A Statement and Appeal Regarding Lakeland, by Dutch Sheets
August 21, 2008

It has now been a couple of weeks since I heard about Todd Bentley’s
plans for separation and divorce. Like everyone, I have had a variety of emotions
including anger, sadness, and grief. Every time I see this scenario repeated, I
grieve: for the husband and wife involved; for the family that will be scarred in so
many ways; because of the incredible reproach it brings to Christ; and the
distortion it gives concerning God’s heart and ways. I am praying for Todd and
his family.

I was asked numerous times to write my position on Lakeland while it was
happening, but always felt checked by the Lord—the waters were too muddy and
emotions too high. I now feel strongly that the Lord wants me to do so. It will be
arguably one of the greatest risks of my ministry to date, but one I feel must be
taken. Fathers, when given the voice to do so, bear the responsibility of giving
correction and wisdom. I hope mine qualifies for the latter. I assure you I have
spent many hours praying and thinking through the situation.

The risks are broad: with some of my dearest friends and co-laborers, I
risk harming those relationships; with many in the charismatic body of Christ, I
risk appearing to be an arrogant, “self-appointed” spokesperson for them; to the
“I told you so” crowd, I risk the accusation of “spinning” the situation. (As far as
the heresy hunters and revival police—not those who raised legitimate questions
about Lakeland, but the attack dogs who make their living and build their
ministries criticizing everyone else—I lost respect for them long ago and couldn’t
care less what they think.) My purpose and sincere prayer in writing this
statement, however, is three-fold: to see healing begin for the body of Christ; to
initiate a process that can remove the reproach brought to Christ and the Church;
and to do these things while preserving and honoring my current relationships. I
pray that these desires, along with my heart, come through loudly. And I hope
I’m writing this with true humility—who among us clearly sees all hidden in our
own hearts?

Let me also preface this statement by saying that what needs to be said
cannot be done quickly or carelessly. I do not want my heart to be missed and
am not willing to run that risk for the sake of brevity, so please bear with the
length. (Incidentally, I think it will be obvious no one involved in the Lakeland
situation has asked me to write this; and for the sake of integrity on my part, none
have been consulted concerning what I’m stating.)

Mistakes at Lakeland

Did leaders handling the Lakeland situation make mistakes? Yes—huge
mistakes. Beyond the obvious fruit of salvations and healings, can good come
from Lakeland, as some have suggested, even with the recent revelations
concerning Todd Bentley? Yes, but only if there is complete honesty and
transparency, the removal of all attempts at self-preservation, and absolute
humility from all sides.

Did I endorse the Lakeland meetings? No, I did not, nor did I condemn
them. I acknowledged that healings were occurring and some were being saved,
which I still believe and rejoice over. I realized and stated that the thousands of
people attending were hungry and sincere, as were those involved in leading the
meetings. The worship was regularly good. But looking past some of the
immediate and positive results, I, like many, also looked ahead to the possible
fruit from questionable doctrine and experiences, exaggeration and hype,
youthful pride, character issues and the frightening potential of a 32 year "young"
man leading a movement that could shape the future of the Church. These
things were frightening, very frightening, to others and me.
When something has the potential of setting precedent, birthing a
movement and being reproduced as a prototype, we are no longer simply
endorsing good brothers, good intentions and miracles. Doctrine and
foundations will be built on these events. Teachings and paradigms for future
ministries will be formed—in short, the next generation of the church and the
move of God in the earth could be greatly impacted. This is why I stopped short
of endorsing everything at Lakeland. Just as importantly, I could not ignore the
“check”, the uneasiness, the sickening feeling deep in my spirit telling me
something else was wrong—terribly wrong—in this situation. Like other leaders I
tried to push past my uneasiness with the showmanship, the “bams,” the head
butts and kneeing, along with certain experiences and doctrines, all in order to
embrace the good. Like many of my friends I tried to be—and believe I was—
gracious, accepting, ready to think “out of the box”, etc. But try as I may, the
uneasiness in my spirit just wouldn’t leave.

Did I voice my concerns to the appropriate people? Yes, including stating
my concerns for Todd’s marriage to the Lakeland Outpouring Apostolic Team.
Did they listen? Some did, some didn’t. But I want to state emphatically, this is
not an “I told you so” statement. In fact, much of what I want to address goes
back several years into our charismatic Christian history. And I assure you that
concerning our present weaknesses in the charismatic church, there is plenty of
blame to go around. Personally, I’ve been right at times with my discernment
and decisions, wrong at others. It would be worse than hypocritical for me to
point the finger of accusation—I have no stones of judgment to throw.
Nonetheless, mistakes were made and must be acknowledged and learned from
in order for us to heal, grow and move forward.

