Victoria Osteen and Her Joy-Robbing Brand of Cheap Christianity

Christian Post ^ | September 2, 2014 | Matt Moore

[Gamecock]

There was a time earlier on in my Christian life where I was quite the zealous little theology cop. I would blast Joel Osteen and the likes of him with their biblically deficient statements about God on my blog, twitter, Facebook — any outlet I could find. I thought it was my job to stand firm and "defend God's truth," calling out every bit of erroneous teaching I came across. I'm not that person anymore.

Don't get me wrong, I definitely think that there is a place for exposing false teaching (and to be clear, I think that most of what I've heard of Joel Osteen's teaching is false). But I think it needs to be done out of a love for Christ and a desire for people to know Him in truth, not out of a egocentric desire to just be "right."

So, before I go into Victoria Osteen's comments, I want to say that my intention is not to put her on blast or to publicly declare her a blasphemous bimbo. There's enough of that on the Internet already. My intention is to discuss the cheap view of God that fuels the kind of comments she made in that video.

"I just want to encourage every one of us to realize that when we obey God, we're not doing it for God — I mean, that's one way to look at it — we're doing it for ourselves, because God takes pleasure when we're happy. That the thing that gives Him the greatest joy.

So, I want you to know this morning: Just do good for your own self. Do good 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?"

Here's the link to short video clip.

There is an element of truth to her statements about God desiring us to be happy and Him taking pleasure in our happiness. The Lord does not want His people be a mopey, despairing, steel-faced, jaw-clenched, stick-up-butt bunch of folks. Throughout the entirety of the Bible you see The Lord repeatedly commanding people to take delight in The Lord. David said that at the right hand of God are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11)! Jesus said that He came and spoke truth to us that His joy may be in us and that our joy may be made full (John 15:11). When Paul wrote letters to the early Church, he did so for their progress and joy in the faith (Philippians 1:25). The concept of joy and the command to pursue it plagues the bible. You can't read it without realizing that the one true God is a happy God that desires his people to be happy as well.

So it's true — overwhelmingly true — that God wants us to be happy. But, the problem is that people like Victoria take this truth and slant it, ever so subtly, away from the God-centered-happiness that the Bible prescribes and toward a me-centered-happiness that the Bible condemns. God's greatest pleasure is not in our happiness (although He does desire that), but in His own glory. He wants His glory to be the fuel that our joy-appetites feed on. He wants His presence to be the longing of our souls. God wants us to be happy in Him.

"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" – Pslam 42:1-2

We were designed to be joy hungry creatures that fervently feast upon the glory of God. We were intended to be people that draw fresh life, day after day, from all the ways that God graciously manifests Himself to us. We were created to be people that are full out, head over heels obsessed with God. We were to seek Him constantly, pray to Him without ceasing, meditate on Him endlessly and do everything we do to see and experience more of His glory. And we were to enjoy living our lives this way.

But let's all be honest with ourselves, we naturally hate the idea of living our lives this way. Because sin has deformed our hearts. Before the fall, man had a heart that was outwardly directed toward God, but when sin entered in, our hearts folded inwardly and gazed upon ourselves. From the moment Adam's teeth sunk into the fruit of self-autonomy, the heart of mankind has sought happiness in and through himself, other people and everything around him. Anywhere but in God.

And I'm not just talking about meth addicts or porn addicts or prostitutes or crooked businessmen. Lots of people seek happiness apart from God but throw His name all over it. Using God for His this-side-of-glory gifts (aka the American Dream) without any real love for Him or desire to know Him doesn't count as seeking happiness in God. He takes no pleasure in that. But this is what I fear is happening in an incredibly large number of American Churches. This is what I fear is happening in the Osteen Church, based on the many things I have heard both Joel and Victoria say over the years. I won't pronounce judgment on them before the time (1 Corinthians 4:5), but I will say with certainty that taking the immutable, unstoppable and infinitely holy God of the Bible and reducing Him down to a three-wish celestial butler who is only here to make us happy — without us really having to surrender to, worship, adore or enjoy Him — is absolute heresy. There is a massive difference between enjoying God for who He is and "enjoying God" for what temporary or material blessings He can give you.

