Joel Osteen

[johnthreesixteen]

If a single person comes to Jesus as a result of Joel Olsteen's actions that will be...

A modern miracle!

 

[GraceLikeRainFallsDown]

I'm sorry, but your comments almost make me sick.

Our job as Christians is to spread the word. If a single person comes to Jesus as a result of Joel Olsteen's actions that will be one more person saved regardless of how Joel Olsteen presents his message. From there it is up to each of us to educate ourselves in the Word of the Lord and not follow blindly.

How did your comments just contribute to the kingdom of God? Did you say you saw the program once and that gives you freedom to trash him because his style didn't appeal to you? I think not.

The Word contained in the New Testament should be your main teacher, none other. Whatever works to inspire anyone to follow or come to the teachings of Jesus is helpful to the kingdom.

Your comments are not. Perhaps if you took some time to listen to Joel Olsteen you'll see that he does quote from the Bible.

He did a real good show once on what Jesus meant when He said it's what comes out of your mouth that makes you unclean. Kind of clarified what Mom said about not saying anything if you didn't have anything to say. Or have no idea of what you are talking about.

Joel shows people how to use the teachings of Jesus to improve their everyday lives. Nothing wrong with that.
Must be working. A lot of people attend his service and even more watch the program on TV for inspiration.

Join us and then if you still feel the need to trash him, go for it. At least you'll have a better idea of what you are talking about.

I think you'll find his teachings refreshing.

God Bless.

I am sorry you were not feeling well after you read my opinion. I hope you feel better now.

I did not imply that I had a great amount of knowledge regarding Mr. Olsteen. I merely stated my opinion on what I have heard from him directly on his program and others that have read his book that I know. I know of one person (I respect) that bought his book and actually threw it away after a couple of chapters.

I completely agree that the New Testament should be our main teacher. ALL the words not just selective ones that make people feel good.

I am not saying that everything he says is false. From the parts of his show I have seen, I can not think of anything that is false. I just worry that people that faithfully follow his teaching weekly will miss PART of the message in the New Testament.

He does not come across as strong in the Truth of the Bible that Jesus is the way to salvation. He says he believes the Bible but just can't say that those that do not believe that Jesus is their savior will not be saved. I agree with him that only God can judge. But, God gave us guidelines in the Bible that are very clear on certain issues. Jesus as the way to salvation is a clear point. He just kind of leaves it open for non-Christians.

I do worry about a teacher with so many followers that may get the impression that Jesus is not NECESSARY for salvation. He says I don't know a couple of times on this issue. A man in his position should know.

from cnn.com (Larry King Interview)

KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they?

OSTEEN: Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God with judge a person's heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.

Actually, I will watch his show again next time I come across it. I will count how many times he quotes scripture and how many times he opens that Bible he waves around. I will count how many times he warns his flock about sin and its consequences.

I have no problem with someone listening to him for encouragement now and again. My concern is for those who read or listen to nothing else and miss a big part of the Lords message to us.

I do not doubt he is inspirational. He was on the parts of his show I have seen. I would be fine with it if he were an inspirational speaker. But, I think a Pastor has more responsibility then an inspirational speaker.

Just my opinion . . .

 

[marke]

First of all, Rosie, I totally agree with your concept of God talking to you by exposing you to the same message through different, unrelated sources, I get the same thing all the time.

And definitely, anyone can be used by God for His greater glory - look at Pharaoh, for example. I just wouldn't want to be a member of Joel's flock if that was the end all be all of the sermons and teachings I received. I also am concerned for those in his TV audience who get nothing else but his messages weekly.

God is also using "W" for His greater glory. He is separating the wheat from the chaff in the body of Christ.

Those who can discern wrong actions of this administration and those that can't.

Time to ask yourself if your political affiliation is more important than your spiritual affiliation.

How republicans stole the title as the "Christian" party is beyond me. Surely God works is strange ways.

 

[marke]

A modern miracle!

Perhaps John 3:19 would be more appropriate.

 

[marke]

i have seen his 'show'. i don't understand the whole "this is my Bible, I am what it says I am, I can be what it says I can be...". while I agree I am what it says, how come thay don't open them and see what the Bible says. When he was on The View last year, he admitted that he has never gone to seminary and is not ordained. Lakewood church was his dads congregation and he took over when his dad passed away( he used to run sound/lights or something like that). And his refusal to answer that JESUS is the only way to salvation did it for me. He seems more worried about about being PC than the souls of the millions he reaches being saved!! Yes his messages are very uplifting, but going to church isn't just about feeling good.