Some of my closest friends endorsed and participated in the Lakeland
meetings. For them I have both criticism—all of us lose credibility at this point if
we’re not completely honest—and affirmation. Should they have been more
discerning and have listened to the warnings they received? Obviously. Should
those who “aligned” Todd with spiritual fathers (which was a good thing and
positioned him to receive help if he chooses to accept it) have realized to do so
publicly was a mistake and could be interpreted by those watching in no other
way than as a complete endorsement? Yes, they should have, especially when
the event became a commissioning ceremony, complete with decrees and
prophecies of going to higher levels, predictions of Todd’s increasing world-wide
influence and leading a world-wide revival, emphatic and prolific endorsements of
his character, etc.

How could those watching believe the evening was anything but an
aligning, endorsing and commissioning ceremony? It was. It really doesn’t
matter who laid their hands on Todd—all share responsibility. This was unwise
at best, naïve at least and at its worst, foolish. And should the leaders involved
have realized that those of us connected to them relationally, ministerially, and as
movements—some even in alignment with them apostolically and as sons and
daughters—would feel minimalized, if not betrayed, by the fact that they were in
essence taking us onto the stage with them? Yes. These feelings were
inevitable, especially when we had such uneasiness and asked them not to.
Should there be an acknowledgment of these mistakes to the body of Christ for
the sake of accountability and in order to rebuild trust? I believe so, and remain
hopeful this will happen.


With such strong statements of disagreement, what is the affirmation
toward my friends who led, participated in or endorsed this ceremony (and the
meetings in general)? Simply stated, I know their hearts. It is not a contradiction
of my criticisms toward some of their actions to, at the same time, defend and
endorse their hearts and character. It is completely appropriate—when true—to
defend a person’s heart and integrity while disagreeing with their actions. I think
the blunder of that night was huge and very damaging to the body of Christ, but I
also realize that in their hearts, those involved honestly felt they were doing the
right things.

Again, while not defending the action taken, I would defend the character
and integrity of Peter and Doris Wagner as vigorously as anyone I know, and do
so with absolute confidence. There are no two people, and I mean that literally,
who embody the qualities of humility, integrity, holiness (no compromise!),
sacrifice, unselfish kingdom-thinking, the tireless giving of themselves to Christ’s
cause and the body of Christ—and do I need to add risk-taking?—as much as
Peter and Doris Wagner. It remains my great honor to be associated with them
and call them a spiritual father and mother. And again, while not minimizing or
“sweeping under the rug” any wrong decisions, I remain steadfast in my belief
that similar affirmations could be made of others involved—either directly or
indirectly—in the ceremony. And some of them still see their endorsing of
Lakeland as an endorsement of revival generally, not of Todd personally.

The Bigger Picture

It may come as a surprise, however, that my real purpose in writing this is
not to only state the above, as important as I believe saying it is. My primary
purpose, and I believe my assignment from the Lord, is to identificationally repent
on behalf of the leadership of the charismatic body of Christ (see Nehemiah 1:4-
7; Daniel 9:1-19). In doing so, I do not have a pompous, “no one else will, so I’ll
do it” attitude, nor am I arrogant enough to think I have become the
spokesperson for the charismatic church. But in the same way that I can identify
with the racism of white predecessors and repent to blacks, Native Americans
and other races, I can represent the leadership of the charismatic body of Christ
and identificationally repent for our sins and weaknesses. I encourage leaders
who find my statements true and appropriate to join me. Beyond the simple fact
of it being appropriate, I firmly believe it is the only way to begin the process of
rebuilding trust with those asked to follow us and to remove the cynicism of the
world we ask to listen to us. As you know, regaining credibility is much more
difficult than attaining credibility.

Concerning what I’m about to say, I don’t believe I have a critical spirit, nor
do I want to diminish the sacrifices, faithfulness, and hard work done by so many
in ministry. The fact remains, however, that we have failed the Lord and His
people in many ways—not just with Lakeland but in countless other situations—
and must repent if we are to be trusted in the future. And as you also know, no
repentance is effective if watered down and couched in excuses, therefore, I
intend to be brutally honest:

1) We, the leaders of the charismatic community, have operated in an
extremely low level of discernment. Frankly, we often don’t even try to
discern. We assume a person's credibility based on gifts, charisma,
the size of their ministry or church, whether they can prophesy or
work a miracle, etc. (Miracles and signs are intended to validate God
and His message, not the messenger; sometimes they validate the
assignment of an individual, but never the person's character, lifestyle
or spiritual maturity.) We leaders in the Church have become no
different than the world around us in our standards for measuring
success and greatness. This has contributed to the body of Christ
giving millions of dollars to undeserving individuals; it has allowed
people living in sin to become influential leaders'even to lead
movement, allowing them influence all the way to the White House.
Through our lack of discernment we built their stages and gave them
their platforms. We have been gullible beyond words: gullible
leaders producing gullible sheep.

