Lakeland, Dead Saints, Angels, Apostolic Oversight
by Joseph Mattera www.josephmaterra.org
Lakeland, Speaking to Departed Saints, Angelic Ministry, and Apostolic Oversight
The following article was written three weeks ago, before it was reported that Todd Bentley is separating from his wife. Because I write in clusters, in which I plan ahead of time when to release material, other writings have recently been released to coincide with the Beijing Olympics. Thus this article was delayed until this week.
I am praying for Todd and his wife’s reconciliation, and want nothing but the best for his ministry. I know firsthand the kind of strain that public ministry can have on a marriage, and my heart goes out to both of them.
That being said, for the past three months I have been inundated with questions from leaders regarding my thoughts on the current meetings in Lakeland, Florida and about some of Todd Bentley’s teachings and other-worldly experiences. Some in my sphere of influence have even demanded a response from me because of my role as a bishop.
Because I never went to Lakeland, I refuse to comment on the actual meetings and validity of the presence of God and healings. However, many have been confused by some of Bentley’s teachings regarding divine revelation, third heaven experiences and angelic ministry. These are topics I can write about based on Bentley’s writings.
After examining his website and other teachings, it is my opinion that Bentley’s teachings, doctrinal statement, and preaching regarding the cardinal doctrines of the faith seem to be sound. However, it is in some secondary matters he preaches that is causing controversy, and it is regarding these secondary doctrines and experiences that I will comment. (Note: By “cardinal doctrines of the faith” I mean the divinity of Christ, the Trinity, salvation by faith in Christ alone, water baptism, Holy Communion, etc.)
Regarding Todd Bentley: As a bishop and spiritual father in the Body of Christ, I endeavor to first and foremost appreciate the passion and love for Jesus of this present young generation to press in and use their faith to see God’s power in the same way the Gospels and Book of Acts illustrate. I believe the United States is long overdue for a mighty move of the Spirit that includes signs and wonders. I never want to be accused of putting cold water on a young generation of Christ seekers because I would rather have some wild fire than no fire at all!
The following are some controversial beliefs and practices of Todd Bentley:
1. Divine Revelation
The statement of faith on Bentley’s website (www.freshfire.ca) lists 12 points, the last of which is:
“FURTHER REVELATION: We recognize that God is continually restoring truth and light to His Church. Therefore, we place no limit on further revelation; however, each must be substantiated according to the Scriptures.” (Accessed from http://www.freshfire.ca/index.php?Id=106&pid=8 on July 15, 2008)
My Comments:
I do not find this kind of doctrinal statement regarding revelation in other established Pentecostal or mainline churches.
Regarding the statement “we place no limit on further revelation; however, each must be substantiated according to the Scriptures”: The ambiguity of this doctrinal statement coupled with the mystical experiences of Todd Bentley as stated by him can easily open up a door for extra-biblical revelation to be considered as equally inspired as the Scriptures. Biblical, historic Christianity never puts preaching or prophecy on an equal level with Scripture, which is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). After the New Testament was written, all inspired utterances are to be judged as being on a lower level than the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 14:29; 2 Peter 1:19-21). Putting present revelation as equal with Scripture is falling into the old error of the second century Montanists, who went around constantly prophesying the imminent return of the Lord and considered their utterances as equal or above the authority of Scripture. (For information on Montanism view this page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montanism)
While I think I understand what Bentley is saying, the logical conclusion to the statement “no limit on further revelation” can open up a Pandora’s Box with unstable people having strange visions and revelations leading to erroneous doctrines that some will try to back up by the prooftexting of Scripture, like the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses have done.
Another hypothetical problem is the potential open door for heresy, or teachings that do not comport with the historical, orthodox teachings of the church. For example, what happens if one day a person following this particular doctrinal point receives a revelation that comports with the cardinal doctrine of the lordship of Christ and that He is the only way for salvation, but a “third heaven revelation” results in someone teaching that the unconverted will get a second chance after death to give their hearts to Christ, or something silly like every person who receives Christ must have a certain personality trait or a certain hidden human temperament combination? The first example of a second chance after death can and has already been hermeneutically distorted utilizing the prooftexting of Scripture, while the second example has no biblical reference at all. At the same time, both of these hypothetical teachings do not directly compromise the lordship and the redeeming ministry of Christ, yet they would cause chaos and division in the church because of their heresy!
