Most people in America are familiar with Joel Osteen and Lakewood church. Some people don't care what he says, others do. Of the ones who do care, there are different opinions. There are those who think he is worth listening to, the people who attend his church, and buy his books. They watch him on TV and blame faulty editing for "making him look bad with what he says" (Uhm, hello that would be his own mouth that makes him look bad. Since the Bible says that what comes out of the mouth originates in the heart, I guess it really his heart that makes him look bad.) Ok, then there are others who care what he says, but in the "he is a false teacher who is leading people by the thousands to hell" way. (Can you guess which camp I am in????) I have sent an e-mail to Lakewood Church, asking questions. Not a mean spirited e-mail full of hateful speech. Meanness doesn't get the point of Christianity across. Anyway, the questions I asked were about sin, mostly. I mean, Osteen admits that he does not call people sinners. He does not do sermons that are heavy on scripture. How does he expect people to see they are sinful? Also, the gospel that he "preaches" is found nowhere in the Bible. The Bible never promises that in this life we will have health, wealth, or prosperity. As a matter of fact I think it more or less says we should expect to persecuted for our faith, be pilgrims in a strange land, stuff along that sort of thinking. We should not expect to have our best life now. Our best life is yet to come, when we get hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." (hmm....servant does not bring to mind someone who is all about prosperity, does it?) Anyway, I could talk about Osteen for a long time, but instead I am going to let you watch a video. This guy is standing outside of Osteen's church, preaching repentance. He stood out there for over four hours!! (Don't worry, the video is condensed to under 5 minutes)
**** I forgot to mention at first-I never got a response from Lakewood on my e-mail.****
The Joy of Learning about Space
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When a child looks up and sees the small dots of light shimmering against
the night sky, the moon shifting over the earth or the sun setting on the
horiz...
9 years ago
8 comments:
So at first I saw what he was doing and it made me chuckle, but then, as I watched, it made me cry. How much love God has given this man for these people that he would stand there and do that! I am praying for him today...and all those who go to Joel's church.
~Annemarie
Yes, someone sent this to Mark on Myspace, at first I thought it would might be goofy. Or that it the guy might be a coo-coo nut. Turns out he just loves God and loves people enough that he does not want them to go to hell.
I have told several friends what a dangerous message that man is teaching. Prosperity and health (in this life) are not God's best for us. Of course they are not bad, but our pursuit should be in becoming more like Christ. In fact, that's what we are predestined to be, if we are in Him.
The first time I saw Joel Osteen, flipping through channels, and seeing his face on The View, I stopped to see what he was about. I knew then that he was going to lead many, many people to hell. Talk about the blind leading the blind! Only Oprah could be more influential right now, and unfortunately, she's headed down the same slippery slope. And she is taking thousands with her.
The only thing we can do about it though, is to pray for God to get hold of these strong forces and use them for His glory. Can you imagine what a testimony either of them would have if they truly came to the Father?
You are so right about Oprah and Osteen having great testimonies IF they ever come to Christ. Of course, they would probably have fewer followers. Hopefully some of those people who believe the lies that they are being told would learn the truth of the gospel. Any word on the house?
I just found your blog. Enjoying it. I, too, have homeschooled my three boys. One is now 22 and married. One is 19 and is a Marine. I only have one more at home. He is 16 and a Junior. God bless you as you teach your sons.
Thank you for stopping by, Janine. I look forward to reading your blog.
Kelli,
I've noticed that our local pastors aren't willing to ever point out false teaching, even something as extreme as Todd Bentley. But how can the flock learn to discern if the shepherd's don't help teach them.
I can't believe you sent an email! You sound as bad as me. :)
Berean Wife
It is tough for congregations who are pastored by people who allow false teaching (or promote the false teaching themselves)They get to a point where they think the ones who do point out false teaching are mean-spirited. Or they think we are just a bunch of religious nuts ;-}
Mark was pretty shocked that I sent that e-mail too. He got tickled and called me fiesty.
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