Joel Osteen

[pureinheart]

No matter what faith (or no faith, whatever) you'd be really encouraged to hear one of Joel Osteen's teachings...he is great. I guarantee you'll walk away feeling better about everything.

 

Steve Harvey is also way cool, he communicates exactly the "way it is"...listen to these two guys (and others) and you will be encouraged.

[JamesM]

Personally I am strongly opposed to Osteen's prosperity theology, and am also inclined to have a negative view on pastors who have no seminary training. I am very critical when it comes to pastors. I understand Osteen is very fulfilling to some, and he is an amazing speaker. But all pastors who head megachurchs are fairly charismatic and have a great speaking ability, which is one of the reasons they are able to attract so many people... that being said, I usually find their message to be generic.

 

I went to a megachurch this last Easter with a friend of mine where we watched an Easter laser light show and then heard a very weak sermon from the pastor. Afterward my friend put it best when he said "The numbers are more important to them than the message."

 

I agree.

 

It is all about presenting a psychological feel good message. Never will Osteen say that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Never will he tell his audience that they are sinners and need salvation. I have heard him interviewed a couple of times and twice by Larry King. He would not even say that someone who is an atheist would not be in Heaven. While I agree, he cannot judge the inward heart of someone, he should be able to say what the Bible says.

 

On a TV special that included him, they interviewed an atheist who said that he enjoyed listening to Osteen. he said he always felt better when he left. A true preacher of God would not let an atheist leave his church feeling better. Either the atheist would be angry or repentant but not feeling good about himself.

 

I do agree that Osteen is very enjoyable to watch, but I don't think he has much substance to his theology.

 

Just my opinion.

[pureinheart]

I enjoy Olsteen, as well as Jakes, and Meyer. I think that they each have a different ministering style. Most teachers don't reach all their students because of differing learning and teaching styles. Just like the disciples, there are different styles for different groups.

 

Oh man Bent...TD Jakes has a message called "let it go" (I got it in an email)....OMG...then there's another one that a friend taped for me that I've listened to about 500 times.

 

I love Joyce Meyers also, she got me through some very difficult times...I watch TBN so I listen at all of them...agreed, each ministers to what I need at that time.

[pureinheart]

I agree.

 

It is all about presenting a psychological feel good message. Never will Osteen say that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Never will he tell his audience that they are sinners and need salvation. I have heard him interviewed a couple of times and twice by Larry King. He would not even say that someone who is an atheist would not be in Heaven. While I agree, he cannot judge the inward heart of someone, he should be able to say what the Bible says.

 

On a TV special that included him, they interviewed an atheist who said that he enjoyed listening to Osteen. he said he always felt better when he left. A true preacher of God would not let an atheist leave his church feeling better. Either the atheist would be angry or repentant but not feeling good about himself.

 

I do agree that Osteen is very enjoyable to watch, but I don't think he has much substance to his theology.

 

Just my opinion.

 

And I respect your opinion JM...I always like your posts no matter if I agree or not .

 

Like what BBNB said, (paraphrasing) it's about ministering style and since we're all different, different preaching styles work for different people.

 

I have a tendancy towards Joels style due to my knowledge of knowing God is in control, I have no control over anothers salvation regardless of what I say or do. I don't have the power to turn someone off or on, that is entirely up to them.

 

Most would differ and say that I could say or do something to turn another off to God. I hear quite frequently that Christians do this that and the other thing and that is why I don't believe in God...while I "understand" how this could happen, I still feel that regardless they have made that decision, or would have made it anyway as "I" do not have that type of power over another...only God does, yet God give a free will to decide for ourselves.

 

I think what most forget is that it's ok to feel good, we are bombarded daily with major negativity...to me it is quite refreshing to not hear the condemnation that the world is constantly offering and tries to shove down my throat.

[pureinheart]

Personally I am strongly opposed to Osteen's prosperity theology, and am also inclined to have a negative view on pastors who have no seminary training. I am very critical when it comes to pastors. I understand Osteen is very fulfilling to some, and he is an amazing speaker. But all pastors who head megachurchs are fairly charismatic and have a great speaking ability, which is one of the reasons they are able to attract so many people... that being said, I usually find their message to be generic.

 

I went to a megachurch this last Easter with a friend of mine where we watched an Easter laser light show and then heard a very weak sermon from the pastor. Afterward my friend put it best when he said "The numbers are more important to them than the message."

 

Hi LisaLee,

 

Actually Joels father was a preacher...my mother was an accountant, so I did not need training, she taught me.

 

I think it's a major gift to be able to speak in front of people. My first speaking engagement was in front of a rather large congregation and it freaked me out.

 

I understand how you feel...another way of looking at numbers where preaching is concerned is that there could possibly more who are brought to Christ, which is the purpose of a large majority of preachers/teachers.

 

This brings me to the point that there is a difference in "preaching" and "teaching" IMO...to me they are two very different gifts and operate differently.

[pureinheart]

You know who I really miss....EV Hill...man he could really put out a message...I used to sit and watch him for hours.

 

I used to go to Hal Lindsey's church, he was way cool as I am bigtime into prophecy.

