He's a Mythomaniac, maniac on the floor...

The Let Us Reason apologetics website has done a very nice job comparing three different versions of Todd Bentley’s Angelic Pillar of Fire story, and has found some rather interesting discrepancies in the three stories. Regardless of how you mught feel about this resource, in this case they simply have provided transcripts of the three accounts. The obvious conclusion is that Todd Bentley just makes it up as he goes.



Some have problems believing his fantastic stories - perhaps because of theological reasons - but I think more important is the question: Is he just telling tall tales to gain attention and validation?

Look again at the three different versions of the same story. This is not the parallel gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. This is the account as told by one man. That report is here: link

So I took it upon myself to review another Todd Bentley angel story.

In his 2003 teaching on angelic visitations, he states:

I first saw the angel called Healing Revival on December 5 of 2000 in Grant’s Pass. The angel came to me again in Albany the next February. He stood in the church service with his body going through the ceiling of the church. Then the Lord told me the angel’s name and that he was the same angel I saw in Grant’s Pass earlier. God also revealed to me that this angel was involved in the ministry of John Lake, William Branham, and John Knox in Scotland. This angel, the Lord said, is from the North West Healing Revival and is manifesting again as a sign that God is restoring the Voice of Healing revival and opening up the ancient wells.

However, in the circa 2004 video from TACF, he states that during the February 2001 Albany visitation, God told him that the angel he had seen in 1998 was the same as the angel “healing revival” that he had seen in Grants Pass- Dec 5,2000. timestamp starting at 4:39



So in the 2004 version he tells us he first saw this angel in 1998 (having been made aware that it was the same angel in 2001- God told him) yet in the 2003 version he tells us that he first saw this angel in 2000.

I have long maintained that he has been telling these angel stories so that he can claim that he has Branham’s and Lake’s personal angel- validating his own ministry.

As wacky as his "angelology" seems to be, I guess it no longer is important- if these tales are total fabrications.

Quoting a friend:

“Oh my, if he can’t even tell the details or major facts of such an important (to him) spiritual experience the same way, who in the world would trust him to tell the truth on anything?

Changing the Expression of Christianity

The Lord simply said, ‘I will change the understanding and expression of Christianity in the earth in one generation.’
-Mike Bickle

Who would have thought he meant this?



***WARNING*** ***WARNING*** ***WARNING***

As bad as the video is, even the audio on this video is very disturbing. DO NOT play this with children in the room.

One blogger, speaking of Lakeland, suggests that “Somewhere along the way, we’ve forgotten about the playfulness of God during times of revival.”

My conclusion can only be that a god of playfulness, or a lord who would change the expression of Christianity in this manner is not the Lord God Almighty of the bible.

Although this nonsense is not confined to Lakeland, it has been brought into the forefront by Lakeland. If you can stomach it, lets look at a clip of self proclaimed "New Mystic" John Crowder part of another stream of this polluted river.



Did I tell you that Crowder's book is a best seller at the IHOP bookstore in Kansas City?

Todd Bentley, at Lakeland, says "We're drinking the glory of God." His associates responds "We're going to laugh the Hell out of people."

Anyone who steps into it, get's it.

-Todd Bentley

May God have mercy on their souls. Come soon, Lord Jesus.

If the gospel works at all, it worked before there were airplanes.

We learned yesterday of Pastor Larry Reed's passing. Reed was pastor of Olympic View Assembly of God and had terminal cancer. He had been to Lakeland on the 18th and was pronounced "healed." Now some are predictably chiming "lack of faith."

The teachings on keeping your healing are pretty well established within chariscostal thought. Frankly, I think that it leads to a works-based salvation, in this case where the Works is Faith. Forget Faith without works- this is Faith equals Works.

Within the recipients of this teaching, it creates a mental/spiritual anguish that often is worse than the physical affliction. "Do I have enough faith? Why am I still sick? I'm going to name it and claim it, Bless God, although I feel like crap."

