“I don’t get deep and theological.”~Joel Osteen, New York Times July 18, 2005
Note Joel’s own words here: “I don’t get deep and theological.” In other words: “I’m a spineless moral coward who refuses to stand on what God’s Word clearly states and don’t get into God’s Word or preach it – other than to misuse a verse here or there for my own self-serving purposes. No, instead I teach you the self-serving, luciferic doctrines that your unrepentant heart wants to hear. And I am a millionaire many times over for doing such. Thank you for being so gullible and biblicalically-illiterate and patronizing my church business – my empire.”
Have you stopped to think about the title of Osteen’s best selling book? Anyone living their ‘best life now’ … that means they are going to hell and have forfeited eternal glory in Heaven for this fleeting, sinful world. Jesus says “They have their reward.” (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16) If this life is your “best” life, that means you are going to hell because Heaven is going to be glorious for those who follow Christ to the end of their lives and “not be moved away from the hope of the gospel” by following greed-driven, lying wolves like Osteen (Colossians 1:22-23).
Osteen gets an “F” for his false teaching in “Your Best Life Now.” He gets an “F” because this book should have been titled “Your Best LIE Now.”
—IF YOU are defending Osteen, you are defending a known wolf and condemning others for not agreeing with you. YOU are the judgmental one. It’s time to really repent. — Anyone who can agree with this Christ-denying heretic (Osteen) is also an unsaved antichrist.
Notice below in this video clip how that it took the woman calling in to say the truth he refused to preach and even denied. Notice how he says repeatedly “I DON”T know” “I Don’t know” … does Joel not have access to a Bible? He says he judges no man – BUT JESUS WILL JUDGE ALL MEN and if they deny Christ with their own lips the LORD Jesus says we know them by that bad fruit because He says “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” (Matthew 12:34) So we DO know other men’s heart to a good degree by the “fruit” of their mouths (Matthew 7:16, 20). Jesus says to discern others “by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16, 20). What you will see here is that Osteen doesn’t want ot take a stand for what the Bible says because he’s trying to please the world in order to continue to grow his own temporal empire in lieu of being a humble servant being used to build Christ’s kingdom by sowing the truth in the hearts of men. He lamely says “I’m going to let God be the Judge” and YET refused to say what the JUDGE has told us in His Word. The Judge is God and He has not been silent. His Word is clear: “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish (go to hell).” (Luke 13:3) Jesus also says “Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God … ye must be born again.” (John 3:3, 7) Christ also states: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:16) Oh and the LORD’s apostle Paul said: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5)
Did the JUDGE make Himself clear? Watch this lame, spineless, Christ-denying moral coward who isn’t saved ….
—- You know, people so love being lied to – being told that God just wants to pamper them – that if you dare interfere with the c-l-o-w-n whose lies they are devouring, they will viciously attack you. – “My people love to have it so.” (Jeremiah 5:31) Anyone who doesn’t see that Osteen’s “gospel” is completely irreconcilable with New Testament Christianity/doctrine/truth, has no clue what the Bible says. This hour was foretold: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 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; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (stories).” (2 Tim. 4:3-4) …. That’s all Joel does is tell stories …. he’s just a flattering story teller that makes unregenerate (unsaved) people feel good about themselves in their current lost, sinful condition. He refuses to tell his audience about sin and that they must repent or they cannot be saved from eternal damnation (Lk. 13:3, 5, etc.). Is that love or hate? Hate.
Playing stupid to protect the wolf who is telling your unrepentant heart what it wants to hear reveals self-serving cowardice. Ignorance is a curse, not a Christian/biblical virtue (Proverbs 15:14).
“The simple (Heb. silly, seducible, foolish) believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” Proverbs 14:15
Jesus says we ARE to “know” (discern) others “by their fruits” and Osteen’s fruit, his doctrine, is not the original Gospel (Matthew 7:15-21). Any second grader who reads the Gospels knows that. The apostle Paul says Osteen is “accursed” for preaching “another gospel.” (Galatians 1:6-9)
Osteen refuses to preach the original Gospel once delivered to the saints (or anything remotely close to it) and by this alone we know he is “accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9).
THE only reason people like Osteen is because he is telling them what THEY want to hear in their sinful, unrepentant, alienated, lost state. He is lying them into eternal damnation. No true, Bible-loving Christian would take this guy seriously. – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Ever notice how Osteen holds up a Bible and has his audience make a confession? Part of Osteen’s canned script that he recites out loud and has his audience repeat is that “I am what it (the Bible) says I am.” Yet, you never hear Osteen lead his self-centered audience to say: “LORD, I know You promised suffering to those who truly follow You. And, if You say I must die to self and to suffer and be persecuted for serving You, then I know You will grant the grace for me to be brought through it all, come what may!” Red Flag!
Concerning the cross-less, counterfeit gospel preached by Osteen, Mark Heatherly notes:
“The cross has multiple aspects but the main one is to nullify the ‘negative’ elements that are deeply infused within the heart and soul of man. The cross serves as a filter of sorts to screen out all that is not in conformity with Christ , the new and perfect man. Everything in the old man is fallen; heart, mind, will and emotions and even the conscience. God placed us in Christ so that when He died, we died. This is the objective side and then on the subjective side, we then must ‘die to self, take up our own cross daily and follow Him.’
The cross has to work deeply and thoroughly throughout our inward parts (heart n soul) to bring us into conformity with Christ.
The practical working out part is every time we deny self-centered thoughts, desires, and impulses. The suffering the death of self involves when we endure sufferings and shame, when we give thanks sacrificially, when we turn the other cheek, or go the extra mile, and etc. Modern Christendom is in a state of apostasy… just as the Lord and His apostles foretold of these last days, people gather to themselves teachers who tickle the ears such as Joel Osteen! Hosanna, Lord Jesus.
The gospel Joel preaches is self exaltation! He does not preach the exaltation of Jesus Christ, the only truly good, righteous and perfect man. He actually preaches anti-Christ because everything he advocates is the opposite of the true gospel which is Jesus Christ, the hope of glory, and not me and what God has done for me. Rather, Jesus has said to lose your life while Joel says, ‘Your best life now’ The true gospel is Christ-centered while preachers like Osteen prostitute his followers out to self-indulgence in this fleeting world! Read James chapter 4! James clearly portrays us as being married to God who has given us His blessed Holy Spirit that we might be sanctified, set apart from the world and the self-centered, self-seeking indulgences therein which are of the enemy of God, Satan! James calls those who love the world, adulteresses because they have left their first love, abandoned the blessed Holy Spirit, and allowed their affections to go out to the world and the things therein through their self seeking flesh!
What Joel preaches comes straight from hell! It comes from the father of lies and all deception! Wake up people! Be SOBER and ALERT in your spirits for these things are ONLY spiritually discerned! You cannot discern this with your soul! Satan has dominion in that realm because of our flesh. The only safe haven, indeed even our rest, is within the human spirit where the Spirit of truth resides! Walk therein and do not be fooled. Just because someone stands in a church pulpit, holds up a Bible and says ‘God’ occasionally does not guarantee he knows God and speaks truth. Deception would have no fruit if it was fully exposed in light! A wolf could not walk and fellowship within the fold of the sheep, unless that is, he were clothed in sheep’s skin and looked just like them!” Mark Heatherly
It’s obvious that so many are passionate about their love for Osteen and his message. But why? With all due respect, I must refrain from endorsing such a ministry as Osteens. His message is full of fables and myths and is clearly not the true Gospel. Osteen refuses to preach the essentials of the original Gospel, such as repentance from sin, God is holy and commanded us to be holy, the death burial and resurrection of Christ, the soon return of Jesus, the divinity of Christ, etc., etc., etc.
How can any student of the Bible see anything but disparity, contradiction, and mutilation when they hear such flowery, flesh-flattering, sin-pandering speech such as what this smiling wolf spews out?????
ANY PERSON WHO WOULD DARE TO DEFEND THE PITIFUL FALSE TEACHINGS OF A MAN LIKE JOEL OSTEEN IS EITHER NOT SAVED OR IS A BABE WITH DANGEROUSLY MINUSCULE BIBLE LEARNING UNDER HIS/HER BELT.
“It really is NOT that difficult to tell who these false prophets are. The rah rah self-exalting sermons are NOT substance enough for the people of GOD seeking JESUS and HIS SPIRITUAL TRUTHS. They are just nice superficial speeches! There are NO solid convictions. It takes GUTS and FAITH to be a TRUE FOLLOWER of CHRIST and it will COST you EVERYTHING. The total surrendering of our WILL, PLANS, surrendering to HIS WAY and our own personal journey to the cross. That really is what is not preached in our churches. Most are NOT willing to pay the price to be a true discipline of CHRIST. Not an easy journey but worth it! HE, the GREAT I AM, made HIMSELF a whip and confronted face to face these false prophets, hypocrites. HE turned their money table over; and called them a bunch of adders (snakes) and said ‘your father is the devil!’ Is that BOLD enough for you? HE also said they would NOT see HIM again ‘until they said “blessed is HE who comes in the name of the LORD.’ These people use GOD, HIS teachings, for their own selfish gains but JESUS saw the corruption/whoredom within even though the outside looks fancy. They DO NOT follow the command and principal of GOD’s LOVE or work for HIS KINGDOM; but for their own! They hold NO real substance or depth within them. They are just empty suits making pretty speeches; tickling your ears, saying what they think you want to hear. They DID NOT appreciate or see the value in JESUS, the carpenter’s son, NOT knowing they were in the presence of Majesty. It is NO difference today!” Louise S.
