47 comments

• 

  sclough

  10 months ago

  Well, speaking as someone who had legitimate concerns about Lakeland, but tried to silence the thing in me that didn't feel right (much like Dutch did), I find this to be a very thoughtful and sincere piece that is full of a lot of truth. While Lakeland was going full steam, one thing that kept pushing me towards it were some of the harsh critics that had such a bad spirit. Their hollow criticism made me want to defend Lakeland even though I had some legitimate concerns. What we desperately needed was humble, fatherly wisdom and correction like what Dutch has displayed here. I so hope those of us that love revival can come to a place of humility where we can honestly and humbly discuss the things of the Lord and our concerns with one another all the while knowing that we have no desire to tear down one another or silence what God is doing. I pray that our discernment AND our passion to see God move will grow to new levels. I pray any disappointment we may have in men right now may only drive us deeper in our pursuit of the only One who will never fail or disappoint.
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  MrVince

  10 months ago

  I hope this new heart will be installed in me too !
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  philzter

  10 months ago

  Prophecy by Dr. Sharon Stone One Day Before Revival Alliance Blesses Todd Bentley
  Posted on August 30, 2008 by realmsofglory
  God always knows what is coming ;). He is not shocked! He decided to use Todd anyway, you and I anyway, King David anyway. People who thought God was dead saw He was alive and well! Thank the Lord He uses us flaws, warts and all. To God be all the Glory.
  
  Rory and Wendy, I salute you! You have blessed us beyond measure by taking a chance! Bless you brother and sister!! You GO!!!
  
  
  
  June 22, 2008
  Dr. Sharon Stone
  Belfast, Northern Ireland
  
  
  
  As I left my hotel this morning, My spirit was pulled to the building across the street. And I began to prophesy. The building turned out to be the BBC.
  
  Media Revivals have just begun. You have not seen anything yet. Major cities and obscure villages will be a part of My demonstrations in the earth. This is an updating across nations, living rooms and those on the internet. The experiential truths will be the topic of conversations in government buildings, business offices and university campuses. The sick being healed, those in bondage being delivered and the dead raised will infuse believers with faith to do the works of believers. Hope will arise in those needing My miraculous power.
  
  Rory and Wendy Alex have gone through this gate in 2008, now many will follow. Rory and Wendy the Lord says you did not make a mistake, regardless of the criticisms that will come at by the end of the summer.
  
  God says to His church, I have used the most offensive means to break religious taboos. I will allow men to fail that the nations will look to me not man alone. Do not be a part of vultures that eat upon something once it is dead. If your feet get dirty I will wash them, but you will have seen me.
  
  This September 2008 let my cleansing winds blows over My global church. Encourage yourselves, I am bringing My Revival of Spirit and Truth.
  
  
  Dr. Sharon Stone
  Christian International Europe
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• 

  David Henderson

  10 months ago

  It's to easy to write this after the fact. No decernment needed Dutch. I agree with alot of what your said but what does God say.
  Why does God anoint men he knows are going to make big mistakes in there lives. Like King David. Moses. Peter the apostle?
  I was so encouarged personaly from the outpouring. I praise God that Todd's situation has come to the light and is being dealt with but it does not make his ministry void.
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  Mo Pilgrim

  10 months ago

  David Henderson said, "Why does God anoint men he knows are going to make big mistakes in there lives. Like King David. Moses. Peter the apostle?"
  
  My response: "Did those men continue in sin, or come to repentance?"
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• 

  MrVince

  10 months ago

  I love to read about true values "made in USA".
  Dutch's letter is a lesson in courage and identification repentance.
  Specially points 1) ...4) of the letter.
  I also love the account of his personal experience about Lakeland.
  No shadow of turning there.
  
  Would that all my friends were that faithful and watchful.
  His courage is a contagious inspiration !
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  Lia

  10 months ago

  I am an Indonesian. For us in Indonesia, things that happenend in the Lakeland Revival is something that we experienced in our Sunday Services. People get healed, the blind sees, the tumor & cancer removed, financial sickness healed, etc. We've been experience all kinds of signs and wonders every Sunday.
  
  When I read that Todd Bentley separated from his wife, my husband and I instantly prayed for them. God has a tremendous plans for them but Todd has some characters that need to be fixed (as what Dutch mention in his letter above). God can use anybody. In Asia, God start using 4 year old boy on His ministry, even I recently I hear that He start using a 6 months old baby to revive a village. God can use Todd even though God knows he still has character problems. Why? This is the mystery of His abundant love. Nobody can fully understand why God use Todd because all of us is still learning how to understand the width and length and depth and height of the love of God (Eph 3:18-19) .
  
  For us to fullfill God's plan in our live, we need to have vision (this is what the Prophets and Apostles commissioned to Todd) and a biblical character to complete the vision. Todd has had a vision, a great one, but he does not have a biblical character to complete it. This is the part where his spiritual fathers should take part (as what Dutch said in the above letter). Teach him about the truth, guide him to repent and start building the biblical character.
  
