Comments on: Joel Osteen – Your Comments

By: Jane Doe

Jane Doe — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:34:45 +0000

I think Joel preaches what people want the hear. I’ve done the right thing for so many years, and I have not gotten any breaks! So much for the “Supernatural” idea he keeps talking about and how God owes us a big “Favor” especially for those who have done so much good and everyone has stepped on that person as a doormat.

Well, like I said, it’s been two years, Joel, and I still have not gotten any breaks from the Lord. What do you say about that? And how about all those poor little children who are abused? Where is their angel? What about those good people who have suffered so much. Where was their angel?

By: "T"

"T" — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:56:10 +0000

The apostles said to Jesus that there was someone else preaching that was not among them. Jesus’ response was that it was not a division as long as he was preaching the Kingdom. Joel (nor any preacher) is all things to all men. Joel’s lot in life may be to breach to those to are in need of milk. It is the responsiblity of the hearer to grow and then desire meat. Joel’s testimony is one where he was faithful over a little (in his father’s ministry) and God made him ruler over much. Who can say they know this man’s walk with God? Who can say they know his communion with God? Why do any of you stand to judge another’s servant. He is God’s servant, and anyone stating what they think he is NOT doing is placing themselves in judgement. I’m sure many of you have grown in your walk with the Lord. Everyone starts out as a babe in Christ and grows to maturity. If Joel’s doctrine does not state the Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died for your sins that is a problem. One of Jesus’ first sermons was the Beatitudes. Simple, straight-forward, and basic. His words to Pharasees was much harsher. Please, Saints, don’t put you place in jepardy of condemnation from God by Judging Joel Osteen and his service to God.

By: paul

paul — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 05:29:58 +0000

It is very sad that joel olsteen does not take people into the deeper things of God because he only address milk and not the meat of the word. Joel has a responsibilty to teach and preach the word of God instead of trying to keep up with what the people want, in the last days people will want to hear things that only tickle their ears and Joel is giving them quite a tickle.

By: QUENTIN HATHCOCK

QUENTIN HATHCOCK — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:29:37 +0000

I actually like Joel and believe him to be gifted in encouragement of the body. Somewhat like most of you i wish for a more balanced teaching. I have been struggling myself with this teaching and concerned with my own motives. Lately I have been dealing with a call to ministry and am keenly aware of my own insufficiency. I really want to be true and genuine in my faith; and to be able endure suffering and the hardship associated with being a true servant of Jesus Christ. Lets all pray for Joel and while you are at it please pray for me to.

By: Rev. Caleb Onyango

Rev. Caleb Onyango — Mon, 25 May 2009 06:44:37 +0000

I came into contact with Joel Osteen’s teaching through a local christian TV station in Kenya. I must say that my conclusions are that the man is a good social worker and advisor but cannot be passed as a preacher of the gospel. I have not really noted preaching of the word of God in his “sermons.” I have nothing really against him and I admire him for being so good at what he is doing but I believe we must place his work where it belongs. It is good but it should not be called the gospel of Jesus Christ. His followers should be advised to find a bible teaching church.

Caleb.

By: Terra BreAnn

Terra BreAnn — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:51:43 +0000

In response to JoAnn, the tickets weren’t $124.00 for entrance to his sermon in Southern Calif! It was $15.00! I know because I went and even had seats within the first seven rows. Certainly I can justify spending that small amount to visit a venue at the Honda Center which costs thousands to even reserve! I too am among the people losing their homes and jobs and I feel that such a small contribution to the ministry was well worth what I got out of that evening. If you need help in the future on finding tickets I will be more than happy to assist you. God bless.

By: JoAnn Luzio

JoAnn Luzio — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 01:16:16 +0000

My sister and I are christians and we watch your show each week. My sister is battling cancer and due to her medical bills she is about to lose her home. I know there are thousands of people like her who really need a word of encouragement. We wanted to come to your service in Southern Calif., however we couldn’t afford $124.00. I am having a hard time understanding how you can charge such a high fee. I don’t think Jesus asked for money before he preached. Joyce Meyers is fee and she touches a lot of hurting people who other wise wouldn’t beable to come if she charged. With the economy so bad I know those who are sick, lost their homes, & jobs really need Joel, but how can they afford to go. Please answer me as many people whom have said to me Joel is in it for the money I have defended him, but now I question how much he charges. My Name is JoAnn and my e-mail : jo11852@yahoo.com

By: Dexter

Dexter — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:06:55 +0000

My thing is this: As much as I believe that God would have us “have life, and have it more abundantly”, I believe even more so that He would have us look at ourselves for what we are, sinful, and receive grace from God as what it is, undeserved. I actually agree with a lot of what Osteen says, but he does tend to leave out the necessity of suffering in living life as a Christian. Instead, he has a tendency to imply that the blessings we get from God are deserved, that we are worthy to receive from Him simply because we are His children.

In a way, this is true, but in another way, this is easily twisted. We are God’s heirs to the kingdom, but not of our own power. It is only through the blood Jesus shed for us and the immense grace and mercy He has given us that we are connected with God and are privileged to receive anything.

My thing is this: It was enough for Jesus to give His LIFE for me so that I can be freed from the guilt of sin. Everything else I receive (life abundantly) is extra, but I am eternally grateful for it all.

By: Hilldi

Hilldi — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 20:58:33 +0000

I totally agree with you, Donald. A couple of months ago I was in the Philippines together with my family. We visited Christian brothers and sisters who live in poverty themselves but do everything they can to give the poor children education and a better future.They have experienced hunger and persecution. My friend, who is the headmaster of the school, told me with a smile that her treasure is in heaven:-)It really broke my heart to see the poverty.

