Why I Know that Todd Bentley’s Ministry Will Be Restored
August 27th, 2008 by Carl Thomas.I have been meditating on this whole Todd Bentley fiasco and I got a supernatural faith for Todd’s restoration. Granted, this is all contingent on the biblical requirements for any believer after transgression. But I began to search for why I was getting this and here is some of what I came up with in no particular order:
- Todd preached grace and restoration. I can’t count how many messages I have heard Todd preach on marriages being restored, calls being restored, gifts being restored, relationships being restored, and yes, ministries being restored. I believe that this lack of judgment in his ministry and a proclamation of the restorative nature of the cross is a massive seed that will bring a harvest for Todd. In other words, he will be judged with the same measure he has judged others. In the 90s, there was a prominent minister who fell. Another minister preached great words of judgment and fell to the same thing in no time at all. If our words are seed, then Todd should be reaping much mercy from the Father in this hour.
- The Body needs him. I have followed Todd for years. There were messages that made me scratch my head and wonder what Bible he was reading out of. There were messages that I knew were from the “conference file.” But we didn’t really listen to Todd for teaching. We listened to him to stir our faith.Paul said he was ordained an Apostle and a preacher. The Body is sorely lacking preachers whose faith is backed with biblical signs. Todd operated in such faith it almost offended your sensibilities. “Did he really tell slum dwellers in Africa that they could stone him if he did not heal their sick?” “Did he really just say that he is contending for a restoration of the 50s healing revivals?” “Did he really just call all the deaf people on stage and ask them if they could hear any better after he prayed for them?” He made your little faith steps look minuscule. Some could not grasp the stumbling block that he was. Others were emboldened by his ministry. Who do we look to now? Who is contending?
- God likes to show off His Grace. God is sovereign. But He does not display His sovereignty by damning those who have been unrighteous. Instead He displays His sovereignty by forgiving those who deserve damnation.
- Todd Bentley is Called. Romans 11:29
- Todd is a Christian. Some seem to forget the fact that Todd Bentley is a child of God. By condemning him you are condemning yourself. Matthew 7:2
- God is love. The calls of “crucify!” were wicked then and they are wicked now.
Please understand my comment policy before you get yourself worked up.
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Excellent post as always. I do pray that Todd makes the right decision and truly repents, truly seeks after God again, and is truly restored! We need Christians that aren’t afraid to get out and offend for the sake of the Kingdom!
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[...] Why I know that Todd Bentley’s ministry will be restored [...]
yes sir !! In Jesus name !! Shaba !!
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Carl,
Nothing germane to the post’s subject, I just got a kick out of your comment disclaimer. Got me all worked up!
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Definitely agree with what you are saying. Check out Rick Joyner’s latest bulletins on this, he is in touch with Todd and believes for his restoration.
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I *especially* agree with this:
“God likes to show off His Grace. God is sovereign. But He does not display His sovereignty by damning those who have been unrighteous. Instead He displays His sovereignty by forgiving those who deserve damnation.”
I am evidence that God’s extravagant grace continues even AFTER conversion!
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Yesssss..I agree and pray that Todd and Shonnah receive their define healing for their marriage from our Loving Father, in Jesus name…shadabadaba ding ding
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[...] Why I Know that Todd Bentleyâ’ Ministry Will Be Restored [...]
Awesome Carl – I had been sent a nasty “I must warn you about Todd Bentley” email today that really got me furious….then I read your post
I needed it 
Thanks Bro.
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Thanks Carl,
A big Amen!
Michael
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We are praying for Todd, but those who were touched had nothing to do with Todd. We have been journalists on this from the beginning and have interviewed dozens, including staff members and former Freshfire staff members. Todd has been an alcoholic for several years, he has had two affairs and wants to marry the current one.
He came into LAkeland already in his affair and had been living in a sinful situation for sevewral years. God will not tolerate this, and shame on those who covered this up. This will all be coming out and I hope Todd finally gets people around him that will help him rather than use his platform. If Todd humbles himself and repents, God will use him… That is our prayer….
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February 5th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
EXCUSE ME!..ATTACKING TODD.. IS NOT PRAYING FOR HIM..BUT PREYING ON HIM!!
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR SINS..TO BE EXPOSED?
ALL MEN HAVE PROBLEMS, EVEN GREAT MEN OF GOD! THAT’S NOT A LICENSE TO SIN, BUT MEANS WE SHOULD PRAY FOR THEM..NOT EXPOSE THEM, AND RESTORE
THEM BACK TO RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD!
IF WE DON’T ..GOD WILL DEAL WITH US!
DON’T YOU BELIEVE IN RESTORATION? IT’S OFTEN A PROCESS..OVER TIME!