  I asked the Lord why do You let many people led by Todd to experience your presence and kindness? The Lord says that His heart is moved by the hunger and thirst of thousands of people that come and worship Him. He does not look at Todd alone, He looks at thousands of men and women who hunger to be satisfied, hunger to be healed, hunger to be hugged, hunger for Him. He is Love.
  
  The Lakeland Revival is a manifestation of the love of God.
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  Nick

  8 months ago

  Very well said, thank you for your obedience.
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  Wendy

  10 months ago

  Thank you Dutch for the love, balance and truth of this letter.
  
  I saw the Lakeland Revival on telly and eight days later I was there in Florida.
  
  This is solely because of the anointing I saw on Todd Bentley.
  
  This doesn't mean I accepted everything without question. Discernment is a moment to moment reality. The blessing and strength I received from my week at Lakeland is immeasurable, but even within that reality, there was and still is a constant discerning, balancing and weighing going on.
  
  My overwhelming response to the news of Todd's separation is one of righteous anger. Given the size of the move of God initiated through Todd and his becoming such an incredibly visible target for the world and the devil and vulnerability to his own flesh, where are the intercessors ensuring his spiritual safety? The physical is only a reflection of the spiritual.
  
  I have never seen anyone, who has modelled so powerfully, the contending for God's Kingdom. This has been Todd's gift to the Christian community. This also makes him an exceptional target, because when individual Christians realise that they too can truly contend in the power of God -not because of Todd Bentley - the devil is on the run.
  
  Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill the holes shot in Todd, through his inability to recognise/for ignoring his own needs and also that the Holy Spirit would remove all guilt from his wife for having natural, human needs.
  
  intercessors, please say a prayer for Todd and his wife, even if it only a small one. He needs this support.
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• 

  Mark

  10 months ago

  Adam in himsellf is doomed to failure. Man has never been able to bring men to perfection and never will.
  Those in ministritry seem to elevate themselves and those around them as greater than though. And this feeling is generally reciprocated.
  Until we understand the Kingdom God is building is not of this earthly realm, but of a realm high above. All this futility to bring the natural man to perfection will mearly result in more "Hay and Stubble" fires as we have seen with this revival and many other failures from the "Kansas City" movement.
  When we as Christians finally get the Character of Christ and cast out the money changers from Gods' temple. Then true Restoration will begin.
  
  "PRAISE BE TO GOD"
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  ihopedetroit

  10 months ago

  In response to the comment:
  
  All this futility to bring the natural man to perfection will mearly result in more "Hay and Stubble" fires as we have seen with this revival and many other failures from the "Kansas City" movement.
  
  WOW.... Nice broad brush strokes here...So, my question is two fold.
  1. When did the PRAYER movement become the Kansas City Movement
  2. How many is "many other" failures.
  
  
  And then the other statement that was made:
  
  Those in ministritry seem to elevate themselves and those around them as greater than though.
  I think the the proper spelling is THOU...
  Who are you speaking of ? "The Kansas City Movement" or " The Todd Bently Movement" ?
  Well I cant speak to everyone that is in the "Those in ministry" and "those around them"
  But I will tell you this. The leadership in KC has a saying that goes like this.
  GO LOW... which means get humble and serve, and if your going low they say:
  GO LOWER....
  Not much of a greater than thou saying....But maybe you know them personally and you can speak to thier personalities.
  As a leader in a small prayer house I can tell you this, the Holy Spirit keeps PRIDE to a minimum. And ..... "this is a trustworthy saying" if we as leaders dont respond to the Holy Spirit our wives set us straight when we need it.
  
  PEACE
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• 

  sdr

  10 months ago

  i watched " Lakeland " from a distance , time allowing for revelation and ripening of the fruit. I am saddened for Todd ,but moreover the burden is for the Church as a whole .I bear witness to the lack of personal sanctification and " pure hands and clean hearts." Our God is looking for a people who in seeking Him ,will see Him and thus be like Him. It is time to rent our hearts , repent and truly be the people set aside for His great work.
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  Melanie

  10 months ago

  ... and no one has said anything about Todd's wife,,, is Todd alone the one who will not walk,, Can two walk together if there is NO agreement??????
  It takes two to have and keep a relationship,,, does Todd's wife have what it takes to walk with an Apostle/Prophet/Evangelist,,,???? It costs EVERYTHING. If her "character" is not with Todd's, they are not one. There must be agrrement,,,
  And let's not forget that when the Kingdom comes.. the demons get angry and must be cast out.
  It is not unusual that a demon would not rise up in the one closest to the deliverer to cause trouble and hinderance,, I praise God for Todd and pray he walk on.. if his wife won't be delivered from her agreement with demons, then Todd should go from her...
  She has to choose this day whom she will serve,,,
  I have seen this and lived this in my own life..
  The demons must be cast out ,,, they cannot go on into KINGDOM.... and those who love their demons and not the kingdom will be outside with the dogs..
  That's just the way it is.
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  John Burton

