Do you want to attend a school that will teach you how to steward the anointing and flow in the Holy Spirit? Well, Todd Bentley says he can impart it to you, but you have to get out your wallet first!
Over at the Elijah List website, they are promoting Todd Bentley’s brand spankin’ new “school of the spirit.” Bentley and Jason Hooper are the key speakers at Bentley’s new money-making venture, the “Anointing School,” and you can attend for the low, low price of $60.00.
Here are the event details and description from Todd Bentley:
Event Details: July 28th – 31st, 2010
Friends it has been in my heart for years to do this brand new school of the spirit, an intensive school on the Anointing. I’ve learned many things over the years about the power of God and how to flow in the anointing. In this intensive 4 day school I want to impart it to you. Teaching will include how to steward and minister the anointing, fresh oil, Holy spirit, different anointings, kingly oil, healing and the anointing, how to flow in the Holy Ghost and more. There will be lots of personal ministry and impartation times. Expect refreshing and the joy of the Lord. (Source)
And guess what??? If you register by July 5th, you’ll get a special edition instruction manual signed by Todd Bentley himself! But, that’s not all – it will contain a personal message from Bentley just for you!
Here’s from Elijah List website:
We are excited to announce that those that register for the Anointing School by July 5th will receive the special edition manual signed by Todd Bentley with a personal message tailored just for you!
I have a question. Why would anyone want to pay their hard-earned money to hear fairy tales? Save your money, pick up the Bible, and read it. At least you’ll find truth there.
Why would anyone want to pay their hard-earned money to hear fairy tales?
My answer….Because they LOVE to have it so!
What does this garbage remind you of!!
“Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! “You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.” -Acts 8:18-21
The fact that Simon thought he could purchase the Holy Spirit was evidence his heart wasn’t right with God, it appears Mr. Bentley is no better off than Simon.
lyn
What happened to the Free gift of the Gospel?
But I have to say that I blame the people for this. They (meaning WOF Movement supporters) allowed Todd Bentley to come back to his ministry and not only support him but support the countless other false teachers out there.
When they reach the gates of Heaven, it will be sad day for them, for the Lord will say: Depart you workers of Iniquity, because I never knew you.
Rocco T
Amen to that Unworthy1! You just saved me typing out a similar comment. LOL
Bentley’s a bad man, period….
A fool and his money are soon parted.
Seriously, after spending time on this forum, watching (personally) how church is ran in the land of charismatics, I have just about come to the point where I am ready to leave this circle altogether.
My wife was raised in charismatic circles. I was raised that the bible is good, but mom and dad never really practiced or preached. My biggest issue – my ax to grind – is the obvious moving away from biblical authority in all aspects of Christian living. The husband is the head of the household. The pastor is to be a man. A pastor should not think the these silly movies about vampires and werewolves is ok (seems obvious to me). I am sick and tired of making sure nobody gets offended – the gospel is offensive! I am tired of hearing that “we don’t want to put God in a box; we want to make sure we don’t quench the spirit”. I do not think I am – but all I see is utter chaos and rubbage in my church! How am I supposed to react to this? My wife and I are falling apart inside. When the (local) church body finds out what I know the bible says, who knows what will happen! But I am tired – this conflict has gone on for far too long w/o me taking a stand. I should not be afraid of losing respect, friends and even family….but I am. I cannot help but think my children deserve better leadership from me than what they have gotten thus far.
I know I am way off topic – but please tell me I am not crazy and God is leading me straight to Him. I know many from this forum cam from similiar situations. If this doesn’t post, I understand (I am way off topic). But this article just brought out all of these emotions.
Mike A,
Don’t worry about being off topic. Look…if you are in a church that isn’t Biblically sound, God doesn’t expect you to stay there. In fact, you are expected to leave and reject false doctrine. Darkness and light can not and will not mix. Neither will truth and error. We are told to reject false doctrine in Scripture, and if you’re church teaches false doctrine, then by all means, listen to the voice of the Spirit and leave.
I’m praying for you, brother.
Amen Unworthy….amen. I guess that’s one of the scriptures that Bentley et al, conviently ignore.
You wonder with all the different anointings, manifestations, angleic encounters, meeting with Jesus in your room…(you knwo the “jesus” Todd met, that he testifies smelled like vanilla and cinnamon), …you would think Todd would have received something that has to do with character and transformation. But alas, what he testifies that he has received, never seems to amount to much for himself and others. He pronounced he was called to release a “family anointing”, at Fakeland…while he was already in an “unhealthy” relationship with his nanny. And yet, some people will flock to get their “itch” scratched. Many who attend, will AGAIN, pay for another conference, some more CD’s books, and come away more decieved and more apt to be deceived again, when he or some other charlatan declares they have something to give away, some anointing, some sort of imparatation. More cash, more waste of stewardship…more delusion.
Last year, my family and I encountered a man who was evil personified. During prayer, we prayed that God would expose his true colors and open peoples’ eyes to his true nature. God answered our prayers and, in the process, performed many life-changing miracles.
Todd Bentley and the Prophetic Movement is evil personified. Let us pray that God will continue to expose the evil behind the Prophetic Movement and its leaders, open the eyes of those who are lost, and bring them to the real Jesus Christ of the Bible.
God Bless,
Bud Press
Wow, when I received my anointing to zap people into submission it was free – hmmmm, don’t know about that ‘kingly oil’, though – Todd should charge a bit more for that kind of anointing, gee wonder what all that one entails – bet it’s a dandy…. would we get a crown to wear around? (It would be worth 60 bucks if I was ‘deemed’ anointed) His Anointing Workbook?…how funny is that?! (Which page are you on?…says the spider to the fly)
Would I learn how to
kick cancer patients in the stomach,
preach about the angel of finance,
learn how to leave my wife and kids AND STILL remain the leader in my church?
