Joel osteen... The false prophet?

[Isurrendermylord]

A friend of mine introduced me to him and so far i am loving his word but i am new to this faith war and i read a lot of comments that his preaching is for personal gain and as a matter of fact every video of his starts off by him showing some of his products.I do not want to be influenced by a man in the wrong way so i come to you guys for help.

Is joel osteen a preacher of god or is he in this for personal gain?Should i keep watching his videos?Outside of that marketing stuff the things i hear from him are very empowering and it feels like it gives my faith strength but the comments below show a lot of people warning others not to hear his preachings,i am scared that my inexperience leads me in to the wrong hands so please let me know what you think and please use evidence to show me where to raise the red flag.I would also like to know what to look for in a preacher that qualifys him as good or bad.

I already asked god but i am unable to make anything off it yet and i know many of you are people of faith from years and years.

 

[LilLamb219]

I personally could not trust someone who was getting rich off God like some of these preachers do!

 

[Isurrendermylord]

Also i was going to tell an anecdote that i don't know what to make of... yesturday me the wife and baby headed to our local church.Upon ariving there we noticed the gates were closed and cars were turning back.As i got close i reached the man at the gate and he told me there was no more room for more people.This was the first time in my life i had this experience at a church and i don't know if its a sign of god or what but when i told the man "Hey i just wan't to bring my family over,we will stand up trough the service" He said not even like that i could go in because of some fire rule and that they could get an infraction.


Anyone here ever had this happen?Should i make something out of it or just brush it off and go again earlier next time?The main thing i don't like about this place(and god please forgive me if i am talking more than i should) is that it has this feel of business around it,its a big church with huge screens and a lot of insturments.Very very luxurious if i dare to say... I would say it looks like joel's church just a lot smaller.

We ended up just taking our kid to my grandma's house because she barely see him.I felt really bad and me an my wife were just clueless,like if we saw a pig flying in the sky.

 

[Girder of Loins]

Toy our post above, there is nothing wrong with big churches or churches with lots of "stuff". It is all about intentions. If your church uses those things to promote the Gospel and not just to look "sophisticated" or "hip", then it does not matter.

Even though they are a church, they are still a business with liability, so the reasoning of the guy was sound and truthful. We aren't supposed to break the law.

Onto your OP. In my opinion, and this is just my opinion, I don't like Joel very much. He is too "feel-good" for my taste, and I think this leads to many false teachings like: prosperity gospel, everyone goes to heaven, and other lethargic doctrines that create lukewarm believers. He provides a lot of fluff without every getting into the meat. Man does not survive on whipped cream alone.

 

[TheyCallMeDave]

A friend of mine introduced me to him and so far i am loving his word but i am new to this faith war and i read a lot of comments that his preaching is for personal gain and as a matter of fact every video of his starts off by him showing some of his products.I do not want to be influenced by a man in the wrong way so i come to you guys for help.

Is joel osteen a preacher of god or is he in this for personal gain?Should i keep watching his videos?Outside of that marketing stuff the things i hear from him are very empowering and it feels like it gives my faith strength but the comments below show a lot of people warning others not to hear his preachings,i am scared that my inexperience leads me in to the wrong hands so please let me know what you think and please use evidence to show me where to raise the red flag.I would also like to know what to look for in a preacher that qualifys him as good or bad.

I already asked god but i am unable to make anything off it yet and i know many of you are people of faith from years and years.

Most consider him 'watered down Christianity' . He is also a Word of Faith teacher (https://www.google.com/search?sourc...cp.r_qf.&fp=df7f322f36a8afd9&biw=1093&bih=447)

and uses an excessive amount of psychology in his sermons. He is, however, a nice looking guy who smiles big, has pure white teeth, and has a super-mega church in Houston, Texas . Go on www.youtube.com and youll hear some of his heretical teachings along with pretty surprising Interviews . I personally put him just a notch above Oprah .

If you want some very good Sermons , you need Dr. Charles Stanley .

