Joel Osteen: Man of God or Man of the People?

[Rakis]

Ok well I'm internet fatigued but hopefully dude you got my point but if not we can go at it again. But that's me bro. If you come up with some evidence to find him guilty let us know peace out bro.

God’s Word is clear, it says they’ll be known by their fruits. Not by how much money they have. Not by how many followers they have. Not by how many books they have written or the great things they have done. They’ll be known by what fruit exists in their lives. Is there love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control? Are they sharing the gospel of Christ, and pointing others to the forgiveness and freedom that He alone can bring? What do they say about who Jesus is? What do they believe about the authority of God’s Word?

We may have to look more closely than what is on the outside. The world often views “success” and popularity differently than how God sees. What’s at the heart? Eventually, the truth of who they are will be brought into the light. “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.” 1 Cor. 4:5

We can trust His word to be true and rely on Him for guiding us.

3. Know God’s word and you’ll know when it’s being twisted and manipulated. “For even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” 2 Cor. 11:14-15

Sometimes deception may be hidden well, manipulated and cunning, for the Bible makes clear that even Satan disguises himself as light.

If we don’t know His truth, we will never know when we’re being deceived. Study it. Meditate on His words. Guard them in your heart. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Ps. 119:11

Press in close to God. Spend time in His presence. Pray, talk with Him, listen to His voice through His word. Staying close to His side, living under the protection of His armor and covering, helps us to know when we’re staring straight into falsehood.

4. Trust the discernment and wisdom of God’s Spirit living through your life. “…false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time.” Matt. 24:23-25

God gives us His Spirit to guide us in discernment and wisdom. “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…” John 16:13

He wants more than anyone, for us to be guided in Truth. He tells us “I have told you ahead of time,” so that we will be prepared and watching. Walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh. We don’t have to wander through life blindly, unsure of what’s true and what’s not. When we’re daily asking for his leadership and direction, submitting to his authority over our lives, we can trust the leadership of His Spirit. When feeling unsettled or sensing something is just not “quite right,” we can press in close to Him, knowing He’s faithful to guide us.

5. Surround yourself with other believers you know and trust. “Knowing this…scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.” 2 Pet. 3:3

Use caution in who you listen to and choose to take guidance from. Sometimes when we’re in a place where it’s hard to see clearly, maybe because of our own pressing worries or cares, we need a trusted friend who can speak truth in places we need to hear. This is often true in marriage. Learning to listen to one another and take into consideration what the other might be sensing or discerning can often have great power in saving us from a heap of trouble up ahead, if we’ll only heed the warnings that someone we love may speak our way.

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Prov. 11:14

Recognize that sometimes believers may simply disagree. It doesn’t necessarily mean that one is a “false teacher,” but only that both might be doing their best to follow God’s Word and what He’s leading, they just may not agree on everything. We see this in Scripture and we see it all around us today.

Let’s not waste time fighting against ourselves, but recognize who the real enemy is.

We can choose to give each other grace and kindness.

We can hold on to what matters most, and pursue unity in the body of Christ.

Standing strong together, on Christ the Solid Rock.

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

 

[Old Lioness]

Thanks for sharing. I'm really not surprised in the slightest, but your story reinforces my perception of him as a slick two faced salesman. You're right, he doesn't love you. He loves your money.

About that smile, I've always thought it seemed forced.

 

[Old Lioness]

I call that the IPANA smile of "I love myself" cause I know I'm good looking' this man is a danger and a false witness He makes my skin crawl.

 

[*LILAC]

The couple times I've seen and heard him on the screen, I've always gotten a bad feel. Like alot of flakiness and fakeness. Including his glow in the dark chiclet teeth. I mean, it's just not a pleasant feeling...
I could be wrong! I don't mind being wrong once in a blue moon!

 

[Phil 1:21]

1 John 4:4-6

4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 5 Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. 6 But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.

 

[tturt]

Well, I don't get a bad feeling. Had considered writing a sermon out and inserting all the Scriptures which he uses. But decided that wouldn't change minds.

 

[dude99]

I have read the thread. People are entitled to their opinions. For me I see Joel Osteen more of a motivational speaker than a preacher. I like he never went to a seminary. You do not need to go to Bible college to be a church leader btw. Nothing in the bible states you need to go to a seminary or bible college to be a Church leader.

I have heard some of Joel Osteen sermons, and he does point people to Jesus Christ. He states he wants to lift people up as well and he never puts people down. Of course he has a big following, so what. Even if people won't go to his church he always asks new Christians go to go a bible based church.

Of course Joel Osteen has his faults, everyone does as well including every Christian except for Jesus Christ. If he is a Christian as he states he is he is still forgiven.

No Church is perfect and even ministers within the Church are not perfect themselves, and I rather pray for them instead of judging them.

