Posted on 06/18/2008 3:36:58 PM PDT by Manfred the Wonder Dawg
TODD BENTLEY’S CONNECTION TO THE LATTER RAIN MOVEMENT
A Pastor Reports on Todd Bentley's "Revival" in Lakeland, Florida
By Pastor Gary Osborne
My first real concern with these crusades revolves around the issue of who Todd Bentley looks up to and who he considers spiritual leaders. He frequently mentions, and even has up on stage with him from time to time, members of the "Kansas City Prophets." And the KC "prophets" are, in many ways, an extension of the Latter Rain movement that really found its legs through the ministry of a man named William Branham.
Although Branham didn’t found the movement, he was instrumental in popularizing many aspects of it. This article will not go into detail concerning Branham and his ministry except to say that he was a preacher who ministered primarily in the 40’s and 50’s. He was a forerunner to many of the “healing evangelists” of today in that he would call out words of knowledge concerning the private lives of audience members, as well as pray for the sick to be healed, all with astonishing results. Interestingly, he would often tell the audience wherever he was ministering that he had to wait for his angel to appear before he could give any “words” or work any healings. This will be an important point that surfaces later in our discussion. But let’s stop right here and ask the question: Does God ask His people to look to angels or to Himself for any need? He tells us it is by His Spirit, and not angels, that He operates in words of knowledge, gifts of healings, and the like (I Corinthians 12).
In spite of his miraculous signs and wonders, Branham was a false prophet according to the standards of the Word of God. Why do I say that? Well, read the exhortation from the Lord to the people of Israel in Deuteronomy.
* Dt 13:1-3 – “If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. “
I believe the Pentecostal Church in Branham’s day failed the Deuteronomy 13 test because while he did perform signs and wonders, he also counseled people to turn from the God of the Bible through his spurious teachings. He taught there was no Trinity (he was “Oneness Pentecostal”); that he was literally the prophet Elijah come back; that the world would end in 1977; that Jesus was “created” and not the Eternal Word as John 1:1 declares; that he was a “god” (and this is where the Manifest Sons of God movement got it’s name and teaching); that he could decree things just like God; that Eve had sexual relations with the serpent in the Garden of Eden; that the Zodiac and the Pyramids were equal with the Bible as the Word of God; and that there would be no eternal Hell.[1]
As you can clearly see, the man was way off in his teaching about God. So the question must be asked, “What criteria do we use to determine if a person is a true prophet or a false prophet?” If you look only to the signs and wonders a person does, and not to their teaching, then you fail the Deuteronomy 13 test. It is NOT the miracles that count. They are only used to CONFIRM the message. It is the teaching coming from the “prophet” that counts the most, according to the Bible. And Branham fails the test miserably. Even today, if one were to visit his gravesite they would see a tombstone shaped like a pyramid!
William Branham helped popularize an entire movement called the “Latter Rain” that has continued to teach differing heresies down through the decades. In the 1980’s a group of men, including Mike Bickle, Paul Cain, Bob Jones, Rick Joyner, and John Paul Jackson formed an alliance of sorts and became known as the “Kansas City Prophets.” Time does not allow me to discuss these men in detail, but it is important to know that these men took some of their cues from William Branham. Two of the main leaders, Paul Cain and Bob Jones, have both been guilty of grievous sexual sin while “ministering” as prophets. Cain has been revealed to be an alcoholic and a practicing homosexual, while Jones admitted to having women undress in front of him to experience the glory of God.[2]
In spite of many doctrinal heresies, this movement continued in one form or another. Whether it be the Toronto Blessing, the ministry of Rodney Howard-Browne (“laughter”) or Brownsville Assembly, it can all be traced back to Branham and to the Latter Rain movement that he helped spread. And so it should come as no shock to anyone that Todd Bentley is connected to all these men. And he is. Paul Cain has shared the stage with Bentley in Lakeland.[3] Bob Jones and many of the others have been mentioned in a favorable light on more than one occasion during the revival.