Virtually everyone on TBN (Trinity Broadcast Netword on TV) are prosperity gospel preachers, word of faith, and plain Charletons.

 

[Isurrendermylord]

Toy our post above, there is nothing wrong with big churches or churches with lots of "stuff". It is all about intentions. If your church uses those things to promote the Gospel and not just to look "sophisticated" or "hip", then it does not matter.

Yeah i figured as much,i guess i won't give it much thought.There can be a fire and we can all die if the church is just too crowded anyways.

 

[drjean]

Christ cautioned his disciples about trying to prevent those who appear to proclaim Christ but to let God sort them out... God's Word does not return void. (There's a story about how the apostles came upon a man healing in Christ's name and they told him to stop because he wasn't "one of them".)

Mr Osteen is an excellent motivational speaker. He has no "official" doctrinal education and was handed the church when his father, the pastor, passed. I think Christians who need motivation to act like Christians can benefit from his jokes and stories. But I would not --and do not--- listen to anything he says. In seminary we were taught that people like him have a following because he "tickles their ears with what people want to hear."

(I am glad that he finally was convinced to add a tag, albeit almost negligible, at the end of the televised shows to accept Christ. He went for years without a peep about accepting Christ's work on the cross for redemption.)

If you really want to hear studies that will deepen your faith and understanding, try R C Sproul. You can find him on the internet and listen to his presentations for free. (He has even debated the evolutionist Dawkins, he's that good!)

I agree that Charles Stanley is well founded in the faith.
Creflo Dollar was also a psychologist before/as he is a preacher. Much of his teaching is sound, depending upon your particular bent of beliefs especially when application is made to the human being's natural tendencies.

Prophecy preachers I would recommend (and again, they have a few differences amongst themselves) Jack Van Impe, the late Jeffrey Grant, Hal Lindsey, and Perry Stone.

Focus on the Family has generally well grounded Christian Scriptures and advice.
Moody Bible has radio stations that generally carry sound doctrinal programs.

You can find all these on the television, internet, radio.


I would caution you to investigate anyone you begin to follow. There is an upcoming system which has been in the world for some time but now strengthening in the USA called Chrislam. This movement is truly watering down the gospel, making it tolerable for all peoples, muslim and other, to come together. It is responsible for so many mega churches removing the Crosses, the choirs, changing the names and icons of their fellowships... and most recently within this last year or so also causing the 3 big Bible publishers to create/edit 7 Bibles that are greatly watered down with removals of basic gospel elements so that the faith is more tolerable to the world.

 

[Ark100]

A friend of mine introduced me to him and so far i am loving his word but i am new to this faith war and i read a lot of comments that his preaching is for personal gain and as a matter of fact every video of his starts off by him showing some of his products.I do not want to be influenced by a man in the wrong way so i come to you guys for help.

Is joel osteen a preacher of god or is he in this for personal gain?Should i keep watching his videos?Outside of that marketing stuff the things i hear from him are very empowering and it feels like it gives my faith strength but the comments below show a lot of people warning others not to hear his preachings,i am scared that my inexperience leads me in to the wrong hands so please let me know what you think and please use evidence to show me where to raise the red flag.I would also like to know what to look for in a preacher that qualifys him as good or bad.


I already asked god but i am unable to make anything off it yet and i know many of you are people of faith from years and years.

First of all, Joel Osteen is NOT a prophet. Prophets are SEERS. He is a pastor. A man of God.
If anyone cannot simply see through that man, that the Glory and FAVOUR of God is on him, I wonder about many other pastors too.
He is a man of God who has a very good heart, who is actually very sensitive.
His father was a true man of God, and God has chosen Joel to continue, and God even blessed him more than He did his father.
Let me tell you something, when the Glory of God is on a man of God, and God blesses them tremendously. Its always like a cup overflowing. It does not matter what man says, people will flock the church.
He is a man of God. The style of his preaching may not suit some people but that is how God uses him.
He is favoured by God.
And he is humble.
There may be things that needs adjusting but no one is perfect.

