http://www.lakewood.cc/Pages/index.aspx

Has anyone heard of this guy? Joel Osteen, just seen a kind of Hollywood production on him, they were comparing him to Tammy fay and Jim Baker, and they call him the next Billy Graham. Don't want to talk bad about him since I don't know anything about him, however, I had a weird feeling when I watched this program about him. Can someone comment please?

God Bless,
Bb

He is a peracher that centres on what some call "feel good" sermons. I saw him cry on Larry King. He is sincere and loves people. I like him...It is not all gloom and doom. It is hope and possibility. Some foks hate that I guess.

He is a Tony Robins type of preacher that never really gets into what Christ taught. None richer anywhere.

The only leader you will need is God.
Do not be fooled. There ought to be no one between you and God.

He is a name it and claim it preacher that treats God like an ATM machine. I read his book and was bewildered by the lack of biblical basis for what he was saying.

Thanks for all your replies.

While I was watching this guy being interviewed it was as if there was a huge red flag of warning in front of him. Very charismatic, Ken and Barbie kind of couple, seem rich beyond any of us "every day" people, and I felt a sense of falsehood. As I said before, I don't like to put people down, however, it is not a personal attack against this man it is maybe discernment that he might be use by the "other" side to win people over. In some reports, it was mentioned that there had not been anyone as popular since Billy Graham.

One more thing that makes you say "hmmmm"!

I pray that our Father will continue to keep us on our guards. Thank you Lord for your protection.

God Bless you.
Bb

I'm glad you figured it out.

He's another scary one, sending many down the road of spiritual wreck and ruin.

Matthew 19: 23, 24 - " And Jesus said to his disciples, 'Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.'"

-7

JOEL OSTEEN - FALSE PROPHET WARNING!
-perverting the truth of God to accommodate the ideas of men

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Wolves/osteen-heretic.htm


A GUY WHO SMILES A LOT AND WON'T TAKE A STAND ON ANYTHING...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ne9szf_Oo


"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." -Matthew 7:15

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." -Galatians 1:8

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." -1Tim. 4:3-4

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness..." -Isaiah 5:20


"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death." -Prov.14:12

I agree. When I first began to search I watched Osteen and thought he was wonderful but even in the infant stage of Christiantiy I soon realized that after listening to his feel good message....I had not learned anything.


He has a huge audience and they believe they are worshipping our Father....they are not! He is very, very dangerous.

If you happen to ever scan by and see his program, you'll note that the cross has been replaced in his church.....instead there is a world globe spinning on the stage. He found the cross too offensive.


He is another who is making it big during these days of struggle for many. Not a surprise.


In His Love,
Suzanne

Yes, he mentioned the absence of the cross on Larry King one time. Sounds a little like the "one world religion" plan to me. He is dangerous, deceptively sweet and "feel good" but what does he stand for? What do you learn of our Father?

galexee...Who are you? And whirlwind..who are you anyway? Lets hold each of you up to speculation. You will be red faced one day. Shame on you.

Joel Olsteen has never claimed teaching was his gift. He comforts the lost and stray sheep..He's gathering...then he turns them over to teachers. Are you sitting behind the scenes of his church looking at the Bible studies and small groups?

This kind of evil talk makes me so angry.. l could easily drift into my flesh with reply.

galexee..You come here asking this question and l bet you haven't been on this forum long...and then you take the word of any stranger and give them thanks..woe..woe to you.

I wish to God there was a man like Olsteen in my time of need..reaching out and encouraging me in a nonjudgemental way...Oh how l needed that in "my day". I needed to know God loved me and it was OK to come in. I didn't understand anything of scripture in "that day"..I was a baby needing milk. I thank God for Joel as he reaches out to cold and bloody babies that have been aborted by a legalistic unfeeling church. Yes..I thank God..

He's never claimed to be anything but what he is. He encourages and exhorts people to come in on the level THEY are at.

Oh how l hate this..............................................

Seven you're a liar..plain and simple. Talk about leading people down the road of destruction. Talk about calling the kettle black...Talk about deception. Your words are wicked beyond belief. You call good bad and bad good.. Evil uses you to lead people astray.

