Todd Bentley is not on God's side

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.

Matthew 7:15

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.

What Bible should I give to my son or daughter?

This is a quick series on "What version...?" recommendations. It's not an in-depth study or anything like that. Very informal.

I recommend the New Living Translation for students and new believers who are unfamiliar with the Bible. If one is extremely unfamiliar with the Bible and would not call themselves "a good reader," then start off with The Message Re-Mix (a paraphrase). From there advance to NLT and then once proficient add NASB or ESV into the mix.

 

A great Christmas/Easter/Birthday/Graduation/Confirmation gift is a NLT Life Application Study Bible.

What version of the Bible should I use for preaching?

This is a quick series on "What version...?" recommendations. It's not an in-depth study or anything like that. Very informal.

When preaching, I generally use the New Living Translation, unless I have found that a different or literal version better illustrates or speaks to a key point based on which word is chosen. I may find that the idea in the NLT is accurate, but may feel compelled that the precise word is lacking and so go to the ESV or even NIV.

I remember one pastor preached a message and based a key point of the sermon on a word that was only in the NLT translation. He told everyone to underline that word in their Bibles. He didn't realize that it wasn't in everyone's Bible, because he had only used the NLT to study.

The NLT is great for preaching from, because it was designed to be easily understood language. As a listener who is not familiar with scripture, it is far easier to understand what is being said when it is being read from the NLT than from the ESV or even New King James.

Paschal Homily

This is the Paschal Homily from St. John Chrysostom, followed by "Christ is Risen" by Matt Maher. Christ is risen, indeed!

If anyone is devout and a lover of God, let them enjoy this beautiful and radiant festival.

If anyone is a grateful servant, let them, rejoicing, enter into the joy of his Lord.

If anyone has wearied themselves in fasting, let them now receive recompense.

If anyone has labored from the first hour, let them today receive the just reward.

If anyone has come at the third hour, with thanksgiving let them feast.

If anyone has arrived at the sixth hour, let them have no misgivings; for they shall suffer no loss.

If anyone has delayed until the ninth hour, let them draw near without hesitation.

If anyone has arrived even at the eleventh hour, let them not fear on account of tardiness.