But the kicker to the entire thing is found here, in an interview that Bentley had with BCN (Breaking Christian News) last month. In that interview he said that he “saw an angel he described as carrying the ‘Winds of Change.’ Asking him to describe this angel, Bentley replied that those familiar with the life of William Branham would recognize the angel from being a relevant factor in his healing ministry.”[4] It should be apparent to all that Todd Bentley’s meetings derive from the same spirit as Branham and the rest. It all comes from the same place. Let the reader take serious note of the obvious and continuous bridge between Branham and Bentley.
“FEELINGS, NOTHING MORE THAN FEELINGS”
The second issue I would like to touch on briefly is the emphasis on “feelings” in all these meetings. Don’t get me wrong. We are created beings that do have feelings, and often times those feelings are a part of our worship to the Lord. If I’m going through a mountaintop experience in my life I may very well “feel” great and shout to the Lord. There’s nothing wrong with expressing feelings in this sense. We can clap our hands, jump and sing praises to God when things are going well, and we can cry and lay prostrate on the floor when facing difficult times. But David said, “as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say you are my God.” He understood that regardless of what he was going through, he would not allow his feelings to dictate truth to him. In the same way the point of this passage and many more like it throughout the Psalms is that God’s faithfulness and truth are not conditioned by our feelings. We enjoy it when good feelings accompany our faith, but we must remember that the faithfulness of God is not based on our feelings.
Unfortunately, in the Bentley meetings “feelings” are the big emphasis, to the detriment of the hearers. Why do I say that? Because the Word of God is not preached in these meetings. Rarely does Todd even bring a Bible to the pulpit with him. He actually bragged about bringing more “real Word” to the people than preachers who expound on the Bible week in and week out because he was bringing a living Jesus through the experiences [i.e. “signs and wonders”] he was giving them. I heard this for myself on his Saturday, May 10th God TV telecast from Lakeland. And the people loved it so. No Word of God is ever brought at these meetings. It’s all about the “feelings” they can experience. This type of mindset and philosophy of ministry leads to very shallow Christianity. I fear for most of the people that attend these meetings because when they come down off the “high” they have been on in these emotionally charged services they will probably crash and burn spiritually. I’ve seen it play out too many times in the past to think otherwise.
In the same vein as the “feelings” issue, there’s also a huge stress on what Todd and his crew call the “tangible presence of God.” That phrase, or one similar to it, is used many times in each meeting. People are conditioned to expect some outward, sensual experience with the Holy Spirit. Whether it’s tasting God’s presence, smelling God’s presence, hearing God’s presence, or seeing God’s presence, it’s all a big part of this revival. Todd talks about seeing a mist or cloud. He talks about tasting something similar to honey. He talks about smelling the incense from Heaven. Everything is done on a 5 senses level. Yet no where in the New Testament do we read about the disciples promoting anything like this nonsense. God is Spirit and those that worship Him will do so in spirit and in truth. The more we move from the objective truth of the Bible and more towards these outward manifestations, the more open we are to deception. The Devil can and does work on people’s senses but he cannot get to us if we know and worship God based on His Word. People in other religions have “experiences” but it doesn’t make them godly experiences. So we must be careful not to be pulled into the trap of feelings-oriented or manifestation-oriented theology. Yet this is exactly what Bentley emphasizes.
TOMORROW: Music, Mass Hypnotism and Angels
For further information, see the following link: http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NL_June1990.pdf
The Truth:
"Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying." (Romans 13:13)
Endnotes: 1. www.letusreason.org/Latrain4.htm 2. www.deceptioninthechurch.com/orrel19.html 3.www.charismamag.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2408&start =0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=386e07de8ab0207fdfb34ca594d2b5ea 4. www.freshfire.ca/index.php?Act=read&status= revival&Id=132&pid=954&bid=923
Exactly.
Each believer will give account at the judgment seat of Christ (bema) for how he/she lived their life.
God knows our giftings, potential, obedience, etc. and will judge righteous judgment.
Jesus had a little to say about attributing the works of the Holy Spirit to Satan, and a kingdom being divided.