 

Clarence McClendon is one powerful man of God...he's my man....Mark Chirona is way powerful too.

[JamesM]

What Lisa Lee said.

 

The biggest problem I have with Osteen is how he knows what to preach but seems to be afraid to preach it.

 

This small portion of an interview with Larry King summarizes what I mean best. Of course, God will be the ultimate judge of each person, but we can (or should) say that a nameless person who does not believe in God cannot be in Heaven even according to what Osteen preaches.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPeYUXuuRUM

 

And another video where he cannot state what he believes for fear of sounding too harsh it seems. So he appears to be dancing around the answer.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfwYU2pmWYQ&feature=related

 

He is an excellent speaker. He draws great crowds. But how many leave knowing what the truth of the Bible truly is? How many leave feeling good about themselves when they actually should be leaving with the realization that there is much that is not good in the eyes of God?

 

His father was a Christian Reformed preacher who preached a completely different message. How could Joel have missed seeing how important his father's message was, and instead now even cannot call an atheist an atheist?

 

Pureinheart, I understand how you feel, but can I give you a different and more effective way to preach? Please listen to this clip and listen to how Paul Washer preaches a few minutes into the clip.

 

Just an opinion.

Edited April 21, 2010 by JamesM

[GorillaTheater]

You know what bugs me most about Osteen?

 

The fact that the place where I used to go to watch the Rockets or catch ZZTop when they were in town is now yet another McMegachurch. That, and the fact that the prime benficiaries of the Prosperity Gospel is the prosperity of those running said McMegachurch.

 

But hey, if some of you get something out of it, that's great.

[JustJoe]

Osteen is another Jerry Falwell, only smoother. Falwell at least read the Bible, I doubt if Osteen would even recognize one. Nothing dismays me more about American Society, than this sheep-like attitude. Whether it's Hitler, L Ron Hubbard or Joel Osteen, they are all wolves in sheep's clothing. Learn to depend on yourself, and you won't need Shepherds to lead you.

[JamesM]

But as I have said, my beef with Joel Osteen is his "Jesus is a capitalist and wants you to be rich" mentality. Is Joel Osteen a good motivational speaker? He is fantastic. Is he a good Christian teacher? Emphatically, no. He barely cites the Bible because he doesn't know it. But he DOES know how to talk to people and make them feel good.

 

Lisa, I agreed with most of your post.

 

I differ in that I think Osteen DOES know the Bible and what is in it. What I think is that he is afraid to say it to directly to people because he is afraid to offend.

[Tommy's Girl]

Just wanted to put my .02 in... Joyce Meyer is the bomb. Love her. No one can convict me like her. Her own life experiences are her best teaching tools.

[Eve]

I have listened to Joyce Meyer and really like her. She is funny as well as earnest. I think I have heard of Joel... If it is the same guy I am thinking off, he is approachable and I think this is SO important for those who are seeking God that have an even temperment and dont need big shocks to stay near to God. I am glad that he has not succumbed to condemning athiests.. utter waste of time. Thats just temptation..

 

I am not familiar with the concept of 'Mega Churches' as they are not at all common in the UK - mainly because there is not a great Church following as such here... but the Church does have a relevant and respected presence, such as The Salvations Army, The Methodists (love The Methodists) etc. I like the fact that people here can give time etc to ventures easily without having to sign up to Doctrines which often they cannot really identify with.

 

The doing bit is what matters and I am glad that Joel is able to inspire in this regard.

 

Always Let God be our Judge.

 

He doesnt seem to be Universalist in his approach at all to me..

 

 

Take care,

Eve xx

[ouchhurts]

EV HILL WOW Simply one of the all time great men of God

[runner]

No matter what faith (or no faith, whatever) you'd be really encouraged to hear one of Joel Osteen's teachings...he is great. I guarantee you'll walk away feeling better about everything.

 

although i'm not religious - and i pretty much reject most, if not all, church doctrine - i like and admire joel osteen's hopefulness and optimism. on tv anyway. at a real dinner event he might actually get on my nerves - who knows.

 

anyway, he'd be an awesome babysitter

Edited April 25, 2010 by runner
prose

[pureinheart]

You know what bugs me most about Osteen?

 

The fact that the place where I used to go to watch the Rockets or catch ZZTop when they were in town is now yet another McMegachurch. That, and the fact that the prime benficiaries of the Prosperity Gospel is the prosperity of those running said McMegachurch.

 

But hey, if some of you get something out of it, that's great.

 

You crack me up....thank you for giving up ZZ and the Rockets , Joel has saved my life many times over when I was in the pits of despair...

[pureinheart]

What Lisa Lee said.

 

The biggest problem I have with Osteen is how he knows what to preach but seems to be afraid to preach it.

 

This small portion of an interview with Larry King summarizes what I mean best. Of course, God will be the ultimate judge of each person, but we can (or should) say that a nameless person who does not believe in God cannot be in Heaven even according to what Osteen preaches.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPeYUXuuRUM

 

And another video where he cannot state what he believes for fear of sounding too harsh it seems. So he appears to be dancing around the answer.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfwYU2pmWYQ&feature=related

 

He is an excellent speaker. He draws great crowds. But how many leave knowing what the truth of the Bible truly is? How many leave feeling good about themselves when they actually should be leaving with the realization that there is much that is not good in the eyes of God?

