The Spirit Said, “Kick Her in the Face”
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Fri, May 23, 2008
- Viewed 702
- (66) comments so far
I know it's Friday, and we like to keep things a tad less serious. I wouldn't classify this as funny. Outrageous is more the word. Have you been following the "revival" that's happening down in Lakeland, FL. I haven't posted anything about it here at MMI because, quite frankly, I'm just a tad big skeptical (that's an understatement). And this video clip doesn't help me any. Does anyone really believe that the Holy Spirit would prompt you to kick an old lady in the face? Here is a collection of things that God has apparently told the revival host, Todd Bentley (no relation) to do. Sounds to me like this Bentley guy's gonna end up in jail for felonious assault if he's not careful. (Thanks to Thoughts of a Worshiper for this one)... Take a look see:
Comments
if you want a Globally Recognized Avatar (the images next to your profile) get them here. Once you sign up, they will displayed on any website that supports them.
Brian L. on Sat, May 24, 2008
Paul says it best in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 -
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels [THE GIFT], but have not love [THE FRUIT], I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
The gift without the fruit is meaningless.
Melody said:
“The scripture defines the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Surely those truly in communion with the Spirit should display at least a few of these.”
I would agree wholeheartedly.
Here’s something to consider: notice that the “fruit” is singular, not plural. The fruit of the Spirit is one fruit - with nine different characteristics. Much like one apple is juicy, tasty, crisp, nutritious, etc. And because of this, we should be exhibiting ALL the characteristics of that fruit of the Spirit.
On the other hand, the gifts of the Spirit are plural, and Scripture is abundant that not everyone has every gift. But the exercise of the gifts needs to be in the correct context - the fruits.
Brian L.
bishopdave on Sat, May 24, 2008
I can’t help but see Bentley defenders/supporters as anything less than naive fools.
Every video I’ve seen of Bentley, the message is on “me and what I did.” I don’t hear much about Jesus except in a supporting role.
Oh yes—“gift of faith came upon me, and God told me”—once I say that, I can justify any action.
God told me to kick an old lady in the face. God told me that women needs to be with me and not her husband. It’s not that far a stretch. Funny how Jesus and the apostle’s healing campaigns never turned into three month long circuses. in fact, they downplaved the healing except as it brought attention to the gospel. Bentley, like Benny Hinn, brings attention only to himself. The truth is not in him.
Ross Middleton on Sun, May 25, 2008
Well, I’ll just tell you. I’m a reformed charismatic guy so that may automatically disqualify me in making a judgement in some people’s eyes. I don’t know this guy personally and yes some of his methodologies seem a little strange to me. If you’ve ever read Smith Wigglesworth he did some pretty crazy stuff too though. I think the problem with many charismatics is that they think the gift qualifies their goofiness many times, just how non charismatics think that their fruit makes it ok that they are cessationists.
I think we have to be very careful in criticizing this revival, I plan on going in the next few days and checking it out for myself. We ask for revival in our nation but then when we don’t like the personality that’s the face of it or their methodologies we automatically disqualify it. I don’t have to agree with everything every person says or does. Just because I disagree with Hank Hanegraff over the gifts doesn’t mean that I can’t learn something from him, even though he’s basically thrown every charismatic under the bus.
If you were at Whiteboard, just like Batterson said we have to dream bigger dreams. If some of us saw the miracles that happened in Acts I believe most of modern day Christianity would say its not real. I mean come on, a shadow healing people, handkerchiefs being taken to other people and healing them when they touched them, people getting transported. That sounds like some goofy charismatic stuff to me.
I could tell you testimonies of healings and salvations in our campus ministry that many of you may not believe and thats ok, but I think until the body of Christ at large begins to walk in the power of God we will continue to see the decline of Christianity in the west. China, South America and other revivals that are happening around the world are being fueled by signs, wonders and miracles, but we don’t pay any attention to it or hear about it so we think that we in America have it all together. I believe we need the power of God in a healthy way in America, I’m not saying this is perfect but at least its something.
AH on Sun, May 25, 2008
I think it’s supernatural how someone can look into this man’s heart and without knowing squat about him personally make sweeping judgments about his motives. This would definitely qualify as 1 Corinthians 13 type of love. Also, refraining from condemning or judging this man is not endorsing or defending him.
Leonard on Sun, May 25, 2008
AH,
Do you come here just to police this board? Seems like it.
Eric Deeter on Sun, May 25, 2008
Bishipdave,
Which is more odious, a person taking glory in the Spirit of God moving through him or a person preaching while taking pride in his intellect and Bible knowledge? I wouldn’t presume to defend either one. And I’ve seen God move in spite of any human pride and arrogance displayed. Is there much difference between Bentley’s statements and Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it? Even the apostle Paul speaks if his holy fear that he might be disqualified even after being so effective preaching to others. If God chooses to move through us, no matter what way He does, we shouldn’t ever see it as a validation of our “righteousness”. Bentley’s words in this clip make me uncomfortable. My earlier comments were not meant to be a defense of him but rather a caution on being too quick to judge. Just because it’s weird doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not God. But being weird doesn’t mean it is God either.