2. Angelology (the Study of Angels)
The following is based on an article by Bentley entitled “Angelic Hosts: Part 1 of 3” (from http://www.etpv.org/2003/angho.html accessed July 15, 2008). This article details numerous encounters with various angels that appear to Bentley in different forms, with some of them revealing their names to him. The article shows how Bentley’s life is surrounded by angelic activity, and gives the sense that everything Bentley does in ministry is done by angels, or involves angels in a direct way. Several times in the article he says things such as “worship is for God alone,” yet almost all of the activity in the article is directed by angels. The angels mentioned by name are: Revelation, Emma, Healing Revival, and Promise. There are healing angels and financial angels. Financial angels release finances to people. Also, Bentley instructs his readers to ask God for angelic encounters, angelic protection, angelic financial help, and angelic healing.
(Also you can view the following video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uoT12vvj-k Please note: this video obviously has a very strong bias against Todd Bentley and exhibits a very critical spirit, but it adequately shows the emphasis Bentley makes regarding angels coming down to minister to the congregation in one particular meeting.)
My Comments:
Regarding Bentley’s emphasis on angelic visitations, Scripture does verify the ministry of angels and possible angelic visitations involving God’s messengers. Also, because this is based on Bentley’s testimony, no one can verify whether or not these experiences really happened, or if they did happen, no one can verify the nature of these extraterrestrial encounters (i.e. were they angels or demons?). A person is left with judging these experiences based solely on taking Bentley’s ministry, teaching, and life into contextual scrutiny before determining their opinion. (In Matthew 7:20 Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruit.”)
Regarding the frequency of the angelic visitations Bentley has, with the exception of Jesus (John 1:51) a reading of Scripture does not seem to indicate that any of the apostles experienced such frequent angelic encounters. Although, to be fair, Scripture does not explicitly detail the personal and spiritual lives of Paul, Peter, and the other apostolic leaders of the early church.
Regarding the emphasis on commanding or utilizing angels to minister for us or to bring healing (with the exception of Matthew 26:53 in which Jesus said that He could pray to the Father for legions of angels to deliver Him), there is no biblical examples that I am aware of that illustrate any of the apostles or Old Testament prophets calling on angels to come down and minister to them or for them.
This teaching can subtly shift the focal point from Christ to spiritual beings, which sound more like New Age mysticism than biblical Christianity. While the presence of angels during healing services is certainly implied (e.g. in Luke 5:17 the power of the Lord being present can also indicate not only the presence of the Holy Spirit but also the presence of many angelic beings) I do not believe this is something a Christian is responsible to make happen by calling on angels to come and perform. As in other words, the numerous example of prayer we find in both the Old and New Testaments have no record of any person calling down an angel; they called upon the Lord and then He sent angels to deliver them. (Read 2 Kings 19:20-37 which shows how King Hezekiah of Judah prayed to the Lord for deliverance from the King of Assyria and the Lord answered by sending an angel to destroy the Assyrian armies encamped against Judah.)
Bentley also teaches that God sends healing angels to minister to the church. One passage that can be used as a proof text to teach that we need to intentionally involve angels for divine healing is John 5:1-4, which says people were healed after entering a pool of water after an angel entered into it. A few things need to be noted here: 1) Verse 4 is not universally recognized as being authentic because it is not found in the earliest biblical manuscripts; 2) You can also make a case that the angel went into the water by God’s decree, without any person intentionally commanding him; 3) If you choose to use this verse as proof that we need angels to minister healing, then you also must say we need water for healing as well; 4) This is the only passage in the New Testament that directly connects angels and healing, thus, it is not conclusive enough to make a doctrine out of it.