I don't care if you don't like me. I know what's good and what's evil and Joel Olsteen isn't evil. He isn't "perverting the word of God to accommodate men" in the way you are implying annie.

He's helping the poor people who don't understand.....understand.
JUST LIKE JESUS DID. He taught to fishermen and farmers with simple stories. He confounded the religious teachers of the day by making the gospel truth simple. You are so proud with your scriptural understanding.. Woe to you...

He definitely is one to watch out for... he has a book out and he is trying to preach the prosperity doctrine.. he is charismatic and is walking in his father's footsteps.... he took over the ministry when he father passed away. And the cycle continues.

http://www.discernment.org/LeavenLakewood.htm

I really think Miki you need to understand where the church was going in the first place. We don't need another preacher who will lead the sheep into destruction. He is all over the internet as a false preacher. If the internet is wrong, then I stand corrected. I am not judging, just reading and from what I have read and understood, this guy is bad news. Justice is right, all we need is GOD, why are we looking at PREACHERS anyway? Unless they are teaching the TRUE gospel, they are just another cloud blown by the wind. The clouds are gathering and a storm is about to come.

They only want preachers who tell them pleasant things, rather than TRUTH:


Jeremiah 30:8 Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness. 9 These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the Lord's instruction. 10 They say to the seers, "See no more visions!" and to the prophets, "Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. 11 Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!" 12 Therefore, this is what the Holy One of Israel says: "Because you have rejected this message, relied on oppression and depended on deceit, 13 this sin will become for you like a high wall, cracked and bulging, that collapses suddenly, in an instant. 14 It will break in pieces like pottery, shattered so mercilessly that among its pieces not a fragment will be found for taking coals from a hearth or scooping water out of a cistern." 15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.


In His Truth,
Suzanne

I can not say bravo bravo bravo long enough and hard enough to this reply! The Spirit of God has me sobbing inwardly at the recognition of His Own footprint of words here...Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of His waterspouts....in defense of a man who has risked his all in discipling multitudes to believe that the Christian walk is a walk of righteousness peace and joy. If it can be received even Christ stated His case....

Mar 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
Mar 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Mar 10:31 But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last first.

I love and appreciate Joel and his humble heart of gratitude before God. Sure he preaches pleasant things. That does not mean he is preaching lies. You have induced me to be sure to tune him in this Sunday.



I have heard Joel speak of the people who come into his office broken and desolate and alone and in need of council and repair. His own mother was healed of fatal liver cancer and went on to serve the Lord for years afterwards. Her miracle was real and proof of their ministry of faith enough to believe for the goodness of God in the land of the living. What is wrong with giving people hope for health and prosperity and healing of body and relationships?

Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Psa 27:13 [I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Psa 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

The so called "feel good" gospel is really the end result of the delivering hand of God. You see we can all program our hearts to believe what we expect. If one wants to corral the wonderful goodness of God into a place where it is of no benefit to His benefactors one can do that...if I have a rich uncle leaving me millions in an inheritance and never hear about it then I will never have it. But I could have. We live in a day when everything is perceived as evil...Even good as Miki has so wisely stated...

Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.m

TSH has posted Jer 30 scripture sppoken to the nation Israel and they are a rebellious people.

Exo 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

Do Christians Hate God? Hardly. Will we apply this word to ourselves. No. Unrightly divided word brings division to men. And God still stands undivided.

Larry, you're in the minority here along with many who feel the same way (negatively) about Mr. Osteen. I think there are heaps of info regarding him that are more the opposite, but then to each their own. As you say, some are forum (like you) and some are againstum (like many of the rest of us).

Be blessed.

If you are expecting the false prophets to wear red suits, have horns and carry pitchforks then you will certainly be deceived.

Mark 13:6 For many shall come in My name, saying, 'I am Christ;' and shall deceive many.

Those that deceive come in His name...Christ, they come as Christ-man, Christians...saying, I am Christ...I am Christian. Be very careful and ask yourself what you learn from Joel. Does he preach salvation, does he teach what will happen in the end of days. Does he warn you that the false christ comes first and you must be prepared for his deception? That is the heart of the danger of those like Joel. Those that listen to him believe they are learning of Christ but they are just playing church.

