LAKELAND REVIVAL WISH LIST
By Steve Behlke
May 17, 2008
Wow, I entered into the fray when I cautioned our church to be "discerning" regarding whatever they hear and see, trust or don't trust, that is currently happening through Todd Bentley's ministry in Lakeland, Florida.
I have not spent as much time as some of you watching the videos and reading the messages and listening to the audio streams out of Florida. Admittedly, I am not one who jumps on every Revival bandwagon, thinking that this must be the big new thing that God is doing! Yet, I am not one who takes up arms to disprove every revivalistic meeting, either. This current "revival" may be fully and wholly of God so I do not wish to cast a bad light on this ministry. However, not everything like this is necessarily God's work, so I do want to throw an all-eyes-look-to-Lakeland spotlight on it, either.
I want you to consider it with great discernment. Seeing that many things like this have both God and the devil in it at times. At the very least, God and human sin.
And let us not forget, God is still active in great and seemingly small things in gospel-preaching churches and committed Christian homes and Christ-loving ministries and humble hearts and broken but trusting lives and grace-relating small groups and overseas missionary movements, as ever before.
But this is what the buzz is currently over. So in terms of this revival, here's what I like, what I don't like, and what I'd like to see of this or any "Spirit-filled revival,"
What I Do Like:
- The excitement, passion, faith, and, yeah, the great worship (I wish we were all so excited about Jesus!)
- Every real and lasting healing that the Holy Spirit truly performs (awesome every time)
What I Do Not Like:
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More of these miracles that are seen on youtube which are not produced by Fresh Fire ministries (http://youtube.com)
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The crass, consumer-marketing on the http://www.freshfire website (major turn-off for me!)
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How Todd Bentley seems to order the Holy Spirit around
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Naming a spirit behind every sin or disease ("the spirit of alcoholism," "the spirit of cancer")
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How there's so much emphasis on healing but not on the Gospel
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Every time Todd Bentley says, "BAM!"
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The miniscule place for God's Word
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How the money keeps rolling in
- Angels called "Winds of Change" (call me old-fashioned, but whatever happened to angel names like Michael and Gabriel)
What I Would Like To See:
- Jesus not having to share the glory with Todd Bentley
- The Gospel preached and proclaimed
- Discipleship
- All the people who are hopefully healed, going home and growing in Christ and living missionally for Jesus, not basking in the memory of that one night's experience in Lakeland
- Jesus Himself at the center of excitement and not His healings
- Non-Christians saying, "Wow! Real miracles truly took place! Dude, who is this JESUS CHRIST who heals and forgives sins through that one pastor guy, er, uh, well, whatever his name was!?"
Thanks for your thoughtful, balanced take on this P.Steve. I, too, would like less of (Todd/Benny/Joel/me/you/etc...) and more of Jesus. As someone working to regain sensitivity to the still, small voice of God in my spirit, these bombastic, spirit shaking healing crusades tend to make me sad. It's just too easy for us sensation seeking humans to get addicted to ever increasing mountaintop highs and miss the outrageous, glorifying high of God's love exhibited all around us every day in experiences we too often take for granted or overlook. Lord, may I shake and weep in wonder at the miracle of breath, or a lily, a sunset over the sea, or conception, or love. May the ways in which He moves me grow ever more subtle and seemingly insignificant every day of my life, so that finally, ultimately, I can simply BE, ever in awe.
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I have looked at this blog several times today and debated wether I should reply or not. I tend to be cynical to this type of thing and know I shouldn't. I have several people close to me who chase after these "revivals" for that " awesome high" of being brought into the "Presence of God". I struggle with this, because, I see the healings, I hear the testimonies of the healings, not only in Lakeland, but other areas, thru these people, and I think, how great our God is. But, I guess, for me, the word revival feels like it should be more. I know, if you know me, that my personality is always asking, Isn't there more? It's just who I am. But, in these cases, I feel that, if this is being brought to a closer place to God, that, shouldn't we, as Christians, come out of there different? I am not saying that that is not happening there. To tell you the truth, because of these people in my life, who have chased this kind of thing, I tend to not be drawn to watch or get involved in it. I want it to be more!!!!! I want the root word for revival-revive-to be seen in the lives of the Christians who walk out of there. And if that is happening, with people coming in from all over, wouldn't we be feeling it around the world?