I would love to sign up but the devils program is much cheaper (FREE)
Who in their right mind would pay for this stuff? Oh wait in their right mind. Okay that settles that.
I think we need to be a little bit careful here. Todd is a deceiver of the worst kind, and it saddens me greatly that he’s peddling his heresies once more. However, $60 is hardly an excessive amount for a four-day conference. I was recently looking at going to a theological seminar, and that would have cost me $150 for three days (excluding meals and accommodation). So the amount he is charging is very much at the bottom end of the scale compared to what other events cost. Whilst it is all horribly commercialised and exploitative, I would avoid it like the plague because of its content, not because of the cost.
I wonder if they keep the price low so they can get people to come, and then get them to give more through high-pressure manipulative offerings (your previous post referred to this) and market other overpriced merchandise to them.
The question I have is to what extent do Rick Joyner, Jason Hooper, and Todd himself know what they are doing is wrong. Before Lakeland, I was 50/50 about this, but I’m now convinced that they’re fully aware of the errors of their ways yet continue because of the money they make. Shame on the whole rotten lot.
Mike A.
After 30 + years (as an adult) of being in Charismatic Movement, that’s exactly one of the first thoughts that I had before the Lord brought me out….I’m tired. I’m REAL tired. I had crashed and burned/shipwrecked several years before but eventually went right back into it not realizing that was why I crashed and burned in the firdt place! It was the only way I knew…I thought it was normal Christianity. No, you aren’t crazy, the Lord is leading you out…pulling the rug out from under you, so to speak. Sounds like you LOVE TRUTH more than error (because now, in His time, is shedding the layers if blindness from your eyes- by His grace…and mercy!)….and in that love for the Truth, by His grace, be willing to lose all for the sake of it. Like Chrystal said, ‘Leave’…the Lord will take care of the rest. May not be the most ‘fun’ thing you have ever done; losing lifetime friends, reputation, family (ouch), position…but what’s the alternative? Either crash and burn or stay and get deeper….plus raising the children to be good little mystics? Naaaa- don’t want that. Lord bless you, Mike, as you continue to seek His face about these matters.
Anastasis, I see your point. It’s not much for a “teaching” conference, and I can understand why seminars have to charge – space/equipment rental, materials, etc. I bet they make most of their money on book and DVD sales, and offerings, of course.
I’m guessing that they believe truly in their hearts that they are following God. I know many who are entirely sincere in their beliefs to the point of being ridiculous. The only explanation I can offer is that they are either unregenerate (not true believers) or have been following false doctrine and pagan practices for so long that they have been completely blinded to the truth. How many fire tunnels does it take to allow spiritual oppression to take hold?
Thanks Chrystal. It is emotionally draining to know I am going to have to leave (and thankfully take my whole family with me), but 10 years down the drain. Wow.
The thing is, I honestly thought I would never be here. It is hard to understand how God can save someone despite the false doctrine being taught (the grace of God). he can call someone to ministry in spite of their circumstances (again – grace). Now I suppose it is up to me to decide.
This decision does not come easy – I have been mulling it over for about a year. The more I read, study and read the great works of others (mostly Leonard Ravenhill, John MacArthur, and Chuck Smith) the more I see “little” discrepancies here and there. I always chalked it up to me being critical and that I needed to understand that no man is infallible.
And to think I was on my way to being a pastor…it is hard to understand what the Lord is doing – but I trust Him alone (because everyone else I am just not sure of anymore).
Thanks for the prayers. They are needed.
MikeA,
I feel your pain brother. Lucky for you, it seems like you and your wife are on the same page. I sat for 13 years and still do occasionally in a WOF church. I will be honest and admit I really didn’t pay much attention to what was being preached. My wife wanted this type church. She got indoctrinated watching all the crap on TBN and fell for it hard. Everything changed for me in 2006, when my wife told me out of the blue she wanted a divorce. As we struggled through that…she wouldn’t go to couselling, she finally after many months told me she was supposed to be a part of Mike Murdock’s ministry and not only that, she was supposed to be HIS wife. Any one with any sense whatsoever knows that ain’t from God. But she had gotten so spiritual, she could not be reached. I want to cut this short but there is just so much to say. In a nutshell, we are still married, but only through God’s grace. She still drives me nuts with all the false teaching she watches on TV. I still go to HER WOF church on occasion but it just makes me cringe. She refuses to hear anything I say concerning false teachers or the errors of WOF. It’s a constant struggle to get her to open her eyes to the truth. Because of my own laziness I sat in a church and just accepted what was being preached without reading the Bible myself. I pay the price everyday for it. I just hope someday she’ll come around. I hope and pray you will find peace as well.
Mike A, don’t even think for a moment it is all for nothing God will redeem what seems lost, this has been for His glory, when he removes us from false teachings and cults of the likes, these are fearful times, but exciting, when we start to see the truth, their lies unravel and God will not be mocked, may you learn to contend for the Faith (Jude 3) for the glory of God, expose and shine His truth so that others may be freed from being captive to the enemy, To the Praise of His glory! It is a time where yes you will lose friends and they will look at you as though there is something wrong, but just keep your eyes in the word, and continue to be seeking His truth may I suggest videos and preaching from
http://www.anchoredintruth.org/ God Bless you, and continue to lead you, will be praying for you!