Perhaps a review of Romans 2 might be in order.

 

[Pasat_14]

Oh man, there is so much I could say about this Joel Osteen guy. I was given his book about 7 steps to living to your full potential and it is full of self help. I've checked out his reference of verses and he always referrs to verses that refer to heaven. Yet Joel uses them to say that God wants us to have this 'abundant life' on earth. He twists the verses, that's when he actually uses scripture.
I've been going through his book with post-it notes and I find a minumum of two things I don't like on each double spread.
I've also listened to one of his sermons on the internet and he doesn't mention Jesus. The Bible tells us that no one can come to God except through Jesus...He doesn't preach anything to do with a relationship with Jesus. He says that we should be expecting more simply because we're Christians. Doesn't the Bible tell us that we will get more trials as Christians?
He also makes the listener feel good and I agree with the person who said going to church isn't all about feeling good. You're there to praise God and learn.
Joel also doesn't talk about sin. Which would you rather, feeling good about yourself or feeling guilt because you've gone against your Father in Heaven? I would rather feel the guilt, it means we can then get put right and please Him even more. That should be one of our ultimate aims, to please our Father, not the other way around. From what I've read from Joel's book so far he seems to have the opinion of "what can Christianity do for me?" rather than "what can I do for Christ?"
Anyways, I know I someone may not agree with what I've said and that's cool. I believe if Joel is helping you then that's good for you, he just doesn't help me.
God bless!

 

[johnthreesixteen]

Perhaps John 3:19 would be more appropriate.

No member of the Profit Driven Church is fooling God.
Sadly they fool people.
If you can't accept that some people are of the opinion that JO and co. are just after $alvation, then tough.
'Want salvation? Buy my book!'
Enjoy yourself.
My money goes to charity, not to the multi-millionaire televangelists.

 

[Cris413]

I'm sorry, but your comments almost make me sick.

Our job as Christians is to spread the word. If a single person comes to Jesus as a result of Joel Olsteen's actions that will be one more person saved regardless of how Joel Olsteen presents his message. From there it is up to each of us to educate ourselves in the Word of the Lord and not follow blindly.

How did your comments just contribute to the kingdom of God? Did you say you saw the program once and that gives you freedom to trash him because his style didn't appeal to you? I think not.

The Word contained in the New Testament should be your main teacher, none other. Whatever works to inspire anyone to follow or come to the teachings of Jesus is helpful to the kingdom.

Your comments are not. Perhaps if you took some time to listen to Joel Olsteen you'll see that he does quote from the Bible.

He did a real good show once on what Jesus meant when He said it's what comes out of your mouth that makes you unclean. Kind of clarified what Mom said about not saying anything if you didn't have anything to say. Or have no idea of what you are talking about.

Joel shows people how to use the teachings of Jesus to improve their everyday lives. Nothing wrong with that.
Must be working. A lot of people attend his service and even more watch the program on TV for inspiration.

Join us and then if you still feel the need to trash him, go for it. At least you'll have a better idea of what you are talking about.

I think you'll find his teachings refreshing.

God Bless.

Well, this certainly sheds a lot of light on the use of deception and advocation of lying in your other posts. (As long as no one dies of course.)

 

[Nadiine]

What do you guys know about him? I have heard his name, but I haven't really heard him speak or read his books. I overheard someone talking about him, but I don't know much about him, so I couldn't really join the discussion.

Due to lack of time, here's what I have to say for now:

 

[Kelly]

There is nothing wrong with questioning the teachings of a pastor, especially in what many consider near end-times. We know what people will gather around, it tells us in scripture.

Hey, if I need a feel good, self-help boost, I might watch him. All I'm saying is that I wouldn't fight those crowds for that message.

 

[Cris413]

I am sorry you were not feeling well after you read my opinion. I hope you feel better now.

I did not imply that I had a great amount of knowledge regarding Mr. Olsteen. I merely stated my opinion on what I have heard from him directly on his program and others that have read his book that I know. I know of one person (I respect) that bought his book and actually threw it away after a couple of chapters.

I completely agree that the New Testament should be our main teacher. ALL the words not just selective ones that make people feel good.