When a spiritual leader we're connected with violates trust, is
exposed for immorality or falls below other accepted standards of
behavior, it does not exonerate us simply to say we don't condone
such behavior. Those we lead trust us to let them know whom to
trust. We have failed them miserably in this regard.
For this lack of discernment, and for employing and passing on
inappropriate standards of judgment, I repent to the Lord and ask
forgiveness of the body of Christ.

2) We, the leaders of the charismatic church, spin our involvement and
fail to acknowledge our responsibility when other leaders fall—all of
which stems from our self-preservation and pride. Enough of the
spin—we’re no different than Washington, DC. Every time another
embarrassing and disgraceful situation is exposed, the dancing
begins. It seems that no one bears any real responsibility except the
man or woman who actually commits sin. Incredibly, we even blame
“revival” itself—the pressures, attacks, weariness, the “revival is
messy” argument, etc., saying it is responsible for the failures. This is
disgusting. Those of us on boards of fallen leaders, those who helped
give them a voice, put them on TV, published and endorsed their
books (yes, I have), etc., are not exonerated simply by saying we
don’t condone the wrong behavior or that we didn’t know. We’re
supposed to know.

I don't believe anyone is expecting perfection from us: I
know I'm not. We're far too human for that. But we are expected to
have enough humility to look the world and those who follow us in the
eye when we miss it and say, "we were wrong and we are sorry."
Our careless accountability has caused the body of Christ to
be spiritually raped and abused. It has produced disillusionment and
brought immeasurable reproach to our God and cynicism to His
message. Concerning Lakeland, what was called the "greatest
revival since Azusa Street" has become possibly one of the greatest
reproaches. We, the leaders of the charismatic church, are
responsible.

For not accepting and acknowledging our responsibility, for
caring more about our own reputation than Christ's, I repent to God
and ask forgiveness of the body of Christ.

3) Our procedures and standards of accountability are incredibly
inadequate. We have provided camaraderie, not biblical
accountability. For those on Todd Bentley’s board who had previous
knowledge of his marriage problems and said nothing, it was more
than a mistake—it was reckless, foolish, and irresponsible. For those
on the stage the night of his aligning and commissioning who knew
and said nothing: ditto. For those there who didn't know, my
question is, "why didn't you?" You were trusted to know. That is one
of the purposes of public commissioning and the purpose behind the
concept of endorsement. I'm not trying to point the finger; I'm
endeavoring to get us to be honest about our failures—we have
serious credibility issues. Have I ever laid hands on, commissioned or
endorsed anyone without adequately checking them out? Yes, but
you better believe I'll be more careful next time!
And we must not single out Lakeland. We're all guilty.

What about the leader in my city who ran with some of the leading
spiritual fathers in our nation: sincere and good men, I might add,
and not all "charismatic leaders" who sang his praises and helped
build his stage: all while he was doing drugs and having sex with
other men? But we shouldn't blame only the high profile cases: what
about those of us who unknowingly have had adulterers on our staffs
or appointed elders that turned out to have compromise in their life?

Sounding familiar yet?

This is so epidemic that every member of the body of Christ
stands guilty—what pastor or leader did you follow that turned out to
have sin issues? What ministry did you support that was unworthy?
There is plenty of blame to go around. The big question becomes not
“who do we blame” but “how do we fix this mess?”
Leaders can live in sin—adultery, homosexuality, financial
wrongdoing, drugs, etc.—for years without it being realized. They can
offer completely unacceptable lifestyles for the body of Christ to
follow and still keep their TV programs and lavish lifestyles. In the
name of grace, compassion and forgiveness we have lowered the
standard so much that often there isn’t one. We have bought into the
lie that true discipline is “shooting our wounded.” We have made a
mockery of biblical restoration, making “ministry”—not healthy
individuals, marriages and families—its ultimate goal. The fact is,
integrity matters. No, we don’t need legalistic, pharisaical standards,
but we must have standards.