Miki you said, "Joel Olsteen has never claimed teaching was his gift. He comforts the lost and stray sheep..He's gathering...then he turns them over to teachers. Are you sitting behind the scenes of his church looking at the Bible studies and small groups?"

Joel Olsteen stands as a preacher and a preacher is a teacher of God's Word. How much of God's word does he teach? I don't care about him turning his flock over to others for we have no idea what they do or do not teach. He is the one before the masses. It is his teaching that God's children see and hear and comforting them is not enough to keep them from Satan's extended arms.

They do not carry red flags either.

How is it that we all claim to be spirit led and spirit fed and yet we can all see the same man differently? How come no one in all of Christendome ever admits to being one of the unprepared virgins? Paul the apostle at one time contested the Lord of glory also. He did it ignorantly. From His perspective he did well at the time. But he was shown a thing or two. I stand by Joel as a matter of record. Colour me false. Colour me true. God knows.

I stand by God and HIS faithfulness, mercy and Love. Not some preacher.

Interesting that in this time of financial struggle and collapse, there are those who seemingly play off of people's weaknesses, to feather their own nests.


God Wants Me to Be Rich!



Did it ever occur to him that God intended people to be in ALL walks of life........rich, poor, average. I did not ever read where the disciples were focused on "gains" but rather loss for the sake of Christ Jesus. Pay close attention to the following, as it addresses this very thing:


1 Timothy 6

3 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.


In His Love,
Suzanne

Suzanne, so right... that's the god of MONEY talking again. False idols, put not your trust in MONEY, it will fail you, look at the collapsing economy. There is really no argument to make about this guy.

People are deceived. He's laughing all the way to the bank!

I can see that there are few members of Joel's congreagation here. Being a memeber of a minority as Rose has stated does not make me wrong. In fact, it could be the opposite. I see my I want new freinds list will be seriously wanting. I cannot abide folks who deliberately condemn a man for doing good things. If his fruit is evil show it. Having money of his own is not evil. He has a football sized meeting room. Surely if he we th ekind you folks express him to be, there would be many standing up in that place in indignation. I see no such. Pray TV can be good TV.

Annie, I know I'm not well liked around here, but I am with you here... I am not an idiot and can see the signs....

I pray for the US, we're going down.

Ecc 12:10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and [that which was] written [was] upright, [even] words of truth.
Ecc 12:11 The words of the wise [are] as goads, and as nails fastened [by] the masters of assemblies, [which] are given from one shepherd.
Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books [there is] no end; and much study [is] a weariness of the flesh.
Ecc 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.
Ecc 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil.

Rose, it is not you that is not well liked but your actions. If you argue your point, as you are here, without contention it is a pleasure to read your posts whether or not you agree with what is being said. I thank you for that.

Thank you Whirlwind, I really am giving it over to God and trying harder. I appreciate your noticing.

Hugs, and yes, we all agree to disagree. God bless you, and I'm not just saying it, I mean it, to everyone!

If I am a kind man who wants the best for people and happens to be rich and likes to share his heart with others about the blessings of God, then I will be a false preacher?

It looks like crazy Miki will be eating humble pie.

Anyone who greedily turns God, Jesus and the Bible into a "cash cow" for personal gain is EVIL, that's what TRUE EVIL is, like the money-changers in the Temple, which ENRAGED Jesus to ANGER.

-7

No Larry....you are a wonderful child of God. But, if you were on a pulpit in the role of preacher, teacher of God's Word and didn't teach His Word then you would be a false preacher.

We are, I believe, in the end of days. There is so much to warn God's children about and just making them feel good isn't enough, nor is that what God wanted.

Osteen is obviously a false teacher. He preaches another gospel.
A true shepherd preaches the uncompromising truth of God's Word... never wavering. Osteen is no more than a glorified motivational speaker.

A GUY WHO SMILES A LOT AND WON'T TAKE A STAND ON ANYTHING...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ne9szf_Oo

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." -Galatians 1:8

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." -1Tim. 4:3-4

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness..." -Isaiah 5:20

"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death." -Prov.14:12

Miki is not crazy. Nor am I. We have a viewpoint which is not shared by others here. Multitudes in the valley of decision. Run the numbers seven...