But this heresy is the 'gospel' of today's western spirituality. We refuse to worship a God who is opposed in any way to how we wish to live our lives. "God" is just this generic divine being who is here to affirm and bless whatever we feel like He should. We get to decide what we feel like is right or worthy of our worship, and then we yank the Holy One down off His throne and demand Him to bow at our feet and bless us our god-forsaken pursuits of purpose and joy.

A great example of this is this emergence of the idea that someone can be a "gay Christian"; a person who claims to worship Jesus Christ but refuses to actually worship Him by surrendering all that they are — like their fallen sexual impulses — to His authority and Lordship. But this kind of mentality goes far and beyond the same-sex attracted population. You'll find it among the dishonest business owners hustling for financial success, the twenty-something guidos pining after that GTL life, the straight guys manipulating girl after girl while trying to build up their 'I got some of that' trophy case — you'll find all walks and kinds of people living for godless pursuits, but still want a lil-bit-a Jesus on Sundays.

The cheap 'gospel' of western spirituality says that the path to happiness is accepting and loving yourself as you are, and believing that God wants to affirm you in whatever way that you choose to live out your life. But the real truth, the biblical truth, is that true joy is found not in self-acceptance, but self-denial. Not the insane, pleasure less I'm-gonna-beat-myself-with-a-stick-every-time-I-have-a-bad-thought kind self-denial, but the denial of sinful, me-centered thrills and spills for the sake of experiencing a better, pure, God-centered joy.

The reality is that if we're seeking happiness outside of God Himself, we're short changing ourselves. We're being cheap happiness chasers — living our lives for fleeting, momentary pleasures that can't satisfy our God-given capacities for God-centered joy. The void in our souls where true, God-centered joy was made to dwell is far too deep and wide for anything or anyone in this world to fill it. We will never be satisfied living our lives for ourselves. You will not be able to find contentment. We will always thirst for more. We were made to live for so much more than ourselves.

The Bible points us to a life of obsession with the beauty and glory of God because it's only when we lose ourselves in Him that we will ever actually find ourselves and, in turn, grasp true joy. Coming to God through the reconciling work of Jesus and feasting, day after day, upon all that He is for us — that will satisfy our souls. That will quench our thirst.

The call of the true gospel is not to be all that we can be and throw a little Jesus on it — it's to be reconciled to God through the work of Jesus Christ and to enjoy Him forever! God is the most valuable being in the universe. He's not boring or stiff or tame. He's outrageously interesting and the greatness of all that He is can (and will) be chased after for eternity. The best that He can give us is Himself, and that's exactly what He does in the gospel. If we want true satisfaction and lasting joy, we will not find it in going to church to "worship God for us" or in "doing good for ourselves." We won't find it in deciding for ourselves who and what we are. We will only find it in and through the Person of Jesus Christ.

True joy is wrapped up in knowing and savoring the Person of God. It can be found nowhere else.

I don't write this as someone who's got it all figured out. I love Jesus and have tasted of His goodness, but I still struggle to go to Him when my soul is dry. I still tend to so easily bend toward seeking out comfort for my heart in the cheap pleasures and pursuits of the world. But my hope is that this incredibly patient and merciful Source of all true joy will keep breathing fresh waves of mercy over my heart, re-shaping and re-creating me to be increasingly inclined to find all that I need and desire in the greatness of who He is.

[MamaB]

Why are you defending this character so much? Do some research on him like I did months and months ago. He does not teach Biblical principles. When I saw him the first time a long time ago, I wondered if anyone in that congregation could tell anyone the plan of salvation. I still wonder that. He is leading people astray.

[PapaNew]

He said, I believe you have to know Christ. But I think that if you know Christ, if you're a believer in God, you're going to have some good works.

Later, he fumbled with whether people of other religions are going to go to Heaven. I've already addressed that in a previous post.

Nevertheless, Osteen later apologized for not being clearer in his answer.

And yet this is why the Pharisees call him a heretic who denies Jesus? That is sad.

[PapaNew]

basically you're telling us that Jesus never claimed to people to be the only way to heaven

Not that it's relevant (this is about Joel not me), but no, I never said that at all. You put words in my mouth like you do Joel apparently.

John 10 is Jesus teaching. In other places Jesus is healing. In other places Jesus is showing compassion. These are not mutually exclusive. Jesus displayed all the ministerial gifts, but we don't each have all the ministerial gifts or "office" (Rom 12:4-8).