  10 months ago

  It's very true that spouses do have a critically important role to play. It's important to run well together. However, since we have zero data on Todd's wife's position, we really can't comment. Not sure it would be appropriate to comment publicly even if we did have the data.
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  Brooke Turner

  10 months ago

  I saw a letter from Fresh Fire's Board of Directors that explained the situation which I think is a good thing to do considering that Todd was being supported financially by the public and therefore owed an explanation. He had an unhealthy relationship to another female on his staff and the board has asked him to no longer minister publically but that he is being counseled by seasoned leaders.
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  Barbara Riffel

  10 months ago

  Holy Holy Holy Father, I stand before the courts of heaven with my brother mighty man of valour Dutch Sheets and I stand in agreement and unity with his prayer as this is Your prayer through my heart for such a time as this oh Lord, God. I stand and cry out mercy! before your throne oh most Holy God and may you use this to turn your Bride to You without spot or wrinkle Most High God. Holy Father, I pray fresh fire oils, glory fire oils to fall now upon my brohters, especially Todd and I bind the spirit of divisiveness and all divisive tactics of the wicked one and I loose unity into his marriage with my brother Sheets in the mighty name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. I speak directly to you satan, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, you take your hands off Todd Bently and the others involved and I break the powers of Abaddon, Apollyon, Beliel and Asmodee over his life, his ministry and the ministry of the others involved. I loose, with my brother, glory healing fire oils over each vessel involved and bind the deceptive powers of darkness and loose glory truth serum to run from the throne of heaven as a river Father, over all involved worldwide for your Glory Holy Holy Holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
  Be strengthened in the inner and outer man, holy men of God. stand firm, cast up cast up the highway of holiness, Watchman, Sons of God, come forth, Holyl Holy Holy, Repair the Breach to the glory of our God. We prophesy to your spirit, brother Bently, Humble yourself, repent and turn from all wickedness and sin and surely, Your God will hear from heaven and heal the land of your heart, your spirit, your mind, your body, your marriage, your ministry for HIS Glory! OH halleluia, glory glory glory, We dispatch healing fire angels to be encamped about our brother and seal him into the Father's heart. Holy Holy Holy God.
  humbly
  Intercessor, warrior firebride servant
  Barbara Riffel
  Kingdom Gateway Minsitry
  under Apostleship Greg and Julie Crawford
  Jubilee Ministry, Fairfield, Iowa
  Standing with you and praying increase to every gift triple portion Elijah anointing, you have heard from the voice of Many Waters, It is so. It is finished. Glory We loose humility and brokeness and repentance in the Body of Christ and an Holy Hunger for Him and Him alone.
  We fall on our faces before you in the Fear of our God, crying Holy Holy Holy. We magnify you alone. We loose the Lordship of Jesus Christ into the Body o f Christ, Heaven kissing earth in our souls, Thy Kingdom Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly, Hallleuia
  
  humbly
  sister Barbara Riffel, Standing,
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• 

  Anthony DiMaio

  10 months ago

  Incredibly on point. And I pray that the revival fire of repentance is ignited from this poignant piece, and that we as believers and leaders would allow the light and true fire of God to lead us all forward.
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  Living Flame

  10 months ago

  I totally agree with Lia and Wendy. I have been greatly inspired by Todd's raw faith. How many of us in the Kingdom can model what Todd models in the area of contending for all that Christ won for us - healings, miracles, salvations? How many mighty men of God do we have who actually obeys God's command in Matthew 10:8?
  
  God definitely uses imperfect vessels!
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  Leatricejd

  10 months ago

  Dear Dutch Sheets. As I have heard from Bill Johnson, Peter Wagner and now you. I do agree with much of what you say. These things have happened in the Body of Christ. Also
  it is true that many have shot the wounded. But from what others said, I love that this group
  of men have come along side Todd and are trying to help him. I see that as a step up from the way things were handled in the past. If those with Todd had not gone along with this, it might have been niped in the bud. I pray' for us to grive and pray when a brother or sister falls.So we can really become the body of Christ. That is what the Bible says to do. I am from Pastor Che's Church, and I am proud that he has taken the stand he has. Leatrice De Lellis
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  J

  10 months ago

  This is fantastic. I have grown up in the charismatic movement and now in my late 20's, married with one child. Dutch's article is spot on.
  
  My question I ask readers to reflect on is this: "Why was it so many people's first reaction to keep quiet when they were feeling that something was wrong?" "What is the power dynamic in charismatic leadership/circles that seems to create this similar reaction for so many?"
  
