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Post by Hardcase on Aug 5, 2008 8:49:34 GMT -5
Everyday when I turn on the t.v., there is always a new person that everyone is following. I realized a long time ago that there just wasn't something right about Oprah! Now I am wondering about Joel Osteen. He is suppose to have the largest church in America right now and it is growing. I have heard him talk a few times on t.v. and he seemed okay, but recently a lot of people have been speaking out against him. Several dont really consider him a preacher but more of a life coach. I am not for sure. A friend of mine has got tickets to go hear him speak at Freedom Hall, she just loves him. I worry that he may be alright but people are beginning to cling to him the way we should cling to Jesus. I ran across a couple people that are having problems, want to change their lives, improve themselves, and their first thought wasnt to start studying the bible or submerge themselves into prayer, they just go and buy a Joel Osteen book looking for the answer they need. Now I am just not sure what to think about him, so I would like to hear ya'lls opinion.
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Post by Josh A on Aug 5, 2008 10:20:16 GMT -5
IMHO Brother Joel tends to just tickle your ears. He likes to candy coat he message's too much for me. I tend to be more into the straight forward, brass tacks, cutting edge, here it is, take it or leave it approach. Sometimes the, "it's all going to be OK, don't you worry, God will provide and Jesus Loves You" message isn't enough. Too many people hear that and think they can just sit back in the easy chair and wait for God to show up at the front door with a gift pack. In the mean time the electric is shut off, the kids are hungry, and the mortgage company is getting ready to send a not so nice letter. Don't get me wrong, people need to know the Jesus loves them and that God's promises are very true and I believe that he will provide, but if your not willing to get off your butt and put forth some effort and start doing something for yourself AND for the kingdom, you can take your "it's all going to be OK", straight to the poor house. Still not sure?? Go back and read the Parable of the Talents. Anyway, like I said that is my opinion. Everybody has to start somewhere and there are different ways to reach different people but if you truly want a personal relationship with Jesus and you want to grow in the things of God and build the kingdom, your gonna have to make the switch from milk to meat.
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Post by Schrader on Aug 5, 2008 11:25:20 GMT -5
From what I seen on TV, and heard, the message that he preaches are not the same ones that Jesus taught, or his disciples after him.
Jesus told the rich, young ruler to give all that he had to the poor and follow him.
Jesus overturned tables and drove people out of the temple when they were buying and selling things in the temple.
Jesus said, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you."
Our church was at one time a part of the "prosperity movement", so I know and understand a little bit about what it involves. I think that God wants us to prosper, but that means different things for different people.
God is not meant to be our genie in a bottle. Once we accept the gift of salvation, we become his. Paul uses the term "bondservant". The definition is: A person obligated to service without wages.
Hmmm...without wages?
I could go on and on, but the fact of the matter is that it is fluffy nice messages like this that are setting up the church universal for failure in the future.
Read the New Testament...it is not about me. It is about the Church, which is the bride of Christ. Christianity has never been a "me" centered religion, and that is what these people are making it in to.
FWIW, Joyce Meyers is in the same category IMHO.
Schrader
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Bro. Freddie
4 Pointer
Missionary Baptist Minister
Posts: 184
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Post by Bro. Freddie on Aug 5, 2008 16:52:51 GMT -5
I have never heard him preach but maybe thats a good thing. I have been known to throw things at the T.V. when someone preaches heresy.
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Post by Josh A on Aug 7, 2008 9:33:53 GMT -5
Well Bro. Freddie, a thrower, I never would have guessed it. LOL It takes something truely close to a man's heart for him to start sacrificing appliances.
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