Joel Osteen

[Neogreg]

I was watching his show this morning and he was really demeaning towards the jewish people. I didn't like his comments at all. He basically said that the jewish people were just a bunch of winers and use various excuses to not face their problems. :(:

[Southern Lady]

Okay, this may be a dumb question but who is Joel Osteen? Why is he picking on Jews? I know a bunch of people that are whiners and use various excuses to not face their problems, and not one of them are Jews.

[Heavensent]

He's a preacher in Houston for Lakewood Church...here's a link to his sites. Personally, I don't care for him.

http://www.joelosteen.com/site/PageServer
http://www.lakewood.cc/site/PageServer

[Southern Lady]

He's a preacher in Houston for Lakewood Church...here's a link to his sites. Personally, I don't care for him.

http://www.joelosteen.com/site/PageServer
http://www.lakewood.cc/site/PageServer


Thank you for the links. I will check into this.

[buzzardhut]

It sounds like he is not familiar with the problems in the Middle East.
He should have stuck with his "I don't know"

[Caretaker]

In my opinion, after having seen his preaching several times, JO is hard to stomuch. His "sermons" are cotton candy fluff/positive thinking pablum, sandwiched in with canned illustrations sprigboarded off of bits of scripture for credibility.

His sole Bible training came as assistant to his father John, and he inherited his father's ministry. He spent one year at ORU in telemedia, before dropping-out and going back to his father's ministry. John had moved into the Word of Fath area prior to his death, and Joel has continued.

Joel has a very emphatic voice, an appealing personality, a large grin from the nose down, and a strong emotion-filled delivery. He delivers the WOF/positive confession message, and is well received by large volumes of people. He is very popular with national/international excposure, and pastors a mega-church in Houston. They just moved into a stadium for capacity. I see many similarities in delivery/style/message/goals/successes with Robert Schuller.

What I fail to see is a minister grounded in the Word and preaching faith and repentence to the lost. The topics of sin/repentence/redemption in Christ alone, faith through adversity, tempering in the trials, are not exactly popular topics. They can make folks feel uncomfortable with where they are at.

Kind of reminds me of itching ears. I see him standing on stage, touching on minimal scripture, telling a few stories, smiling at the key moments with a large grin but only from the nose down,(not with the eyes), with emotional feel-good exortations, and my stomuch begins to turn over.

But this is just the opinion of a crusty old feller in Kansas, and Joel is very popular

[The Sower]

In my opinion, after having seen his preaching several times, JO is hard to stomuch. His "sermons" are cotton candy fluff/positive thinking pablum, sandwiched in with canned illustrations sprigboarded off of bits of scripture for credibility.

His sole Bible training came as assistant to his father John, and he inherited his father's ministry. He spent one year at ORU in telemedia, before dropping-out and going back to his father's ministry. John had moved into the Word of Fath area prior to his death, and Joel has continued.

Joel has a very emphatic voice, an appealing personality, a large grin from the nose down, and a strong emotion-filled delivery. He delivers the WOF/positive confession message, and is well received by large volumes of people. He is very popular with national/international excposure, and pastors a mega-church in Houston. They just moved into a stadium for capacity. I see many similarities in delivery/style/message/goals/successes with Robert Schuller.

What I fail to see is a minister grounded in the Word and preaching faith and repentence to the lost. The topics of sin/repentence/redemption in Christ alone, faith through adversity, tempering in the trials, are not exactly popular topics. They can make folks feel uncomfortable with where they are at.

Kind of reminds me of itching ears. I see him standing on stage, touching on minimal scripture, telling a few stories, smiling at the key moments with a large grin but only from the nose down,(not with the eyes), with emotional feel-good exortations, and my stomuch begins to turn over.

But this is just the opinion of a crusty old feller in Kansas, and Joel is very popular



I know at one time JO fed me; his sermons might have been light but at the time I needed it. it helped me tremendously. I know that people say that JO only preaches half the gospel~ I have never seen him preach on hell either.



But i really dont know how God views this~ i dont watch him anymore much~ not because of what people are saying but because I guess~ well i just dont need the sermons like I once did. God brought other preachers into my realms of listening and of course studying and reading the scriptures has brought me along way as well : nod


But i will never forget JO: he did help me at one time. I sure wish he would preach on hell though.:sigh


: Joel has planted seeds::): Im living proof. Go figure..:confused

[barb43]

IMO, Joel's a pretty good motivational speaker, but not a great preacher of the Word. So . . . i watch him occasionally on Sunday nights because i get pumped up on the motivational part (yeh, i have a reputation for being a cheerleader :B: ), but if he were the only one i ever heard, i wouldn't know much about scripture or God or Jesus.

