Posted on 07/28/2008 12:58:57 PM PDT by IreneE
Further to the recent revelations from one of C Peter Wagner’s apostles Robert Ricciardelli about Todd Bentley and the Lakeland deception, here is some more information from Ricciardelli’s latest posts on the Charisma Magazine forum here.
(Please note that I in no way endorse Ricciardelli, his beliefs, or the movement he is attached to. However I attach this for information purposes as he has interesting insider information, that confirms what we already know - that Todd lies and falsely speaks for God and manipulates for money.)
“If you are going to lie or stretch truth like Todd does on a world stage, you can bet people like me who he is representing are going to speak up. Here is one of the errors.
In early June, I think on the 6th Todd gave an offering message that was manipulation and borderline witchcraft. He said the Lord told Him that there were 1000 people who were going to give $1000 and if they were obedient, the Lord said they would receive 1000 fold return. I am in almost daily conversation with Stephen Strader, and challenged him that it was not from God. He agreed and talked to Todd.
Todd admitted that he worded it wrong, but that it was an idea he had to raise money for the 30,000 seat revival center they want to build.
I then asked if he would repent publicly and they said:
"No, because the crowd changes every night.”
Personally, I think Todd is deceived and he is just the current circus barker for a more deceptive and delusional non Christian movement.
Someone said along the line that in the end, these so called Christians will be pushing for laws and legislative morality -- which on the face of it is a good thing -- but that Christ requires evangelism, loving laying on of hands, carrying the Word to the Lost (not signs and wonders for entertainment or "proof" that Christ is who He says He is.)
Robert Ricciardelli is uncomfortable with the things he is seeing backstage at the Bentley blitzkrieg. I cannot imagine how difficult this must be for an New Apostolic Reformation "Apostle" to wake up and realize you are part of the End Time Delusion, the delusion God promises He will send on those who "no longer love the Truth" and to those who "do not tremble at His Word".
In these End Times, it is very very necessary that we show ourselves approved and "test all things" especially testing and discerning the Spirits. The way you do that, btw, is by testing doctrine and what is actually being taught. People flocking after Todd Bentley shows a precarious lack of discernment, something that we are required to do before a Holy God.
I’ve had my doubts about Bentley and this only confirms it.
There are pastors who will “repent” of things that they’ve said, bring it up later after they’ve thought about it, and discuss it from the pulpit. I said “x”: upon reflection I think I went further than I ought to have; I should better have said it like “this”.
I have respect for men like that. I don’t expect perfection from any human and when you’re speaking in public, pumped full of adrenaline its easy to say something that later you’ll wish you hadn’t said. So admit it. It won’t decrease your credibility or influence, if anything it will increase it.
Robert Ricciardelli must be waking up by means of the Holy Spirit’s promptings. Christians make mistakes, even ones that Christ has shown a more active spiritual presence(tongues,ect).
Satan appears as an angel of light, even to the point of “deceiving the elect were it possible”. In the end all of God’s true work involves Jeusus Christ who is seeking the lost to bring them into the kingdom...anything that detracts from that (and from the very person of Jesus Christ who is seeking to build his image into all of us) is suspect!
But it is scary when in charismatic circles, because if you are wrong in a false prophecy, there is more than normal repenting to do. This is the muck and mire of this entire movement and why they have concocted doctrines that “prophecy is on a learning curve” and it is the “fault of the hearer of the prophecy” if it is proved false! Very sick system, this NAR.
End time prophesy just hasn’t been the same since Herbert W. Armstrong. =)
OMG, that is so funny.
What is even funnier is that the Lakeland revival came to Che Ahn’s church in LA — who bought Armstongs auditorium and campus. I may post something on Ahn later.
Thanks for making me laugh! FReeper Xian oneliners rule.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.