Hey people even doubted Jesus's authenticity then and now People will say and think what they will but good news is God does not care when HE IS at work

 

[Girder of Loins]

His father was a true man of God, and God has chosen Joel to continue, and God even blessed him more than He did his father.
Let me tell you something, when the Glory of God is on a man of God, and God blesses them tremendously. Its always like a cup overflowing. It does not matter what man says, people will flock the church.
He is a man of God. The style of his preaching may not suit some people but that is how God uses him.
He is favoured by God.
And he is humble.
There may be things that needs adjusting but no one is perfect.

The amount of people in the pews has nothing to do with how "right" a pastor is. Otherwise, Justin Bieber is the godliest man out there. It is "quality over quantity". Joel is a great speaker for non-believers or some new believers. But once one wants to mature in their faith, Joel is far too sugar-coated for any meaningful teachings on Scripture.

Hey people even doubted Jesus's authenticity then and now

The problem is that Jesus lost a lot of followers during His ministry, especially when He died. So once again, "quality over quantity".

 

[parsley]

First of all, Joel Osteen is NOT a prophet. Prophets are SEERS. He is a pastor. A man of God.

True, he does not claim to deliver prophecies. And according to Jesus' terms on salvation, this man is doing the work of God -- even if there are imbalances in his teaching. Every pastor has imbalances, and no one can possibly cover everything. It's up to you to find the teachings you need to listen to, rounding out toward the complete truth.

I have problems with the money-making too (especially prophecies), but these ministries run with boards of directors. Pastors don't run the whole show-- there are people who act as financial advisors, spiritual advisors, and legal counsel, who say things like "make sure you promote the products."

People want recordings of sermons, so the demand is there. It's up to the organization to decide whether to give recordings away for free and absorb the costs, or to charge-- possibly making a small profit. It takes staff, time, blank CD's, reliable recording equipment, a sound-proof room, space to store and categorize the history of sermons... labels designed and printed (full color), people taking orders.... on and on.

Even though they are a church, they are still a business with liability, so the reasoning of the guy was sound and truthful. We aren't supposed to break the law.

You will see a sign on the walls that says "Occupancy 500" (whatever number) in rooms where people gather. That is the estimated safe number of people, according to fire code.

Back in the old days, we had overflow rooms with the intercom playing in the library and folding chairs. Now many churches have flat screen tv's in the coffee houses and the social halls. But there is probably also a building occupancy limit -- especially in those large churches.

I know of a church that had seven services before they rebuilt. Funny how popular churches have become.

Back to your core question, one thing that contemporary sermons tend to avoid, is the personal motivational sins. Jealousy, resentment, pride. Aside from Joyce Meyer, when was the last time you heard pride called a sin that separates us from God?

It's those sort of teachings that show a need for balance in teachers. Read books, listen to online sermons, and read your Bible for your first and primary source. Pray directly to hear first-hand words from God.

 

[znr]

True, he does not claim to deliver prophecies. And according to Jesus' terms on salvation, this man is doing the work of God -- even if there are imbalances in his teaching. Every pastor has imbalances, and no one can possibly cover everything. It's up to you to find the teachings you need to listen to, rounding out toward the complete truth.

I have problems with the money-making too (especially prophecies), but these ministries run with boards of directors. Pastors don't run the whole show-- there are people who act as financial advisors, spiritual advisors, and legal counsel, who say things like "make sure you promote the products."

People want recordings of sermons, so the demand is there. It's up to the organization to decide whether to give recordings away for free and absorb the costs, or to charge-- possibly making a small profit. It takes staff, time, blank CD's, reliable recording equipment, a sound-proof room, space to store and categorize the history of sermons... labels designed and printed (full color), people taking orders.... on and on.

You will see a sign on the walls that says "Occupancy 500" (whatever number) in rooms where people gather. That is the estimated safe number of people, according to fire code.

