Pentecostal
| Posted On: 06/17/08 09:22:05 PM |
Age 57, FL |
I am a pentecostal believer. I was saved in a pentecostal church that was very focused on holiness. I've seen 'stuff' that I was not very fond of, however, I've seen and experienced moves of God in a service where the responses were filled with jumping and excitement...there was spiritual freedom and demonstrations of power. I've shouted and run the aisle and was more excited about being a child of God than words can fully express.
As pastor of a pentecostal church, I've had people recently ask me about the 'Lakeland Revival'. I knew nothing about it, and I live just over an hour away. My mother-in-law lives in Lakeland and she'd heard nothing about it. I have since heard that the services are on TV and the response has been large. I don't know how real or unreal the move is, but I'm slow to accept your analysis of it's lack of authenticity. Those who believe pentecostal people are weirded out ding bats have already make up their minds (aka. charismaniacs, crazimatics, etc.). Pentecostal churches are filled with people who at one time used derogatory names to describe what they have become. The move of the Holy Spirit is marvelous. There is the genuine or there would be no counterfeits. I would caution your discerning readers to be slow in talking evil about that which they don't know anything about, other than third hand reports. I have a placard on my desk that reads, "Lord help my words to be gracious today, for tomorrow I may have to eat them." Just because the Holy Spirit anointing is on someone does not make them perfect or immune from faux pas. Pray for the people in this '3rd wave' as it's apparently being referred to.
Also, please stop suggesting that a move of God's Spirit has to cover an extended period of time to qualify as genuine. God moves in His time and we would do well to get on His time table. The Pensacola Revival touched a lot of lives and only eternity will be able to aptly judge it's overall credibility.
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- God's ways beyond our understanding
| Posted On: 06/18/08 07:30:03 AM | | Age 53, KY |
God uses signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost to confirm His work among his people. (Hebrews 2:4) There is little condemnation of dead churches where you don't even hear laymen pray any more. It's the entertainer talking to the yawning audience, and God help you when your life falls apart, becuase the church has little to offer.
I drove a thousand miles to visit the Pensacola revival. I have attended seminary, and memorized 14 books of the New Testament. I consider myself Biblically literate. Our churches need life, not more scholars whose robes wrap dead men's bones. How God chooses to manifest himself is beyond my understanding, and at times is embarrassing to my puny little world of political correctness. But I will not condemn anyone I have not heard first hand. I attended a two hour sermon by Rob Bell this year. I was deeply moved, and God spoke to me through His word in that service. God stirred by heart in Pensacola. I was healed in a very unconventional outdoor camp meeting service about five years ago, and the speaker was very offensive to 99% of the "audience."
When God begins to confirm the preaching of the Word in your church with signs and wonders and healings, when laymen begin to cry out to God or fall in deep conviction, let me know. I will drive a thousand miles to visit your church too. I am hungry, starving hungry for God, and I was born into a church that is overwhelmed by darkness. What's going on at your church? Basketball, lunch, parties, women's groups, kids camps, hello?
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- Re: God's ways beyond our understanding
| Posted On: 06/18/08 02:14:08 PM | | Age 50, TX |
I am so thankful that the Lord has put this thirst in your heart to seek him, and that you have put His word in your heart. I also wholeheartedly agree, sadly, that most of our churches today have become more of a mass-market entertainment center rather than a place to worship Him in Spirit and truth. However, I would caution you about seeking that 'life' you want. First, like the fruits of the Spirit, that life and the wisdom that comes from it is peaceful, not frenetically emotional (James 3:17). Second, that life seeks one mediator, Christ (1Tim 2:5), and not an angel named Emma. Finally, when God is in something he often speaks in the still small voice described in 1Kings 19...not in the loud confusing pandamonium of uncontrolled laughing, shouting, jerking, and gyrating. Jesus said that we will know His people by their fruits. That is not judging, its discernment...there's a very big difference.
