streetfishing
Full Member
Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Posts: 138
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Post by streetfishing on Jun 4, 2008 10:54:01 GMT -5
Does anyone know anything about the " revival " they are calling the Lakeland Outpouring..... It is being led by a guy named Todd Bently.... It has been going on for over 2 months now, down here in Lakeland Florida.....
Just wondering, Jim
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Post by joemccowan on Jun 4, 2008 13:24:22 GMT -5
I read some about it today. The guy sure doesn't appear to be a man of God. His tattoos look fresh and facial piercing remain in his face. I guess looks can be deceiving, but men can be even more deceptive.
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Post by Josh Parsley on Jun 4, 2008 13:46:54 GMT -5
It's straight from hell.
Todd has encounters with the "angel of finance" and the angel he calls "Emma." He likes to use violence to "bless people." I've seem him knee a man in the gut. I've heard him talk about kicking an old lady in the nose and choking a man. Supposedly God told him to do these things!
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Post by Kerrigan on Jun 4, 2008 13:52:43 GMT -5
I haven't studied this "revival" very much, but I seriously doubt that this guy is even a Christian. Just look at his MySpace Page. Look at his General Interests, Music Interests, TV Interests and Movie Interests. Also, what Joe said is valid as well, even though it is on the exterior. From what I can see, Todd is just another Benny Hinn wannabe...except Todd isn't ashamed to show his worldliness to the world. Benny kind of keeps that stuff undercover...if you will.
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kenm
Full Member
Posts: 173
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Post by kenm on Jun 4, 2008 14:26:15 GMT -5
If you have Directv you can watch on the GTV channel. They have been covering it live. I watched a little to see what was going on and this guy calls people to the front slaps them on the head and they fall out on the ground and say they are healed.
Their have been a couple of cases where the person was honest and they said nothing was happening and they were pushed over to the side and the camera went to someone else.
This guy will start ranting and hollering and appear to start praying in tongues. It appears more for show and entertainment than genuine.
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Post by rebecca on Jun 4, 2008 14:28:08 GMT -5
We're entering an age of deception and delusion---Obama and Todd Bentley.
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Post by eric on Jun 4, 2008 15:06:52 GMT -5
I just watched some of the videos today. I am not sure what to think. Anyone been to it yet? It seems like there's an obsession with miracles. But many people testified of amazing things (dead being raised, eyes opened etc...)....
But what does real revival look like? Repentance? Healings?
I wish there was more preaching of the Word and emphasis on God's holiness.
To those of you that feel this is from hell, what makes you think that? Is it the man (i.e. his interests, lifestyle)? Or what the man is doing on stage (i.e. the "BAMS" and people falling down)?
Again, currently I am not for or against this whole thing, just looking for more detailed answers from those that oppose.
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Post by Miles Lewis on Jun 4, 2008 21:09:47 GMT -5
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Post by HDmatt on Jun 4, 2008 21:26:39 GMT -5
Just pondering a little bit. Two of my uncles have gone to lakeland and didn't see anything wrong with it for what thats worth. What does a revival in general look like to you guys?
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Post by Josh Parsley on Jun 4, 2008 21:59:58 GMT -5
Just pondering a little bit. Two of my uncles have gone to lakeland and didn't see anything wrong with it for what thats worth. What does a revival in general look like to you guys? People living Matthew 5-7.
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Post by Kerrigan on Jun 4, 2008 22:30:56 GMT -5
Just pondering a little bit. Two of my uncles have gone to lakeland and didn't see anything wrong with it for what thats worth. What does a revival in general look like to you guys? 2 Chronicles 7:14. Those who call themselves God's people living HOLY lives: Private Prayer, Personal Evangelism, an Abundance of the Fruits of the Spirit. The lost getting saved in supernatural ways. Whole towns, cities and nations being changed by the Holy Spirit. That's what Biblical Revival looks like. Doesn't anyone else here see a big problem with what he says on his MySpace page? This guy seems almost infatuated with Harley Davidson motorcycles and the rest of the World! He needs to stop slapping people on the head and start read the Bible...maybe beginning with James 4:4...
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Post by debonnaire on Jun 5, 2008 6:03:34 GMT -5
There is a lot of hype in Fakeland. There is no reverential fear of God. There is no preaching of the Cross, people are not pointed to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and Risen Savior. For what I know, one of the men who came in a wheelchair [bones cancer] and proclaimed to be healed , died a week later. Two persons testified of this , one of his family and a bro who is in this pastor 's church.