One has to realize that the Kingdom of God is a vast arena with a huge array of dynamics that no one man can encompass. I think you can see that there are preachers who major on certain aspects of kingdom living. Prosperity tends to be one of contention. Folks would rather be poor I suppose, than to accept that God has a lot to share. He spoke to me one time out of scripture...bang bang bang...and it was Him and I knew it...the weight of the Spirit was so heavy upon me I cried like a baby for the peace of Him...the scriptures came with lightning speed...


BANG Luk 15:31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

BANG Psa 50:10 For every beast of the forest [is] mine, [and] the cattle upon a thousand hills.

BANG Psa 24:1 The earth [is] the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

From there He spoke a message of assurance and prosperity to me... prosperity of spirit, soul, body, financial and social...I could share it but it appears that would be made mockery of.

Psa 35:27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

3Jo 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Soul prosper is right living and right heart and Joel preaches these....He gives a word in season to him that is weary...

Isa 50:4 The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to [him that is] weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

Do we therefore all suppose that in this life we have only misery and torment, only doom and gloom and just maybe when we get over on yonder shore there will be a final act either of kindness by God or that great big thumb that comes screwing down out of heaven to squash you out of existence? What a terrible view of God we seem to have!

What does righteousness peace and joy have to do with this part of belief as demonstrated here...for Paul said this is the demonstration of the kingdom...Rom 14:17

Rom 14:22 Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. Rom 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.

If you folks do not want it is is sin for you to take it. Lord they do rebuke your servant and in so doing they set their course.

Anyone who greedily turns God, Jesus and the Bible into a "cash cow" for personal gain is EVIL, that's what TRUE EVIL is, like the money-changers in the Temple, which ENRAGED Jesus to ANGER. It's their obsession to "run the numbers" ($) that was vulgar and detestable, LarryD.

-7

What is vulgar? Your supposed gift is in numbers....I will take my portion in prosperity as it is granted me and I will rejoice like psalms says to do...Psa 35:27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

Personal gain is a bi product of living for God. It comes with the package. With persecution. Persecution can be the proof.

Mar 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
Mar 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

Notice, I never shouted my reply....as did you...I heard it from here to there with all of the screened disapproval...

I recently had a dream of prosperity..I was seen standing in a field of green grass..very deep green and very tall...so tall it was over my head. I had a huge mallet in my hand and I was pounding a huge stake into the ground like a huge tent peg. I was standing on ground so well watered that my runners were soaking wet. I like that. This verse came with it...Isa 54:1 Sing, O barren, thou [that] didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou [that] didst not travail with child: for more [are] the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD. Isa 54:2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes...

As is the power of prayer in numbers... Seven, we can't convince, the evidence is overwhelming. We just pray.

Does his teachings/philosophy contradict God's Word? That should always be your guideline and testing of the Spirit. Regardless of what anyone says/opinions, God's Word is VERY, VERY clear with regard to these kinds of preachers. We can also clearly know by common sense that not EVERYONE can be rich! Obviously God will put His People in all different walks of life. To say that prosperity is part of the gospel, is to imply that those who are not wealthy are not of God's People, which would rule out every one of the disciple's walks. They were NOT wealthy. We just need to stay in God's Word, so that we will not be deceived. If nothing else, just look at the Word below and think about it....THAT should give you the TRUTH!

So true, so true, GodLovesYou.

I have no argument regarding the coming "Outpouring" of God's Spirit and the coming "Joseph Anointing,” but it is not now; it will be during the 7 years of the fatted cattle “before” the 7 years of the gaunt cattle of global famine. And, not ALL will receive the Joseph Anointing, only a few.

Blessings to you...

-7

Agreeing, it is wrong to set in judgement of this man. Tv and the world paints pictures of what they want us to see.

Reminder, not one of us is perfact in anyway, and it is by G-ds grace we are with him, know not one of us is worthy of it, no not one!

As well, i must point out another thing....

King David, he was the anointed King, but because Saul was still king, and was anointed.....Davids wisdom leading to not touch him stating.....