BOTTOM LINE=”IF TODD WAS NOT CALLED AND USED OF GOD..THAN THAT’S
A TERRIBLE FACT THAT A FALSE MAN OF GOD, HAD MORE PEOPLE SAVED
DURING THE LAKELAND OUTPOURING,(1,200,000 ON THE WEB ALONE,
MILLIONS ON GOD TV, COVERING 200 NATIONS NIGHTLY!)THEN ANY
PREACHER IN ANY CRUSADE IN HISTORY.. NOT ALL THE CHURCHES IN
FLA, LAST YEAR!!
BUFORDDOWELL@GMIAL.COM
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I agree with the perspective you have taken on this post, it certainly is the balance we need when the same people who loved him are now shouting crucify him, as you well point out.
My concern though is, what if he isn’t restored? Are not people putting hope in a man, particularly those people whose whole Christianity has become pinned on Lakeland. Like you said in point 2, there has been some whacky stuff. Those of us who know the world put it to one said — others take it hook, line and sinker as truth and nothing but the truth.
I want him to be restored – but what if he doesn’t want to go through the process? If we say that he will be, then are we not doing more damage?
– Thoughts?
Scott
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I agree. It’s so refreshing to see a post like this and that your heart is FOR Todd to be restored, rather than being vindicated that he fell. I agree with what Mr Ricciardelli says also however; that Todd hopefully will have a complete restoration and repentance. It was God’s grace that this has happened (Heb 12:6-8)
Keep up the good site!
Blessings and fire on your head
Steve
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@Steven – I agree
@Kevin – love you bro
@slw – I am way beyond trying to argue with folks for the sake of argument
@Roy – still waitin to see that bob jones vid. I saw that thing Rick wrote.
@don – I think we are supposed to forgive. I seem to remember reading it in the book somewhere
@Debra pray it through sister
@John – I have gotten more than one of those myself. There have been whole blog posts about me supporting this. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
@Michael – back at you
@Robert – I mostly agree with you. God will use Todd regardless and He has used him. He even is using him in this as a lesson to others regarding the need for sanctification. This whole awful affair (no pun intended) has provoked some great conversation about Lakeland, Todd’s ministry style and the cult of personality in my fellowship.
I am not asserting that Todd will be restored to the ministry he had before all this. This will forever mark his ministry. That is just the way it is. But I agree that the way to God is through humility.
@Scott – People have been misdirecting their hope since the disciples asked when Jesus will restore the kingdom. My hope is for the man Todd Bentley to be restored.
I am stating the obvious that without a biblical, transparent, healing restoration process it will not be possible for him to be restored. To me, I am not believing in some “faith word” type of restoration. I am believing in the Grace of God that Todd has so well preached overtaking him in this situation and ushering in that restoration through that restoration process.
@Steve – Remember the week after Haggard was uncovered? The interim pastor said that both Haggard and his congregation were better for it. I believe that
And I receive the prayer.
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Awesome post-
I am also standing in faith that Todd will have full restoration. The beautiful thing about God, is that as soon as we repent, our past is in the past.
Praying that the love of God will lead Todd to repentance and this mess will soon be all in the past.
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@ Robert
Quote: Todd has been an alcoholic for several years, he has had two affairs and wants to marry the current one.
How do you know this? Are you sure he was/is an “alcoholic” or was he just drinking alcohol every now and then? The problem is, that drinking alcohol is classed as a complete “no, no” inside many christian circles in the USA. But this is more an issue of leglism then anything else. So if Todd was a heavy drinker of alcohol, then yes, please continue to call him an alcoholic, but if he just didn’t confirm himself to the same silly “non-alcohol” rule, then please don’t call him an alcoholic as this is just a cultural problem, not a church issue…
Tom
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@Tom – I would like the answer to that as well. I will let the comment stand for a few days. If it remains gossip I will delete it.
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@Tom,
It was revealed by John Arnott of the Toronto Blessing fame that during the Lakeland Outpouring, Todd had been drinking excessively. Robert is in-the-know regarding Lakeland.
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@Brian
Okay, don’t really wanna turn this into a forum. I’d still like to challenge that quote, as this could be seen completely different from a European perspective and I don’t want to see someone judged and treated harsh just because there might be some cultural issues that are fare more rooted in legalism, then in the Word.
I know that Rob isn’t just spreading gossip and that he is deep in inside knowledge about the whole thing. I just think one should give Todd and FreshFire Ministries a chance to get their act together and give a full statement (asap), as all these bits and pieces of information that are currently found everywhere on the web aren’t very helpful in my opinion.
I really value the way Bill Johnson deals with this whole issue at the moment. I think many should follow his example here.
Blessings.
Tom
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Awesome post. Love the comment policy, isn’t it a shame!
