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Todd Bentley is an Adulterer – Period.

Stop defending him, or coddling his iniquity. He is personally responsible for the destruction of his marriage and needs to own that. Lest we forget the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:27-30:

‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.'

Since Peter Kirk refused negative comments about Todd on his blog, which are deserved since this is not gossip but serves the purpose of holding a self-identified Christian "miracle worker" accountable for his extremely irresponsible and selfish actions, I need to respond here. This is not airing dirty laundry, it is promoting the truth of values that ought to hold Peter accountable as well. I don't care if David was a womanizer and God "used" him. The fact that God used him does not mitigate at all that he was a womanizer! In fact, there are few people in the corpus of scripture who did not demean women as a matter of cultural principle. It was not an issue then. It is now.

Again, the press release from Bentley's own ministry is this:

Todd Bentley has entered into an unhealthy relationship on an emotional level with a female member of his staff

Fresh Fire Ministries.

According to Jesus this is adultery and can be considered in no other way. On a pragmatic level I want to pose this question specifically directed towards women. I ask this because men seem to have failed to grasp the significance of this strange new category of "emotional relationship" and what it really means to the women that it hurts deeply.

How would you interpret an "unhealthy emotional relationship" with another woman if it is a relationship that your partner has been nurturing? Is this adultery? How does this relate to a physical relationship? Are they equally offensive or is one worse than the other?

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  • Daniel
    here’s some truth from behind the scenes in Abbotsford. Jessa first of all was an intern in the fall 08 cycle. She never applied for it Todd invited her into the internship. Even after a board member severly opposed it. Later Todd invited her and another intern to live in his house during the internship, and after the internship as a live in nanny.

    At the same time the Bellingham, Washington church was being established so fresh fire could get a legal foot hold in America. This is evident by the lack and the sheer refusal to work with the local churches. It was just for the papers not the church.

    In January 2009 2 members of the board confronted Todd about Jessa, and that it was wrong and they couldn’t stand by him about it. They where “relieved” of their position for doing so. This shouldn’t be surprising as another member of FFM was faceed with the same threat, after he caught Todd with another woman in England (this is what the dark night of the soul was actually about), the FFM member was forced to either work for FFM outside of North America or be fired. Jessa is woman number 4 that Todd has cheated on Shonnah with.

    Todd isn’t 100% to blame just 80% the rest of the blame falls on those board members and pastors that refused to confront Todd on his infidelities. One in particular had the mind set that if Todd does it, it’s okay even if it isn’t for others. Others refused to confront because they didn’t want to loose their jobs (like many have over the years)

    Even in Lakeland which I personally think was a two edged work of God, it was a blessing to the locals who have prayed for God to move. And the other edge was a judgement on Todd, in total over the top Todd style. During the highet of revival there was excessive drinking, slasher flicks, and other things I wont get into now with Todd and his inner circle (yes men). There was infighting with the leaders on stage, and the interns where just slaves with ministry badges. Or the fact that all the money collected for the orphans and for sudan never made it to them, it was instead used to pay for the buildings/land for the revival.

    Even after Lakeland fell apart, and the news finally became public, Todd never returned home to Abbotsford. He remained in America (illegally) in California, then a breif stop in Reno for their quickey divorce rules. Then it was off to Rick Joyner and his marriage with Jessa

    These words are not made up, this is a summary of many conversations I have had with former FFM employees, board members and former interns. I just can’t stand by and see Todd get away with this for a fourth time. A man who has turned his back on his wife and children once again. yet will be received by the masses as THE man of God.
  • susan
    Canadian Revivalist Todd Bentley formerly of Fresh Fire Ministries now an alien in U.S.A. should be on the FBI’s and RCMP Top Ten Wanted list
    It doesn’t take a NASA rocket man to see Todd Bentley should Be on the FBI’s top ten most wanted list. A real & true con man. He should be a carnie, but then carnies would get a really horrible name.
    All were warned, but few listened. Steve Strader certainly never got healed of His gout! Just think He had the mighty Todd & His 3 ring circus there for weeks, fleecing millions of dollars. Marilyn Manson was the only thing missing from His act. Steve you even say your Brother Daniel who is in Prison for stealing, is also innocent for fleecing your Daddy Karl’s flock. Do you own a Mirror?
    So who will get all the stolen money? Todd said with his own lying lips, I don’t get one dime! Sure Todd and you never unzipped your pants either. get another tattoo or kick another old helpless lady in the face. You are disgrace and so are all these losers who endorsed your stealing and circus. Paul Cain, Bob Jones, Peter Wagner, all should thank Pat Holliday for helping expose them http://www.patholliday.com as she told the truth about this side show.
    TODD will go down in history as another famous freak show. Do you feel stupid America? He is still snorting lines, laughing all the way to the bank, I would want to be on His Harley!
    I hope his children never follow in His footsteps. Dave Bentley knew the truth, His son is a flake. Dave Tomlinson too! IS this all witchcraft? lol!
    Comment by Saw it all ! | September 10, 2008
    http://endtimespropheticwords.wordpress.com/200...
  • Test
  • pam
    We read in God's word Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. "You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? "Matthew 7:15-23 and Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. ... And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. Ephesians 5:6

