The Heresy Hunter

Defending the Lakeland Revival

Elijah List prophet Chuck Pierce has written an article defending Todd Bentley's Lakeland revival. Also included is the text of the "commissioning" of Bentley by Peter Wagner. The content of this article is revealing. Chuck Pierce:

We have had several people write with great concerns about the current move of God that has been stirring in Lakeland, Atlanta, Dallas and other areas of our nation....We have made our way into Northern Nigeria....I love being here, even though the surroundings are not what I am normally accustomed to; the food is different, and well, yes, there are many different creatures. The main issue is this: in the midst of this environment, I am not afraid of being infected by malaria or getting dysentery because I am in a different land. The people here are some of the most gracious in all the world.

I see that some individuals view "moves of God" this way: they see all the dangers, they are afraid that they will have a demon transferred to them, they analyze every move and shake and scrutinize doctrinally everything that is happening. This may be the only way that some can process their relationship with the Lord and the Body of Christ.

Pierce seems to think he can compare living in a different land to a different form of Christianity and the implication is that just because he's not afraid of getting malaria we shouldn't be afraid of getting something by taking part in this "revival."

I'm willing to bet that he had shots for numerous diseases before he left the U.S. however! Likewise, we have the Word of God to protect us from diseases in the body of Christ. Since he criticizes those who "scrutinize doctrinally everything that is happening," I would think that Chuck Pierce would have been a strong critic two thousand years ago of the Bereans who tested everything Paul said with the Word of God.

Some have written asking me to reject Todd Bentley. Glory of Zion International does not have a philosophy or mindset to reject anyone. We watch, pray, and then try to communicate what the Lord is saying to help the overall Body of Christ advance.

Well, since you won't reject anyone then you can expect the wolves to mingle with the sheep, Chuck! Notice that there is no appeal whatsoever to the Word of God in his effort to see what God is saying.

Please know that we are living in an age where the apostolic gift in the Body has come into a new position and era of authority.

And how do you know this? A feeling? God spoke to you? How do you know He spoke to you? What is your standard for truth?

I was very excited to read Peter Wagner's report (below) on the commissioning service in Lakeland. I admire Ché Ahn, Bill Johnson, and John Arnott. I can now rest in the LORD, knowing that if things get out of sync, this team can help Todd make adjustments so the Spirit can keep moving.

This is like sending a pack of wolves in to mind the fox in the chicken house. I have to wonder HOW out of sync things would have to get for them to step in! Maybe if Bentley rejected these leaders as genuine apostles?

I have many friends who have great cautions over experiential manifestations and extra-Biblical, sensational happenings. I heed those friends' voices and listen carefully. This does not keep me from experiencing what God is doing. I love what Bishop Bill Hamon says, "Eat the meat and spit out the bones and you will find yourself nourished."

In other words, swallow everything these people feed you, heresy or otherwise, and reject what you don't like. Don't check it for truth first, just swallow the spiritual cyanide!

Labels: Lakeland, Todd Bentley

posted by Bob Hunter @ Wednesday, July 02, 2008