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Pastor Steve,
These revivals drive me nuts. I like your view on this due to the fact that Jesus is not at the center Bentley is. Thats all I'm going to say. I dont want to offend anyone who is following this guy.
PS I like the way you take on these issues. Its great and measured against the Bible.
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Steve,
Some things that I would like to say- firstly, I grew up as a young child in revival tent meetings similar to this although smaller. In fact I went online and saw the minister that my Mom had followed after and he is now in Tampa, after a divorce and multiple church splits. Steve, you have a great way of balancing things and I love your lists. I do feel that even crusades like this have their place, a word that is anointed or worship that is uninhibited can draw all to a deeper place with Christ. I can't deny the healings, anointings that I saw as a young teen and they did play a role in my coming to faith, but not neccesarily to my maturity as a Christian. HOWEVER, the same skepical suspicions of doubt come to view when I see the sametendancies for that feeling that something is not right or balanced in that arena. The same I had back then about he gold rings on the white suited screaming preacher that seemed to get melodramatic.
This is just me-
I distrust the tatoos and piercings that Todd has gotten subsquently since his convertion. One maybe two okay, but he looks like the guy at Coney Island just covered and a bit strange. Why is he shaping himself with that appearence? Is he appealing to his audiences or exggerating where he was brought out of bondage from or is he still in it? (It' not because I live in NE either!)
I noticed all the leaders call themselves "revivalists". This is their business.
The marketing of how to aquire "seer" gifts. As well has how to get in touch with
the supernatural world. A bit like the uogie board....
One thing that I think is that because this guy had a background in Satanic realms, the constant interface with that spiritual realm I believe have influenced his ministry. He constantly feels like he is under a attack...almost to the point of paranoia.
I would be interested to hear follow up testimonies several months after attending a crusade like this and seeing where they are.
It is by His stripes we are healed.
Thanks Steve for pastoring us....in that gentle way!
Lisa
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First let me say that every revival is a step to the biggest Harvest that is building even now. I think it is exciting to see people hungry for God! I can tell you personally I just spent last Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday at the Boston Outpouring and I personally witnessed (and I am not a sensationalist) people coming out to meet GOD...the worship and praise was so intense, the Manifest PRESENCE of the LORD was in the House of God! The first night we were in the Charles Hotel and it was a great night; but the next night it was moved to The First Baptist Church, Central Square Cambridge. From the moment I came in the church, the LORD's Presence was clearly there! I came up in foster care in this state, my life was destined for destruction and I hated the world and God too...God changed all of that...and in those 3 consecutive days that I came seeking HIS FACE..HE came too! Glory be to our great GOD!
HE wants us to seek HIM, not His blessings, He doesn't need our love, but HE loves to be loved by His children! Do not discount what Almighty God is doing in these revivals. Use Spiritual discernment to test the Spirits of course; but get in the prayer closet and ask GOD!
God doesn't do things the way man does...HE IS ALMIGHTY GOD! HE wants HIS church to GET OUT OF THE PEWS and into the streets, because that is where HE IS!!! HE is going to use the foolish things of this world to confound the wise! I was blessed to receive something I never ever felt completely in my life..."the love of the Father" and I actually felt HIM hold me as I grieved all the years I didn't know His love. PLEASE go to seeking the REVIVOR not the shakes and giggles, seek HIS FACE not just HIS hand...you will be so thankful when you do this!
May HE bless all as HE has blessed me!
For HIS GLORY! THE KING COMES!! Prepare YE the way of THE KING! Thank you LORD GOD!
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Well written and spoken from a heart touched by God. Thank you.
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Steve,
Please folks do not dismiss someone just because of their background! Many have come out of the same background as Todd and God redeems and we are all works in progress. No one is perfect and hearing Todd's testimony, many of us in Boston who have gone down that road felt a kinship with this brother. His ministry is what God has called him to and there will be scoffers and people (conservatives) that are going to question his appearance...God looks at the heart not the outside. Many dismissed Jesus as well; and today HE probably would NOT be welcomed in most "evangelical" churches!! The Holy Spirit is not welcomed in many churches either..and HE is God, the POWER of GOD; and many churches cannot move because they do NOT embrace the power that Jesus told the Apostles to wait in Jerusalem until "the power comes upon you"
I just want to also give a caution warning, Christians ought to pray and seek the Lord as to what is GOD doing because HE is clearly doing many things..not just in LakeLand, but all around the world.