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- A Call To Truth
| Posted On: 06/17/08 11:21:15 PM | | Age 50, CANADA |
I would caution you fellow you are heading down a wide road to destruction .JESUS is the ( PRINCE OF PEACE ) and HE does not author confusion and furthermore if a man claims to be a minister of GOD under the annointing he would not behave like a devil and the Holy Spirit would not make you act like you are possesed .I would challenge you or anyone else including Todd Bently to come visit me face to face I would love the opportunity to cast the Devil out of you .These false revivals are powerless if GOD showed up in these so called churches you would all be struck dead because of the sin in you .Watch the local headline news you will see gays getting married because the church is dead in her sins she sits idle and does nothing while sin increases .The only fire people are going to witness is the judgment of GOD all the elements of the earth will be burned up in a fervent heat .
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Todd is deceived.....pray for discernment for the Church!
| Posted On: 06/17/08 06:17:39 PM |
Age 47, TN |
Having followed Todd Bentley's ministry for several years, I am very concerned about this "movement" that is spreading. "Face to face" visits with "Jesus" and the Apostle Paul in his heavenly cabin along with "electric" portals and hanging out with angels.....need I say more.
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What are your sources for this blistering attack?
| Posted On: 06/17/08 06:05:20 PM |
Age 53, IL |
Ms. Markell's warnings might have more merit if the supporting documentation didn't rely on gossip ("guess what Todd did before he became a believer--he was evil!")and ministries that are themselves suspect and habitually offer a knee-jerk cry: "demonic!" to anything they don't understand or takes them out of their comfort zone. We all must learn the difference between true discernment and 'i don't personally care for that." I am also tired of people quoting other websites that are unaccountable to anyone --opinion is not proof of anything. If you are going to squelch The Spirit, you better be sure, very sure, before you open your mouth, that it is not The Holy Spirit. Bentley has an impressive list of people who DO trust his ministry and I personally know people who experienced true healing and spiritual revival as a result of what's going on in Lakeland.
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He's Human!
| Posted On: 06/17/08 05:49:28 PM |
Age 26, GA |
My husband went and was completly changed by the Glory of God that was ingnited in him, and it is not atributed to Todd Bently at all. The fruit that comes from people opening their hearts to receive more from the Lord, needs to be completely attributed to God pouring himself out onto his people. Do I think that all "manifestations" are genuine, probably not. But we are dealing with humans here people! Todd Bentley is human. Is he a little weird? YES! But so was Jesus, need I remind you that he was not "buddy-buddy" with everyone. And why? Because they couldn't fit the things that He was doing in their little minds. All the strange things that are happending there may not fit in our minds and there are two reasons; #1 God is God, #2 People react different way to the Glory of God and to His presence (who are we to judge whether or not their being genuine or not). Get over yourselves people and let God be God.
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- God's ways beyond our understanding
| Posted On: 06/19/08 08:50:55 AM | | Age 43, AS |
The Purpose of signs and wonders:
We need to start by first establishing the Biblical basis for signs and wonders. The Jews had been under the Mosaic system of worship for some time and had long waited for the promised Messiah. So, when Christ came on the scene and the Apostles preached Jesus to be the Son of God, some proof was necessary so that men, especially the Jews were zealous of signs for proof of anything. You may remember that the scribes and Pharisees wanted a signs from Jesus(Mat.12:38). Jesus' answer to them was " an evil and adulterous seeketh after a signs" (Mat.1:22). It is one thing for God to grant signs, but another to seek after signs in order to believe. The fact that the Jews were zealous of signs is made evident by Paul's words in (1Cor.1:22)where he states, "For the Jews require a signs, and the Greeks seek after wisdom." The Bible tells us the apostles were preaching with signs and wonders. "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?" (Heb.2:3-4). Notice the writer says "them" and not "us". In the days that Christ's apostles preached they only had the O.T. and were preaching that the O.T. ceremonial system had been replaced. They were preaching that Messiah had come and fulfilled all that the Old economy's be backed up by signs and wonders. Now, how do we back up what we are preaching to be true? By the Bible, and nothing else! As Paul said, "Let God be true and every man a liar." (Rom.3:4) Jesus tells us that His "word is truth" (Jn.17:17). We have much to learn from the Bible the Holy Spirit as our teacher he will teach us.
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- Truly sad..
| Posted On: 06/18/08 05:08:29 PM | | Age 49, NORTHERN IRELAND |
Satan is doing such a wonderful job in this, promoting dissension amongst the body, because those who're being deceived aren't willing to consider the possibility. Our arrogance knows no bounds and those who refuse to view this phenomenon through the lens of scripture, but prefer to base their opinions on experience, are doomed to deception in spades.
