By Apprising Ministries special correspondent Erin Benziger of Do Not Be Surprised…

As we stumble into Day 11 of Code Orange Revival, it seems that all that these past few days have “revived” is an unhealthy sense of self: self-love, self-esteem, self-worth. All of these are extremely dangerous without an even stronger comprehension of another “s” word: SIN.

In this small word is wrapped one’s true condition before God without Christ. Only through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ can one stand before God justified, and then justified only by His work, for we bring nothing of worth or value to the throne of God. And yet, to listen to 9 of the last 10 speakers at Code Orange Revival, one would easily come to the conclusion that we, dear reader, are, for lack of a better word, awesome. In fact, it is my sincere wish that the folks at Code Orange Revival thought that Jesus Christ was even half as awesome as they clearly perceive themselves to be. And, for the record, by standing on stage and saying, “He [Jesus] is greater, is awesome…” means nothing when the whole of the evening has centered around you.

With the exception of Matt Chandler, the speakers of Code Orange Revival have each engaged in the dangerous practice of narcissistic eisegesis, what has been appropriately deemed “narcigesis.” They have succeeded in erroneously reading themselves into the biblical text, thereby diminishing the greatness of the truth of God’s Word. It is this writer’s opinion that, thus far, Perry Noble has committed this error in the most grievous manner, as he twisted a Messianic passage, preaching it as though it was about Steven Furtick. Last evening, however, “Bishop” T.D. Jakes did not disappoint, and proved that he can abuse Scripture with the best of them, and can do so with a little more pizazz and finesse.

As was mentioned yesterday, people were actually camping out overnight in order to secure their spot in line to see Jakes. This seemed rather bizarre. Were people really that excited to see and hear a known Word of Faith heretic and modalist? The fact is, until and unless Jakes repents of these two heresies, his god and the God of the Bible are not the same. One ought to be extremely concerned over Steven Furtick’s exclamation, then, that T.D. Jakes is his “favorite preacher.” Really? Ought we not to sit up and take troubled notice at such a statement? Jakes made several comments last evening that indicated that he has not changed his stance, for example, declaring that he has preached this same “gospel” for 35 years and has believed it for 38. Such a declaration appears to indicate that neither of these false teachings have been repented of, and then one must wonder … what will James MacDonald do with such a reality four days from now in The Elephant Room 2? MacDonald has already stated that he does not agree that Jakes is a modalist, and has seemingly named Jakes as a [Christian] brother, so, can we expect an honest, biblical conversation to occur on Wednesday, January 25? Can we expect a confrontation?

It seems that James MacDonald has already offered his answer to these questions. Early this morning, he tweeted the following:

(Online Source)

One truly has to wonder what exactly MacDonald believes that he learned last night. If you watched Jakes speak at Code Orange, you know that he effectively mangled passages like Hebrews 4:15 and Luke 8:40ff, all in an effort to focus his message around the word “touched.” So again, what could James MacDonald have learned from a mishandling of the biblical text? Perhaps we can offer him the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps he meant that he “learned a ton” about the true condition of Jakes’ theology. Perhaps MacDonald simply is excited for the opportunity to correct the false teaching that was set forth last night. Until we hear his message, we can pray and hope that this might be true. Unfortunately, the giddy attitude displayed by MacDonald makes it appear for now that he is falling in line with the majority of the Code Orange speakers.

(Online Source)

Thus far, the “vision” of Steven Furtick seems to be one of narcissism and a gross mishandling of God’s Word such that, in spite of lip service, the glory and greatness of God has been grossly compromised. And “depth” in one’s walk with Christ is not displayed by raised hands and loud applause. It is exercised by careful and prayerful study of His Word and by a desire to know and to understand the glorious Truth contained therein. So one must wonder how it is that James MacDonald “loves” Steven Furtick’s  unfortunate and twisted rendition of these things? It may be true that a type of “revival” is occurring in Charlotte, NC. There may indeed be a spirit at work, but it ought to frighten us to think and to realize that it does not seem to be the Holy Spirit.

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. (2 Peter 2:1-3)

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:3-4)

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. (Acts 20:28-30)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

SEE ALSO:

“Code Orange” Speaker James MacDonald

“Code Orange” Speaker “Bishop” T.D. Jakes

Which One of these is Just Like the Other?