  Further, I think charismatics (including myself) should learn to be comfortable with testing and evaluation. We don't like to question things for fear that we might not have "faith", but this is not scriptural. Scripture teaches that some will prophesy and work miracles yet do not know Jesus and it also teaches us to test prophecy. How often do we see a prophecy ever tested in a church?
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  Sunny Goodyear

  10 months ago

  Thank You, Dutch Sheets for your honesty, your concern and your ability to effectively communicate your heart on this matter. My husband and I also had great concerns from the beginning, but when our pastoral staff and elders fully stood behind Todd Bentley and endorsed his ministry, we felt like we were the only ones asking the hard questions.
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  philzter

  10 months ago

  pls read this:
  
  GOD bless the Church..
  GOD bless Todd..
  
  http://realmsofglory.wordpress.com/2008/08/30/p...
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• 

  philzter

  10 months ago

  Prophecy by Dr. Sharon Stone One Day Before Revival Alliance Blesses Todd Bentley
  Posted on August 30, 2008 by realmsofglory
  God always knows what is coming ;). He is not shocked! He decided to use Todd anyway, you and I anyway, King David anyway. People who thought God was dead saw He was alive and well! Thank the Lord He uses us flaws, warts and all. To God be all the Glory.
  
  Rory and Wendy, I salute you! You have blessed us beyond measure by taking a chance! Bless you brother and sister!! You GO!!!
  
  
  
  June 22, 2008
  Dr. Sharon Stone
  Belfast, Northern Ireland
  
  
  
  As I left my hotel this morning, My spirit was pulled to the building across the street. And I began to prophesy. The building turned out to be the BBC.
  
  Media Revivals have just begun. You have not seen anything yet. Major cities and obscure villages will be a part of My demonstrations in the earth. This is an updating across nations, living rooms and those on the internet. The experiential truths will be the topic of conversations in government buildings, business offices and university campuses. The sick being healed, those in bondage being delivered and the dead raised will infuse believers with faith to do the works of believers. Hope will arise in those needing My miraculous power.
  
  Rory and Wendy Alex have gone through this gate in 2008, now many will follow. Rory and Wendy the Lord says you did not make a mistake, regardless of the criticisms that will come at by the end of the summer.
  
  God says to His church, I have used the most offensive means to break religious taboos. I will allow men to fail that the nations will look to me not man alone. Do not be a part of vultures that eat upon something once it is dead. If your feet get dirty I will wash them, but you will have seen me.
  
  This September 2008 let my cleansing winds blows over My global church. Encourage yourselves, I am bringing My Revival of Spirit and Truth.
  
  
  Dr. Sharon Stone
  Christian International Europe
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  Joe Moriarty

  10 months ago

  Part of a letter to Andrew Strom concerning his forwarding of Dutch Sheet's apology.
  
  Dear Andrew: While I appreciate your disclaimer concerning this so-called apology I do not find it refreshing. While Dutch Sheets writes that it is not an "I told you so," its overall content is one of self serving. There is not true repentance in this letter. Why is there no recognition of the total corruption that was grafted into Christ? When men can take the very foundation of our faith and tack on the monstrosity that was called an Outpouring/Fire/Boasting...in the name of Jesus, there is, and will be an accountability.
  
  While I totally agree that many involved have hearts for God, I am more concerned for the tens of thousands whose hearts for God and the genuine desire for the things of God, have been seduced to follow after another Jesus, another Gospel & another Spirit. Please call it for what it was, a mockery of God and an abuse of God's people!
  
  Dutch Sheets claims to have heard form the Spirit Of God early that things were wrong there in Lakeland, but Dutch did not want to join the heresy hunters, so he remained publicly silent until the deceit was revealed. Well, as a Watchman, was he not supposed to sound an alarm, such as Andrew Strom did long before the exposure of this deception?
  May they, and we, truly be lead to a Spirit of Repentance that acknowledges like David, when confronted with his sin, saying in effect "I am the man." No justifications or defenses, David repented of his sin!
  Sincerely, and without bitterness, grateful that God is beginning His judgment with us,
  
  
  Joe Moriarty
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  Dee Stover

  10 months ago

  We knew many things were not right. We wondered what people were following here, what they saw in this man. We could not feel the 'annointing' they were talking of when we watched with others who were watching GodTV. My husband is a worship musician, so we get around a lot to various congregations of all sorts. We are friends with and minister with those who regularly travel and minister with Todd in Africa. We are on staff with a prayer center who embraced the revival wholeheartedly. We also are friends and minister with non-charismatic believers who have only criticism for these things. We try to walk with discernment, love and grace to all. So we sat silently when others invited us to watch with them, prayed discernment and silenced deception when we were in services we were concerned about and spoke wisely when with those who criticized. I do much the same when visiting with a beloved relative who entertains a spirit guide. Now I understand our caution was merited where Todd was concerned. One can tell when people are not open to discernment. So we did not waste our words after we tested the waters and felt the frigid cold. We are able to love both sides and still have fellowship with all. We feel we handled this with wisdom and honored all concerned. With those who were open we did voice the check in our spirits on this. Some heeded and others did not. We all learn at our own pace. Love and grace, Dee
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  John Burton

  10 months ago

  I appreciate your perspective, but there is a real danger with the whole 'discernment' thing. Yes, we must discern, but we must remember that God legitimately will move in power even through people who have stumbled.
  