I am not saying that everything he says is false. From the parts of his show I have seen, I can not think of anything that is false. I just worry that people that faithfully follow his teaching weekly will miss PART of the message in the New Testament.

He does not come across as strong in the Truth of the Bible that Jesus is the way to salvation. He says he believes the Bible but just can't say that those that do not believe that Jesus is their savior will not be saved. I agree with him that only God can judge. But, God gave us guidelines in the Bible that are very clear on certain issues. Jesus as the way to salvation is a clear point. He just kind of leaves it open for non-Christians.

I do worry about a teacher with so many followers that may get the impression that Jesus is not NECESSARY for salvation. He says I don't know a couple of times on this issue. A man in his position should know.

from cnn.com (Larry King Interview)

KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they?

OSTEEN: Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God with judge a person's heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.

Actually, I will watch his show again next time I come across it. I will count how many times he quotes scripture and how many times he opens that Bible he waves around. I will count how many times he warns his flock about sin and its consequences.

I have no problem with someone listening to him for encouragement now and again. My concern is for those who read or listen to nothing else and miss a big part of the Lords message to us.

I do not doubt he is inspirational. He was on the parts of his show I have seen. I would be fine with it if he were an inspirational speaker. But, I think a Pastor has more responsibility then an inspirational speaker.

Just my opinion . . .

I agree Grace, I think a big point here is Mr Osteen would be taxed as an inspirational speaker...but under the guise of a church...he's tax exempt. (Hmmm...thoughts to ponder)

I think there is a problem when people confuse opinion with judgment. (As marke so lovingly noted in the heart of brotherly love to you)

Yes, my opinion of JO is not great. Actually I think the man is harmful to the point of leading people into a false sense of spirituality. Everyone can walk away from his message feeling all warm and fuzzy about themselves with no real need for repentance. No wonder the masses flock to his message.

Yes, I judge that as wrong. It's called spiritual discernment. People get so caught up in not judging others...and tend to forget as believers we are called to judge matters of the spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.

I think Chapter 3 is interesting as well and I would like to type it in it's entirety but I would like to mention:

v 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ

v 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

v 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is.

Now, if Mr Osteen's is not sure the foundation is Jesus Christ, I'm confident it will not stand the revelation of fire and he will be accountable. Not only for himself but the people of his flock as well.

Yes...I judge feel-good watered down doctrine as harmful.

I do not believe I judge the man...Mr Osteen...how am I to know if he has or will come to salvation. Again, if he is not sure if Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation...then he indeed is in need of our prayers. Not only for himself but for his flock as well. I do believe he is held to a higher accountability.

v 15 If anyone's works are burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire

God bless you Grace

Note to whomever it pertains to: perhaps we might want to check the condition of our hearts before we whip out our poison keyboards.

 

[Cris413]

Also note worthy, I think, is the importance of an anointed Pastor-Teacher who in giving the message straight from the Bible so that the ones who hear the message walk away with both encouragement and conviction.

When the message is straight from the Bible, I can be certain it's God talking....not the opinion of some speaker.

The messages that were most edifying to me were the messages that convicted my heart....and strengthened my understanding of grace and mercy. Not only for me but also the importance of bringing others to that grace and mercy.

Conviction in the areas of your life where sin exists and encouragement that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Also in the example of our Lord to correct those areas of sin.

I have a huge problem with any doctrine or inspirational teaching where the focus is on "self". Jesus teaches us to deny our selves and pick up our cross daily.

The focus of any christian walk/teaching in my opinion should be of service....not self.

God bless

 

[Nadiine]

This is for the OP & anyone that doesn't know about J Osteen's public interview w/ Larry King on CNN.
I strongly urge anyone who's supporting this man to read this & notice the STARTLING statements made (and lack of statements) that come from a "Christian evangelist".

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0506/20/lkl.01.html
​

To close, I read 1 person's post about how if just ONE person is saved thru his ministry, it's good.him being in ministry.... I say this, HOW MANY ARE HARMED & LOST SO THAT ONE IS SAVED?

& he doesn't quote much at all from the scriptures, and my brother who is a Pastor listens to his teachings & has found many of the verses he does use are taken out of their context & mistaught.

If that's the ONLY diet people are going to be spiritually fed, I highly suggest they get a good dentist - becuz eating only sweets will end up rotting your teeth out.