Then we went to Singapore. There I went to a Christian bookstore. The first book I caught sight of was Joel Osteen`s: “Your best life now”. I felt so sick!!!! Jesus NEVER told us to live our best lives now! In fact he told us that it would be very hard for anyone who seriously would follow Jesus!
It could even cost us our lives!

Jim Elliot was a missionary who had to lay down his life for Christ. He could have chosen differently and lived a “successful” life. But he risked his life so that others would hear the Gospel and be saved. He once said: “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose”.

Praise be to the Lord! When we lose our lives for his sake we can expect something that is more precious than anything on earth; the victors crown of righteousness, a great reward and eternity with Jesus in Heaven!So let`s not chase after all this that the world is running after. We have got something far better waiting for us!

By: Donald

Donald — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:36:23 +0000

I think it is a disgrace that there are all these people that you watch on t.v. and in these big church buildings making millions upon millions of dollars-tax free by the way. They look really nice, all dressed up in nice clothes(suites/tuxedos), the world loves it. Yet, what about all of the people that don’t have homes or food or extra clothes because they’re living in dumpsters and cardboard boxes out on the streets? It makes me cry. Jesus told his disciples(and all of us through there message) to be on the lookout for false prophets, they come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by there fruits.

Someone went up to Jesus to ask him how hard it was for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus said that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle then it was for a rich man to inherit the kingdom of God.

Oh, I have so much more to say so if you want to talk please email me: dpjennin1982@hotmail.com

By: Rick A

Rick A — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:23:29 +0000

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transfomed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
2 Cor 11:13-15

I believe that this is one of the most dangerous doctrines being preached today. It teaches sinful man that he is good enough, that all God needs to do is chip away the bad from his life and he is magically transformed into a beautiful creature. It does away with the need for a savior. The bible teaches us that there is no good in man that we are fallen and separate from God that we are DEAD IN TRESPASSES AND SIN before Christ saves us.
There is no good in man at all. We must be regenerated by the Spirit of God.
Joel Osteen preaches that goodness lies within us, that is not scriptural.

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
They are all gone out of the way, they are all together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Rom 3:10-12

Joel Osteen does not even consider himself to be a preacher, but calls himself a motivational speaker. Why would people entrust their soul to a motivational speaker.
I cannot understand how people who call themselves christian can be so easily deceived. They are looking for something other than a crucified savior and the promise of a crucified life that come with serving him. This is no time for the church to be lulled to sleep, looking for blessings and prosperity. Ours is a greater call than to receive blessings and properity in this life, it is a call to win lost souls for Christ. That should be our first priority. Christ told us to lay up treasures in heaven, not on earth. Too many are seeking for treasure here and now. They are selling their eternal birthrights for material gain. Joel Osteen and many “preachers” like him are preaching a Christless Christianity. Jesus and Jesus alone should be the center of our conversation.
If the cross of calvary is not essential to what a minister is sharing from the pulpit then he is NOT preaching the gospel of Christ.

By: Marie

Marie — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:34:40 +0000

Oh gosh – I agree with John – my life has changes so much because of Joel for the better and things that I normally would be afraid to do, I have tried and succeeded with God’s help… my life is a living testament that Joels teachings truly do work and there is more fruit if you get to know his congregation… For all the naysayers out there on Joel I have to ask when was the last time any of you got off the couch to give grace to the homeless or the bless the elders in nursing homes or to open your hears and homes to people that do not measure up – Joel does…

It’s funny how we can judge people harshly, but we are so soft on ourselves – an all of you who are judgemental – maybe you should try grace – it’s a much more peaceful road and one that has so many blessings – Jesus is living proof of grace – he blessed and blessed and blessed and that is what Joel does – all over the world…

By: Don

Don — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:55:49 +0000

People who buy into Olsteen and those who preach these ear tickling heresies should work out their own salvation.

You just might be fooled, thinking you are going to heaven. You might exhibit “christian” behavior now, and you might know Jesus, but the question is;

“Does Jesus know you?”

Encouragement is not a “ministry”, encouragement comes from hearing the truth, and excercising faith in our hope in Jesus.

Jesus is the hope that encourages!

Look at our Chinese Brothers in Christ. How do you explain their faith, persecution, economic, and health status according to Olsteen’s gospel?

If you subscribe to the false teachings of Olsteen and others, the enemy has you where he wants you.

Here is real help for you and it’s free.

Repent and believe. Turn to God while you can.

Our future is sealed in Jesus, that’s encouraging.

There is nothing (no 7 steps or any formula) that you can do to improve your position when you are truly bought by the substitutional sacrifice that Jesus made for you on the cross. Nothing!

So join me in humbling ourselves before the Almighty, Holy God of the universe, the Uncreated One, The First and The Last, the One who loves us so much that He sacraficed His Son in our place and ask Him to forgive us, accept His gift, pray He has mercy on us and ask His Holy Spirit to lead us into His truth.

Amen

By: john

john — Sat, 03 May 2008 04:52:48 +0000

I just feel that Joel’s gift lies in the ministry of encouragement. He does it very well and if people would actually pay attention to his words, their lives will be more rewarding.

By: apologeticsindex.org

apologeticsindex.org — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:58:46 +0000

You’ve got to use the whole Bible, Dennis — not just bits and pieces that you think apply to the situation at the expense of other passages.

For instance, while you quote Matthew 7:1 (and you should always include the reference when quoting Scripture, so we can it in context), you apparently are unaware that Jesus also said:

“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24).

But you don’t even have to read that far. In the same chapter you quote from, Jesus says:

===Begin Quote===
15″Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

21″Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
===End Quote===

We will recognize false prophets by their fruit. That involves judging.

I encourage you to read up on these subjects:

Discernment
http://www.apologeticsindex.org/618-discernment-2

Judging
http://www.apologeticsindex.org/j14.html