"you guys can't do church like that!".....JUST HIDE AND WATCH!

In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established

Over five years ago the LORD led me to establish a revival oriented website in connection with a tiny church and food bank in Kentucky. HE has caused this website (www.24-7JesusChurch.net to attract literally hundreds of thousands of visitors from over one hundred seventy countries. HE led me to visit some revival meetings when possible and to publicize a number of revivals that came to my attention. The LORD placed a mandate on my ministry to proclaim revival when and where I saw it. Recently I have sent out several e-mails concerning the Florida Healing Revival meetings with Pastor Stephen Strader and Evangelist Todd Bentley. I do not personally know nor have I ever met either but am aware of the opinions of numerous ministers who like myself are committed to seeing TRUE revival in America. After considering these opinions of trusted co-laborers in Christ, I put all my resources into letting everyone on my contact lists know about the Lakeland meetings. In-as-much-as some contacts of mine whose opinions I have valued in the past have stated serious reservations about the meetings and manifestations in Florida, I am forwarding articles by three national leaders who have expressed their opinions which follow:

Wednesday, May 7, 2008
My Observations of the Outpouring in Lakeland, Florida by Stephen Strang

A great revival took place in Wales in 1904. Sadly there is little to show today for the effects of that revival. Two years later the Pentecost revival started at Azusa Street in Los Angeles. The black church where it started actually closed around 1930. But the revival it generated continues to include more than 400 million people around the world today.The difference between the two revivals is that the Pentecost revival has actually been a "series of revivals" that has happened again and again over the years-- the Latter Rain movement and the healing revivals of the late 40's; Full Gospel business men that started in the 50's, along with ministries emerging such as Kathryn Kuhlman; followed by the Charismatic movement of the 60's in the mainline Protestant churches and the Roman Catholic church. Then there has been the Faith movement, the Apostolic movement, and various revival outbreakings in places like Toronto and Brownsville.The latest outbreak of revival is apparently in Lakeland, Florida. It started with meetings with Todd Bentley on April 2 at Ignited Church pastored by my long-time friend Steve Strader. I've know Steve since I was in the 9th grade and he was in the 6th grade when his father Karl Strader came to pastor the church my family attended in Lakeland. That was also the church where Rodney Howard Browne's ministry really took off in the United States with extended meetings back in the early 90's.(This revival with Todd Bentley started about the time that we had a death in the family so I was not able to go down to the services until Monday, May 5-- the 34th continuous day of the revival. By the time I attended, Lee Grady and others had been to the revival and had given their analysis. If you missed Lee's analysis you can CLICK HERE to read it. Before I attended on Monday I was also beginning to get critical emails about the revival, expressing cautions, etc.As I've covered the move of the Holy Spirit for the last three decades, I know that anytime there is a genuine move of God, it is guaranteed that certain people will automatically oppose it. These people oppose any move of God that is beyond their own religious experience. The sad thing is that some times they will have some valid criticisms that people like me tend to discount because they are so negative.Some people also question Todd Bentley's past. He has quite a "testimony" that actually was first reported in Charisma several years ago. But there are those who feel that a person who is less than perfect can't really be used by God. Actually I believe that the Bible teaches that "God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise" (1 Corinthians 1:27, NIV).Also, at one of the meetings recently Paul Cain was given a place on the platform. Unfortunately Paul Cain has disqualified himself from ministry due to various sins in his life he has confessed to including drunkenness and homosexuality. Other ministers have worked to restore him, but we are told that the restoration process has not continued. Nevertheless, Paul publicly said in Lakeland that there were "false rumors" about him and that he had lived a "chaste life." Both are not true. I've been told by leaders in the revival that Paul won't be invited back. I compliment them for this. I can understand how someone is let on the platform and they shouldn't. But to me, before I attended the first meeting, this was a real caution on their discernment.When I attended the meeting I was excited to see the level of enthusiasm among those who attended. People waited in lines for hours to get a seat at the civic center in Lakeland, a venue that seats about 7,000. There seemed to be about 6,000 there that night and I was told that at the baseball stadium over the previous weekend there were 12,000. The meetings are broadcasted live on the Internet on the Ignited Church's website, http://www.ignitedchurch.com, and also on GodTV which is also broadcasting the services daily from 7 to 11 p.m. EST.There was great praise and worship that night for about an hour and 15 minutes. Then there were testimonies, Todd Bentley shared and there was ministry of various types that took place. There was a lot of humility exhibited in the service that I attended. There were also words of knowledge including that there would be an outbreak of revival in Holland, Germany and Ireland. Todd Bentley called for delegations from those countries that had flown over for the revival to come forward. There were about a dozen from each country and they seemed to be mightily touched by God when Todd prayed for them.Toward the end of the service there were two lines of people who wanted to give testimonies who were called up to the stage using the format that has become familiar with Benny Hinn, where he has the helpers call out the miracles on one side and then on the other. Bentley interviewed the people one by one and then there was a ministry time where they generally fall over under the power of God.Todd Bentley is from Canada. Most of the people in his ministry team have come down from Canada. Many of them are from the biker culture. While I had never met Todd Bentley nor heard him minister, I was a little surprised to see that he was covered with tattoos-- which is much more acceptable in his generation than in mine.Nevertheless he ministered with power. When I was asked later on to describe the service I heard myself saying rather extemporaneously that the first part of the service with worship reminded me of the worship at the Brownsville revival and Todd's style of ministry reminded me of a "Benny Hinn with tattoos." A couple people I've said that to have found it rather funny and have also found it a helpful word picture.It's too early to really tell the long-term effect of this revival. My report today is neither criticism nor an affirmation. I have not had an opportunity to research any of the miracles or even to talk personally with Todd Bentley. Much of what I know has come from Steve Strader (whom I have known a long time and who I trust).However, the people I saw at the meetings seemed genuinely hungry for a move of God. Like many, I'm also hungry for a move of God and I'm glad to see this outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I'm glad to see the excitement that has been generated-- not only in Lakeland but in various parts of the country.I'm encouraged by the miracles that have been reported even from those who watch on the Internet or on GodTV. I actually know a few of the people who are reporting healings. Again, I've not been able to research them and I may even report on that later. Today I just wanted to get out a quick report on what I saw and say that I was encouraged rather than discouraged.I encourage you to check it out for yourself on GodTV or on the Internet and analyze it for yourself but if you can come to Lakeland that's even better. Please CLICK HERE to post your comments.