Paul the apostle tells us that these smooth talking devils are “enemies of the cross of Christ” and that they “mind earthly things,” and that their “god is their belly” or carnal appetites (Philippians 3:18-19). That simply means they are in the “ministry” for self-serving purposes.
—- In light of this luciferic “we are little gods,” heresy, read this following Bible passage and note that this is perhaps prophetic of this late hour when so many have fallen away from Christ and therefore fall for these self-serving manipulations to get things for themselves.
“Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. 2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. 3 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: 4 Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?” Psalms 12:1-4
Note that “Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?” (v4) This is a antichrist declaration of of the denial and refusal of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In other words “We will not trust in God to do HIS will in our lives but rather WE will use our own tongues to get what WE want – to confess blessings in to OUR lives!” This goes for PMA (positive mental attitude) and the so-called law of attraction Osteen uses also. The common denominator is complete rebellion and therefore seeking to make their own way, do their own thing, and be their own little god or ruler and determinator of their own “success” and destiny.
The word says that homosexuality is an abomination unto God. “Pastor” Joel Osteen has made a name for himself as a positive and uplifting minister who focuses in on life’s pleasantries. Despite his wild popularity, he‘s also frequently criticized by some who feel he doesn’t address some of the more nitty-gritty issues that exist in both the secular and religious worlds.
When it comes to sin — something Osteen clearly believes in but rarely discusses in his sermons — the faith leader is often targeted for not addressing the issue upfront and regularly. On Sunday evening, Oprah Winfrey interviewed Osteen on her new program, “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” where he delved deeply into his views on homosexuality and sin.
“Will a gay person be accepted into heaven, as you see it?,” Oprah asked the famed pastor. “I believe they will,” he responded. ”Sometimes we look at gay being a bigger sin than being proud or not telling the truth. I don’t think God categorizes sins.”
Here, Osteen made it clear that he believes homosexuality is sinful. But Oprah pushed him a bit harder to solidify his stance, asking, “Does that mean that you’re saying that you believe that being gay is a sin?”
“I believe that homosexuality is shown as a sin in the scripture,” he responded. “Oprah, it’s a hard thing in a sense, because I’m for everybody. I’m not against anybody. I don‘t think anybody’s second class,” Osteen continued, as he explained that the Bible’s message on the matter, in his view, is clear.
Notice Osteen, the spineless moral coward’s use of phrases like “Oprah, it’s a hard thing in a sense, because I’m for everybody. I’m not against anybody. I don‘t think anybody’s second class.” Did you catch what he is trying to do? Do you discern the self-preserving, manipulatory spin here? He’s trying to base what the definition of sin is by how HE feels about it and how people will respond to HIM if HE calls sin sin according to God’s definition. Yet, the God who made all that is gave us His Word and specifically lists and defines what sin is and how it offends Him and defiles the participant (Galatians 5:19-21). Only the LORD Himself is “Holy, holy, holy,” and only He can define what sin is and if these sin send people to hell (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). God defines what sin is, not man. So, Osteen is basing his answers to life and sin on how it will effect HIM and HIS REPUTATION and not on what God says. Osteen needs to repent and be saved (John 8:47; Romans 3:3-4). Osteen is clearly all about self and not the Savior and attracts those who are using Christ’s name in vain to greedily covet and get things, popularity, favor, and this fleeting worlds goods for themselves – because like him, they are serving the god of self, they are worshiping at the altar of self. He has repeatedly rejected Jesus Christ and anyone who thinks this man is a true pastor should themselves repent and be saved.
ANY person who thinks Joel Osteen is even saved is clueless and probably needs to get saved. What is it going to take!? How many times does this moral coward have to deny Christ publicly for people to see this stage show scam for what it is? Actually, God has a place for false prophets like Osteen. He uses dupes like this to set a hook in the jaws of all who do not truly love Him and therefore are not willing to lay down their lives to serve Him. … “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. 3For the time will come when they will not endure (hold themselves accountable to) sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:2-4)
Disciple or “Champion”?
“You were born to win; you were born for greatness, you were created to be a champion in life” – Joel Osteen (p. 35).
“Born to win”?
“Born for greatness”?
Where’s that in God’s Word? Does Osteen know better than Jesus Christ, the prophets, and Christ’s apostles? After all, they made no such claim in the 66 glorious books of Holy Scripture. Christians are called saints and disciples, and followers of Jesus but never called “champions.” Such a term is a flesh-flattering ploy from the mouth of a modern deceiver who is using ancient methods to beguile the gullible.
– WARNING – Enter this page at your own risk: This website is intentionally for those who love and seek to obey the LORD who is the Truth, are teachable, taking up their cross daily, and growing daily in His holy grace (Jn. 14:6; 2 Pet. 3:18). The information contained herein may be hazardous to falsehood and false prophets/teachers. There will be no pandering to deception, human sentiment, philosophy, flattery, or lies, but rather godly edification with truth and love (Jesus willing). Those of the true remnant of the LORD possess a heart after the LORD and mind the things of Christ and His kingdom and are not afraid to discover that a leader, whole movement, or teaching they have previously espoused is actually false when tested in the light of Holy Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Jesus is their “first love” and they will have no “idol shepherds” nor pet doctrines of men or devils (Mk. 7:6-9; 1 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 2:4-5; Zech. 11:17). Those who seek to cover for and defend the very leaders Christ warned are ravening wolves who devour His people while operating in sheep’s clothing, will not enjoy this site (Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:27-32). Yet those who are “valiant for the truth” may very well love it (Jer. 9:3; Jn. 8:47; 18:37). Those who are fast asleep spiritually and therefore do not recognize the impending danger of deceivers and their distorted misrepresentations, are in for a shock (Exod. 20:3-4; 2 Cor. 2:17). Our prayer is that these will choose to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God in repentance and full obedience to His holy Word. God bless you richly in Jesus’ holy name.
In his blatant refusal to obey the divine command to “preach the word,” Joel Osteen is leading millions astray with his false gospel which couldn’t drown a flea in its spiritual depth (or rather, lack thereof). In his preaching and in his statement here (to the New York Times) Joel announces for all to see that he is not interested in getting into the Word of the God he claims to serve, much less instilling God’s truth in the hearts of his audience. This means he is creating a god in his own depraved image and selling it to the gullible. The fact that so many people think Joel Osteen is a Christian leader and embrace his ministry underscores the biblical illiteracy and “itching ears” among those claiming to be God’s children (2 Tim. 4:2-4). Where did the LORD instruct us to learn of Him, obtain His truth, and grow to become mature believers, rooted and grounded in Him? Try John 5:39; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17; Heb. 5:11-14; and 1 Pet. 2:2 for starters.
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick (living) and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word (nothing else); be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 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. “ 2 Timothy 4:1-4
Like Billy Graham, Joel Osteen continually refuses to tell America the truth when interviewed on shows like Larry King Live. What did the Son of God say of such cowardice?
“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38
Never in the history of this rebellious nation of people has there been a greater need for authentic men who fear God to stand up and tell people what the LORD requires of us (as individuals and as a people).
Christ makes it crystal clear here that “whosoever” is ashamed of Him and won’t speak His “words” before men, will be rejected on Judgment Day. The Almighty is not impressed with man’s temporary popularity; in fact He says it’s one evidence of the “false prophets.” (Lk. 6:26; 16:15)
“As the aging Robert Schuller, Billy Graham, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Paul Crouch are being retired and shown the door, a spanking brand-new generation of ministers and evangelists are being ushered in by the Devil to take their place. The new preachers–men like California’s Pastor Rick Warren. The Purpose-Driven Life) and Texas’ Joel Osteen (Your Best Life Now) are flashy, shiny, and smiley. They use positive talk, make people feel good, and get them to thinking about ‘Me, Me, Me, Me…’ The Rick Warrens and Joel Osteens evade topics like sin, judgment, Hell, and condemnation. They trumpet the New Gospel–that God is always good and that He has a satchel-full of cash he’s just dying to give out to every believer if only they’ll think good thoughts. What about false religion?–Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Witchcraft? Don’t worry. God is working behind the scenes to get those people to Heaven–and they don’t need to be evangelized at all. ‘So long Christian missionaries–It’s been good to know you!’ Find your purpose, find prosperity–get greedy, stop barking. Surround yourself with purple haze–The New Generation of Christian leaders are here, and watchdogs everywhere have simply gone to sleep.” Tex Marrs
I am jumping on and staying on the JESUS bandwagon and departing from and exposing false ministries like Lakewood/Osteen which refuse to preach the original Gospel and are therefore preaching “another gospel” and are “accursed.” (Gal. 1:6-9). The first word of the Gospel is “Repent” and Osteen will never be heard preaching that men must repent (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Lk. 13:3, 5; Acts 3:19; 17:30…). “God … commandeth ALL men every where to repent:” (Acts 17:30)
Jesus says there is NO salvation without repentance (Lk.13:3, 5). Do you know these verses? If you go to Lakewood it points to a serious problem in your heart – you are not a truth seeker on your own (2 Timothy 2:15). You don’t know God’s Word for yourself and are being deceived and will be “destroyed” if that doesn’t change (Hosea 4:6). You only know the few little tidbits of Scripture Osteen deceitfully sprinkles out there. You are fulfilling the last days prophecy of 2 Timothy 4:2-4. These people are not seeking Jesus and His Holy Truth. If they were they would see right through the thin veneer of this scam. Do you know what 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 says?