  I was at Jimmy Swaggart's confession in 1988, I ministered with Ted Haggard and I was on stage with Todd Bentley a few weeks before the news of his failure. Each one of them had a massive anointing. I mean MASSIVE. We can't look at Todd or Ted or Jimmy or Paul Cain or Jim Bakker or any of the others who have failed and say, "See! I was right. They were not anointed, not full of the Holy Spirit."
  
  We need to be aware that God will use people that are not theologians, not mature yet who are very anointed and gifted and called.
  
  He will use those who fail.
  
  So, should we run away from a move of God because we 'discern' that it's actually not God at all? Should we 'out' somebody because we have a sense that he's in sin?
  
  We should follow biblical protocol. We should love. We should know that while the point man in a move of God may be struggling, and if so, should be asked to step down... there will be many other staff members who are full of God, thousands of others who are passionate and hungry. That one man can't discredit a revival. Todd's failure wasn't strong enough to stop God from responding dramatically to the millions who were craving him to show up in power.
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  Bill

  9 months ago

  Great perspective! Pastor Bill
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  kuy

  8 months ago

  Just read the story of Baalim and you will see he had great gifts and talents and used them in the wrong.
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  lyn5

  10 months ago

  Thank you Dutch, You have helped one unknown person feel so much better. I respect what you have writtenand how heartfelt. It has started my healing process , repentence is the answer first.! Iam just one ordinary person who loves God and was so blessed by The Revival.......my heart is for the family including Todd and also for the lovely members of the Fresh Fire Ministries. Also for my dear friends of the God Channel. ! Satan surely comes as an angel of light to steal and deceive! We can all be deceived so easily ...but our God is a great God and loves his children with an everlasting love......he looks into our hearts and judges our motives!
  Thank you Dutch, fo
  r standing up and being counted.! You are truly a spiritual father.May God
  
  bless you. Love Lyn Morgan
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  Melanie R. Sammons

  10 months ago

  The problem with preachers like Todd Bentley and all who are involved in the Charismatic movement is that it is ALL based on total error. If you want things to go right a plain old fashioned Holy Bible needs to be picked up and read instead of listening to preachers who are preaching New Age Occultism. Occultist at least don't make their teachings secret. If I were preaching something that was totally aligned with ALL occult teachings, I'd have to rethink who I have a relationship with. God or the Devil who is an Angel of Light.
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  lkieser

  10 months ago

  I am so tired of the showmanship of big preachers where is the humility? It is God's work not man's and I don't believe that man needs to blow on someone for example in order for God's Spirit to move on them.
  
  I have lost faith in so many preachers and teachers,apostles and prophets that I am afraid to trust the teachings of most of them, I would rather just stick to my bible and get no "new" revelation from anyone but Him.
  
  Does anyone else feel this way?
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  Bill

  9 months ago

  If you have your faith in men you were on the wrong page to begin with. "The spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet." 1 Cor 15. Men make mistakes -- gifted men make mistakes. You and I also make mistakes. LOOK to the Lord and pray for those He has gifted and help them through their time of error. I think that is what Jesus would do.
  
  Pastor Bill
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  Bill

  9 months ago

  I often wonder why we look so intently at men that fail us as if it were something new. People who support Lakeland outpouring were not there for Todd Bently, they were there for a touch from the Lord, a word, a glimps at what He wants and a pouring out of God's blessing. If it depended on Todd or Jimmy S. or Jim and Tammy Baker, we have missed our call and can expect failure from everyone in the flesh.
  
  God showed Himself powerful in Lakeland. Todd showed himsel vulnerable like every other man.
  
  Lets look to the Lord not men and we won't be so disappointed, angry, and confused when men fail around us.
  