Although Hebrews 1:14 says that angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for the sake of those inheriting salvation, Scripture indicates that the proper protocol regarding the release of the power of God for miracles and answers to prayer comes from approaching God the Father in the name of Jesus (John 16:23-24), then God will decide whether or not angels will be released to war on our part to ensure the answer of our prayers. Even when Daniel prayed (Daniel 10:12-21) for Israel to be delivered from her 70 year exile and warring angels were sent by God in answer to his prayers and fasting, they were not commanded to come down by Daniel himself. Furthermore, when the apostle Peter was in jail awaiting execution, there is no biblical record of him commanding an angel to release him. In Peter’s own words: “Now I know that the Lord has sent his angel, and has delivered me out of the hand of Herod” (Acts 12:11). Hence, it seems as though the angel was sent in answer to the prayers of the saints gathered in the home of John Mark’s mother (Acts 12:12) rather than because Peter commanded angels to deliver him. Also, the Bible says that God sent the angel to deliver Peter (Acts 12:11).
Furthermore, in Old Testament instances when “the Angel of the Lord” appeared and performed a miracle (Judges 6:11-24; 13:1-20) many theologians believe that “the angel” refers to a theophany, which is a physical appearance of God in the form of a man. Genesis 18 illustrates this, when the Lord appeared to Abraham as three men (Genesis 18:1-2) and then, in Genesis 19:2, two of the men were called “angels” who went to Sodom to give word to the “Lord out of heaven” regarding when to destroy Sodom. One of the three went back to heaven and rained fire and brimstone on the nation (Genesis 19:24).
Finally, many proponents of utilizing healing angels attempt to cite the ministry of evangelist William Branham, whose ministry went from 1941 to 1965, as an example of someone who utilized a healing angel. I have read much about Branham and have viewed videos of him ministering, but to my knowledge he only knew he was anointed to heal the sick when the angel of God was with him. I do not believe he taught that the angel actually did the healings. (Because I am not a Branham expert I could be mistaken with this assertion.) Furthermore, because Branham strayed from orthodoxy regarding his doctrine and teachings, he should not be looked upon as a model for sound doctrine or ministry, especially in his later years when he claimed to be Elijah the Prophet.
3. What Bentley Teaches Regarding Entering into the Various Realms of Heaven and Speaking to Departed Saints
An article by Bentley entitled “Encounter With Heaven - Part 3: Conclusion” (from http://www.injesus.com/index.php?module=message&task=view&MID=4B007C5J&GroupID=VB006FHZ&label=&paging=all accessed July 15, 2008) gives a window into what Bentley means by the point in his statement of faith concerning “further revelation” (see #1 above). The article’s summary reads as follows: “In the final segment of Encounter with Heaven Todd shares about his visit with the apostle Paul in the third heaven. As Abraham and David came forward from the cloud of witnesses and looked on, Paul explained to Todd crucial revelatory information about different scriptures in the Bible. You’ll learn (among other things) just how Paul received the revelation of the gospel as it was revealed to him by the Lord Jesus Christ in the third heaven. Then you’ll discover an amazing piece of the puzzle concerning how the Book of Hebrews was written. As well, Paul reveals what the most important passage of scripture is for the church in this hour. Then, after Todd describes the seven heavenly realms that he saw, he’ll bring you back to the most important place, which is your own heart and your personal love relationship with Jesus Christ.”
My Comments:
Bentley’s story of speaking to saints like Paul the Apostle goes even further than what Paul taught in 2 Corinthians 12:1-7, in which Paul says he heard inexpressible things, but never that he spoke to a saint that passed into glory. In Galatians 1:12, Paul indicates that it was during this time that he learned the Gospel from Jesus directly. Thus, the inexpressible things he heard were not from Abraham or another saint of old, but his encounter was with Jesus Himself. In 1 Corinthians 9:1 he says he saw Jesus our Lord, which can also be taken to be the experience he had on the road to Damascus in Acts 9:3, but we cannot be certain since this passage only says Paul saw a flash of light and heard the voice of the Lord.
This narrative from Bentley can embolden other people to take this to another level and say they are walking in the third heaven and having conversations with saints in heaven. This can lead either to demonic deception, and/or even praying to the saints, thus falling back into the old Roman Catholic error! (When you define the word “prayer” as talking to God, then you could call this encounter praying to the saints.)