What about Todd Bentley and the Lakeland Healing Revival?By Joseph Mattera

To download this article, click here.

In the past week numerous people have contacted me to ask my opinion of the healing revival taking place in Lakeland, Florida with Evangelist Todd Bentley.
Evidently, Bentley started a crusade almost two months ago in a small church that grew so large they had to move to an arena that could accommodate over five thousand people. This revival is being covered every night by Christian television, with people coming from all over the world to receive a healing touch from God.
Although I have not been to any of their meetings, I have spoken to numerous people who have been in his meetings when he came to the New York City area, and also those who have viewed what is presently going on via television and the internet. Thus what I am saying in this article is not based on a personal knowledge of either Todd or his meetings.
Those I know who attended his meetings in the past were not very happy. They told me there was much hyperbole and weird manifestations replete with the usual charismatic antics that included spiritual “fireballs” coming from folks on his team, in which the recipients would then fall down under the power of God.
Those that I know and respect who were at these meeting, who also move much in the power and anointing of God, never fell down and did not think much regarding the authenticity of the “fireballs.” There were other things they said that are not necessary to go into now.
However, just because it is possible there is some questionable dealings in these meetings does not necessarily negate the authenticity of the faith of the people and the reality of God’s healing power. The Bible tells us that the Spirit is poured out on all “flesh” (Joel 2; Acts 2:19). So, whenever the Holy Spirit comes down He will always be mingled with fallen, fragile, issue-laden, fleshly people in which there is a mixture between what is really from the Holy Spirit and that which is really the quirks, foibles, and personalities of those ministering to the people. In spite of what many are telling me regarding these fleshly activities, I have no problem believing that people are really being healed and that this is a valid demonstration of God’s power.
Also, regarding the phenomena of what is happening: Todd Bentley came at the right time in America. Most of us in ministry get so bogged down with administration, dealing with problems of money, leadership, attendance, facilities, etc. that we often do not have our focus on the things of God necessary to see a full demonstration of His power and glory. Once in a while, God still finds someone that will believe Him to release a raw demonstration of His power that reminds the church that He really is an “ever present help in times of trouble.”
Also, because Bentley has tattoos, earrings, does not wear a suit when he preaches, etc., he will appeal to a large segment of the United States’ population (especially youth) that is sick of religious formalism, which has a form of godliness but denies the power.
One cannot help notice that in the past 30 years it seems that the United States has lacked the great healing crusades of the late 1940’s and 1950’s (much of it cut short because of doctrinal and moral scandal). With the exception of Benny Hinn, there is no one out there who can draw a huge crowd with a healing crusade. The Reinhard Bonnkes of the world understand this, which is why most of the powerful crusades are outside of the United States. Todd Bentley is now tapping into the felt need of this starved U.S. population.
Regarding whether or not this is a revival, I believe we need to be careful with our use of this term. In the 1990’s we had the so-called Toronto Airport revival and Pensacola revival. If we look at the historic use of the term revival, both of these experiences were not revivals but rather renewals. Toronto and Pensacola basically amounted to thousands of people coming to renew their passion for God (Toronto) and bringing backsliders back to the Lord (Pensacola). Unlike the first and second Great Awakenings with Whitefield, Wesley, and Finney, both of these movements had almost no affect on the cultural, religious, and secular atmosphere of their surrounding communities. Thus I would not call them true revivals but rather church renewal movements.
From what I understand, the meetings going on today in Lakeland are reaching outsiders (coming for healing) more than those who do not know the Lord that live in Lakeland, but I do hope that it can mushroom into a full-blown revival of faith that will result in thousands coming to know Christ as Lord and Savior as well as their healer.