 

[Old Lioness]

The couple times I've seen and heard him on the screen, I've always gotten a bad feel. Like alot of flakiness and fakeness. Including his glow in the dark chiclet teeth. I mean, it's just not a pleasant feeling...
I could be wrong! I don't mind being wrong once in a blue moon!

LOL I LOVE that description of his teeth! WELL SAID!!!

 

[Old Lioness]

I have read the thread. People are entitled to their opinions. For me I see Joel Osteen more of a motivational speaker than a preacher. I like he never went to a seminary. You do not need to go to Bible college to be a church leader btw. Nothing in the bible states you need to go to a seminary or bible college to be a Church leader.

I have heard some of Joel Osteen sermons, and he does point people to Jesus Christ. He states he wants to lift people up as well and he never puts people down. Of course he has a big following, so what. Even if people won't go to his church he always asks new Christians go to go a bible based church.

Of course Joel Osteen has his faults, everyone does as well including every Christian except for Jesus Christ. If he is a Christian as he states he is he is still forgiven.

No Church is perfect and even ministers within the Church are not perfect themselves, and I rather pray for them instead of judging them.

When MONEY becomes his god, then it's time for that man to go..when he touts that one can get as much wealth as they pray for it's time to have him GO to a good Bible college and relearn about how Jesus feels about the love of money. And if he really knew how to preach he'd be preaching about a balanced sermon not a FEEL GOOD sermon making sure that

 

[Phil 1:21]

No Church is perfect and even ministers within the Church are not perfect themselves, and I rather pray for them instead of judging them.

We can pray for those who pervert the word of God for pride and profit while still discerning right from wrong. The prosperity gospel people like Osteen preach make God appear as some celestial Santa Claus that can be cajoled into handing out new toys in exchange for good deeds (mostly donations to the one giving the sermon). It appeals to worldly people who think God is either a genie in a bottle or Oprah handing out her "favorite things." It's a wonderful religion if one's focus is on this life instead of eternity.

People like Osteen present God as someone from whom you can get things, not someone from whom you've already been given the most precious gift of all. and that is the real danger in his so-called ministry.

 

[Old Lioness]

here is a post that I received this morning from Lamb and Lion ministries about those that tear apart the word.. it is put in a fun format and not the usual way that most people present false teachers, but I believe it is a strong kick in the pants for those that need to wake up and discern wolves in sheep's clothing.....

Lamb & Lion Ministries

8 Treatments For Curing Symbolically

Hello, I'm Eschatologist Nathan Jones, and here at Maranatha Labs, we research day and night to fight the deadly disease known as Symbolically. Those infected with this inhibitive condition are at first difficult to spot, for they look like any other Christian. Show them a symbol out of everyday life, and they can identify it with ease.

But, show them a symbol taken from the Bible, particularly Bible prophecy, and the Bible translation portion of their brains are quickly overcome by Symbolically.

When it comes to the interpretation of the Bible, patients with this debilitating affliction often struggle over the question…


Should Bible Prophecy Be Interpreted Literally or Symbolically?

In 9 out of 10 cases, those afflicted with Symbolically will intentionally spiritualize the Scriptures, choosing whatever interpretation that suits their fancy, and then argue automatically that the plain sense meanings found in the Bible are not their true meanings.

90% of those suffering under this inhibitive interpretive condition may experience...

1.A disturbing inability to believe that God knows how to communicate.

2.Compulsive desires to strip Bible verses away from their context.

3.Sudden spasms of detective work, searching for hidden meanings.

4.Manic mythologizing of the Genesis Creation and Revelation end times accounts.

5.And, delusions of grandeur, playing God by deciding what the Bible truly does or does not mean.

The Cure

If you are suffering from Symbolically, there is hope. Ask your local Eschatologist about the fast acting Golden Rule of Interpretation. Yes, the Golden Rule of Interpretation is the cure that will guide you to a literal interpretation of the Bible. Just generously apply this motto every single time you read the Bible — "If the plain sense makes sense, don't look for any other sense, lest you end up with nonsense." — and you, too, will be cured from spiritualizing Scriptures.

Treatment Options

Once you've started implementing the Golden Rule of Interpretation, keep the Bible study portion of your brain healthy by applying the following eight treatments:

1.The Right Approach — Always approach the Scriptures with a childlike faith and an honest heart.

2.Be Filled By God's Spirit — Before you open your Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to provide clear understanding.

3.The Inspiration of Scriptures — Because God Himself inspired the writers of the Bible, accept the truth that what they wrote must be without error.

4.Plain Sense Symbols — Let the Bible be its own best interpreter as to the meaning of its own symbols.

5.Context, Context, Context — Meanings of words in the Bible should always be determined by their context.

6.The Principle of Searching — All verses on a particular topic should be searched out, compared, and then reconciled. Never hang a doctrine on one isolated verse.