Hi Mike A:
Please allow me to throw my “two cents” into the conversation. Think about it, and shoot me an e-mail if you need to talk.
As you know, many who post on this great blog were once deeply involved in the hyper-Charismatic movement. They were dedicated to what they had been taught, loyal to their leaders, and convinced they were on the right track.
However, within each of them there was a spark of light (so to say), that burned within and caused them to yearn for the truth. At some point, something clicked, something grabbed their attention, and they knew that what they were involved in was wrong and not of God.
Somewhere along the line, they read an article or book about false teachers, watched a video about false prophets, studied their Bibles, and talked to a Christian (possibly a former hyper-Charismatic), and the spark that burned within them grew into a flame. They realized they had been deceived, and then experienced a wide range of emotions such as worry and grief, doubt and uncertainty.
Once they were confident they had been deceived, they were faced a decision: remain and wear a painted smile, slowly depart so no one will notice, OR, put on the full armor of God, face the enemy head on with the truth of God’s word, and stand strong for Jesus Christ without fear of what others might say or do.
Those who I know personally chose to put on the full armor of God. They are utterly fearless for the Lord, and I am proud to call them my brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Prophetic Movement is a corrupt belief system–a system that has and is degrading our wondrous God and Savior, Who suffered and endured incredible pain, torture, and humiliation before He was nailed to the cross, then went through it again on the cross as He shed His precious blood for us.
Many years ago, I was almost lured into the Word of Faith belief system, which has now merged with the Prophetic Movement. I praise God that a “spark of light” burned within me, that caused me to yearn for truth. Without a doubt, that spark was God’s grace, warning, and protection.
Without God’s intervention, I could be battling against Chrystal and many of my friends who speak-out against the heretics, false prophets, and blasphemers within the Prophetic Movement. Without God’s mercy and lovingkindness, I could be defending Benny Hinn and Todd Bentley, and shouting “Stop attacking!” and “Stop judging!” and falsely accusing Christians of being “agents of Satan”.
It is now that I do what I do because of what Jesus did for me. And I don’t lose sleep over the rocks, arrows, and pot-shots from the enemies of the cross.
Mike A., God hates sinful relationships, whether physical or spiritual. To remain in a corrupt belief system–knowing it is corrupt–is to be involved in a sinful relationship.
I love you in Christ enough to strongly advise you to get out. Right now. Yes, you may encounter strong opposition, and you may lose a few things here and there. But even to lose everything for Jesus Christ is to lose nothing and gain everything.
I encourage you to stand strong for Jesus Christ and the truth of His written word–regardless of what happens or what people might say or do. If you will do that, God will stand with you and bless you, and bring peace and comfort in your life.
Romans 8:31 informs us, “If God is for us, who is against us?” Answer? Nothing and nobody!
Love in Christ,
Bud Press
admin@christianresearchservice.com
Mike A
You may still be called to be a pastor, but one who DOES PREACH THE GOSPEL and truth. There are many people out there, such as myself, who are looking for a church that fits that bill of speaking Truth.
I live in a town that has so many churches that are either Purpose Driven, Hybel/Warren style or into the WOF or teach a mixture of really bad theology that I have not been able to find a place yet that I can settle into. We need pastors who are willing to stand up for the truth and be willing to shepherd the flock in that truth.
May God direct your path and I am praying for you. I have been in the charismatic camp since 1975 and it took me until 2005 to finally get it. Believe me when I say, I am free indeed now.
Mike A, I did the same thing about a year ago, for some of the same reasons. I just couldn’t take it anymore. It’s hard, but the Lord will sustain you. I’m still not in a home church and getting most of my teaching on the net, and self-study. Just be encouraged, you’re not alone on this path, but I believe you’re doing the right thing, just as I believe I did the right thing in leaving my church of 10 years. God bless you and your family.
Wow… Bud Press, you said it all–and thanks to everyone who commented too.
God bless you all for your bravery. K
I find it utterly unbelievable that Bentley is still being allowed to participate in public ministry! I mean, don’t people see SOMETHING VERY WRONG with a man who drank before “ministering”, preached garbage and was deliberately being intimate with a woman other than his wife? I dunno, maybe he had a change of heart . . . . but the LIES remain the same. The involvement of “Sick Rick” Joyner should be a massive red flag to anyone with a brain.
And, Mike A, I’m with you bro! We got out and BLESS THE LORD have never looked back! Have nothing to do with false teachers. Praise God for His truth.
I’ve been reading all these stories and I can’t believe the resembelence to my own life. I was saved 9 years ago in a southern Baptist church, but I quickly got caught up in Charismatic Chaos, to quote Mr MacArthur. From the begining, I questioned manifestations such as “slain in the spirit” , prophecy and of course the “prayer language”. When you question these things, you become the one with the problem. It is usually blamed on a demon. About 31/2 years ago, my family joined a small church that was pastored by an old “friend” who claimed to be a prophet. Since I am an acomplished musician, he convieniently prophesied that I would join his church and that God would take me to the nations. I gave into my own lusts and bought into the lie. The Pastors wife imidiately sunk her hooks into my wife and made my wife her personal “armour bearer” which meant she was on call 24/7. I had no say in this and was not even allowed to protest if they wanted to take my wife on long trips out of town. I walked around convinced I was demon posessed. 2 years ago, during a 4 night “revival” led by Samantha Bynum (Juanitas sister in law), My wife supposedly had a” prophetic anointing” imparted to her. When I told her that this was false,it was the begining of the end of our marriage. The pastor of the church teaches that if your spouse stands in the way of your “anointing”, than God says you must leave them. My wife excersized that right and she divorced me after 20 years. My relationship with my kids is strained and they have been taught that I am of the devil and that since I went against the lords annointed, I am accursed. Do not misunderstand me. If I had studied the word, and used biblical discernment, I might still be married. I did not love my wife like Christ loves His church, and I failed to rightly divide the word and teach my children Gods word. I placed all my attention on expieriences instead of scriptural truth. I reached a point when I couldn’t take it anymore and cried out for truth. The Lord was merciful and he put me in a church that teaches truth and preaches expositionally. After I left the cult that I was in, I recieved prophetic death threats that of course never came true and slanderous rumours have circulated about me on the street. It is a very lonley time for me right now and I recognise my own vulnerability. However, I am bound by Gods word and cannot go any other way. Men of God… stand up and love your wives and children enough to study the word and lead your families into truth. Please pray that my family will be rescued from the wolves….and pray that Ill remain faithful and not fall into temptation.