For this lack of biblical accountability, I repent to God and I ask
forgiveness of the body of Christ.

4) We, the leaders of the charismatic church, have built on hype,
sensation, innovation, programs, personality and charisma. This has
produced: shallowness; false movements; novice leaders—gifted but
immature and untested; a deficient understanding of God’s word; the
building of man-centered rather than kingdom-centered churches and
ministries; competition rather than cooperation; humanistic, selfcentered
Christians who don’t understand sacrifice and commitment;
Christians without discernment; superstar leaders; a perverted and
powerless gospel; prayerless and anemic Christians; a replacement
of the fear of the Lord with the fear of man; and a young generation
that is cynical of it all. We are responsible, not the devil; he takes
what we give him.

For this compromise in the way we build, for giving the
Church watered down wine, commercial Christianity, a flashy but
weak Church and hype disguised as anointing, I repent to God
and ask forgiveness of the body of Christ.

Galatians 6:1-5 is an appropriate reference with which to end this
statement: “Brethren, even if a man caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual,
restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you
too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.
For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have reason for
boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one
shall bear his own load.” NAS

My passionate prayer is that God honors this repentance—I believe He
led me to do it and therefore, will—and uses it to begin a process of cleansing
and healing for all of us. In order for the coming great awakening to bear
maximum fruit we must have both, as well as a course correction that sets us on
a path of wisdom leading to life. There is no doubt that past moves of God have
been aborted, ended prematurely and contained error or heresy that have
wounded, if not destroyed, many. The healing revival of the 40’s and 50’s, the
charismatic movement, discipleship movement and Jesus movement are all
examples. My heart is to help shape a movement, the fruit of which will last for
decades—better yet, forever. And I have great expectations for us—I am not a
cynic.

My passionate prayer is also that Todd Bentley’s marriage survives and
thrives…that he turns his heart fully toward Christ and toward those with whom
he is aligned, and allows them, as God leads, to put him on a path of complete
restoration. I thank God for those who were touched by the Holy Spirit at
Lakeland and while watching it on God TV and the web.

May we all move forward into all God has planned for us in this awesome
season of endless possibility.

With great hope, Dutch Sheets

The Lord will judge his actions, and I am sorry I live in the same state where he brought judgment to us in the form of Fay. May he leave Florida forever and take his ministry elsewhere. I will pray for him, that he makes it right as ministers of the Lord have a higher accountability. May he find repentance. I believe he's a false teacher just like Benny Hinn, and soon I can just see him writing a book to get rich and make up for all the money he lost. This happens all the time.. Jim Bakker comes to mind for one. We'll see... I judge him not but I feel sorry for the fact that this is not the first time and won't be the last.

God, bless this mess of a country, allow us to let you back into our schools, government and places of employment, lest you remove your hand of protection.

Amen.

Posted by "Godlovesyou"





I pray for mercy on him. I pray for Todd Bentley because he is only a man who made a mistake.

Just like some would like for their mistakes to be forgiven.....they must also show mercy or God will not forgive them no matter how many times they ask for it or think they have been. That is in the scriptures.

I pray that Todd and his wife can reconcile. This can be done as long as the offending spouse truely makes amends and does not engage in further adultries.

I pray for reconciliation and that this church heals and that Todd can eventually be restored as a Pastor.

Forgiveness is what it is all about.

We are not anything like Christ when all we want to do is crucify someone for their mistakes.

But forgiveness requires change.

Good post Chloe.. we ALL, the ENTIRE FORUM can learn from this. Everyone has made mistakes, but judge not, lest you be judged. God has forgiven everyone that asks for His forgiveness and remembers their sins no more. (That's in the Scripture) But humans are not God and they have the ability to remember EVERY little mistake, every sin done to them. So this is why we have Jesus, who is there to remind us that we are FORGIVEN. Whether the change happens overnight or over a week, only God knows... it does take time to heal. Remember that, we are still HUMAN. And yes, adultery is a sin ... to even LOOK at someone with lust in your heart or think about that person that way when you are married is a sin and God will handle that. How does one know the other has changed when the interior of a man's heart cannot be seen? Like I said, only God knows.... and only God will be able to set bro. Bentley free. He could still SIN in his HEART by lusting after every woman walking by him, or sitting in the front row of his congregation. This is not the first time and won't be the last, as I said before. We don't judge, GOD does the JUDGING. Forgiveness asked for and rejected or believed to be FAKE by the person who the affront was committed upon must live with it and deal with it, asking the Lord for His help to accept the other's forgiveness. If a person asks for forgiveness and it is not believed, yet the person asking has truly felt in their heart that it was REAL and that GOD forgave them, then the grudge holder must ask God to help them control their rage, for one truly cannot tell what is in the heart of a man but GOD.

