Joel Osteen

[pokemaughan]

He is a great motivational speaker, sharing the encouraging promises of God. Sometimes I prefer the whole truth, though... even the not so encouraging stuff

[Dennis1963]

Anybody here watch any of his preachings on TV? I strated watching him a few years ago and have read both of his books. He always has uplifting messages and stories to share. Iv'e heard from a few people that Joel doesn't preach from the bible, but I havn't ever heard him misuse a quote or anything...

Osteen denies Christ is the only way. That's not the gospel.

In what way does he do that and when did you hear him say that?

*Edit links*

Take a few minutes and listen for yourself. Ignore the host, just watch the video clips.

Edited July 15, 2009 by Matthitjah
No youtube links on worthy

[Dennis1963]

Personally I believe Osteen is a false teacher. The gospel and the Christian life isnt about feeling nice all the time, nor is it about having good health and new cars and such. It is about Christ.

[blessed22]

Anybody here watch any of his preachings on TV? I strated watching him a few years ago and have read both of his books. He always has uplifting messages and stories to share. Iv'e heard from a few people that Joel doesn't preach from the bible, but I havn't ever heard him misuse a quote or anything...

Osteen denies Christ is the only way. That's not the gospel.

In what way does he do that and when did you hear him say that?

Take a few minutes and listen for yourself. Ignore the host, just watch the video clips.

Larry King put him in a tough situation with some of those questions. It is a little confusing that Osteen was afraid to admit that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. I did find that a little strange but I just dont think he wanted to offened other religions, he isn't a people basher...

[MorningGlory]

By not saying that Jesus is the ONLY way, Osteen is preaching a false gospel; even if by omission. He is one of the 'feel good, prosperity and everyone do their own thing' kind of preachers.

[jesussaves]

I am very surprised at his response to King. If we try to avoid a straight answer to such a question as the one Larry King asked, perhaps to avoid offending someone, we are wrong. We need to tell those who asked such questions the truth. There are souls at stake! There are such things going around like "all roads lead to heaven" junk, and so we need to tell people the truth...Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven no matter who you are or what background you come from.

Sin is sin and God hates sin. Yes, many Christians have been beaten down and need healing and encouragement and motivation, but there is still a heaven to gain and a hell to shun. I love Joel. He has said something more than once that has been just what I needed to hear. The Lord is using him, even if he was wrong.

[redwing]

By not saying that Jesus is the ONLY way, Osteen is preaching a false gospel; even if by omission. He is one of the 'feel good, prosperity and everyone do their own thing' kind of preachers.

exactly

[Guest NeilF]

Joel is definitely a feel good preacher. That is probably why he has such a large congregation. People can go there to get their dose of fluff to make them feel better about themselves. Much of what he says is good. But there is not a cross in his church. It is the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and the covering of His blood to wash away our sins that enables us to grow and become who God created us to be. By the death and resurrection of Jesus, we can be convicted to want to not sin any more and follow the teachings that Christ gave us in the gospels. You won't hear Joel preach that kind of sermon.

[nebula]

The answer to King should be simple.

Jesus said that no man comes to the father except through Him. However, in Romans it talks about those outside of the Law being judged outside of the Law.

That's it - you state what the Scripture says, no attempts to interpret it, just state it as is, and then move on. Let the word speak for itself.

[OneLight]

Joel's message is always positive. He is a prosperity preacher, telling everyone to believe and they will have good feelings. good life. solid finances ... yet, God never promised us any of that. To be honest, a Christian life is the hardest life there is to live. You will be laughed at, mocked, put down, lied about and hated by the world. Totally different from what Joel preaches.

If you want to feel good about yourself, then listen to him. If you want the truth, find another preacher to listen to. In an interview I listened to, Joel said that he leaves all other kinds of preaching (hell, sin, salvation) to other preachers, that there is enough of that going on already. His goal is to make people feel good about themselves. Self is not what being a Christian is about. It is Christ.