What do you think of Joel Osteen?

goldenboy · Oct 27, 2018

goldenboy said:
I think that Osteen has publicly disgraced his own ministry, and I wouldn't go to a meeting of his unless he paid me. I think it is a brave and foolish thing to question a man's salvation, but, in Osteen's case, I shouldn't care to bet that I'll see him when I get inside the pearly gates.

Google something like "Joel Osteen" and "Larry King" and 'Denies Jesus', something like that.
He was on the Larry King show, and King actually asked him "Is Jesus the only Way to Heaven", or God, or something like that. The question was as unambiguous as you could want. What did this Shepherd of the flock say??? "Well, Larry, I don't know." He mumbled something about Jesus working for himself..!!! It was pretty sickening. King then asked him again, only in a different, unambiguous way. Same response. "Well, Jesus works for me, Larry." Or something equally mealy mouthed.

Watching it, I was struck by the fact that King, a Jew, wasn't being accusatory or belligerent; he was asking, in his usual way, 'what do YOU think?'. Here was a Jew, who even then was nearing the end of his own earthly walk, if Jesus was the only Way to Heaven. IIRC, King was giving Osteen every chance possible, in a gracious manner, to say "Jesus is the Only way to Heaven!" And, what does he do? Equivocates, with as little backbone as a jellyfish. If you are a Christian, and have a need to vomit, watch this.

I can't judge his heart, but, EEEK! I think that even the bizarre Tammy Faye would have at least said 'Yes" to that question. So, I'm supposed to go to this guy's church, and give money to him to hear of 'what works for him?" I'm supposed to give my life to a Jesus that 'works for him'...but, this man says he doesn't know if He will work for me? This is horrendous!

Edit: Reviewed vid; he didn't say "he works for me" and he didn't say "Well, Larry, I don't know". He did say he believed the Gospel to be the Truth, but, what he said that I found was so offensive, was his changing the subject by saying "I can't judge what's in a man's heart." Continually. Which, is not an answer to the question as to whether Jesus was the only way.

I'm thinking that I need to repent of my harsh judgment of Osteen. His answer to King may have been a bit weak, but, in perspective, we all have great moments of failure (I believe).

I have just been jumping around Youtube looking at all kinds of stuff, when I came upon another clip of JO answering a similar question about homosexuality. Now, we all know that aberrant sexual practices are not the litmus test of one's Salvation, or even of one's ministry, but, Joel most definitely took a brave, and more importantly, Biblical stand in his response to the question. He didn't namby pamby it off, as I had expected that he would. He was not afraid to speak up. Further, he, later, printed an explanation of his answer to King, which should suffice.

Soooooooooo, I have been more hypocritical and judgmental than is proper. As the Catholics say, Mea Culpa. As Protestants say, "I have sinned in judging the brother in a way that I, myself, would desperately NOT want to be judged, nor bear in that Great Day." I apologize, guys.

goldenboy · Oct 27, 2018

Simon the Tanner said:
goldenboy, if you'll scroll up in the thread you'll see where Joel acknowledged his poor performance on Larry King and he issued an apology to his church and supporters. That interview was fairly early on in Joel's career as an author and he wasn't really prepared for how to handle questions like that in doing his book promotion tour. He's improved a bit since then.

I have since repented of my harsh judgment of the brother, Simon. Thanks for the reference.

In perspective, in addition to my recognition of my other failings in regard to this matter, JO IS naming the name of Jesus to the world, where as I am not even covering my own city with His name. Ouch!

Simon the Tanner · Oct 27, 2018

Joel issued an apology for his sub-par performance on Larry King shortly after it aired. You can read about it here.

http://jewandgreek.com/refuting-keith-thompson-part-2-cont/

spiritfilledjm · Oct 27, 2018

I don't like Olsteen's style...that's all I'll say. However, I did love his, now former, associate pastor John Gray who now has his own church.

Simon the Tanner · Oct 27, 2018

JoeP222w said:
Joel Osteen is a false teacher. He refuses to warn people to turn from their sin and trust in Jesus Christ. The other people you mention are also false teachers.

Here's a clip of Joel leading people in the sinner's prayer where he says "I repent of my sins"

He does this every week at the end of the message. He may not preach a lot against sin but he does talk a lot about changing the way that you think which is what "repent" means. He's not a false teacher. You just don't like his style.

now faith · Oct 28, 2018

goldenboy said:
I have since repented of my harsh judgment of the brother, Simon. Thanks for the reference.

In perspective, in addition to my recognition of my other failings in regard to this matter, JO IS naming the name of Jesus to the world, where as I am not even covering my own city with His name. Ouch!

I admire your honesty, it takes courage to apologize, and is rare these days.
It is the mark of a Godly person.

spiritfilledjm · Oct 28, 2018

Guys, let's not forget that we are not their judge, that is God. They have their way of doing things and though we may disagree with how they feel, what they do with what the Lord has blessed their ministries with is their own business that they will have to answer to God for.

NBB · Oct 28, 2018

spiritfilledjm said:
Guys, let's not forget that we are not their judge, that is God. They have their way of doing things and though we may disagree with how they feel, what they do with what the Lord has blessed their ministries with is their own business that they will have to answer to God for.