The enemy must be pretty desperate (and confused) if he is having people saved from their sins, healed from their sicknesses, and delivered from demons so he can destroy their lives.
Jesus did say we can “know” if something/someone is authentic by the fruit of changed lives...as you have done/are doing.
Do you believe David, who saw a woman naked and sent for her so he could sleep with her, and then murdered her husband to cover his sin is a true “man after God’s own heart”?
Can’t disagree on the stupidity, a trait many of us humans seem to share.
You don’t know if these “prophets” have repented...but you doubt it. So are these “prophets” unforgiven in your view?
I’m going to try to tackle these quickly before heading off to work. I’m going to work the points backwards, OK?
3. No. As I said, angels were used for intervention and proclaimation of specific events. In these cases, intervening in the maintenance of the very early church. In any of these verses do the angels guide the apostles preaching?
2. I would like to massage the percentages a bit. First remove the word experiences. My understanding of the Bible is never shaped by experiences. I judge my experiences against the Word of God. Me = maybe 50-60% and working toward a better understanding daily. Bentley = 5% and working backwards.
1. Seriously, read about the KC prophets, and not just stuff by supporters of the KC prophets. Try to find Wimbley’s (Vineyard) writings on them. At first a supporter, he now describes them as false prophets, wierd, and not of God. I used the disrobing thing as a single example. And no (to answer other posts) they have not repented, they teach that what they do is of God.... even the disrobing thing.
Seems the BLOGGER, Gary Osborne, who wrote the source article wants nothing more than to sow conflict and strife within the body of Christ. His fear and smear tactics are that of Satan.
My opinion of the “the Brownsville Revival” was, as I mentioned, based on lots of detailed reading. While some people may have been saved (God works in many ways and places), the focus of that circus was not the God of Israel and the Jesus of Scripture. It was a twisted, flesh pleasing demonic operation that mocked God and deceived many.
Well, Christians have always been the ones who have scoffed at and even stopped revivals. ‘Well, this isn’t the way GOD would do it.’ Well, how do we know how God will move? He’s God. He’s going to move however He wants without our approval, LOL. People said Jesus cast out demons by satan and not God. Human nature never changes. When you attribute the things of God, no matter how strange they may seem, to satan, you need to watch out. That’s why I won’t judge what’s going on down there. My friend’s life was truly touched. He’s praying with such power now and it’s encouraging to all of us who hear him.
Bless you.
You are so right. When I see people’s lives being changed, folks getting healed, new anointings coming upon them, I’m not about to say what’s going on is wrong or of satan. My friend’s life is a testimony to me. Other people’s negative impressions won’t change that. There are always Christians who ‘don’t approve’ of the next move of God. Christians are the ones who stop revival, not the lost.
Manfred, are you wearing you bullet proof vest?
: )
“I want to use Holy Ghost machine gun to kill Heresy Hunters.”
Benny Hinn (Praise-a-thon TBN, November 8, 1990 )
I had never heard this about Bob Jones. Is it true even? But if he has repented and turned his life around, we shouldn’t be judging him.
I hadn’t heard of it before either, so I can’t speak to the accusation. If it is true however, it seems likely to me that those with an anti-prophetic, anti-supernatural (signs and wonders), cessasionist bias or view will continue to use it as a stick to beat him with until Jesus takes the stick out of their hand on judgment day.
I would rather line up with the Savior of the world than the accuser of the brethren.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Matthew 7:3-5
John 18:6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
1 Kings 8:11 So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD. (doesn’t say they fell, just that they couldn’t stand.
Acts 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Also the numerous instances when an angelic visitation, a theophany, or a Christophany results in the individual falling down before God’s presence (sometimes as dead).
Seriously, you should check out some of Reinhard Bonnke’s videos where hundreds or thousands all fall down together under the power of God. His ministry team has prayed with millions to come to the Lord in Africa and, yes, there are supernatural healings followed by the fruit of salvations and corroborated by the fruit of changed lives being lived for Jesus. YOU SHALL (I hope) know them by their fruit!