*other links: what Osteen is charging when he travels to speak: (this is true, my husband saw his ticket sales in Calif. here just a few mos. ago and they were at $100 a ticket)
- disclaimer: I haven't thoroughly searched these sites - just these pages I got from the search engine.

http://www.apprising.org/archives/2005/10/whats_that_you.html
http://www.letusreason.org/Popteac29.htm


​

 

[CelineDion]

Anyone whose ever read any of my posts know I very much stand up for tv preachers...being the product of my fathers media ministry but I have to agree that Pastor Joel...though a very very nice man does not stand very firmly for the standard of Christ. He has had SO SO many opportunitys to be an influence but has in a way let the Christian world down by not using these oppurtunities. Im not saying He's not a christian but I do feel he should start standing up for whats right and not what makes people feel hunky dory all the time.

 

[VCViking]

Why would anyone listen to a pastor who says this:




KING: What if you're Jewish or Muslim, you don't accept Christ at all?

OSTEEN: You know, I'm very careful about saying who would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know ...

KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they?

OSTEEN: Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God with judge a person's heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.

from CNN LARRY KING LIVE Interview With Joel Osteen
Aired June 20, 2005

 

[Nadiine]

Why would anyone listen to a pastor who says this:

KING: What if you're Jewish or Muslim, you don't accept Christ at all?

OSTEEN: You know, I'm very careful about saying who would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know ...

KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they?

OSTEEN: Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God with judge a person's heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.

from CNN LARRY KING LIVE Interview With Joel Osteen
Aired June 20, 2005

Yes, "wrong" is a PC buzzword, we can't use that evil word. (it offends people)

That's why I posted the link to the full CNN interview, he also couldn't say that Jesus was the ONLY way to God (salvation).....
That was the one that did it for me. Imagine, a pastor that can't tell the world JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY to God. good grief.

You have to wonder what "good" he's doing to save people.. who are they be saved to??

 

[Nadiine]

Anyone whose ever read any of my posts know I very much stand up for tv preachers...being the product of my fathers media ministry but I have to agree that Pastor Joel...though a very very nice man does not stand very firmly for the standard of Christ. He has had SO SO many opportunitys to be an influence but has in a way let the Christian world down by not using these oppurtunities. Im not saying He's not a christian but I do feel he should start standing up for whats right and not what makes people feel hunky dory all the time.

First of all, I got Celine Dion's perfume for Christmas (the purple box? lol). I really LUV LUV it!!!

Anyhoo, I'm like you, I don't like the attacks of every pastor on Christian tv. I like some of them & think they're very good.
& I feel the same as you about the troubles w/ Joel. Maybe God will change him - I should be for him.

 

[Cris413]

Anyone whose ever read any of my posts know I very much stand up for tv preachers...being the product of my fathers media ministry but I have to agree that Pastor Joel...though a very very nice man does not stand very firmly for the standard of Christ. He has had SO SO many opportunitys to be an influence but has in a way let the Christian world down by not using these oppurtunities. Im not saying He's not a christian but I do feel he should start standing up for whats right and not what makes people feel hunky dory all the time.

Yes...there are wonderful ministries on television. I for one am very happy my Pastor has a television ministry. I've really been blessed by a lot of television ministries.

Again it comes back to discernment. You know good teaching from bad teaching be it on television or the church down the street.

I know a lot of folks that go to Lakewood. Everyone says the same thing....I love his inspirational message. He only talks about the good stuff....and people really love it. The moment I try to share my concerns...they don't want to talk about it anymore.

So Lakewood to me isn't just a television ministry....it's the church down the street....misdirecting A LOT of people from the Word of God.

God bless

 

[Kelly]

larry king forces every single Christian guest to answer the "is Jesus is the only way to heaven?" question. It's an attempt to turn the non-Christian public against the guest.

 

[GraceLikeRainFallsDown]

larry king forces every single Christian guest to answer the "is Jesus is the only way to heaven?" question. It's an attempt to turn the non-Christian public against the guest.

Even if it is an attempt to create bias against a guest because they are Christian, a Pastor has an obligation to get the Truth out. Pastors know that the Word of God will offend some, but they are still supposed to claim it as truth. All Chrisitans, Pastors or not, should stand firm in their faith.

Mark 13:13 Everyone will hate you because of me, but those who stand firm to the end will be saved.