Joel Osteen: A Friend In Jesus

[dgridley]

Every Sunday there are many religious programs to choose from on network TV, yet one stood out as I flipped through the channels. Stopping at Joel Osteen's program, I casually watched it, and got hooked by the end of the program. The positivity and uplifting messages given by this talented pastor of Lakewood Church is addicting.

Having basic Christian values but being limited in my knowledge of religion in general, I haven't spent much time in church as an adult. Being a workaholic, with limited time and energy, by the end of the week I am mentally and physically worn out. Watching Joel Osteen on television on Sunday morning is my way of getting spiritually recharged for the week ahead. If a sermon is going to catch my attention, it has spiritual meaning, yet isn't too overly preachy or heavy. For many, like me, who believe in God but aren't knowledgeable in quoting scripture or other Biblical information, sermons that teach us the basics while being upbeat are powerful and welcomed.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/221029/the_inspiring_uplifting_and_entertaining.html

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I'm hooked on watching Joel Osteen as well and have even thought about traveling to Houston to see him in person and I'm not even really what you would consider a Christian! This guy is very positive and upbeat without cramming values down your throat.. I strongly suggest everyone who's interested look him up on TV (cable) or visit his site:

http://www.lakewood.cc/site/PageServer?pagename=LCH_index

BTW- check it out! It's a .cc domain!

 

[Broker]

I used to watch him too when I was a christian. No longer am thank god LOL

Alot of preachers in the business frown upon his name because he is all about the positive in the bible and will not comment on the demons, torture, or anything to do with the hell topics or questions. Bringing up the old saying, "practice what you preach"

While I myself have been in your position, every man needs to walk his own path and journey to find the real "truth" within and about themselves. Seek and you shall find it.

Jesus said "heaven is within"

Highly recommended author not affiliated with any religions. A small page of quotes from him, enjoy and have a wonderful journey.

http://peacefulrivers.homestead.com/EckhartTolle.html

 

[dgridley]

Osteen's messages seem to fit neatly into my own universal perceptions.. I love his program and subscribe to his newsletters.

 

[Broker]

2Timothy 4:3-4 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."


As I said, have a wonderful journey

 

[networkmsia]

Thanks for sharing Dave,

I am watching his streaming video online now.

Its a really Great Church there.

 

[briman1970]

2Timothy 4:3-4 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."


As I said, have a wonderful journey

Umm... this kinda goes against what (I think) you are trying to say. Within context, this passage urges people to follow and teach the true Word of God and to turn away from all other doctrines, which are basically fables.

BTW, I think what Jesus said was, "The Kingdom of God was within you" in response to the Pharisees' questioning when it would come. I don't believe he meant, "Go looking for your own heaven."

Anyway, thanks for the info Dave. I hadn't heard of this guy until your post. I'll check him out.

 

[dgridley]

You're all welcome.. let me know how you like him..

 

[networkmsia]

Have finished watching the online video. His Great. Good worship team as well.
Their church is MASSIVE !!!

 

[bizwiz]

Great post! I don't go to church that much but his message hits the spot.

 

[Broker]

Umm... this kinda goes against what (I think) you are trying to say. Within context, this passage urges people to follow and teach the true Word of God and to turn away from all other doctrines, which are basically fables.

Exactly

Joel does not and refuses to teach "the word" as it was said to be taught.

http://www.geocities.com/cobblestoneministries/2005_CRM/JOEL_OSTEEN_apostasy_minigospel.html

 

[dgridley]

Great link, but I can see both sides of the coin here and I believe with Joel that God creates us to succeed and is a loving God.. a loving God does not cast someone into an eternity of torment.

I think Hell is the Devil's spin on things and not God's.. that may not be scriptural but who's to say the Scriptures have not been corrupted over the centuries and thru many translations?

My heart tells me a loving God will see the truth in my heart and not condemn me for my sins. That's just the way I feel about it.

I don't think that God casts every Muslim or Hindu (for example) into Hell because they don't believe in Jesus, sorry.

As for Joel's positive message, I think it can only benefit those who hear it.

Exactly

Joel does not and refuses to teach "the word" as it was said to be taught.

http://www.geocities.com/cobblestoneministries/2005_CRM/JOEL_OSTEEN_apostasy_minigospel.html

 

[Broker]

a loving God does not cast someone into an eternity of torment.

Well that totally contradicts what the bible says Thats exactly whats wrong with the christian faith. Christians want to believe what they choose to believe and preachers preach only what they choose to preach. You can not believe/teach one part of the "word" and disagree with another. Talk about wanting your cake :p


I dont believe in god. The word itself is only a word that has been misused for years. If anything, it "god" is a state of being and not a being. As for those still on the journey and talking about hell this and hell that, I say its your hell you burn it. Its all in your head as thought forms anyway.

How do you know everything in this life you see, taste, smell, touch isnt created by your mind? Ever close your eyes and stop thinking completely? Funny how everything just disappears. Dont underestimate your own intelligence.

Religion is an evil business :santa:

 

[dgridley]

Well, as I said previously, I'm not much of a Christian so I have to go by what my heart tells me. I do believe in God, but find it hard to follow organized religion because I see so much of it corrupted by man.

When Joel Osteen preaches a sermon of positivity and faith, I can see only good coming from that and I'm all for it.

As for your concept of reality, have you ever checked out www.whatthebleep.com? Alot of what they talk about there fits neatly into what you talk about and also confirms the existence of God as I see it.

Well that totally contradicts what the bible says Thats exactly whats wrong with the christian faith. Christians want to believe what they choose to believe and preachers preach only what they choose to preach. You can not believe/teach one part of the "word" and disagree with another. Talk about wanting your cake :p


I dont believe in god. The word itself is only a word that has been misused for years. If anything, it "god" is a state of being and not a being. As for those still on the journey and talking about hell this and hell that, I say its your hell you burn it. Its all in your head as thought forms anyway.

How do you know everything in this life you see, taste, smell, touch isnt created by your mind? Ever close your eyes and stop thinking completely? Funny how everything just disappears. Dont underestimate your own intelligence.

Religion is an evil business :santa:

 

[Broker]

I have seen the movie, its good. There is no evidence whatsoever or proof of God however. Especially as a seperate being or greater intelligence. Scientists have already prooved that all matter is really just different energy feilds vibrating at different speeds. As are we, apart of that same matter. We are one with all that is. We are a formless intelligence experiencing ourselves in a physical form. At our deepest level of being we can enter into that formless realm. Hence Jesus saying, heaven is within.

As I said before, enjoy your journey. Mine was indeed wonderful. But I personally have arrived at peace with myself and all that is, all that happens, and all thanks to the power of now book. The last spiritual book you'll ever need to read.