WHAT OSTEEN PREACHES TO THE CHOIR
If you watch Osteen on TV or read his book, you will notice many essential components of the true Gospel missing, including what Christ taught about the denial of self in contrast to the elevation and worship of self, which is exactly what Osteen promotes through his new age success and positive mental attitude (PMA) teachings. If you do not have a life in the Word for yourself, you will never know what Osteen purposely leaves out. Joel Osteen champions the cause of those who worship at the altar of self. There is no mention of denying oneself, taking up the cross to crucify the lusts of the flesh, and following Jesus. Osteen’s message is all about self-attainment and self-promotion instead of self denial, which is what Jesus commands and His apostles taught. This alone makes his gospel another gospel, not the real Gospel.
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any manpreach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9
In his messages, Osteen seeks to convince people, as he twists and misuses Scripture, that Jesus came to make them victorious in every area of their lives at all times. The great apostle Paul said that he learned how to abase and to abound. There were seasons of plenty and seasons of trial by having little. God provided. He said he learned to be content through those experiences and could have never learned such and been deepened in God without those precious trials where his Potter molded him more into His holy image (Rom. 8:29; Phil. 4:11-13; 1 Pet. 4).
Any person or even angel from Heaven (not hell), who preaches “ANY other gospel” than that seen in the record of the Word of God, is “accursed.” This simply means that if what a person preaches does not include the essential components of the Gospel found on the pages of the New Testament canon, he is false and cursed of the LORD. It does not matter how nice a person he seems to be. – “For the LORD seeth not as man seeth.” (1 Sam. 16:7)
WHAT OSTEEN PREACHES TO THE LOST
Universalism: The extreme form of universalism is the belief that all people are going to Heaven. The more subtle and just as deadly form of universalism is that anyone who is sincere about whatever religion they choose is going to the same Heaven Christ spoke of. The difference in Christ and these false prophets of universalism is that the Son of God told us that without repentance and the receiving of Him as LORD, hell is the eternal abode of all rebels. (Matt. 4:17; Lk. 13:3,5; Rev. 20:15, etc.) Christ is the one and only way to Heaven and the name of “Jesus” is the only name under Heaven whereby “we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Here is the official script of Joel Osteen on the Larry King Live show where millions were watching: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0506/20/lkl.01.html Read this and see Osteen do everything in his power to deny that Christ is the only way to God and deny what His Word says about homosexuality, Muslims, etc. Joel Osteen is clearly a man whom rebellious people have heaped to themselves, exalting into leadership, yet in this interview, 8 times he says “I don’t know.” He simply doesn’t know God’s Word or he has such a weak relationship with Him that he doesn’t possess enough spiritual prowess to have the bold unction of the Holy Spirit to declare the truth in love. Has Osteen ever been authentically born again? After all, in this interview he tells Larry King “I have always believed.” In the absence of any profession of faith like “I was born in sin but have now been born again/saved/washed in the blood of Jesus”, one must wonder. Was Joel born like only Jesus was – sinless? Or, does he have the sin nature like all of Adams descendants? – “All have sinned.” (Rom. 3:23) If Osteen was born in sin like the rest of us, then he must be born again to be in God’s kingdom. Why no mention? How can one “have always believed” if we are all born in sin? See Romans 5:12.
Osteen also says “I can’t judge somebody’s heart…I’m just going to let god be the judge of that. I don’t know. I don’t know… “ Okay, we all know God is the real Judge, but what did GOD tell us so clearly in His Word? Did the Almighty mean what He told us in His Word? What did God tell us about the things Mr. King was asking Osteen about — Muslims and atheists going to Heaven, homosexuality, etc.? Didn’t God give us His Word on these things and “all things that pertain to life and godliness”? (2 Pet. 1:2-4) Of course He did and yet Osteen copped out in order to protect his own self-serving agenda and reputation, instead of losing his life/reputation as Christ commanded we must do to be His (Lk. 9:23-24; Jn. 12:14-25). If this isn’t a denial of Christ, then what is?
Could it be clearer? “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.” (2 Tim. 2:12)
Beloved, the fact that Joel Osteen didn’t have the simple answers to Larry King’s elementary questions alone should declare to any genuine born again believer that Joel doesn’t represent Jesus Christ whatsoever. And, the fact that Osteen doesn’t know the LORD enough to have enough boldness to proclaim the name of Jesus, the only name under which any person can be saved, should even further confirm His wayward spiritual state.
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
Osteen’s “apology letter” does nothing to negate the fact that he is simply not representing Jesus Christ and certainly not qualified to be leading others. He is leading them astray. Jesus warned us that blind leaders lead those who follow them into the ditch of deception and ultimately destruction (Lk. 6:39).
In his book, Your Best Life Now, Osteen states:
Pages 61-62: “Sadly, of all the people who came out of Egypt, only two men, Joshua and Caleb, ever entered the land God intended for them….Their lack of faith and their lack of self-esteem robbed them of the fruitful future God had in store for them…..Remember, God had already guaranteed the Hebrews the victory, but because of their poor self-images, they never made it into the Promised Land. They never fulfilled their destiny, all because of the way they saw themselves.”
One who read Joel’s book comments: “Wow that’s the most perverted view of that I’ve ever heard. Someone actually paid for a book with that in it!”
Of Osteen, Ingrid Schlueter writes:
“Osteen’s using 130 Scriptures (in his book) doesn’t mean a thing when it comes to biblical orthodoxy. Satan’s greatest successes have involved the rise of leaders who copiously quote the Scriptures to make their own heretical points. Scripture is not to be treated as a source for proof texts for false teaching. Osteen has no biblical defense for his ‘best life now’, ‘God wants you to be a success’ message. In fact, Osteen’s message runs counter to Christ’s clear command that we deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Him. There is no personal cross in Osteen’s message to the world, only a better, more effective ME. He has people raise a Bible over their heads at the start of his messages to assure everyone that he believes the Word of God. Then he proceeds to completely contradict the very Word he claims to follow. We are here on this planet for God’s glory, not our own. God does not want us on a journey of deeper ‘self-discovery’ as Osteen claims in his new book. He wants us to go deeper and deeper into the knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ. We are to decrease and Christ must increase in our lives. This biblical framework runs counter to everything that Osteen represents…Joel Osteen needs to repent of his false teaching and his man-centered gospel and stop misleading the millions of people who follow his ministry. He is a false teacher and the consequences are eternal.”
Want to argue with the Almighty? Go right ahead. Exposing is a biblical mandate and the sentimentality of men is not going to alter His divine nature in such a matter. Truth must be contended for in order to protect God’s people from being spoiled/deceived and led to damnation – Rom. 16:17-18; Eph. 5:11; Colossians 2:8; 2 Thess. 2:3,9-12; 2 Tim. 4:2-4; Jude 3-4.
Most people have no idea how many verses and texts there are in the Bible concerning false prophets and their doctrines and methods.
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“Joel Osterizer does plenty to MixMaster the word of God til it is nothing like it is written. Just another lukewarm cherry picker.” Theodore W.
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“Why do you keep trying to tear down God’s children? … The heavenly Spirit that lives inside of us gives us a nudge when there is something that is not right. I am getting that nudge right now and I am in no way trying to degrade you. The Holy Spirit is just letting me know something is just not right with this.”
REPLY:
Hi Rhonda. The burden of proof is on you to proof that Osteen, a clearly false teacher, is a child of God. The Bible is God’s final Word and it says “damnation (hell)” lies just ahead for all “false teachers” and “false prophets.” – “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their DAMNATION slumbereth not.” (2 Peter 2:1-3) I have seen a lot in my day and time and this is just another sad case of one man tearing down another what without a just cause. So sorry for you.
You obviously love the wolves, the very “enemies of the cross of Christ,” more than you do the millions they are leading to hell (Philippians 3:18-19). Where’s the love of God in that?
I’m sorry you are currently so very blinded Rhonda. Feel sorry for yourself friend. If you can’t see that Joel Osteen is not preaching the original Gospel, you must not know or have forgotten the message Christ and His apostles preached. You are defending the enemies of the LORD and are in danger of His wrath.