Give Him at least THAT much credit.

It does bring out something in the corporate body of Christ.

In the end times apostacy will be rampant. Today many churches unknowingly raise the name of Easter, the goddess of the east (Babylon) on the day of the resurrection of Jesus.

I used to do it until I found out. So in a way much of the body is in a state of adultery with God and Jesus.

What happens in the natural often foreshadows the spiritual

Then I would say that this comment was a tad bit harsh considering you are someone that sees the need to be forgiven.



That is why I cannot take what you say seriously. I am praying for you and about this whole situation. You still do not know the harm you did.

Have nice day.

No matter, Chloe. I am FORGIVEN, have apologized, it's done. You still don't see the Lord's words... re-read the part about forgiveness. If you don't want to forgive, then you need to go to God. Have a nice day and if you don't believe judgments in the form of hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, fires, etc. are judgments God has against this nation, as well as others, guess again or take it up with God, they were His wordrs. It's Scriptural and you don't to take ME seriously, take GOD seriously.

Harm, it's only harm depending on perspective. To you it was harm, to me I know I did wrong, repented, apologized, and have been forgiven by the Lord (and others who have said they have forgiven and moved on... except you and your friend)... so you two are the ones holding the grudges. I will pray that the Lord shines His light on the fact that it's over and done with and it's time for a new beginning!

Love ya!
Rose

Dutch Sheets just gave a frank and open and honest appraisal of the church and the matter of fact of the dishonour we have done to God and our Christ. There is a soon coming manifestation of His presence that will be like the book of Acts church. People who are not sincere will be like Annanias and Saphira...deaths will occur right in churches...people will fall on their faces in desperate repentance for all of their supposed faithfulness which was nothing more than a cover up. His Presence will reveal even this. Blessed redeemed souls, get ready for the appointed time is nigh. The candor and honesty has been heard by God in Dutch Sheets willingness to "own the problem" on behalf of the body. God is bring cleansing fire upon His church.

And only GOD can decide who is sincere and who is not. Lord help us all! I don't think a mere human has that capability.

Oh, and Dutch Sheets is just a SPOKESPERSON for the ministry. Can someone please post Todd's apology?

I will rather pray for the many many victims that he sent astray. The woman with cancer, that he kicked in the stomach, I dare not even think of what the docs will find on the scans. Sure that tumor was obliterated, only to find herself having these cancer cells spread out throughout her body. To me it was a horror, and I cringe every time I think of it.

But no, here we sit pondering the poor boy who started this satanic act. Hypocrisy runs rampant in these last days, as people cling to their pleasantries, and crave hearing their behavior being justified.

Prepare for the deluge then, not by water as in Noahs days. This deluge will be with fire, and it is called the abomination of desolation.
I pray that many still will find the way to repentance and humility before God.

Justice, I didn't know that he kicked someone in the stomach, how sad. The man has his issues.

And yes, there will be a deluge like never seen before, the day is at hand. For sure.

Be blessed, dear sister! xo Rose

My response here:

http://www.christian-forum.net/index.php?s...st&p=226965

What is your definition of being forgiven?

If one of your children lied to you and then came to you and apologized....you would probably have a talk with them, forgive them and let them know how fragile trust is and for them to never do that again.

But if they continued in the lies....(if you were a good parent)...you would be much stricter and dole out some punishment. You also would not be so ready to forgive this time until they proved otherwise.

Because forgiveness requires that the person change. Don't you agree? Saying..."today is a New day," does not cut it Rose.

Not when you continue to mention things that were spoken in private to use against this person. Never did I want anything to be used against him. That you did this, makes me very angry.

When you can stop that....and stop your attacks....then it will be a new day. And you will truely be forgiven.

Your post about Todd Bentley just struck me as so very odd because as I said, for one who is wanting forgiveness from others and talks about it....you cannot see that Todd Bentley is also just a human in need of the same!

Your sn says "GodLovesYou". How can that be believable when you are so willing to shove someone aside as if he is finished for this sin?

Is that Gods way? I'm thankful to say that its not. And for those that really have been forgiven of their sins....they understand this.

How presumptious to self appoint yourself as my parent. Take a hike, mob lynchers.

Unless you are Rose, I was not addressing you ... JUSTICE!

