UPDATE: This visit has been cancelled or postponed, see here.
This evening (Thursday), for the first time in several weeks, I watched some of Todd Bentley‘s meeting in Lakeland, Florida. I had the chance to do so because I was visiting friends who have God TV. This was in fact a recording of Wednesday night’s meeting. I watched Todd for only about half an hour, as he first spoke about the centrality of Jesus and then prayed for the glory of God to be manifested. And his prayer seemed to be answered, both in the Lakeland tent and in my own heart. He explained that this was not preaching, this was his introduction and prayer time. Nevertheless there was enough teaching to show how untrue are the silly allegations that Todd worships angels rather than Jesus.
I thought I saw Trevor Baker, leader of the Dudley outpouring, on the stage behind Todd. And indeed this seems to have been confirmed by what I have read elsewhere; he has been there at least since last Sunday. Meanwhile, as Richard Steel reports, Jerame Nelson, an associate of Todd’s, is preaching in Trevor’s place in Dudley. At Trevor’s Revival Fires website there is a YouTube video, new on Thursday, of Todd talking to Trevor. I suspect that this was recorded after the Wednesday night meeting I saw part of: both are wearing the same clothes I saw on God TV, and Todd’s words in the video “the glory of God is so thick … you could feel the presence of the Lord in the atmosphere” fit well with what I saw and experienced.
Among other things the video announces the news which is also on the Revival Fires website, that Todd is coming to England in September:
Revival Fires is now working with Todd to arrange a trip to the UK from 20 – 24 Sept 2008 at the NEC, where he will personally release to the UK all that God has been doing in Florida. We hope you will be able to make the trip, and until then please keep checking our website.
In fact the video seems to imply that this is now more definite than suggested by these words. So it looks like we will be seeing Todd here in England quite soon, in the National Exhibition Centre, a 12,000 seater venue on the edge of Birmingham.
Phil Whittall visited Dudley last week, and his report, five parts about one evening, suggested to me that the fires of outpouring in Dudley were burning low. I even wondered if they should be calling a halt to their nightly meetings. Maybe Trevor also felt the fire dying down, and that is why he went back to Lakeland. Now he reports having received a renewed anointing. That, together with Todd’s new endorsement, will no doubt ensure that the Dudley nightly meetings will continue for some time.
Meanwhile my commenter John reports, from his viewing presumably on God TV, that at Lakeland
last weekend 125 people gave their lives to Christ in one night.
We may not all like Todd’s style, and we may have issues with some of his peripheral teachings. But surely, in the spirit of Philippians 1:15-18, we can all rejoice that people are being saved as well as healed at Lakeland, and hope and pray that we will see similar mighty things happening here in England, during Todd’s visit in September, and also before and after it as those who have been touched by this anointing put it into practice around the country.
Peter, Was that at your request? (smile) Since you’re a Todd Bentley apologist, that will be great for you.
Well, TC, not that great, as the NEC is three hours’ drive away. If it had been at my request, I would have asked him to the Brentwood Centre, 20 minutes away, or to an east London venue about an hour away. 😉
That’s great news, I had heard rumours that he was coming. I hope I can get there! You can watch God TV online here. I think you have to register first though.
Thanks, Mike. I have tried watching God TV online, but for some reason it was not working properly here. It seems OK now. But anyway I have limited bandwidth Internet and don’t want to spend too much time on this.
Peter, due to our past disagreements, I should qualify that this is a genuine question:
Why does Todd need to come to the UK? I don’t quite understand the thinking behind those who go to Florida, or the talk of imparting, etc. What’s teh understanding of the difference between getting prayed for by Todd or getting prayed for by someone that Todd has prayed for?
I could understand it if it was simply related to the level of faith that different people might provoke in us, but I presume you’d say there’s more to it than that?
You know, from what I see of him personally (as distinct from any flavour of Christianity that he might represent), I wouldn’t be surprised if he accepted an invitation like that! 🙂
(In fact, I’d like to think that any minister worth their salt would.)