You could not possibly be being moved by the Holy Spirit because He specifically mandated that true disciples of Christ “mark” those who cause division by preaching contrary to the doctrine of Holy Scripture (Romans 16:17-18). You have a problem with God friend. He mandated such. by name…… Are you daring to say that the LORD’s apostle Paul was not doing God’s will by marking the 8 wolves he marked in 2 Timothy (2 per chapter BY NAME)?????
Hello, I just read the article “Joel Osteen Exposed” and WOW I was reading the wrong book! I just moved to Florida and I wanted to know if you could recommend any church’s in the Brevard County area? Thank You, Lisa
Mind if I speak as a man? If so, here goes…..
I am really amazed at how people can be so clueless as to give even a moment to ministries like Joel Osteens. How plastic, canned, shallow, and fake does it get!? It just can’t get any more shallow and yet tens of thousands flock to that house of idol worship (of self) every Sunday and via the airwaves to hear how the god that Osteen worships and preaches can make them more happy as they enjoy their best life now. This is Satan’s message of deception – the message of trading one’s eternal birthright/blessing for a momentary bowl of soup (Heb. 12:16). This is what Esau did and God gave it to us in His Word to prevent us from doing the same thing – to throw away our eternity with Him for a temporal fix we won’t even remember a few days after we reach out for it. Who’s taking the bait? God help us!
Some of us are being led astray because we do not know the Word (Hos. 4:6). Choosing not to develop a deep love for divine truth and endure sound doctrine unfailingly leads to delusion and damnation (2 Thess. 2:10-12; 2 Tim. 4:2-4).
Listen to the words and goals of the apostle Paul in Philippians 3. Measure whether or not this is what Osteen (and any leader) is speaking. See if there is a difference – Read carefully here below what Paul spoke under the direct inspiration of the Holy Ghost:
“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” Philippians 3:7-11
Love gives and lust gets. Paul was pouring out his whole being – spirit, soul, and body to the One who bled for his innumerable sins and unspeakable degradation and depravity. This apostle of Jesus told us that he himself would lose out if he didn’t remain crucified to the world and the sin nature (1 Cor. 9:27). Jesus said one must give up all to be His:
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
In Osteen’s messages, nothing is ever mentioned of holiness or laying down one’s life. These truths are purposely ignored. In fact, I challenge anyone to find the word “holiness” in any of Osteen’s messages. Also, “sin” and specific sins in the Bible like “adultery,” “fornication,” “extortion,” “evil concupiscence,” “witchcraft”….. (see Gal. 5:17-19). The denial of self is never mentioned because it is the opposite of what Joel teaches – he teaches people to aggrandize and esteem their depraved selves, which is Luciferic (Isa. 14:12-15).
What do we not understand about the words of the One we claim to worship?
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels. But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:23-26
Where do Osteen and the other false prophets of our day ever speak of eternal things and the jeopardy of soul for those who trade in their eternal birthright for temporary pleasures? Remember Esau?
Those who love the self-life love Osteen and his message. He champions the cause of those who have a mere form of godliness and yet deny the life of complete submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ. For this reason, if you question Osteen, you mess with their little false security zone and you will be attacked and persecuted for it. But take heart, this means you are in the truth (Matt. 5:10-12; Lk. 6:26, 46; 16:15; 2 Tim. 3:12).
Do you not want a man who fears God with backbone and fortitude? How can we sit under such spineless and shallow messages and then turn around and defend such foolishness? How can this possibly be?! Do our hearts not hunger and thirst for the true milk and meat of His holy truth/Word? (Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Pet. 2:2) Does deep call unto deep in our hearts? (Ps. 42:7)
I have personally had numerous people aggressively attempt to come to the defense of this false teacher and others. As the LORD would have it, many times they will initiate the conversation (having no idea of my view). When Osteen’s name comes up, I always ask a simple question: “According to the historic record of the Holy Bible, Did Jesus Christ come to the earth to make us happy in this life or to make us holy?” Joel Osteen stands or falls on the answer to this question. If you have ever watched him you know that he seeks to make people happy with as little truth or partial truths as he can get away with (it doesn’t take much in this biblically illiterate society of people who claim to know Christ). After watching Osteen for a few minutes this past weekend, all I can say is, “God help the next unsuspecting soul who comes along trying to justify Joel’s self-worship message!” You all pray for me okay – I need to try to be a good boy….oh and most of all, pray for whoever that poor unsuspecting soul might be! (j/k) You know I will be nice – for at least 30 seconds…..ha…LORD bless us to win others to You by speaking your truth in love and never to seek to just win an argument! God is love.
Friends, I am honestly trying to reconcile how in the world anyone claiming to be a Christian lines Joel’s message up with the Word of God and can possibly defend his message which is completely opposite of/opposed to what the LORD told us. This is sad, yet isn’t it a fulfillment of what was foretold of the very last days leading up to Christ’s return? Is the great falling away in full swing? (2 Thess. 2:3, 10-12; 1 Tim. 4:1-6; 2 Tim. 3:1-7; Jude 3-4)
Is Joel Osteen a true New Testament Christian leader or a perpetrator of the new age message of self-love? Does he preach the Gospel Jesus and His apostles preached that the self-life is to be denied and not fed and fattened?
Beloved, our standpoint is never to try to imbue others with our limited view or force people to see things our way – we are but men. But we freely speak as we are hopefully led according to the Word and Spirit and hope you will personally weigh all things in the light of God’s holy truth and be a Berean believer who studies to show your own self approved unto God so you will not be eventually ashamed at your own gullibility, but will rather rightly divide between the holy and the profane (unholy). See Prov. 14:15; Ezek. 44:23-24; Acts 17:11; Eph. 5:11; 2 Tim. 2:15. I don’t know about you but I have personally been deeply embarrassed at my own naivety in certain instances in this life and do not wish to ever be again. We must look well to our way, ever learning divine truth that we might not be misled.
“The simple (naïve) believeth every word: but the prudent (wise; discerning) man looketh well to his going.” Proverbs 14:14
This writer is just as prone to sin (and maybe more) than anyone else. That’s a given (Gen. 6:5; Jer. 7:9; Rom. 6-7). Yet, what good does it do to deny the truth and lie against it in order to justify living in sin? (Rom. 6:1-2; James 3:14) What will be our lot on Judgment Day if we deny the divinely-given truth of God’s Word that will judge us on that Day? (Jn. 12:48; Rom. 2:16; Rev. 20:11-15) Is soothing our consciences in this life more important than preparing to meet our Maker and spend forever with Him? Do we want to choose the honest or the dishonest approach? Will those who deceive themselves not eternally regret such a foolish decision? Consider the rich man who died in Luke 16. When he died he immediately awoke in the tormenting flames of hell because he refused to truly serve God in his brief earthly existence. Perhaps he went to church every Sunday, said prayers, etc. and had a form of godliness but denied Christ in order to serve his own selfish “needs” and desires (2 Tim. 3:1-7). Perhaps this same man worshipped God with his lips yet his heart and therefore deeds were far from Him (Mk. 7:6). This exact and real man Jesus told us about is at this moment still in the horrible and filthy bowels of the domain of the damned. In a million years he will still be there – not one second will have expired from eternity’s time clock. See Luke 16:19-31.
This story of this “certain man” Jesus spoke of in Luke 16 reminds me of a dream a God-fearing preacher once had (Lk. 16:19-31). He said he had a dream and in that vision saw a frantic man running through waist high fire picking up the bodies of men and after identifying them, throwing them back down in disgust. The hysterical man in this dream was furious. The preacher was shaken by what he saw and asked the LORD what this vision meant. The LORD answered: “This is an angry man in hell, looking for a preacher that lied to him!”
And we love and defend Osteen and the other pied pipers? Or, do we love Jesus as we claim? If so, we will embrace the words of the Master and reject the lies of Satan’s ministers who fill most pulpits in this late hour (2 Cor. 11:11-15). How can we love and create a soul-tie with any person who is leading others to the fires of damnation with these lies?
All who know and love Jesus and are going to Heaven, love and obey His words (Matt. 7:21; Mk. 8:38; Jn. 8:47). These same people “HATE every false way.”
“Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:104 “Therefore I esteem ALL thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:128 “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” Proverbs 8:13 “Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment (truth; discernment) in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.” Amos 5:15
Let’s fear God in truth and fear no man!
Thank you for allowing me to openly share. Feedback encouraged.