From Visitation to Habitationby Francis Frangipane There had not been a prophet in Israel for more than 400 years. Now, in the spirit and power of Elijah, John the Baptist stood in the Judean wilderness. Lightning flashed from his eyes as his message thundered across the terrain of human souls before him. The storm of God had returned! Historians tell us that John's penetrating ministry brought nearly one million people to a baptism of repentance. It was an unprecedented beginning to a time of visitation. It was into this electrified atmosphere of awakened faith that Jesus came, bringing miracles previously unseen in Israel's history. The presence of the living God was flowing through Christ; His message was unparalleled: the kingdom of heaven was at hand! Yet, for all the multitudes, miracles, signs and wonders, incredibly, Jesus lamented over the nation. He wept because, according to His view, they failed to "recognize the time of [their] visitation" (Luke 19:44). In what way did they miss this move of God? Certainly, vast multitudes responded to John's call for repentance. Clearly, people were in awe of the supernatural: the incurable had been cured and demoniacs delivered! And, what of the multitudes that followed Jesus into the wilderness whom He fed the loaves and fishes – didn't they recognize the uniqueness of this hour? Obviously, the crowds were very familiar with the healing, miraculous dimensions of a visitation (see Luke 4:14-19; Isaiah 61:1-2). Yet, when God comes in visitation He is seeking two unfolding realities: to destroy the works of the devil and then build His kingdom into the lives of the newly healed. He does not come to heal us so we can drift back into our old lives. He heals us so He can transform us into His image. Indeed, the very captives He sets at liberty He then empowers to “rebuild the ancient ruins . . . raise up the former devastations and . . . repair the ruined cities” (Isaiah 61:4). To ignore or minimize this transformational goal is serious. When we are given much, much is required. You see, the word visitation not only means a time of healing; it also refers to a time of inspection, of being examined closely. God not only participates in the joy of our deliverance, He is also examining us to see if we will now respond in increasing obedience. Our obedience actually creates a different future for us, one that is blessed. Yet, if we do not respond, there are calamities awaiting also. He tells the newly healed to “not sin anymore” lest something worse happen (John 5:14). To the delivered He warns that, if their soul remains unoccupied after having their inner lives cleansed and put in order, the “last state of that man becomes worse than the first” (Matt. 12:45). You see, at the very moment God removes our burdens, He is also removing our excuses. Having now been freed from oppression, the Lord expects that we will put aside our differences, reconcile and unite as a heavenly community, and begin to transform our world. A New Season of Outpouring Over the past years, the Lord has raised up an international armada of intercessory ministries. As a result of the prayer movement, especially TheCall and other solemn assemblies, the beginnings of a visitation are emerging. Reports are coming almost weekly of supernatural manifestations and revival. Many feel we are close to a spiritual awakening. I personally have been following the Lakeland revival on God.tv. Yes, there are minor things I might do differently, but I have been moved by the spiritual hunger of the people and also by the remarkable miracles and conversions. Most importantly, I have been touched by the attending presence of God’s glory. Yet, while my heart swells with joy, I also fear. For when we cry for a holy visitation, we are crying for God’s kingdom – the very reign of God to be done on earth as it is in heaven. My concern is, when we entreat the Almighty for His kingdom, are we truly ready to surrender ours? Most in first century Israel did not understand the goal of a visitation; they were blessed, touched and healed, but they did not attain God’s purpose, and for them Jesus wept. Nevertheless, on Pentecost Christ's disciples did, in fact, carry the visitation to its appointed purpose: the early church became the dwelling of God on earth. The citywide church was united, committed to prayer and focused on Jesus (see Acts 3:1). Miracles were ordinary, as was extravagant giving to the poor. The early church set the standard for visitation: signs, miracles and conversions, but also Christ-centered unity among church leaders and believers alike. If there is no functional, Christ-centered unity among the churches in your city, then let's begin by praying for the leaders. Yes, let us rejoice in the beginnings of revival. But, with sobriety, let us also keep in mind that the goal of a visitation from God is that we become the habitation of God.www.frangipane.org