I suggest folks go back and read Acts and see what the Disciples were doing and the early church...GOD IS STILL HEALING and HE is so very much involved with HIS Plan of redemption for man!!
Let's be cheering our LORD on as HE makes way to return! Of course the enemy is going to be so busy screaming out "anti christ" matter and the "elect" need to be careful that they are not condemning their own brothers and sisters. TEST THE SPIRITS!
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I so agree, I would never judge Todd or anyone else based on his background or his personal appearance! That is not Christlike and is just flat wrong to do. I love the fact that Todd was delivered from drugs and really enslaving sins. Praise God!
I guess you're right that some churches don't want the Holy Spirit to "show up," but I've never heard a pastor say that. I know that I want the Holy Spirit to lead in everything we do; in fact, I won't preach the sermon if I don't think He's with me in power, or that He won't speak His Words through me. I certainly want God to do great things, to draw people to Him, to deepen their faith, to pour His love into their hearts, to grant them healing on so many levels, to grant them repentance, to free them and overcome their enslavement to sin, and to make them into transformed disciples of Jesus Christ!
You mention God, the HOly Spirit, showing up in power, amen. In the Bible, whenever the Holy Spirit "showed up," people didn't fall slain to the ground, they never squawked like chickens, etc., they preached the Gospel in power! They were emboldened for real ministry. They sold their possessions and helped one another in miraculous ways.
When "the power comes upon you", amen, for biblically speaking, you will minister to others and share the gospel of God's grace in Christ in profound and powerful ways, rather than simply receiving an ecstatic, personal blessing.
Of course God is still healing. Amen! We need to trust Him for this. And you're right, we should read Acts, and the Gospels too, and the Epistles too, to see how the church conducted it's daily life and ministered grace and loved one another and confronted error and united in truth.
I do not want to condemn anybody (I certainly welcome Todd as a brother in Christ, no doubt!) but I've been reading his writings, and it raises huge questions. I do not want to condemn him but to point us to the truth as recorded in the Bible. And to keep us focused on Jesus Christ. And to test the teachers. And to test the Spirits.
Thank you and praise God for your warning to the church, for your protection of a Christian brother, and for your love of Jesus Christ.
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Sorry folks, yes I probably has a huge self filter when I wrote the things about the Lakeland revival. I still inwardly still feel that way- I pray that we can all approach each person in church and in our world with the same non judgement approach.
Especially our leaders....PSteve I just don't trust those glasses ; )
It's largely influenced by my experience with revivals like this and the lack of leadership and discipleship that left me spiritually immature as a young adult because it was based on emotions, spiritual highs and such that looking back I did not have the tools to truly mature in Christ and become a disciple. And bad choices were made as a result of that immaturity! It's sad however when the worldly aspect of something like this manipulates the emotions of people who are truly seeking Christ, we are made for relationship with Him!I am not saying that's what is happening at Lakeland, but encouraging people to look deeper. I too would like to see more of Jesus and and outpooring of people coming to Christ at Lakeland. I am glad we in the body of Christ have so many flavors- Todd's flavor is just not mine.
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Lisa, thanks!
You actually have a platform to speak on this considering your background. Thank you.
And you're right, "flavor" has a lot to do with this. Some are wired for this. Some are not. But biblically, when truth and falsehood are at issue, it goes beyond "flavor."
For me, it's wierd because I want to affirm the miraculous but I also want to caution against, protect against non-biblical teachings. I understand people want the miraculous. God wired us for that. But I hate to see a powerful gift go to someone's head or be accompanied by unbiblical teaching.
This is obviously a difficult subject where people question and accuse each other on each side. I don't want to make it personal, but a matter or truth, biblical reference, and God's glory in Christ alone.
