[revival-fire] A big word these days: discernment

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Hi from Oklahoma City (All Nations Fellowship--a revival seeking org):
I've been hearing a lot about discernment these days (in the Spirit, actually). That is, I think I've been led to study it. The subject pops up everywhere. Why? I think because a lack of it is hurting the Church, in this sense: Many of us tend to not know revival when it is at the door. We need to know when God is trying to do something. How?

Well, we have a "hub" where we are trying to deal with this and get it out. It's sort of a way of speaking of revival in "languages" people will get hold of. Here is something from that site bringing together revival and physics.  (the address if you are interested: www.hubpages.com/hub/oklahomacitychurches ).

How to Get It Done: e equals m times c squared

For mere mortals like ourselves, having really successful local pods (what we call churches) of the BIG CHURCH in heaven is a tricky business. For to really be successful, we have to do what we are doing God's way. In the end, something we build mostly via the world's way will collapse in upon itself like a black hole.

Speaking of physics, maybe we can see what we are dealing with here a little more clearly by finding a parallel in modern physics. MAYBE MUCH MORE CLEARLY.

Why is it that the past century had the most technological progress of any century? It wasn't that people worked harder in factories, if they did work harder. It wasn't that our food got better (which it probably did not for most people). It happened because theorists/researchers like Einstein and many others made discoveries about the way the universe works. Principles. Nuclear power (very dangerous progress), cutting edge electronics, spaceships, etc., etc. were not made of matter really (though, of course, technically they were constructed of stuff we got from the earth). No, they were made of ideas.

So what do we need to make these earthpods of the Big Church operate as God intended--as churning dynamos of God's power to heal the world? Ideas. But really good ones. Ideas of God. Principles of God. Ideas of the world (Col. 2:9) won't work well enough--really not at all in the long run. And then fter we get God's ideas, we have to apply these ideas. Applied research.

How do we get God's principles? Prayer, study of the Word, open hearts to the voice of God. Not content with unproven and broken theory of the past, or worldly thought and gimmicks of the present, we press on into reality--WHAT GOD HIMSELF ACTUALLY THINKS. Not content to merely criticize certain researchers (preachers, teachers) of the present or the past because of idiosyncrasies (hairstyles, mannerisms, etc.), we press on to examine in a spiritual way whether WHAT THEY ACTUALLY TEACH OR TAUGHT is true. We become seekers of the actual truth. Then we apply that truth. God's truth is not static. It transforms.

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[revival-fire] It seems to me that no one knows what revival or the 3rd wave or a new move of God is supposed to look like

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It seems to me that no one knows what revival or the 3^rd wave or a new move of God is supposed to look like.  God is doing something new and I want to be in on it.  Yet I know from watching, listening and reading that I am unable to participate with a Holy God.

I feel that I need to seek Him only and seek His Presence, His Face and have Him judge me to prepare me for what He is bringing forth. 

If I want to participate obediently with Him I know that it will cost me and it has.  To be in any position to work with Jesus and the Father and the Holy Spirit in unity is somehow part of working out my salvation with fear and trembling before a Holy God who, by the way, is so good in working His Righteousness into me.  He gives me things to do that won’t inflate my ego, He won’t operate so that I lust for money, He checks me in all relationships that could involve me improperly with others.

Yet my willingness to participate is known to Him. 

The above is part of what I believe we need in order to find repentance before we get out on any raised platform to show off our gifts from God.  I wonder if we really need platforms at all.  My desire for Him may best be passed to others in small groups with a family style atmosphere.

I know that God is moving in more directions than what I would move.  I still feel like Lakeland was a great demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit.  It was a test and I feel like Todd was able to move in that, and now everyone can decide whether or not we want to clean up our act with Todd or remain in our stuff and possibly become stumbling blocks to others.

I am again reminded that the ability to stand before His Righteousness is not possible unless I have truly died to self and invited Him in as a replacement. 

It is time to purify the Bride and God knows how to do it quite well.

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[revival-fire] It's time to "realign"

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It's time to "realign"

  Maureen Bravo

 

 

What I have realized in this "season" of my life, and recently begun to revisit in a whole new light, is that there are some things that I have previously agreed with / protected / defended / supported,  etc. that no I am no longer allowed to "align" with.  I am in a fresh process of reviewing and correcting any beliefs, words, actions, patterns, etc. that might be in any way "out of line" with God's intentions, in order to "realign" more perfectly with Him.