There may be some who say that because we are surrounded by a “cloud of many witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) that means the church in heaven is involved with what is happening on the earth, to the point of being able to bear witness (give advice, encouragement, etc.) to the present-day church regarding our mission in Christ. This erroneous interpretation can easily be disputed simply by understanding the writer in Hebrews was only referring to the excellent lives lived by the people of faith in the previous chapter (Hebrews 11) whose written exploits serve as a model and even as standard-bearers on how we are to live by faith . This word “witness” is where we get the word “martyr,” which eventually referred to a person who died for their faith in Christ.
The Greek word for “witness” also bears this out, and translates as “witness” 29 times, “martyr” three times, and “record” twice in the King James Version. The definition of the word is: “1) a witness, 1a) in a legal sense, 1b) an historical sense, 1b1) one who is a spectator of anything, e.g. of a contest, 1c) in an ethical sense, 1c1) those who after his example have proved the strength and genuineness of their faith in Christ by undergoing a violent death” (from Thayer’s Greek Definitions).
Some can try to proof text the notion of being able to speak to the departed saints by using 1 Samuel 28:6-15, in which King Saul consults a medium in order to have a conversation with Samuel the prophet, who died earlier:
And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by the prophets.
Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.”
And his servants said to him, “In fact, there is a woman who is a medium at En Dor.”
So Saul disguised himself and put on other clothes, and he went, and two men with him; and they came to the woman by night. And he said, “Please conduct a séance for me, and bring up for me the one I shall name to you.”
Then the woman said to him, “Look, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off the mediums and the spiritists from the land. Why then do you lay a snare for my life, to cause me to die?”
And Saul swore to her by the LORD, saying, “As the LORD lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this thing.”
Then the woman said, “Whom shall I bring up for you?”
And he said, “Bring up Samuel for me.”
When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice. And the woman spoke to Saul, saying, “Why have you deceived me? For you are Saul!”
And the king said to her, “Do not be afraid. What did you see?”
And the woman said to Saul, “I saw a spirit ascending out of the earth.”
So he said to her, “What is his form?”
And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is covered with a mantle.” And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground and bowed down.
Now Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” (1 Samuel 28:6-15)
A few things to consider about this passage: 1) God would not answer Saul (verse 6), 2) Saul did not go to a prophet of the Lord to attempt to consult with the dead because he knew it was unlawful, 3) Saul enquired of someone who had familiar spirits. Thus, it seemed to be a spirit that had great knowledge and even the appearance of Samuel, 4) This story actually teaches against the use of attempting to converse with departed saints because only those into witchcraft practiced such in the Old Testament.
Another passage that can be cited is when Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus while He was praying on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13):
Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, din whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.”
And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist (Matthew 17:1-13).
Things to consider about this passage: 1) This was an appearance of two of the most important saints in the Old Covenant to Jesus, the God-man before He was going to accomplish the redemption these old saints prophesied about thousands of years ago; 2) Moses as the lawgiver and writer of the Pentateuch, and Elijah, whose anointing manifest in John the Baptist and prepared the way for Jesus, had to appear representing the Old Covenant, to further validate that Jesus was indeed the Messiah; the Bible teaches that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter shall be established (2 Corinthians 13:1); 3) This instance showed Jesus speaking to departed saints, not his disciples speaking to these saints. There is no record of Peter, James, or John speaking with Moses or Elijah; 4) There is no record of any of the apostles having conversations with the departed saints.
What about Saint John’s conversation with a heavenly elder in the book of Revelation:
So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” (Revelation 5:4-5)
In Revelation 5:5, John the Apostle converses with an elder about Jesus being able to open the scroll that would unfold the seven seals. Things to consider about this experience:
1) This elder was one of the 24 elders seated around the throne of God (Revelation 4:4). Some believe that these 24 elders were the 12 heads of Israel and the original 12 apostles. Thus, because John was one of the original 12 apostles and was still living on earth, this could have been a vision of an experience he was going to have in the future while in heaven, when the seal was actually broken. If it was not an actual real-time experience it still comports with Revelation 1:19 in which some of what John was seeing was going to take place in the future. (Note: the actual breaking of the seven seals is something many believe has since taken place.)