  Pastor Bill
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  1revolutionministresintl1

  9 months ago

  I think this was a great response to what happened and agree 100%!!!
  I was in prayer and ask God why is it "we" (the believers signs follow those that believe) are in the state that we are in. The Lord spoke to me and said that the church is on a spiritual roller coaster. They are there for the thrill and not the thriller one minute your up and the next minute your down. That's why you see so many people going from what we call "spirit filled" church to those who just offer a program "non-spirit filled", just because they have good music or the guy is nice and is a good speaker. See if there is no deliverance in the church people will leave just like they came in and that goes for the leadership also. You don't hear preachers preach on hell, the Holy Ghost or the fear of God and so we are reaping the fruits and governing or own lives to what we think and not what God wants.
  It is a scary thing to do what you think and not what God wants. People are watching and if we as spirit filled Christians can't get our lives together HOW can we proclaim Christ? We are the ones to claim that God still Saves heals and delivers but yet we can't get a hold on the things of the flesh. People it's time to call a fast sound the alarm if we don't there wont be a next generation of believers. In the last days there will come a famine for the word and the Love of MANY will wax cold. I commend Dutch Sheets for standing up it's time to say no more to the devil, we need the Fire of God to come and purify us and gives clean hands and a pure heart.
  Ginger Niswonger
  Revolution Ministries Intl.
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  Jeff

  9 months ago

  I think and feel as a co-minister of Jesus and Pastor of one of His many flocks that to blame one man for falling is not wise at all. David did much more then Todd in mans eyes but it was not about what he or who felt they should or should not have listened to. Or for that matter what people may think of them. It was more about what he did after the sin, Fall towards Jesus and become the man you are called to be. To think our opinion matters more then it really does is self centered. Much of the World still has no idea who Todd is or even heard about Lakeland and to think that the tiny sphere of influence we have and our voice of approval or correction is more then just a moment in time is Pride in its trap. Please lets let God be the Judge and let The Holy Spirit do the correction and allow the ones who were healed and Saved go on with Christ. You will know them by their Fruit. The true Kingdom is healings Miracles and Salvation. My question is one of What of these are working in your life on a daily basis. Not that I need to have an answer but God will ask us all what have we done other then talk and give opinions. Time to Live in the Kingdom of God.
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  E

  8 months ago

  Jeff, I beg to differ. I am not a part of the charismatic movement, but have had to apologize to many non-believers for those involved in it. When anyone (Catholic, main stream, Evangelical, or Charismatic) who is proclaiming the Word of God falls, Satan is quick to ensure that non-believers hear of it - for example the sexual abuse scandle that the Catholic church faces.
  I heard of Todd Bently, the Lakeland revival and all the chaos that ensued within it. I use the word chaos deliberately for that is how it appears to those of us not in the movement. I am a born again believer. I believe that the Holy Spirit is still at work and all the gifts of the Spirit are active in the world, but I do not believe that the chaotic services, the yelling and wailing and screaming, the drama and downfalls lived out within the charismatic movement bring Glory to God. He is not a God of chaos. He brings order to His creation. When men like Bentley fall, the world finds out and mock Christ because of it. A bit of discretion goes a long way, as does a calming of emotion. Bentley is NOT a King David. He has not been declared by God to His people as "a man after God's own heart". David was a humble man, raised up by God, fallen because of pride and restored due to humility. He was an exceptional man at an exceptional time and is not to be compared to men like Bentley. We are called to be like the those recorded in Hebrews 11 whose faith was not demonstrated through public acts and the acclaim of others, but rather through lives of obedience lived out regardless of circumstances. If we avoided the drama and focussed on obedience, those around us who are not yet believers would not be distracted by charismatic side shows, but rather impacted by believers living out their faith in front of them. Healings would happen, lives would change, and souls would be saved.
  Thank you Mr. Sheets for your sincere letter of apology, I was blessed by it. My God bless you for your courage.
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  terry

  9 months ago

  If God knew that this would happen and He selected Todd Bentley, which appears to be evident by the miracles, then why did He select him? Let's look at this logically. First, one could say that the miracles didn't happen and thus it was not a revival. Hence the premise of the question is wrong. Ostensibly, God had nothing to do with it. OR If one were to accept the premise, that is this was a revival and miracles did occur, why Todd?
  
  I believe too much focus has been on the leader in these situations. I truly believe God knowingly allows this to happen. However, it is not permitted for the sole purpose of chastising the selected leader. It is also not permitted for the sole purpose of allowing other leaders to fall on their sword and accept "responsibility". Although admirable such self-sacrifice avoids the "why"question and may in fact be too ultrusitic and prideful. The reason God knowingly sets the situation up and permits it to occur over and over again is PRIMARILY to give an opportunity to the body to learn "forgiveness". In my opinion, the body does not like to forgive that which threatens them. God forgives everything which threatens Him and his flock.
  
  If a pastor took money from his church, an intentional act, I can see the body forgiving him more readily than an affair of heart, many times a lustful desire. Why? I believe it is because we, as the body, are afraid of visualizing a lustful pastor. Although doctrinely he can, in our "heart of hearts", this pastor cannot be redeemed. The problem is not in the leader's sin. The problem is in the body's ability to forgive that which threatens them, his sin. Of course to forgive a lustful pastor may cause one to look at one's own life. You might have to forgive a lustful spouse and/or acknowledge such sin in your own life.
  