 

Whether because of environmental or circumstantial influences, due to a belief systems, old family patterns, acquired habits... whether through empathy or sympathy, or simply by making a personal decision...whatever...throughout my lifetime, I've made choices to agree with / "champion" certain causes / people / things.  Some of these were for a season, others are ongoing...and others simply "never even should have been" considerations.  (That awareness usually comes as one "matures" and "grows" through life...and is easiest when "wisdom, age and grace" interact together.)

 

The lives we live today are a composite of all that we have experienced in days past.  Life choices (both good and poor) have contributed to making us who we are today.  As we grow in relationship with the Lord, we begin to see that some of those things that we believed / learned / accepted in our "yesteryears" are no longer profitable for this hour.  We might not yet realize that they were harmful, or sinful, or represented "strongholds" in our lives; we simply begin to see that we need to either eliminate or revise them, in order that tomorrow might be more productive.  When we reach the point of "considering the possibility" that we might have been in error about some things, we often encounter "spiritual resistance"; if we do not know that is what that is and how it works, we may be thrust back into our former unawareness.  If we do persist in seeking the truth, and actually decide that something we upheld / endorsed was not good, the spiritual struggle can intensify greatly; darkness will try to continue to possess what it considers to be a "rightful home". 

 

Whatever the cause of sin in our lives was...however it took up occupancy...(whether we didn't know better, or had a nagging feeling we chose to override, or just willfully made a wrong decision), we can't continue in it!   Although the struggle might be intense, as the old patterns / beliefs (strongholds) fight and die hard, they must be eliminated...torn down...put to death!   We are called to live in freedom...in the light of God.  We can't go back...we must hear and see what God is revealing to us today.  The rest is history!  

 

We must begin to write a new story...in the light of true "His-story".  Jesus is the Light of the world...and His-story is that "He came to seek and save the lost"...those "lost" in patterns of thinking / belief / behavior that do not agree with God...(ie. sin).   When we begin to question the things we previously believed, and encounter Him, we learn the real truth.  We must acknowledge Him... and His truth that is revealed to us.  As we accept His loving conviction, and repent, we no longer want or need to justify / defend our old behaviors / sinfulness!   As we purpose to abandon our old ways and adopt His, we receive His forgiveness.  Only then are we restored to relationship with Him.  To believe less than this is delusion!

                                                                        

Before, when we were blinded by the god of this world, we were actually trying to make the ONE, TRUE GOD over...in an image that suited us / accepted our beliefs.  But no matter how earnest we might have been in our errors, they were still errors, and we could never "fool" God into believing that we were right (and He was wrong)!  He Who is TRUTH searches hearts, and knows and understands all!  The only ones fooled were ourselves...and others who were caught up in the same errant beliefs!  

 

Those old ways...our previous history...are now behind us.  All that counts is what choices we will make with Him today.  "If today you hear My voice, harden not your heart!"   If we are sincere in our desire to serve Him, to change our ways, even if we slip and fall again, there is forgiveness.  He is with us, pouring out His grace upon us...ready, willing and ABLE to help us write "His-story" through our lives at the present moment...and continuing on with us...taking us "from glory to glory"!  

 

In order to cooperate with Him in writing that, we need to know the Truth about WWJD...for Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE.  In every situation... in whatever interaction we have with any person, ideology, circumstance...we must first know God's plan...purpose...and power...so that we can do things His way!  In order to do that, we must KNOW Him, His CHARACTER and His ATTRIBUTES...intimately...lovingly...freely! 

 

Once we know what He would do, we  no longer desire to align with / champion something that He would not.  We do not want to defend anything that would ultimately be harmful to another person.  We can no longer be a part of justifying that which would cause them to remain in bondage.  Instead, we begin to operate as Jesus would; we speak LIFE and hope of freedom from that which is oppressing them. We tell them of the TRUE CHAMPION Who can set them free!  

 

What a difference from when we used to refuse to see things from God's perspective, and operated from our own belief system!  In what we thought was an attempt to "protect", we actually harmed those bound in sin, by hiding the truth from ourselves and them!  We became part of their deception, as we encouraged them to believe the lie that they could hold onto and operate in their sin (in this case, homosexuality) and still be in a right relationship with God. How cruel!  

 

To have believed that they can have both was a lie!  When we supported that lie, we were, in effect, washing our hands of their lives and destiny, as Pilate did with Jesus, while thinking himself blameless.   When we did not know and share truth with them, in love, we were really agreeing to them remaining in bondage to sin.  When we said we wanted them to "be free" to choose how they would enjoy their (earthly) lives, we were really saying AMEN ("so be it") to their spiritual "deaths"...and their ultimate separation from God for all eternity!  That is not loving! 