    If deception of Christians by empty words of deceivers were not possible then Jesus or Apostle Paul would not warn Christians about it or that because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience> It also tells us do not be partakers with them.
    And scriptures doesn’t tell us that exposing the unfruitful works of darkness which are done by the sons of disobedience is wrong or gossip bur rather children of light are to become aware of them, expose them and to have no fellowship with the perpetrators of evil, lies, deception and wickedness such as Todd Bentley and the false Apostles and Prophets who supported him!
  • pam
    The best on the web about Todd Bentley is by Marsha West WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF FALSE PROPHETS! at http://newswithviews.com/West/marsha73.htm
  • brad
    Robert Ricciardelli on 28/08/08 stated:

    We are praying for Todd, but those who were touched had nothing to do with Todd. We have been journalists on this from the beginning and have interviewed dozens, including staff members and former Fresh Fire staff members. Todd has been an alcoholic for several years, he has had two affairs and wants to marry the current one. He came into Lakeland already in his affair and had been living in a sinful situation for several years. God will not tolerate this, and shame on those who covered this up. This will all be coming out and I hope Todd finally gets people around him that will help him rather than use his platform. If Todd humbles himself and repents, God will use him… That is our prayer….

    Imagine that Todd has been an alcoholic and adulterer for years and John Arnott who is a divorcee has been his friend and mentor for years as well as Bill Johnson.

    So what does this tell us about John Arnott or Bill Johnson? He is a hypocrite, liar, and a deceiver!

    Naming Names So You Know What You’re Looking For!
    While Peter Wagner[1] himself is not indicted in immoral practices he is the leader and chief spokesman[2] in the false teaching that has preceded and produced this scenario. In addition, by his endorsing[3] of Todd Bentley[4] in the farcical commissioning or credentialing in which he and his associates, including Wesley Campbell[5], Bill Johnson[6], Che Ahn[7], Rick Joyner and John Arnott engaged, he may be perceived to have endorsed immorality, from which he is now desperately trying to distance himself. At the very least he and his associates lacked “discernment”. Some who endorsed and commissioned Todd Bentley on separate occasions are known to be immoral men e.g. Bob Jones[8] and Paul Cain[9] and others are notorious false teachers e.g. Rick Joyner[10] and John Arnott.[11] All of the above named are indicted. The judgment is set; some of the books have already been opened.

    http://christian-witness.org/docs/thejudgmentwa...
    http://christian-witness.org/pdf/thejudgmentwas...
  • whitetop
    It is not a matter of our forgiving what another person has done, the question is: Has the guilty party truly repented and ask for forgiveness? I find no sacrifice under the law that covered willful sin. There was only one way to be forgiven and that was Godly sorrow that leads to true repentance. I have not heard or seen anything from the guilty parties that show signs of true repentance. The blood of Jesus does not cover deliberate, wilful sin. When a believer sins He/she must repent, turn from sin and God will forgive. There is no repentance until there is change. When that happens, God forgives and we should forgive also. He has the power to forget, we don't.
    Sad about this whole matter, but not surprised.
    Bob
  • It's about time this fake was revealed for what he really is. This guy was an enemy to Christ and sound doctrine. The man needs to repent. He is guilty of more than one of the lethal sins that will keep one out of the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21, 1 Cor. 6:9-10, etc.). Using David as an excuse is grasping at straws, for David REPENTED of his sins (Ps. 51). God doesn't use sinners, but saints! May Todd Bentley get to know the real Jesus before it's too late.
  • Ron Larson
    To be honest, no matter, what one reveals about Bentley's enumerated heresies, false visions, "doctrines of angles, hsi adherenece to Willaim Branham-esque theology, financiial manipulations, lying, threre are those who are desperate ofr "a rock star". Not Jesus. If it owuld be jsut on e of those areas, Bentley is deserving of a rebuke, but the transparent fraudelncy of his ministry, and those from the NAR, is so beyond pathetic, that it's like debating the validaty of Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormonis. And yes, there are "believers", that think we are judgmental when it comes to questioning and exposing their falsehoods.

