Matt Chandler of The Village Church appears to affirm and promote a testimony of a woman who claims her room lit up with a bright white light as an appearance of Jesus.
On November 13, 2017 The Village Church uploaded a sermon video to their Youtube channel. The sermon includes a testimony from a woman who claims she saw her room light up with a bright white light and she knew Jesus was there.
The mere mention of this experience may raise a disqualifying red flag for some, and others would seek to consider the context and situation before making a conclusion.
I’ve experienced the Holy Spirit in so many powerful ways.
One of the ways is when I was 7-years-old. I was laying in my bed singing hymns to the Lord when my room lit up like a bright white light. Jesus was there and I asked him into my heart. The Lord has gifted me with teaching, encouragement, discernment, spiritual healing, and prophecy, all for his glory.
One of my favorite things to do is to come along side young women to pray with them. Hours later when we say amen we’ve done business with the Lord, our hearts have been changed.
So I thank you God that over the years you’ve given me great meaningful deep experiences with you. I’ve come to know you. Come Holy Spirit come.
Some people may find an automatic red flag at the mention of a bright white light and appearance of Jesus. Others may not find that problematic at all. Many would seek to find context to this story. What doctrines does Chandler believe? What are the motives of this woman?
This story is significant because traditionally people in the Reformed camp wouldn’t affirm or promote experiences like this. For many this type of affirmation is a disqualifying red flag. For others more context is needed before they can draw a firm conclusion.
If her testimony is real, should it be given so much prominence? Should it be leading a sermon, and possibly be perceived as normative Christianity? Given the reliance on spiritual experience over scripture by many, is there a danger in promoting this experience even if it’s real? Can we avoid railroading this woman, while at the same time refraining from putting such an experience out there for mass affirmation and promotion?
We live in a time where the Reformation distinctives are given less and less importance, and personal experience and emotions are given more weight. Let’s treat any bruised reeds claiming such an experience with gentleness and wisdom, but let’s also refrain from making such prominent affirmations of such things.
Is Not Satire 