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Arrogance is hard to see in the mirror.
I dont know that those who have spoken from arrogance would apologize or recognize their error but Im hoping that you, the reader, will be more aware of what is appropriate and Christ-like.
Christians Please!! Dont follow this example and criticize publically those ministers whose methods you dont agree with or understand.
Leaders this has got to stop. Please, Please its NOT your job to judge everyone publically.
Lets encourage each other, lets pray for one another and teach those you influence to have more grace.
It is difficult enough to be a minister because of the challenges we face the spiritual warfare we encounter! We dont need our own Christian brothers needlessly attacking.
We need to preach about what we are FOR not what we are AGAINST.
I just became aware of him fairly recently. I don't get an "ick" feeling from him. I like him, actually. I think he, from what I have read and heard of him so far, that he is a true Christian. Kind, caring, understanding, not pushy, and is very charismatic in what he says.
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH JOEL OSTEEN? » PhilipWagner.com
Arrogance is hard to see in the mirror.
I dont know that those who have spoken from arrogance would apologize or recognize their error but Im hoping that you, the reader, will be more aware of what is appropriate and Christ-like.
Christians Please!! Dont follow this example and criticize publically those ministers whose methods you dont agree with or understand.
Leaders this has got to stop. Please, Please its NOT your job to judge everyone publically.
Lets encourage each other, lets pray for one another and teach those you influence to have more grace.
It is difficult enough to be a minister because of the challenges we face the spiritual warfare we encounter! We dont need our own Christian brothers needlessly attacking.
We need to preach about what we are FOR not what we are AGAINST.
Excellent article, and makes a point that I have been making over and over for the past many years.
Defending success and fame: Joel Osteen says he is keeping the faith | PennLive.com
I don't think he's anything like Bakker. He doesn't ask for money on TV, he doesn't accept a salary from his church.
He has six books, which continue to sell well, and he's made investments.
He gives millions to charity, and he doesn't live a celebrity lifestyle.
Frankly, I think he's one of the good guys, and I think he is being blessed.
God is good to His people, but my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (Ps 73:2-3.)
This is really interesting. He says that almost stumbled his steps had nearly slipped. This makes it sound like he almost sinned but didnt. Yet, at the same time, we are told that he did fall into sin. He became envious of the arrogant and the wicked. He coveted the prosperity of the wicked and covetousness is a sin (Exodus 20:17.) He saw what they had and he wanted it for himself. This is sin. It is failing to be content with what God has given us.
We recently hosted Hank Hanegraaff (The Bible Answerman) at SMCC. He has some very helpful insights (here and here) into Joel Osteen's confused views of faith, doctrine and Scripture:
Joel Osteen and Prosperity Gospel
The Prosperity Gospel is much like all other religions in that it uses faith, it uses doing good things to leverage material blessings from God. Essentially, use God to get things from God.
"God has already done everything He's going to do. The ball is now in your court. If you want success, if you want wisdom, if you want to be prosperous and healthy, you're going to have to do more than meditate and believe; you must boldly declare words of faith and victory over yourself and your family" From Your Best Life Now, p.132
"If you are believing for your child to find God, go help somebody else's child to develop a relationship with God. If you're struggling financially, go out and help somebody who has less than you have ... f you want to reap financial blessings, you must sow financial seeds in the lives of others ... If you want to see healing and restoration come to your life, go out and help somebody else get well" From Your Best Life Now, pp. 224, 250-51
This is not the Gospel. This is a false Gospel. Joel teaches that we open ourselves to God to get more from God. He teaches that we use our words to speak into existence a better reality. This straight from the Word of Faith Movement. This is not what is taught throughout the New Testament. Consider what the Apostle Paul wrote. And remember that he wrote this while in prison.
Philippians 4:10-13 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
That was a good article, BD Boop!
For the record, I don't know much about Osteen - I've never read his books; I've listened to one sermon he gave and I thought it was sort of 'fluffy', but I also realize that is my own personal opinion on the matter.
But, addressing the points the article made? The Book says quite a bit on this subject - it says you know who the Christians are by their love for each other. It says not to bite on each other. And all the other things the article mentioned. I also think this would be the place to mention how very little requirement there is to be a Christian in the Book - quite unlike the additions churches have put on the matter.
So, I agree! If someone find another's theology or methods not to their liking? Put your own out in the marketplace of ideas rather than attacking.
None of this is to say I think debate is bad - it's not. The church grows when people come together and pray, discuss, talk. But that is not what I see - many times, it is more along the lines of sheer arrogance with a good dose of hateful behavior included.
Thanks for putting up the article. I enjoyed reading it.
K
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH JOEL OSTEEN? » PhilipWagner.com
Arrogance is hard to see in the mirror.
I dont know that those who have spoken from arrogance would apologize or recognize their error but Im hoping that you, the reader, will be more aware of what is appropriate and Christ-like.
Christians Please!! Dont follow this example and criticize publically those ministers whose methods you dont agree with or understand.
Leaders this has got to stop. Please, Please its NOT your job to judge everyone publically.
Lets encourage each other, lets pray for one another and teach those you influence to have more grace.
It is difficult enough to be a minister because of the challenges we face the spiritual warfare we encounter! We dont need our own Christian brothers needlessly attacking.
We need to preach about what we are FOR not what we are AGAINST.
Excellent article, and makes a point that I have been making over and over for the past many years.
He is a motivational speaker. My pastor friend watched him and he never once opened the Bible.
More people would speak out about him but these ministries are run like corporations and they have lawyers who would take everything you've got from you.