 

His father was a Christian Reformed preacher who preached a completely different message. How could Joel have missed seeing how important his father's message was, and instead now even cannot call an atheist an atheist?

 

Pureinheart, I understand how you feel, but can I give you a different and more effective way to preach? Please listen to this clip and listen to how Paul Washer preaches a few minutes into the clip.

 

Just an opinion.

 

Hey JM!

 

Hey thank you...now I only heard the first one, although will listen to the other two tomorrow as it is late, I just checked this thread and wish I'd have checked it earlier.

 

He was really encouraging also...James, you have no idea HOW MUCH I needed that tonight...not sure how you believe concerning spiritual warfare, although I've been hit hard and heavy lately and really needed that encouragement. You put a big smile on my face

[JustJoe]

Why do you people feel that you need someone to lead/motivate you? Can't you lead yourselves?

[taiko]

Why do you people feel that you need someone to lead/motivate you? Can't you lead yourselves?

 

If it was that easy proven leaders in business, sports, politics and yes even religion wouldn't be paid so much and/or be given grand titles and perks over the common or lay people.

[pureinheart]

Why do you people feel that you need someone to lead/motivate you? Can't you lead yourselves?

 

Excellent question....speaking for myself.

 

I am led by God, although there are times that my "flesh" has superceded and I have missed God's perfect will for my life, yet He is still in control and is always there when I have come running home with my tail between my legs.

 

I go to church for encouragement and listen/watch my people on the tv/radio to reinforce and learn.

 

No, I can't lead myself, God has to lead me and He uses His people and many other things to let me know the direction He has for me.

[pureinheart]

OMG...watched Joel's latest teaching tonight....what a trip, I wonder if he read this thread as he touched on everything brought up by everyone...blew my mind....

 

Nahhh runner, you'd like him at dinner too...

[Tayla]

Even leaders are following in someone elses' footsteps.

 

Take the road less traveled.

 

I respect motivational speakers as well as religions of variance. I do not put anyone on a pedastal. Its a persons actions that speak louder then any staged commentary. Most of the speakers mentioned do walk the talk though.

[jcil]

Joel Osteen preaches very much on faith, trusting God, and spiritual principles. I have not personally seen him preach, or over preach, about prosperity. But I have only watched his TV ministry a few times. He is very good at bringing encouragement, and wisdom about christian living, getting along with others etc. God uses Him. But as has been said, God does have different ministers put a more emphasis on particular areas.

The church in general is in a process of restoration. Some preachers do overemphasize some things. Even Paul said that some with wrong motives made him weep. Those who are sincere will eventually, but hopefully soon, come to a place of commitment where God's purpose, and His burden are firmly established. Paul said that those who seek riches would peirce themselves through with many sorrows. But we know that if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all the other things will be added to us.

I believe that Jesus was speaking more on trusting God as we make sacrifices for Him, rather than a get rich formula, when he said spoke saying that men would give to us if we give. It is more blessed to give than to receive, and greed is also spoken against by the Lord Jesus.

Anyway, Jesus is getting us ready for His return. In Isaiah He wrote that the church would grow up line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little. He say this twice, one sentence after the other.

And that with stammering lips, and another tongue, He will speak to His people, and that "this is the rest, and this is the refreshing". We don't live by the ordinances of the law, but we are led by the Spirit of God. And this refreshing and rest that comes by His Spirit is very important to us, even foundational.

If you want a Good source of inspired messages on the internet, you can go to http://www.hanby.org. I know that there are many other good ministries on the web, but I recommend Mark Hanby as a sincere, and honest preacher, who wants to preach and teach the word of God, and not give only an enticing message designed to add many members to a church quickly.

God bless you all with His wisdom and faith, in Jesus Name, Bill.

[Shakz]

Ah yes, Mark Hanby, the front man for the Kingdom Television Network scam. Tell the congregations through one of your prophesies where all the money has gone, man of God. Does Eddie Long have it, or Crespo Dollar? Speaking of those guys, let us consider First Fruits offerings. When you get a promotion or a raise throw the difference between your old check and your first new check into the collection plate, along with your regular tithes and offerings. Then God will bless you with more prosperity. Right, like you can buy God off. Isn't this the very thing Jesus railed against when he overturned the tables of the money-changers? "Well, the God I believe in isn't short of cash, mister!"~Bono

[jcil]

Mark Hanby is not a front man for any scam. If there have been any wrongdoings, his relationship to any individual doing them is not related to those things.

[JamesM]

Here is an interesting article about Joel Osteen and the Prosperity Gospel.

 

Basically, it is...."Through faith we can obtain anything we want — health, wealth, success, or whatever we please." Instead of man serving God, God is simply available to man for his happiness.

 

http://www.svchapel.org/resources/articles/22-contemporary-issues/620-joel-osteen-and-the-prosperity-gospel