Before Todd fell I had been through a two year ordeal of a young apostle falling into adultery. He is now living in sin and has a baby with the lady and is not divorced and is totally deceived. The church he led is all but a couple of people now. God is restoring the church to the associate pastors.
What a MESS!
The anointing on his preaching never diminished. In fact it was as if he was preaching to himself. He preached on the very thing that he needed.
I pray that God reveals the way to cut to the chase with these guys. There is a way they can’t see what they are doing. I have prayed my head off for these guys.
I love Todd and Shonnah but deliverance is the only answer I can see along with counseling and gobs of prayer.
I watched in both situations the train wreck left behind, me being one in both situations also. It is emotionally draining.
We need to lift these young ones up in prayer and stand guard over them. In both cases it seems that people close to them knew of the affair and shenanigans but were unable to convince them to stop.
Both of these young men are gifts to the body and both had the gift of faith.
God has used Todd mightily in my life. I am praying for restoration, period. Grace, grace…
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@ Carl
Thanks for this posting. Good to know that there are still some Friends of Todd Bentley beside all the judgeds.
And yes, TODD will be back!!!
The more we pray for him, the faster it could happen – that´s what i believe.
Only some hours ago i heard Rick Joyner speaking about Todd´s process of restoration – it was live on god.tv during the Worship and Warfare Conference at MorningStar.
Rick hasn´t mentioned any details of his process but it was clear, that he totally stands behind Todd and has good hope for his recovery. He said: “Todd will be back – trust me!”
blessings
Lekih
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you guys ought to be careful to balance “judge not” with “know them by their fruits”; I mean read the rest of the chapter Matthew 7 and pay attention to what you read- get your eyes off Todd and back on Jesus- I have seen a lot of mercy, redemptive motivation, and a lot of truth on these comments here, but a lot of it lacks right foundation.
Believe me- I have been grieved with both sides of this Todd Bentley/ Lakeland controversy.
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September 26th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
thanks for the comment Joshua.
I have seen much misinterpretation of Matt 7 because people are doing the very thing they accuse Todd of doing, using extra-Biblical revelation. You have to use Scripture to interpret Scripture. Matt 7:16 through the end of the chapter warns about people who are not really Christians.
1 John 4:2 gives us a test so we don’t have to use our own judgment to answer the question. People do not respect the authority of the Word so they make their own doctrines about who is of God and who is not. We only need to look in God’s Word to find out.
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wow! excellent! finally i find some sense amd maturity in dealing!
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THANK YOU JESUS!
I have been sick at my stomach for the past hour. I have been reading all of the horrible blogs and hateful comments from supposed christians about Todd Bentley. I am so grateful to have stumbled here. I feel hopeful. I fully agree that God will bring restoration. I fully believe also that evryone who has been slinging there stones should get down on there knees and repent. Or maybe they forgot that story about Jesus and the stones, while they were busy speaking about heresy and blasphamey. GOD FORGIVE YOUR CHURCH FOR ACTING LIKE WE ARE ON AN EPISODE OF JERRY SPRINGER! Forgive you flock for spreading gossip and hate like a disease. Clean house Lord! And thank you for your grace. Without his Grace we are all nothing! We all for short!
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Thank you for your words of encouragement. I went to Lakeland towards the end and I looked at Todd face to face and I know he loves the Lord. He, like many of us has gotten off and has sinned. Well me too and if we are all honest not one of us can say we haven’t. But God, in His mercy has forgiven me and says in His Word that forgiveness is for all of us. Even Todd. So I am am really glad to know that there are others who are praying for this man who has been called by God and can be restored.
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As a wife and mother it is grievous to hear that a man of God, given so much, would turn his back on his covenant. Just for one minute, put yourself in the shoes of his wife and kids.
Day in and day out, people labor in the body of Christ. It is like cancer to hear leaders have fallen into adultery. Swept up in drinking. turning their back on the woman who bore their children.
For me this is like a dog returning to vomit.
Making Todd unfit, like Ted Haggard, to lead again.
While I hope and pray he is fully restored back to God, restoring him to ministry is sanctioning adultery.
If you love Jesus you lay down your flesh, your desire, your appetites.
The older I get the more I see the greatest people in my life are the virtual nobodies that love Jesus and live holy.
It is like a mockery to see leaders so casually leave their spouses. Their children, their homes.
It’s just sad.
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iam so glad nto hear others who still have faith in what todd was doing thriough GGod . yes he had problems but show me 1 christian who is perfect and the only 1 i cN SHOW U IS jesus i PRAY THAT TODD GETS BACK ON TRACK WE NEED HIM TO SEND OUT gOD,S WORD AND gOD STILL WANTS TO USE HIM FOR his work .i went to lakeland and i came back different with a hunger more than ever to please and serv God . we all fall from time to time but we aren’t in the spotlight to be seen . i thank God for revival and todd bentley
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I pray that this turning will happen.