Graham, it is indeed a good question why Todd needs to come to the UK. But I suspect that “needs” here is a misunderstanding. The real question is, why has he been invited and why has he agreed?
First we should understand that he had been invited to visit the UK this summer, and had accepted, before this whole Lakeland thing started. But he has postponed his visit because of Lakeland. It has also become clear that there is now massive interest in Todd in the UK and so a very large venue is needed. So his visit has been moved from Trevor Baker’s not very large facility to one of the largest venues in the country.
Beyond that, do we need to justify further why he has been invited?
As for why he has accepted, part of it is no doubt to fulfil a commitment. But also it is clear from what I have heard Todd say that his heart is for reaching the unreached, not the mostly nominal Christians of central Florida. For this task, and given that he can probably preach only in English, he has made a good decision to come for a few days to the heart of perhaps the most secularised English speaking country, to an area which is also full of immigrants who adhere to other major world religions. For this Birmingham is a much better venue than Brentwood (as well as being six times bigger) and even than east London.
Of course he is not the first to preach at the NEC. Benny Hinn was there a few years ago, and drew massive crowds – but probably mostly Christians. I suspect that even in Birmingham the crowds who come to hear Todd will again mostly be Christians. But we can at least hope, as I am sure Todd does, that the crowds who go home from his meetings will be fired up to reach their non-Christian neighbours with the gospel message validated by the power of God.
Again, apologists completely ignoring that Bentley is nothing more than a William Branham “wanna-be”. Nice company huh? One of the leading heretics of the 20th century, who stated that the doctrine of the Trinity is satanic, believed in UFO’s, beleived the serpent had sex in Garden of Eden with Eve which spawned Cain, beleived himself the prophet Elijah, and Bob Jones encourages him to embrace Emma the “angle”. But nooo, we have nothing to be worried abou. His “commisioning” servie led by Wagner, leader of the Apostles and Porophets heresy, Joyner, who is nothing more thatn a New Age prosperity charlaten…but nooo we have nothing to worry about. The last days are certainly are here, and folks like yoourself, unless you repent and turn from your idolatry will be found amongst those who have turned away from the Truth in order follow after those who preach no gospel at all.
Ron, I think it’s all mostly nonsense, but I think you might be overstepping the mark there. Let’s not imply that people who accept the events that are taking place have somehow fallen outside of God’s grace.
Peter, thanks for the background and context. I hadn’t been viewing it like that. I was seeing Todd’s journey here as some kind of couterpart to people travelling over there. I guess I couldn’t really make sense of that.
Do you have any further thoughts on Trevor Baker’s return to Florida for a renewed anointing? I don’t quite understand the impartation doctrine, so is the idea that it runs out?
I actually saw Benny Hinn at the NEC; not a high-point for me! 😉
Graham, thanks for your defence, and for distancing yourself from the hatemongers.
On Trevor’s return to Lakeland, I can only speculate. I am not suggesting that there was any need for him to get a fresh impartation. But after a month of leading nightly meetings since his previous visit to Lakeland he was surely spiritually and physically exhausted. As Phil Whittall discovered, his preaching was losing some of its power. In these circumstances it is understandable and right for him to go to a place where he can receive from God and be refreshed and refilled with the Holy Spirit (compare Acts 4:31). You might not have chosen to go to Lakeland for that, but it is hardly surprising that Trevor did.
I am ambivalent about Benny Hinn. I saw him at Norwich a few years ago. A valid ministry, weak but not false preaching, not my style. Todd’s style is more attractive to me and perhaps to most non-religious people. So he is reaching a different audience, hopefully also with a stronger message.
It’s interesting that some of the people here are also at my blog… wonder what else (if anything) they do with their time…
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Peter –
I am ambivalent about Benny Hinn. I saw him at Norwich a few years ago. A valid ministry, weak but not false preaching, not my style
You are – I presume – aware of the CBC documentary which showed how the various people who go forward are carefully screened so that only those with invisible or intermittent complaints are allowed up on stage? And how, even then, the scale of their diseases are often misrepresented and exaggerated?