Blessings in Jesus, Saints
Below is a very insightful response concerning Joel Osteen. There is much to be grasped here:
“God bless you…Thanks for writing this and for supplying great scripture. I personally have experienced this ‘Joel Osteen love affair’ with (I thought) a true sister in Christ. When I visited her last yea, and saw his books all over her house, I lost it. I tried very hard to control my emotions and calmly explain to her that he is all about “self.” She is so angry with me and defends him and others, like Joyce Meyer, with a fervor. I thought if only she could have that kind of passion for God’s truth. We had a deep, close relationship, but that’s been stolen – which makes sense since the evil one comes to steal, among other things. After that instance, I tried to send her things to read and websites to go to so she can study for herself. First she told me that she could not access anything I sent her – and when I started cutting and pasting things for her to read (so she didn’t have to go to the website herself) she told me to remove her name from my e-mail addresses. She refuses to check him out. She is so convinced that I am judging another Christian and then she sort of gave me a compliment. She told me I have a problem with ‘sin.’ She said I have no tolerance for it and that we are all sinners, even me. She also kept bringing up my past sins too. This is a very scary situation because to me, Linda was a strong believer, but of course, I realize now that she is not studying the true Word of God (NLT and Amplified), and has created another image of God in her mind. She has a perverted understanding of grace. We often talked about this over the years – I never felt it was right in my heart and now I know that was the Holy Spirit. Linda insists a mutual friend of ours who has gone back to drinking is saved. I grieve for Linda personally because she is a mouthpiece and a so-called leader in her church – she is influential. Our mutual friend should be warned about her sin of drunkenness, but instead Linda tells her Jesus will never leave her. Linda is so headstrong and prideful. She wants to be right all the time and it’s so hard to get through to her. I pray that God has not sent great delusion on her and that there will be an opportunity for her to see the truth and be reconciled to the Lord. I continue to pray for God to guide me. Linda told me if I continued this way that I would not have any friends in my life – that I am too judgmental and do not represent the love of Jesus. While that statement hurt me for a while, I come to realize it was a spiritual attack and that I just need to continue speaking the truth and reminding Linda and others that real love is telling someone the truth – not what they want to hear. God’s Word is truth. She is not even willing to search out the truth about the bible translations. So, I guess it comes down to enduring to the end, keep on speaking and giving people the truth, so they can study and research for themselves because if they truly do that God will be faithful. If they don’t well, then they will be deceived because they are choosing to be.
Sometimes I just can’t understand – While people tell you they want God’s truth, yet they are not willing to seek it out and test the spirits. I just need to keep praying and seeking the Lord’s guidance to be a true witness for Him. I am giving books this year for birthdays, Christmas, whatever – books like yours (‘Lie of the Ages’) and from Gail Riplinger too – planting seeds so others will seek the truth. I can’t even find a pastor who teaches from the King James version. But God is good – He gave me your website and others who fear and honor God’s most Holy Writ. We persevere and endure to the end – Amen? Amen! Thanks again for your e-mail.” Laurie
Laurie rightfully speaks here of the “Joel Osteen love affair.” What is the root of those who would buy into, ardently defend, and follow this mere man who is teaching and leading people contrary to the very Word of God? Could it be self-love? Could it be that Osteen and a myriad of other seeker-sensitive leaders who pollute the landscape of “Christianity” in America are feeding the very thing Jesus commanded us to crucify? “Is there not a cause?” (1 Sam. 17:29)
It’s easier to go with the flow of the universal sinful nature. We all have it and deceivers capitalize on it by instructing people to feed it or ……… Think about the profitability here. This offers a lucrative opportunity. It’s easier to get people to remain in the depraved lifestyle by feeding their innate passions than to teach them that they must crucify their sinful nature (Rom. 6). One will live and the other die. The self-life must die if Christ is going to reign supreme (Gal. 2:20). In God’s kingdom economy there can be no resurrection before there is a willing death and burial of the old man. Jesus will reign supremely and victoriously in the life that is freely given over to Him. This is the life where that person has truly surrendered and given up his right to himself – the right to rule his own life. He has given over Himself to One who is mightier than he is, One who is all-wise, all-knowing, all-powerful, and is love. He is worthy of our worship. We are nothing without Him. We can do nothing without Him. He who made all things an sustains all things by His very Word is to be considered to be laudable and worthy and given the throne of our hearts. He is worthy of all of the worship of His saints.
“When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” 2 Thessalonians 1:10
We see here that Jesus is “glorified in his saints.” This is a defining characteristic of those who are truly “his saints.” His saints don’t glorify themselves (self-idolatry), they glorify Christ the LORD! The LORD of all glory is truly and literally “admired in all them that believe.”
Beloved, please read carefully the following words of divine-inspiration:
“That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:29-31
When we see and observe how deceived even well-meaning leaders are in embracing and teaching the luciferic self-love message, it should cause our hearts to become ever more grateful for the holy Scripture in that “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” are contained therein (2 Pet. 1:3-4). The Precepts of the LORD given to us truly are a “lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.” (Ps. 119:105) “The entrance of his words” into our minds and hearts truly “giveth light” to the darkness of our understanding.
We can see today how many leaders and Christians have crafted their belief systems from the very things the Holy Spirit warned us of – “philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world.” Let’s peer into the more complete text from which this was taken:
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:8-10
My question to those who still believe that Jesus Christ taught us to love ourselves is simple: Please show in context anywhere in the Scriptures that Jesus and or His holy apostles ever taught men to love themselves. Jesus repeatedly commanded us to “deny” ourselves so why would He ever tell us to esteem ourselves? He commanded us to love God and our neighbor, not ourselves. There are only TWO commands in Matthew 22:37-39 and not three commands! Go read this beloved. Friends, as we are becoming one with and more intimate with the LORD, we will have His identity in us as He fills our hearts and lives. He will build us up because we are complete in Christ (Phil. 2:8-10). Beware of psychoheresy!
My personal exhortation to you is to never believe or teach anything but what is in the Holy Scriptures and if the doctrine of learning to love oneself is not found in the Bible, do not teach it but rather expose it as false, a very “doctrine of devils.” (1 Tim. 4:1-6) We should at once repent of believing anything the LORD didn’t give us in His Word which contains “all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” (2 Pet. 1:3-4)
Let Us Rejoice! – Jesus is Coming,
Todd
Pied Piper of the Self-Life Tracking Osteen
Mind if I roll on a little bit more with the Osteen rant? Or is this a rage? Are we still open to learning? Are we learning to discern more effectively by the Word and Holy Spirit as the day of Christ nears and the foretold deceivers increase daily in their influence and deceptions? I believe talking about these things opens up conversation and deeper thought concerning what is going on and helps us all individually in sorting through to the heart of important matters. Father, in Jesus’ name please bless us to love You more and supremely and to be kept from the enemy and his agents and their doctrines of devils. Amen. Okay, here we go…….
It had been on my heart today to just try to communicate some edifying biblical truth about grace, and the fruit of the Spirit, etc. and be a good boy, letting everything else alone for a season. But Ouch! As I was brushing my teeth and picking out some casual clothes to wear and then leave my place and go do some writing and fellowship with some believers, Joel Osteen came on TV. So, I listened. Joel was speaking of “marked moments” in our lives where the LORD has ordained that we meet the right people and get a great deal on a house or are launched into a million dollar business deal. His whole message, as is always the case, dealt only with money and increase in this fleeting world. Did Jesus tell us not to lay up treasure in this life, but to lay it up in our heavenly home? (Matt. 6:19-21) Did Jesus tell us He was preparing a place for us here in this world or in His “Father’s house”? (Jn. 14:1-6)In Osteen’s message there was no mention of Heaven or escaping the wrath to come by getting into and remaining in the truth and not allowing any sin or false teaching to derail us. Every example of what he called “marked moments” was concerning money and real estate, and other earthbound pursuits. The Word “eternity” or Heaven we never mentioned. His whole messages deal with being “successful” in this life. But what did Jesus say about this in His kingdom message which directly opposes that of this world? In Luke 16, just before the Son of God spoke about a rich man and a poor man who went to different places in eternity, He told those who coveted the things of this world: “And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” (Lk. 16:14-15)Like the religionists of Christ’s day, there are many today in “Christian” circles who “justify” themselves and the messages and pretty boy pulpiteers they have linked into that tell them nice little flowery yet deadly things. This is the indication of “covetous” hearts that are not truly right with God – if they were right with God they would abide content with the truth that they have all because they have Jesus who is our “exceeding great reward” and the only true riches (Gen. 15:1; Eph. 5:5-9; Col. 2:8-10; 1 Tim. 6:9-11; Heb. 13:5-6). LORD Jesus please help us!