I rather tend towards healing being a provision of my salvation, based in the atonement. I understand that faith is essential. But my faith is in JESUS AND THE CROSS, not in some healing manisfestation.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Faith like this - God is so Good. I believe that He is real. I believe that he sent his son Jesus to die on the cross. I believe that I am healed "by his stripes." The faith becomes focused on God, not on the affliction. We have RELATIONSHIP with GOD, behind the veil as it were.

I say all of that to say this. Pastor Larry Reed surely had that kind of faith. In fact, based on healings that he had seen over his lifespan -he was an A/G pastor- I'm sure he had great faith of the other kind (faith to keep his healing). And so my conclusion is, for whatever reason, HE WAS JUST NOT HEALED. I don't cotton to suggestions that he was healed but didn't keep it because of some lack of faith. But I expected that it would be suggested. The suggestion is offensive to the gospel and his family.

I'm not concerned that he wasn't healed.

Sometimes we aren't. So what?

Here's where the crux of the problem is- a revival atmosphere that suggests that he was healed. If Bentley proclaimed that he was healed (the event does not appear to be on the May 18th video), and if the angel "healing revival" is often whispering such info into Bentley's left ear -which means healing so he says- that who are we to dispute it?

Like Dutch Sheets, with whom I often differ, I am greatly concerned about the proclaimings of healings which may have not taken place. And the audience goes wild over vain imaginations. Is that faith or is it stupidity?

We can write Pastor Reed off as one unable to keep his healing. In Toronto, they wrote people off who did not manifest as "HTR."

My heart goes out to the "hard to recieve" people; the charismatic discards. Jesus died for them too. I am deeply pained by the anguish that many across the word are feeling. They have been handed a lie- that all you have to do is "come and get some" - come to the revival and you will get your healing and a chunk of "glory."

If the gospel works at all, it worked before there were airplanes.

I have already seen tension in the sick among those I know or correspond with. Perhaps they have sought for a physical manifestation of healing for years. Now, they are feeling like maybe if they just go to Lakeland, they will be healed. But they don't have the money for an air ambulance if that were possible. Or cannot get away from their job. Or they suspect maybe it is not the right thing to do. Tension. And not from God, whose "peace passes all understanding."

Are people getting healed at these meetings? I would suggest that some are. But the hype (Bob Jones himself called it a 3 ring circus) and the false proclaimations make me sick.

Todd Bentley has stated "We do not have to age." Either that is truth, or it is a lie. Hint - it is a lie.

Last night I watched the May 18th video timestamp 03:19:00. A family with a young girl with terminal brain cancer brought her to the revival. There was a language barrier. After praying, with no visible manifestation, Bentley asks the girls father- what did she say? He says "she want's food" Bentley turns to the crowd - did you hear that- she's hungry - as if this is a manifestation of healing. Then the father tells him she's hungry all the time, the medicine makes her that way. Bentley skillfully changes the subject immediately.

I've seen him do this with cold readings, where he gets all excited, proclaims something and the crowd goes wild, and then he realizes he heard the person wrong when the person corrects him. Quick coverup, or just "slay them in the spirit" is the usual practice.

He is very good at not looking bad (keeping an atmosphere of faith, he might say), but I would prefer that he own up to his mistakes. Seems that angel - sometimes the "angel of the Lord" i.e. Jesus -as TB states it, whispering in his left ear is not too accurate.

If we must test all prophecies, then we must certain test the proclamations of those who say Jesus is whispering in their ear.

I want to minister to the hurting, and the HTR's, the discards. I believe this is the heart of the Father God. But alas, many have believed a lie.

I don't want this to sound too harsh, but that's the issue. And that's why Pastor Reed's death is pertinant to the discussion. Proclamations, with so-called apostolic authority, claimed by virtue of dozens, if not hundreds of 3rd heaven experiences, are being made.

Just as we can verify many miracles, we can verify a false proclamation. Death is pretty convincing.

We have two choices here- either we succumb to the explanation - lack of faith- for all proclaimed healings, or we determine that lies are being spoken in the name of Jesus.

