This post follows on from my previous posting: ‘Todd Bentley’s Conversations with the Apostle Paul et al’.
Todd Bentley is presently causing a lot of interest amongst Christians around the world. Are the alleged healings and miracles genuine? From what I have seen, in spite of the claims, I remain unconvinced. Nevertheless, many firmly believe that what is happening at his services is proof that God is working through him.
Todd Bentley – Looking at the Fruits
If we focus on the fruits of Todd Bentley’s ministry, what do we see? For some, it is miracles, signs and wonders. These things, they say, give support to the veracity of his revelations and words of knowledge. After all, didn’t Jesus say; ‘If you do not believe Me, believe the works’ (Jn.10:38, NKJ). The opponents of Christ could not argue against the works – none were false or imagined. To all who believe the scriptures, the Gospels testify to this fact.
Can the same be said of the alleged miracles of healing we see in the services of Todd Bentley? When you witness a person coming in a wheelchair, being ministered to and then leaving in a wheelchair, you are inclined to doubt. An obvious stroke victim, suffering from the affects of damage to the brain is brought up on stage, Todd claims a healing of paralysis is taking place – does the lady leap up out of the chair and shout hallelujah. - Not at all. This pitiful woman, barely able to talk and hardly able to raise her legs, continues to exhibit the same effects of her stroke as before. Yet, it is claimed a healing has begun – not all healings happen straight away, we are told. – Even so, I very much doubt we shall see this woman back to confirm the alleged healing. (See video)
‘Yes, that may have been doubtful, but look at the testimonies of others claiming to be healed,’ supporters might say. No. Let’s stay with the doubts, shall we. Incidents such as that recalled above give cause for concern. What else happens during his services? Do we see ‘all things done decently and in order’ (1 Cor.14:40) – providing a good witness to those without? - No, not at all! Rather, we witness disorder and commotion. Some are seen to exhibit violent shaking, twitching and jerking movements of body or head – especially when touched by the minister. Others break out into loud bouts of laughter. – Not that laughter is a bad thing – normally, but when the laughter just goes on and on and on, then we start to realize that something is wrong. It becomes alarming. Yet, this behaviour – the shaking, twitching, uncontrolled laughter - is attributed to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Such confusion appears ugly and insane. To the outsider, it is yet another example of why Christianity should be despised and rejected. For every one person attracted to such meetings, how many from Christ will they drive further away? - This is not the product of good fruit.
Now, what is Todd Bentley teaching? Is there any cause for concern here? – Plenty. Let’s take his teaching on angels. He wrote of one visitation from ‘an angel called Emma’:
‘During this visitation the pastor’s wife (it was an AOG church) got totally whacked by the Holy Ghost- she began running around barking like a dog or squawking like a chicken as a powerful prophetic spirit came on her’ (Angelic Hosts: Emma, Angel of the Prophetic, 2003).
Well, do we need to ask if ‘barking madness’ is a fruit of the Holy Spirit? How about ‘running around …squawking like a chicken’? So much for Todd Bentley’s spiritual powers of discernment! This example should serve as a warning. Not only this, but by attributing such crazy behaviour to the Holy Spirit, he blasphemes. (This is very serious, although I hope a sin to be forgiven as one of ignorance.)
What else does he teach? He alleges to have had the blessing of Jesus and Paul, to whom he claims to have spoken. The following comment is attributed by him to Paul:
‘Paul told me that essentially there would be no gospel and there would be no Israel without Abraham. He said too, that there would be no gospel without David because there would be no divine Son of David (Jesus Christ) in order for the kingdom and His throne to be built upon the throne of David (Luke 1:31, 32). Jesus came through the lineage of David and with Jesus’ coming, the gospel was released’ (Encounter with Heaven, 05/07/07).
Of course Jesus would not have been called the Son of David if David had not lived, nor would prophecies mention the establishment of David’s throne without David. David came first - the prophecies later. The prophecies do not establish the need for David, but Christ.
However, ‘Paul’ said that there would be no Son of David - no Jesus Christ - no gospel without Abraham and David? The Lamb who was ’slain before the foundation of the earth’ needed Abraham and David for the gospel? Our salvation depended on these men? Somehow, I can’t imagine Paul ever making such a remark – neither on earth, nor in heaven!
What is happening through Todd Bentley is deceptive. On the surface, he appears to be serving God, but in reality his ministry projects a false image of the Church and true Christianity. The Church already has a poor image in the minds of many, who consider it in the light of recent scandals involving ‘gay clergy’ and child abuse cases. American TV evangelists are viewed with both cynicism and scepticism – and not without due reason. The emphasis placed upon a prosperity gospel is akin to preaching simony – you can have ‘all this’ is you believe and become a co-worker (a euphemism for a financial donor). The Church is often viewed as either out-of date or out-of-touch with reality. In the case of Todd Bentley and his followers, it is the latter.
The Church does need a fresh outpouring of the heavenly gifts – but are we ready? The Lord says, ‘Whom shall I send?’ (Is.6:8) – Are we capable of making ourselves available?
Some videos for reference:
‘Todd Bentley ministering’ Laughter and commotion at Dudley
Todd Bentley and violence in meetings Todd Bentley ministers to stroke victim
Since you more or less repeat yourself about Jesus’ ancestry and about barking and squawking, I will repeat myself:
If Jesus was to be born as a human being, he needed human ancestors. Could there have been a Jesus without Mary? Well, there could not have been without some human mother. Could there have been a Jesus without Abraham and David? He could perhaps have had some other lineage, but it was clearly God’s purpose that he would be descended from the royal line of the people of Israel, and that means Abraham and David. It is really very dangerous to suggest that God could have done something in a way different from the way we know he actually did it, as we have only a very partial idea of his purposes.
May I ask on what biblical authority you write this?:
I understand your reservations about this behaviour. I am not entirely convinced that it is the work of the Holy Spirit. But it seems to me that the true blasphemy here is the categorical statement that the Holy Spirit cannot cause anyone to do this. The Holy Spirit is Lord, as one of the Trinity, and can do what he wants. Who are you to instruct him on what he can and cannot do?
And then one new point: what evidence do you have to support your accusation as follows?:
I have seen no emphasis placed upon a prosperity gospel by Todd or his associates. The impartation which Todd offers is by no means dependent on a financial contribution.
See my latest posting on ‘Todd Bentley: Give and you shall receive’.
Yes, I did bring out two points for a mention from my previous posting - but it does contain other points that you have chosen to overlook.
I have answered the matters raised that you have repeated, so I will only say - see my reply.
I,too,have noticed that the persons with visible disabilities have left in the same condition.It broke my heart to see a little boy with spina bifida,claiming to be healed.He was pathetically struggling around the stage,on tiny,deformed legs.His Mom was holding his cane,so he obviously had already been able to walk in this manner.If Jesus had healed this child,why was he still physically abnormal.He seemed like a very nice child,and I could not help but think about how sad it was going to be,the next day when he realizes that nothing has changed.People get caught up in the excitement of the moment,and think they are healed.So sad for that poor little child…
Thank you, Alease. Your comment is most welcome and thoughtfully expressed. I agree with your sentiments entirely.
It is very hard for anyone to admit to having been misled. Many often continue with self-deception and find excuses for errors, but sooner or later the truth will be revealed. That will be a humbling experience for those caught up in the events, yet one that can provide spiritual healing and release.