For those unaware of the latest brouhaha in Evangelicalism, let me first lay out the facts. Steven Furtick, megachurch pastor at Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, is currently hosting a revival which is running from January 11-22 and is promoted as "a 12 night worship experience to set the stage for 2012." The event is entitled "Code Orange" to indicate, according to Elevation Church's website, "a heightened sense of urgency....something significant is about to happen." The line-up of speakers for Code Orange includes Craig Groeschel, Jentezen Franklin, Matt Chandler, Christine Caine, Ed Young, Israel Houghton, Perry Noble, James MacDonald, T.D. Jakes, etc.
So Matt Chandler, pastor of The Village Church in Highland, Texas, and one of the invited speakers at Code Orange, stood up at Elevation Church and delivered what turned out to be a barn burner of a sermon. In his distinctive delivery style (that is to say, humble, loving, direct and at times laugh-out-loud funny), Chandler took aim at the kind of preaching that has been so aptly termed "Narcissistic Eisegeis," and at which Steven Furtick, and so many others in the seeker sensitive movement, excel.
"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 2 Timothy 4:3-4Narcissistic Eisegesis ("Narcigesis") = Forcing the Bible to mean something you already want it to mean by superimposing yourself into the meaning of the passage, rather than interpreting Scripture for what it means about God, and letting the Scripture simply speak for itself. Conversely, seeking to understand Scripture for what it reveals about God is known as Exegesis, and is also sometimes referred to as the "Literal" or "Grammatical-Historical" approach to interpreting Scripture. Example: The Narcissitic Eisegesis version of David and Goliath would be about you fighting your personal "giants" (i.e., problems, difficulties, setbacks, etc.). The Exegetical approach to interpreting David and Goliath would reveal, instead, an historical account of David's faith and God supernaturally intervening in an impossible situation for his own glory.
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| Matt Chandler, Pastor of The Village Church |
But now for the controversial part. Chandler's sermon was immediately pulled from the Code Orange rebroadcasts. This was pointed out by several Christian writers, including Chris Rosebrough of Fighting for Faith and Ken Silva of Apprising Ministries. Then, the sermon reappeared in subsequent rebroadcasts with a cryptic message from Elevation's graphic designer about a decision being made to "reformat the content" for the purpose of focusing "the broadcast on Jesus."
So we'll let you be the judge. Matt Chandler's sermon is posted above, where you can listen to it in its entirety. Was this a sermon that should have been pulled because it did not focus on Jesus?
Additional Resources
Elevation Church Pulls Matt Chandler's Sermon
Grow Up. Settle Down. Keep Reforming. Advice for the Young, Restless and Reformed
Code Orange Revival: To Focus on Jesus, We Cut The Only Sermon That Pointed People To Him
I can not get the sermon to play. Any help would be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteWhen I tried to watch the video, I got a message on the screen saying "This video is private"...?
ReplyDeleteNevermind, it is loading now :)
ReplyDeleteTry the video now. Elevation keeps having the videos pulled, claiming copyright infringement, though I'm not sure how they can do this with a free event. But hey, I'm not a lawyer.
ReplyDeleteYou Tube just pulls every complaint. It doesn't care about legality.
DeleteTo YT a complaint equals pull video.
Just because it was free doesn't mean Elevation doesn't own the copyright. Still, who is against spreading the Gospel? I can only imagine what the excuse for claiming copyright infringement is on this one. Pathetic.
DeleteIt was pulled because it focused too MUCH on Jesus and not enough on "me". I praise God for Matt Chandler's courage to preach such an awesome message in such an atmosphere. I have been watching the revival online and have been amazed how Chandler has not been mentioned once since his appearance. They pretend it didn't happen. But all other speakers have been praised for their "powerful word from the Lord".
ReplyDeleteNo! They should have not pulled it! Says alot about their true faithfulness to the church of Jesus Christ~
ReplyDeleteThanking the Lord for the gospel going forth. Is. 55:11 Do we now turn a blind eye to Chandler's promotion of contemplative spirituality? (yes, here's the first post.. all stated in love and in concern as Jude 3.) Chandler has "audibly" heard from God. Is this not extraBiblical? Deut.4:2, 12:32, Pr. 30:5,6, Rev. 22:18,19.
ReplyDeleteChandler is strongly affiliated with Mark Driscoll (Acts 29).
We praise the Lord that His Word; the message of the cross goes forth. We need great caution in continual praise of a man who still has not separated from false teachers.
Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or ***what fellowship has light with darkness***? 2 Cor. 6:14
Oh how we (I) long for repentance and separation of Chandler from those who bring "doctrines that deceive". Fervent prayers go forth for him.
Although Chandler's sermon was sound--Chandler should have separated from those who were part of Code Orange.
Let's wait and see if Chandler pulls out of Acts 29, his affiliation/friendship with Driscoll, and if he speaks against the mystic practices of spiritual formation/disciplines.
..oh and of course it is the work of Satan who removes truth .. in regards to the gospel presentation at Code Orange.