Michael,
Your old church was a charismatic cult, and I’m thankful you were able to get out. Years ago, I watched my own mother get seduced by false apostles, but thankfully, me and my Dad had a strong influence on her and pretty quickly cut it off at the pass. We were firm, we didn’t back down, and were able to reason with her. But I know that many times, people who have an “encounter” with a spirit won’t listen to reason. It leaves destruction in its wake.
My heart aches every time I hear stories like yours. False doctrine has destroyed many marriages. Some people have lost much to be obedient to our Heavenly Father, and it won’t go unrewarded. Hold tight to truth, brother.
For Sale. I once had my hand held by a false prophet who, for $5/head would give a five minute prophecy over you and give you the tape to listen to for future reference. His name was Forest Gibb. I did not pay the $5 but someone in the congregation had paid him handsomly to come to the church and “freely” give his blessings and prophecies to all its members. After two hours, I came down from my ecstatic trance, and realized that the unbiblical nonsense that he was inspiring us with, was far removed from the truth of the Bible. You see, I was at least reading my Bible, so I knew that his prophecies contradicted it…without exception every fortune he told was outrageous! Which would have been completely apparent to anyone with an ounce of scriptural discernment.
We went to the elders, who we thought would know the Word, but their response was incredulous and their reasons for believing this fellow were too strange to even mention. We ended up leaving the church because they embraced him unconditionally!!!
I mentioned in one of my earlier posts that false prophets at some point are not satisfied with believing God…with faith…they want something more. It’s a valid point. In every case I can think of, false teachers that I have personally listened to and followed their minstries, began their departure from the faith into error while they were praying for more of God (Morris Cerello), more power (Toronto Blessing), more laughter (Rodney Howard Browne), more humility (Mother Theresa), more signs (NAR and a ten thousand prophets), more healings (Benny Hinn and his side show), more miracles, (Oral Roberts and his band of merry men), more of the annointing (the Copelands), and of course those that have come later, those who want more converts (Purpose Driven), more relevancy for the culture (Emerging), more Discipline (Richard Foster).
I had a very close friend who I walked and talked with daily for years. One day she decided that faith was not enough for her and she departed into the New Age. She wanted more.
Faith…boring old faith…According to Christ, when he comes back, that’s what he wants to find. He asked the question. “Will I find faith on the earth?” That’s what he is interested in…our faith. It’s more precious to him than gold. But apparently, what he will find, instead in many cases, are people who wanted more. They wanted something more creative, more captivating, more sensitive, and they, like Simon the Sorcerer, are even willing to pay for it….
more….more….more…..By the way, I’ve heard many charismatic preachers yelling just that…more power! more annointing! more fire!
How about, this…Luke 17:5
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
Let us know YOU so that when our trials come, we will believe you and be able to stand. When we are busted by life, we will have a confident assurance in what you say you will do for us.
Luke 22:32
But I have prayed for you, Simon, (that’s Simon Peter, not the sorceror) that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
We don’t need MORE THAN faith. We need MORE faith. Anything beyond that leads us into trouble.
Thanks for listening. I love you guys!
Michael C,
I’ll be praying for you!
Thank you so much for your encouragement. I will be in touch with all of you very soon to let you know what has happened. To be set free….words cannot express this joy. I am still very tired but will make it through. Thanks
Wow! I’m so glad that I read this article. I’ve been searching for a place to share with others. I was saved when I was 20 (I am now 35), but immediately entered a church that taught deliverance and the prophetic. Like Michael, I was told that I had demons because I could never get “settled” in ministering deliverance and the prophetic to others. Basically, I wasn’t “flowing in the gifts of the spirit” and because of that, I was told I was schizophrenic and had many devils. I started out faithfully reading my bible and studying but then over the years, I stopped because what I was learning in church was contradicting was in the scriptures. I couldn’t reconcile it, so I chose laziness unfortunately, and stopped being diligent in my studying and tried to stop thinking so much. I was convinced that I had devils and that I was “too intellectual” (I was also told this constantly).
