The recent statement by Fresh Fire Ministries about the marital separation of Todd and Shonnah Bentley has brought a lot of pain and confusion to the Body of Christ, admits Stacy Campbell, who prophesied over Canadian Evangelist Todd Bentley at his apostolic commissioning at what will go down in Christian history as Lakeland Outpouring in Lakeland, Fla.
It is especially confusing because of the manifest miracles and demonstrations of power that have occurred, along with the public endorsement and prophetic blessing given to Todd only a month and a half before his separation from his wife, Shonnah.
I gave Todd Bentley a public prophetic word, which was broadcast around the world through GodTV. The essence of the word was as follows: “There is a generation that the Lord has spoken to me about that will operate in both the gifts/anointing of the Holy Spirit and the glory of God at the same time.”
Although this is potential for every generation, the Lord highlighted to me 20 years ago that I was to help build and prepare a coming generation that He would pour His Spirit out on in a distinct way for national transformation. Biblically, there are certain “fullness of time” purposes on certain generations. As well, we see from Church history that there are different times and seasons where “God comes close” and that generation sees a marked increase in revival and signs and wonders. I believe it is God’s will for every generation to attain fullness and labour for God’s kingdom “on earth just as it is in heaven;” however, I recognize that this does not always manifest on earth.
I prophesied publicly on GodTV that Todd Bentley would be a “first fruits” of a generation that would walk both in the anointing and the glory of God. I would like to acknowledge, that although Todd Bentley began his ministry this way, he has not finished his race this way. Miracles are an expression of the glory of God (John 11:40). However, the primary purpose of the glory of God is to make us one (John 17:22). And marriage is the primary earthly expression of oneness (Ephesians 5:31-32). Separation from his wife is evidence that the glory of God is not currently operating in Todd Bentley’s ministry.
Many people question how the gifts of the Holy Spirit can operate separate from the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We know from the Bible that this is a possibility. As far as I understand, everything that has transpired regarding their decision to separate took place from the day of the commissioning onwards. Very similar to Acts 4:30-5:10, in the middle of “great power” and “great grace” and the Church having “all things in common,” Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). It is possible for believers to sin in the middle of great power. Even more revealing, after a great victory, Satan incited David to number the people (1 Chronicles 21:1), thus bringing the whole nation of Israel under judgment. We know also from the Bible that great men of God (Moses, David, Peter, etc.) committed great sins (ranging from anger and denial of Christ to murder and adultery), all the while serving God sincerely. Abraham stumbled mid-journey through unbelief and was then able to recover and fulfill his destiny. Knowing this, I would like to call on the Body of Christ to manifest what Todd & Shanna Bentley are not yet able to manifest – the glory of God.
When Moses asked to see the glory of God (Exodus 33:18), what God showed him was His nature (Exodus 34:5-7): His compassion, mercy, forgiveness, etc… This is not the time to throw stones. This is a time for compassion to stand in the gap for the Bentley’s marriage. This is a time for prayer, not gossip. We are to weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15). When a leader of the Body of Christ falls, we are all affected by their fall, whether it is Ted Haggard, Jim Baker, Jimmy Swaggart, Paula White, Juanita Bynam or whomever. Similarly, when a leader succeeds we are all strengthened.
In summary, I believe that it is God’s will for Todd Bentley to walk in the glory of God. I acknowledge that he is not doing that at this time. Perhaps the intercession of the Church could call him back into his destiny.
I am truly sorry for any confusion my prophecy may have brought to the Body of Christ. I am fully aware that Todd is not walking in this prophetic call. I do believe, however, that the potential is still there for the glory of God to manifest, not only in Todd and Shonnah Bentley’s marriage, but also in all of us who are saved through faith in the blood of Christ. May we all increase in glory, which will be manifested in unity (John 17:22).
Has there been any acknowledgement from those who prophesied at Todd Bentley’s commissioning that their prophecies were, in fact, false?
Deuteronomy 18:22 leaves no room for manoeuvre in this regard: a prophecy (and therefore a prophet) is either true or it is false.
I wonder that myself!
I just now saw a video of Charlie Shamp and he referenced Todd (I assume Bentley?). I had not been aware of his reinstatement. I actually was appalled at Stacy Campbell’s snake-like prophecy, saw it on TV and it was…..creepy….not edifying.
family-
We need to stop mixing covenants. We re not called to judge according to the Mosaic Covenant as the unregenerated saints did.
In the New covenant, when we ALL possess the indwelling power of the HS, we are called to follow 1 Cor 14:29 and judge the word AT THE TIME it is given.
This means if we bear witness with the word, and something goes all pear-shaped, we allowed the enemy to come in and undermine the intent of the Holy Spirit.
Since the 1900 outpouring we have more and more mixed the covenants until now we quote and function under a hybrid Samaritan type theology. This is doing much damage in the Body and it needs to be taught on and addressed.
In the New Covenant, we judge at the time… not by the fruit. If we do not have enough discernment, leave it alone and God will work it out through the rest of the body and we can learn from the mistakes made.
Love to you all.
David Murry NY
dwmurry.com