Regardless of what some on here consider is happening in these meetings in respect of healings, any sane person watching him in full flow can see he is possessed and certainly not by the HOLY Spirit, because if he is, then I think we can all throw our bibles in the bin because they're not complete given there's not ONE instance of anything remotely similar happening within its pages.
And ironically - you mention how Jesus "wasn't buddy-buddy" with people - yet Bentley talks ad infinitum about how Jesus is buddy-buddy with him, and having long drawn-out conversations with him about all sorts of things. And his obsession with angels - if you read through scripture - in almost every single instance where someone met an angel, they certainly didn't treat them in the manner TB treats his or v.v., and as with the Holy Spirit, all the angels either imparted knowledge of prophecy that was very specific and not just for the person themselves, or pointed the person to Jesus.
All I've seen and heard from Bentley thus far is all personal experiential hype with no true substance in it to provoke anyone to repent, and seek the Lord's face in humility.
May the Lord have mercy on His people to deliver them from deception and heresy.
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- He's Human
| Posted On: 06/18/08 12:28:47 PM | | Age 58, IN |
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1
True spirits will hold up under Truth.
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Heresy
| Posted On: 06/17/08 04:20:37 PM |
Age 66, WA |
I have been going to a church for the last 6 months or so. I thought something was wrong but I didn't want to admit it. Last Saturday we had what we call a huddle, and during a conversation, The pastor says well you know I use Rick Warrens Material to preach with. I Blurted out "I know I can Tell" . It Just came Out, He was defending Rick Warren's book.
I got a little sick, and have decided to exit that church.
I feel deceived and hurt. But I knew the signs were there and I should have exited earlier.
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crazimatics
| Posted On: 06/17/08 01:57:02 PM |
Age 55, FL |
That why they are coined "crazimatics" after all. Anyone who barks, laughs, howls, chicken sqawks, etc ad naseum "in the spirit", may be in A spirit, but is not right in the head, for whatever reason. They will not draw genuine Christians, but they will cause the rest of us to be punished by the governing authorities, and for good reason. Russia opened up to the gospel, then these freaks ran in right away to gain converts. Russia had to pass laws to stop simple people from being duped by these charlatans. Don't think it can't happen here in time.
It is shocking what lengths people will go to in order to avoid simply trusting and obeying what God has told us. Its the same as the Shroud of Turin and grilled cheese Jesus images crowd. The Scripture teaches that God uses the foolishness of preaching, but that doesn't mean that every fool should preach. Thanks for the "headsup" Jan.
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Weeping and gnashing of teeth
| Posted On: 06/17/08 12:48:48 PM |
Age 61, MO |
With Floods, earthquakes, fires, droughts, a food crisis, an economic crisis all happening at once around America, this is NOT a time for this sort of Todd Bentley blasphemy. America is going under the hand of Judgment. Indeed that hand is now beginning to show itself more and more clearly to the discerning Christian. Our Economy is collapsing. This is not merely a recession, but will soon be a full blown depression. Today most people do not want to hear God's truth. They roll their eyes or run away as soon as you mention God and his ways. The Churches, by and large, are not preaching the word of God, but rather New Age mumbo-jumbo that sounds religious but isn't. We have false revivals, false prophets, false evangelists of every stripe deceiving the people. Very few are warning about the things that are happening, and that are to come to America. We must prepare our hearts accordingly and cling to the Savior, Jesus Christ. Those of us who truly know him should have no fear, because He will see us through these times. Those that don't know Him should be afraid, because the disasters that are now happening are only the beginning of what will befall the US. Sadly, most Americans I see are completely oblivious to what is happening. I believe it is part of a spiritual blindness. Many have taken a drink from the cup that the Great Harlot gives to all who serve her. It is called deceit. Most Americans are drunken from the cup of this harlot and can no longer see what is happening. Many people are blind and ignorant of our spiritual, economic, and political fate. The call for America to corporately repent has ceased. She has gone too far. There will be no general or mass revival. Now is the time for individuals to save themselves by coming to the Cross and serving the only one who can save us: Jesus Christ. George Cancilla
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- re:Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth
| Posted On: 06/18/08 09:19:42 AM | | Age 50, TX |
George,
While I agree with the vast majority of what you said, and while God may destroy this country, I would caution you not to pass judgement on it. First of all that's not your jurisdiction (nor mine), it is Christ's. Second, it is up to Him when and how he will bring judgement. Our family's prayer is, and will continue to be, that He would indeed lead this country not only to repentance but to spiritual reformation. He is our only hope.