2) Even if John had a real time conversational experience with an elder in heaven, one has to remember that this was a special instance in which Scripture was being written, mediated by Jesus Himself as shown in Revelation 1:12, who was the primary person speaking to John.
3) If Bentley and others think they can have conversations in heaven with departed saints like John the Revelator, then what is to stop present-day saints from saying departed saints have dictated a new letter to the church that should be added to the 66 books of the Bible?
Also, in this article one can get the impression Bentley is encouraging all saints to have a third heaven experience, even though Paul the Apostle in describing this same experience in 2 Corinthians 12:1-7 and in his other epistles never actually encourages saints to seek or do this. What Paul does encourage believers to do is pursue love, desire spiritual gifts but rather that they may prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1), but never does he encourage the saints to have third heaven experiences like Bentley does. Paul probably knew that not all saints are called to have this experience, and that encouraging the saints to have these out-of-body experiences or physical visions as part of the normal Christian life could result in extra-biblical revelation possibly unraveling the cohesion of the church and dissipate the importance of the final biblical revelation regarding salvation (Revelation 22:18:19).
Contrary to encouraging other saints to go to the third heaven, Paul speaks about God sending him a “thorn in the flesh” to keep him from being puffed up because of the surpassing revelations given to him during this third heaven experience (2 Corinthians 12:1-7). He also says that what he learned was “unlawful to speak.” It seems as though much of what he learned in paradise he never spoke about in public ministry.
Having these kind of third heaven experiences can also serve to subtly prop up Todd Bentley as an authority above most respected apostolic fathers and Evangelical theologians because, after all, as he says of this experience as noted in this article, revelation releases authority. Thus, this type of experience would give Bentley either the final say concerning his teaching as a result of these encounters, or would show that he has superior authority since he has direct teaching from Paul and other departed saints. This can also hinder his ability to receive counsel or correction from apostolic leaders.
To quote from the article:
“So I jumped onto the ladder and began to climb up into another realm. I saw around me that it was all clouds so I began to pull those clouds back. As I did, a hole opened up in the heavens. Immediately then, out of heaven, flowed the color green, not just a light; it was like a green liquid and it was pouring onto my eyes! When I asked God about this, He said, “You are coming into the throne room; you are beneath the sea of glass; there is a rainbow around the throne. It’s not just above the throne; it’s a circle around the throne, a rainbow, and emerald, green in color.” [“And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald” (Rev. 4:3).] I had just climbed into the fourth realm of heaven which is the throne room, (with more realms to follow). [You can read Revelation Chapter Four for a good description of the throne room.]
Although I was aware that there were other colors in the rainbow, I focused mainly on three colors—blue, purple, and pink. Therefore, before I share about the other realms I saw, I want to speak about these three colors because I received notable revelation about what each color symbolizes.
Do you know what green represents, besides prosperity? It’s growth, new things, life, growth in the Lord, what you grow into. Blue is revelation, and when you grow into revelation, what does it release? Purple! This color represents authority and kingship. [Revelation and counsel bring might and revelation releases the true authority which brings the kingdom.] What happens after purple? Pink! Remember, last week I said that pink prophetically represents love and emotions. These two attributes are crucial because faith works by love! So, here’s the download: You grow in revelation; revelation releases authority, and the kingdom comes and rules; and it operates out of emotion and love” (From http://www.injesus.com/index.php?module=message&task=view&MID=4B007C5J&GroupID=VB006FHZ&label=&paging=all Accessed July 15, 2008).
Finally, it has been my experience as a committed Christ follower since 1978 that most of the profound leadings from the Lord I and other key leaders have discerned did not come in the form of a dramatic visitation or experience. I have had quite a few dramatic supernatural encounters, have ministered healing and deliverance to many, but as the Scriptures teach in 1 Kings 19:11-13, God does not always speak profound things with extraordinary experiences. Most of the time, He leads with a still small voice that is enough for those that are mature in the Lord to move out in faith and do great exploits. As a matter of fact, Israel experienced more miracles for sustenance when they were slaves in Egypt and while wandering in the desert for 40 years than they did after entering the land of Canaan. Having to depend on extraordinary supernatural experiences does not always equate to walking in biblical maturity and wisdom. Joshua 5:12 teaches that the manna ceased after the children of Israel entered into the land of promise. Thus, they had fewer miracles because they were expected to steward the land and receive their food by principle, not always by supernatural interventions.
“Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave” (1 Kings 19:11-13).
4. Bentley Teaches that Abraham Helped Author the Book of Hebrews
In this same article, Bentley also teaches that Abraham actually taught Paul the Apostle the book of Hebrews. (This is supposedly why Paul did not sign his name and/or claim authorship of the book.) In the article Bentley says: “Back to Paul! I discovered while conversing with Paul that it wasn’t only Jesus Christ who taught him in heaven. I say this because Paul told me: ‘Abraham taught me, in heaven, and that’s how and why I wrote the book of Hebrews. What I heard was from the lips of Abraham himself’”
To further quote Bentley:
“I know I’m stepping out on theology now; however, I want you to understand that Paul always made it clear when he authored an epistle—“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ” or “Paul, a bond-servant of Christ.” Always! Yet, for the Book of Hebrews, although most Bible scholars believe that it was authored by Paul, there are those that really can’t say it was him because the authorship is never clear. Paul told me why. Here is what he said to me. “Do you know why I know so much about Abraham?” [So much of Hebrews is based on other things that you just can’t pull from in other scriptures.] He said, “Abraham himself shared (information) with me and I simply wrote it” (in the Book of Hebrews). “The authorship isn’t clear because it was Abraham and I; Abraham shared with me.” [Much of Hebrews is about Abraham; i.e. Hebrews Chapter 11.] Paul said, “When I was in the third heaven, Abraham was with me like you are with me now” (From http://www.injesus.com/index.php?module=message&task=view&MID=4B007C5J&GroupID=VB006FHZ&label=&paging=all Accessed July 15, 2008).
Although saying Abraham helped Paul write the book of Hebrews seems harmless and does not alter any of the concepts and teachings of this important biblical book, I believe that speaking about how any book of the Bible came about is dangerous since it opens up a door for judging, based on these kind of revelations, the canonical place each of the 66 books of the Bible should have. For example, what if someone says they had an encounter in the third heaven in which Paul the Apostle confided in them that he did not like James, the Lord’s brother, and that he did not believe the book of James was inspired of God because (as Martin Luther once erroneously taught) he emphasized the role of works in our salvation (James 2:24).
I do hope and pray that those who go to Lakeland and/or observe Todd Bentley on television do not think they are all called to have these heavenly visions, out-of-body experiences with Paul, and angelic visitations in order for them to do great things for God. This can result in mass confusion and even delusion. All leaders need to make sure that we promote a balanced approach that allows for supernatural experience, divine revelation, with an even higher view of the Scriptures as our final authority. We also need to understand that God can lead us through even some of the most mundane things of life.
5. Bentley Claims Over 30 People Have Been Raised from the Dead
Regarding Bentley’s claims of over 30 resurrections from the dead, made on July 17, 2008 (view the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e5M0WnDIpA&eurl):
I have no problem with someone that preaches the church should be resurrecting the dead. T he commission of preaching the Gospel originally included this command (read Matthew 10:8). I also applaud any minister who believes they can get a word to raise the dead in their meetings. (One of my ministry models is Smith Wigglesworth, who allegedly raised about 13 from the dead in his ministry.)
However, I also believe that there should be a methodology that matches claims of resurrections with verification. In Mark 1:44 Jesus told the leper who was healed to go show himself to the priest as a testimony of his healing. (Note: He did not tell the leper to show himself to the Roman magistrate; the witness of healing was only for those in covenant with God. Hence, because of their anti-Christian bias, I do not put much credence in secular news exposes like Nightline’s recent investigation on Todd Bentley, in which they concluded that Todd Bentley could not show even three verifiable miracles of healing. Although I doubt credibility of such reporting, I wrote about Nightline’s expose regarding Bentley so the church could know how the world is viewing these meetings; to read the article click here.
