Healing Revival has begun in Florida (Todd Bently)

Child of JC · #1 24th April 2008, 01:49 PM

I hope this is not breaking any rules. Here's a copy of an email I received:

Charisma Magazine releases second web-based article concerning Florida Outpouring -- Evening Venue change APR 24th - 27th
Fresh Fire Ministries - Revivalist Todd Bentley
Apr 23, 2008

EVENING VENUE CHANGE - APR 24th - 27th
AUBURNDALE LIFE CHURCH:
581 Berkley Road, Auburndale, FL 33823
GOD TV BROADCASTING LIVE FROM LAKELAND FLORIDA ALL WEEK!
VISIT GOD TV FOR A COMPLETE AIRING SCHEDULE

READ ALL REPORTS & BLOGS OF THE FLORIDA OUTPOURING - CLICK HERE

CHARISMA MAGAZINE RELEASES SECOND WEB-BASED ARTICLE

[04.22.08] Thousands of people longing for a physical or spiritual touch from God are flocking to central Florida for ongoing revival meetings that some have dubbed the “Lakeland Healing Outpouring.”

The services, which are being broadcast live daily on GOD TV to millions of potential viewers, reveal the excitement radiating from this area of the Sunshine State, prompting some people to jump on planes and fly in from across the country and even from abroad.

Todd Bentley, the 32-year-old Canadian healing evangelist with a boyish grin responsible for the meetings, reported on Friday that people’s faith alone has healed them even while they were booking their flights online or boarding planes bound for Lakeland, a city of about 90,000 between Orlando and Tampa along Interstate 4.

The 700-seat sanctuary of host pastor Stephen Strader’s Ignited Church can no longer contain the crowds. More than 1,000 worshipers stood inches apart at Friday night’s service, jamming every aisle and altar area. Their bodies rocked back and forth, and their faces wore peace-filled, lovesick and euphoric expressions.

The cars parked outside were also inches apart, with every grassy parcel of land on bordering properties used for overflow. During worship, song lyrics on PowerPoint were replaced with a warning to drivers parked at a nearby store that their cars would be “towed immediately.”

“We are all shocked that each night a minimum of 60 percent [are] first time [visitors],” Strader said yesterday.

Fire marshals locked the church doors at last night’s meeting, forcing 400 people to remain in front of the church. The crowd watched the service on a large TV, and more than 200 waited until midnight for Bentley to come out and pray for them, Strader said.

John Arnott, who pastored the historic revival ignited at his Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship in 1994, wrote in a letter last week to Bentley: “Todd, you need to keep going in these meetings as long as the Lord is moving. I feel that this is a prophetic sign that another wave of revival is coming to North America.”

John Kilpatrick, who pastored Brownsville Assembly during the Pensacola Revival of the 1990s, told Charisma today that he wants to visit Lakeland as soon as possible in order to encourage Bentley. “It saddened me that many weren’t willing to at least come and check things out,” he said of his early meetings with revivalist Steve Hill. “I made a vow before God that if revival ever broke out again, no matter where it was, that I’d at least go.”

Kilpatrick added that revival is not something that can be controlled and that people hungry for God need to simply ask Him to touch them. “I feel in my spirit very strongly that there’s another wave of the Holy Spirit coming, a tidal wave of the glory of God,” he said, stifling his sobs on the phone. “I’m sorry, there’s nothing like the presence of God. It has ruined me for life.”

Wendy Alec, co-founder of GOD TV, just released a prophecy to Bentley in which she said God has called what’s happening in Lakeland “just a warm-up party” that would eventually go global.

After long periods of worship, Bentley invites to the stage all those with testimonies, much like the late healing evangelist Kathryn Kuhlman did in her meetings.

At Friday night’s meeting, the mother of a 6-year-old girl said her daughter broke her elbow about two weeks ago and was healed after a word of knowledge from Bentley. The little girl told the crowd: “Jesus came out of heaven and touched my elbow.” The girl’s before-and-after X-rays are posted on

YouTube.