 

We can see that we have a great responsibility for those we are in a position to influence!  We must no longer allow ourselves to agree with / defend any position that is "out of alignment" with God's plan... for when people do learn the truth, they will hold it against us for having "lied" to them (through the omission of failing to help them understand the reality of their condition, so they could "get free" of what held them captive!)  We must purpose to KNOW, LOVE, SERVE HIM, now and for all eternity! Any and all hindrances to that must go! 

 It is time to realign!

 

                                      (Originally distribution July 5, 2002 / reissued August 21, 2008 by Maureen Bravo / RUII )

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[revival-fire] Let’s Not Lose Site!

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Have we lost our way, again?

I pray not.  When you read Nehemiah,  one of my fathers favorite books, you see that he has a burden to build the wall.  He has a destiny, a calling, something that consumes him.  Yet, how many times did the devil try to distract him from his destiny.

How many times did the enemy speak through the cracks of the wall lies to discourage and cause them to do just one thing.  The enemy had one goal in mind.  KEEP THEM FROM BUILDING THE WALL!

Right now the enemy is doing it again, and we as Christians tend to fall into the same trap. 

Am I saddened about Todd Bentley and what took place at Lakeland? Yes.  Am I praying, Yes.  Do I want to throw myself in the middle of who was right and who was wrong and start defending how we should respond or not? NO!

I am sorry, if you had not noticed, I am building a wall! I am fulfilling destiny! I am changing the world! And so you should be also…..

Did Todd stir hunger in me and make me jealous? Yes, but not of Todd, and not of Lakeland, but of the potential of all that is waiting for each and every one of us, here and NOW!

I did not desire to go to Lakeland, though I don't down anyone that did.  I wanted God to pour like that here, where I live!

I did not want to be like Todd! I wanted to be like Matt, cause that is who I am, and ultimately I want Matt to be a little more like Christ, cause that is the transformation that should be taking place.

The devil is achieving so much here, not because someone fell, but because wall builders have turned into a bunch of rubberneckers.  We are stopping to see the crash, wherever you stand on the issue.

If you loved the revival and believed in Todd, then continue the work of transforming the world.  The whole point was not to see a man or a building, but to see the glory cover the earth.

If you thought there were issues and problems, then make sure you don't allow issues and problems in your life by bringing division or gossip.  Pick up a brick and don't throw it, but try building the Kingdom!

 I know that there are some of you who think, "Yes, but what did we learn?"  "How do we keep this from happening again?" 

Well, first, when you figure how to live without the flesh that surrounds our bodies, let me know.  Until then – I know that there are amazing leaders and apostolic elders involved.

I truly respect Dutch Sheets response, in the sense that He is willing to say what was not said no matter the consequences.  And he is in a place to say it, and I am willing to submit all of this to them.

Now I am building, I am warring, and I am not stopping!  I am praying and helping brothers up, but instead of stopping to their level, I am bringing them to mine!

There is a world out there in need of us, so let's go encounter them, and lets remember that there is a whole generation that loved the RAW, Real passion that was evident in Lakeland.  Let us get a clue that there is a world out there looking for REAL!

Now let's get that, and the character of Christ and see the world transformed!

I don't know if any of that made any sense, but I feel better…. Now I am going out to change the world.

See ya on the front lines

Matthew Oliver

 

And yeah – FUEL is going to be wild – go to

www.riverlife.net to sign up or

www.myspace.com/fuelconference08 for video's and blogs and stuff

 

plus – if you are really wild you can check out a VIDEO BLOG from yours truly at

www.myspace.com/cnsecratedone

 

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[revival-fire] Learn to discern

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LEARN TO DISCERN

by Maureen Bravo 08-21-08

 

Where, oh, where is our discernment? And when we discern something is “out of order”, do we dare to express our thoughts about it? If we sense that others might be hurt by something that is taking place, are we bold enough to speak up, to alert the Body to deal with the problem?  And finally, are we prepared for the attacks that will come against us for speaking out about what we have discerned and calling for the Body to realign with God?   

 

I have read many of the statements issued recently by individuals and ministries associated with the Todd Bentley meetings in Lakeland over the past few months. Accountability and responsibility about what transpired seem to be missing, while defensiveness and denial have taken center stage. Some have tried to excuse or distance themselves from the “situation”, while others “passed the buck”, and still others offered thoughts about how to make “palatable” that which has been shown to be “inedible” spiritually.  The picture of “a dog returning to its vomit” is repulsive to most of us, but aren’t we doing the same thing if we fail to deal responsibly with sin and error?     