DMG - I don't agree with your assessment that Chandler should have separated himself from the Code Orange event, and here's why: Let's say I get invited to speak at a New Age Spirituality event. After all, I still know people who are in the New Age, and I suppose the possibility exists that I could be asked to keynote at a conference. Should I not go because my name is going to be on a piece of paper somewhere, along with the names of lots of people who don't believe as I believe? As long as I were to preach Jesus Christ and him crucified, I would feel complete freedom in going to such a conference.
ReplyDeleteAnd in fact, the case can be made that, by his preaching alone, Chandler DID separate himself from the other speakers at Code Orange. His appearance has been ignored. The video of his sermon keeps disappearing from YouTube. I think some separating is occurring.
"...the case can be made that, by his preaching alone, Chandler DID separate himself from the other speakers..."
DeleteAmen. He did indeed. And from what he said at the outset.... that he prayed and fasted to know if he should even be there... says, to me, that he probably really wrestled with it. He knew what he would be up against.
Oh, ths is RICH: "the team decided to refocus the broadcast on Jesus."
ReplyDeleteI'm embarrassed for them.
His message was indeed powerful. Perhaps God is doing a awesome work in his life.
ReplyDeleteI noticed as he was praying the band and pastor were pacing - unmoved by the moment of decision of perhaps many within the audience.
How sad that the host church seemingly ignored the truth and embraced the lie.
I pray many in the audience were moved to rethink, repent and return to the Truth of Scripture.
Reformatting? And I guess that is the reason why every clip on you tube seems to be disappearing. Grrrr.
ReplyDeleteIndeed.....
DeleteI listened to the sermon on Fighting For the Faith. It's really sad to hear Furtick give Chandler such an incredible introduction and then pull his sermon from the rebroadcasts. Of course Furtick's words and his actions don't match...this shouldn't be surprising, but it's still sad all the same. The seed is sown, let's pray for God to grow the increase.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteYou might be unaware of Chandler endorsing Leonard Sweet's and Frank Viola's book "Jesus Manifesto": http://thejesusmanifesto.com/endorsements.php
This article is about the book and how it connects to NAR: http://herescope.blogspot.com/2010/06/other-side-of-emergent.html
The problem with Chandler is that he's not merely a guest to these things.He has continually participated in other Emergent conferences over the years with their leaders (eg:Perry Noble --another cussing "pastor"; Shane Claiborne, Darrin Patrick, Andy Stanley, Judah Smith, "Pastor" Nancy Ortberg, Ed Stetzer, Steve Furtick ); he was part of the Saddleback "Conversations" (Warren's church and the ecumenical Lausanne Congress), and he's a board member of Acts 29 (which but now promotes planting churches in gay bars), not to mention connected to Mark X-rated Driscoll. In addition he was also part of the inter-faith Elephant Room that hosted modalist TD Jakes as if he was a Christian leader (also Driscoll and Perry Noble the two cussing "pastors" were involved). This violated violated 2 John 9-10. So he really is a part of this mess, not a outsider.
I would consider the doctrine of separation on this. Here's a good article: http://puritanreformed.blogspot.com/2010/04/piper-warren-and-doctrine-of-separation.html
1Co 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."
Gal 5:9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.
Hos 14:9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.
There is a reason why we haven't seen John MacArthur share the pulpit with John Piper anymore, nor do we see Francis Chan connected to The Master's College anymore either. Neither will you see him share the pulpit with Driscoll.Furthermore, what we do see if MacArthur calling out Driscoll's rape of Solomon's Song and his carnal pragmatism. Again, Chandler is not an outsider invited as a guest, rather he's part of the group. For the latest example: http://www.jamesmacdonald.com/events/overview/2012/09/06/newspring-leadership-conference/ This September Chandler will again be at yet another conference with Furtick, MacDonald, Noble, Smith, and Stanley for a "leadership" conference.
"Reformat the content" so that it can be focused on Jesus? Say what? Like Gayla said, I am embarrassed for them! The way the music came in WAY too early, I though someone was gonna usher Chandler off stage before he could finish. I'll admit I was worried to hear that Chandler agreed to speak at this thing. But knowing his no holds barred style, I thought there was a chance he would preach well despite the location. I was so edified by this message and before reading your comment Christine, I did think that he separated himself from the wolves at this "revival" by the message that he preached. I don't want to be like Jonah, despising the preaching of the gospel in places and to people who disgust me (in some sense) but I do want to rejoice in the preaching of the gospel to those who SO need to hear it. Chandler could not have been clearer, more specific in rebuke, or more loving than he was here. I may not agree with everything Chandler believes but this was hands down a rock solid, air tight proclamation of the gospel in a dark place and there was no compromise in sight. Praise God!
ReplyDelete"the team decided to refocus the broadcast on Jesus"
ReplyDeleteThe question is - which Jesus? Chandler preached Christ, and they don't want hear it. Or replay it.