Needless to say, like so many of you, I burned out. I just couldn’t take it anymore. By 2004/5 I began to tire out and I started disliking church. I wouldn’t go to church for months and then go one sunday and miss another 3 months. I started to think that everything that I saw in church from the “anointing” to the ordaining of apostles was all being made up. My attitude frightened me and I thought that my schizophrenia was finally leading me to fall away from Christ, but I couldn’t bring myself to care about church anymore. Later in ’05 I decided to go to grad school and stayed for 3 years. I didn’t attend church during that time. I prayed constantly during that time for God show me where I went wrong. I wanted to hear the Gospel and learn actual doctrine. By the time I graduated, a ‘apostle’ friend told me that my pastor was now preaching preterism in church. I researched it and decided that I would have to leave my church of 14 years. That was last summer. After I left last summer, I soon ran across the video “The Seduction of Christianity” on youtube. That video opened my eyes to everything. I soon began to research and study the word for myself. I also tried to warn my family (involved in WOF and the prophetic movement) and friends (involved in NAR, WOF, prophetic movement, and deliverance), but fell on deaf ears. No one pays me any attention. I think that they all still think of me as being schizophrenic. lol I have been unable to find a church home yet (in chicago area). Please keep me in your prayers as I am still surrounded by those same family and friends and hear the false teachings constantly which drives me crazy.
Michael C. and anyone else in hard circumstances…the important thing is that you are reaching out. You haven’t become bitter and closed your mind to truth. God will meet anyone who has an open heart. Meditate on a little bit of his Word everyday and he will guide you as you go. Don’t try and see too far down the road. He walks with us here and now and the future belongs to Him. Sometimes when you feel all alone, remember there are a whole lot of us that are walking the same trail, some a little behind you and some a little ahead and sometimes right next to each other…but all on the Highway to Heaven…talking to Christ along the way.
God bless you. Will keep you and Mike A. in my prayers. Keep posting!
And here I thought that the gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be distributed as HE wills. Silly me.
Just a thought to those who are done with the Pentecostal / Charismatic / Third Wave / Latter Rain / WOF / etc. … We stumbled on a neighborhood liturgical church that reads 5 Bible passages every Sunday, whose pastor preaches directly from Scripture, has several members who are on faculty at the local (nationally known) conservative biblical seminary, and cares for its members faithfully. The service style takes some getting used to, but we are thrilled to be part of a people who love the simple gospel and live it as they are graced.
I like what the end of the article says in the last paragraph. It instruct us to pick up our bibles and read it to get all this stuff for free.
I know I’m name dropping here, but can’t resist. Did you know that I live in the same city Abbotsford, BC Canada where Todd Bentley got his beginnings? At least that is my understanding….I never had the unfortunate pleasure of attending his meetings but I have talked to others who did…..and his warehouse headquarters (pretty nice facility) is just down the street from ours. Not that I would walk 5 steps to get his autograph, but if I wanted to, I could.
Not only that but Pat King (well used to be Pat, now she uses Patricia) from Extreme Prophetic Ministries… who lived in this City of Abbotsford, when she was just starting out prayed for me at one of the the NAR churches that I attended for a while. I even went to her house after church. Yup…best buds. Kidding. But that’s my claim to fame, for now.
On a more serious note. Charity. When I left the charismatic flock, I remember being characterized as “demon possessed” or “mentally insane” even by my own mother. It left me feeling very insecure and doubting my own sanity. Someone, a friend who was not a Christian said, Carolyn, you are the most sane, level headed person I know. And that made me feel a whole lot better. So I’m saying the same thing to you. Charity, from what you wrote, you sound sane and collected. Not a thing wrong with your mental state. So welcome aboard!
Thank you everyone for the encouragment. I too was labeled mentally ill and when I would bump into people on the streets after I left the cult, I found out that my kids were telling people this because thats what the “prophet ” said about me. I go to a church that teaches the bible and tries to abide by what it teaches. In the old days, this would have been called a religious spirit. Thanks again and I will be praying for you guys.
Oh, one more thing….Carylyn,
Hot coals work much better.
You said I have not become bitter? Well…… I fight it. I was in Wal Mart on Christmas Eve and I was carrying a large frying pan. As I was heading to the checkout counter, I saw my former “pastor” walking towards me. I stared at him…and looked at the frying pan in my hand….looked at him…looked at the pan….thought about it real hard. That pan would have looked really good upside his fat head. I didn’t do it but it sure was tempting….
LOL, Michael C.
That was funny.
See, when you can laugh at yourself, no one can say your’re mentally ill. No one.
God have mercy. There are so many people seeking the truth of God who are being led astray and being fed upon by wolves for their wealth, their support (numbers define a ministry nowadays it seems, Ministries go to banks quoting income from supporters and numbers on their mailing lists when seeking loans.)
They are being amassing together for the visionary’s idol to self (i.e- mandate, ‘Vision’, prophetic calling) and are carried along by bigger and grander ideas and visions and prophecies and the promise of “being a part of God’s new move”.
The gifts of God, the gifts of the Spirit and the sacred and holy things of the temple so to speak are again, as in the days of Israel’s falling away – being misused and polluted and perverted with lust for power, money, control, ‘prestige’, the appearance of being important to God or ‘indispensable’ to God’s needs.
The traditions and doctrines of heretics from a generation ago are being repackaged and rebranded as being unfulfilled secrets of God and young minds and hearts not seasoned in the firey furnace of testing, trials and even tested by the praise of Man are drinking in much filthiness in colored bottles scented with the cheap perfumes of a fleshly concoction.
We need the falls of “great ministers” and the exposure of the Usurper in the midst of the sons and daughters of the Living God. We need destruction and fire to cleanse the “Charismatic temple of vanity” and bring forth humble stewards of the gifts of God, fearful Shepherds who tremble before God as leaders of the souls of men and women, we need God’s grace to whip the moneychangers into repentance and shock them if need be into the truth of the nature of their dealings as trophies to Mammon ..
