Joel Olsteen

[jasoncran]

well then i wont listen to most televangelist as it seems to be thing to do is preach another gospel.

There are good pastors / teachers on television. The problem lies in the fact they tend to be hard to find at times. That's one reason I don't bother with so called "christian" television any longer. There are many good churches that allow you to acess sermons on line, or download them as MP3 and video files too. The Calvary Chapels are a good example of this since they make their files available for free download, and there are others that do also.

Best thing I can recommend is prayer. Ask the Lord to show you which teachers you should watch or listen to -- and always compare what they say to the Bible. If it don't match what God's Word says toss it. God will never contradict Himself.

i listen to calvary chapel. i can even post the links to those pastors.

they are ken graves, bob coy, and also skip hitzig. i mainly listen graves and also tellian tchevijian. i live near coy and telly.

[Sevenseas]

Bottom line seems to be that we have honest disagreements of opinion amongst ourselves. That is fine. Mature adults should be able to agree to disagree and remain friends.

Joel's father, the late John Osteen, started the church in the 1950s. It was started as a Baptist church and then John had some disagreements with denominational leaders and went independent. Like most things, it has evolved and changed over time.

So it is what it is. Some people don't like the size. Others don't like the style. Others don't like the doctrine. Fine. This is the great thing about religious freedom. It's like going to a restaurant, you pick what you WANT to eat. You don't attack the kitchen and demand they stop serving whatever or close down.

How a person defines "false teacher" varies widely. It's not a kind tag to hang on anyone, but we've all heard it before. There may be many people we look up to and admire as leaders, but ultimately each person is responsible for what he/she believes. Unlike some cult figures, Osteen never asks anyone to put their faith in him.

Osteen may well be more motivational speaker than stereotypical pastor. Fine. If people didn't like what he was saying, they wouldn't support him. That choice is up to each of us.

The Bible defines a false teacher. That is the basis for the assessment and the reason why those who actually study the Bible correctly will be quick to point

out the humanistic and false teachings of an individual like Osteen who does not want to ...ummm...rock the boat or change the bottom dollar in the coffers.

And yes, it is most definately about the money also...God has not ever called ANYONE to please all and love all. If you want to please everyone you will never

love everyone. Jesus loves everyone but He sure does not please everyone.

God COMMANDS US TO LOVE HIM ABOVE ALL and by that very command we know that people will have their delicate little feathers ruffled much like

children being told no because the adult sees the harm and the child has not yet burned their hand on the hot ring on the stove

Edited May 16, 2012 by sevenseas

[Sevenseas]

If people didn't like what he was saying, they wouldn't support him. That choice is up to each of us.

Absolutely and very true and something I can agree with

[Sevenseas]

Joel Osteen is not a false teacher. I know of the disappointment when he engages in the public arena, and that is unfortunate. But what we see on his telecasts are his speaking to his congregation after a week of them meeting together in small groups, and participating in prayer and worship throughout the week and getting their meat there. What people are seeing as unbalanced just isn't so. What we see in his televised messages is his encouraging the Body of Christ, a celebration of Jesus Christ and who we are in Christ. This is how a lot of cell churches are.

The few times I have caught his program, I have never heard one word of error.

Those who know Jesus don't need the gospel preached as a regular diet. When we come together to celebrate Jesus, we feast on encouragement. It's DESSERT---for THEM. I think this is what people are complaining about, but as we are not members of Joel's particular flock, we have no reason to complain about the food he gives his flock. We are to be concerned with what our own shepherds are teaching us. Muttering about others' shepherds is simply the sin of gossip. Listening to it and repeating it is also.

Osteen is feeding millions on TV. And people send him money without warming a seat in his auditorium.

He has a huge TV flock. ANYONE can watch him. THEREFORE, anyone can decide for themself whether or not he is true or false. Just add Biblical truth and mix.

It is not gossip and it is not a sin to point out error that is being taught to soooo many. Many of whom may believe themself to be saved, yet they do not LIVE for

Christ and do not have a relationship with the Living Son of God but instead just have pablum, watered down at that, spoon fed to them and mixed with Osteens

particularly unsavory over sweet recipe for his personal success.

The Bereans wer commended for searching the scriptures and they were being fed the truth.