“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have (2 divine commands)(WHY?) for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5-6Okay, back to the multitudes that want a “Jesus” and a salvation that doesn’t require anything of them, just a free ride to Heaven with no requirement to live holy in this life. Nothing has changed. Saints, there is truly no new thing under God’s sun – the depraved and “desperately wicked” hearts of men are “only evil continually.” (Gen. 6:5; Eccl. 1:9; Jer. 17:9). Watch this conversation in Jeremiah 30 for insight into what has always and is currently transpiring among the masses and their leaders:“(God told Jeremiah) Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers (leaders), See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant. And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters’ vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit. For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.” Isaiah 30:8-15 This is the telling statement: “Which say to the seers (leaders), See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.” (Isa. 30:9-11) Did you see that? The “rebellious people” who claimed to know the LORD were telling His leaders to speak “smooth things” to them and to “Get you out of the way.” In other words, “Get out of our way with speaking God’s truth! Stop hindering us living the way we choose to live! Stop telling us to deny ourselves and leave us alone and let us do our own thing without hindrance! Let us alone so we can be lawless – we are eternally secure! ”In Osteen’s message sin or suffering was never mentioned, neither was denying oneself, taking up the cross and following Jesus. The whole goal was the same as new agers – to be our own god by ordering your own world with your positive confession and positive thoughts. The typical light fanfare of Joel’s fairytale message that centers upon man was applauded by his audience. Nothing ever mentioned about reaching sinners with the law and the Gospel. The crowd applauded repeatedly and at certain landmark statements as if to say “Yes Joel! Just keep telling us what we want to hear and what feels good to us at the moment! Keep refusing to truly preach the full-counsel of God’s Word! We don’t want the hard truths. We will no longer patronize you if you preach on sin, holiness and the cost of being a true disciple of Jesus!” Beloved, if you know what goes on in these pleasure-seeker palaces of self-worship, you know that lives are not being changed. No, rather the rubber of reality hits the road as soon as those people leave the building in the vast majority of cases. When they leave, having not repented and drawn closer to the LORD – His way – they are left to deal with who they still really are. Throughout Scripture the LORD calls His people to return to Him – to repent and fall upon His mercy. “Repent” is the first word of the true Gospel and yet such a word will never be heard coming from the mouth of false prophets (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Acts 3:19). If a false teacher uses that word it will not be in its true or full biblical context. God wants to change who we are and bless us, but it must be via His prescribed method and process as given to us in His Word. This is where the deceivers are luring and capturing folks for Satan’s kingdom. People who are biblically illiterate do not realize the things the LORD told us in Deuteronomy 8, in James 1:2-4, and in 1 Peter 1-5. Do you? Beloved the message of the false prophets is the Laodicean message of being “at ease in Zion.” (Amos 6:1; Rev. 3:14-21) Where will those who follow these fables be when we soon are thrust into increasing and great tribulation? The ignorant and naïve who do not seek the truth are being set up by the false prophets to submit to the ultimate false prophet – the antichrist. This is the great falling away that will snare the souls of all those who do not love the LORD and His truth with their whole hearts (2 Thess. 2:1-12).Discernment key: Watch for the goal of a person’s message. Measure it against what the subject of the message of Christ and His apostles is in the Word. Beloved, simply listen to the message and meditate upon the Holy Scriptures. Compare the message and the goal of the message. The goal of Osteen’s message is to attempt to make people happy in this fleeting world, right? What was the goal of Christ’s message? “In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.” (Col. 1:22) What was the openly stated goal of Jesus’ apostle Paul? “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” (Col. 1:28)So what is the difference between the false and true leaders today? According the Holy Writ, the difference can be seen in the goal and subject matter of their message. Is their message earthly or eternal? Does it pertain to getting stuff and becoming great in this life or in the one to come? The answer to this determines who is true and who is false. “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Is a man’s message vertical first and foremost, or is it merely horizontal? This is an acid test to identify the true and false leader. So, let us go forth from this moment forward more equipped to discern between messages that are true or false according to the Word of the One we love above all others (Ezek. 44:23; 1 Jn. 4:1-3).Saints, do you know anyone who is an Osteen fan? I seem to effortlessly run into Osteen fans every week and always shoot them to the page we have on the site. Go to ARTICLES page, then scroll down left column to sub-titled “Wolves Expose.” Below is a victorious example of how the LORD is using this page. This lady was initially upset as she listened in on a conversation her sister and I were having about Joel Osteen. Her sister and I agreed that Osteen’s gospel was false. Stacy became very upset and defended Joel and said he had a good heart. Not everyone is going to initially respond this way, but we must begin the process in their hearts, so they can begin to see the false Gospel and to draw near to Jesus. God is love, todd
Victorious Eye-Opening! Watch as this lady who once followed Osteen has her eyes opened by the LORD!
todd: do you want the truth?
Stacy: yes
todd: did osteen die for our sins? or did Jesus?
Stacy: Jesus
todd: good
todd: i want to shoot you to a resource to look at if you are open
Stacy: ok
todd: for further research so you can make a more informed conclusion
(10 minutes later) Stacy: i don’t think i can read anymore of this
todd: ok
Stacy: its an act
todd: an act?
Stacy: he’s (Osteen) not real, he makes it sound like an act, an easy life, people do this and that, is it hard to lead a christian life…i don’t think it’s that hard, to me, it’s fun, that’s not right at all (joel makes it sounds easy)
todd: who joel?
Stacy: yes
todd: are you seeing the light on him?
todd: do you now begin to see he is a false teacher?
Stacy: yes, absolutely
todd: praise God sister
todd: Jesus is the Truth
todd: and all who contradict HIM are false – including this fool
todd: still reading?
Stacy: yes, it gets worse and worse
todd: is God opening your eyes?
Stacy: yes
todd: Jesus be praised….we have no hope without Him!
Stacy: thank you
todd: yw stacy
todd: “the fear of the LORD is clean” Ps 19
Stacy: i didn’t believe you, i would have never believed you
todd: till you saw the Word on it?
Stacy: yes, i couldn’t find the Word in it
todd: God’s Word is truth
Stacy: it’s like he (Osteen) believes you just don’t have bad thoughts, there is no repentance …just close your eyes and pretend like it doesn’t matter, think happy thoughts and it goes away
todd: well put stacy
Stacy: yes, but i couldn’t find Gods Word in anything he said, it was all about him
todd: it’s like we are our own “little gods” and all we have to do is to think the right thoughts and say the right things and shazaam we order our own world and destiny…it’s totally God-less….nothing but a new age lie
Stacy: well i believed that lie and made myself my own little god
todd: Jesus loves you and is delivering you stacytodd: with His truth as you cling to Him alone
todd: and allow all idols of our hearts to be slain like dagon the false god 1 Sam. 5:1-7; Ezek. 14:3
Osteen is classic word/faith, twisting Scripture, teaching a false Christ and purposely excluding many Bible truths from His messages in order to win men to himself. The fact is that Osteen simply does not preach the original Gospel which begins with the command to “repent.” (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17; 30, etc.).
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Louise S. writes: “People of GOD need to Be in HIS righteousness and CALL it OUT, tell it like it is. We must watch for the false prophets and the whores of Babylonian. They are in politics, church, and business. I talked to a pastor friend of Joel’s and asked him if Joel was saved. He almost fell over saying “are you kidding, I pray with him and he acknowledges Jesus as Lord!” I said “No substance and half truths and nothing but rah rah self exalting sermons.” He was shocked at revelation but hopefully will start to pay attention to his friend’s sermons!!! Ken and Barbie Osteen, nice couple, right! For society’s image!”
DOES THE BIBLE SAY TO PRAY FOR FALSE TEACHERS? The Answer May Surprise You.
DOES THE BIBLE SAY TO PRAY FOR OR DOES IT MANDATE THAT WE EXPOSE FALSE TEACHERS?
No, it’s not a sin to pray for the deceived. Yet, isn’t it time we obeying the command of God and stopped giving aid and comfort to the enemies of the LORD and cease caring for them more than the many they are deceiving?
A DIVINE COMMAND: “Now I beseech you, brethren, MARK THEM which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18
Wolf worshippers are first and foremost self-worshipping counterfeits who could care less how many souls their celebrity wolf is leading to hell. All they care about is the sensual thrill they feel in worshipping their demon-possessed false prophet who tells them what they like to hear!
NEVER apologize for exposing false teachings and false teachers. You do such in obedience to the LORD and it results in the protection of the Great Shepherd’s sheep for whom He died (Matthew 10; Hebrews 13:20).
Did Jesus or His apostles ever pray for a wolf? No.
To the false leaders of his day, Jesus says this:
“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers (snakes), how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” Matthew 23:33
Do nothing to “bid God speed” to the enemies of the LORD lest you be judged with those enemies of God (2 John 10-11). Bidding God speed means to condone, to support, or in any way to further the cause of the enemies of God, namely human agents who are teaching contrary to the Scripture.
So he’s not calling out the wolves and you still sit under that devil? You want to go to hell with him? (2 John 10-11) Repent and run now! (Matthew 7:15; 24:11; Romans 16:17-18; Jude 3, etc.)
Of the false teachers at Galatia, Paul says he wishes they, the false prophets, were “cut off.” Make not mistake, this is violent language.
“I would they were even cut off which trouble you.” Galatians 5:12
To “cut off” means to castrate, to mutilate, to amputate and so Paul is either saying that his God fearing desire is for false teachers to be castrated or taken out completely. There’s no getting around this appropriately violent language. It’s fitting for this situation because the eternal souls of men, the sheep of Christ’s pasture are at stake.
Many self-deceived people today have more compassion for Satan’s hell bound false leaders than they do for the beloved sheep who are being being misled by those wolves in sheep’s clothing! Repent now.
Beware of misplaced compassion. Compassion without discernment, compassion while ignorant, is dangerous.
The the false prophet Elymas, the apostle says:
“And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” Acts 13:10
Can anyone find in this Acts 13 text where Christ’s apostle Paul pray for this Elymas, this named false prophet? I’m sorry, perhaps I missed something here.