Back in the old days, we had overflow rooms with the intercom playing in the library and folding chairs. Now many churches have flat screen tv's in the coffee houses and the social halls. But there is probably also a building occupancy limit -- especially in those large churches.

I know of a church that had seven services before they rebuilt. Funny how popular churches have become.

Back to your core question, one thing that contemporary sermons tend to avoid, is the personal motivational sins. Jealousy, resentment, pride. Aside from Joyce Meyer, when was the last time you heard pride called a sin that separates us from God?

It's those sort of teachings that show a need for balance in teachers. Read books, listen to online sermons, and read your Bible for your first and primary source. Pray directly to hear first-hand words from God.

I love Joyce Meyer!

 

[parsley]

(-:

 

[Avniel]

First of all, Joel Osteen is NOT a prophet. Prophets are SEERS. He is a pastor. A man of God.
If anyone cannot simply see through that man, that the Glory and FAVOUR of God is on him, I wonder about many other pastors too.
He is a man of God who has a very good heart, who is actually very sensitive.
His father was a true man of God, and God has chosen Joel to continue, and God even blessed him more than He did his father.
Let me tell you something, when the Glory of God is on a man of God, and God blesses them tremendously. Its always like a cup overflowing. It does not matter what man says, people will flock the church.
He is a man of God. The style of his preaching may not suit some people but that is how God uses him.
He is favoured by God.
And he is humble.
There may be things that needs adjusting but no one is perfect.

Hey people even doubted Jesus's authenticity then and now People will say and think what they will but good news is God does not care when HE IS at work

You can't pimp Christ the word of God isn't a hustle.


There are several YouTube videos that expose him

YouTube - Joel Osteen,False Teacher of Babylon


This is an hour long video YouTube - Joel Osteen: Origins & Errors of His Teaching (a Film by Keith Thompson)

Christians need to look to Christ not man for the word if a pastor is saying something research and pray on it because man will mislead you.

My people parish due to lack of knowledge

 

[Girder of Loins]

Back to your core question, one thing that contemporary sermons tend to avoid, is the personal motivational sins. Jealousy, resentment, pride. Aside from Joyce Meyer, when was the last time you heard pride called a sin that separates us from God?

Funny enough, last time I heard that was last Sunday. That is why I love the pastors that teach at my two churches(I float between them from time to time). Neither of them involve fluff or sugar. They are preaching the Truth, and I love that. It draws more people than fluff in the long run.

Currently, I am watching Joel in an interview with Oprah, and have found a new respect for the guy. He calls homosexuality out, he calls pride out, and while giving some "PC" answers, he doesn't take away from the Bible. So I don't know now. He's just not my style I guess.

 

[joey_downunder]

The christian apologist Chris Rosebrough puts Osteen's recent speech on CNN in perspective: Joel Osteen Waffles Again RE: Homosexuality - YouTube

Apprising Ministries also has a lot to say about Osteen. Joel Osteen : Apprising Ministries

sadly this comedy sketch summarises Osteen very well: Fighting for the Faith: Max Holiday Featuring Joel Osteen

 

[Ark100]

The amount of people in the pews has nothing to do with how "right" a pastor is.

Did you read anything I wrote that is in relation to if the amount of people has something to do with how right a pastor is? Best to understand what people write before taking it out of context.

I said he is highly favored by God, and I stand by it. He is a TRUE man of God. You dont have to like his style of preaching but God has used him powerfully in speech to help thousands of people. He is also very humble.

Otherwise, Justin Bieber is the godliest man out there.
Justin beiber has nothing to do with what we are saying here, again you read things out of context.

It is "quality over quantity".

He has delivered quality sermons. Many have accepted Jesus into their lives through his preaching. He says it every sunday. Because you dont like him doesnt make him a fake pastor. He is called by God, is why he is still preaching and God is multiplying the church.

Joel is a great speaker for non-believers or some new believers. But once one wants to mature in their faith, Joel is far too sugar-coated for any meaningful teachings on Scripture.