I do hope it backfires and that trying to cover it up will only continue to generate interest in it.
The standing alongside false teachers is o.k. according to God's Word? Please show me where were are supposed to take part in apostate/ecumenical adventures?
ReplyDeleteYou can stand outside a conference gathering and preach the gospel. JOINING a conference that is Apostate is contrary to scripture. 2 Cor. 6:14.
I see that Chandler is part of another heretical conference in Sept: http://www.jamesmacdonald.com/events/overview/2012/09/06/newspring-leadership-conference/
We are not to join false teachers in any enterprise. Do we set up church in a bar? Do we join Edinburgh 2010 (Lausanne) as Piper did? http://www.svchapel.org/resources/articles/21-church-trends/659-edinburgh-2010 Evangelicals and Catholics together? Hagee's recent inviting Glenn Beck to his church?
One decent sermon-- again God's Word not returning void..
still Chandler adheres to false teaching.. has not pulled away from this and stands alongside of heretics and so far, plans to do so in Sept. He has Not separated himself.
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary
to the doctrine which ye have learned; ***and avoid them.*** For they that are such
serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair
speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Romans 16:17,18
What about Paul preaching at Mars Hill?? Acts 17
DeleteWhile I certainly don't agree with Chandler on everything, he preached a great gospel sermon and it got up the nose of the man-centred Furtick and his crew. They are trying every excuse and it sounds pathetic. To say they pulled the video to focus on where the spirit is leading them simply tells what spirit they are following. If a spirit leads you away from Christ and Him crucified then it's no spirit I want to be a part of. Hat off to Chandler for his courage in fearing God more than men, it is something that most preachers today don't do.
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing in common everyday language that doesn't "require a degree in engineering" to understand. So many bloggers don't realize that when they talk above everyone that they are really not getting their message through. I really do appreciate that your posts are easily read and easily understood. I look forward to reading all of them.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous - Your post gave me a little chuckle, and I'm not exactly sure why. Well, I will say that even though we write about some pretty complex issues, we make every effort to make them as accessible as possible. In many ways, today's church has drastically over-complicated itself and gone away from the purity and the simplicity of the gospel message, which is Jesus Christ, and him crucified for the forgiveness of sin. No Starbucks coffee, smokin' sound system or dry ice required for that.
DeletePlease black out or remove my personal Facebook information & the picture of my underage children from your blog. No one asked my permission to post this & I am furious! I asked the question so I could watch the rebroadcast, not to stir anyone's pot. I can't believe that other believers would post someone's Facebook information, especially with a picture of underage children, without asking permission. Please fix this.
ReplyDeleteSheyna - I've updated the post with the change you requested. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
DeleteSheyna,it's probably not a good idea to use photos of your underage children as your i.d. photo. I quit facebook, because in spite of all the precautions one can take, I did not feel my privacy was protected enough. I certainly would never have posted photos of my children there or, for that matter, anywhere on the internet.
DeleteThank you for sharing the link to this sermon. My husband and I have been greatly edified this morning, by what God gave him to preach. I fear for the ones who think this did not focus enough on Jesus.
ReplyDeleteTo God alone be the glory!
Sheyna, then why do you keep a public blog? I saw pictures of your kids and I know their names. Just sayin.
ReplyDeleteIf I wasn't a Christian I would never in my life think of being one on the basis of the fact that so called "Christians" slag one another off. And to create a blog just so you could criticize other people is pathetic.
ReplyDeleteSo Anonymous (6:57 AM) , to whom doctrine does not matter, you're telling us then than you are unable to interact with the data, is that correct?
ReplyDeleteAnon- did you read the post? Because Matt Chandler is the one who was "slagged"- and by doing so- Elevation church slagged the gospel- and the only news that will actually bring revival. The Holy Spirit was also slagged- because the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to exalt Christ- but the staff at Elevation church said they pulled the Christ exalting sermon in order to stay in the flow of the Holy Spirit.
ReplyDeleteDo you not love the body of Christ enough to warn them of wolves? What about Paul's exhortation to the Ephesians- to speak the truth in love so that the believers will not be tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness, and deceitful schemes.
Maybe you have never been deceived by a wolf and been devoured- it ain't fun. God bless you if the Lord has protected you from that. We both have been devoured by wolves and want to warn others.
It's kind of like getting food poisoning from a certain food I ate- I would love the people around me enough to warn them. Surely you would do the same.
I have read through all of the various comments here, and I would like to inform you that there is no "Cover Up". The video can be viewed in full quality, in its entirety, without anything "cut out" at this URL: http://www.elevationchurch.org/sermons/codeorangerevival/part5
ReplyDeleteIt discourages me to know that the Devil has it easy - he just lets Christians fight against each other and he does not have to do very much. As an aside, I was at the revival and watched pastor Chandler and was blessed by his message. It was certainly a "meat" message, but one that is needed - and incidentally Pastor Furtick has preached the same thing - I know, I have heard him.