 

For generations, due to a misinterpretation of the scripture about “not touching God’s anointed”, we have allowed individuals who are “out of alignment” and misrepresenting the character and attributes of Jesus Christ to “minister” and “teach” without fear of reprisal. This has resulted in many being led astray while others have become disillusioned, disheartened and wounded in what should have been a “safe place”…the “house of God”!

 

In response to reports of a great “healing outpouring” taking place in Lakeland, people began to flood in to the meetings, hoping to “experience” whatever was happening there. Some watched the nightly gatherings on God TV while others viewed it through the internet; still others stayed home, having no leading to go at all.

 

Some had a fear of expressing what they felt (discerned) about the things that were being “shared” by Todd and others who were allowed onto the stage.  Though some things didn’t “sit right” with them, most of them were effectively silenced by that fear! Some reported that they went to Lakeland because “inquiring minds want to know” and they didn’t want to be left out of something that might be a move of God.  Others who had an initial hesitancy to go but “overrode” it, went and were sorry they did. Some reported that they had acquiesced to “peer pressure”, and after being there once or twice, left and did not return again. Some reported going, and leaving in the middle of the evening!

 

Many were seeking something of God but discerned nothing of darkness. They showed up night after night, singing, shouting, hoping it would prove to be what they had been “waiting for”. The call went forth: “COME AND GET IT”… (and be sure to spread the word to others about it.)  When certain things were questionable, off the wall, even offensive, they defended Todd and resisted anyone who was not “gung ho” or dared to think it “might not be of God”. The “signs, wonders and miracles” that lured them in were leading many, like sheep, to the slaughter.         

 

Isaiah 60 tells us that darkness covers the earth and thick clouds cover (the minds of) the people, but upon us His LIGHT is shining. So where are the Children of the LIGHT?  Unfortunately, too many Christians have been seduced and led into darkness; sadder yet, they are not even aware of it.  Victims of our own vanity, we stubbornly defend our choices and maintain our positions…no matter what evidence is presented to us!  Remember the story of the Emperor’s New Clothes, and how he was willing to buy into and believe the lies the con men told him?  They promised him something that would set him apart and make him different from everyone else…and everyone who wanted to be “seen” as smart played along, even when they knew it was an illusion!   

 

Isn’t God “the same…yesterday, today and tomorrow”?  Whatever happened to LOVING TRUTH…and radiating the JOY that resulted from knowing Him?  Instead of serving the KING of KINGS…too many are drowning in pride, blind to the truth, and betrayed by swollen egos!  Isn’t it time to realign?

 

In order to realign, we need a revelation of TRUTH, so  we can wake up, stand up, throw off this present darkness… and learn to discern…both individually and corporately.  We live in a world full of lost and hurting people, who are precious to the King and who belong in His Kingdom!  They are yearning to “see the true Children of the LIGHT revealed”, waiting to hear us “speak the truth in love”, anticipating the moment they can “taste and see the goodness of the Lord”!  They are longing to fill their emptiness with the REAL THING…an authentic, loving relationship with their heavenly Father, won for them through the sacrifice of His precious Son, Jesus, and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. 

 

To succeed in this “warfare of love”, we must learn to discern and then act upon what is revealed to us, in order to complete our mission!  We have a sacred trust. We are “on assignment” – sent to show them the Way, teach them the Truth, share His Life, and bring them into His Presence so they, too, can worship before His throne. Then, God Himself will shepherd them, and He will deal with those who abuse or use His children!  Selah!    

 

 

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[revival-fire] Fwd: An Urgent Message to My Partners!

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Note: forwarded message attached.

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[revival-fire] Bill Johnson and Dutch Sheets on Lakeland

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Friends,

I know many of you went to Lakeland--and God touched you--- wonderful !!

I also know that there are many questions regarding what has happened there over the last days and months.

 

Two important statements have come out today from Apostolic leaders, one from Dutch Sheets and the other From Bill Johnson.

I am posting them for you to read and pray over and see what God is saying to you.

I AM NOT POSTING THEM for ANY "Yes I agree" or "No I DO NOT AGREE" postings.

 

This is a time for Key leadership to step up and make a statement and a call to us, the church.

This is a time for us to pray for this move of God and what HE is doing both here and around the world.

This is a time to pray for restoration For Todd and his family.

This is a time for us to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and our fellowships and our ministries---and work on CHARACTER in each of us.

 

I pray you will read over both posts carefully, and listen to what HE is saying to you.