Amber, a thin 15-year-old girl born with scoliosis, said she was healed and could now carry her schoolbooks as well as bend over and touch the floor, which she did publicly during the meeting. One man said he was healed of Hepatitis C. An elderly woman said she went to the doctor for confirmation first before telling the crowd she was healed of glaucoma.

Others on Friday night said they were healed of rheumatoid arthritis, panic attacks, ruptured discs, deafness, post traumatic stress disorder, cancer, leukemia and emphysema.

After a half hour of testimonials Bentley asked the crowd “to give the Lord the glory.” For at least 40 minutes people continually cried the words “holy” and “glory” in a chorus.

Some worshipers fell to the floor weeping. From behind his keyboard, a blonde-locked worship leader named Roy Fields led the procession, his face beaming heavenward.

“What is happening is so much bigger than anyone in this building,” Bentley said from the stage where he was kneeling. “I hear the angels joining in. … The Holy Spirit is taking over.”

Bentley, who looks more like a gang leader than the founder of a Christian ministry, came to Lakeland on April 2 and has shown no sign of leaving since an angel, he said, visited him the day after he arrived.

Prophetic minister Bob Jones told Bentley he believed the angel’s name was “Winds of Change”--the same angel, Jones said, that visited healing evangelist William Branham in the 1940s.

Aside from heavily reverential moments of worship, services can turn comical, as Bentley listens to accounts of healings and becomes filled with anticipation. He asked one woman on Friday, “Why are you here?” and after she responded, “I have a tumor on my rib,” he cried: “Good! That’s good!”

One man brought his small son to Bentley, saying the youngster was in need of a kidney. “Where does it hurt, boy?” Bentley asked before praying for the child and seeing him fall out.

The boy lay motionless on the platform, and his father bent over him, pressing his forehead to his son’s. “I feel he’s in some kind of vision or something,” Bentley told the crowd. When the boy got up five minutes later he said bright angels had come to him and “put their hands on me.”

The meetings have been extended due to swelling crowds. Bentley announced Friday the revival would continue daily through at least May 4. He also said he believes the same revival will hit Kansas City, Mo., next. —Paul Steven Ghiringhelli in Lakeland, Fla.

http://www.charismamag.com/news/archives/042208d.html

Paul Steven Ghiringhelli
Asst News Editor, Charisma
http://www..charismamag.com
Strang Communications
600 Rinehart Road
Lake Mary, FL 32746

peacechild4 · #2 26th April 2008, 12:53 AM

Thank you for posting.. God bless you.. I have been watching these on line!!

Elijah2 · #3 27th April 2008, 08:11 AM

Today, we are in the latter days of perilous time, and we need to be more aware, more beware, and more don’t be unaware of THINGS that are no more than a gimmick, and counterfeits, such as these “Toronto-type Blessings” ministries.

Yes, there are great signs, and supposedly healings, and possibly true healings, but when the dust settles, where are those who were supposedly healed, and where are those who were in the front of these types of ministries.

We need to be very wary, and cautious, that we don’t allow deceiving and seducing spirits take control.

Over the years the Body of Christ has been under severe attack, and it becomes a real concern to sort “real meat” out from the “watered-down milk”; and the true-blue teachers and false teachers.

At the end of the day, we can see all this hype, but as one passes by the next day, we many begin to see the hypes characterised by an excess of false teachings and unbiblical practices, that are further encouraged and promoted by alleged “words”, “prophecies”, and “visions” and “encounters” with our Almighty God, or angels.

Much of these so-called manifestations of the Holy Spirit are false rituals and magic as the supposedly manifestations of outbreaks of uncontrollable laughter, people rolling around everywhere as if they were drunk, and claims of having received gold dust or other “supernatural signs” from God.

Now, when we put 2 and 2 together, we have a correct answer, but do we really believe that our Almighty God would embarrass His Children with all this perkiness, and saying to His Children, “There you are, you wanted a manifestation from me, so I gave it to you!”

Hey, come on the roaring lion can counterfeit anything, and he loves to devour gullible believers.

We need to be aware and beware and don’t be unaware of the many teachings and practices that place many modern and quirky ministries squarely among the emerging controversial renewal, and revival groups of the dynamics movements.