7.The Problem of Prefilling — Allow that some Bible prophecies are prefilled in symbolic type first before being completely fulfilled later on.

8.Telescoping Prophets — Understand that prophets often looked into the future and saw a series of prophetic events, not realizing they'd be separated by long time intervals.

Side Effects

There are side effects from using the Golden Rule of Interpretation.

· a deeper understanding of God

· a new appreciation of the Bible

· mental acuity

· a richer faith

· unbelievable hope

· spiritual enlightenment

· and, an inexpressible joy.

So fight the dreaded Symbolically with the Golden Rule of Interpretation — "If the plain sense makes sense, don't look for any other sense, lest you end up with nonsense." Why live with the heartbreak of confusion? Take the Golden Rule. Because He's worth it.

No prescription necessary. Available to all ages.

 

[Old Lioness]

We can pray for those who pervert the word of God for pride and profit while still discerning right from wrong. The prosperity gospel people like Osteen preach make God appear as some celestial Santa Claus that can be cajoled into handing out new toys in exchange for good deeds (mostly donations to the one giving the sermon). It appeals to worldly people who think God is either a genie in a bottle or Oprah handing out her "favorite things." It's a wonderful religion if one's focus is on this life instead of eternity.

People like Osteen present God as someone from whom you can get things, not someone from whom you've already been given the most precious gift of all. and that is the real danger in his so-called ministry.

Praying for these churches is fine except people are not understanding the damage that these wolves are doing to slaughtering the sheep..They preach love, and goo, but they teach it to fill their own pockets and the tickle the ear theory. this is dangerous and not balanced. Churches such as these need to be exposed for what they are..feel good, fill my pockets churches...and they are past masters at deceiving the flock by their rah rah speeches that completely hide the truth, and pad the consequences of being a luke warm Christian and a bench warmer and "I am a good person" syndrome...RIGHTEOUS Judgement is NOT wrong believe me, and the political correctness of the thinking Do not judge and they are doing their own thing and it's ok, is exactly the wrong thing to do. We are entering in a time now that we don't have much time to play games. We need to tell about the blood of the cross in blunt terms...Is it not love to warn those that are about to be hit by a truck?

 

[Instrument150]

Honestly, the name "Joel Olsteen" conjures only the image of his face smiling. I will now research and then cast my vote.

 

[Instrument150]

I listened to the first 5 minutes of his newest sermon to cast my vote with, and he told me that Jesus promised to help me fulfill the desires of my own heart. However, I am aware that the desires of my heart do not align with God, and that my success on this Earth was never promised to me in any regard. As a matter of fact, I was told that if I follow Jesus and speak in his name, I will be shunned and the world will hate me. This is written in the Word. But, truth was mixed into his sermon, and I was also reminded that God has not forgotten me and that He said that He has carved me into his hand as a reminder.

So, I put, "I don't know."

 

[Zoey <3]

Joel Olsteen is a man of the people, for sure. I am not encouraging this thread, as it is technically gossip. However, I will inform you all of this...

Joel Olsteen refused to open his church as a shelter to the people of Texas after hurricane Harvey. My Father lived there a long time ago and met him once. He said he was a jerk, but wouldn't tell me why.

Also, not to be sexist or anything, have you noticed everytime he shows his wife in his sermon videos, she never speaks? With other leaders, such as Steven Furtick, the wife at LEAST says something. Joel's wife just nods her head. And she hardly ever smiles. I watch a LOT of biblical television. Spare your time, he is a fake.

 

[justme6272]

I never say the name "Joel Olsteen" without prefixing it with 'motivational speaker Joel Olsteen" the same way I never say 'the political establishment' without prefixing it with 'the failed political establishment.' Those extra few words in front offer a much better description when communicating to people.

 

[dayhiker]

Thought I would clarify the the information about hurricane Harvey and Joel Osteen's response. Before Lakewood church bought the basketball arena it had been flooded by a previous hurricane. They did work to minimize the damage a new flood would do but it hadn't been tested yet. There are pictures of how much water entered the church and it wouldn't have been a safe place to be during the flood. The church has sense been helping people deal with the flood.

 

[Boogaloo]

Joel's very careful about saying who goes and doesn't go to Heaven.
Someone prosperous buy this man a Bible. I've got a dollar for the cause! *waves cash*

Feel good materialist worldly guru. He's not a pastor of the word of God. Watch the double talk in that clip. Joel believes his way. But he says he believes what the Bible says. Then you'll note how many times he says, he doesn't know. He doesn't know. He doesn't know, who enters Heaven. And who doesn't. But the Bible he says he believes is very clear. Joel doesn't seem to know that.


And this is just an extra to show how far Osteen goes and in concert with the other false teacher, Oprah.

AMEN!

 

[Boogaloo]

I hope this helps!