He sounds sincere, but if he can't differentiate between a Christian and a Mormon and was called "The Most Influential Christian in America" by The Church Report, we have some serious issues here.
Not everyone is called to teach the Word and lead people to Christ.
Exactly. Although I will say I seen Joel in person (well didn't meet him but seen him at a distance) and I felt my discernment kick in. Something is not right about him. I feel likes hes a wolf that tries to look like a sheep.
I mean even if you want to say his preaching style is ok. The way he lives with his wealth is not. And knowig a few people that "follow" him, many of them stopped liking him because once something happened in their lives (got sick, lost a job) he basically told them they were just sinners and being negative...etc. Its why I really feel hes doing what he does more for the money then anything else.
After all he preachers more of a "karma" thing of if you do good, good will always happens to you back. Well if thats the case why does he not give away everything he has. God will provide him food, cloths, a home...etc right?
I don't how many people seen the movie "The Book of Eli" but I loved it! True its probably not the best movie for a christian to watch. But it illustrates everything I have said about how some people (even preachers) can use the bible for evil reasons such as personal gain. Here is a quote that the "villian" says in the movie about the bible:
IT'S NOT A <censored) BOOK! IT'S A WEAPON. A weapon aimed right at the hearts and minds of the weak and the desperate. It will give us control of them. If we want to rule more than one small, <censored> town, we have to have it. People will come from all over, they'll do exactly what I tell 'em if the words are from the book. It's happened before and it'll happen again. All we need is that book.
What does this proof? It may be a movie but read your bibles. It says that there will be wolves among us who will lead us astray and in the end of days, things will get worse. People will turn to preachers who give them ear candy (aka Joel Osteen) and ignore the truth about him. Or in short many people will use the bible for on people for personal gain.
The bible itself again mentions that in the end even some christians will fall for the anti-christs desception! So, even the devil knows how to lure people away from God using what he knows of Christ.
Theres nothing else I can say past this really. This reponse should be pretty powerful and you should understand what I say. Is Osteen evil? No I don't think hes evil, but I think and feel like hes doing what he does more for himself then for Gods glory. I don't hate him either by the way. I just think christians should be cautious about people like him. Its like laying next to your GF when your both alone. Your riding a very dangerous line between being safe and being dangerous.
Every single preacher may lead people away so we should never listen to any message ever again. Is that correct?
No, I'm saying be careful of preachers who are to far off the path. No preacher will be perfect, but one that has to many wrongs isn't a safe to listen too.
i reckon you do follow other peoples opinions. After all i was able to point out how a number of the claims in the article you originally quoted were false using nothing but the sources provided by that article. however you said you would not comment and you still comment against Olsteen. That seems like following peoples opinions rather than the truth to me. What would you call it?
I didn't respond because I had already posted my evidence which was the bible. You wanted me to show you some sort of proof beyond that despite the fact the bible is our ONLY source we should be turning to in terms of whats right or wrong. I don't follow peoples opinions either, sure I'll try to see it from their side, but in the end my opinions on what biblical or not are based on the bible itself. So if your saying I am wrong for lsitening to the bible then I don't know what else to say.
On a side note I think its time I get this topic closed. Because lets face it, like many topics (Harry Potter anyone?), the talks never stop. EVER! As my friend told me, the smarter man stops arguing over whatrs right or wrong because if you wrap yourselves up in endless debates then you are waisting precious time that could be spent elsewhere doing things for God. So yes I don't reply after awhile because its just wasted time.
but nevertheless...