There seems to be no end to the novices, perhaps well meaning, who argue out of their own ignorance to defend wolves who are devouring Jesus’ sheep. They come off as if they are highly superior in approaching, dealing with wolves with “love” and accuse those who expose as not doing so. Let’s take a look at who’s walking in true love, and who isn’t.
“Open rebuke is better than secret (hidden, concealed) love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:5-6
Hebrew word for “secret” …..
סָתַר
sâthar
saw-thar’
A primitive root; to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively: – be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, X surely.
As you will see below, it seems accurate to observe that we’ve never seen “love” like the love of prey for the wolf that’s tickled their ears and told them what their unrepentant hearts wish to hear (Isaiah 30:9-10; 2 Timothy 4:2-4).
Most wolf protecting enemies of Christ simply don’t know and don’t want to know what God says about this topic. They are under the control of Satan himself, covering for his agents and will be judged with them (2 John 10-11). God doesn’t like cowards (1 Corinthians 16:13; Revelation 21:8). The “fearful” are the first class listed as going to the lake of fire.
Those who defend Jesus’ enemy’s will be judged, damned with them (2 Pet 2:1-3; 2 Jn 10-11).
TYPICAL DEFENSE OF A WOLF BY HIS PREY:
“But wait, he’s led many thousands to the Lord!”
REPLY:
Jesus saves all by Himself, even using wolves at times. That is a front, intentionally taught to you by the wolf to cover, to keep himself from being detected, like sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). After witnessing the “ministry” of this false teacher for years, I highly doubt most of those people truly were saved. He doesn’t even speak of the chasm their sin has caused so how can they truly be convicted and repent? They can’t in most cases. Luke 13:3…. If God truly did save some of them, it was in spite of White, not because of him.
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“I do applaud your zeal for truth! I personally just think it is wise exercising prudence about knowing the hearts of men or women, only God knows. He will separate the wheat from the chaff.”
REPLY:
Jesus commanded us to “KNOW (Gr. discern) by their fruits” and told us that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 15-16, 20; 12:34) ALL men are known by the fruit of what they teach – either sound or false doctrine (Titus 2:1). Why would the Son of God told us to “KNOW” people by the fruit of their lives if He didn’t want us to discern, to “Judge righteous judgment”? (John 7:24)
God knows all men’s hearts yes and yet GOD commanded us to know people also. How? Jesus says to “know (discern) them BY THEIR FRUITS” and thereby we know that anyone teaching “another gospel” is “accursed” and is the very enemy of Christ and to be “earnestly” contended against and marked, scoped out and identified – so as to protect the body of Christ (Matthew 7:16, 20; Romans 16:17-18; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Jude 3-4).
HOW DID JESUS tell us to know/discern others? The FRUIT of their lives (Matt 7:16,20) THE FACT that JESUS told us to “know” (discern) people means He wants us to do so! (Matt 7:16,20) Same chapter as “judge not” v1-5 When Jesus taught us to “judge not” He is speaking in that context of hypocritical judgment and wrongly assigned condemnation. The JUDGE has spoken in a book called THE BIBLE. He’s calling us to pay attention when we read it. His written WORD records for us HIS judgments – the judgments of the Judge. So when a man preaches the Word, he is preaching GOD’s judgments, warnings, and not his own.
MESSAGE TO ME FROM A MAN ATTEMPTING TO CURTAIL THE MARKING OF A KNOWN WOLF:
“Dear Lord Jesus Please show Todd White your Holy Truth. May Todd White find peace and assurance in your wisdom and may he become a light upon a hill guiding others to Christ. Help him to leave behind his old self and ignite in him a desire to unashamedly make known Your Truth and disown and depart from the untruths he has held onto. In Jesus Mighty name we ask, Amen. Matthew chapter 5 verse 44’ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
REPLY:
Can you give chapters and verses where Jesus or His holy apostles specifically prayed for a wolf? Ever read Matthew 23?
Interesting that you seem to hate all those precious many souls Todd White is misleading. Interesting. Why don’t all those precious souls matter to you? If you aren’t defending Todd White, why do you seem to care more for him than those many people he’s misleading?
How intense was Jesus’ apostle Paul about protecting Christ’s flock?
“For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” Acts 20:27-31
In Matthew 5:38-45 Christ is speaking of not retaliating against OUR enemies. Jesus is speaking of how we are to react to OUR ENEMIES, not HIS enemies in Matt 5:44. HIS enemies in specific are those who are misleading HIS people, the sheep for which HE bled to save on that cross. You are misguided and taking Scripture out of context. What did He mandate that His disciple do?
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4
GOD TOLD YOU TO “MARK THEM” – WOLVES – AND NOT DEFEND THEM! (ROMANS 16:17-18) YOU GOING TO OBEY GOD OR REBEL?
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18
Todd White is being marked, scoped out (Gr. skopeo) and named, identified as an enemy of Christ, a wolf in sheep’s clothing (Matt 7:15) so His people can be aware and escape being deceived…. no different than warning your children not to go near the street. Danger.
MESSAGE FROM WOLF JUSTIFIER:
“I believe we can still learn from (false) preachers and pastors biblical teaching, but we must test the spirits. Bring what is taught back to the word. Paul Washer, MacArthur, Spurgeon all preachers. Even today’s motivational speakers. I use what the Holy Spirit blessed me with, discernment, knowledge, wisdom.”
REPLY:
Good morning. Yes and yet, the LORD mandates that we separate ourselves from His enemies who pose as His ministers yet Paul says they are actually the ministers of Satan (2 Cor 11:12-15). Jude 3; Rom 16:17-18 …. we know all men, beginning with ourselves by the fruit…. false doctrine is bad fruit which means the root and tree is cursed. Matt 7:15-21; 12:33
Mat 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
Paul Washer, MacArthur, Spurgeon are all calvinist heretics. Everything they say, teach is poisoned with this calvinistic system, a doctrine of devils.
The Holy Spirit blessed you with the Word and so why do you need to even listen to known false teachers? Why would you? (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.)
How would you feel if your own husband communed with a sworn enemy of yours? How does Jesus feel by what you’ve just said?
SETTING THE BIBLICAL RECORD STRAIGHT
Jesus commanded HIS people to “JUDGE righteous judgment” (John 7:24) And, He commanded us to know/discern others “BY THEIR FRUITS” and that’s exactly what we’re doing under the command of KING JESUS (Matthew 7:16, 20). Dare you interfere with HIS work and become His enemy? You are bidding Godspeed to evil doers, satan’s wolves in sheep’s clothing, and you will be judged with those enemies of Christ if you don’t repent (2 John 10-11).
Jesus and each of His apostles on record in the New Testament canon warned the flock of wolves who would devour! There is no instance where they prayed for an enemy of Christ, a wolf who was misleading the flock of God.
Here is the list of the 8 evil doers the great apostle was divinely inspired to justifiably identify by name in 2 Timothy – in order to protect God’s people:
1) Phygellus 1:15
2) Hermogenes 1:15
3) Hymenaeus 2:17
4) Philetus 2:17
5) Jannes 3:8
6) Jambres 3:8
7) Demas 4:10 (apostate)
8) Alexander the coppersmith 4:14
Read the book of 2 Timothy and underline these deceivers that the apostle was marking.
How to Pray Effectively for Your Friends and Family! [podcast]
Someone has wisely stated that “We are never more like Jesus than when we are praying for others.” Which of God’s people are on your prayer list? No greater way to serve another than to lift them up to the Father in the name of Jesus! “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5 […]
"Warn them from Me": The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God's People [podcast]
The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God’s People [podcast] Jesus and His holy apostles often rebuked and exposed false leaders and false doctrine (Matthew 23; Acts 13:10; 20:29-31; Galatians 5:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; 2 Peter 2; 2 John 7-11; Revelation 2:6, 15, etc.). Therefore we know that part of following Jesus includes doing the same. In fact, the body of Christ is mandated to do just that (Romans 16:17-18; Philippians 1:17; Jude 3-4). PWT = Preach, WARN, Teach “Whom we PREACH, WARNING every man, and TEACHING every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in […]
SATAN'S SEMINARIANS [podcast]
Seminaries are the Invention of Satan WHEN Jesus declared “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you” (John 15:16), …. was Jesus speaking here of men who “earned” and paid big money for a degree, a piece of paper from a “higher learning” institution of mere men? No. Read John 15:1-16 and you will see that Jesus alone can choose, call, prepare, and ordain a […]
Spiritual Formation—A Dangerous Substitute for the Life of Christ [podcast]
Sometimes we think of spiritual formation as formation by the Holy Spirit. Once again. That’s essential. . . . But now I have to say something that may be challenging for you to think about: Spiritual formation is not all by the Holy Spirit. . . . We have to recognize that spiritual formation in us is something that is also done to us by those around us, by ourselves, and by activities which we voluntarily undertake . . .There has to be method.1—Dallas Willard
Aside from the fact that Spiritual Formation incorporates mystical practices into its infrastructure (remove the contemplative aspect and you don’t have “Spiritual Formation” anymore), Spiritual Formation is a works-based substitute for biblical Christianity. Let us explain.