You dont like him, dont watch him. I still stand by my words that he is a TRUE man of God. And many believers watch him. Too sugar coated? Meaningful teachings? Do you even know how God works or how He uses different ministers to reach His people?


The problem is that Jesus lost a lot of followers during His ministry, especially when He died. So once again, "quality over quantity".

And your point is? If the church grows then its a fake pastor who preaches? You, friend need a reality check.

True, he does not claim to deliver prophecies. And according to Jesus' terms on salvation, this man is doing the work of God

Very well said parsley.

-- even if there are imbalances in his teaching.

exactly, he is not perfect.

Every pastor has imbalances, and no one can possibly cover everything. It's up to you to find the teachings you need to listen to, rounding out toward the complete truth.

.

I also do agree that there are a few things need adjusting in his teaching and church, but I have no doubt in my mind that He is a highly favored and true man of God.

 

[Ark100]

You can't pimp Christ the word of God isn't a hustle.

Who is 'Pimping Christ, and what is pimping? Asserting my belief that someone is a true man of God, and favored by God has nothing to do with pimp or whatever you call it. I am only stating what I know to be true.


There are several YouTube videos that expose him

Not that im interested to watch it, but What pastor does not have a video or someone who 'expose' them, so to speak? Even Jesus still has people who taint His name and deny His Sovereignty. I am not interested in what people say, their exposure and their lies. I dont need man or youtube to tell me who is a true pastor or not. I know what I know.



Christians need to look to Christ not man for the word if a pastor is saying something research and pray on it because man will mislead you.

For the record Im not looking at man. I have only seen Joel's sermon about 5 or 6 times, ever, and the first time I saw him and heard him, I didnt need anyone or any garbage youtube to tell me who he truly is. I know he is a true man of God.

My people parish due to lack of knowledge

Maybe that actually applies to you? Check yourself. You are the one who has used youtube references to back your claims. I did not use man's reference. I said I know within me that Hes a true man of God. I dont judge people by what others say. Im not a sheep.

I bet there are many youtube videos saying Jesus isnt messiah, someone would probably believe that too if they are gullible enough to believe what man like themselves say

 

[znr]

(-:

I wish more teachers taught on word power. No need to even touch on prosperity, just talk about how important verbal confession is I relation to standing against trials, depression, anger, you name it. No one seems to want to deal the the problem of the tongue. I love tgat Joyce points people to Christ. She's real, humble, and she walks the walk. I wonder if she were a man if people would give her the credit she deserves. That woman has touched my life through her teachings. She's the real deal. No other teacher touches topics like pride, complaining, murdering, gossip. Those things seem to be the stuff people can't bring themselves to face. I love when Joyce starts singing yes Jesus lives me while she's rolling her eyes. Nothing about her I don't like. Except maybe she has a huge estate. And that's fine. I want her house. Anywho, more sermons about the tongue are needed. God isn't going to do all the work.

 

[jacquidube]

As long as Joel is teaching the true words of the Lord then that is all that is needed. Joel also needs his ministry to survive. The Lord helps this to survive with the help of His children (the people). Joel is a truly Blessed man of God.

 

[jacquidube]

I wish more teachers taught on word power. No need to even touch on prosperity, just talk about how important verbal confession is I relation to standing against trials, depression, anger, you name it. No one seems to want to deal the the problem of the tongue. I love tgat Joyce points people to Christ. She's real, humble, and she walks the walk. I wonder if she were a man if people would give her the credit she deserves. That woman has touched my life through her teachings. She's the real deal. No other teacher touches topics like pride, complaining, murdering, gossip. Those things seem to be the stuff people can't bring themselves to face. I love when Joyce starts singing yes Jesus lives me while she's rolling her eyes. Nothing about her I don't like. Except maybe she has a huge estate. And that's fine. I want her house. Anywho, more sermons about the tongue are needed. God isn't going to do all the work.

I totally agree with you here Zeena. A true woman of God. She makes me giggle too, she has a great sense of humour. She has been blessed with a huge estate. The promises of the Lord for serving Him well. Praise God for her.