I wouldn’t be willing to go any further than saying he once might have had a valid ministry – but from the evidence of his crusades I wouldn’t really be able to tell.
Graham –
Let’s not imply that people who accept the events that are taking place have somehow fallen outside of God’s grace.
I certainly believe that those Church leaders who don’t speak out against these teachings are doing a great disservice to their flock and aren’t really upholding their duties before God.
Chris, I am not aware of this CBC documentary, but I have seen counter-examples on video, of Benny Hinn healing people with visible symptoms. Unfortunately I don’t have links. Anyway I am not going to defend Benny, I have bitten off more than enough by defending Todd!
Peter, I thought that you might be interested in this. Perhaps you’ve already heard of it.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ni/2008/06/belfasts_healing_revival.html
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That makes perfect sense. Thanks.
ok, hope you don’t mind me asking another question… wasn’t sure the best place to post it…
I have just watched this video and wonder what people make of it… seems like you only get the ‘anointing’ when you give financially and only then in proportion to what you have given…
is that biblical? Am I interpreting this wrong?
Hannah, the clip does not show what you suggest it shows, that the anointing is conditional on giving. An anonymous visitor did say “Money, money, money”, repeated as a refrain, but the full context and Todd’s reaction is carefully edited out. The only specific amount of giving suggested is a mere $5, which per person of course would not cover the expenses of the meetings!
The “subtitles” are a deliberate distortion of Todd’s words. But “the old “sowing and reaping” tactic” is indeed old – it goes back at least to the Apostle Paul! Todd does not go beyond what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, except in describing the mechanics of giving. Todd is wrong only if Paul was wrong.
Hi folks,
It’s me again. The totally subjective, Revival Fires intern who speaks entirely as myself and NOT claiming to represent Revival Fires in any way!
1. I love this website. It is indeed ‘gentle’, as opposed to some of the vitriolic efforts published elsewhere.
2. I am unrepentant of anything connected to this outpouring. I know I am being changed by it for good and my life will never be the same again.
3. There has never, as far as I am aware, been any sugestion that this anointing can be bought.
4. I have seen very visible conditions healed. Lame people running (leaving walking aids behind) and cancerous tumours vanishing. Hardly invisible or intermittant.
Thanks, Karen.
Hi There,
I have just come across this site and felt I had to make a comment!
I cannot believe that people are putting their faith in this Todd Bentley guy! are we not supposed to put our faith in God? read Jude in the bible, this is definately false teachings. I have watched Todd at work and I felt physically sick, I still feel sick even thinking about what he does to people.
A long time ago while living in South Africa I was part of a coven and trust me this man, Todd is being influenced by demonic powers. Satan also heals, Satan also lies and Satan is the biggest wolf in sheeps clothing.
Has anyone of you checked up on these people that Todd “heals”? once the hysteria has faded these “healed” are worse than they were before!
Why do we need a man, a false teacher to come to the U.K when we have our own pastor’s, ministers to seek guidance from.
This Todd is dangerous, please, please, I beg of you to open your minds, pray to God and lift the veil over your eyes and see him for what he truly is. Todd has openly admitted to having a portal to Heaven and he also says that he has had many conversations with Paul! come on!!
No one is putting their faith in Todd Bentley. But, as in every stream of the Christian faith, an important international speaker and leader is being invited to the UK.
Yes, Todd is being attacked by demonic powers, not least through all the so-called Christians who are bombarding him with criticism and negativity.
Yes, Todd is dangerous to those who are so sure that their interpretation of the Christian faith is the only correct one, whose understanding and self-confidence just might be blown out of the water. I beg of you, open your mind to the possibility that his teaching might be of God, and that you might be missing out on something important by rejecting him.
If you think you need to do anything for Salvation except trust in Jesus work on the cross, you are guilty of violating Ephesians 2:8-9 and Isaiah 53:6b. Most Cults and false Christian religions at this point add things that are “necessary” for Salvation, or they offer a counterfeit way to Heaven, i.e., Salvation by Baptism.