Melody on Sun, May 25, 2008
Please clarify, are you suggesting that Moses striking the rock might be used as justification for the abusive behavior of this individual? You do understand that it was an act of disobedience for which Moses was barred from entering the promised land.
God gave the water for Israel, but he also punished Moses for how he went about it. The outcome isn’t necessarily the measure by which we discern the method or act. God even uses sin to accomplish His will, but that doesn’t excuse the sin; the sinner is still accountable. We should pray that God grant this man repentance.
n8 on Sun, May 25, 2008
Easy to look at a 2 minute clip out of a months worth of meetings and have immediate opinions about the guy and his ministry. I’ve watched a couple of the meetings on god.tv and the heart of this guy isn’t portrayed properly at all through this clip. Check out these meetings—isn’t this what we are craving for?—God’s Presence to touch our church? People to be healed and set free? Todd doesn’t set them free, right? It’s Jesus.
bishopdave on Mon, May 26, 2008
Eric, I don’t how much video I’ve seen of Bentley—3-4 hours worth. I have yet to see anything, hear anything biblical. When Jesus healed, he didn’t wait for a big gathering, He did it as He went along His way. Sometimes people would grab at Him and found healing. Same with the apostles. Show me one scriptural parallel to the way guys like Bentley work. No, they have to have an arena. They can’t just go down the road, can’t just go into a hospital. They have to have an audience. BTW, I’m not hearing the gospel preached.
AH, Galatians 1, was Paul expressing 1 Cor 13 love there (and the Holy Spirit moved on the same guy to write each)? I don’t see in his heart. I look at his videos, made by his people, and weigh it against what the Word teaches. Again, give me one parallel in the OT or NT of these “revivals”. This is not a parallel of Pentecost because that lasted one day and then everyone dispersed to be the church instead of returning each evening. The bros. in Berea were commended for searching the Scriptures to see if the things . How come Bentley requires an audience? How come he can’t be mobbed in the street or accosted by blind beggars ? Maybe part of the calling of shepherding is a natural inclination to discern and defend against wolves. One of the most loving things we are called to do is defend truth.
In the last days, even the devil can do great miracles to the extent even the elect might be deceived. I’m not so sure they’re touched by God if they’re being kicked in the face.
Mikie on Mon, May 26, 2008
It saddens me to think that nobody has mentioned spiritual warfare and where it fits in here. What’s happening in Lakeland is not of God. If people did a little more research on just how Satan does his “ministry” there wouldn’t be as many folks ready to jump at the “miracles and wonders” here that are obviously born of Satan’s immitation of Jesus’ ministry on earth.
Satan is alive, well, in Lakeland and just delighted that first, he has created controversy among God’s people, pitting one against the other, secondly he gets to abuse God’s faithful out in the open, and thirdly, is getting to the heart of God through making “believers” of the weak. We must remember, Satan’s time is short and he will stop at nothing, or anyone, in keeping God from His children. It’s sad…
helen on Mon, May 26, 2008
bishopdave you are kind of free calling people fools and liers, i do not know if this mans ministry is real or not, but you are putting benny hinn into the picture too, the # 1 reason people resist the ministry of the holy spirit is because it exposes the lack of power in their own lives, and once exposed, it demands a change,in an attempt to avoid responsibility for change, they change the scripture instead of themselves,of course its not that blatant, but there is a predisposition against the ministry of the holy spirit, so the scriptures are twisted to support their views.
bishopdave on Mon, May 26, 2008
Helen,
what scriptures did I twist and how were they twisted?
When did I deny the ministry of the Holy Spirit? My view is that Bentley’s ministry not only is not of the Holy Spirit, but probably something dangerous.
Leonard on Mon, May 26, 2008
Far too many people accept this stuff as from God because they are ignorant of the gifts of the Spirit fall for the trickery. A simple search on this guy will tell you that he is way off in many ways. He deals in prosperity, believes God has angels appointed to get him money and much more. He says he visited heaven and sat with Paul in his cabin in heaven where Paul revealed he and Abraham wrote the book of Hebrews. His views on angels, his descriptions of his interaction with them come across as demonic. He is dangerous.
julie marie on Mon, May 26, 2008
as I watched this video I thought surely this is a parody of faith healers - especially when he further defines the boot he kicked the old lady in the face with as his “biker boot.”
but from the posts I’ve read, it seems this is not a parody.
So my opinion now, is simply disgusting. Just how does one discern Gods direction to you from your own inclinations? Hmmm? The old testament God did show arbitrary anger that is explained away as “his ways are higher than yours.” But the new testament God was presented as more interested in kindness, gentleness, self control…
For those who spoke of preferring fruits to gifts, I say, amen.
helen on Mon, May 26, 2008
lenoard i am not ignorant of the gifts of the holy spirit, i do not know this man, but i know what you say is true about him, because i do not think you would try to discredit any ones name, but why do the people that go there keep going?if he is dangerous cant they dismiss him,
Page 2 of 5 pages < 1 2 3 4 > Last »
Post a Comment