You said it well.
I came to Christ thru happening to turn on Christian TV on day. At first it was all I would watch then I started into looking at the bible myself and by God :) it made sense for the first time in my life!
I find Joel a little superficial where I prefer more teaching/studying scripture so I can really understand the word of God and let Jesus change me, but I do at times still click on Christian TV and always get inspired or a good reminder of what God says and it relates to some thing I’m dealing with.
For those on FR so sure “prosperity” preachers are wrong, Jesus spoke of prosperity, saying he came to lift us up and out of all those things he read out of Isaiah passage His first time preaching in the temple. Jesus also said we have the Holy Spirit and He affords us much help in renewing our mind and staying on track to make changes toward prosperity in lots of other ways in our lives.
Sure there are some on TV and in local churches who are pure shysters, God handles them at the appropriate times.
Joel didn’t even want to lead the church when his dad died. It took him a while to answer the call of God.
I think people who watch or read his writings don’t get that God calls people to preach various levels, various portions of His word. Yes it’s best to know all portions, so thats why I learned you can’t just l listen to your weekly pastor or priest or one TV preacher. I got a friend stuck on Joseph Prince for years, I can’t listen to him but at this time in her life she is learning that portion of Grace and whatever else Joe preaches.
The key is we all keep diving into Jesus whatever way we feel lead to and God will redirect us and correct us as we need if we truly want to grow with Him. Or else He just leaves us be stuck only realizing a portion of all His goodness and bounty He had in store for us.
There’s many scriptures that speak about God wanting us to have abundance - one is like: Our God shall supply ALL our needs according to HIS RICHES and glory for those who are in Christ Jesus and are called according to HIS purposes.
Another scripture is about Jabez, I forget what book it’s in, But God blessed him abundantly.
God’s got riches to share for anyone wanting to pursue Him and let Him show and direct you in His plans and purposes.
Thanks for sharing as you did GBA. May God bless you now and always.
I've had similar experiences. There are some TV preachers I cannot stand that others tell me they love and get help from, so what do I know? Not much.
However, the more I learn, the more I want to know and Osteen can be somewhat superficial sometimes, as you say.
On the other hand, sometimes superficial is about all I'm good for, so that works for me. :)
If you're interested, BBN radio has some good segments. I like the Adrian Rogers sermons they broadcast at 9:30 am and then Chuck Swindall at 10:30. Every now and then they'll broadcast one of Ravi Zacharias' sermons and he can make me think.
WTCG has a local station I can pick up most of the time. I have no idea who all they broadcast, but some are awesome.
Osteen is still my default choice while driving, though. He helps keep me sane and serene in traffic and for that I'm grateful!