Should you want to share something with me as overseer of this Network, please post it to RIVERRGO@MSN.COM

 

I do believe that HE is shaking all that can be shaken-- He wants a pure bride without spot or wrinkle--and I welcome HIM to do HIS work in my life and in the life of the ministries I am involved in and here at Family.

Blessings

Richard Oliver

Overseer

Revival Fire

Pastor, Family Christian Center

 

Hello Friends,

Some of you have probably heard the recent news about Todd Bentley and the Lakeland Revival. We thought it appropriate to share with you the posting that Bill Johnson has made available on his website.  Bill also spoke to Bethel Church on August 17th about this issue in more detail. To hear this message, please visit ibethel.org and download The Sermon of the Week entitled "The Battle for Grace Part 2."

Love and Blessings,
The Global Legacy Team


Excerpt from Bill Johnson's website (BJM.org):

Aug '08

A great tragedy has come to light this past week. Todd Bentley, the revivalist who has been leading the Lakeland Outpouring meetings, has had a major meltdown and has filed for divorce. This comes at the worst possible time both for the revival and for those who have stood with him.

Back in June, Che Ahn , John Arnott, and I went to Lakeland, Florida, to do a commissioning service for Todd. We felt the need to stand with him. Opposition against him was great, and we could be a great strength to Todd in that time. John and Che especially could be a great asset as they had endured incredible opposition during the Toronto outpouring. Peter Wagner helped to oversee and lead that part of the meeting. Although he had not personally endorsed the revival, he felt it important enough to risk personal criticism from his peers to bring Todd into an apostolic alignment for his own safety.

I did not go to Lakeland and stand on the platform with Todd Bentley because he was perfect in character or because we agreed in every respect with how he conducted the revival in Lakeland. I went to Lakeland because of his enemies. The relentless criticism and opposition, coupled with the grueling and sometimes unwise schedule, were bound to take their toll on this young man-emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. It happened two years ago, and it could happen again. It was my intention to bring a deflection into the mix so that he wouldn't take all the heat by himself. Little did I realize it was too late. He was at the place of burnout again, abandoning his marriage and pulling out of all public ministry. While I will never blame Todd's opponents for Todd's bad choices (Todd alone is responsible for them) their opposition had a greater effect than any of his critics will likely own up to in this lifetime.

Now what? Pray for Todd and Shonnah for complete healing in their marriage and personal lives. Pray for those giving counsel to them that they would use great wisdom.

Please know that while we may not give details of our efforts, we are doing everything possible to help bring healing and order to this tragedy.

Blessings!
Bill

 

A Statement and Appeal Regarding Lakeland

By Dutch Sheets                                   August 21, 2008

 

It has now been a couple of weeks since I heard about Todd Bentley's

plans for separation and divorce. Like everyone, I have had a variety of emotions

including anger, sadness, and grief. Every time I see this scenario repeated, I

grieve: for the husband and wife involved; for the family that will be scarred in so

many ways; because of the incredible reproach it brings to Christ; and the

distortion it gives concerning God's heart and ways. I am praying for Todd and

his family.

 

I was asked numerous times to write my position on Lakeland while it was

happening, but always felt checked by the Lord—the waters were too muddy and

emotions too high. I now feel strongly that the Lord wants me to do so. It will be

arguably one of the greatest risks of my ministry to date, but one I feel must be

taken. Fathers, when given the voice to do so, bear the responsibility of giving

correction and wisdom. I hope mine qualifies for the latter. I assure you I have

spent many hours praying and thinking through the situation.

 

The risks are broad: with some of my dearest friends and co-laborers, I

risk harming those relationships; with many in the charismatic body of Christ, I

risk appearing to be an arrogant, "self-appointed" spokesperson for them; to the

"I told you so" crowd, I risk the accusation of "spinning" the situation. (As far as

the heresy hunters and revival police—not those who raised legitimate questions

about Lakeland, but the attack dogs who make their living and build their

ministries criticizing everyone else—I lost respect for them long ago and couldn't

care less what they think.) My purpose and sincere prayer in writing this

statement, however, is three-fold: to see healing begin for the body of Christ; to

initiate a process that can remove the reproach brought to Christ and the Church;

and to do these things while preserving and honoring my current relationships. I

pray that these desires, along with my heart, come through loudly. And I hope

I'm writing this with true humility—who among us clearly sees all hidden in our

own hearts?

 

Let me also preface this statement by saying that what needs to be said

cannot be done quickly or carelessly. I do not want my heart to be missed and

am not willing to run that risk for the sake of brevity, so please bear with the

length. (Incidentally, I think it will be obvious no one involved in the Lakeland

situation has asked me to write this; and for the sake of integrity on my part, none

have been consulted concerning what I'm stating.)