[The Sower]

Did he ever help you some how some way by his speaking?


Yes, Joel is a good motivational speaker: but I will never forget some of his sermons.:):

he does need to use more scripture I agree, but in the earlier days i think he used a good many of scriptures. Anyway,~ I do wish he would speak on hell though~ that does bother me.:doh

[LDinthewoods]

I was watching his show this morning and he was really demeaning towards the jewish people. I didn't like his comments at all. He basically said that the jewish people were just a bunch of winers and use various excuses to not face their problems. :(: Was he talking about current day Jews or was he referring back to any particular Biblical event?

It would seem like context would be required here in order to discern his meaning. It is not uncommon for preachers to describe attributes of groups of people as they are addressed in the Bible. I mean for example, what about the Jews that had to wander in the desert with Moses all those years? In the context of this story, I can see how a pastor might say that they were a bunch of whiners.....its part of the lesson.

[countmeworthy]

I know at one time JO fed me; his sermons might have been light but at the time I needed it. it helped me tremendously.

i dont watch him anymore much~ not because of what people are saying but because I guess~ well i just dont need the sermons like I once did.

But i will never forget JO: he did help me at one time. I sure wish he would preach on hell though.:sigh

: Joel has planted seeds::): Im living proof. Go figure..:confused


HEY !! Are YOU my TWIN!!!! ????
:lol :D: Your comments are EXACTLY MY TESTIMONY !!! A few years ago, I was wallowing in the valley of the shadow of death. And it felt like quicksand as I'd been in it for such a LONG time...several years in fact.

One morning, I tuned in to Joel Osteen by 'accident' & his preaching was directed right at me. I was soooo comforted by his words that the Lord would deal with those who had hurt 'me' and stolen the joy of the Lord from 'me'. It was truly a word I needed to hear. For about a year, I continued to be ministered by him but as I grew stronger and stronger in the Lord, I moved on from watching & listening to him.

I was truly disappointed with his answers and explanation of salvation or lack of it on Larry King Live when I watched him. In fact disappointment is an understatement. I was HORRIFIED at his responses. Here is a man who can speak in front of thousands and thousands of people on national TV but was fidgeting and appeared nervous talking to Larry King??????? Larry King wasn't even trying to devour him!!! Anyway, I'm getting off track here so back to the topic... I may not listen & watch JO anymore and may be disappointed he is milking the Word of God but I pray for him just as much as I pray for ALL of God's people, His church. I also pray for those who did HURT me. It was hard at first but no problem now.

Let me close with this comment: I don't want to stand at the Bema seat of Christ and be asked: Why didn't you pray for so & so??? :twitch

[tay]

I'll have to watch him tonight to see what specific comments he made. I will say this though, Joel is like a deer caught in headlights when it comes to theological matters. Very little scriptural support and often using a translation that he can twist into supporting his thoughts. And as others have mentioned, little to no mention of Jesus, His atoning death, and the relevance to our lives as believers. Just my opinion.

[spiritled]

I find it hard to believe Joel said those things.

[walksbyf8h]

I was watching his show this morning and he was really demeaning towards the jewish people. I didn't like his comments at all. He basically said that the jewish people were just a bunch of winers and use various excuses to not face their problems. :(:

I don't have much patience for any christian that demeans anyone, particularly Jews. I have watched this little man and have never heard one verse come out of his mouth? :confused Hello? If you cannot rightly handle the Word of G0d, you cannot preach to me. Period.

And I don't trust anyone who grins that much.

[Momoftwo]

I don't have much patience for any christian that demeans anyone, particularly Jews. I have watched this little man and have never heard one verse come out of his mouth? :confused Hello? If you cannot rightly handle the Word of G0d, you cannot preach to me. Period.

And I don't trust anyone who grins that much.

Amen, Amen, and AMEN!!!!!!

He is the Brittany Spears of the evangelical world--packaged, fluffed up, and making a ton of money.

[cenimo]

He reminds me of Zig Ziglar (motivational speaker) with a Bible.

[Mr. Igg]

He reminds me of Zig Ziglar (motivational speaker) with a Bible.

Ironically, I believe Zig's a no-foolin' Christian.

[PanTerra]

He reminds me of Zig Ziglar (motivational speaker) with a Bible.