Joel doesn't display a healing ministry either but that doesn't invalidate his ministry. As I have already said, Joel has a ministry of encouragement, not a teaching or healing ministry.

[PapaNew]

Metmom, we’re going around in circles. You’re repeating yourself and forcing me to repeat myself which I’m not interested in doing.

You haven’t proven that Joel Osteen is a heretic or denies Jesus is the only way to heaven.

[narses]

The poisoned fruit of the protestant rebellion against God’s Church.

[PapaNew]

plan of salvation

The Bible says if you call on the name of Jesus you will be saved (Acts 2:21; Rom 10:13). TWICE each service, he leads people to pray the prayer to accept Jesus as well as the many thousands in the large Night of Hope events as well. How is that "leading people astray"?

[PapaNew]

Why are you defending this character so much?

I don't know. Maybe one reason is becasue you and others attack Joel with such a mean spirit - vicious and rigid. Yet your evidence that he deserves such treatment is so paltry. Much of it boils down to a personal preference or disagreement with Joel.

It's not like you say, "I don't agree with Joel." That would be one thing. That could certainly be understandable as many among God's people don't agree with each other about a lot of stuff.

But you're so rigid and harsh in your criticism of Joel. And it's like you turn a personal dislike into some kind of doctrinal heresy. I guess that's why I defend him. The guy doesn't have a mean bone in his body and leads many to receive Jesus in their lives. He just doesn't do it in a way that you like.

[Zuriel]

**(5) On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.(6) When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.**

So you believe that they received the Holy Ghost in verse 5, but the Holy Ghost didn’t come on them until Paul laid his hands on them?

That’s definitely spinning things to meet an anti-water baptism position.

**And here’s Peter correcting his earlier mindset that water was required for baptism: Act 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.**

Corrected his earlier mindset? Peter baptized because he was commanded to by the Lord. Matt. 28:19.

So you are saying his command to baptise Cornelius and his household, after the Lord baptized them with the Holy Ghost, was a mindset that needed corrected? And that he corrected himself when back at Jerusalem?????

Philip baptized the Samaritans. Then God baptized them with the Holy Ghost. “A man must be born of water and of the Spirit..”.

Man baptizes the seeker in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins (as the Lord commanded), and the Lord baptizes with the Holy Ghost.

From the beginning of creation it is clearly seen...(types and shadows)

From a world, dead and covered with water, God brought forth life. And did it again with Noah’s flood.

Under the Law, the priest could not begin the blood sacrifices with out first washing in the laver.

Namaan the Syrian, a leper, (a man as good as dead), was given new life after immersing in the Jordan.

Paul showed the symbolism to the saints at Corinth: “Moreover, brethern, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that ALL our fathers were under the cloud, and ALL passed THROUGH the sea. And were ALL baptized unto Moses IN the cloud and IN the sea.” 1Cor. 10:1,2

[Zuriel]

**Salvation has two aspects - justification and sanctification.**

Justified by His blood, sanctified by His Spirit.

**It is here where water baptism plays an important role - a ritual cleansing showing we are no longer part of the world, but citizens of another. It was also a public sign of dedication to service, such as the baptism of Jesus.**

A ritual cleansing..??
You say it doesn’t wash away sins, but it still cleanses??

Peter says it SAVES us. Man says it doesn’t,...but it’s somehow important?!?!

I cover this more in post 228.

[Zuriel]

**If the man didn’t walk the mile it’s evident that God didn’t draw him to walk that mile.**

Has God drawn you to obey Acts 2:38?

[Chong]

I do too, MamaB.

I had no idea about your tragic losses, as I don’t post too often anymore. I am so very sorry. You are absolutely right; God IS the answer.

God bless you, my FRiend.

[caww]

I can relate to that very well...only my loses were in a two year period....could barely come up for air!.... I would not have endured without the Lord by any means.