For the resurrections, at least one of them is false, a little girl , who was not dead but in coma ; well she has died for good since.
One of the worst aspect of this so-called 'revival' is that it's supported by the key false prophets and apostles of the Elijah list who teach on things that come out straight from the depth of Satan and the pit of hell. They encourage third heaven encounters and portals , sowing money in the 'Anointing' . And they discourage anyone to test the spirits. Scriptures are taken and twisted to fit the weird teachings and manifestations. They all believe in the "Manifest Sons of God" doctrine, taught before by William Branham.
Jesus is not risen in this revival , but the "anointing" is, and angels too.
Brothers and sisters who had concerns about lakeland and dare to warn about it have seen their posts deleted on some forum where the admins moderators and the majority of members are fans of this 'revival'. Some of these brothers and sisters have even been banned, although they behaved in a godly manner.
Other bros have testified of demonic behaviour arriving in their churches after some of the members came back from Fakeland with the precious "anointing".
By their fruit, you will recognize them...
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Post by joemccowan on Jun 5, 2008 7:01:24 GMT -5
Okay.... I watched the video's of this guy and have to say he is demonic. Nothing remotely resembling a genuine act of God. What is even more disturbing is how popular this guy seems to be. I would love to preach outside of some of his events. I may have a banner made especially for false prophets in case they come through Charlotte or Benny Hinn decides to make a tour stop in NC.
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Post by eric on Jun 5, 2008 7:42:05 GMT -5
I do find the myspace page disturbing.
What revivals in the past have you guys read about? Finney's? Goforth's? It seems like all I read about in those past revivals was repentance, weeping before God and yes some miracles, but what's noted is the confession of sins and being reconciled to God.
This verse came to mind this morning...Mat 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah. And he left them, and departed.
What is more important in the light of eternity? A person is healed of cancer or a person repents and trusts Jesus. Getting physically healed doesn't help on Judgment day.
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Post by Kerrigan on Jun 5, 2008 8:22:38 GMT -5
I'm done quite a bit of reading on Revivals: Finney, Moody, Whitefield and Wesley, Evan Roberts, Duncan Long, etc. I never remember them talking about healing at all. If healing did happen, it was few and far between and it definitely was NOT the focus...that's for sure. This guy is just another Benny Hinn wannabe in my mind. He has received the demonic anointing of a False Teacher. Beware you aren't deceived (not speaking to anyone specifically) and tell others to beware as well!
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Post by joemccowan on Jun 5, 2008 9:11:04 GMT -5
I know that some observers of Wesley's revivals noted uncontrollable weeping and people falling to their faces, but it seemed to be out of remorse for sin and in a cry for redemption through repentance and faithfulness to Jesus Christ. A true revival will always produce holiness, godliness, reverence and faithfulness to Jesus, it will not exalt angels nor mystical powers of men while passing an offering bucket.
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Post by Kerrigan on Jun 5, 2008 9:27:00 GMT -5
I know that some observers of Wesley's revivals noted uncontrollable weeping and people falling to their faces, but it seemed to be out of remorse for sin and in a cry for redemption through repentance and faithfulness to Jesus Christ. A true revival will always produce holiness, godliness, reverence and faithfulness to Jesus, it will not exalt angels nor mystical powers of men while passing an offering bucket. Amen!
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Post by Josh Parsley on Jun 5, 2008 9:37:20 GMT -5
I know that some observers of Wesley's revivals noted uncontrollable weeping and people falling to their faces, but it seemed to be out of remorse for sin and in a cry for redemption through repentance and faithfulness to Jesus Christ. A true revival will always produce holiness, godliness, reverence and faithfulness to Jesus, it will not exalt angels nor mystical powers of men while passing an offering bucket. Exactly. I believe that God can come in very powerful ways. People can even fall as dead... but they don't go out to pizza and a movie afterwards. I've seen people "fall out" and then later go out and eat and then talk about wanting to go see some movie. When God comes people are changed. Drastic changes.
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Post by eric on Jun 5, 2008 10:26:51 GMT -5
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Post by Kerrigan on Jun 5, 2008 11:26:47 GMT -5
Exactly. I believe that God can come in very powerful ways. People can even fall as dead... but they don't go out to pizza and a movie afterwards. I've seen people "fall out" and then later go out and eat and then talk about wanting to go see some movie. When God comes people are changed. Drastic changes. That's what I was saying in my post above. These people aren't experiencing God, they are experiencing their emotions...
