Reformed. Christianity. Evangelism. Modern Culture.
Revivals have been an elusive phenomenon in recent times. Pragmatism has hence has led men to wield the easy to achieve man-made winnowing fan of “revivalism” to substitute for the real outpouring. Speaking of modern day pragmatists who else can fill up a conference hall faster than Steve Furtick (who vehemently argues that Christians who attend his church searching for orthodox doctrinal teaching or expository preaching, discipleship and bible study are in the wrong place)?
Pastor Furtick’s “2012 Code Orange Revival” is being billed as the next big event. But the biggest surprise lies in the latest addition to the guest list (young, restless and reformed’s very own): Matt Chandler!
The rest of the list of speakers is quite interesting with everything from word of faith gurus to self esteem and motivational speakers.
The million dollar question you must be asking yourself is “What would Matt be doing at a feast prepared by Steven Furtick”? Is this ecumenical association a seedling germinated from John Piper’s controversial and ill advised association with purpose driven Rick Warren? Should we soon expect Paul Washer curtain raising in a Benny Hinn revival?
We all know what people call “revivals” these days – these are pack-a-pew weeklong social events with pandering prophets and bishops in colorful suits, special musicians, excitements and enticements to fill the building every night.
In short, these revivalisms are the victory of pragmatism over the authority of scripture. It is the explication of Charles Finney’s belief that means are neutral if ends are evangelistic, and that when sufficient means are employed, the desired results are insured.
I still don’t understand Matt Chandler’s intentions. Is he attending a meeting to so as to spring an evangelistic opportunity onto Steve Furtick’s bible study starved audience or is this a subtle show of support to his new found celebrity alliance across the pond?
I wish I had answers for all these concerns.
A Twisted Crown of Thorns ® 
This is not surprising at all. Chandler has been showing this tendency for some time.
If you look here you’ll see some reason why Matt seems to be drifting: http://apprising.org/2010/05/20/acts-29-pastor-matt-chandler-on-being-a-reformed-charismatic/
Silva, thats a very interesting post!
Thank you. I’m looking further into this.
I wonder if these YRR people have any sense of the fact that God has given us prescriptions for how He wants things to be done. The ends do not justify the means in God’s economy. He is a holy God and ‘unholy’ ways of doing things do not please Him in the least. God has given us commands concerning how we are to make disciples and it does not involve making alliances with false teachers.
Here’s the fleshed out research concerning Matt Chandler and Curious Decisions: http://apprising.org/2011/09/02/matt-chandler-and-curious-decisions/
curious why you are so against believers rallying together to seek God with expectant hearts for him to do great things through them and their churches in 2012? Aren’t we called to gather in the name of Jesus, proclaim His name, thank Him, and seek Him?