You will be aware of the hugh controversy over the Todd Bentley issues and now the storm continues over the dear ladies Carol Bull and Christine Price and whether or not God gave them gold teeth. The right to debate is not questioned. The spirit in which people argue is, particularly for those who claim the be followers of Christ. I wrote the following open letter to Hope FM listeners and I re-produce it here for your consideration.
Dear Listeners,
You may have heard my programme when Canon Jim Richardson spoke of the divisions within the Anglican church, particularly around the issues of homosexuality and women being ordained as bishops. The Lambeth Conference which is about to take place, could see many splits. Jim is completely unaware of the current debate on whether or not what is happening in Lakeland is of God. The fact is that the entire Christian community is split on the issue. If we do not ever mention Lakeland, we offend those who claim to have been touched by God through what is happening there. If on the other hand we play up Lakeland, we offend those who have some very real and understandable issues with Todd Bentley in particular.
As an ecumenical Christian organisation we stand first and foremost for unity within the church. Although in truth I myself have been positively impacted by the Ministry from Lakeland, this really would have to be credited to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Some years ago God spoke to me about a great revival and now I find myself with a very powerful anointing which ironically is enabling me to speak in ways that will unify the church as opposed to dividing it. Yesterday I met with two dear friends of mine, both of whom lead churches and both of whom have some difficulties with Lakeland. One in particular had faced a high level of abuse from those who claim to have been touched by the ministry in Lakeland and of course the opposite is also true. Both my friends are Spirit-filled bible believing Christians. What we agreed together was reflected by what Canon Jim shared in his Thought for the Day. He spoke of the charigma which is theological language encompassing the essential and absolute tenants of our faith. These of course are Christ crucified and risen from the dead whilst the Holy Spirit indwells all believers. Unity is brought about by the same Spirit residing in every believer. Jim went on to talk about the didacig which is that which is non-essential. You could say that many of our denominations have formed around various emphases on doctrine which is non essential to our faith and which of course has the potential for division. If we keep emphasising that which divides, then we are asking for trouble and the result will be believer taking up sword against believer. If we choose not to do this but to emphasise that which is essential, i.e. the fundamentals of our faith, then we give the Holy Spirit room to work in all of us. This builds the church. Sadly there is too much rumour and not enough fact being talked about in these days and much of this is leading to brother taking up sword against brother where love is totally devoid. Jesus himself said that believers will be known by their love for one another.
So do those who have been impacted by Lakeland stop being impacted by it? No. Do those who have issues with Todd Bentley or anything else related to Lakeland stop weighing these issues? No. We each continue with our differences to honour the other for the sake of the Gospel of Christ and the unity of His church.
Be assured that this is where I am coming from. I will not take up a sword against my brother or sister who may think differently from me, in fact I will pray that he or she may know God’s richest blessing as he or she continues to serve Him and I hope that he or she will do the same for me. This I believe honours God and causes considerable damage to Satan’s kingdom.
I hope that what I have written here is of some help to you in understanding where I am personally coming from and this you will certainly hear reflected through my programme. I would value your prayers as I continue to wrestle with these issues particularly since I myself am firmly placed on a public platform and can be of some considerable influence, I hope for the good. It is not an easy thing to bring people of very different views together. Only the Lord is able to heal the wounds and make us One. However, I will passionately try to serve Him to this end.
Yours in Christ.
Blair