But to say, “The truth is that all these self-proclaimed apostles and prophets have zero discernment and are themselves major-league heretics, liars, and pulpit pimps. The same is true for God TV who broadcast this nonsense to the world.” is a little graceless.

I didn’t like the celebrity and the function of God TV or any of that at all. The words I was hearing were making my limited discernment scream and I wasn’t seeing a testing of the words or anything. I went wanting God with everything I had, but all I could see was nonsense. I would have really harsh opinions of what was happening there if it weren’t for my girlfriend watching online that same day and having God sieze her and overwhelmingly impact her. I’m standing there with my feelers out saying “I got nothing.” But she’s back at her place, on the floor, experiencing something beyond my imagination.

It humbled me because I know she wasn’t faking. She’s one of the best discerners I know. So either way, it keeps me from badmouthing the whole thing at large.

Anon –
The “heresy hunters” are that particular brand that seem to have little else to do but poke holes in what other people believe or practice. They go too far and do it unkindly and unconstructively, and I’m sure that I would be on their hit list as well. The Bereans they love to cite tested for themselves and not for others — they had no recorded ministry of following people around to give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down on various teachings for the ‘benefit’ of others. It is far too general to say that these apostles all “have zero discernment and are themselves major-league heretics, liars, and pulpit pimps.” If you look into the matter here and elsewhere, you’ll find that some are leaving Wagner’s ICA over this, and that step needs applause from somewhere — rather than just simply tarring everyone with the “Bentley Brush.”

There is, however, serious error in doctrine and practice that needs to be addressed in what has gone on. Insofar as the doctrines are not major errors, I have no beef — but some of them lead people to ruin and do not reflect the gospel Jesus taught. My eyes have been open to this for some time, but there are helpful and unhelpful ways to address it. I was not at all surprised at the outcome of this Lakeland/Bentley thing… but those who were should have the presence of mind to check themselves and consider more carefully who and how they endorse in the future. I hope and pray that some of these will do so.

This didn’t catch everyone by surprise. The “heresy-hunters” that you dislike had been warning since the start of the Lakeland “revival” that there were very big problems with Todd. Not the isolated slip-ups that we all make (being imperfect humans), but serious, deliberate, and repeated errors in his doctrines and methods. That’s not heresy hunting, but wise discernment. The Bible tells us to search the scriptures, to test the prophets, and to guard against false teachers. Yet those who raised warning flags were pilloried as spirit-quenchers or worse, by many of the leaders you mention, and others.

The truth is that all these self-proclaimed apostles and prophets have zero discernment and are themselves major-league heretics, liars, and pulpit pimps. The same is true for God TV who broadcast this nonsense to the world.

Another blogger wrote the following three months ago:

“1. After the hype dies down, the only thing that’s changed is that the Church has become more gullible about such things and – consequently – more open to charlatans, gimmicks and money-grabbing rich Christian leaders.
2. Regardless of what anyone says, the “success” of ‘outpourings’ relies solely on bizarre manifestations and novel teachings.”

Now that’s real prophecy for you!

I’m a charismatic christian and have no axe to grind. I believe that the gifts of the spirit are for today. I was excited when I first heard of Lakeland, but very quickly realised that at best it was a man-made circus and at worst a scheme of the enemy straight out of the pit of hell.

The about-turns done by people like Grady don’t go far enough, but at least they are a start. The problems with Todd include unbiblical teaching, false prophecy, fake healing, prosperity gospel, lies, emotional manipulation, exploitation of the vulnerable, violence, and self-glorification (and that’s before his marital problems emerged). All these need to be acknowledged in public by those who promoted Lakeland. Perhaps one day Todd himself will confess and repent, but I’m not holding my breath.

I continue to appalled at the gullibility of many christians, the complicity of our leaders, and the huge famine of the word of God that characterises much of the contemporary church, partly due to the fact that people have sold their soul to the devil called mammon.

I’m glad you’ve opened your eyes to the elephant that’s been in the room all along. Please tell the world!

Peace!
Joachim