AllTheseThingsIveDone.com

Many of you will have heard the surprising news that Todd Bentley and his wife, Shonnah, are separating. This was then followed by a further discovery that  Todd had entered into an “unhealthy relationship on an emotional level” with a female member of his staff. This news seems to have caused Christian opinion to split in to two camps - those who are presenting a caring, compassionate and forgiveful view, and those who seem to be queuing up to say “I told you so!”

So, where do I stand? As you know I visited Lakeland in May of this year, about six or seven weeks into Revival, and posted at length in this post here. Well, after some thought I stand with those who are praying for the restoration of the marriage and are offering a hand of grace throughout this difficult situation.

From my own experience I believe that those who are, and have been, involved in the Lakeland revival passionately love Jesus and more than anything want to see God deeply touch the whole world. Certainly many many people have been blessed because of what’s been going on in Lakeland. God has been meeting with the hungry and spiritually feeding them. Or, as Elim’s John Glass put it:

“God recognises and responds to hunger. Leaders heard there was a fire and wanted to be warmed, heard of a well and wanted to be refreshed and heard there was food and wanted to be fed. That God met them on their journey is yet another expression of his amazing grace.”

We all know God’s plan is far bigger than us. Than. One. Man.

I believe this tragic situation presents us a chance to discuss whether what’s happened an attack of the enemy? We are told to expect trouble, is this it? Is this a very public demonstration of what’s going on every week in local Churches internationally?

Also, I believe it allows us to look again at the Biblical principals of accountability. Who are you accountable too? Are you accountable to anyone? If you are, is this true, forgiving and genuine accountability, or is it just a bunch of friends who use it as a an excuse to get away for a few days? What ever your thoughts are I recommend you check out Mark Oestreicher’s posts on accountability here.

We, the united Church, are presented with unique opportunity to show the world the unique brand of politics that Jesus bought with him. Showing love where hate would normally been shown. Showing forgivness when the world judges.

I recommend that you read both John Arnott’s and Che Ahn’s statements on this news.