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Pastor Steve,
In reference to your comment about the Lakeland outpouring having a "strong emphasis on healing and not on the Gospel"... I wonder, (and I say this respectfully), if you have ever heard of 5-fold ministry? God has given some the gift of evangelism, some the gift of prophecy, some healing... and so on. Todd Bently is walking in the gift that God has given him to use, for the Glory of God. He does point to Jesus, constantly. My husband has been there with our church. He has preached salvation messages as well... and I'm sure it could be preached even more... but God has anointed him to bring healing to the sick, because God is a God of compassion. Instead of critisizing him, why not take the time that you are using to create this blog, fly down yourself, and offer to be a servant, and help out? You could preach the Gospel along side Todd-- that is what the Body of Christ if for! 1 person will never be perfect or able to do everything... You have even admitted that you haven't consistently followed the move of God in Lakeland. You know, there is something in the hearts of religious leaders that wants to cry "antichrist!" when God proves that he can't be contained in our religous boxes. The pharisees even tried to accuse Jesus of casting out a demon by the power of Satan! Jesus replied that you cannot cast out a demon by the power of Satan... a house divided cannot stand!
Also, please remember that in Acts, when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples of Jesus, people actually thought they were drunk! "The cross is foolishness to those who are perrishing." Of course, whenever there is a move of God, demons and weirdos, alike try to show up, too. Just like the dimon-possessed girl, who followed the disciples saying, "This is Jesus, the son of God...". But, just because a demon or a weirdo shows up, doesn't discredit a move of God. If it happened in the Bible, it will happen today.
Lastly, I want you to honestly ask yourself this question... if you were a religious leader in the day that Jesus was walking the earth, is it possible that you would create a "blog" such as this, to "caution" belivers in God from such a Man as Jesus? He was quite revolutionary... and interestingly, he received his persacution from the RELIGIOUS leaders, NOT the lost...
I just hope that you will prayerfully check the motives of your heart. How much time have you taken to seek the Lord about this? (Relying on God and not your "intellect"). Have you actually opened your heart and said, "God, if you are moving, I don't want to miss out. Please show me if this is of you or not..." If you pray that prayer sincerely, He will answer you... and then, you won't need a blog, because you will have your answer from the Lord. :0)
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Please understand, I am not the type who considers everyone a "heretic" nor do I view my own beliefs as the single, pure and perfect theological understanding of God. No Way!
Also, I am not against Todd Bentley or the revival that is taking place Lakeland.
But my "intellect" and my spirit, through my knowledge of Scriptures and my relationship with Jesus Christ, struggles and hurts and goes into "protect-the-sheep" mode and "be discerning" mode and "be a good shepherd" in light of Acts 20:28 mode when I read Todd's writings.
I do not reject miracles, nor does our church; just misleading teaching that goes way beyond Christ and the Spirit-inspired NT authors! And my thing is, miracles don't always validate bad teaching. We are to know true and false and other types of teachers, not by their works or miracles, but by their teachings (Matt 7, Matt 12).
I am open to God's working and wonders, more than you think, but it's not about me or about Todd, for me it's all about the truth and, frankly, I am alarmed at Todd's teaching. Here's just one for example: http://www.etpv.org/2003/angho.html
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Hi Pastor Steve,
I read your link to Todd Bently's "Angel page" and I can see why you would be alarmed. He does list a lot of angels and names, etc... and encounters. I would be equally alarmed, if this was the core essence, or only lesson that he teaches. It is not, however.
1/3 of the angels were cast out with Satan, when he rebelled against God. 2/3 stayed in the heavenly realm, and the Bible does mention ministering angels, warring angels, messengers, etc... My grandmother saw an angel 1 time, and you, know... I truly believe her. She would never make something like that up. My roommate in Bible School, did 1 time, as well... I'm not sure why some see them and some don't, but they are definately among us. I know I've been protected by them a couple times (probably more), while driving. We do not worship angels, though... in fact, God honors humans above angels, in the Bible. Any docterine preaching the worship of angels would be antichrist, for sure. Angels are merely God's servants, worshipers, messangers, warriors. When we are ministered to by angels, we are ministered to, by God (it is ultimately His love and choice to use angels). Also, it is important to remember, that the spirit-realm is much more real than our mortal world, that is here today and gone tomorrow. Todd wrote that teaching to let us know that they are among us and it's O.K. to pray to God for their help. It's O.K. to know that they are among us, and that spiritual battles are being won by the prayers of the saints... but ultimately, our faith and trust is in God alone :0)
Also, you are RIGHT in saying that miracles do not validate bad teaching!!! Jesus said, regarding that, A Good tree cannot bear bad fruit, likewise, a bad tree cannot bear good fruit... we will know them by their fruits. So far, the fruit that Todd's ministry has produced has been hunger for God, and to go deeper in Him, healings, and salvations. My husband was down there, he was delighted to see that Todd sends out evangelism teams out into the streets, wal-mart, etc, as well. People are coming to know the love of Jesus.
