I think he is a sweet man and years ago I really wanted to belong to his church, but there was something I did not like and I felt he was not telling the truth. Then I saw him on a TV show and I was done with TV ministries.
I agree with most the statements posted. I often wonder what his wife thinks of him not making a stand on certain things.
She strikes me as the type of woman, who will not waiver.
Well, I'll start by saying that Joel is indeed taking a stand. He is choosing to take a stand that goes against the true and infallible Word of God. He is choosing to appease the masses and not risk losing popularity, book deals, or lower his membership at his church. I believe that Joel's wife is troubled as well. I remember the interview they did together on the Piers Morgan show. She was asked if she would attend a gay marriage if it were two homosexual people from her church and she were invited. She hemmed and hawed a tad and then stated that she would attend. I feel sad about Joel and his wife. They are very lost. What makes it worse is that they really have no authority to be leading a flock, but they choose to do it anyway. I feel even sadder for people who would listen to his "teaching" and believe that this man actually is preaching the one and only Truth. It's flat out wrong.
For those who are afraid to testify of Jesus now - i wonder how they may face persecution?
I'd like to think martyrdom will not be something we will have to look on the eye - however in light of what's taking place in Syria, Egypt, Kenya... its something Christians should definitely give some prayerful consideration. The Christians in the US are no less born again or "spiritual" than we are. Why would we think we'd be exempt?
In an online conversation earlier - the majority of people said they would lie to save their lives and God would understand. Yeah - sounds good but unfortunately that school of thought doesn't line up with scripture.
But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father who is in Heaven. Matthew 10:33
@momi this is definitely something to think about.
In my post above, I mentioned that in our day to day lives we are tested to take a stand for Jesus and the word of God. For ex: are we going to fornicate to please / keep a man or stand on the word of God; are we going to over-indulge in alcohol at happy hour in order to fit in with the boss / coworkers or stand on the word of God? Are we going to envy someone for their blessing or stand on the word of God? Are we afraid to talk about the gospel and the goodness of Jesus with friends / relatives?
What we do now in our daily lives will give us an indication on how we would face persecution.
@momi this is definitely something to think about.
In my post above, I mentioned that in our day to day lives we are tested to take a stand for Jesus and the word of God. For ex: are we going to fornicate to please / keep a man or stand on the word of God; are we going to over-indulge in alcohol at happy hour in order to fit in with the boss / coworkers or stand on the word of God? Are we going to envy someone for their blessing or stand on the word of God? Are we afraid to talk about the gospel and the goodness of Jesus with friends / relatives?
What we do now in our daily lives will give us an indication on how we would face persecution.
that was very profound thank you
MY thing is we don't have many Paul Washers or Derek Prince or Kirk Camerons who are not easily manipulated or intimidated by the world. Joel Osteen has his beliefs but when confronted, he accommodates and compromises his beliefs in order not to lose followers as you can see in this 5 minute interview:
http://youtu.be/YwLsHmrx_xo
p.s. That makes me wonder..I don't think he has ever cracked open the bible when he is preaching??? he has that statement in the beginning by holding up the bible proclaiming: this is my bible......etc . However, I don't think he opens it? I could be wrong
that was very profound thank you
MY thing is we don't have many Paul Washers or Derek Prince or Kirk Camerons who are not easily manipulated or intimidated by the world. Joel Osteen has his beliefs but when confronted, he accommodates and compromises his beliefs in order not to lose followers as you can see in this 5 minute interview:
http://youtu.be/YwLsHmrx_xo
p.s. That makes me wonder..I don't think he has ever cracked open the bible when he is preaching??? he has that statement in the beginning by holding up the bible proclaiming: this is my bible......etc . However, I don't think he opens it? I could be wrong
that was very profound thank you
MY thing is we don't have many Paul Washers or Derek Prince or Kirk Camerons who are not easily manipulated or intimidated by the world. Joel Osteen has his beliefs but when confronted, he accommodates and compromises his beliefs in order not to lose followers as you can see in this 5 minute interview:
http://youtu.be/YwLsHmrx_xo
p.s. That makes me wonder..I don't think he has ever cracked open the bible when he is preaching??? he has that statement in the beginning by holding up the bible proclaiming: this is my bible......etc . However, I don't think he opens it? I could be wrong
ya'll DO realize the dude isn't human?
I like him and his delivery style.
It wasn't until the Crusades that Christianity started focusing on the death of Christ (Crucifix), death, and the afterlife. THIS was basically to justify the non-pleasant [atrocities] actions taken by warriors in the name of Christ.
Before then, according to most scholar's, the focus of Christianity was to lead a Just and Happy Life. In my opinion Olsteen has returned to this method of "encouraging" the word.
I love Joel. I always listen to him when I'm feeling down. I think that while most preachers talk about hell and speak the Word, Joel has a way of teaching grace to the people that know nothing about Jesus. I think he's a good first step for the agnostics or for people that feel condemned and want to know God loves them. I get the fire and brimstone stuff every Sunday from my pastor. Sometimes I just need to know God doesn't hate my stupid self LOL
I like him and his delivery style.
It wasn't until the Crusades that Christianity started focusing on the death of Christ (Crucifix), death, and the afterlife. THIS was basically to justify the non-pleasant [atrocities] actions taken by warriors in the name of Christ.
Before then, according to most scholar's, the focus of Christianity was to lead a Just and Happy Life. In my opinion Olsteen has returned to this method of "encouraging" the word.