1 Samuel 24:10 “Look, this day your eyes have seen that the LORD delivered you today into my hand in the cave, and someone urged me to kill you. But my eye spared you, and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed.” “And David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless?”(1 Sam. 26:9)

We dont see, and sould refram from going into empty attacks agains a man that is unfounded at best, and just openoins of another.

See this, at best he is guilty of being our brother in the Lord, and should be treated as such, not less!

spiritually there is things going (spirits leading) around that leads others into this kind of treament of the body of christ. Being a big roal or goal in war is to divid, so that we can concord, we have our ememy doing this to us, as we are than turned agains one another by their tricks. At best, if you see him doing wrong, get in your pray closent and fight for him on your nees, not with out mouths in slandering him.

It is very shamful for the army of G-d to than have each other turn on each other, this keeps going on, if it isnt with someone as this brother, whom isnt here to even speek for himself, than it is on each other. Get read of this treatment for it only brings death!

That website link proves nothing.(God Wants Me To Be Rich) It is based upon another man's opinion. I see we deny or ignore the sundry scriptures that speak on prosperity. I guess God does not share His entirety then. I will send him a prayer then, "Eat it all hog...I will starve." Sorry Lord...

I think the question ought to be Who Is This Guy? as in galaxee...he has created quite a stir...his question seems as though it were calculated to instigate something that seems to have been a mass latent hysteria opinion about a man and his ministry. I can tell you I will never go into ministry unless God shoves me full strength and plants me in it with roots a hundred yards deep. The price is too great for me. To be castigated for what ought to be a good work...I think feeling good is of God. I seriously doubt He (God) feels bad. He is joyful.. He is mystery. He is everything perfected and we are miserably flawed mirrors of that goodness. I shudder to think that we flaw ourselves. For the word says we are created in Christ ...that has to be a perfect creation...

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Why then the flawed views of His people on the ground in this world? Not only Joel, but many. Even me. Maybe you.

Dear LarryD,

I don't think you read my post completely, as I NEVER stated that there was a problem with prosperity, only the message that implied that all of God's people are to be rich....that is teaching another gospel entirely, as the Scriptures I posted prove....unless of course, you don't abide by the Word of God? Then of course, there would be a conflict in the responses I have given. Here's the portion you failed to acknowledge:





In His Love,
Suzanne

Joel Osteen is just another dumb dog that cannot bark in a global kennel of vomit lappers.

Larry, where is the stir? Galaxee just asked a question as she didn't know who the guy was. Her question was answered on both sides and she can make a decision on what to believe now... nothing bad about that. I think the majority has said that he is not to be trusted. It doesn't mean we don't pray for him.. we do.

I'm sorry you see it differently.

Blessings,
Rose

Again I want to thank God for this forum and tell everyone that our Father loves you so much, I strive to love others as He loves us but oh do I fall short. {long ways to go sad.gif }

James 5
[1]Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].
[2]Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
[3]Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.
[4]Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.[5]Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
[6]Ye have condemned [and] killed the just; [and] he doth not resist you.

http://www.av1611.org/osteen.html Please read this article!

It saddens me greatly that in these times of great financial troubles some preach prosperity. What happens to people all over the U.S., and the whole world for that matter, who are losing jobs and their homes, those who are starving, those poor souls who are suffering, etc...? What do you think is going through their minds when someone tells them that (if you wish upon a star-sarcasm here, I couldn't resist) if they ask God to bless them with material possessions it will happen, cause after all {If we say it long enough eventually we're going to reap a harvest. We're going to get exactly what we're saying.
Joel Osteen} What do you tell these hardworking people who struggle today? Well, you see, there must be something that you are doing wrong, otherwise God would bless you with money, he did for us....so keep on praying and {If you want to rear financial blessings, you have to sow financially.
Joel Osteen ) Please give to the ministry and you will be blessed! (sarcasm again} Really???

I also have a problem when someone says:{You may make some mistakes-but that doesn't make you a sinner. You've got the very nature of God on the inside of you.
Joel Osteen} Are you serious??

James 4:8
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded." Huh, I believe that this God talking through James, He calls us sinners because: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23

Now here is a preemptive reply, sure God also says:
Romans 3:
[24]"Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:"
[25]"Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;"
[26]"To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."
[27]"Where [is] boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith."
[28]"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."