    Face it church, we are in a down ward spiral, the Body of Christ in this nation is so watered own with it's touchy feely, prosperity, self hlep drivel, that many, inclding thee alleged "apostles" and "prophets" have little or no discernment. Go to their sites, and read their theoligy, for apotles and prophets to teach the New Age Word of Faith prosperuty garbage, it proves thqat many are end time edcievers, and we have every right and biblical command to continue to confront, and plead wit th Body to have nothing to do with them.
  • kelvin
    guys, with the greatest respect concentrate on lost souls. and yes i judged this guy just like you are and met him in the early days of his ministry, myself when i'd just been saved from 14 years of amphetamine, heroin, and crack coacine. i now work for one of the largest churches in the uk, by the grace of Jesus, my mistakes, or should i say blatant sin, became my ministry. working with those who are battered by this epidemic.

    Remeber what Jesus said to Peter? what's it you if he should die now or later (paraphrased) he was saying get on with and get a life. maybe the abundant one he died for hey? we need to discern the spirits and stand for solid biblical truth and revelation confirmed in it, not feelings and maifestations. but while you argue and forgive your brother 77 times, people burn and go to hell, while you are called to be salt and light. Let God be true and every man a liar. preach the gospel, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper, and above all love. death and life are in the tounge, speak life. and whatever we think about todd, it's never as bad as the truth, the same is true of me and you.

    remeber you'll be judged with the same measure, heresy may be a fair statement, and infidelity is unfair on his wife, but let's get on with winning the lost and loving God and man, and hating sin and being sold out, while not freaking people out.

    love ya

    kelvin
  • yoman
    so who is todd's girl friend
  • Gladstone Bhasme (India)
    It's my observation that ALL human beings have something to hide!
    We are all sinners - even the ones who are quick to point an accusing finger at someone else - and such accusers are only disciples of Satan - the Chief Accuser.
    Such accusers are far more clever than the accused in hiding their own sins.
    Only the Perfect should 'throw stones'!!!!!
    I am a follower of Jesus Christ and have a deep desire to become more and more like Christ - but I find myself like Paul in the Bible "doing things I don't want to do or not doing things I want to do".
    When I sincerely confess my sins He is faithful and just to forgive my sins!!
    Only Christ in us makes us stand totally righteous before God our Father.
    I certainly DO NOT SUPPORT sin of any kind and I don’t understand everything that folks like Todd Bentley do - but I love Todd Bentley and all those accused - because the work that God has started in them (and in me) HE WILL COMPLETE in due course - even if we seem imperfect for a while!!
  • You wouldn't be accusing us of being accusitory, would you be? I'd hate to think that you were a diciple of Satan. That's not an accusation.... I'm just asking...
  • windy
    well i see that alot of men are answering your question directed to women, what's up with that? they probably already know the answer and don't want to hear it. this tears women up more than anything, i can tell you. the worst words a woman can hear: "i think i'm falling in love with her." the sex is secondary. i think it would be easier in some ways to find out your husband has hired a prostitute. the husband of my youth cheated many times and the first question i asked was "did you kiss her?" followed by "how long?" and a whole bunch of other questions that had nothing at all to do with sex. and why do women always say "did you wear a condom?" at that point disease is the last thing on their mind although they will angrily proclaim that. the truth is it is just one more level of intimacy.
  • stmcgarret
    I digress a bit but this is relevant to any conversation that involves Bentley and those who defend him as a man of God. Here, I am new to the writings of Peter Kirk but how you sir can defend this man is beyond pale. If ever there was a clear example of a charlatan, deceiver and apostate, this man is a prime example. He makes Benny Hinn or Rodney Howard Brown look like model Christians. I will not enumerate the laundry list of all of Todd's sordid actions, heretical doctrines, and angelic visitations as there is ample documentation on the web. Clearly you chose to ignore these or are simply blind to their sheer heresy.

    Likewise, I am not being flip or cavalier in stating that you really need to examine yourself and see what faith you are in and doctrine you hold. For if Bentley is the one you liken to Abraham, David, etc., you need eye salve. You might start with mountzion dot org for writings from true men of God.

    In regards to Bentley's infidelity, to whatever degree it was, I take not pleasure in the revelation for his wife's sake and children. What he needs to do is repent and believe on the true Lord Jesus - the one in the Scriptures and not the one in his imaginations preached by his demonic angelic Emma.
  • And I think I am taking this hard line on Todd because the response so far has mitigated his offense against his kids and his wife. It's not time to talk about restoration. Right now it's time to look at the pain dead on and for him to take responsibility for his participation in it.
  • Drew, I agree with your last sentence. This is a prerequisite for restoration which must always start with repentance. I don't think I have ever suggested anything different.
  • "Scott, I would not want to retain a theology degree from any institution which agreed with your theology that adulterers like David cannot be forgiven and should be written off as you do with Todd."

