The following was written by Pastor Tim Snell from Christ's Church of the Valley in Appleton, Wisconsin. He writes regarding Todd Bentley. I agree with Reverend Snell on this matter.
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
One of the most consistent warnings God’s people are given throughout scripture is to be aware of false teachers and false prophets. These people not only introduce teachings into the church which are incompatible with Biblical Christianity, they also operate under demonic spirits that are to have no part in our lives today.
Certainly all of us can point to examples we have personally experienced. However, I want to highlight one … because we have one such teacher coming to our Valley…and we in the body need to be warned.
Here is the scoop. Starting the first full week of June, Todd Bentley is coming to town. Todd is well known for several things which should cause flags to go up … and then cause us to ultimately run away. First of all, Todd is known for his healing revivals during which he claims God tells him to punch people in the face and kick them as a part of healing them! Yikes! Beloved in Christ, this is not from the Lord! God simply does not tell people to do this. However, even more troubling is Bentley’s character and morality. Just about 2 or 3 years back Todd was leading one of the biggest “revivals” in our nation down in Florida. During the time he was leading this revival, he was sleeping with one of this ministry associates. Ultimately then, rather than repenting, he divorced his wife and married the gal he was having the affair with. Of course, he claimed that God was “restoring him” even as he married this other gal.
Church of God, be warned! Todd Bentley is operating under a spirit other than God’s Holy Spirit. Do NOT go to hear him. Do not be taken in by those who say that this is all okay. Opening yourself up to this man is to open yourself up to something quite dangerous spiritually.
CCV, I want all of us to follow hard after the Lord. I also want us to have a discerning heart and mind about what often happens under the banner of “Christianity.” Not everything “Christian” is of Christ. By staying vigilant in prayer and by keeping our feet planted on the Word of God, we can avoid the spiritual dangers the scripture warns us about.
