The History And Future Of The Present Revival Part 10

Rick Joyner

The number one question I am asked is, “How is Todd Bentley doing?” Todd came to spend a few days with us, and in general I was encouraged with how he’s doing. He is deeply sorry for the problems that his problems have caused others. He is well aware that he made some mistakes and foolish choices. Todd wants to express this as clearly as he can in a letter, which should be coming in a few weeks. It will take that long because I will be helping him with this, and I will be out of the country for three weeks. We also want to get input from a few others, and this will take time.

The present plan is for him to get some practical issues worked out in his life, visit with a couple of friends who have gone through similar things in their lives and have come through them victoriously, and then come to Heritage for a period of time to begin a healing and restoration process.

I have also spent some time with two of the primary leaders of Fresh Fire Ministries. I am confident that both Todd and Fresh Fire will not only make it through this, but will be a powerful force and factor in what will be unfolding in the coming times.

There are also profound lessons in almost every aspect of this issue. Resolving them and learning from them will greatly strengthen the church for the future. Personally, I have never doubted that the Lakeland Outpouring was a crucial visitation of the Lord for our times. Thousands and thousands not only were healed or experienced miracles, but the faith of countless others was lifted. This has resulted in continuing outbreaks and spiritual advances in other places, and is helping the church prepare for the times in a way that will be most crucial—knowing Jesus as our Healer and having faith in Him for needed miracles. For these we must keep growing and rising far above the place that the church is in at this time.

I also think the issues raised by Todd’s problems must be addressed by the body of Christ before we go further or similar issues in the future could be even more devastating. As we are able to get more specific, I think you will agree. Handling this correctly is a great opportunity for the strengthening of the body and preparing the church for the times ahead. Though there is good reason to be both encouraged and discouraged by the way many have handled this to date, how it is resolved can strengthen the whole church in a way that we desperately need at this time. The potential benefit from this is huge. The Lord always leads us in His triumph, and I am confident that we will see this here.

I appreciate the patience and the prayers of those who have not given up on Todd, Fresh Fire Ministries, the Lakeland Outpouring, and especially on the Lord to continue moving mightily in Lakeland and in many other places. Lakeland was a spark that has lit many fires and continues to light them—they are not going out. If you were touched in any way by it, keep moving forward. This was never about Todd Bentley but the Lord, and He is moving at a dramatic pace now. This really could be the beginning of the move of God that does not stop moving!

At the same time, we cannot keep killing our own wounded. As Galatians 6:1 declares, we have no choice but to restore those who are caught in “any trespass.” I am very confident that Todd will not only be back in ministry, but will ultimately have a much bigger impact and be walking in even more power than he has yet walked in. I believe this because of what I was shown by the Lord about Todd several years ago. As Bob Jones said, “Lakeland was just a preview of what is to come.” Todd is called to help begin what the Lord called “The greatest show on earth.” It will be the greatest demonstration of Who God is that the world has seen since He Himself walked the earth. This is what the body of Christ is being prepared for and what the Lakeland Outpouring began to prepare the way for.

At the same time, I was not very surprised by Todd’s problems. Those of his nature and calling have always been prone to great victories and advances, and great mistakes. The Apostle Peter is a good example. Right after he received one of the greatest commendations in Scripture, the Son of God Himself called him “Satan” (see Mark 8:33). One minute Peter was hearing straight from heaven, and the next minute he was hearing straight from hell. Right after denying the Lord, which is one of the worst things we could do, Peter was restored and became the leader of the revival on the Day of Pentecost. Go figure.

I have been spending hours a day on this issue for some time and confess that I am still learning a lot every day about the facts and factors, as well as what is needed for a solution. Many deep and important issues are being touched by this, and I have seen people with very intransigent opinions completely change their opinions when they received more accurate information. As this unfolds, there is an opportunity for great revelation, and I think the setting free and healing of many. Healing the body is actually much easier than healing the soul and spirit sometimes. We all need complete healing.

 One thing none of us should ever do is limit grace. As we are told in Galatians 6:7, we will reap what we sow. If we want to receive grace, we should sow grace whenever we can. If we expect to receive mercy, we should sow it whenever we can. This does not mean that we should ever compromise the clear biblical standards of morality and integrity, but it does mean if we are spiritual, we will be restorers in a “spirit of gentleness” (see Galatians 6:1) lest we be tempted. To not be gentle reveals spiritual pride, and God Himself will resist the proud. I pray that all who have not been gentle in this situation will repent, because those who have responded in pride will themselves fall. The only specific word I was given about this was that a fool makes haste with his feet, and those who rush to judgment are unrighteous judges that the Lord will expose through this. Let’s pray for all to repent who have done this or we will be seeing a lot of this soon.