In the last few weeks the question of Todd Bentley and what is called the Lakeland Outpouring has weighed heavy on mind. I don’t think I could comment negatively or positively without putting myself in tension with someone I care about. For those unfamiliar with Todd Bentley he is Canadian charismatic evangelist leading what is considered by many to be healing revival in Lakeland Florida. By most standards he is unorthodox. He is a younger man, covered in tattoos, and his ministry is marked by manifestations like shaking, being drunk in the spirit and laughing. Bentley has been a polarizing force. As such people tend to strongly embrace or strongly reject was going on. Nightline just did a story on Bentley and couldn’t find one independently verified documented miracle.
At this point I haven’t seen a lot that I can embrace. Everything that I’ve been learning in scripture about the nature of the church, salvation and ministry is at odds with what I see at Lakeland. The message that is presented contrasts too heavily with the picture the New Testament paints. The Lakeland message is pretty much summed up with one of Bentley’s catch phrases: "come get some". While healing was a significant part of Jesus’ ministry all the talk of impartation’s, transferable anointings, and healing angels is foreign to scripture. Some have attempted to take some scattered tidbits of scripture and try to make a case for this brand of Christianity but the attempts fail to measure up against the direction and the force of theologically orthodox Christianity. While one could find lots to criticize in Bentley’s brand of revival Christianity the most disturbing is what is missing. I’ve yet to see a proper presentation of the message of the cross, sacrifice or death to self.
Upon some sober reflection I can’t judge Todd Bentley the man (1Cor 4:5). I can tell you that the message he conveys isn’t the gospel I know and believe in.
#1 by Bene D on July 14, 2008 - 4:02 pm
It wasn’t just Nightline.
It was also The Province, Fox and smaller outlets.
Nothing new.
Televangelists are known for misdirection. Hinn, Bakker, Bonnke, Hagin etc.
Bentley wants media attention and says he had a full staff working 80 hours a week to document. The media package we see on Nightline is the result.
When asked for financials,Bentley made it clear he would not release information. God TV hasn’t either.
Nothing out of Ignited, the background of the Straders is well known. If they wish to avoid past error, openess isn’t optional.
I don’t know Todd Bentley’s Jesus.
S.H.A.R.P.
Search the scriptures.
Hold fast to God in prayer and ask for discernment.
Accept no claims from anyone at face value no matter how slick and sincere they appear. Proverbs 15:14
Require evidence (the bible tells us to have witnesses) sincerity isn’t enough.
Pursue reputable teachers and be careful with para-church ministries. Insist on transparency, doctrinal statements and claim verification.
#2 by randy on August 1, 2008 - 12:55 am
http://blog.trentonadams.ca/2008/07/31/the-hidden-darkness-is-exposed/
WOW!!! The Million Dollar Todd Bentley Hoax!!! WOW!!!
Todd says God told him to get 1,000 people to give $1,000 dollars. When people confronted Todd, Todd admitted that God did not say that. WOW!!!
Proof positive that Todd Bentley is spiritually abusing everyone.
Todd Bentley is EXPOSED as a LIAR and a THIEF!!!
#3 by randy on September 8, 2008 - 11:23 am
“I want my money back!!!”
“I want my money back!” is the cry of many defrauded at Lakeland
by Todd Bentley and Freshfire ministries.
Person after person i talk to wants their money back.
“Fraud”, “con-artist”, “snake-oil salesman”, “liar”, “deceiver”,
say the trusting christians. Some are now in poverty.
Here are the people at FFM to request in writing, your money back.
Also photocopy your dated and signed request, and mail it to the
FFM offices in Canada and the USA. Finally, Send a copy to the
IRS and Revenue Canada.
This will start the process to reclaim you losses.
Since obvious FRAUD was committed by FFM and others,
this may take a class action lawsuit to get your stolen money back.
The first step is as stated, put it in writing, and mail it to all.
Then, get online with others and take action.
Fraud is unchristian, and illegal. Get your money back now
from those charletons, con-astists, and Frauds.
Contact info follows:
FRESH FIRE MINISTRIES USA, INC.
Filing Information
Document Number N08000005172
FEI Number NONE
Date Filed 05/29/2008
State FL
Status ACTIVE
Effective Date 05/23/2008
Principal Address
5859 HWY 98 NORTH
LAKELAND FL US
Mailing Address
PO BOX 1588
SUMAS WA 98295–158 US
Registered Agent Name & Address
HORTON, EVON DR.
3086 KILLARNEY DRIVE PACE
PACE FL 32571 US
Officer/Director Detail
Name & Address
Title P
BENTLEY, TODD
3837 KALEIGH CT
ABBOTSFORD BC V3G 3-E3 CN
Title VP
GRETER, KENNETH
8509 BRADSHAW PLACE
CHILLIWACK BC V4Z 0-A7 CN
Title S/T
ANDRES, VALERIE
3539 BASSANO TERRACE
ABBOTSFORD BC V3G 2-Z7 CN
Title D
RAIL, BARBARA
1949 HIGHWAY 1
FAIRFIELD IA 52556 US
Title D
BINNIE, ARCHIE
49 BOULDER BLVD.,
STONY PLAIN AB T7Z 1-V6 AL
Title D
BULLETT, MICHAEL
2912 MCBRIDE ST, ABBOTSFORD, BC,
ABBOTSFORD BC V3G 1-G9 CN
To report Todd Bentley’s personal fraud in Canada:
Tel.: 1-866-846-3535 (toll free)
Fax: 250-470-5060
Mail:
Southern Interior Tax Services Office (KEL)
Pacific Region Informant Leads Centre
c/o: 9755 King George Highway
Surrey BC V3T 5E1
Todd Bentley info:
Born January 10, 1976 (1976-01-10)
Sechelt, British Columbia,
wife Shonnah has three children,
LauraLee, Esther and Elijah in Abbotsford, BC, Canada
Canadian Mailing Address Fresh Fire Ministries
PO Box 2525, Abbotsford, B.C.
V2T 6R3
Tel: 604-853-9041
Fax: 604-853-5077
US Mailing Address Fresh Fire Ministries
PO Box 1588, Sumas, WA.
98295-1588
Also email your government officials, Ministries,
Pastors, and others concerned. Talk to everyone about
this, or Todd, like an ugly zit, will be back soon.
FFM (freshfire minstries) must be stopped.
The ABUSE must be stopped.
The FRAUD must be stopped.
Contact people NOW!!!
To report FFM Fraud:
1 800 267 2384 Revenue Canada Ottawa Charities
transfer to:
Report line: 613-948-2463
(your info is not needed, just leave message)
Fresh Fire Ministries Charity Info:
BN/Registration Number: 880636428RR0001
Correspondence Language: English
Address: PO BOX 2525
City: ABBOTSFORD
Province: BC
Postal Code: V2T6R3
Country: CA
Category Code: 47. Missionary Organizations and Propagation of Gospel
Designation: C. Charitable Organization
Date of Registration: 1999-01-01
Date of Revocation: TBA