Zig used to teach the sunday school class in the sanctuary between the morning services at our Church, and he did it with a Bible.:laugh

[keela1979]

It really amazes me that he has the largest congregation in the us!!!! His sermons are full of positve thinking speeches and he fails to preach about salvation and conviction. He is a really good teacher if you want to go home feeling good and forget about your wrong doings.:):

[hope4us]

I saw Joel interviewed on Larry King Show and when asked if Jesus is the only way to salvation, Joel could not give a definite answer.
That was all I needed to hear, but Joel did add that people were tired of so much doctrine. I haven't watched him since.

[vesper]

I saw Joel interviewed on Larry King Show and when asked if Jesus is the only way to salvation, Joel could not give a definite answer.
That was all I needed to hear, but Joel did add that people were tired of so much doctrine. I haven't watched him since.

On the contrary Mr. Olsteen, I'm tired of NOT hearing the doctrine. I am literally fulfilling the prophecy that people will seek the Word of God but WILL NOT find it!
Does that make sense?
I hope so. Cause its here.
I wonder if Joel will be following the other mega-churches that will be CLOSING their doors on Christmas Day?

[TonyLee]

It really amazes me that he has the largest congregation in the us!!!! His sermons are full of positve thinking speeches and he fails to preach about salvation and conviction. He is a really good teacher if you want to go home feeling good and forget about your wrong doings.:):


It shouldn't amaze anyone that he has such a large congregation since he is basically just a motivational speaker telling stories and building up peoples' self esteem. Just telling everyone that they can do it does not give anyone an impression they are hopelessly lost and need Christ for salvation. I do not mean one is to beat people down to preach the gospel, but just making people feel good about themselves does not make them aware that they need Christ. Many will think they are already okay and leave the service feeling positive about themselves but are still lost.

[Helivesinus]

Anyone ever wonder if ol' Joel was called or was just following in the footsteps of his father? Im not trying to judge the man, but he is very soft about what he chooses as for scripture. As a person who I believe is being called, I have a very hard time watching his messages and wondering why he continues to route around sin.

Joel I pray for you, that you may open the eyes of the people who watch you, so that they may understand they have to repent and be cleansed by the blood of the Lord Jesus to be saved.

Joshua

[Caretaker]

When his father died they needed someone to step in to keep the corporation/ministry running. So Joel stepped into his inheritence.

Joel Osteen productions presents for your viewing pleasure, "God Lite", tastes great, less filling/convicting.


From my personal perspective it is like Joel and his leadership has usurped a position of leadership to which he has neither the calling nor the training for.

He seems like a good boy, and I think his heart really desires to reach out to people. May we pray for this man to repent and his followers to have their eyes opened.

[LDinthewoods]

I saw Joel interviewed on Larry King Show and when asked if Jesus is the only way to salvation, Joel could not give a definite answer.
That was all I needed to hear, but Joel did add that people were tired of so much doctrine. I haven't watched him since. On the contrary Mr. Olsteen, I'm tired of NOT hearing the doctrine. I am literally fulfilling the prophecy that people will seek the Word of God but WILL NOT find it!
Does that make sense?
I hope so. Cause its here. He did apologize for his statements on Larry King....on his web site as well as in email to people who wrote him to complain. It was discussed at length here on RR. I think he at least deserves forgiveness for something he apologized for.....70 x 7 you know?

http://www.rr-bb.com/showthread.php?t=207108&highlight=joel+osteen

http://www.rr-bb.com/showthread.php?t=208517&highlight=joel+osteen


I wonder if Joel will be following the other mega-churches that will be CLOSING their doors on Christmas Day?
No need to wonder or assume the worst.....it shows on his web site that they will be having regular services on Christmas.

http://www.lakewood.cc/site/Calendar/37552233?view=Detail&id=1382&whence=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lakewood.cc%2Fsite%2FPageServer%3Fpagename%3DCalendardServiceSchedule

[barb43]

And I don't trust anyone who grins that much.

:spit . . . well, he is a Texan, and it's hard to live in the great state of Texas and not be happy! :thumb

[HeartlandGal]

I've only watched him once. I thought he had a nice voice, was confident and his sermon had a nice message. However, during the entire time I watched him, he never once used scripture to back up anything he said. I kept waiting for the scripture (I take notes) and none ever came. Maybe to some people using the Bible is not important but to me it is.

[psalms7_17]

This is going in a direction just like the Benny Hinn thread.
Quit judging.
I have heard some of his latest sermons.
He uses quite a few stories that he has come across throughout the week.
I can think of at least 4 scripture references he has used just in the last sermon a week or two ago.
So what if he preaches consistently on joy of the spirit and love and happiness.
Getting up in the morning and thanking God for all that He has done isn't a good thing to preach about?
I haven't heard this much negativity coming from people on this board in quite a while.
I enjoy listening to his sermons and test what he has to say according to scripture.
I may only get to see him every now and again, but so far everything I heard him state is biblically correct.
I am not going to take what someone else has heard and thought that he may have meant something that he may not have actually meant and then turn around and flame him for it like some of you all are doing.
His one instance of showing some stage fright could have been just a krinkle in rug, but don't flame him for it.