Chloe, go to post #6 and you'll see where I said that we are all HUMAN and we ALL make mistakes, even Todd Bentley. My definition of forgiveness is the same is as in the Bible, so if you have one, read it. I have repented and asked the Lord to forgive me and asked for your forgiveness too. I am not attacking your friend any more with anything. You are making this up now. I am answering your posts is all, YOU are the one that keeps stirring the pot because YOU are the one that won't forgive. You want some kind of special treatment or something. I said what I said and this is as good as it gets. We're not best friends, never were. I apologize for breaching your trust. I have not posted anything more about the things you have said privately... just stuff you mentioned PUBLICLY and those things are on the board for all to see if they want to search it out. You even started your own thread on stalkers. So I am not doing anything to you. I have asked for forgiveness and the Lord said you should forgive not just 7 times but 7 times 7 times. That's a lot. Are YOU doing that? I can say that the Lord has FORGIVEN me and I did say that Todd was a human, unless you are not including him in the ALL that I mentioned. Nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes. I pray he can turn around and I am turning around, you are judging and can't see it because you follow me around all the time. But if you could see my HEART, which you cannot, then you can't make the call. I know I have been forgiven of my sins... there you go judging again. You yourself cannot tell who is saved and who is not because we are ALL in the process (as Christians) of BEING SAVED. BEING SAVED. Not saved yet. And forgiven, yes... that is something the Lord did for us on the cross. So you can now stop YOUR attacks, I am not attacking you at all, that is such an ugly term.

And Justice just meant your parenting skills may need sharpening as she is also included in the group of ones that have not been forgiven on this forum. That's all.

What you say to a sister, you said it to me.

There's your answer Chloe... whatever you do to my sister, or brother, you do to me.

Thank you, Justice. I hope I said it right. Love ya.

You can put the claws away now, Chloe. Nobody is attacking you. I think I'd have to be in your physical vicinity to do that. Unless you feel it spiritually or mentally, and then you should ask the Lord to help you sort out your anger. Praying for you!

And I like my screen name. It says GOD LOVES YOU and HE DOES!

As I said, my beef is not wwith people, but the demons that hold them hostage.
If you do not conquer these inside you, they will keep you away from God.

So far not many have conquered theirs, as I see and hear the demons still spitting.

Yup, Justice, they are, and I think I need a paper towel and some sanitizer! EWWW!

No claws Rose. Just hard facts based on your posts.

But when the truth is spoken...that is when the real claws come out, as shown in how defensive you and Justice became.

So you have quit with the attacks? We will see. And my thread on Stalkers was general, and not intended for a particular person.

Me defensive? You wish! Keep dreaming

No claws here either Chloe... your unforgiveness speaks volumes though. Your tone alone is very defensive!

Me, defensive? No, just stating a fact in answer to your "defensive" post to me. Yes, I have quit with the attacks. Go ahead and mock that. And you put up the Stalker thread for a reason, general or not, it was for a personal purpose. No attack, just the truth.

Todd Bentley and the Latter Rain Heresy

Related article:

In times of revival God often reminds the Church of neglected truths. When this happens, it is easy for extremes to develop. Some will reject the revival of a doctrine, while others in their zeal will go beyond the teaching of Scripture. Both extremes are harmful and bring reproach on the cause of Christ.

Unfortunately, some Pentecostals and charismatics have come to think of revival in terms of the number of people falling to the floor, shaking or laughing uncontrollably, or demonstrating a variety of other human responses reported in media favorable to the revival. The presence of such physical reactions is sometimes viewed as evidence of spirituality or of God’s choice of blessing a certain ministry with His presence.

One deviant teaching that seems to surface from time to time is known as “The Latter Rain.” Often Latter Rain teachings are combined with heretical teachings such as the “Manifested Sons of God” heresy (MSoG). Latter Rain teachings today can trace their roots back to the mid 20th century, specifically a revival in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, and also the teachings of a healing revivalist, William Branham. Latter Rain teachings include doctrines and practices such as impartation, Joel’s Army, the five-fold ministry with the office of the prophet and apostle, and an emphasis on predictive and personal prophecy.

“Impartation” places an unwarranted emphasis on the transference of spiritual power through the laying on of hands. This teaching is often preoccupied with “mantles” and “anointings.”