    Wow. Really? Wow... Seriously? Because... wow.

    So far from what I was saying as to be SCARY. It may be time to lie on a couch and talk to a Dr. because you are clearly losing it.
  • Scott, that's what they said about Jesus too, Mark 3:21. I am honoured to be persecuted in the same way as him.
  • Peter, you are being critisized, not persecuted. Get off the cross and grow up. (Mark 4:27)
  • According to the normal definition of the word, Todd is not an adulterer, or at least there is no information suggesting that he is. This post title could easily be judged libellous, especially as your "Period" seems to be disavowing Jesus' qualification "in his heart". I hope for your sake that Todd doesn't sign up Mark Brewer as his lawyer.

    As for Jesus' extended definition of the word with "in his heart": Do you still have two eyes and two hands? Have you never looked with any kind of lust at a woman, or a man? Let the one who has never been an adulterer "in his heart" call Todd one.

    Scott, I would not want to retain a theology degree from any institution which agreed with your theology that adulterers like David cannot be forgiven and should be written off as you do with Todd.

    Jim, you don't get it because you don't have a clue that sin can be forgiven and sinners can be restored, because this is what Jesus came and died to do.
  • Peter, I don't get the impression that the point that is trying to be made is that "adulterers like David cannot be forgiven and should be written off as you do with Todd."

    From previous posts that I've read, the author has issues with other aspects of Todd's ministry, forgetting about the whole adultery.

    Also, I don't necessarily think that an "unhealthy emotional relationship with a female member of staff" was SIMPLY a one time deal of Todd looking at her lustfully. In that regard, it would seem that what Todd did was more than "simple adultery" as Jesus describes it.

    And as a woman, I most definitely feel that having an unhealthy relationship with a female staff member constitutes adultery. If I were married, I'd be absolutely DEVESTATED to find out that my husband did something like that. At least for women, fidelity is FAR MORE than just "keeping it in your pants."
  • So we cannot hold people to accountable to sin because we are all sinners? Not what Jesus had in mind. Also conflating a rather suspect Johannine passage with the Sermon on the Mount this way is not helpful and not accurate. Please offer a rational explanation why one should not call this adultery other than Bentley seems to get a free pass for some absurd reason.

    Why is this new term "emotional" relationship used anyway? It is a means to seek absolution from guilt. The fact is that if I were to give and share my most intimate moments of life with another woman and not my wife, my wife would be as deeply hurt, and even more so, than if I engaged in a one night stand.

    It's only libel if it's an outright lie. Again, find me some women who disagree with the notion that the relationship with Bentley and this other woman was somehow less than adultery. BTW, it was reported that it is HE who is seeking the separation which adds another dimension of culpability. It is his action that destroyed his marriage.

    People like this do not need to be comforted or coddled, they need a swift kick in the ass and then need to labor to change themselves as a whole. This means that Peter needs to ditch this "emotional" relationship and kiss the ground his wife walks on.

    If this is your attitude towards Bentley, then you should also thank God for the ministry of Gene Robinson or any other gay person as well. If you believe that homosexuality is a sin, then they are "just fallen" as well and the work of God is not invalidated by them. Still does not change the fact that this is, indeed, and adulterous relationship. But at least your position regarding sin and ministry would be somewhat more consistent.
  • Drew, I do not have a wife and have never been married. Nor am I gay. Read my blog for what I have to say about Gene Robinson, which may surprise you. But I follow the dictionary definition of adultery unless qualified by "in his heart". Todd's relationship is or was seriously sinful, but not technically adulterous except "in his heart". The claim that he is seeking the separation is from an unconfirmed source and so is gossip. But he still needs to repent and be restored. If he does, will you forgive him?
  • So let's call it what it is rather than get held up on a technicality. Again, ask women if they would consider this adulterous behavior and they will quite consistently say it is.

    Theoretically I can forgive anyone, but after a significant amount of sweat equity where one has made efforts to work out their salvation in order to "be restored". Issue is how those who support him hold him accountable for his actions. The language has been all too forgiving so far, and he has significant work to do to restore his trust in my judgment.

    Regarding Todd as the initiator of the separation, that came from the Ledger which originally broke the story. The source is former local spokesperson, Lynne Breidenbach.

    "Todd Bentley, the evangelist who has led the Florida Outpouring revival here in Lakeland since April 2, has filed for separation from his wife and might not return to the revival, according to his former local spokesperson, Lynne Breidenbach."

    http://religion.theledger.com/default.asp?item=...
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