Here's the thing... these miracles are either from God or Satan's power, right? So, we must judge the fruit... people are turning to JESUS... If, however, people were worshiping Todd, or demons, or any other god, I would be right there with you, warning the saints and lost, alike, to steer clear! :0) In the last days, you are right, men, doing signs and wonders, will be leading people astray, away from the Gospel, away from Jesus... and even the elect will be deceived. So far, as we see the fruit, we see people turning to Jesus, getting healed and knowing... "Wow... God loves me so much that he reached down from heaven to touch me and now I can walk... or now I don't have cancer anymore!" Wow... that is awesome.
Well, I am signing off, now... I wish you all the wisdom and revelation that you are hungry for, from God.
Sincerely,
Kristi
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I also wanted to apologize for telling you that it seems you want the last word on your blog... I misjudged you, and I understand that you are trying to address issues that you feel are valid. I do hope that through prayer, truth and only truth will be revealed! :0)
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I do want to say that I am quite impressed by the way Steve responded to several "concerned" commenters. Your "grace" was evident and it inspired a superb response from Kristi. May the Lord Jesus bless each of you and all who are reading your words.
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Let me say this: None of these Sacred Assemblies should lead us to anyone but JESUS CHRIST! Are we going there just seeking HIS blessings and HIS hand or are we genuinely seeking JESUS!
God can and does work in many ways. I've been blessed myself to be part of the BOSTON AWAKENING! And let me tell you I am a very observant person and I first went to see for myself and I was seeking The Holy Spirits help in discerning "spirits"! Well, let me tell you something wonderful, the LORD is awakening BOSTON to its sin and need for repentance, and I was blessed for the past three nights to be part of a time where the Manifest "Presence" of the LORD was there!!! I was very humbled by HIS Presence! There was noone clucking like chickens or anything like, that..there was sobbing and loud groanings as HIS PRESENCE filled our temples! I can honestly tell you I had never seen the Lord like that in that degree! It was truly awesome!
Steve, may I encourage you by something the LORD impressed upon me...pray and seek The Holy Spirit to test all spirits...listen in these end times...there will be destructive heresies taught by demons and many will believe them.
Our focus for any "Sacred Assembly" is 2 Chronicles 7:14 and the LORD gave me that verse as a KEY to the REVIVOR coming into our lives! and HE IS!!!
HE has heard the cries of HIS people and HE is moving; Hallelujah!!! So, brethren, cry out to the LORD; and love on HIM, HE doesn't need our love; but HE loves to be loved and do not just seek HIS hands or HIS blessings!
HE is looking for intimate relationship with each one of HIS children!
I pray that HE will enlarge your hearts for the LOST and get out of the pews and minister to HIM in the streets and byways! For that is where HE is!!!
Do not get comfortable in your "religion" but step out in what HE is calling us to "for such a time as this"!!
Blessings to you Steve, I will be offline for sometime, as I'm going to be getting closer to Him and what HE's doing in my area, as there are some profound things that are already happening! BE FAITHFUL TO JESUS CHRIST!!! God bless brother Todd and if HE's teaching any other Gospel other than the one JESUS preached...JESUS will deal with him as HE will deal with us all in Jesus Name! Blessings to you all! Amen!
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Allow all spirit with no human government and you have spiritual chaos. Interject too much human intervention into the move of the spirit and you have religion. It's hard to find the medium, but we must find it. I believe that Lakeland is a geniune move of God, but without some correction-it will loose it credibility swiftly. For instance, no one should be delivering prophecy during the televised testimonies. If the vessel is off, there goes the whole shabang. Todd read a prophetic word from Alec that Jesus would appear and it didn't happen. Once again, too many cooks spoil the broth. Rules and regulations must be established even as Paul had to do in the Corinth church. Let us heed. For a great read check out "A Step Into Deliverance" by T. Pugh. It's a riveting autobiography about one pastor's journey into the deliverance ministry.
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