I have to vent because I am kinda tired of seeing this on this board.
If you want to open a thread and belittle someone because you think he should preach on a certain subject do so in apologetics and then you get up in front of thousands of people and prach on the subject you think should be preached about and have tons of perople belittle you because they believe you should be preaching on something else or have a slip of the tongue and be flamed as a false preacher or have wrong doctrine.

Admins you all should warn users to watch the fiery darts they throw.

Thank you.

[johnwayne]

This is going in a direction just like the Benny Hinn thread.
Quit judging.
I have heard some of his latest sermons.
He uses quite a few stories that he has come across throughout the week.
I can think of at least 4 scripture references he has used just in the last sermon a week or two ago.
So what if he preaches consistently on joy of the spirit and love and happiness.
Getting up in the morning and thanking God for all that He has done isn't a good thing to preach about?
I haven't heard this much negativity coming from people on this board in quite a while.
I enjoy listening to his sermons and test what he has to say according to scripture.
I may only get to see him every now and again, but so far everything I heard him state is biblically correct.
I am not going to take what someone else has heard and thought that he may have meant something that he may not have actually meant and then turn around and flame him for it like some of you all are doing.
His one instance of showing some stage fright could have been just a krinkle in rug, but don't flame him for it.

I have to vent because I am kinda tired of seeing this on this board.
If you want to open a thread and belittle someone because you think he should preach on a certain subject do so in apologetics and then you get up in front of thousands of people and prach on the subject you think should be preached about and have tons of perople belittle you because they believe you should be preaching on something else or have a slip of the tongue and be flamed as a false preacher or have wrong doctrine.

Admins you all should warn users to watch the fiery darts they throw.

Thank you.
Judging a preachor for Godliness of his preaching is absolutely essential. I judged the pastor of my church before I joined the church, and if my judgement had been that he rarely quoted the bible, you can bet that I wouldn't have joined.

.

[dded0618]

Just today I heard Greg Laurie preaching on the Church Channel (I love to hear him preach) and he was talking about how almost everybody has the verse "Thou shalt not judge" memorized. He said if you show discernment about someones teachings, you'll always get that verse thrown at you. He said, I prefer to think of myself as a fruit inspector. I make my decisions based on their fruit they produce.
IMHO from listening to Osteen and even reading his book, he is more of a motivational speaker than a preacher. He doesn't like to talk about the hard stuff as in hell,tribulation,judgement etc. He just wants everybody to be happy. Unfortunately life is not all a bunch of roses and someday all will be judged and I think he's making a grave error in not teaching that. I was pretty bothered by some of the things he said in his book. But hey, that's just my opinion.

[psalms7_17]

Just today I heard Greg Laurie preaching on the Church Channel (I love to hear him preach) and he was talking about how almost everybody has the verse "Thou shalt not judge" memorized. He said if you show discernment about someones teachings, you'll always get that verse thrown at you. He said, I prefer to think of myself as a fruit inspector. I make my decisions based on their fruit they produce.
IMHO from listening to Osteen and even reading his book, he is more of a motivational speaker than a preacher. He doesn't like to talk about the hard stuff as in hell,tribulation,judgement etc. He just wants everybody to be happy. Unfortunately life is not all a bunch of roses and someday all will be judged and I think he's making a grave error in not teaching that. I was pretty bothered by some of the things he said in his book. But hey, that's just my opinion.

dded0618,
Would you please quote a few of those things you were bothered with.
I haven't read his book and would like to examine what bothered you.
If I see something that would lead me to think differently than I currently do then I may do so.
I want to try to discern everything upon scripture and am a firm believer in not speaking evil of anyone.
I greatly appreciate it.
Thank you.

I am one who gets upset when I see others point fingers and speak badly about one who appears to have a heartfelt love for people and the LORD and are talking to those people about joy and happiness rather than what those who point their fingers want that person to talk about. Especially when that joy and happiness is in the LORD. I have heard him preach a dozen or so times and so far every time I hear him he makes reference to a few pieces of scripture. He seems to be so full of life and hope that he gives that to others. Just because he may not preach on evil and hell and the like doesn't mean that he isn't a good preacher. Sure, I would like to see him speak of these matters, but is what he preaching about anti-biblical? No, he isn't. I am not going to dictate what he may be led by the Holy Spirit to preach about. Only the LORD knows his heart. I have taken his references and have discerned them upon his preaching and so far everything I have heard lines up. I cannot and refuse to hammer him over for things he might have said that I didn't hear directly that could have been construed as something completely different than what was meant. When you constantly have love in your heart for others you would want that love to be shown, wouldn't you? It appears as though he has a whole lotta love to give and that's just what he is doing.