 

Mistakes at Lakeland

 

Did leaders handling the Lakeland situation make mistakes? Yes—huge

mistakes. Beyond the obvious fruit of salvations and healings, can good come

from Lakeland, as some have suggested, even with the recent revelations

concerning Todd Bentley? Yes, but only if there is complete honesty and

transparency, the removal of all attempts at self-preservation, and absolute

humility from all sides.

 

Did I endorse the Lakeland meetings? No, I did not, nor did I condemn

them. I acknowledged that healings were occurring and some were being saved,

which I still believe and rejoice over. I realized and stated that the thousands of

people attending were hungry and sincere, as were those involved in leading the

meetings. The worship was regularly good. But looking past some of the

immediate and positive results, I, like many, also looked ahead to the possible

fruit from questionable doctrine and experiences, exaggeration and hype,

youthful pride, character issues and the frightening potential of a 32 year "young"

man leading a movement that could shape the future of the Church. These

things were frightening, very frightening, to others and me.

 

When something has the potential of setting precedent, birthing a

movement and being reproduced as a prototype, we are no longer simply

endorsing good brothers, good intentions and miracles. Doctrine and

foundations will be built on these events. Teachings and paradigms for future

ministries will be formed—in short, the next generation of the church and the

move of God in the earth could be greatly impacted. This is why I stopped short

of endorsing everything at Lakeland. Just as importantly, I could not ignore the

"check", the uneasiness, the sickening feeling deep in my spirit telling me

something else was wrong—terribly wrong—in this situation. Like other leaders I

tried to push past my uneasiness with the showmanship, the "bams," the head

butts and kneeing, along with certain experiences and doctrines, all in order to

embrace the good. Like many of my friends I tried to be—and believe I was—

gracious, accepting, ready to think "out of the box", etc. But try as I may, the

uneasiness in my spirit just wouldn't leave.

 

Did I voice my concerns to the appropriate people? Yes, including stating

my concerns for Todd's marriage to the Lakeland Outpouring Apostolic Team.

Did they listen? Some did, some didn't. But I want to state emphatically, this is

not an "I told you so" statement. In fact, much of what I want to address goes

back several years into our charismatic Christian history. And I assure you that

concerning our present weaknesses in the charismatic church, there is plenty of

blame to go around. Personally, I've been right at times with my discernment

and decisions, wrong at others. It would be worse than hypocritical for me to

point the finger of accusation—I have no stones of judgment to throw.

Nonetheless, mistakes were made and must be acknowledged and learned from

in order for us to heal, grow and move forward.

 

Some of my closest friends endorsed and participated in the Lakeland

meetings. For them I have both criticism—all of us lose credibility at this point if

we're not completely honest—and affirmation. Should they have been more

discerning and have listened to the warnings they received? Obviously. Should

those who "aligned" Todd with spiritual fathers (which was a good thing and

positioned him to receive help if he chooses to accept it) have realized to do so

publicly was a mistake and could be interpreted by those watching in no other

way than as a complete endorsement? Yes, they should have, especially when

the event became a commissioning ceremony, complete with decrees and

prophecies of going to higher levels, predictions of Todd's increasing world-wide

influence and leading a world-wide revival, emphatic and prolific endorsements of

his character, etc.

 

How could those watching believe the evening was anything but an

aligning, endorsing and commissioning ceremony? It was. It really doesn't

matter who laid their hands on Todd—all share responsibility. This was unwise

at best, naïve at least and at its worst, foolish. And should the leaders involved

have realized that those of us connected to them relationally, ministerially, and as

movements—some even in alignment with them apostolically and as sons and

daughters—would feel minimalized, if not betrayed, by the fact that they were in

essence taking us onto the stage with them? Yes. These feelings were

 

inevitable, especially when we had such uneasiness and asked them not to.

Should there be an acknowledgment of these mistakes to the body of Christ for

the sake of accountability and in order to rebuild trust? I believe so, and remain

hopeful this will happen.

 

With such strong statements of disagreement, what is the affirmation

toward my friends who led, participated in or endorsed this ceremony (and the

meetings in general)? Simply stated, I know their hearts. It is not a contradiction

of my criticisms toward some of their actions to, at the same time, defend and

endorse their hearts and character. It is completely appropriate—when true—to

defend a person's heart and integrity while disagreeing with their actions. I think

the blunder of that night was huge and very damaging to the body of Christ, but I

also realize that in their hearts, those involved honestly felt they were doing the

right things.