I have seen the gimmicks for many years of alleged healing, great manifestations of “gold dust”, and all the teeth of people turning to gold. I had a dear confused sister in Christ many years ago show me her gold teeth that she had received from such a ministry, but I didn’t see any gold teeth, but she did, and so did all her confused friends, or that is deceived friends.

Yes, we have the same sort of gimmick in Australia of a bloke by the name of Ian Turton. Now, why would they pray for people’s mouths to be filled with gold teeth. Did our Lord Jesus Christ do that? Why would our Lord Jesus Christ throw gold dust all over their face? Why? But, sad as it is, those Christians don’t do the Berean Test nor test the spirits, particularly the “father of lies” and the “angel of light”.

The “angel of light” is the best counterfeit spirit I know of, and has the touch of Midas. Now why would our Almighty God go around giving out all this laughter and gold fillings to specific churches, and not my church, or anyone else’s church?

Yes, our Almighty God uses whomever HE can, but within logical, Biblical reason.
Sad as it is, most of these “faith healers” call up the sick people in the audience, and I say audience, because there are probably more demonised believers and unbelievers amongst the audience who are looking for a “quick-fix”, and the enemy is always glad to help out if they can. But, at the same time the Holy Spirit may heal someone who HE need, or needs that check in his or her faith. In the “world of faith” ministries, and ministries of practicality healing, what you think you see is often not what you get.

Over the years, I have noticed most of these high-flying ministries avoid pronouncing people healed, and urges those with whom they have come into contact to work with their doctors.

Also, they never seem to keep a record of their healings. And may produce some noncommittal notes from doctors about the disappearance of a person’s symptoms, but doesn’t confirm a healing, because the symptoms were probably psychosomatic.

Now, all the reports that we hear about “angelic sounds” and “miraculous healings, also seems to preceded by lots of “prophetic words” about “revival” and the “outpouring” of the Holy Spirit.

Now if this is so, then we need to be prepared for the onslaught of the false teachers and anti-Christ. Be aware, beware, and don’t be unaware of the “winds of change”

Be blessed in Jesus' Name.

peacechild4 · #4 28th April 2008, 11:20 PM

Thank you Lord for the healing of many.. and stirring our hearts to the things of God.. Father so many are hungry.. and thirsty for You.. fill us Lord.. fill us.. and move us by Your Spirit.. It is You we seek.. Lord only You can satisfy.. Thank You for touching Your people..

Mathetes the kerux · #5 30th April 2008, 08:53 PM

Watching this thread . . .

peacechild4 · #6 2nd May 2008, 10:52 PM

Please view this post.. It is very good.. from Rick Joyner in regards to this move of God in Lakeland Florida..

http://christianforums.com/showpost....68&postcount=2

GreatistheLord · #7 4th May 2008, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by Elijah2

Today, we are in the latter days of perilous time, and we need to be more aware, more beware, and more don’t be unaware of THINGS that are no more than a gimmick, and counterfeits, such as these “Toronto-type Blessings” ministries.

Yes, there are great signs, and supposedly healings, and possibly true healings, but when the dust settles, where are those who were supposedly healed, and where are those who were in the front of these types of ministries.

We need to be very wary, and cautious, that we don’t allow deceiving and seducing spirits take control.

Over the years the Body of Christ has been under severe attack, and it becomes a real concern to sort “real meat” out from the “watered-down milk”; and the true-blue teachers and false teachers.

At the end of the day, we can see all this hype, but as one passes by the next day, we many begin to see the hypes characterised by an excess of false teachings and unbiblical practices, that are further encouraged and promoted by alleged “words”, “prophecies”, and “visions” and “encounters” with our Almighty God, or angels.

Much of these so-called manifestations of the Holy Spirit are false rituals and magic as the supposedly manifestations of outbreaks of uncontrollable laughter, people rolling around everywhere as if they were drunk, and claims of having received gold dust or other “supernatural signs” from God.