Jesus Himself intentionally demonstrated Lazarus’ resurrection by having a public dinner with him so that the world could see and believe in Him (John 12:9-11). Consequently, I believe the biblical methodology Todd Bentley should employ should include not announcing a resurrection from the dead until or unless his ministry is prepared to document the resurrection in some believable way. Out of the 32 resurrections purported to have taken place, is it too much to ask that at least a few of these resurrected folks come on the platform and give their testimony, in some cases with other family members or a doctor to verify the story? Email or cell phone testimonies are not enough, especially in light of all the scrutiny and controversy surrounding him by both the secular media and the church.
Regarding the commissioning and endorsement of Bentley by the Lakewood Apostolic Team
A few weeks ago, Dr. C. Peter Wagner gathered an apostolic team and went to Lakeland to help bring apostolic alignment to both Todd Bentley and the burgeoning renewal movement. Although many were upset by this action taken by Wagner and other leaders (a few that are my good friends), I believe their intention was not so much endorsing everything Todd Bentley is preaching or doing but rather functioning apostolically as fathers in reaching out to this young man so that he can have more accountability. I applaud the motive behind this and pray that Bentley does receive input from these seasoned leaders of the church. Too many fathers neglect younger ministers and leave them on their own, to the hurt of the Kingdom of God! I must admit, when I was 32 years old, I preached some things that I would never preach today! With seasoned men around me, I grew in ministerial maturity much faster than if I were to be left alone.
Also, in light of the recent revelation that Bentley wants to divorce his wife, the real test of whether or not he receives the apostolic covering designated over him (three apostolic leaders, Dr. Wagner not being one of them) will now surface. True apostolic oversight also includes a minister’s personal life which, in this case, should also involve attempting a process of reconciliation between Todd and his wife.
Should Lakeland be Classified as a Revival?
I appreciate the fact that most folks involved with Lakeland are referring to these meetings as an outpouring rather than a revival. Regarding these meetings, I can only say that some of my close friends have attended and reported the worship experience was tremendous, because there was a very strong sense of the presence of God. Others I know did not have such a glowing report. My observation regarding this is the same as what I said about Toronto and Pensacola in the 1990’s: that we must be careful not to label something a revival (based on the historical reference to Wesley, Whitefield, Edwards, and Finney) unless it results in multitudes of people converting to Christ and the surrounding communities being transformed. As far as I can see with Lakeland (as well as Toronto and Pensacola) it should probably not be classified as a true revival but more of a renewal movement, because a large percentage of attendees are Christians either looking for a healing, a deeper experience with God, or an impartation so they can also move in signs and wonders.
To understand how amazing true revival is, Whitefield’s meetings often had at least between twenty and fifty thousand people--mostly unconverted people--during a time without amplification, phones, television, or computers. His preaching and ministry (as well as Wesley’s) helped prevent England’s destruction due to the cultural prevalence of gross immorality and religious indifference. It also aided in the cohesion and unifying of the thirteen original colonies, thus paving the way for the American Revolution and birth of the United States. (It is for this reason some historians call George Whitefield, not George Washington, the father of our nation). Also, Finney’s ministry not only brought whole communities under the glory of God (many communities saw all of their inhabitants come to salvation in Christ), but also became a major impetus for the start of the abolitionist and women’s rights movements.
Even at its zenith, the Lakeland meetings did not attract crowds even comparable to Whitefield’s eighteenth century meetings, although one can make the case that even more people are being impacted by these meetings because of the millions viewing on television. Hence, based on my historical references, I would not be quick to label Lakeland a revival.
Conclusion
In spite of all the possible concerns I have alliterated in this article, I pray that the true revival fires of God spread to every part of the world, with accompanying demonstrations of God’s power that attest to the resurrection of Christ from the dead, and that this present young generation of leaders would remain on fire for God, stepping out in faith to demonstrate the power of the resurrection of Christ with signs, wonders, and miracles!
Also, in spite of our foibles or even suspect secondary doctrinal beliefs and teachings, God can still use us to minister for His glory. All we need to do is look in the books of Kings and see how God used numerous kings, even though they never removed the high places that caused Israel to fall into idolatry.
