seems like-Idk! Maybe a fake? Is he a wolf in sheeps' clothing. I 've listened to him & have listened to people that think he's the greatest and others who think he is not sincere. 60 minutes last Sunday he was on and I want to believe the things he says but sometimes it's just so hard. Tell me what ya'll think? Thanks
2007-10-20 10:15:39 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Umm...I don't want to insult him or anything, but he does seem to be more of a motivational speaker than a preacher at times.
He's upbeat and encourages us to be positive, and while I know that all preachers have their own styles and that God will work through absolutely anyone he chooses, he's not the kind who'll preach it like the Bible says it - I don't think I've ever heard him actually preach about how to really live the Christian life - you know, persevering in the Lord, running the great race - the harder parts of serving God. Well, that's just my opinion...anyway...
If you're in doubt about any preacher, just let God and His Word guide you - we know both are trustworthy.
2007-10-20 18:50:28 · answer #1 · answered by Din-din 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In all honesty, I think what Joel Osteen preaches has led or will lead many more away from Christ that it draws. I really don't mean to speak ill of him, and he seems like a kind man, but I think when you tell people that what God wants for them are the good things AS THE WORLD SEES GOOD, you are leading them down a path to destruction.
What God views as valuable isn't 'your best life now'. It is your sanctification, walk with him, and dying for others. It is, quite literally, picking up your cross and following Him. That is what lasts. Being comfortable and healthy, not so much. In fact, if you look at Lazarus and the rich man, you can see that comfort and riches and health often pull us *away* from Jesus. Not toward Him.
The problem, practically speaking, is that when people *don't* get 'their best life now', they end up either:
A) Disillusioned with God. After all, didn't the preacher say that they would get everything they wanted? So then God must be a liar.
B) Deeply condemned that they didn't have enough faith to get 'their best life now'. I have seen many heartbroken believers who think they didn't get what they thought was coming to them and thought it was because they just weren't good enough. Is that Christ's gospel? That it depends on us? That we must be good enough?
God will give us what we NEED, and that isn't always what we want. Again, I don't mean to run him down (Osteen, that is) and I'm sure he's brought people to Christ. The Lord surely works in mysterious ways. But I want people to be set free by truth --- not led astray when the tough times come because they were promise health, wealth and prosperity and they're not getting that.
2007-10-20 10:24:03 · answer #2 · answered by KL 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Joel Osteen is the fulfillment of God's warning to us in 2d Timothy 4:3... "For the time will come while they gained't bear sound doctrine; yet after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves instructors, having itching ears." Joel Osteen isn't any guy of God; yet quite, an imposter who appeases the neo-evangelical apostates of our time. Osteen's sermonettes and books are no longer something greater effective than secular self-help classes. Osteen is not greater useful than modern psychologists, who thoroughly sidestep the difficulty of sin through fact the basis of guy's issues. Osteen avoids arguable matters which includes sin, condemnation, judgment, Hellfire and the wrath of God. Hes out for the money. He additionally abuses and teachs the suggestions of God will make you wealthy, etc..that's no longer something what the bible teaches
2016-10-13 08:40:12 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you have any doubts, just follow the Bible. You are not following Joel, but Jesus
Whether you watch Joel on TV or not, you should still have a local Pastor that can guide and council you in the things of God.. Joel should not become your Pastor unless you physically go to his church.. It is not a big thing whether he is or isn't take the good and leave the bad..
2007-10-20 10:23:46 · answer #4 · answered by † PRAY † 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Joel Olsteen is a "prosperity preacher" He just preaches "feel good" stuff. He tickles people's ears, and tells them what they want to hear. That's why he's so popular. He just keeps telling everyone how blessed they are going to be and how prosperous. He doesn't say anything about how being a Christian is not easy, and that you will be persecuted, and what to do when you are, and how to get saved and go to heaven, etc, etc. The Bible warns about such teachers.
2007-10-20 10:33:48 · answer #5 · answered by byHisgrace 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He must be doing something right as he has over 25,000 members in the church. I always enjoy his jokes and he also says the sinners prayer at the end. He is not perfect, but I enjoy watching him. His personality seems to be very loving and humble. I always enjoyed listening to his dad. As for his house, that is between him and Jesus.
2007-10-20 10:23:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it ridiculous for a minister to take such huge cuts of the tithes to the church that they are able to live in exclusive neighborhoods, drive expensive cars, wear furs and drip with jewelry.
Which was the very reason that Richard Roberts, so of Oral Roberts, first wife divorced him. She could not reconcile the kind of life the Roberts' live with her Christian principals.
2007-10-20 10:24:05 · answer #7 · answered by ♥♥The Queen Has Spoken♥♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Joel Osteen is a television performer.
He has as much connection to God as "The Medium" has to the spirit world.
2007-10-20 10:23:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Another charismatic speaker who will help lead many on that broad path to destruction. I never watch those on TV because way too many of them have their own agenda, using God as their link to people.
Study your Bible and search around for a church in your area who follows the Bible completely, not just when it is convenient for them :)
2007-10-20 10:22:58 · answer #9 · answered by KittyKat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He appears to be a motivational speaker. I understand that he is building a large home in River Oaks in Houston (among the very wealthy).
I remember something in the Bible about giving all of your riches to the poor, and following Christ.
2007-10-20 10:19:33 · answer #10 · answered by The Cub 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