools to use too. So, I feel we need to use them.
In addition, if he was caught red handed in the crime, well, maybe more people should be concerned. Of course people change. Then again, they have relapses.
If it’s true, has he ever seeked help for this problem? I’m in nursing, and I do know a little about deep seeded problems that can cause adults to act inappropriatley. Oh well, just concerned about it.
Susan
Hi Susan:
Bentley was a juvenile so the term isn’t peodfilie.
That’s an adult who is sexually attracted to children.
The term you are looking for is sex offender, and yes, he spent 18 months locked up and got treatment.
There is no evidence he has committed any sexual crimes as an adult.
Would he be registered?
I don’t know.
Juvenile records and treatment are sealed, he chose to go public with the information.
I don’t know if a an adult from another country has to register as a sex offender in the US if the crime occurred in another country when they were under age.
I’m going from memory – I think Bentley was 15.
Yes, he was an abused and neglected child and a substance abuser. I see no reason he should be trusted, his adult track record as a manipulator, liar, substance abuser who lacks self-insight should give anyone serious pause.
The Report Magazine 2001 Rick Hiebert: Does forgiving mean forgetting?
“Bentley presents himself as a reformed bad boy who was once jailed for 18 months for “crimes of an assault nature” and breaking-and-entering in his hometown of Gibsons, B.C. The truth is, his most serious crime was more heinous: the molestation of a seven-year-old boy. “They were sexual crimes,” Bentley admits. “I was involved in a sexual-assault ring. I turned around and did what had happened to me. I was assaulted too. “
Thank you Bene Diction.
Susan
Susan, with regard to Rick Joyner, some people’s main website pages are really just ‘advertising’ – if you’re up for a little reading I recommend that you google Rick Joyner and his connection with the Knights of Malta, a Roman Catholic organization that has links with Freemasonry. Actually, I came across this page where he admits his membership with this organization and tries to explain why:
http://www.morningstarministries.org/Mobile/default.aspx?group_id=1000012244&article_id=1000014047
(hope that link comes up alright – not sure if I did it properly, I’m a little bit electronically challenged!)
Also, http://www.intotruth.org has some info to help learn more about Rick Joyner and what he is really about.
If y’all had submitted to James Strang instead of being fooled by that baffoon Brigham Young none of this stuff with Toddys’ Bentley would’ve happened in the first place. Arrrrghh! for Petes’ sake !