The ease at which money comes in after a fervent night of preaching automatically pulls at the heart of the young minister .. then the formula begins to replace obedience and service to Christ and to His body .. once the anointing of God is seen to be of a value in earthly terms (numbers, money, support) the young minister begins to imagine doing great things for God where as all the while Mammon has begun using God’s name as an excuse to let him in to the heart.
Ministers have become slaves to the performance or the show, though they dont see it that way – but thats what happens when “results” become the benchmark for a meeting. Men will not wait for God, instead they slowly resort to manipulation or even stepping ahead of God and getting a result in the flesh – music, clever wording gymnastics or foolishness eloquently spoken, even foolishness spoken with obscure terms and references that make the speaker appear to “know the secret things of God” when they are merely serpent tongued egotists lost in the ships of their own making driven by demonic winds of blasphemy ..
God must cleanse His temple He must break us from the moulds of our own making and He must form us into the image of his Son the only way He can – by the Spirit of His Son in the nature of His Son and for the Glory of His Son .. Jesus the Redeemer and Savior, Lord alone with no other hidden lords in our heart on the side .. Jesus must purge and cleanse with the fire of His Word and the Sword of His mouth.
Sigh..
When I read these posts it almost seems that a lot of people are feeling insecure because of their experiences with the ultracharismatic world. The times of all the sermons about global christian domination, spiritual warfare, word of faith, increase in health, wealth, prosperity, impartation, heavenly portals, tokin the ghost etc. etc. have left their tracks within a lot of their followers. But, if you have this small time of sanity by asking about these things from The Word of God, you will get this guilty feeling. This guilty feeling which foundation has been laid in the believer by the extreme and uncompromizable point of views of the pastor, apostle, prophet etc. and it’s loyal circle of holy men and women. As a common believer you are looking up to these people because of the created state of minds. They are the Anointed, they know best because they are the men and women with the Titles. And you are not to criticize them because as God’s Anointed you are not ought to touch them.
I have walked with this stream for a lot of years and at a certain point I was just asking some questions. Why was my environment pursuing those great people of God? Why was their ministry THE example of christian success, anointing, being so near with God etc? Why couldn’t I, as an average believer, be in that innercircle. What do I need to get there? There were so many questions but the main question I did not ask:”How could I become more like Jesus?” I asked this question to Our Lord and what I got was that I needed to get more into His Word. The bottomline was that if I want to get “more of God” I needed to get more into His Word and live by it. His Word is the guideline. It also meant that I had to cease my pursuit of Christian Success because that is not the main thing. Selfdenial, fighting your flesh, not working for your anointing/success, being satisfied with what you have, counting your blessings etc. were the main things to pay attention to. And those things are not in the open and in public. It was more the attitude of the taxcollector instead of the righteous Pharisee. I had to think completely different and one thing was that I don’t have to feel guilty. On the contrary, it is just a blessing that God’s Spirit is now helping me to live a Christian life as He wants me to be. I just can’t live without His Grace and Mercy, His Patience, His Love and His Word. So, all those spiritual experiences which I had in the past didn’t brought me to the elite class of christians (NAR, WoF etc.) but…it gave me the real freedom which Christ brings. I’m glad that I’m just an alien on this world and that the Real Kingdom of God will come with Christ’s return. I want to say to all the posters…don’t feel guilty, you are on the right track. Just the fact that we, as bible based christians, are now coming against this apostacy is just a development of God. But, we also need to be aware that it can cost friendships, that we need to face hardships, rejection, being accused and ridiculed, being abandoned etc. But the Bible teaches us that the people who wants to follow Adonai are the ones who are being thwarted. But once again, we are heading on the right track. So stay with the Bible, encourage each other, teach and help each other. I am blessed with you guys. I’m blessed by you encouragements, your help, your teachings. It is so good to see that I am not alone in this walk with The Lord. Blessings to you all in the Mighty Name of Yeshua HaMashiach.
Michael C you have a great sense of humor, keep it up, it will keep you strong
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On a serious note, remember YOU ARE THE CHURCH, the Holy Spirit dwells within YOU not some ‘church building’ and no-one can ever take that away from you. You walk with Him, live with Him 24/7. It is what HIS EYES see of you that counts.
Be blessed, as you have blessed us here.
For those who post and have perhaps received little acknowledgement for their effort…here’s mine to at least two of you.
David, I’ve noticed that your artistic penmanship is what few of us will ever attain to, but we can all be inspired by the pictures that you paint with each stroke and brush of your intellectual commentary. Nicely done. Always a pleasure to read those who have developed an accomplished, articulate and creative means of expressing a passionate devotion to God and inspiring us to new heights and a greater vision of God’s glory.
Watzoo…your heart speaks for itself. Thanks for your encouragement.
Wow. It’s as if I were reading my own thoughts under different names. Your experiences are mine. From being accused of being overly intellectual, to being accused of posessing a spirit of pride and religiosity, to that same nagging spark. Even the commonly written “I couldn’t take it anymore,” and the feeling of utter exhaustion and guilt. God bless each of you, and God bless Michael C and Mike A. Mike A, to you I say “come out of her beloved.” To Michael C I say, keep strong in the faith, continue in the Word of God, and cling to Him with every fiber of your being.
God bless each of you, and thank you for your testimonies. Truly, the Lord is faithful to lead us into all righteousness. May He be glorified in each of our lives.
Thank you to all of you for your encouragement. It is definitely comforting to know that I’m not alone. I am keeping you all in my prayers.
I am glad a have found this website. God opened my eyes right in time to see the deception of people like Todd Bentley.
Today I saw a video from Bentley on the Morningstar-website (Joyner). It is shocking how Bentley abuses the bible to get people in mystic experiences and to climb up to heaven to get in the ‘throneroom’.
