Posted on 09/04/2014 8:25:00 AM PDT by NKP_Vet
Video surfaced a few days ago of Victoria Osteen, wife of famed “pastor” Joel Osteen, saying some rather heretical things to the “congregation” at Lakewood “Church.”
Sidebar: I’m only one sentence into this post and already I’ve been forced to use sarcastic quotes three times. For simplicity’s sake, I will, from here on out, drop the quotes with the understanding that the quotes are implied. Joel Osteen is only a pastor because anyone can call themselves a pastor these days, and his church is only a church because anything can call itself a church these days. I happen to be of the old fashioned school of thought that believes a pastor should be, in some ways, distinguishable from Tony Robbins or Oprah, and a church should be, in some ways, distinguishable from a basketball arena on game day. I’m not saying that all churches need to be adorned with stained glass windows and incense (although I’m a fan of both), but I am saying that maybe all churches should have, like, a cross or something somewhere, maybe. God forbid a house of worship be arranged in such a way as to make it clear that we are specifically worshipping Jesus Christ and not the smiley fellow on stage giving the vaguely spiritual pep talk.
In the clip, Mrs. Osteen implores the audience to “realize that when we obey God, we’re not doing it for God… we’re doing it for ourselves.” As her proud husband nods approvingly, Osteen continues. “Do good for your own self. Do it because God wants you to be happy. When you come to church, when you worship Him, you’re not doing it for God, really — you’re doing it for yourself, because that’s what makes God happy. Amen?”
(Excerpt) Read more at themattwalshblog.com ...
Number one he’s not a Christian pastor. He has no training whatsover in preaching the gospel. He’s never been to any type seminary, bible college, or anything else. I would suspect he got his “training” selling a pyramid scheme, or was a very good used car salesman. Number two, he hardly ever mentions Jesus Christ. It’s all about me, me, me, and you, you, you. God wants you to be happy. He (God) wants you to be prosperous and be as rich as you can be. If you send me $20, you will get $40 in return. The reason? God wants you to be happy. That’s Osteen in a nutshell.
“Number one he’s not a Christian pastor. He has no training whatsover in preaching the gospel. He’s never been to any type seminary, bible college, or anything else.”
The Pharisees told Pilot something very similar! I’m not claiming that Joel, nor his wife, are Christ. This phrase just jumped out at me!
Roger that. Free will is eliminated from the salvation equation by Eph. 2:8, which declares our faith absolutely does not originate within ourselves, but is the gift of God, and John 1:13, which declares that our being born again ain’t because of blood or inheritance, nor the will of the flesh (our will), nor the will of man (anybody else’s will), but it originates from God’s will.
On the contrary, passages like Rom. 3:10-12 declares absolutely none of us seek after God. Matt. 20:16 and 22:14 declares that many are called, but few are chosen. It doesn’t say many are called, but few are choosing.
So if we’re saved, that’s a monergistic act, not a synergistic one. Else how is God being gracious and merciful in saving our souls? In reality, God does for us what we’re utterly unable to do for ourselves. And for this saving act of grace and mercy on His part, we’ll praise Him throughout all eternity.
Jealous of a guy who said he would have no problem attending a homosexual wedding?
I doubt it.
Phonies.
I totally agree with Matt. Osteen’s father was a hell and brimstone kind of preacher.......we need more of that today. Too many preachers preach a “feel good” about yourself ministry.....what can I do for MYSELF to feel better. That ain’t the way to heaven folks....that ain’t the way.
Amen 3.
He has that George Takei smile doesn’t he?
Oh my!
//s
MM gives me the creeps.
His wife is gorgeous, he’s a jerk, and they’re both heretics.
Hyper-grace - that’s interesting.
I’ve listen to a couple of his sermons which takes some concentration due to his accent. I find his point of view interesting; but, I don’t want to be a dope.
well he doesn’t have greased back hair, a sure sign of a televangelist con. But if it gets any longer he’ll have to start slinging it back - may be natures early warning system of telling Christians to beware.
The joy of the LORD is my strength. God does want us to be happy, but take away the 10 Commandments and His rules and we are miserable which is why all those miserable people go to have their ears tickled every week. Like watching a romance movie. No worries, they’ll convert to Islam to stay alive.
it was certainly a strong signal of his long term intent when he invited Muslims into his church for joint service/prayer. Believe it was mulsim prayers? Anyone have more updated info on that?
I agree. I always wonder if that’s a sign of God’s sense of humor.
agreed. a degree from seminary does not make one a minister of the Gospel. What does is a truly saved heart, the Holy Spirit’s direction, and sincere concern for fellow man. Also significant sacrifice. Many uneducated, downtrodden men have been the best preachers out there. We just never hear about them because of their allergies to hair gel, tv lights, private jets, and bleached blonde bimbos.
perhaps greased back hair is a sign of God’s sense of humor. He definitely has one. He keeps it fresh by using it on me just about every day!!
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