Jesus didn’t say you shall know them by their manifestations, which you seem to be judging, or lack thereof.
He said you shall know them by their fruits (which grow over time).
Ever have blackberry pie?
Ever smell a rose?
If you picked those blackberries or smelled that rose you might have gotten pricked a time or two to get to the fruit.
I do not discount that people can truly receive salvation and healing even when an apostate preaches. I have personal experience in that area, so I know it's possible. That doesn't excuse the spreading of false doctrine.
LOL! I’ve heard Benny’s “Holy Ghost machine gun” in the past. The armour of God protects His saints from the flaming arrows of the enemy.
Perhaps we (note that I didn’t say you) should work on our 50-60% and let God (and His angels) sort the wheat from the tares with His infinite insight and wisdom.
Romans 14:3-10
Sorry you are so caustic toward other believers.
I attended the Brownsville revival and was greatly impressed by what I saw. Permit me to describe it.
I was not particularly impressed by the evangelist, pastor or teacher on staff (not that I didn’t highly respect them, I just saw nothing unusual or extraordinary in their giftings that really challenged me, other than their commitment and dedication to pursue/support what God was doing in their midst).
What did particularly impress me was the body/bride of Christ, which I saw expressed in a beautiful way I had never experienced before.
I saw an usher, a godly man, being an usher for the gloty of God. I saw a woman serving at tables, reflecting the glory of Jesus as she “hustled” to make sure all the needs (small or great) of those she had responsibility for were met. I saw a mechanic, who would get up and go to work early, come home and shower every night, then go to the revival to worship and serve who hadn’t missed a nightly revival service for many months (I think it was over two years).
The absolute beauty of the bride captivated me, the love for and dedication to Jesus in ordinary people filled with His glory.
I also saw tons of people getting convicted of their sins and saved (born again, washed in the blood of Jesus, reconciled to God...Ephesians 2:8 type stuff).
Yes, I also saw manifestations, and heard some of the testimonies that helped me make sense of some of them.
One woman, who was in a car wreck and had great pain and difficulty in moving her neck was healed by God and all her pain went away...but her neck shook in the revival services. I actually tried to move my neck like hers was moving (shaking), and it hurt for a couple of days afterward. I am not always the brightest :-)
So, if your heart is open to the testimony of a brother in the Lord, who is not asking you to accept anything against your “judgment” or knowledge of the Bible, hear me:
You might want to consider the church for which Jesus died, and be careful about attacking your brothers and sisters in Christ, even when you don’t understand everything about them or how God is using them (or not, if you choose to hold that viewpoint). Anyway, if you haven’t caught the spirit of what I am saying by now, more words will not make a difference at this time. Acts 5:39
Dear Brother,
Are you a cessasionist? In other words, do you believe the supernatural manifestations of God recorded in the New Testament ceased to occur in the church when the canon of Scripture was established?
IF the KC prophets are teaching Jesus was created (if that is their doctrinal statement and belief, not just some slip of the tongue in a message which happens to ALL of us) then I will agree with you that they are heretics.
Can you substantiate that accusation?
The 60 million is the Assemblies of God, the largest Protestant denomination in the world, of which Brownsville Assembly of God is a part.
BTW, Acts 2 speaks of supernatural manifestation such that drunkenness was assumed. Was it the disciples speaking in the languages of the men gathered that caused them to think they were drunk (usually drunks do not become fluent in previously unknown languages) or some other reason/manifestation?
1 Kings 8:11 doesn't mention any falling backwards or out of control behavior in God's presence by the priests, simply that the “could not stand to minister”.
Acts 93-4 shows Saul, an enemy of God at the time, falling down in fear,reverence, and submission before a Holy God.
Nowhere in the New Testament will you find this type of behavior demonstrated by Jesus, the apostles, or Paul. Convulsions were never mentioned in the New Testament at a church service or gathering. Neither was acting drunk and laughing out of control.
We need to be ever discerning and judge correctly and test all things by the Word as did the Bereans. There is great danger if we don't, 2 Thes 2:9-12.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.