The words are true, therefore I don't think we can find fault in them per se. If there is any fault it will be found in the context.
Joel uses these words as an affirmation to begin every sermon. As far as congregational affirmations go, while this one is true, I personally find it pretty pedestrian. I'm nowhere near being a liturgical guy, but I much prefer something that can be heard more traditional churches:
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
I will gladly admit to a thrill at hearing these beautiful words echo through the congregation, to a sense of community, of not being alone in my walk with the Lord.
Many disparage Joel for one reason or another. They feel he doesn't preach the full gospel. But what he does preach is true, and is well-preached. I am not the only one who, having been burned by the church, found a place of rest and restoration in his televised services. Most eventually move on, and that probably is a good thing. But I find it hard to be critical toward one who helped me when I needed it.
I think that unless there is error involved that is serious enough that it must be dealt with, our attitude should be more benign.
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, -Phil 1:15-18