You are right, but some of them, you can't deny it apparently seems to be in the gospel for the money and fame.

now faith · Oct 29, 2018

NBB said:
You are right, but some of them, you can't deny it apparently seems to be in the gospel for the money and fame.

Some of them?
Let's not forget the them is us in Word of Faith, and this is a Word of Faith Fourm.
Have you ever wondered what if they understand how the kingdom of God functions?

Si_monfaith · Oct 29, 2018

NBB said:
You are right, but some of them, you can't deny it apparently seems to be in the gospel for the money and fame.

God gives money and fame. The issue however is, "give tithes for God to give you a million dollars". It is like trying to earn God's love using tithes rather than take with faith the love of God earned by Jesus by His works on the cross.

NBB · Oct 29, 2018

Do you are good and all with copeland calling demons in the plane etc.?
Do you have more demons (people it seems to him) in the plane because you travel in normal airplane really? and those demons ask you questions bothering you and disturbing your communion with God, that is why you need a private jet. Jesus didn't have even a little house.

Si_monfaith · Oct 29, 2018

spiritfilledjm said:
Guys, let's not forget that we are not their judge, that is God. They have their way of doing things and though we may disagree with how they feel, what they do with what the Lord has blessed their ministries with is their own business that they will have to answer to God for.

The issue isn't judging or disagreeing but the necessity of proclaiming the truth so that deception is stemmed.

hhodgson · Nov 2, 2018

NBB said:
You are right, but some of them, you can't deny it apparently seems to be in the gospel for the money and fame.

...."but some of them?" Sad to say... you are right, however... this doesn't mean they are Word of Faith. I dare to say your word "some" could be changed to "many" and their in every denom whether they believe in prosperity or "poverty."

hhodgson · Nov 2, 2018

NBB said:
and those demons ask you questions bothering you and disturbing your communion with God, that is why you need a private jet. Jesus didn't have even a little house.

It's called solitude and silence and Jesus needed it also to withdraw (get away) and fellowship with the Father. He was constantly surrounded by "unbelief." Jesus continually withdrew from people, daily life activities, and the demands of his ministry to be alone with the Father and pray.

....Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

....But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:15-16; see also Mark 1:45)

....“Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed.” (Mark 3:7)

There's many more (alone times) we can find where Jesus withdrew. And to your "Jesus didn't have even a little house." You just might be correct here. I don't believe Jesus had a small house either. I'm guessing He had a little larger home.

Have you ever had a period of time where you didn't want to be bothered, or disturbed... and just to be alone with the Lord?

hhodgson · Nov 2, 2018

Si_monfaith said:
The issue isn't judging or disagreeing but the necessity of proclaiming the truth so that deception is stemmed.

....which depends on who's interpretation of the truth to proclaim.

NBB · Nov 2, 2018

hhodgson said:
It's called solitude and silence and Jesus needed it also to withdraw (get away) and fellowship with the Father. He was constantly surrounded by "unbelief." Jesus continually withdrew from people, daily life activities, and the demands of his ministry to be alone with the Father and pray.

....Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

....But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:15-16; see also Mark 1:45)

....“Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed.” (Mark 3:7)

There's many more (alone times) we can find where Jesus withdrew. And to your "Jesus didn't have even a little house." You just might be correct here. I don't believe Jesus had a small house either. I'm guessing He had a little larger home.

Have you ever had a period of time where you didn't want to be bothered, or disturbed... and just to be alone with the Lord?

View attachment 244610

He can withdraw like Jesus at night in his hotel/house, but he needs a private jet for that? that is a luxury not a necessity.
People that don't have private jets, have problems with the communion with God now?

now faith · Nov 4, 2018

Why are minds so carnal that they cannot grasp a modern day worldwide ministry?
If Satan can keep you distracted with jets ,He can steal the blessing you would have had by listening to a sermon.
If it it was not a jet it would be somthing else.
The size of the Church or what the preacher said ,or you thought he said.

now faith · Nov 5, 2018

NBB said:
He can withdraw like Jesus at night in his hotel/house, but he needs a private jet for that? that is a luxury not a necessity.
People that don't have private jets, have problems with the communion with God now?

I'm so glad that Kenneth Copeland can be told how he should talk to God.
I'm glad someone's there to work out His schedule for his ministry, maybe He has a Job opening for budget director, so He dosent need a jet.
Someone who can book direct flights anywhere in the World and keep him on time.
A tour bus and a boat ,along with motel 6 would be needed ,along with a basket of plane tickets.
It reminds me of a Sunday armchair quarterback figuring out what Joe Montana was suppose to to do when He took the 49s to the Superbowl.

You can talk with God anytime, but can you reach millions for the Gospels sake?
Remember God is no respecter of persons, but to whom much is given much is required.

now faith · Nov 10, 2018

Acts 2: 38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand

ColoRaydo · Nov 11, 2018

I listen to Joel Osteen quite a bit while driving. I think 95% of what he says is excellent advice for good Christian living rather than “do what I say in order to be saved.”

He doesn’t claim to be a biblical scholar and admits his doctrine isn’t 100% correct because he says everyone misses the mark somehow, with which I wholeheartedly agree.

I have heard him say some things that I don’t agree with biblically, but that doesn’t mean that everything else he says is false. If that’s the standard to which you hold someone you need to block just about everyone on CF.

What do you think of Joel Osteen?

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