And remember, this is not aimed personally. THIS is about Osteen, so if you answer, kindly refrain from using personal pronouns or attacks. Thanks

[Floatingaxe]

Joel Osteen is not a false teacher. I know of the disappointment when he engages in the public arena, and that is unfortunate. But what we see on his telecasts are his speaking to his congregation after a week of them meeting together in small groups, and participating in prayer and worship throughout the week and getting their meat there. What people are seeing as unbalanced just isn't so. What we see in his televised messages is his encouraging the Body of Christ, a celebration of Jesus Christ and who we are in Christ. This is how a lot of cell churches are.

The few times I have caught his program, I have never heard one word of error.

Those who know Jesus don't need the gospel preached as a regular diet. When we come together to celebrate Jesus, we feast on encouragement. It's DESSERT---for THEM. I think this is what people are complaining about, but as we are not members of Joel's particular flock, we have no reason to complain about the food he gives his flock. We are to be concerned with what our own shepherds are teaching us. Muttering about others' shepherds is simply the sin of gossip. Listening to it and repeating it is also.

Osteen is feeding millions on TV. And people send him money without warming a seat in his auditorium.

He has a huge TV flock. ANYONE can watch him. THEREFORE, anyone can decide for themself whether or not he is true or false. Just add Biblical truth and mix.

It is not gossip and it is not a sin to point out error that is being taught to soooo many. Many of whom may believe themself to be saved, yet they do not LIVE for

Christ and do not have a relationship with the Living Son of God but instead just have pablum, watered down at that, spoon fed to them and mixed with Osteens

particularly unsavory over sweet recipe for his personal success.

The Bereans wer commended for searching the scriptures and they were being fed the truth.

And remember, this is not aimed personally. THIS is about Osteen, so if you answer, kindly refrain from using personal pronouns or attacks. Thanks

He has not spoken any error that I have ever heard when he is speaking to his congregation. Maybe you should watch him.

[Sevenseas]

Joel Osteen is not a false teacher. I know of the disappointment when he engages in the public arena, and that is unfortunate. But what we see on his telecasts are his speaking to his congregation after a week of them meeting together in small groups, and participating in prayer and worship throughout the week and getting their meat there. What people are seeing as unbalanced just isn't so. What we see in his televised messages is his encouraging the Body of Christ, a celebration of Jesus Christ and who we are in Christ. This is how a lot of cell churches are.

The few times I have caught his program, I have never heard one word of error.

Those who know Jesus don't need the gospel preached as a regular diet. When we come together to celebrate Jesus, we feast on encouragement. It's DESSERT---for THEM. I think this is what people are complaining about, but as we are not members of Joel's particular flock, we have no reason to complain about the food he gives his flock. We are to be concerned with what our own shepherds are teaching us. Muttering about others' shepherds is simply the sin of gossip. Listening to it and repeating it is also.

Osteen is feeding millions on TV. And people send him money without warming a seat in his auditorium.

He has a huge TV flock. ANYONE can watch him. THEREFORE, anyone can decide for themself whether or not he is true or false. Just add Biblical truth and mix.

It is not gossip and it is not a sin to point out error that is being taught to soooo many. Many of whom may believe themself to be saved, yet they do not LIVE for

Christ and do not have a relationship with the Living Son of God but instead just have pablum, watered down at that, spoon fed to them and mixed with Osteens

particularly unsavory over sweet recipe for his personal success.

The Bereans wer commended for searching the scriptures and they were being fed the truth.

And remember, this is not aimed personally. THIS is about Osteen, so if you answer, kindly refrain from using personal pronouns or attacks. Thanks

He has not spoken any error that I have ever heard when he is speaking to his congregation. Maybe you should watch him.

Well now, if I did not know anything about him, if I had never watched his show, if I had never seen or read an interview given by him or never read anything

he had written, I would not be posting here. I would go and find out so that I would know what I'm writing about.

There are a few people posting in this thread that agree with you. I am not one of them.

With regards to what you posted concerning your belief that speaking about a person who is on TV and watched by millions is gossip, I must also disagree,

as an individual who is in the public eye and claiming to preach the gospel MUST be scrutinized according to the Bible. If we, as believers do not make

sure that what we are taught is scriptural, then we cannot actually know that the person we say is not in error IS speaking what is true.