There is someone in the bible who also wanted to climb up to heaven… satan (Isaiah 14). So it is clear what the source of the teachings from Bentley is. It’s satanic, demonic. It is the first lie: ‘you can be like god’ (Genesis 3).
Here is the video
http://www.morningstarministries.org/Publisher/Article.aspx?ID=1000087950
I have been reading all the stories, like the ones from Mike A, Charity, Michael and WatEenZooitje. I recognize so much. As if I am reading my own story.
I was involved with extreme charismatics. They were looking for more power, more fire… and they were telling me that I would go to many countries to play my worshipmusic. Big words… but when my eyes were openend and I saw what the prophetic movement (like that of Joyner and Bentley) was all about, I quit the group. I told them that they were deceived. Well, they didn’t like that, they said I was the one who was wrong and one of the members even cursed me.
But I thank God He saved me in time. And now I can use all the experiences that I had in the charismatic movement to warn others and I can see the errors very clear now.
I pray that more people will open their eyes and have the courage to leave wrong churches and movements. It is hard, I lost friends too, but I didn’t loose Christ. He is everything and the reason I live. I see His mercy everyday.
And all those prophetic words from those so called ‘prophets’ didn’t come through. I do not have an international ministry and I am not visiting countries. I have multiple sclerosis and God now uses me in a different way. I can witness now that God is good, even when I am having ms. I am not going to all those ‘healers’ like Benny Hinn. I just did wat James 5 says and went to the elders. God has not healed me, but He is faithfull and takes care of me. He shows his power in my weakness.
Some charismatics are telling me that I have no faith and that I should go to all those healers. They tell me (WOF) that God wants everybody to be healthy, living a good and long life. But I know that this world is still broken. When Jesus will return, and make a new heaven and earth, then there will be no more death, no more pain, no sorrow. And ’till that day He promised to be with me and He takes care of me.
Anyone supporting this heretic is a partaker in his sins.
Hi Ruitje, Good to see you here sister. I am glad also that you found this wonderful site and hope to see/hear you more and more.
You are always an inspiration with your testimony, despite your disability of MS and
you have got more sound judgement than the ‘whole pack of them wolves’ put together.
Blessings
Sylvia
Ruitje – re your link to Todd’s show
Can you believe we are reading the same Bible as Todd? Why does he need Jesus to come back and take him to heaven? He’s already there! As often as he wishes to be. He’s creative. You gotta give him that. But I really didn’t hear much about feeding off the Word of God and Christ’s commands did you? He’s all about feeding off each others visions and throne room experiences. He’s outlining a how to manual on how to by-pass the narrow way and get to heaven through mystical dreams and visions.
Jeremiah 23:27-29 (New International Version)
27 They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their fathers forgot my name through Baal worship. 28 Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the LORD. 29 “Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
I used to be like the people who are right now planning their lives around Todd Bentley.
I used to go to Word of Faith services just waiting for God to give ME a word straight from the pastor’s mouth. Now I’m not talking about anything normal, like ‘Honor the Lord in everything you do’ or ‘Rest in the Lord. He holds you in the palm of His hand’. I’m talking about the pastor looking into MY eyes and telling ME what God had for ME and what God wanted ME to do about…yada yada yada. They look at Todd like Catholics look at the pope.
And now I’ll tell you why people following Todd WANT his autograph on a book he’s put out: They are believing that even his signature is anointed and therefore, his “word” or prophecy written ‘just for them’ will be the real deal. Ten bucks says that if 10 of us ordered an autographed, personal note from Todd – book, that we’d probably all get the same ‘inspired’ words from Todd written on our books. And I’ll also bet his signatures wouldn’t match either because I’m sure he’s got plenty of helpful office workers to do the signing for him.
Todd Bentley is a wolf. There I’ve said it. I was just on a site where one of the bleeding hearts “save the wolves” advocate was instructing us to turn the other cheek. Ha!
Wolves are predators, people! They are turning our friends and those we love from the truth and rather than “turn the other cheek”, which is totally out of context, I might add…we need to expose them and that means naming names. Afraid of ruffling a few feathers are we? Have you ever been nearby when a wolf gets hold of his prey? There are feathers everywhere, broken marriages, betrayals, shipwrecked faith and divisions. Todd Bentley is an evil imposter, a white washed tomb, a ravenous wolf! If I don’t warn everyone I know what he is, someone I love may be next on his hit list.
Your stories are so like my own. Then one day I prayed a simple prayer … Heavenly Father if I am deceived in any way, please show me. All the junk fell away and I came back to the “simplicity of Jesus” Oh what peace!
Bless you all
I have not been to church in a long time, mostly because of my disgust with the stewardship of the pastors. I got a shock reading the comments on this forum about how much people have really suffered. I’d like to give you an e-hug to cheer some of you up a bit. I used to suffer heaps too, but I am not suffering right now, and I’m pretty happy about it. I hope that this encourages you.
Leave Bently in God’s hands.Focus on your relationship with the Lord.Live and preach the goodnews everyday in the indwelling power of the Holy Ghost.God will take care of the Todd Bentlys in the body of Christ.He knows how 2 expose them.