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I was called a legalist and a Pharisee
| Posted On: 06/17/08 12:14:45 PM |
Age 39, KY |
I have written a blog myself @ http://paducahtruth.blogspot.com that speaks about Todd Bentley and the following he is amassing in Florida. I have since visited the chatroom assoiciated with the "revival". I asked point blank 5 times "How can I be saved?" No answers, then I tried "Can someone tell me how to get saved?" 5 times more and nothing. I then changed it a bit and asked "Can someone please tell me how to not go to hell?" 5 times and still nothing. After that I typed in 1John4:1 and a little bit about false prophets and testing to make sure they are from God. Now with that I got bombarded with comments saying I need to leave, that how dare I judge such an outpouring from God and I believe called several names that included a legalist and a Pharisee. I guess that shows the mind fram of those that follow Bentley. They are looking for a healer rather than seeking salvation, I assume they cared nothing about my questions of how to obtain salvation, which any true Christian would be chomping at the bit to actually have someone ask them how to come to a saving faith through Christ. I guess not in Lakeland. salvation has not been mentioned over the hours I have watched the nightly airing on godtv. Please pray that these poor lost souls will find the Messiah they are looking for instead of this half-baked used car salesman named Todd Bentley.
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- Re: Legalist and Pharisee
| Posted On: 06/18/08 09:29:07 AM | | Age 50, TX |
This is a sad state of spiritual condition indeed. I suspect part of the reason why no one answered your repeated calls on how to be saved may have been that no one could lead you through the Roman road or any other collection of the verses that describe God's marvelous plan of salvation. Our naion, as spoken of in the article, can not spiritually discern, and will follow just about anyone who will say "here is Christ...there is Christ". We are turned at Satan's will since we rely on emotions and our flesh rather than the Power that transforms our mind "...that we may prove [discern] what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God".
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Matthew 11: 16,17 and Matthew 13: 13-16
| Posted On: 06/17/08 11:32:05 AM |
Age 56, BELGIUM |
I received the above two scriptures for this outpouring and I feel sorry for those who attack as a third party. I have only watched Todd on the God Channel but have never seen anything that is grievious unto God or grieves my spirit. We need to be awakened from the apathy that has become so comfortable to us. 1st 2nd or 3rd wave if it is of God, it will continue and grow and if not it will fizzle out. Don't attack this outpouring by becoming like one of the Pharisees in Jesus'day. Give Jesus the victory he came to die for, give God the honour and glory. Satan has ruled and been given control too often. May God continue to rein down his power, glory and love.
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- Be discerning
| Posted On: 06/18/08 09:53:20 AM | | Age 50, TX |
Jesus also said "by their fruits ye shall know them". We are also told in Hebrews that we are to have "...our senses exercised to discern [differentiate] both good and evil". That exercising comes from reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the word of God. If what Mr. Bentley does or says goes against Scriptural principles, patterns, or precepts then we should call it sin because that's exactly what it is. This act is not judgmental or Pharisaical, its proving what the man said (Rom 12:2, 1Thes 5;21). And, if Mr. Bentley actually believes that he can go with this 'angel' Emma to make an appeal to God then he is in direct violation of Scripture that says there is "...one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1Tim 2:15). I encourage you, since Prov 28:26 says that someone that trusts in his heart is a fool, to not evaluate this man's ministry on your feelings, but simply on how that ministry conforms to the Word of God.
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Matthew 11: 16,17 and Matthew 13: 13-16
| Posted On: 06/17/08 11:10:54 AM |
Age 56, BELGIUM |
The above two scriptures were given to me and I trust them. I feel sorry for those who need to respond as a third party, and suggest everyone should make up their own mind. I have not seen Todd in person, only on the God Channel. Although his ways are not altogether familiar to me, he is waking up a generation who have become apathetic. I have seen nothing from him that has been televised that is grievious either unto God or my spirit. If it is not the Lord it will die. May God's kingdom reign in power and might and Satan begiven no more glory whether it's in sickness or in health.
May God reign
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