  There are too many of these situations to ignore the question of "Why is God allowing this to happen". If it is from God then we must learn to forgive as would God. If it is not from God then how do you explain the miracles? If we lived in the days of Samson, would we not have forgiven Samson? What about David? These were leaders of the church. If you follow the history of the christian church one can see many such examples and much much worse.
  
  The long and the short of this analysis is for the chuch to stop being so self-righteous when it comes to pastors and for pastors to stop being so pridefully self-sacrificial by accepting "responsiblity" for something they did not do. The body needs to get off its high horse and forgive. Of course preaching such a sermon may lose the entire congregation but is it not the truth?
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  kuy

  8 months ago

  Of Course we forgive but asking God for repentance is the will of God. He said in his word that he looks for someone to stand in the Gap but he found none. Sometimes the other party can not see the full picture and identificationally repenting will open a door of mercy.
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  Copeland

  9 months ago

  The prayer of repentance is great. However to thank God for those that have been touched by a false anointing in Lakeland seems rather hypocritical. The impartation of a demonic anointing is nothing to be half hearted about. False humility comes in many guises. Paul never sugar coated false doctrine, neither did Jesus so why should we?
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  John Burton

  9 months ago

  Yikes, be careful. I was at Lakeland... and the anointing was EXTREME, and it was God. My oh my, be careful! You can't draw the conclusion that because one man had a failure in his life that the entire gathering was demonic. Simply the fact that 10,000 people were worshiping Jesus should speak volumes to you.
  
  It's statements like this one that cause the fear of God to strike me. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is to attribute to the devil something that God is doing.
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  Rev. Paul Steeger

  9 months ago

  I agree with most of what Dutch Sheets has said, however, does a "father" correct his child when he sees the child in error? Does a gut feeling or a "check in the heart" stop a "father" from assisting a child he senses is in danger? Not all of the naysayers were wrong, obviously. I do not put much stock in people who have built their ministry on being the judge and jury on every move of God.
  I , as a father, even today correct my adult child when I see them doing wrong. If we are to avoid the danger of having a generation of rebellious young people, we must be the fathers we are supposed to be. Even though a child has erred, we out of the grace and mercy He bestowed on us, must show on the child in error and do all we can to assist in their restoration.
  I was taught this by a man who now is considered a "father" figure to the body of Christ, Dutch Sheets. It seems to me that we need to do as he suggests and repent for the sins and lack of obedience.
  That said, is the church in a state of disrepair? Are the young people involved in the "revival" forever scared? I think not! I believe the church will grow and learn. My prayer is that the "fathers" in the church be recognized as they should be, called what they are (apostles and prophets), and allowed by the other ministry gifts to function with their God-given anointing. Should this take place, i believe, the church will overcome these and any other obstacles the enemy may throw at the church.
  The fact that a minister "fell" from grace should not cause a move of God to cease. If it is truly a move of God, it will continue. Perhaps not on world wide television and the internet, but in the hearts of every believer.
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  kuy

  8 months ago

  I am so thankful for Christ like character in Dutch. It is obvious he has compassion toward people and has a persistent and fruitful relationship with God Our Father
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  Paul

  8 months ago

  Yes, Dutch, we DISPARAGINLY say, "Christians shoot thier wounded." I mean, we discredit the Biblical restoration process. To many, the blood of Christ is nothing more than a cheap "rabbit's foot" or "get-out-of-jail-free" card from Monopoly. In other words, the minute you try to preach holiness, accountability, or SIMPLE OBEDIENCE to the Word in areas like morality, divorce, and remarriage, all they do is shout "JESUS SAYS DON'T JUDGE ANYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" and the conversation is over. The blood of Christ is nothing to many but cheap fire insurance. But remember this, Jesus didn't die so we could LIVE the old life. He died so we could LEAVE the old life.
  Keep up the good work, brother Dutch.
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  Deborah Zeller

