If you've been following the move of God in Lakeland, Florida you will probably have been saddened by the news of Todd Bentley's marital problems. Two extremes of response (I'm ignoring those who don't believe that this is a move of God) would be, "the actions of one man won't make any difference to a move of God" or "that's it - it's all over."
I don't think either are correct. We hasten the Day of Jesus' return, and therefore the ongoing purpose of God, by proclaiming the gospel and living holy and godly lives (2 Peter 3:9-12). If this is true then the opposite is also true: we prolong the timescales of the purposes of God with our apathy and sin. God partners with men and women in the outworking of his plan - which is an awesome privilege, but also means our failings are not without consequence. However, the overarching unfolding work of God is irrepressible - if the Fall couldn't deflect the plan of God, nothing can.
Some wise words (amongst many others) have been spoken in recent days with respect to Todd Bentley's current situation. Here is a quote from Rick Joyner
The world will never believe our gospel of redemption and restoration until we learn to redeem and restore. Let’s take a worst case scenario here and say that Todd was guilty of terrible things and is the one at fault in the separation—what should our response be? We are told in Galatians 6:1:
So, if anyone has been “caught in any trespass,” those who are “spiritual” must restore them. Those who are truly spiritual approach every situation with that goal—redemption and restoration. This is more than just forgiving them—it is getting them back to the place they were. The next verse says, “Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
I was also blessed by this message by Bill Johnson. He continues to remind me of Ern Baxter - his description of the need for covenant relationship rather than denominational allegiance as the basis for relationship with the church at large (my paraphrase) is reminiscent of Ern's enthusiasm for the restoration of true shepherds to the body of Christ in the 1970s.
If you find yourself in any way confused by any of what has happened regarding Todd Bentley then I hope the wisdom of these men of God will be helpful to you.
i dont know what happened in this mans marriage and we are not in any way supposed to judge and as rick joyner says we are to forgive and help restore. now comes the old qualifying b u t, but let us also remember this pastor or any other has a responsibility to restore their marriage and to do whatever it takes. whenever i read of or hear of a pastor revealing they had an inappropriate relationship someone we know they should be forgiven but that doesnt mean they should get up the next sunday and preach like nothing happened. they need to get their relationship right first with Jesus and then with their spouse. i havent been to lakeland but whether its their or any other place a revival doesnt break out because a certain humanbeing happens to be their. God can use anyone to do it or to have it continue its not the pastors revival its the Lords. im not saying this man should step down but he must work on his personal relationship with Lord first and his wife second. anyone in a ministry knows the greatest threat to your ministry can be your ministry. lets pray for this man and his wife and for their restoration. with love to all my brothers and sisters in Christ joe cantone
Posted by: joseph cantone | 05 September 2008 at 05:39 PM
Great to have you back blogging Matthew! Also nice to see Ern Baxter's name mentioned - I have just finished listening to his series 'The King, Kingdom and Holy Spirit' on tape again. Great stuff.
Posted by: James Aubrey | 08 September 2008 at 01:38 PM
I remember a quote I heard years ago that "the army of God is the only one that buries it's wounded." Most of the great hero's in the Bible, including Abraham, Moses and David blew it morally yet God was still able to restore them and use them once more.
Posted by: David Lavery | 29 January 2009 at 04:21 PM
I HAPPEN TO AGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY WITH THE ABOVE COMMENTS OF JOE CANTONE. MY NAME ALSO HAPPENS TO BE JOE CANTONE
Posted by: JOSEPH CANTONE | 12 January 2010 at 11:49 AM