Peace and Love in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Well, I’m writing this because I’ve learned from my cousin Joey: one always has to examine both sides before one can come to an intelligent position. Incase you are not familiar with who Todd Bentley is and what he is going through; here is just a couple of sentences on him. Todd Bentley is a man of God who moved mightily in the glory and healing manifestation of God in order to see souls come to Christ. He was a primary figure recently involved in the Lakeland, FL outpouring. While there however, he fell into sin with another woman and his ministry came to a depressing halt. But, I just heard he is back in serving and is actually going through a restoration process under some well known leaders in the Body of Christ... And, he got remarried.
I am presenting my views and links to others’ as well. What prompted me to write this were the views and statements expressed by another Christian individual. Now, a lot of the things our Christian brother (from living in the way blog) says in bringing his arguments of what he sees going on with Todd (like his divorce and remarriage) are true, but I disagree with disrespecting him in the manner he does. I learned from Dr. Michael Brown not to call anyone a false prophet and to watch my tongue. Dr. Brown says something to the effect like, "If a person has the basic fundamental truths of the faith, they cannot be called a false prophet, because a false prophet would be preaching and encouraging the worship of a false god. I would rather say they are living in sin or teaching error, but that is not the same as calling them a heretical (going against the fundamental beliefs of salvation) false prophet." Dr. Brown get’s this conclusion from Matthew 7:15 where it says false prophets are wolves in sheep clothing. In other words, they pretend to be followers of The Way yet they are purposely trying to lead people away from Jesus (A lot more scriptures on false prophets here: http://www.forgottenword.org/scriptures.html ). I suggest going back and listening to Dr. Brown's radio shows 9/17/09-"The Godly Use of the Tongue" and 9/21/09-"Apostles, Prophets, and Spiritual Gifts for Today?" at http://lineoffireradio.askdrbrown.org/ or go to www.askdrbrown.org and click on Line of Fire Radio.
Here is the strongest opinion I found on this matter. The brother writes on a blog called Living in The Way.
http://blog.thewaycf.com/2009/03/todd-bentley-is-back-re-married-begging.html
So, the guy is calling Todd a false prophet
Here is a detail of a specific reason why the brother thinks Todd is a false Prophet or using non-godly sources: http://blog.thewaycf.com/2008/07/todd-bentley-emma-is-back-or-is-he-her.html
Now this is Todd Bentley's own website: http://www.freshfireusa.com/
Well, here we have Todd and Rick Joyner going over some updates and answering questions about restoration.
http://www.freshfireusa.com/media/0,40
To be honest when I first heard of Todd serving the Lord again, I was thrilled. I honestly believe Todd is anointed by God to heal for His glory. I also believe Todd came to salvation in Jesus’ name and brought many other people that same opportunity by the grace of God. My opinion on the matter of his divorce and remarriage is that I do believe he is in the wrong. My greatest fear is that he may cause other struggling brothers and sisters in Christ to divorce and marry someone else because they feel God will forgive them or that they married the wrong person. Here is what the Word of God says, Mark 10:6-9 “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (See also Matthew 19:4-6)
And, Mark 10:11-12 [Jesus] answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”
More scriptures on divorce at: http://www.jimfeeney.org/divorceandremarriage.html
Now, is Todd moving in spirits that are not of God when he heals? I cannot say that, but let me show you a verse first. Mark 13: 21-23
“ And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.”
So, why can I not say he is a false prophet, well the main thing is that Todd is still pointing to Jesus and not to himself. Also, Luke 11: 14-23 speaks about if a house is divided against itself it cannot fall. One cannot cast out demons by the lord of demons.
All I know now is that God is beginning a process in him and Philippians 1:6 says God will finish the good work He started. As for now, all we can do is pray, watch and see.
I brought this topic up with the hopes of having some healthful discussions that’ll cause us to grow and not fall into error. Please feel free to hit me back with your thoughts on this matter.
As for now, may the Lord Bless you and Keep you!