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Post by joemccowan on Jun 5, 2008 12:46:07 GMT -5
Exactly. I believe that God can come in very powerful ways. People can even fall as dead... but they don't go out to pizza and a movie afterwards. I've seen people "fall out" and then later go out and eat and then talk about wanting to go see some movie. When God comes people are changed. Drastic changes. That's what I was saying in my post above. These people aren't experiencing God, they are experiencing their emotions... Amen. I was at Wendy's Tuesday night and a crowd came in from a local revival. One guy was talking about how he hurt several people, including an old lady, because he was hitting people while he was "slain in the spirit". Evidently, the "spirit" left him at 8:30pm sharp and he was able to leave church and enjoy 3 Jr Bacon Cheeseburgers, a large fry and a float of some kind, while bragging about inflicting injuries on senior citizen's. Go figure.......
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Post by messengermicah on Jun 5, 2008 12:51:16 GMT -5
I defintely do not think this guy is a godly man.
However, I would like to mention that Smith Wigglesworth reportedly did some rough things when praying for the sick like punching people in the stomach, etc. The people got healed also. I believe Wigglesworth was a real holy man of God.
The revival in the bible had healings.
In the old days of the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) there were many genuine healings and miracles. Of course that was never the main goal or the main focus. The focus was Jesus Christ, holy living, evangelism, etc.
I hope some of you are not saying healings are a sure sign the revival is not from God or that genuine revival is never accompanied by healings.
Read some literature by people who are not cessationalists and you will find many genuine well documented healings and revival on a smaller local level.
Most of the early pentecostals lived in rural areas and many were simple with not much education.
Try reading something like "Like a Mighty Army" by Charles Conn (History of the Church of God).
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Post by Kerrigan on Jun 5, 2008 13:07:58 GMT -5
I defintely do not think this guy is a godly man. However, I would like to mention that Smith Wigglesworth reportedly did some rough things when praying for the sick like punching people in the stomach, etc. The people got healed also. I believe Wigglesworth was a real holy man of God. The revival in the bible had healings. In the old days of the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) there were many genuine healings and miracles. Of course that was never the main goal or the main focus. The focus was Jesus Christ, holy living, evangelism, etc. I hope some of you are not saying healings are a sure sign the revival is not from God or that genuine revival is never accompanied by healings. Read some literature by people who are not cessationalists and you will find many genuine well documented healings and revival on a smaller local level. Most of the early pentecostals lived in rural areas and many were simple with not much education. Try reading something like "Like a Mighty Army" by Charles Conn (History of the Church of God). I haven't read much on Wigglesworth, although I have heard some weird things about him. I don't know about anyone else on here, but I am definitely NOT a cessationist. The books I have read about revival weren't written by cessationists either. The only thing I was trying to say, is that the revivals I have read about weren't focused on healings. I remember reading about healings here and there, but it definitely wasn't the focus. The problem I have with most modern-day "healers" is that they really aren't healers. They don't heal anyone. Sometimes a person might get a psychological healing (which means they fool themselves that they are healed), but that wears off after they leave the emotional adrenaline filled meeting. I might have to check into the Church of God revivals. I've never read about that before. I have been too busy reading up on other things lately to have time to read about revival...
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Post by messengermicah on Jun 5, 2008 13:21:31 GMT -5
I think many people try to group together the Pentecostals from the early, mid and later part of the 20 century and the modern day Charismaniacs.
The Charismaniacs (TBN, modern day faith healers like Benny Hinn, Todd Bentley, T.D. Jakes, Paula White) have almost nothing in common except they believe the gifts of the Holy Ghost listed in 1 Corinthians 12-14 are for today.
Many people see the foolishness going on in the Charismatic movement and then come against the genuine biblical experience of speaking in tongues, healings, etc.
We need to stick with the Bible.
If our experience does not line up with the Bible then we need to examine our experience.
If our experience is Biblical but does not produce biblical fruit then we need to examine our experience.
Many claim to be baptized in the Holy Ghost but never have spoken in tongues and never win any souls.
I would also recommend reading a book called "Remarkable Miracles" by G.C. Bevington.
