PRAY|THE|REVOLUTION - Latest Comments in An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

Tony davis — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:21:55 -0000

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.

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

Cleanranger — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:49:29 -0000

"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..............

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

wanting whats real — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:45:26 -0000

"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.

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

Deborah Zeller — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:45:20 -0000

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

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

Paul — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:58:35 -0000

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.

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:06:53 -0000

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.

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

kuy — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:10:29 -0000

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

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

kuy — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:07:32 -0000

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.

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

kuy — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:54:22 -0000

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

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

Nick — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 23:52:47 -0000

Very well said, thank you for your obedience.

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

Rev. Paul Steeger — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:18:39 -0000

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.

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

r180 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:49:19 -0000

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.

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

Copeland — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:25:21 -0000

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?

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

terry — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:48:03 -0000

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?

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

Jeff — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 00:12:00 -0000

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.

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

1revolutionministresintl1 — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:36:15 -0000

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.

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

Bill — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 03:53:14 -0000

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

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

Bill — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 03:16:08 -0000

Great perspective! Pastor Bill

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

Bill — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 03:12:34 -0000

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

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

lkieser — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 06:47:36 -0000

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?

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

Melanie R. Sammons — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:09:34 -0000

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.

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

lyn5 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 06:32:33 -0000

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

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

r180 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:34:27 -0000

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.

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

Dee Stover — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:09:25 -0000

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

Re: An important letter from Dutch Sheets : Todd Bentley : Divorce : Marriage : Revival : Lakeland

Joe Moriarty — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:37:51 -0000

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