Joel Osteen?

[IceMan84]

Just curious what you all think of Joel Osteen. I watch him every once in a while and although I've never heard him discuss hell, I haven't heard him preach against it either. I assume that he likely believes in eternal hell but just doesn't bring it up very often. It almost seems like he is more of a life coach or motivational speaker than a preacher at times...he just kind of takes one or two verses and then just goes off on a tangent about how people can accomplish all this stuff if they just trust in God. I'm not saying that's wrong or anything, but I don't really agree with his "prosperity gospel" (if you are obedient to God, he will reward you with all kinds of material possesions and money).

[Beloved Servant]

Run the other way!
Anyone who advocates a self-help doctrine is anti-Christ and denies the Spirit, Wisdom, and Understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ.
There is nothing good in the flesh of man that can be improved, it can only be anointed in Him.
We could try, forever, and never become like Him — without Him.
Self needs to die — so that it is no longer I that live — but Christ that lives in me.

[jabcat]

His wife wrote a book entitled "Love Your Life".

The following is information I found, without further comment from me;

From an article in Money Week;
"Osteen makes no apologies for watering down the Bible. He admits that he sees himself more as a life coach than a preacher. He doesn't quote the Bible at length, instead abstracting it into principles such as love and the importance of a positive attitude. In general, he is seen as pushing the 'Prosperity Gospel' – if you give to God he will bless you physically, spiritually and materially.  

Although Osteen says he believes in hell and the afterlife, he doesn't preach "fire and brimstone" and his messages often leave out the traditional Christian teachings of sacrifice, the cross of Jesus Christ, and the word "sinners." - End Quote

Quotes from Joel Osteen:

Do all you can to make your dreams come true.

I think God's justice is making wrongs right.

I'm going to let God be the judge of who goes to heaven and hell.

I'm very careful about saying who would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know.

If we say it long enough eventually we're going to reap a harvest. We're going to get exactly what we're saying.

Only God can look at somebody's heart.

You can be committed to Church but not committed to Christ, but you cannot be committed to Christ and not committed to church.

You can change your world by changing your words... Remember, death and life are in the power of the tongue.

God wants us to prosper financially, to have plenty of money, to fulfill the destiny He has laid out for us.

I've never preached one sermon on money, on just finances. I want to stay away from it.

If Jesus were here today, he wouldn't be riding around on a donkey. He'd be taking a plane, he'd be using the media.

[Beloved Servant]

James,
that's repulsive and ridiculous.

[Beloved Servant]

To where would He go?

He already established His Way when He rose His Holy Body that contained His Holy Spirit that transcends the heavens.

There's nowhere to go — but up!

[jabcat]

James,
that's repulsive and ridiculous.

Telling you what the man is quoted as saying.  Everyone use their discernment.

Reminds me of Gary's statement, "this is an age mixed with truth and error".  And I'll add, there's plenty of both.

[Beloved Servant]

My sheep know my voice.
The Lord is not unknowable — He reveals Himself — that is His nature.
All creation declares the glory of God.
And we are Him.

John 17:
23, I in them and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in one, and that the world may know that Thou dost commission Me and dost love them according as Thou dost love Me.