[metmom]

Top 10 Most Wicked Popes

http://listverse.com/2007/08/17/top-10-most-wicked-popes/

1. Liberius, reigned 352-66 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
2. Honorius I, reigned 625-638 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
3. Stephen VI, reigned 896-89 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
4. John XII, reigned 955-964 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
5. Benedict IX, reigned 1032-1048 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
6. Boniface VIII, reigned 1294-1303 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
7. Urban VI, reigned 1378-1389 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
8. Alexander VI, reigned 1492-1503 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
9. Leo X, reigned 1513-1521 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]
10. Clement VII, reigned 1523-1524 [Catholic Encyclopaedia]

Top 10 Worst Popes in History

http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-worst-popes-in-history.php

1. Pope Alexander VI (1431 – 1503)
2. Pope John XII (c. 937 – 964)
3. Pope Benedict IX (c. 1012 – 1065/85)
4. Pope Sergius III (? – 911)
5. Pope Stephen VI (? – 897)
6. Pope Julius III (1487 – 1555)
7. Pope Urban II (ca. 1035 – 1099)
8. Pope Clement VI (1291 – 1352)
9. Pope Leo X (1475 – 1521)
10. Pope Boniface VIII (c. 1235 – 1303)

YOUR pope kissing the koran. Fits right in with YOUR Catechism of the Catholic church.

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P29.HTM

841 The Church's relationship with the Muslims. "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day."330

[metmom]

I don't know. Maybe one reason is becasue you and others attack Joel with such a mean spirit - vicious and rigid. Yet your evidence that he deserves such treatment is so paltry. Much of it boils down to a personal preference or disagreement with Joel.

It's not like you say, "I don't agree with Joel." That would be one thing. That could certainly be understandable as many among God's people don't agree with each other about a lot of stuff.

But if we disagree with Joel and give reasons for it, THEN we're rigid and vicious. Right?

[Mr Rogers]

“Peter says it SAVES us. Man says it doesn’t,...but it’s somehow important?!?!”

Peter says it saves us, but from what?

“Be saved from this perverse generation!”

“...when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you...”

Did the Flood justify Noah? Of course not! In what sense did the Flood “save” Noah, when to most it looks like the Flood threatened Noah?

Well, the Flood saved Noah from the perverse generation around him, separating him from the evil world he was in. “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you...”

Water baptism is an important part of sanctification - our being made separate from the world around us. Salvation refers to BOTH justification and sanctification, so water baptism does offer us salvation - in the sense that it is involved in sanctification, which is part of salvation.

I’m sorry, but you are twisting scripture if you claim water baptism gives us life. Water baptism does not regenerate us, but it is a part of the sanctification - separation - process, as Peter clearly taught.

The blood cleanses us from sin. The water cleans us from the world, and dedicates our life to God.

See also:

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/v02-n10/baptism

[MamaB]

Wow. I had never seen that last picture. How can he believe that?

[MamaB]

It is an odd thing about the deaths. My mom’s dad died on 1/6/1926, my dad died on 1/6/1984, and my mom died on 1/6/2007. She would have been 103 on 4/26. She was an amazing Christian lady. God bless.

[CynicalBear]

>>You haven’t proven that Joel Osteen is a heretic or denies Jesus is the only way to heaven.<≤≤p> When asked if Jesus is the only way to heaven Osteen said "for me that's what I believe but for others I don't know". So he doesn't know if Jesus is the only way for all people. At least he won't publicly proclaim that Jesus is the only way period. That in effect is denying Jesus.

[CynicalBear]

>>Has God drawn you to obey Acts 2:38?<<

Of course. Now let me ask you, have you asked Jesus to be your personal savior?

[PapaNew]

But if we disagree with Joel and give reasons for it, THEN we're rigid and vicious. Right?

Of course not. It's taking your personal disagreements and distaste of Joel and turning into attacks on his character. Your attacks and accusations on Joel, calling him a heretic, the same way the Pharisees called Paul a heretic, and claims that he "denies Jesus" - those are vicious, mean, unfounded, and uncalled for.

I'm done here. Suffice it to say it is up to the accusers to prove their accusations and defamation of another by at least a preponderance of evidence. Even in a court of law an accused criminal is presumed innocent until proven guilty. And personal grudges that do not reach a legal issue do not even belong in court. Here, you have egregiously accused Joel of denying Jesus with paltry evidence and mostly on the basis of personal preference. And this against a brother in Christ. Despicable.

However, we all do despicable things. God's grace is greater than or sins and iniquities. He took all our sins and forgave all of us on the cross 2000 years ago. I know Joel forgives you (plural) and I forgive you. I know Joel has moved on, and so do I.