Christian Research Service Statement on
Todd Bentley's 'Special Commissioning Service'
Founded by Warren Bare and directed by Benj Miller, InJesus bills itself as the "worlds largest Internet communications company for church and para-church organizations. With 2800 organizations and over 1.95 million subscriptions" ( Who We Are ).
What we do is an externalization of who we are. We could raise hunting dogs as a way to serve people, worship, and walk in the love of God, but, in fact, inJesus is an Internet Communications Company. [Ibid.]
The inJesus.com website promotes Todd Bentley and Fresh Fire Ministries, and recently promoted "A Special Announcement from Todd Bentley," which states in its entirety that,
Many of you know that an extraordinary healing revival has broken out in Lakeland, Fla., led by Todd Bentley. Unfortunately, there are some who have criticized or opposed this revival. History seems to be repeating itself. In order to stand with Todd and support Todd and this mighty work of God, Dr. Peter Wagner made the suggestion that some of the leaders of the Revival Alliance network, commission Todd as an evangelist and as a revivalist. Bill Johnson, John Arnott, and Che Ahn (three of the leaders of the Revival Alliance) have agreed to come for this special commissioning service. This is not an ordination service, since Todd is already an ordained minister, but this is to show apostolic support for Todd and to state that this revival is from God. Therefore, Todd would like to invite as many friends and partners to come and celebrate with Todd as he is commissioned by these apostolic leaders. [ InJesus.com, June 23, 2008 ]
In conjunction with the Revival Alliance Network, the "Special Commissioning Service" for Bentley was deemed an "Historic Event" to be aired on God TV (Ibid.).
God TV, headed up by co-founder and false prophet, Wendy Alec, promotes Todd Bentley and the Florida Healing Outpouring, as well as a hornet's nest of false prophets and false teachers including, but not limited to: Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Rodney Howard-Browne, Patricia King, and Peter Wagner ( Programming Schedule ).
Nevertheless, concerning the above "Special Announcement from Todd Bentley," Christian Research Service agrees that "History seems to be repeating itself," and we praise God that "there are some who have criticized or opposed this revival."
In fact, the internet has come alive with Christians, from all over the world, who have taken a strong stand for Jesus Christ and the truth of His word. Despite the increased persecution, they are boldly defending the faith, once for all delivered unto the saints (Jude 3).
Yes, history is repeating itself. The stories streaming in from the "Florida Healing Outpouring/Lakeland revival" grow more bizarre on a daily basis, and resurrect horrendous memories of the counterfeit Toronto Blessing and Brownsville revivals of a decade ago, where human beings--professing Christians--crawled around on their hands and knees like animals, growled and howled like wolves, shook and rolled in the floor hysterically, and laughed uncontrollably.
The Apostle Paul's warnings to the churches of Galatia and Corinth are crystal clear:
I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! (Galatians 1:6-9)
But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully (2 Corinthians 11:3-4).
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
While Peter Wagner, Bill Johnson, John Arnott, and Che Ahn are free to commission Todd Bentley anything they desire, it doesn't change the fact that Bentley is a false teacher and false healer; nor does it change the fact that the Florida revival is overshadowed by demonic activity and is extremely dangerous to the physical and spiritual welfare of the believer, as well as those searching for the real Jesus Christ.
The believers' who promote and support Todd Bentley and the Lakeland revival would do well to heed the Apostle Paul's warnings to the early churches, repent, study their Bibles, and stay completely away from the false prophets, false teachers, and false healers of our day.
Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret (Ephesians 5:11-12).
Sincerely in Christ,
Bud Press, Director
Christian Research Service
Jude 3
June 24, 2008
For further information on Todd Bentley and the Lakeland revival, please refer to:
© Christian Research Service 2008