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THANK GOD FOR SOMONE, WITH SOME UNDERSTANDING ON RESTORATION,
AND GODLY LOVE..AND FAITH… TO BELIEVE GOD WILL DO IT!
YES! THERE WAS SOME TEARS WITH THE WHEAT, IN THE LAKLAND CRUSADE!
I WAS THERE.
HOWEVER, IF GOD KNOWS ALL THINGS(AND HE DOES) HE NEW TODDS
PROBLEMS WOULD HAPPEN, BEFORE HE CALLED AND CHOSE HIM, TO BE
A MAN OF GOD!!
TELL ME OF ONE OTHER MAN IN OUR GENERATION, WHO HAD OVER 45,000
PEOPLE ATTEND HIS CRUSADE, OVER 104 NIGHTS, HAD OVER 1,200,000
PEOPLE ACCEPT CHRIST ON THE WEB LIVE STREAMING PROGRAMS,..AND
MILLIONS ON GOD TV, INTO 200 NATIONS, AND MULTITUDES OF PEOPLE
HEALED OF EVERY DESEASES AND SICKNESSES!
ALL MEN OF GOD HAVE PROBLEMS TOO! PASTORS, TEACHERS, PROPHETS,
EVANGELIST. AND EVEN MOST OF THE MEN OF GOD IN THE BIBLE!
PEOPLE NEED TO GET THERE EYES OFF OF MAN..AND ON JESUS CHRIST!
HE’S THE SAVIOUR! THE HEALER! THE KING OF KINGS!
BUT ” HE PUTS HIS TREASURE (HIS ANOINTING AND REVELATION) INTO
EARTHAN VESSELS! (HUMAN BEINGS)
*WE’VE GOT TO QUIT EXPECTING MERE MEN.. TO BE GODS!
BUFORDDOWELL@GMIAL.COM
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mightly again
praise God for people who truley know God is in control
we all fall short and what makes us any better some just hide theirs . praise God for todd and know God is gonna use him
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I do pray that Todd will be restored. But Jesus does say that those who love me will obey my commands. Todd needs to get out of his adulterous relationship and get back to his first wife, if she will have him. That is obeying the command of the Lord. Yes God is gracious and forgives, but we often live with the consequences of sin. Todd has been a big influence in my life as I am also an international evangelist and I have also seen thousands of healings in my ministry. I understand how pride can creep in and lead to sin and take a ministry down. I love him and pray for him. But as I see it he has some things to do before complete restoration.
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here’s some truth from behind the scenes in Abbotsford. Jessa first of all was an intern in the fall 08 cycle. She never applied for it Todd invited her into the internship. Even after a board member severly opposed it. Later Todd invited her and another intern to live in his house during the internship, and after the internship as a live in nanny.
At the same time the Bellingham, Washington church was being established so fresh fire could get a legal foot hold in America. This is evident by the lack and the sheer refusal to work with the local churches. It was just for the papers not the church.
In January 2009 2 members of the board confronted Todd about Jessa, and that it was wrong and they couldn’t stand by him about it. They where “relieved” of their position for doing so. This shouldn’t be surprising as another member of FFM was faceed with the same threat, after he caught Todd with another woman in England (this is what the dark night of the soul was actually about), the FFM member was forced to either work for FFM outside of North America or be fired. Jessa is woman number 4 that Todd has cheated on Shonnah with.
Todd isn’t 100% to blame just 80% the rest of the blame falls on those board members and pastors that refused to confront Todd on his infidelities. One in particular had the mind set that if Todd does it, it’s okay even if it isn’t for others. Others refused to confront because they didn’t want to loose their jobs (like many have over the years)
Even in Lakeland which I personally think was a two edged work of God, it was a blessing to the locals who have prayed for God to move. And the other edge was a judgement on Todd, in total over the top Todd style. During the highet of revival there was excessive drinking, slasher flicks, and other things I wont get into now with Todd and his inner circle (yes men). There was infighting with the leaders on stage, and the interns where just slaves with ministry badges. Or the fact that all the money collected for the orphans and for sudan never made it to them, it was instead used to pay for the buildings/land for the revival.
Even after Lakeland fell apart, and the news finally became public, Todd never returned home to Abbotsford. He remained in America (illegally) in California, then a breif stop in Reno for their quickey divorce rules. Then it was off to Rick Joyner and his marriage with Jessa
These words are not made up, this is a summary of many conversations I have had with former FFM employees, board members and former interns. I just can’t stand by and see Todd get away with this for a fourth time. A man who has turned his back on his wife and children once again. yet will be received by the masses as THE man of God.
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