Let us not dishonor Pastor Reed, and hundreds, possibly thousands of others who are not healed, by attributing it to their shortcomings. Thank God that Jesus heals out of compassion. If it were up to our own merits, we would all be dead.

Father, I pray for Pastor Reed's family, freinds and congregation. Comfort them with your loving touch. Let this not be a stumbling block to their walk after you. Allow them to see your purposes in this this, and please Lord, work all things for good for those who seek after you.

Father, it is not our agenda to see people look good or bad. I pray that you would heal the sick and afflicted, including this liitle girl with the brain tumor. Show yourself mighty!

True Revival

The sign of true revival is when there are no catchers.


Selah.

The Return of Paul Cain

Back in 2004, I wrote an article on Paul Cain entitled Reflections on Paul Cain. A few things have transpired since and an update is in order.

After Cain was publicly rebuked by Joyner, Green and Bickle he confessed to his sins, a confession that was quickly removed from his website. Later, he chose to reject accountability to Joyner, Green and Bickle, and looked elsewhere for his "restoration."

In 2007 Paul Cain declared that he had been "restored" to ministry and as expected has been doing some conferences in 2008.

Paul Cain was invited to and spoke at Todd Bentley's "Florida Outpouring" on May 4, 2008. At that meeting Cain declared that this move of God would be the spirit of Elijah and usher in the endtime and the coming of Jesus. He also said that he had seen “the new breed” here tonight. "New Breed" is a Latter Rain / MSoG catch-phrase.

According to Charisma Magazine, "The prominent 78-year-old prophetic minister told a crowd at a revival meeting in Lakeland that “allegations” and rumors circulating about him were not true. The comments made many wonder whether, in alluding to his past, Cain was withdrawing his confession from three years ago, when he publicly acknowledged his failings involving alcoholism and homosexuality."

As reported by one observer, Paul Cain seemed confused many times during the meeting. He even forgot Todd’s last name a couple of times. His word to the intern about “having the romance of a lifetime” seemed out of place and strange.

As Cain was starting to prophecy to this intern, he made a rather odd statement. Odd, in that he had previously confessed to a homosexual encounter.

Now something sweet for all of you that are, uh, You know I've been a celibate all my life, and I wanted , I wanted to get married...

Here's how Charisma Magazine publisher Steve Strang saw it:

Also, at one of the meetings recently Paul Cain was given a place on the platform. Unfortunately Paul Cain has disqualified himself from ministry due to various sins in his life he has confessed to including drunkenness and homosexuality. Other ministers have worked to restore him, but we are told that the restoration process has not continued. Nevertheless, Paul publicly said in Lakeland that there were "false rumors" about him and that he had lived a "chaste life." Both are not true.

Strang Got it mostly right. Cain said "celibate" not chaste. Let's go to the tape:

Rick Joyner put his spin on it as well:

As it has been reported that Todd would not let Paul come back on the platform after he asserted that he had lived a celibate life is a credit to the integrity that Todd is trying to maintain in his ministry. If Paul had even just said that he had made serious mistakes in his life and owned them just a little, it would have given me hope, but it seemed quite clear to me that not much has changed with Paul, and in fact, they are getting worse. Even so, I am resolved to not give up on Paul for as long as he is with us. I long for the day, as I know Jack and Mike do also, when we can assert that Paul is free of the serious strongholds in his life and should be restored to ministry.

Presently, my concern for him grew considerably after his night in Lakeland.

Joyner also got it almost right. Cain was ON the platform when he gave his goofy "prophecy." So it is not true that "Todd would not let Paul come back on the platform after he asserted that he had lived a celibate life." In fact after the intern prophecy segment, Cain stayed ON the platform an additional 7-1/2 minutes. Bentley had Cain give him an "impartation" after Cain lied (wowsers!), and then allowed Cain to continue to minister, as Cain spoke a word of knowledge concerning the healing of 300 heart conditions.

The whole episode was very sad. One can only hope Paul Cain will now retire from all active ministry.

A Reckless Revival?