Again would you mind posting some of the items from his book that concerned you? I would like to discern upon them.
Thanks

[walksbyf8h]

:spit . . . well, he is a Texan, and it's hard to live in the great state of Texas and not be happy! :thumb


Ex-Austinite here. Howdy

[looking4him]

Judging a preachor for Godliness of his preaching is absolutely essential. I judged the pastor of my church before I joined the church, and if my judgement had been that he rarely quoted the bible, you can bet that I wouldn't have joined.

Amen John Wayne. Hey, I always did like the "Duke".

John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

It's amazing how false preachers, prophets and teachers can lead God's people to hell with fluff and no real gospel and get sympathy, but if you ever dare say anything about it (judge righteously about it) you're the one in the wrong. Lord have mercy. People need to rightly divide the Word of Truth.

[psalms7_17]

Amen John Wayne. Hey, I always did like the "Duke".

John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

It's amazing how false preachers, prophets and teachers can lead God's people to hell with fluff and no real gospel and get sympathy, but if you ever dare say anything about it (judge righteously about it) you're the one in the wrong. Lord have mercy. People need to rightly divide the Word of Truth.

It appears you are stating that Joel is a false preacher. Or am I just misinterpreting your statement?

If the latter, then can you see where I am coming from?
If the former, then I don't see where you get that idea.

Shah'lohm

[Kathe]

He might not be perfect but I am saved because of things he said. I watched him for 4 months and week after week he said at the end of his broadcast, get into a good bible based church. Finally I listened to him and went. And was saved. And now I love the bible, love church, love God, love bible study, love being a Christian - something I always put down as weird before. I say thank you JO because I'll bet I'm not the only one. He might not have given me much of the word, but he said enough to get the train rolling. None of is without sin, no, not one. I'm certainly not and neither is JO.

[The Sower]

He might not be perfect but I am saved because of things he said. I watched him for 4 months and week after week he said at the end of his broadcast, get into a good bible based church. Finally I listened to him and went. And was saved. And now I love the bible, love church, love God, love bible study, love being a Christian - something I always put down as weird before. I say thank you JO because I'll bet I'm not the only one. He might not have given me much of the word, but he said enough to get the train rolling. None of is without sin, no, not one. I'm certainly not and neither is JO.


whistle blowing all the way to glory.....:clap :clap

Those who seek..shall find!:nod


Glad Joel helped U.:):

[Catwoman]

I like Joel. I liked his father more but their methods are totally different.

[rancherswife]

Scripture tells us that even false teachers can be used by the Holy Spirit to bring people to Christ. The Holy Spirit gets the credit for conversions, especially with JO, since he rarely uses the Bible. God used that particular time to bring you into His fellowship.

JO needs to read the Bible and see how Jesus did things. JO claims that people already know they are sinners and don't need to hear about negative things in church. (Larry King interview) Our precious Lord Jesus came to save sinners and died for our crimes against a HOLY God. PEOPLE NEED TO HEAR THAT THEY ARE SINNERS AND THAT THEY OFFEND GOD. Otherwise, they are destined for hell.

[God's gardener]

I've watched him Once. No scripture! He just kept talking about how even he was supposed to follow the rules. Say he was waiting in line and because of who he was he could go first. He would just wait like everyone else. (I truly find that hard to believe).
I saw an interview with him once he was talking about his wife wanting a big lovely house. They prayed that they had that house and they got it.
Name it Claim it. That is a far stretch from what the Bible tells us. I feel he doesn't have sound biblical teaching. Too much fluff.

EDIt to add: There is NO cross or any kind of Christian signs at his Church.
On the stage there is that giant WORLD. I think there is a waterfall or fountains too.

[The Sower]

I like Joel. I liked his father more but their methods are totally different.


ditto.

[Changes]

he is more of a motivational speaker than a preacher..

:nod

That is exactly what my DH says about him.

And what is that little chant thing they all say in the beginning while they are holding up their Bibles ( that they never seems to open) ? It makes me feel uncomfortable. :twitch

[Catwoman]

The "chant" you referred to is something his father John used. Any other time I could tell you the whole thing but when I stop and think about it while typing this my mind is a blank...other than it starts with "this is my Bible."

It's not a chant at all but rather a few short statements about belief.