But, and this is a big BUT:
1 John:
[8]"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
[9]"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
[10]"If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

I could go on and on but I believe that we get the point.

Peacemaker says:
"I don't care if you don't like me. I know what's good and what's evil and Joel Olsteen isn't evil. He isn't "perverting the word of God to accommodate men" in the way you are implying annie."

Why would I not like you? I don't know you!

Hmmm...should I remind you of your own words, (Peacemaker says:"Seven you're a liar..plain and simple. Talk about leading people down the road of destruction. Talk about calling the kettle black...Talk about deception. Your words are wicked beyond belief. You call good bad and bad good.. Evil uses you to lead people astray.)

My post was not an attack on anyone. I posed questions. But since you feel the need to attack some of us, referring to your entire post, I think you need a big hug! 1dsz5e4.gif

Be kind and gentle with one another, and please don't accuse me of passing judgment on anyone, I voiced a concern and by golly what a response I've got!!!

Peace be with you amid the storm, God's got the helm!
Bb 1dsz5e4.gif

Hey Miki, I read a thread of yours the other day (about not opening too many threads about the same kind of subject). I could have posted in total here in this thread… but decided I’d make my own thread because of the topic.

http://www.christian-forum.net/index.php?showtopic=22771

here's what is applicable to this thread:

the Lord was very explicit when He told us

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matt 7:15-20)

WE are to be fruit inspectors!

The list of fruit of the Spirit – from Galations:

Love (agape)
Joy (emotion of well-being/ calmly happy)
Peace (oneness, quiet, rest)
Longsuffering (enduring patiently)
Gentleness (kind)
Goodness (praiseworthy)
Faith (belief that the Creator will answer you)
Meekness (humility)
Temperance (self-control/restraint)

Beware of false prophets says the Lord. How are we to know them? We are to know them by their fruit.


Let’s check Joel Osteen:

Is Joel Osteen indifferent? (Which would be a lack of love.)
Is he in despair? (Which would be a lack of joy.)
Is he in unrest or at war? (Which would be a lack of peace)
Is he impatient? (Which would be a lack of longsuffering)
Is he harsh? (Which would be a lack of gentleness)
Is he condemning? (Which would be a lack of goodness)
Is he doubting? (Which would be a lack of faith)
Is he arrogant? (Which would be a lack of meekness)
Is he unrestrained in his behavior? (Which would be a lack of self-control)

Even in Osteen’s Larry King interview – he leaves the judgment of one’s soul to God. God is the author and finisher of our faith! I don’t follow Osteen – but what I have seen is that he is not indifferent, nor in despair. I’ve seen gentleness, goodness, faith and humility. He doesn’t seem to be at war with anyone. Nor does it appear that he lacks self control.

If Joel Osteen is a corrupt tree- he will display corrupt fruit.

It would be foolish on my part to think that the Lord cannot use Joel Osteen.

By that which the Lord has told me to use in placing judgement on a false prophet -

Joel Osteen is not a false prophet.

Galaxee said:

Again I want to thank God for this forum and tell everyone that our Father loves you so much, I strive to love others as He loves us but oh do I fall short. {long ways to go sad.gif }

James 5
[1]Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].
[2]Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
[3]Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.
[4]Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.[5]Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
[6]Ye have condemned [and] killed the just; [and] he doth not resist you.

http://www.av1611.org/osteen.html Please read this article!

It saddens me greatly that in these times of great financial troubles some preach prosperity. What happens to people all over the U.S., and the whole world for that matter, who are losing jobs and their homes, those who are starving, those poor souls who are suffering, etc...? What do you think is going through their minds when someone tells them that (if you wish upon a star-sarcasm here, I couldn't resist) if they ask God to bless them with material possessions it will happen, cause after all {If we say it long enough eventually we're going to reap a harvest. We're going to get exactly what we're saying.
Joel Osteen} What do you tell these hardworking people who struggle today? Well, you see, there must be something that you are doing wrong, otherwise God would bless you with money, he did for us....so keep on praying and {If you want to rear financial blessings, you have to sow financially.
Joel Osteen ) Please give to the ministry and you will be blessed! (sarcasm again} Really???


and Dani said:

Beware of false prophets says the Lord. How are we to know them? We are to know them by their fruit.