Over the last several years I have studied, and written articles about, the dangers of the Apostolic/Prophetic movement. These articles point out the deep ties to the Latter Rain Heresy and other strange doctrines such as Dominionism and Manifested Sons of God (MSoG). Generally my articles have been well received, at least in my circles. But, as you can see, "Joel's Army" is alive and well.



The danger is not new within Pentecost. In 1948 the Assemblies of God dealt with the Latter Rain heresy. More recently, in 2000, there was "Resolution 16" which was backed by an A/G position paper which dealt "with current emphases, teachings, or practices which mark departure from our scriptural understanding of local church government and ministry; and a variety of issues or excesses surfacing in charismatic/Pentecostal churches today, which can impact various of our churches and ministries."

So what should we do when a "powerful move of God" appears to surface in these last days? How do we evaluate it?

We must first agree that the Scriptures are the "infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct."

What do we do when that "powerful move of God" is accompanied by what appear to be miraculous healings? Does that change anything?

Again, we must agree that the Scriptures are the "infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct."

Doctrine is important. We cannot lay doctrine by the way just because we have witnessed a miracle, or felt goosebumps, or seen "prophecies" confirmed. II Thessalonians 2:9 tells us that Satan is capable of "counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders." Should we not expect these as the end draws nigh?

Jesus himself stated "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (Matthew 24:24) Friends, it IS likely that many people will be deceived.

Make no mistake about it, in these days we will hear much about angelic activity. One revivalist currently on the scene talks about seeing angels, and recounts their brightness. The Bible coincidentally calls Satan "an angel of light." (2 Cor 11:14)

OK, now that I've got you interested let me stop pussy-footing around. What is going on in Lakeland Florida with Todd Bentley? If you haven't heard about it, you will.

Even before the so-called "Florida Outpouring" Bentley assumed "apostle status" by virtue of his visitations with Jesus and the apostle Paul. In one visitation he claims to have seen Jesus in an unglorified body, with "eyes like Bambi." At the "outpouring" he announced that he was receiving his "kingly anointing." Without going into the details, this is dominion theology with a good dose of Latter Rain. Be leery of anyone who talks about establishing the "government of God." The Bible says "The Government shall rest on HIS shoulders" (Isaiah 9:6).

Bentley, in talking about healing, has proclaimed that "we do not have to age." This is a keystone of the MSoG heresy. More recently, it was reported that he stated "Tonight I’m not a man, because, I’m under the Anointing."

I'm still looking for the video on that (3 witnesses so far), but based on his extensive collections of teachings available on the internet, it is plausible. Also probably not worth further consideration, because any objection will invariably be countered with "that's not what I was really saying."

However, here is Bentley paraphrasing Psalm 91:1-2:

He who dwells, not visits, dwells in the abode of God shall be like the Most High in that you will be uppermost, far above, in the highest excellence of anything that you do in your life as supreme ruler in your circumstances. He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High is supreme, far above uppermost, highest heights of heaven, lofty, excellence, overcoming Christian. Are you understanding me?!?"

This should be disturbing. Unless I'm not "understanding" him.

We do know that Bentley has compared his meetings to those of William Branham. Branham denied the trinity and promoted the bizarre "serpent seed" doctrine. Bentley states that the angel named "Healing Revival," who was one of Branham's angels, is now often present at his meetings, Also there is much talk about an angel named "winds of change" at these meetings, as announced by both Bentley and "prophet" Bob Jones. Bentley also speaks of Bob Jones' angel "Emma."

Much of the "Emma" teaching was recently removed from his website; you may find an archive copy of the teaching here.

Bentley speaks of "spirit travel" and mentions that he has literally traveled to Australia in the spirit; that he physically walked on the streets there. So far, no eyewitnesses have come forward.

Bentley, while on stage, constantly talks about the "Angel of the Lord" whispering in his left ear and telling him things. According to Bentley, "left ear" means "healing."