Now, when we put 2 and 2 together, we have a correct answer, but do we really believe that our Almighty God would embarrass His Children with all this perkiness, and saying to His Children, “There you are, you wanted a manifestation from me, so I gave it to you!”

Hey, come on the roaring lion can counterfeit anything, and he loves to devour gullible believers.

We need to be aware and beware and don’t be unaware of the many teachings and practices that place many modern and quirky ministries squarely among the emerging controversial renewal, and revival groups of the dynamics movements.

I have seen the gimmicks for many years of alleged healing, great manifestations of “gold dust”, and all the teeth of people turning to gold. I had a dear confused sister in Christ many years ago show me her gold teeth that she had received from such a ministry, but I didn’t see any gold teeth, but she did, and so did all her confused friends, or that is deceived friends.

Yes, we have the same sort of gimmick in Australia of a bloke by the name of Ian Turton. Now, why would they pray for people’s mouths to be filled with gold teeth. Did our Lord Jesus Christ do that? Why would our Lord Jesus Christ throw gold dust all over their face? Why? But, sad as it is, those Christians don’t do the Berean Test nor test the spirits, particularly the “father of lies” and the “angel of light”.

The “angel of light” is the best counterfeit spirit I know of, and has the touch of Midas. Now why would our Almighty God go around giving out all this laughter and gold fillings to specific churches, and not my church, or anyone else’s church?

Yes, our Almighty God uses whomever HE can, but within logical, Biblical reason.
Sad as it is, most of these “faith healers” call up the sick people in the audience, and I say audience, because there are probably more demonised believers and unbelievers amongst the audience who are looking for a “quick-fix”, and the enemy is always glad to help out if they can. But, at the same time the Holy Spirit may heal someone who HE need, or needs that check in his or her faith. In the “world of faith” ministries, and ministries of practicality healing, what you think you see is often not what you get.

Over the years, I have noticed most of these high-flying ministries avoid pronouncing people healed, and urges those with whom they have come into contact to work with their doctors.

Also, they never seem to keep a record of their healings. And may produce some noncommittal notes from doctors about the disappearance of a person’s symptoms, but doesn’t confirm a healing, because the symptoms were probably psychosomatic.

Now, all the reports that we hear about “angelic sounds” and “miraculous healings, also seems to preceded by lots of “prophetic words” about “revival” and the “outpouring” of the Holy Spirit.

Now if this is so, then we need to be prepared for the onslaught of the false teachers and anti-Christ. Be aware, beware, and don’t be unaware of the “winds of change”

Be blessed in Jesus' Name.

Do you have a specific accusation, and if so let's hear it.
Just because you dont think it's right doesn't make it so.

To attack a christian leader without cause is a very dangerous
thing to do. People said the same things about Jesus.

JPPT1974 · #8 23rd May 2008, 11:13 PM

Praying for Todd and his ministry
That the Lord will help him to do
The right thing!

Elijah2 · #9 25th May 2008, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by GreatistheLord

Do you have a specific accusation, and if so let's hear it.
Just because you dont think it's right doesn't make it so.

To attack a christian leader without cause is a very dangerous
thing to do. People said the same things about Jesus.

First off, who is attacking Todd Bentley? Did I speak his name in vain?

Secondly, I read his statements over the past fews and as a Berean have found them wanting and contrary to His Word.

Thirdly, my specific warning, wasn't an accusation.

Now if you want to debate that then I can gladly accomodate you, but before the debate begins.

Please tell me where the Angel of Finance appears in the Bible, and the Angel of "winds of change".

Also please tell me how Todd Bentley can make such a statement that while he was in heaven he had a discussion with Paul and Paul gave him specific instructions.

Interesting, but I guess if you should punch Todd Bentley into Google and add "deception" or "false teacher or prophet" or some other accusing word, you may be surprise of his following, particularly when it comes down to statements that he makes, which are contrary to His Word.

Be blessed in Jesus' Name.

Elijah2 · #10 25th May 2008, 10:09 AM

A FALSE HEALING REVIVAL?