Joel’s Army and Kingdom Now describes those who believe that God’s Kingdom can come on earth with a little help from humankind. This errant theology says that Jesus will not return until the Church takes dominion of the earth back from Satan and his followers. Those who have caught the vision of the Kingdom Now are actively at work seeking to overcome the opposition and declaring Christians who hold a biblical understanding of Christ’s imminent return at any time to be cowardly for not joining the “anointed,” as they sometimes call themselves. Without question, the Old Testament Book of Joel includes many end time references. But the great and powerful army in Joel 2 is one of terrible locusts, an instrument of judgment on Israel.

Another aspect of the Joel’s Army teaching is the belief in a great end-times revival. The biblical viewpoint is that apostasy shall increase.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 (KJV) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Matthew 24:12 (KJV) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

This of course does not rule out revival, but we must keep things in perspective.

William Branham, by most accounts, had a powerful healing ministry. However, he also taught an odd doctrine called the serpent seed doctrine and taught that the concept of the trinity was from the pit of hell. When he died his followers left him unburied for 45 days, believing he would be resurrected. He wasn’t.

Whereas classic Pentecostal prophecy is usually forth telling, prophecy in many churches is foretelling. These practices have led to control and manipulation in the church, and the accuracy rate is dismally low. It is worth noting that the New Testament government structure involves elders and deacons and does not mention the governing offices of apostles and prophets.
The most extreme versions of MSoG takes the position that Christians will attain immortality here on earth. In some flavors of MSoG, Jesus never returns, but the “body of Christ” somehow becomes “the Christ” (the “anointed”).
As mentioned in the May 28th blog, we can see many Latter Rainesque doctrines and practices in the movement some call the “extreme prophetic.” This movement includes healing revivalist Todd Bentley.

Bentley embraces the MSoG teachings of immortality. In a recent service at Lakeland he stated, “We do not have to age.” In his paper End Time Joel’s Army he declares, “In the ministry of Jesus, He healed every sickness and disease among the people.” It would be pure speculation to declare that everyone at the Pool of Bethesda was healed. Luke 5 tells us that people came to be healed, but Jesus often withdrew from the crowds. Regardless, no one alive during the time of Jesus is alive today.

To further his MSoG status, he also stated “I’m not a MAN when I’m under the anointing.”

Bentley has mentioned the appearance (to him) of William Branham’s personal angel “Healing Revival.” He talks frequently at the Lakeland meetings of angels, and indeed that is a topic for another time. Needless to say, his constant references to William Branham and his “mantle” make a strong association between him and Branham.

Another topic worth exploring in depth is the overuse of questionable prophecy and/or words of knowledge. During the healing times, he often claims either Jesus or the “Angel of the Lord” is whispering in his left ear, which he says means healing. Who can question him if Jesus is whispering in his ear? However, I’ve seen him mis-hear, or mis-read people, and have to make a quick recovery by either changing the subject or “BAM” slaying them in the spirit and quickly moving to the next person.

There are many variations to his theology, with new age and Gnostic beliefs thrown in. Some excuse him as uneducated, but he does consider himself a teacher, with over 300 teachings posted in his website. That’s a very brief overview of the “The Latter Rain” and how it relates to the current attention focused on those in the extreme prophetic movement. It is helpful to have some knowledge of history so that we can learn from the mistakes of others, rather than through hardships we will bring on ourselves if we stray from the Word of God.

Good Post Maz

Although I have no problem with Dutch, Here is the mind set that I seem to have a problem with:

'I can represent the leadership of the charismatic body of Christ and identificationally repent for our sins and weaknesses.

'I encourage leaders who find my statements true and appropriate to join me ... I firmly believe it is the only way to begin the process of rebuilding trust with those asked to follow us ...

'We, the leaders of the charismatic community, have operated in an extremely low level of discernment.

'We leaders in the Church have become no different than the world around us in our standards for measuring success and greatness.

'When a spiritual leader we're connected with violates trust ...

'We, the leaders of the charismatic church, spin our involvement and fail to acknowledge our responsibility when other leaders fall ...

'Those of us on boards of fallen leaders ...

'We, the leaders of the charismatic church, are responsible.

'What about the leader in my city who ran with some of the leading spiritual fathers in our nation ...

'We, the leaders of the charismatic church, have built on hype, sensation, innovation, programs, personality and charisma.

and finally:

'This is so epidemic that every member of the body of Christ stands guilty—what pastor or leader did you follow ...?

I think you can catch my drift; although all of these heartfelt statements are true, it seems to reveal a mindset doesn't it? the preoccupation with the leadership of men? Aren't Pastors, teachers, prophets, apostles, etc, actually gifts to the body of Christ?

If so, what is the majoring in leaders and followers routine? Don't all colleges and universities equip young minds to be leaders for greatness and success? Is that what our seminaries have become?