I am really encouraged by this post. Im certainly not alone am I? Jackrabbit, I understand your not going to church, but in spite of that, I want to encourage you to find a good bible teaching church that emphisises sound doctrine. As believers, we need each other and we need to be in continual fellowship with one another. I say this in love so please pray on this. To Ruitje, I want encourage you to keep on doin what your doin. My mother had MS, so I have a little bit of an idea of your struggles. I admire you very much. Remember God is a soveriegn God and He works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) We cant always see it, but we can rest in knowing that our heavenly father is glorified in our sufferings and He alone is worthy of our praise. Thanks for lifting me up
I liked your post Watenzooitje u hit the nail right on the head.All that circus like atmosphere didnt do any good 4 me either.I am thankful 2 God that he broughy my wife and I out of that spiritual retardation.For the longest time I was ashamed and embarrased before the Lord 2 think about what I had done and been part of.What was most sobering 2 me was that I could beleive what I beleived and be part of what I was part of.God is gracious and forgiving,I have repented and asked 4 his forgiveness and I know I have received it but there r still sometimes when I look back on all those yrs. and I am greived in my heart.I beleive God has worked with me in helping me 2 walk thru what I and my wife came out of but as I said it still hurts sometimes.The break came after God removwd us from a fellowship we had been part of 4 many yrs. and that happened beacuse I questioned authority and later on started asking questions about all of what had been going on,whether or not this had been God or was now God.Needless 2 say it ruptured things and was the beginning of our salvation from the movement called the river of God.There is hope 4 anyone and everyone caught in this if they would humble themselves before God and truly ask him if this is really him,he will answer,he answered us.God Bless!
Hey Mike I was touched by your story and I know that there are many others in the same boat.U r going thru a storm right now in your life but the one who is master over all storms spiritual as well as physical is with u in your boat and as u know he is mighty 2 save.He will sustain u as u come 2 him in brokeness and humility,the Lord is your strength Mike!He will not fail you nor forsake you.I am sure there will be many praying for u and your family,when u get down do as David did and encourage yourself in the Lord,the promises in Gods word will strenghten u and lift u.Please read Psalm 27 Psalm 34Psalm 103.
Simon the sorcerer thought he could buy the power 2 do what he saw the apostel’s doing and what was their response 2 him,not a good one,and the same goes 4 to day.Imagine Jesus setting up shop in the local temple or place of worship hocking religious knick knacks and other spiritual stuff in the name of God.It all wreaks of self and promoting self and they say they represent God,that’s a load of poo doo.I know one thing they don’t know and that’s Jesus didn’t make a nickle off the gospel cuz he wasn’t selling it,he was preaching it and the gift was and still is free.They have forgotten what Jesus said freely u have received freely give or maybe they do know what he said and makin money and having the applause and adoration of men is more important,I think the latter is more impt.and that being said they have received their reward in this life,and will be shown the door in the next.
I used to watch TBN. NOT any more. there are a couple who still preach truth. but most of them are the wolves G-d warned of with the “other Jesus” that Paul preached on. For the Church to fall so fast and so hard is unreal. I knew apostasy and the hate for the Jews would be the last of the prophecies to be fulfilled and then the rapture as we see it happen. It kinda blew me away to see some of the great preacher we love fall away. I remember how it just did not make any sense anymore. People like Dobson and even Billy Graham all following these powerless wolves. the church loves it too, the world will love its own. The L-rd said, the world will hate you and they hated ME and take you before the court. even kill you etc. people should ask, does the world love me and my church? I read a book I got from Roger Oakland. One was FAITH UNDONE and one of the others was “The other side of the river , as a man tells how him and his wife got caught up in Satans web..He woke up and left and is warning others. Now the Church in Fort Myers Fla is letting Islam come in and tell them allah superceaded the L-rd G-d. I thot why would anyone in their right mind do that and be willing to listen??? G-d told us that the god of this world rule governments and that Satan goes around stealing, killing and destroying..sounds like the god of allah to me. So many cults. but G-d said hold onto what you have so you do not become confused. and as for our Country. G-d told you the god of this world rules all nations. REp and Dem’s work together an now we are being set up with the REP to save us from the left? what a joke. All wars were started on purpose. our troops are dying for saving popie fields. and if either side cared a hoot, the borders would be closed with tanks and fighter jets. and how about the hit on our barracks, the Cole and then 9/11..how come we did not hit Saudi who pays for all jihad. In Hebrew the word violence means jihad…and G-d said HE would send jihad for sons of disobedience. I was watching a clip on youtube. there was Joyce Myers who likes to make people laugh saying..about the one scripture that the Jews were blinded for us heathen to have the power to become sons of G-d. Now her and copeland and others who steal from the HS , running in the jets and buying property and say REv was fulfilled in ad 70 and they are to build HIS KINGDOM said we are little gods with a little ” g “…Copeland and all of them believe in faith in faith. and the prosperty gospel, they have no power. I see people in Afriac die and be beheaded for Christs name. and lived in dirt floor huts etc. theycold pray for money and riches too. the prosperity gospel is a lie..of hell itself. the gospel has become a man made humanistic rot. and so is global warming lies. Genesis 8:22 ,,G-d says the seasons will never change and never be a NOAH type of flood eithr. New age is in. Satan is deceiving many and people do not want to pick up the cross and follow Him. they love the world too much. an their hearts are far from HIM. G-d is love but HE is no baby in the craddle anymore. HE is a G-d of JUSTICE and soon we will see HIM roar out of ZION andlet the world know HE IS G-d..I hope everyone gets out of those false cults. sometimes it is hard to follow the truth and loose friends etc but is better to loose now than later. I would not be able to stand being in one much less take my children there or to public schools. WE are told, when we see these things begin to happen, look up, our redemption draws nye. Next war, Psalms 93, and right behind that is Ezekiel. and G-d names the naions in both places. Run from Satan and HE will flee from you. G-d bless Kim