When one becomes born again (“that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9-10), having given his or her life and heart over to Christ as Savior, Jesus Christ says He will come in and live in that surrendered heart:
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27)
If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:11; emphasis added)
When God, through Jesus Christ, is living in us, He begins to do a transforming work in our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:18). Not only does He change us, He also communes with us. In other words, we have fellowship with Him, and He promises never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
This life of God in the believer’s heart is not something we need to conjure up through meditative practices. But if a person does not have this relationship with the Lord, he may seek out ways to feel close to God. This is where Spiritual Formation comes into play. Rather than a surrendered life to Christ (through repentance and faith), the seeking person begins practicing the spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, fasting, good works, etc.) with the promise that if he practices these disciplines, he will become more Christ-like.
But merely doing these acts fails to make one feel close to God—something is still missing. And thus, he begins practicing the discipline of silence (or solitude), and now in these altered states of silence, he finally feels connected to God. He now feels complete. What he does not understand is that he has substituted the indwelling of Christ in his heart for a works-based methodology that endangers his spiritual life. Dangerous because these mystical experiences he now engages in appear to be good because they make him feel close to God, but in reality he is being drawn into demonic realms no different than what happens to someone who is practicing transcendental meditation or eastern meditation. Even mystics themselves acknowledge that the contemplative realm is no different than the realm reached by occultists. To understand this more fully, please read Ray Yungen’s book A Time of Departing.
Bottom line, it is not possible to be truly Christ-like without having Christ inside of us because it is His righteousness that is able to change our hearts—we cannot do it without Him. It is His righteousness we need:
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. (Romans 3:22)
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. (Philippians 3:9)
It is interesting to note that virtually every contemplative teacher has a common theme—they feel dry and empty and want to go “deeper” with God or “become more intimate” with God. But if we have Christ living in us, how can we go any deeper than that? How can we become more intimate than that? And if going deeper and becoming intimate were so important, why is it that none of the disciples or Jesus Himself ever told us to do this? As Larry DeBruyn states:
Why are Christians seeking a divine presence that Jesus promised would abundantly flow in them? . . . Why do they need another voice, another visitation, or another vision? Why are some people unthankfully desirous of “something more” than what God has already given to us? Why is it that some Christians, in the depth of their souls, are not seemingly at rest?2
Is There a “Good” Spiritual Formation?
One of the most common arguments we hear defending Spiritual Formation is that there is a “good” Spiritual Formation done without contemplative prayer. To that we say, we have never yet seen a Spiritual Formation program in a school or a church that doesn’t in some way point people to the contemplative mystics. It might be indirectly, but in every case, if you follow the trail, it will lead you right into the arms of Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, and other contemplative teachers.
Think about this common scenario: A Christian college decides to begin a Spiritual Formation course. The instructor has heard some negative things about Richard Foster, Henri Nouwen, and Brennan Manning, and he figures he will teach the class “good Spiritual Formation” and leave those teachers completely out. But he’s going to need a textbook. He turns to a respected institution, Dallas Theological Seminary, and finds a book written by Paul Pettit, Professor in Pastoral and Education Ministries. The book is titled Foundations of Spiritual Formation. The instructor who has found this book to use in his own class may never mention Richard Foster or Dallas Willard, but the textbook he is using does. Within the pages of Pettit’s book is Richard Foster, Philip Yancey, N.T. Wright, Dallas Willard, Thomas Aquinas, Lectio Divina, Ayn Rand, Parker Palmer, Eugene Peterson, J.P. Moreland, Klaus Issler, Bruce Demarerst, Jim Burns, Kenneth Boa and Brother Lawrence’s “practicing God’s presence.” You may not have heard of all these names, but they are all associated with the mystical contemplative prayer movement and the emerging church.
Another example of this is Donald Whitney’s book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Whitney is former Associate Professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and currently at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. While his book does not promote contemplative mysticism, he says that Richard Foster has “done much good”3 in the area of Christian spirituality (which we believe is blatantly untrue).
Our point is that even if there is a sincere attempt to teach Spiritual Formation and stay away from the mystical side, we contend that it cannot be successfully accomplished because it will always lead back to the ones who have brought it to the church in the first place.
Spiritual formation is sweeping throughout Christianity today. It’s no wonder when the majority of Christian leaders have either endorsed the movement or given it a silent pass. For instance, in Chuck Swindoll’s book So You Want to Be Like Christ: 8 Essential Disciplines to Get You There, Swindoll favorably quotes Richard Foster and Dallas Willard. Swindoll calls Celebration of Discipline a “meaningful work”4 and Willard’s book The Spirit of the Disciplines “excellent work.”5 In chapter three, ”Silence and Solitude,” Swindoll talks about “digging for secrets . . . that will deepen our intimacy with God.”6 Quoting the contemplative poster-verse Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” Swindoll says the verse is a call to the “discipline of silence.”7 As other contemplative proponents have done, he has taken this verse very much out of context.
Roger Oakland sums it up:
The Spiritual Formation movement . . . teaches people that this is how they can become more intimate with God and truly hear His voice. Even Christian leaders with longstanding reputations of teaching God’s word seem to be succumbing. . . .
We are reconciled to God only through his “death” (the atonement for sin), and we are presented “holy and unblameable and unreproveable” when we belong to Him through rebirth. It has nothing to do with works, rituals, or mystical experiences. It is Christ’s life in the converted believer that transforms him.8
“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:10
What Christians need is not a method or program or ritual or practice that will supposedly connect them to God. What we need is to be “in Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:30) and Christ in us. And He has promised His Spirit “will guide [us] into all truth” (John 16:13).
“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” 1 Corinthians 1:30
In Colossians 1:9, the apostle Paul tells the saints that he was praying for them that they “might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” He was praying that they would have discernment (“spiritual understanding”). He said that God, the Father, has made us “partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (vs 12) and had “delivered us from the power of darkness [i.e., power of deception]” (vs. 13). But what was the key to having this wisdom and spiritual understanding and being delivered from the power of darkness? Paul tells us in that same chapter. He calls it “the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints” (vs. 26). What is that mystery? Verse 27 says: “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (emphasis added).
For those wanting to get involved with the Spiritual Formation movement (i.e., contemplative, spiritual direction), consider the “direction” you will actually be going.
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. (Colossians 1:21-23)
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2: 8-10)
This article is an extract from the Lighthouse Trails booklet, Is Your Church Doing Spiritual Formation? (Important Reasons Why They Shouldn’t). To order this booklet, click here.
Endnotes:
1. Dallas Willard, “Spiritual Formation: What it is, and How it is Done” (https://dwillard.org/resources/articles/spiritual-formation-what-it-is-and-how-it-is-done).
2. Larry DeBruyn, “God’s Present of His Presence” (https://www.guardinghisflock.org/gods-present-of-his-presence/ ).
3. Donald Whitney, “Doctrine and Devotion: A Reunion Devoutly to be Desired” (http://web.archive.org/web/20080828052145/http://biblicalspirituality.org/devotion.html).
4. Chuck Swindoll, So You Want to Be Like Christ: 8 Essential Disciplines to Get You There (Nashville, TN:W Publishing Group, a div. of Thomas Nelson, 2005), p. 15.
5. Ibid., p. 13.
6. Ibid., p. 55.
7. Ibid.
8. Roger Oakland, Faith Undone (Eureka, MT: Lighthouse Trails Publishing, 2007), pp. 91-92.
This has been an extract from our booklet Is Your Church Doing Spiritual Formation? (Important Reasons Why It Shouldn’t). To order this booklet, click here.
The Dangers of Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Disciplines
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“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” Ephesians 1:4
Holiness comes by the Savior in self denial (death and burial – the cross), not by self will or effort. Surrender is the cross – “NOT my will but thine be done” (Lk. 22:42) and “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). We surrender to Christ by saying “Not my will but thine be done” dear Lord, by Your grace and the deliberate act of my own will I submit to the cross, the crucified life – where You alone reign supreme in this vessel (Luke 22:42; Galatians 2:20, etc.). I love You LORD Jesus! You must increase but I must decrease! (John 3:30)
Holiness, not happiness, is the divine command, the chief purpose and end of Christ’s salvation.
Of holiness, one disciple writes:
“Holiness speaks more to nature than it does conduct. Good conduct is the spontaneous byproduct of the new nature of the new creation man thru the cross and death to the old nature. We are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-18). To preach holiness as conduct without the new nature thru the cross understanding is legalism. Holiness is actually derived from ‘wholeness’ meaning the thorough transformation of the whole tripartite man (1 Thess 5:23). So many of these ‘holiness’ preachers are preaching nothing but conduct under law. Law arouses sinful passions and causes sin to increase and was given in order to provoke transgressions (Rom 7:5; 5:20; Gal 3:21). They are enemies of the cross!”
Holiness comes by way of the cross, not by way of the flesh. Just as sin was conquered by the cross of Christ, so sin in the life of the saint is conquered by the daily cross – the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.). It’s time to stop trying harder and to simply die deeper.
NOTICE: When a believer or group of believers backslides, they no longer separate from the transgressors who are unrepentant:
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