 

Again, while not defending the action taken, I would defend the character

and integrity of Peter and Doris Wagner as vigorously as anyone I know, and do

so with absolute confidence. There are no two people, and I mean that literally,

who embody the qualities of humility, integrity, holiness (no compromise!),

sacrifice, unselfish kingdom-thinking, the tireless giving of themselves to Christ's

cause and the body of Christ—and do I need to add risk-taking?—as much as

Peter and Doris Wagner. It remains my great honor to be associated with them

and call them a spiritual father and mother. And again, while not minimizing or

"sweeping under the rug" any wrong decisions, I remain steadfast in my belief

that similar affirmations could be made of others involved—either directly or

indirectly—in the ceremony. And some of them still see their endorsing of

Lakeland as an endorsement of revival generally, not of Todd personally.

 

The Bigger Picture

 

It may come as a surprise, however, that my real purpose in writing this is

not to only state the above, as important as I believe saying it is. My primary

purpose, and I believe my assignment from the Lord, is to identificationally repent

on behalf of the leadership of the charismatic body of Christ (see Nehemiah 1:4-

7; Daniel 9:1-19). In doing so, I do not have a pompous, "no one else will, so I'll

do it" attitude, nor am I arrogant enough to think I have become the

spokesperson for the charismatic church. But in the same way that I can identify

with the racism of white predecessors and repent to blacks, Native Americans

and other races, I can represent the leadership of the charismatic body of Christ

and identificationally repent for our sins and weaknesses. I encourage leaders

who find my statements true and appropriate to join me. Beyond the simple fact

of it being appropriate, I firmly believe it is the only way to begin the process of

rebuilding trust with those asked to follow us and to remove the cynicism of the

world we ask to listen to us. As you know, regaining credibility is much more

difficult than attaining credibility.

 

Concerning what I'm about to say, I don't believe I have a critical spirit, nor

do I want to diminish the sacrifices, faithfulness, and hard work done by so many

in ministry. The fact remains, however, that we have failed the Lord and His

people in many ways—not just with Lakeland but in countless other situations—

and must repent if we are to be trusted in the future. And as you also know, no

repentance is effective if watered down and couched in excuses, therefore, I

intend to be brutally honest:

 

1) We, the leaders of the charismatic community, have operated in an

extremely low level of discernment. Frankly, we often don't even try to

discern. We assume a person's credibility based on gifts, charisma,

the size of their ministry or church, whether they can prophesy or

work a miracle, etc. (Miracles and signs are intended to validate God

and His message, not the messenger; sometimes they validate the

assignment of an individual, but never the person's character, lifestyle

or spiritual maturity.) We leaders in the Church have become no

different than the world around us in our standards for measuring

success and greatness. This has contributed to the body of Christ

giving millions of dollars to undeserving individuals; it has allowed

people living in sin to become influential leaders—even to lead

movement, allowing them influence all the way to the White House.

Through our lack of discernment we built their stages and gave them

their platforms. We have been gullible beyond words—gullible

leaders producing gullible sheep.

 

When a spiritual leader we're connected with violates trust, is

exposed for immorality or falls below other accepted standards of

behavior, it does not exonerate us simply to say we don't condone

such behavior. Those we lead trust us to let them know whom to

trust. We have failed them miserably in this regard.

 

For this lack of discernment, and for employing and passing on

inappropriate standards of judgment, I repent to the Lord and ask

forgiveness of the body of Christ.

 

2) We, the leaders of the charismatic church, spin our involvement and

fail to acknowledge our responsibility when other leaders fall—all of

which stems from our self-preservation and pride. Enough of the

spin—we're no different than Washington, DC. Every time another

embarrassing and disgraceful situation is exposed, the dancing

begins. It seems that no one bears any real responsibility except the

man or woman who actually commits sin. Incredibly, we even blame

"revival" itself—the pressures, attacks, weariness, the "revival is

messy" argument, etc., saying it is responsible for the failures. This is

disgusting. Those of us on boards of fallen leaders, those who helped

give them a voice, put them on TV, published and endorsed their

books (yes, I have), etc., are not exonerated simply by saying we

don't condone the wrong behavior or that we didn't know. We're

supposed to know.

 

I don't believe anyone is expecting perfection from us—I

know I'm not. We're far too human for that. But we are expected to

have enough humility to look the world and those who follow us in the

eye when we miss it and say, "we were wrong and we are sorry."

Our careless accountability has caused the body of Christ to

be spiritually raped and abused. It has produced disillusionment and

brought immeasurable reproach to our God and cynicism to His

message. Concerning Lakeland, what was called the "greatest

revival since Azusa Street" has become possibly one of the greatest

reproaches. We, the leaders of the charismatic church, are

responsible.