  8 months ago

  Dear Dutch Sheets: I do not know Todd Bentley but I do know that what you write, the condition of the church wandering astray from God's truth, bears witness to what God has shown me. Those in the body of Christ who have not humbled themselves before the Lord, allowing God to heal and santify them (so it could be God operating through them not the flesh or familar/other spirits) has been deceived and lead astray -- following after seducing, demonic & familar spirits of false doctrine. I call this the new move of hollywood/ showboating christianity and/or seducing spirit of emotionalism christianity. No disrepect to mankind or christianity. We are human and all fall short I know. Including myself (I purpose to try to stay clean & pure though b4 God). Just being honest, real & transparent. Perfect love casts out fear. Love has no fear. It speaks the truth. It has "all" best interest at hand. It cares. It works all things our together for the good. In the short or long run. Just like God's ways and personaility. Recently, God lead me to start reading the book called "The Speed of Trust, The one thing that changes everything" Author Stephen M.R. Covey. The book is based on how trust is established. It begins with the intergrity, character, & vaules within self individually first, then our families, business, etc. How approrpiate and timely it is, that I am just finishing up reading the book, at the same time that I happen to come across your reading above this eveing and that my pastor just finished a 5 week teaching on truth -- His truth is matching on. Last week my pastor started a new teaching now on holiness. I am in a good church. The teaching is soberly taught. Grateful. Especially in today's world. I am so blessed. Also, although, I know I am on a path of truth and have to admit, it is not the easiest road to take or be on, oh how I know so well, I am convinced it is the right path w/God. God continual mercy on me. I have come to humbly realize, it is only by his mercy, that all thing are possible through him who strengthens me-- and keeps me. Lastly, applause to you for boldly standing for and speaking God's trutch (balanced w/ truth, love, mercy & grace). You walk the walk. You stay true to God and your own convictions in honoring God by doing what is right and pleasing in his sight. No matter what the cost. I honor you for taking a stand for righteousness. Walking the straight and narrow path with God, courageously. The greater the suffering the greater the glory. Amen. God continually guide, support, protect & keep you in him. May he hide you under his wings of love. In grace & fond respect... Deborah! p.s. my prayer 4 America -- we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free -- humility, conviction, respentance -- Godly remorse & sorrow leads to repentance --- we are to listen to the voice of truth for this is for his glory, like the christian song that is out on radio says
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  wanting whats real

  8 months ago

  "hype disguised as anointing".... thats what I felt Lakeland was. I tried to watch it on many occasions but my spirit was revolted. I never spoke ill of it, but desperately wanted to believe that THIS, whatever it was, wasn't revival... The true revival that I am believing God for.
  thank you for this letter, it was healing to read. (especially for addressing the night Todd was commissioned as an apostle- I was so surprised! and shocked by the leadership that endorsed it.) The stakes need to be raised again in the church, we need the fear of the Lord.
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  Cleanranger

  8 months ago

  "Let the wicked man be more wicked still"
  " My Kingdom is no part of THIS WORLD."
  False prophets will mislead MANY.
  ABIDE IN ME......................
  JOSHUA, CHRIST..............
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  Tony davis

  8 months ago

  Friends,
  
  In all honesty I've not attended this gathering, but I have heard about it, yes we must be careful w/our assumptions and opinions of what God can do and who he can use, "I shall have mercy on who I chose to have mercy, shall the clay tell the potter what to do" (bk of Romans). But we must also realize the Lord Christ himself said, "many will say I am here and there, do not believe them for I am none of those places" (bk of Matt) the Lord also said according to the bk of Isaiah, "the false prophets have become successful, because you would have it so" we all know that false prophets can perform miracles also, the ultimate one will soon be on the scene, and the bible says, "even the most learned will be deceived." Christ while explaining to the apostles about the signs of his return said to them, "when you see the weather, rumors of wars, earthquakes, do not panic for my return is not yet", is it safe to say, the same can apply to all these signs and wonders, people getting saved, and the Lord say to us, "it is not of me." Was it not the Lord himself instructing us through his parable of the sower of the seed, not to get so excited when we see an altar full of people getting saved, because some aren't really saved at all, "many are called, but few are chosen", or should we remember the parable of the wheat and tares, where the Lord says, "let them tarry together, because I'm going to do the sifting." I pray for the restoration of our brother and his family we've often spoke of David, well here something God through the Prophet Nathan told David, "I have taken your sins and put them to the side, but because you have hated my commandments, I shall raise up evil against you out of your own house, the sword shall never depart from your house, and you shall never know peace again", now did God forgive David yes, did he continue to use David mightly, yes, but there were heavy consequences. We often say God watches over his word to perform it, well thats in the positive and negative, for David never knew peace again, not even on his death bed. Learning from the bk of Judges, the reoccuring theme was, "everyman did what was right in his own eyes", could we also say, "everyman believed what was right in his own eyes." Picture this scene pertaining to the bk of Judges, the tribe of Benjamins is at war w/the other tribes of Israel, on (2) occasions Israel inquires of the LORD, will he give them victory over Benjamin, well the LORD says yes, well needless to say, Israel suffered (2) devastating defeats, so they went before the weeping, mouring, broken and REPENTIVE and the 3d time they dealt Benjamin a devastating defeat almost wiping out the tribe literally, whats my point, just by this we find God will allow us to see what we want, feel what we want, and hear what we want, until we come to the end of ourselves and see, feel, and hear what he wants us to. And according to some of the things I've heard, and read about that many unscriptual and demonizing things went on during this assembly, well friends, how is God the author of confusion, where do we read in scripture where unscriptual and demonizing activity was going on and the Lord was in it, I am open to correction. God has said in scripture, bk of Isaiah, "you have chosen leaders' I have not known" and also said, "I will give you immature princes, because thats what you desire", and we know that could mean a child or an adult w/a immature heart. When will we stop making excuses for our immaturity, and lack of vision and many times using God's word, to justify what we want to see and hear.
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