And if we are majoring in leadership for success and minoring in sheep? maybe that's a hint to the problem;

And isn't the idea of shepherd's in fact an old testament concept? Aren't pastors, teachers, prophets, etc. in the new covenant just feeders of sheep? And Jesus Christ our Lord the true shepherd? I'm just saying.

Maybe he should have just spoke for those who worked for Todd, and collaborated with him; instead of lumping the whole charismatic church, and the body of Christ into it? For those behind the scenes were getting a pay check weren't they? God forbid, was it a job? or was it a service? Give it up man.

Now I may seem harsh, but I'm a man; and I would be stern with my real brother or brother-in-law, if the shoes fit; but they don't; I would say, Sit down man, until you grow up; I can certainly understand as a man, and empathize as a man, but I would not sympathize - be it Bill Clinton or a spiritual 'leader' - for it reveals more than a weakness or 'misjudgement' it reveals a mindset.

Sounds harsh, ...but I would pray to God that if this 'leadership' thing is righteous, and I think not; that the Lord give us men, and women, and not children for our 'leaders'; I fear for us sheep, I fear a die is been cast.

Glass Houses.

Ps, Isaiah 3:1-4; it is a hard saying, but this type of thing happened before, and Isaiah 3:1-4 is an echo to us today; if any would like an interpretation, let me know; in a nutshell, it says to us, that the religiousity of both Israel and the Church does not pass this test that we are facing - I don't like it, and this is why my tone; but this hasn't simply started nor has it ended; forgive me of my sins and offenses. You want to know what I really think? We are being invaded; and Bentley was an un-witting conduit; but he is our brother, and I forgive him; as should we all, with fear and trembling lest ... And where sin abound, grace does that much more abound. Be confident. Isaiah 3:10. I also believe Dutch is a good man to have on your side, but even he doesn't understand the magnitude; but he is getting there, did you get load of that letter, my; I'd like to get to know Dutch; that said, God be with you. Maybe what the Lord is saying is: That's it's time the sheep rule with Christ, in heavenly places. So be it. You may have to work for men, but Follow-the-Shepherd.

See to me, this isn't about Todd Bentley's sin...To me he was just a man caught in the clucking and quacking of the day..

and those mature leaders...his elder brothers...

let him down by lifting him up.

Yes...he has accountability like all of us that are of age

but the greatest judgement l see from the Lord will be towards the church leaders who allowed this.

Below l talk about a prophetic word given by Sheets to the church (all before the Bentley thing was exposed)

The Lord's Holy Spirit has been counseling me over a period of time about

"what is in my own back yard." In both a good and bad way..
It has profound meaning but too long to explain here.

The point is... If we don't speak against a thing we will receive judgement for it too..

Below l discuss another area in which Sheets hasn't disassociated himself and his ministry.
from other questionable affiliations. It's part of the reason after l hashed his word over l had to spit it out. God gave me a confirming sign l will discuss it in the following post.






When l cry out to the Lord HE begins to unwind the cords of confusion. He doesn't take his gift away. He just gets me back on course. I'm learning and am offered grace.

My Own Back Yard...

It's two sided. What's going on in my life that needs attention??
Secondly...God speaks to each of us personally..in our own language. He's used my back yard to teach me with signs following.

Friends...God wants to speak to each one of you who believe..

in your own back yard...figuratively speaking. We don't have to rely on huge ministries to hear for us. WE NEED TO HEAR PEOPLE..

Don't think this is out of your reach. I don't point you to men but to God.

Let me give you a personal example of how he spoke to me concerning this...

As l was hashing over the Dutch Sheets word the wind started to blow. I kept stepping outside because l knew my sunflowers couldn't withstand much wind. I had to restake them twice. All while going back and forth from the computer.. As l pulled the last sting tight l heard in my spirit "strengthen your stakes"

I knew immediately that it was because of the east wind.

God was telling me that he would strengthen me against the east wind and that inturn l would (should)strengthen the stakes of his tent. Is. 54:2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

Mathew Henry's commentary tells us that as our tents fill up we have to examine everything that comes in closely..and honestly...

a lot of what's coming in

is coming in on the east wind...

the east wind brought the quail..it brought locust..it dried up the red sea..it scattered the ships of Tarshish...God uses the east wind as a tool of judgement..

This simple event in my backyard helped me to finally reject Sheets word.
I don't need others to impart to me what is the Holy Spirits job. and...

God will strengthen us to stand against the east wind..but we must do our part or be blown down.