To tell me 'maybe I should watch him'...is IMO, borderline sarcastic. Please don't go there. Let's be brave and have an actual dialogue...oh, not just with me,

but everyone else who disagrees that Osteen is called of God to preach a popular, but very watered down, gospel.

[Fez]

Let's be brave and have an actual dialogue...oh, not just with me,

but everyone else who disagrees that Osteen is called of God to preach a popular, but very watered down, gospel.

A watered down Gospel is no Gospel at all. It is a pale shadow of the truth, the result of a dim light source, and produces pale shadows that vanish in the bright light of truth.

Spiritual rain is a deluge, not a mist, and the Cross casts a dark shadow that should strike at our hearts.

[j102]

i for one haven't heard olsteen preach about the blood of christ or jesus being THE way to salvation.

[Floatingaxe]

Joel Osteen is not a false teacher. I know of the disappointment when he engages in the public arena, and that is unfortunate. But what we see on his telecasts are his speaking to his congregation after a week of them meeting together in small groups, and participating in prayer and worship throughout the week and getting their meat there. What people are seeing as unbalanced just isn't so. What we see in his televised messages is his encouraging the Body of Christ, a celebration of Jesus Christ and who we are in Christ. This is how a lot of cell churches are.

The few times I have caught his program, I have never heard one word of error.

Those who know Jesus don't need the gospel preached as a regular diet. When we come together to celebrate Jesus, we feast on encouragement. It's DESSERT---for THEM. I think this is what people are complaining about, but as we are not members of Joel's particular flock, we have no reason to complain about the food he gives his flock. We are to be concerned with what our own shepherds are teaching us. Muttering about others' shepherds is simply the sin of gossip. Listening to it and repeating it is also.

Osteen is feeding millions on TV. And people send him money without warming a seat in his auditorium.

He has a huge TV flock. ANYONE can watch him. THEREFORE, anyone can decide for themself whether or not he is true or false. Just add Biblical truth and mix.

It is not gossip and it is not a sin to point out error that is being taught to soooo many. Many of whom may believe themself to be saved, yet they do not LIVE for

Christ and do not have a relationship with the Living Son of God but instead just have pablum, watered down at that, spoon fed to them and mixed with Osteens

particularly unsavory over sweet recipe for his personal success.

The Bereans wer commended for searching the scriptures and they were being fed the truth.

And remember, this is not aimed personally. THIS is about Osteen, so if you answer, kindly refrain from using personal pronouns or attacks. Thanks

He has not spoken any error that I have ever heard when he is speaking to his congregation. Maybe you should watch him.

Well now, if I did not know anything about him, if I had never watched his show, if I had never seen or read an interview given by him or never read anything

he had written, I would not be posting here. I would go and find out so that I would know what I'm writing about.

There are a few people posting in this thread that agree with you. I am not one of them.

With regards to what you posted concerning your belief that speaking about a person who is on TV and watched by millions is gossip, I must also disagree,

as an individual who is in the public eye and claiming to preach the gospel MUST be scrutinized according to the Bible. If we, as believers do not make

sure that what we are taught is scriptural, then we cannot actually know that the person we say is not in error IS speaking what is true.

To tell me 'maybe I should watch him'...is IMO, borderline sarcastic. Please don't go there. Let's be brave and have an actual dialogue...oh, not just with me,

but everyone else who disagrees that Osteen is called of God to preach a popular, but very watered down, gospel.

Your responsibility, as is all our responsibility, if you are concerned, is to turn off the TV and pray for him, and even write a letter---not gossip and bad mouth the man and his ministry. He is a brother whether you like it or not. There is a whole lot of heresy on TV. I don't stand in judgment over them and decry their ministries in the public square---or in Christian forums. I just disregard them and heed my own leaders that God has placed into my life personally. I owe them my ear, and my prayer and my support.

It sure is not sarcastic to invite you to watch something you have yet to see in order to make an educated opinion. It is wise advice. It's rather silly to opine without ever seeing what you are talking about. If you have not watched him, then you are listening to gossip, and adding to it.

[ayin jade]

I can't find a thing the man says wrong about God. From what I can tell, people are mad at what he does not say

Perhaps you should read my quotes from transcripts of what he said much earlier in this thread.