 

For not accepting and acknowledging our responsibility, for

caring more about our own reputation than Christ's, I repent to God

and ask forgiveness of the body of Christ.

 

3) Our procedures and standards of accountability are incredibly

inadequate. We have provided camaraderie, not biblical

accountability. For those on Todd Bentley's board who had previous

knowledge of his marriage problems and said nothing, it was more

than a mistake—it was reckless, foolish, and irresponsible. For those

on the stage the night of his aligning and commissioning who knew

and said nothing—ditto. For those there who didn't know, my

question is, "why didn't you?" You were trusted to know. That is one

of the purposes of public commissioning and the purpose behind the

concept of endorsement. I'm not trying to point the finger; I'm

endeavoring to get us to be honest about our failures—we have

serious credibility issues. Have I ever laid hands on, commissioned or

endorsed anyone without adequately checking them out? Yes, but

you better believe I'll be more careful next time!

 

And we must not single out Lakeland. We're all guilty.

 

What about the leader in my city who ran with some of the leading

spiritual fathers in our nation—sincere and good men, I might add,

and not all "charismatic" leaders—who sang his praises and helped

build his stage—all while he was doing drugs and having sex with

other men? But we shouldn't blame only the high profile cases—what

about those of us who unknowingly have had adulterers on our staffs

or appointed elders that turned out to have compromise in their life?

Sounding familiar yet?

 

This is so epidemic that every member of the body of Christ

stands guilty—what pastor or leader did you follow that turned out to

have sin issues? What ministry did you support that was unworthy?

There is plenty of blame to go around. The big question becomes not

"who do we blame" but "how do we fix this mess?"

 

Leaders can live in sin—adultery, homosexuality, financial

wrongdoing, drugs, etc.—for years without it being realized. They can

offer completely unacceptable lifestyles for the body of Christ to

follow and still keep their TV programs and lavish lifestyles. In the

name of grace, compassion and forgiveness we have lowered the

standard so much that often there isn't one. We have bought into the

lie that true discipline is "shooting our wounded." We have made a

mockery of biblical restoration, making "ministry"—not healthy

individuals, marriages and families—its ultimate goal. The fact is,

integrity matters. No, we don't need legalistic, pharisaical standards,

but we must have standards.

 

For this lack of biblical accountability, I repent to God and I ask

forgiveness of the body of Christ.

 

4) We, the leaders of the charismatic church, have built on hype,

sensation, innovation, programs, personality and charisma. This has

produced: shallowness; false movements; novice leaders—gifted but

immature and untested; a deficient understanding of God's word; the

building of man-centered rather than kingdom-centered churches and

ministries; competition rather than cooperation; humanistic, self-centered

Christians who don't understand sacrifice and commitment;

Christians without discernment; superstar leaders; a perverted and

powerless gospel; prayerless and anemic Christians; a replacement

of the fear of the Lord with the fear of man; and a young generation

that is cynical of it all. We are responsible, not the devil; he takes

what we give him.

 

For this compromise in the way we build, for giving the

Church watered down wine, commercial Christianity, a flashy but

weak Church and hype disguised as anointing, I repent to God

and ask forgiveness of the body of Christ.

 

Galatians 6:1-5 is an appropriate reference with which to end this

statement: "Brethren, even if a man caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual,

restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you

too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.

For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have reason for

boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one

shall bear his own load." NAS

 

My passionate prayer is that God honors this repentance—I believe He

led me to do it and therefore, will—and uses it to begin a process of cleansing

and healing for all of us. In order for the coming great awakening to bear

maximum fruit we must have both, as well as a course correction that sets us on

a path of wisdom leading to life. There is no doubt that past moves of God have

been aborted, ended prematurely and contained error or heresy that have

wounded, if not destroyed, many. The healing revival of the 40's and 50's, the

charismatic movement, discipleship movement and Jesus movement are all

examples. My heart is to help shape a movement, the fruit of which will last for

decades—better yet, forever. And I have great expectations for us—I am not a

cynic.

 

My passionate prayer is also that Todd Bentley's marriage survives and

thrives…that he turns his heart fully toward Christ and toward those with whom

he is aligned, and allows them, as God leads, to put him on a path of complete

restoration. I thank God for those who were touched by the Holy Spirit at

Lakeland and while watching it on God TV and the web.

May we all move forward into all God has planned for us in this awesome

season of endless possibility.

 

With great hope—Dutch Sheets

 

 

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