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Post by joemccowan on Jun 5, 2008 13:34:17 GMT -5
I can attest to several genuine physical healings that resulted in extended life, and most cases the people are still living many years after they were healed. All the healings that I can personally attest to, were accomplished through fervent prayer and laying on of hands. In fact, my pastor was healed after a stroke about a year and a half ago, after prayer from the elders and the congregation as a whole. What he was told would be permanent lasted about 2days. I cannot think of a single instance in which someone was genuinely healed during a stage performance. I have personally recovered from injuries that I was supposed to have permanent injuries from. A few years ago, several thousand pounds of steel fell on me and crushed my legs. God brought about a healing that only He could provide. I am walking proof that healings do take place.
My point is simply this; if the focus of a movement is not on Jesus and being transformed into His likeness, it is not of God. When physical healing or the exaltation of angels takes center stage, God is not exalted.
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Post by debonnaire on Jun 5, 2008 14:33:00 GMT -5
Not a cessasionist either My point is simply this; if the focus of a movement is not on Jesus and being transformed into His likeness, it is not of God. When physical healing or the exaltation of angels takes center stage, God is not exalted. Amen ! another good article on Todd Bentley and Lakeland www.watchmanscry.com/article_signs.htmlthis article has a few links to videos showing the flakiness, foolishness and false teaching.
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Post by Steve Noel on Jun 5, 2008 16:50:12 GMT -5
If I may throw in my 2 cents here I would say we need to always be careful about judging something based on hearsay. There have been many good and godly Christians who have opposed genuine revival in the past. This is not to say that the Lakeland Outpouring is a genuine revival. It's simply a caution about being too quick to speak on something we are only aware of from a distance. We often sanitize the revivals in the past and demonize revival in the present (I bet Micah can guess where I got that from ). The reality is that some very odd things often take place when the Spirit of God is near. The "strange" in and of itself does not prove nor disprove the genuineness of the revival. The fruit it produces will show the source and it takes some time for fruit to be shown. Now, I've watched several of the Lakeland meetings online and would really not call it a "revival". There's not a whole lot of preaching. It's pretty much just about healing. No real emphasis on harvest and holiness so I don't consider it a revival at all. But I will say that watching the meetings has stirred my wife and I again to fast and pray for God to send a genuine revival to our land. For this I am grateful. I don't know about everyone else but sometimes I loose the desperation for God's move that I should have. Many times I replace it with intellectual pursuits and only end up dry. Please pray for my family and I that we will continue to pursue a deeper grasp of God in theology while maintaining a passionate pursuit of God in prayer. Steve
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Post by Kerrigan on Jun 5, 2008 19:01:06 GMT -5
I appreciate your post Brother Steve. I understand that you are trying to bring balance to everything that is said. I can appreciate that. However, I don't think that anyone here is going be hearsay. You can look at the man's own website and MySpace page to see that he is not of God. The videos might be able to be called into question because they are short clips here and there. Anyone can clip videos up and make something look like it isn't. However, I don't think anything that I heard him say in those videos could be Godly no matter what the context...
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Post by Steve Noel on Jun 5, 2008 19:18:34 GMT -5
I hear you Kerrigan and I do not know the basis for everyone's opinions posted here. I agree that the MySpace page and many other things I've heard from Mr. Bentley are very troubling. Again, I'm not really wanting to defend the Lakeland "Outpouring". My point was mainly that historically genuine revivals have been rejected and attacked by many who only "heard" about "strange things" going on. This was the case for Wesley, Finney, Whitefield, etc. One of my concerns when it comes to reports of revival is that there's such a critical spirit developed in the church because of so much charismatic flakiness that it causes us to immediately react negatively. One of the great principles of revival in the past is that it's contagious. The Welsh revival for instance produced deep hunger for revival all over the world when the reports went out. I hope and pray that we don't become so caloused by the fake that we lose our ability to expect and believe for the genuine. This is also brought out in the passage about the Bereans in Acts 17. They received the word not with skepticism but with great eagerness. Our hope should be for the genuine with disappointment when it falls short. I fear much of the church receives these reports of revival with great cynicism and is not disappointed when it's confirmed. I hope you can hear my heart in this post. I hate the flaky as much as anyone but I've allowed myself too often to retreat into cynicism and unbelief. I'm disappointed at the Lakeland thing because I know a genuine move of the Holy Spirit resulting in repentance in the church is so desperately needed in America. This is my hearts passion. So often those of us who see and feel the need for genuine revival don't live and pray like this is real to us. I'm sad to say that this has described me for some time now. I pray that we will not just focus on what the flesh (or the devil) is producing but express our hearts cry as well for a genuine outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Steve
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Post by Kerrigan on Jun 5, 2008 20:39:01 GMT -5
I hear you brother and give a hearty amen...
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