Richard, I agree with you, but what is the relevance of your point to this post or the comments on it? No one here is suggesting anything different.
i cant wait me and my mother are going wooo
😉 kingdon faith soon wooo if u are going im on unit 23 lmao:) cya at the revivel and if your going to fc cya there
john
The points made above about salvation are undisputed however Jesus also told us to do a few other things including Feed My Lambs, Heal The Sick, Set the Captives Free and so on. Very easy to understand I think. Todd and others such as Bill Johnson at Bethel help us to realise that Jesus intended us to continue His work and even to do greater things.
The reading below both frightens and fires me up every time I read it.
bless this gentle site
Sandy
Matthew 25:31-46 (New International Version)
31″When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34″Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37″Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40″The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
41″Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44″They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45″He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46″Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Sandy, thanks for the encouragement. Of course we can’t all do all of these things all of the time, but we need to bear in mind our responsibility to do so and take our opportunities.
Update on Todd Bentley’s planned visit to the UK
We have just learned that it hasn’t been possible to arrange Todd Bentley’s planned visit to the NEC on September 20th – 23rd as the venue became unavailable. Unfortunately with events of this scale there can be late changes to arrangements and we are awaiting news from the event organisers on when Todd will be visiting, and where the event will be held. Our apologies to anyone who has made any arrangements on the basis of the original information and we will pass on confirmed information as soon as it is available. We recommend people wait until they have official confirmation from the venue before booking accommodation or travel.
Revival Fires will be holding a special event on the dates of the original visit, September 20th – 23rd, for all those who will be in the area. Trevor Baker, Ken Gott and others who are carrying the anointing will be ministering powerfully and we know this will be a powerful time of God’s manifest presence in the heart of the nation, with far reaching impact for all who attend. More details to follow.
Kelvin, thanks for the update.
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if this man was of God he would not be going on about Angels more than Jesus. it’s not about a revival it’s about the salvation of people. if Todd bently is a man of God why does he still wear earring and many rings. how will the world see the Glory in him. and this “SHIKA BUMBA” word that he say is not in the bible.he is always talking alot of rubish and never reads the bible
its a shame that people are flying all the way to see such things.Christains need to wake up!!!!!!!!! we are in our last days, and in the bible it says many will come and deceive alot. its not about this everyday so called “Rivivel” its about knowing JESUS. people are not going the for JESUS they just want to be healed physically but not spiritually.
Fenny, none of the words “alot”, “rubish”, “Rivivel” are in the Bible either, so I think I will ignore people like you who use them when ranting and generally ignore the rules of English grammar.
Fenny, perhaps I should have been more gentle in my response to you. But quite frankly I am fed up with emotionally charged comments like your one which are clearly based on ignorance of what Todd Bentley is actually doing and contain ridiculous and potentially libellous claims like that he “never reads the bible”. I can agree with you that it is about knowing Jesus. But Jesus encouraged people to come to him for healing even though many of them rejected his spiritual message. That doesn’t invalidate Jesus’ ministry, and similarly it should not invalidate Todd’s.
Just an update….. it appears that Todd has had to step down after having a relationship with one of the female staff members. Always knew he was a charlatan.
guess that means Todd won’t be coming to the U.K after all. God works in mysterious ways!! AMEN
Sarah, have you been praying that Todd will not come? Shame on you! How can God do his work in this country if Christians here pray against it? Yes, I have heard the news, see my latest posts. No doubt people like you have contributed to this problem by praying against Todd. Just remember what sometimes happens to those who ask God for wrong things, Psalm 106:13-15.
Peter…..what planet are you on? You don’t have to be stupid to be a Christian – you can still use you brain.
Just remember the story of the Emperor’s new cloths. Pity so many ‘spiritual leaders’ did not notice the nakedness of the revival – for example, you would have least expected them to point out that there should have been at least one verifiable healing from so many claims.
Richard.
Richard, can you give me a good reason why I should not delete your comment as gratuitous abuse? Do you think I don’t have good evidence that the Lakeland outpouring was genuine, if also flawed? I hope you have seen my more recent posts about Todd, quite a lot of them.
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