Matt Chandler’s Gospel Censored at Furtick’s Code Orange Revival?

On January 18, 2012 · 12 Comments

Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina and its pastor Steven Furtick are currently holding an 11 day revival called Code Orange Revival. The line-up of speakers is certainly not without controversy as T.D. Jakes, Ed Young, and Perry Noble make the list. Amazingly, Matt Chandler, lead pastor of The Village Church in Highland Village, TX, is also one of the speakers. Chandler is from my experience and knowledge theologically solid, sound, and generally well respected. Interestingly, Chandler’s sermon at Code Orange Revival did not make the original slotted rebroadcast time. The sermon was cut out from the rebroadcast only to air the next morning. Why? Well, from all official accounts it was a decision of programming and not technical difficulties. Chandler’s sermon delivered at Code Orange Revival had several condemnatory remarks that hit close to home to Elevation Church and Steven Furtick’s preaching and teaching. The eventual rebroadcast of Chandler’s sermon was aired the next morning and afternoon to a presumably and considerably smaller internet audience.

Who knows what the next hours and days will reveal but it is my hope that the law and gospel preached by Matt Chandler will prick the hearts of those lost at the event and the scandal of the Gospel will come to light and overshadow all the error delivered by Jakes and the rest of the false teachers associated with this event.

Below is Matt Chandler’s sermon as well as opening remarks by Pirate Christian Radio’s Chris Rosebrough.

Joshua

I am a disciple of the risen Christ Jesus, husband to Libby, full-time student at Louisiana College, part-time blogger at thedailybleat.com and canoniblog.wordpress.com, and future seminarian.

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  • http://www.jasonkees.wordpress.com/ Jason

    I know Chandler probably went there with good intentions and no doubt presented the Gospel with clarity (I haven’t listened to it), but I wonder if its wise to accept invitations to these type of venues; especially with Jakes and (the all embarrassing to the SBC and Christianity in general) Young Jr. I know Chandler’s convictions and know he would not affirm these men in their ministry, but going seems to implicitly affirm them at the same time.
    But I do recognize the difficulty of the situation. Putting myself in his shoes this would be my reasoning: either I decline the offer and have the heretics preacher their false message, or I go and preach the Gospel praying that someone sees the Truth but also run the risk of being associated with these men. Its a tough call.

    • Joshua

      It is a tough decision. Whoever introduced Chandler, Furtick I believe, made the statement “we are all brothers.” If I was speaking right after that introduction I would have had to make it clear that T.D. Jakes is not my brother because he denies the very Triune nature of the Godhead.

      It will be interesting to see what happens in the future and what the ramifications of Chandler speaking at this event does to his name and ministry.

  • Claire

    is there an audio only copy of chandlers message?

    • Joshua

      Yes! The file above has Chandler’s entire sermon which runs about 48 minutes. You will just need to skip the first few minutes of commentary.

    • http://twitter.com/JoshuaKaufmann Joshua Kaufmann

      His message will be on Elevation Church’s podcast for download after the revival is done :)

  • Melbo0610

    Jason, have you listened to the other speakers that have been there? Is there anything that you have heard that has been false preaching?

    • http://jasonpkees.com/ Jason

      I have not. Honestly (not trying to sound harsh) I’d rather not waste my time because I am busy enough with school as it is. But with Jakes I can say that although there might be truth in his session, at the core of his theological beliefs is a false gospel. That’s good enough for me.

      • Bruce

        It is amazing, that you would be such a staunch supporter of a doctrine, which came out of the Council of Nicea 325 A.D. The Catholic church was the first to promote this doctrine of the trinity. I guess the fact that you are a part of the SBC validates all of your beliefs and that all others that don’t agree with you, make them a heretic. Get over it.

  • Caleb

    It is sobering to read this blog and know that you have completely missed the accomplishment of this revival. Elevation Church is on the forefront of bringing the “Church” back together in unity, and for Chandler, Jakes and others to accept this invitation proves that we can come together. I know Chandler would not appreciate the hatred expressed here towards these other ministers. As believers, we are to always love each other, even when we disagree. We should be celebrating and advocating unity between Christians rather than pursuing division. I listened to several of these ministers during the Code Orange Revival and the gospel was presented by all of them. I am proud of the fact that these ministers had the humility to share the same pulpit with each other and submit their own reputations for the glory of God.

    • http://uioitheou.wordpress.com/ Resequitur

      Caleb, the unity of the Spirit is in the truth of God’s Word, not just some pragmatic reason. Unity for the sake of unity is not biblical at all. Christ’s Spirit gives us unity through the Word of truth, and that sanctifies us. If the way you are talking is akin to what Elevation Church teaches, then I would suggest you abandon this mindset, as it is anti-biblical.

    • http://jasonpkees.com/ Jason

      Caleb,

      The purpose of this revival might be to bring the church back together in unity, but Jakes is a heretic and there can be no unity with heretics. Although he did denounce Modalism (per-say) he still preaches a prosperity Gospel that is demonic in its foundation and not of God.

      As believers yes we are to always love one another, but we are also to exercise discernment; especially when it is in regards to teaching doctrine. 2 Tim 3:2-5 is a clear exhortation to avoid such people who teach false doctrine constantly, and Jakes does it.

      With regards to Chandler not appreciating the “hatred expressed here towards these other ministers,” I cannot answer for him. But listen to the beginning of his message again and he notes that he fasted and was in intense prayer regarding this conference, so clearly something was up with him.

      There is nothing to celebrate. Darkness cannot coexist with light.

      As far as the gospel being presented by all the speakers I cannot comment because I only listened to Chandler’s. However, if Jakes presented the gospel as he would at his “church,” then I can only guess that its incorrect.

  • Guest

    I would encourage every Christian to be very cautious about who they denounce as a heretic. It is imperative to have well defined central doctrine by which we “contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints” and recognize that issues outside of this center are second-tier and within the family of God. Unity within the Body is too important for us to be cavalier in our assessments of truth. Unless Jakes blatantly lied, I do not believe he is currently guilty of Trinitarian error. As recently as February he has confessed his belief in traditional trinitarianism. He may still be guilty of preaching a false gospel of prosperity, I have not listened to enough of his teaching to know for sure, but even in this, I would caution against date stamping someone. At the same time, I completely agree that unity for unity’s sake does nothing but harm the kingdom of God. It is not mean-spirited or sinful to shoot wolves- it is biblical. Let them be anathema, having no share in the fellowship of God’s people. They are a disease. Pray for them, but do not associate with them.