In his November 2003 teaching on "Angelic Hosts" Bentley states this:

.. when I need a financial breakthrough I don’t just pray and ask God for my financial breakthrough. I go into intercession and become a partner with the angels by petitioning the Father for the angels that are assigned to getting me money: “Father, give me the angels in heaven right now that are assigned to get me money and wealth. And let those angels be released on my behalf. Let them go into the four corners of the earth and gather me money..

There are many other aspects of Bentley's theology that are disturbing, but his preoccupation with angelic beings is easiest to demonstrate. His emphasis on transferrence is another aspect that begs for futher study.



Much of what he teaches was gathered through routine "third heaven experiences," which to many observers resembles astral projection. Legitimate or not, the entire point of these "third-heaven" experiences is that this movement teaches that revelation gained through such experiences is at a higher level than other revelation. By this definition, a third-heaven revelation trumps much of the Bible.

So here's an example of Bentley's third-heaven revelation:

Do you know what green represents, besides prosperity? It’s growth, new things, life, growth in the Lord, what you grow into. Blue is revelation, and when you grow into revelation, what does it release? Purple! This color represents authority and kingship. [Revelation and counsel bring might, and revelation releases the true authority which brings the kingdom.] What happens after purple? Pink! Remember, last week I said that pink prophetically represents love and emotions. These two attributes are crucial because faith works by love! So, here’s the download: You grow in revelation; revelation releases authority, and the kingdom comes and rules; and it operates out of emotion and love.

Bentley should get together with his mentor Bob Jones, a man who has visions of angels, hears voices, claims to meet and talk with God almost every night, has had out of the body experiences frequently and has hands that turn purple in the presence of sin. Apparently in Jones' third-heaven realm, purple has another meaning.

By the way, the Book of Hebrews, according to Bentley, was written by Abraham, as dictated to Paul through a third-heaven experience, which is why Paul did not claim authorship in the text.

Can you see what happens when the Word of God is relegated to the status (as stated by some in the prophetic movement) of "stale manna?"

I could go on at length at how well Bentley is doing in self-promotion. But just as signs and wonders are not a valid test, neither are things such as this. Nor should we judge the meeting by the abberant manifestations, the violent laying on of hands (with pushing), or the leading questions during testimonies. In one service while he was acting "prophetic" as he interviewed someone who had been healed, he misheard them, and then made a quick correction. Its my personal opinion that he has learned all the tricks of the trade, and learned them well. Frequently, when someone claims that this or that happened to them, Bentley will then state that the Lord had showed him that beforehand.

Others would be alarmed by his unseemly pre-conversion past, or the hideous tattoos and piercings which have appeared in just the last few years. Its not about appearances, either.

No, we must stand firm on Doctrine. And where good doctrine is not present, we should simply stay away. Do not fear that you will miss something that others proclaim God is doing. God will reward you for standing on his Word.

Is God there? We know that where two or three are gathered in his name He will be there. And when you get several thousand together, with a sense of expectation, you should expect some good things as a result. The jury is not out on the healings, which God may be doing in spite of the circumstances. In fact, God seems to be moving in healing at many different places right now.

God is up to something. Let's get revived! Let's do so within the loving constraint of the Holy Scriptures.

Further Reading:

• Lee Grady 5-14-08 Honest Questions about the Lakeland Revival. I often disagree with Lee Grady, editor of Charisma Magazine, but this is "spot on."



• Jacki Alnor, May 11, 2008 I do not agree with all the conclusions of this article, but it is useful background material.



• About Bentley and Angels I may not agree with everything on this website, but this is an excellent summary.



• Endtime Revival–Spirit-Led and Spirit-Controlled A/G position paper.
  
  
• Todd Bentley's Teachings I'd suggest April 30, 2007 for starters.
  

Media:

• Todd Bentley on The Angel of Finance (Audio) Print Version



• Bentley knees a guy in stomach near end of clip. Note him patting his knee like a cowboy gunslinger with his gun.



• "Great Florida Healing Revival" video archive. The evening services are the ones generally over 200 minutes. Other clips from day meetings and excerpts of evening meetings.