------------------------------------------------------------

Respectfully Dani, but this man is preaching the prosperity gospel and like Galaxee did say, this is not what most starving, homeless Americans can stomach. What prosperity?, they must be thinking. People hit with floods, earthquakes, catastrophes, fires, hurricanes... prosperity? The insurance companies will not even insure your home if you are anywhere near water on the coast of the US. To preach the name it, claim it doctrine, is old old old.. and nobody wants to hear it, especially when faced with death, destruction and a collapsing economy.

I say, that they will know Joel by his fruit because he has enough money to buy it due to the hand that is always out looking for more money. As it is said, Mammon or God. I think that churches that always have their hands out will always preach prosperity, that's how their church ministries, big buildings, great worship music and stained glass windows get paid for (not to mention their BMW's, Mercedes, Rolex watches, personal jets, nice clothes, and a full belly). This is the truth, it's the way it goes. I know that lots of preachers get a bad rap, and he should have seen that coming before he stepped on the scene. I just think he wanted to take his daddy's place and not do what he was called to do. But I could be totally wrong, and hopefully I am.

Just know where a lot of this mentality is coming from. Years of hearing the preachers stretch their hands out for the money, either in their congregations, or on TV. It happens, and it's sad.

Dear Peacemaker,

You said:
"galexee..You come here asking this question and l bet you haven't been on this forum long...and then you take the word of any stranger and give them thanks..woe..woe to you."

I humbly come to you and apologize if I have offended you or cause you any pain. This was certainly not my intention. I have recently joined this forum after reading it and others for a while now. It was not an hasty decision or a desire to post my opinion but a choice I made because while reading in "silence" I was encouraged by many people here. It has never been without prayer first that I posted anything here. I give thanks to you too, a stranger, for it is interesting that in your attack on me you have once more given me the assurance that we all need to think before we speak, myself included.

Are you sure you want to say ...woe...woe to me?

Please read the following and see what God is saying about "strangers" (aliens, those who come from different parts of the world)
Deut. 24:
17Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, [nor] of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge:

18But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

19When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.

20When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.

21When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean [it] afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.

22And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.
KJV

Aren't we all brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus and weren't we all strangers to each other at one time or another?
I did not know any of my friends before I met them one day, we were strangers to one another then.

Again, Peacemaker, I just wanted an opinion and you gave it. Nowhere did I attack, or warned anyone against judgment because they differed in opinion. However, here is where I found the quotes from Mr. Osteen---http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/joel_osteen.html---among these quotes I found some that are questionable that's all.

In God's Love,
Bb

P.S. Does one need to have seniority to speak on this forum? I read the rules and did not see it, please correct me if I'm wrong and guide me to correction.

Dearest sweet Peacemaker.....If those that go to Mr. Osteen's church should die before the end of days then they will probably die loving the Lord and calling on His name. They are fine. If, as I believe, we are in the end of days and we are living when we experience it then those going to his church are lost souls. Why? Because, as many others, he is not teaching what should be taught as ambassadors of our Father's Word. Is that on purpose? I don't know but I know it is wrong. The folks in his congregation believe they are being fed the word of God. It looks so holy, it feels so holy but....is it? When they set out on Sunday morning do they think they are visiting a motivational speaker or going to church? They are being duped!


Please put yourself in this position. If this age has ended and you are standing in front of Christ and He asks....why did you follow the false christ instead of waiting for Me? The instructions were written to you in the letter. What will you say? Oh, but Osteen just never got around to instructing me about the fake coming first. I didn't mean to follow him. He deceived me.


Peacemaker....that excuse won't matter. That is the danger of Osteen and those like him. He is to instruct the flock and he does not do that. Do they feel good? Yes. Are they prepared for the end of days? No! We are talking about the souls of people....not just someone getting ripped off but their souls being in jeopardy.

Sorry....this was a double post. I don't know about everyone else but the forum is going haywire today or....maybe it's just me.