Posted on April 24, 2008 by pjmiller
This evening I received this newsletter from the ministry of Andrew Strom; I’m not going to say too much about this, yet…at least not until I can check it out more fully tomorrow.. But the fact that this guy, Todd Bentley, is associated with Patrica (”Christians have wings and can fly”) King, already sends up HUGE red flags. Be sure to read Lynn Clark’s testimony below.
A FALSE HEALING REVIVAL?? -Florida
-Andrew Strom.
Many of you will have already heard about the “Healing Revival” that has purportedly broken out in Lakeland, Florida. Today Charisma Magazine put out a piece on it entitled ‘A Holy Ghost Outbreak in Florida’ “Charismatics are flocking to the sleepy town of Lakeland, Fla. to attend evangelist Todd Bentley’s unconventional revival services.” Is Charisma preparing to hype this one to the skies like they did with Toronto and Rodney Howard-Browne? It seems perhaps they are. (my note: Todd Bentley is part of The Elijah List)
But why am I opposed to this ‘Healing Revival’ so soon after it has been announced? -It is because I already know Todd Bentley’s ministry all too well, and this whole thing centers around him.
Todd Bentley actually has deep roots in the Prophetic movement, and he is one of the very few ministers that I have ever felt I had to publicly warn people about by name. -His ministry is that bad. False “angel” encounters of the weirdest kind, gold dust, guided visualizations of the “Third Heaven” that are straight out of the New Age, etc. And yet there is a “power” with it that makes it all the more dangerous.
Here is how Charisma describes his Florida meetings:
“His methods are far from polished. When he prayed for people in Lakeland, he usually began by laying his hand on their heads and then yelling, “Bam!” Often the people fell backward to the floor. After one elderly woman fell, Bentley told the audience: “She doesn’t know why she fell down.” The woman then laughed and said to him in the microphone: “Because you pushed me!” He prayed for her three more times that night, and she said she could hear better… During the past three weeks people have testified of being healed from heart conditions, skin rashes and back problems, and many said scars disappeared… Many charismatics are wondering if the protracted meetings will become a phenomenon similar to what happened in Rodney Howard-Browne’s meetings in Lakeland in 1993, at the Toronto Airport Vineyard Church in Canada in 1994 and at Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola in 1995…”
Sadly, the Charismatic movement is in such a sick state today that it would not surprise me at all if this happens. (-I say this as a strong Spirit-filled, tongues-speaking believer myself. I am by no means opposed to genuine miracles). Have we completely forgotten the warnings of “Lying signs and wonders” in the Last Days?
Below is a testimony by Lynn Clark who is a Moderator at our website ‘RevivalSchool.com’. This is what she wrote about her involvement with Todd Bentley’s ministry:
“I decided to check out Patricia King (my note: see Extreme and Dangerous Teachings) and Todd Bentley and, ignorant of their ‘third heaven’ guided visualizations, attended a five day conference of Patricia King and then two of Todd Bentley’s conferences and began to imagine third heaven visitations - guided visualization - still not realizing that these are actually spirits of darkness - the New Age calls them spirit guides - demons is what they are. And so I bought Todd Bentley’s teaching on third heaven visitations and brought it home to listen to.
“I was in my living room laying on the floor listening to the teaching on how to visualize the third heaven and what to say and was getting caught up into his teaching and all of a sudden I began to shake uncontrollably and jerk and groan, and no sooner had this taken place I became frozen stiff - I could not move any part of my body and I knew this was a demon trying to take hold of me, and so with all the effort I could muster I cried out, “God save me -Jesus help me” - and as soon as I cried out to the Lord my body went limp. God spared me that night and I will be forever grateful.
“I spent much of the night in tears asking God to forgive me - and renouncing all the hands layed on me and all the awful deception I had opened myself up to…”
I myself have heard the tapes of Todd Bentley’s “Third Heaven Visualization” teachings, and I want to tell you - they are straight out of the New Age handbook. -Terrible stuff. And yet so widely accepted by thousands of Christians today.
Do these kinds of practices (above) produce a genuine ‘Healing Revival’? -These are the kinds of questions that we need to be asking Charisma Magazine. I leave it for you to decide.