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Is Joel Osteen spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ or just making people feel good about themselves?
Results so far:
| Gospel | 31% | 345 votes | Total: 1110 votes | |
| Feel good | 69% | 765 votes |
Gospel
by Sharonne Scott
Created on: January 07, 2010
Joel Osteen is definitely spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and it means making the receivers feel good about themselves. No one who receives and accepts the gospel of Jesus Christ will remain feeling bad about themselves, no way.
Since Jesus himself came here on earth to save, to cleanse us of our sins which includes our bad behaviours; People therefore should feel relieved and good that their shortcomings will not haunt them anymore when they accept the gospel of Jesus. They feel delivered from guilty acts, that was what Jesus came for, to set us free and not feel condemn. Jesus wants us to live in peace and not feel stressed and worried. It says in the book of John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Is this not what Joel preaches in most of his sermons about being at peace with ourselves?
Honestly, the enemy does not like seeing Jesus followers being happy and all the time positive. Joel Osteen's sermons are mostly based on being positive and when people are positive they tend to feel good about themselves. Paramountly, people feel great and are self confident which means peace. Isn't peace and freedom the qualities of life we all need? Why live in bondage when you have been set free. That is why God uses people like Joel Osteen to remind us of the abundant life we have and should enjoy without being limited by the worldly thinking.
For example, Luke 8:24-25, "Master, master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" He asked his disciples. From this piece of verses, Jesus in all sounds to need of us to be calm, be at peace, not be afraid, most of all be faithful to trust in him for things to be fine. How in the world are people to feel good about themselves if facing troubles while listening to negative messages. Thankfully, we have good models of Jesus to help halt more Alzheimer's cases. I am using Alzheimer's here simply because when a person is stressed, they tend to be more forgetful than normal.
People criticise Joel Osteen that he does not refer to bible verses. Laughable, because it's plain blasphemy. That is why he is a crowd puller, he refers to the bible everytime he preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ. Even at every end of his sermons, he encourages people in other parts of the world watching , to join bible based churches. That is where himself is routed, concerning his sermons. Joel's spread of gospel, I believe has served many souls from depressions of all forms. It's the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Learn more about this author, Sharonne Scott.
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Feel good
by Jennifer Corrow
Created on: October 21, 2009 Last Updated: October 24, 2009
Unfortunately, you have to realize that Mr. Osteen is in the "business" of making people feel good. I find it hard to believe that he is pushing gospel first. I'm not trying to cast any stones here, I'm looking at the obvious. It is plain to see that Mr. Osteen enjoys the spotlight and who wouldn't? Its nice to be recognized for something, anything....most of us would like that for ourselves, right? Does anybody remember what happened to the TV evangelists who went before him? Jimmy Swaggert, Jim Baker, Jerry Falwell are a few that I can think of right off the bat. These men were placed on a very high pedestal and had many temptations thrown at them because of their popularity. And wouldn't you know, one by one they all fell from that high position because of their failure to place God first instead of themselves. No man is persecuted more than a man of God. Once you have proved that you are just as hypocritical as any other man, you're done, no one will ever believe a word that comes out of your mouth again....no matter how much you repent and plead for forgiveness. That's how I see it. That's why I think Mr. Osteen needs to do some personal reflection on his walk and talk. Maybe stop writing touchy feely books and doing helpful hints promotions on talk shows. Maybe just maybe be the one who actually is known for getting down on his knees and asking God for mercy and grace. WE don't need another religious figure to fail us.
I tend to view any religious figure who has popular public notoriety with skepticism. You see, my dad was a minister....a preacher and real pastor. I remember many days and nights that I would see him cry and pray and ask God for guidance in his own life as he tries to help the congregation with their own personal conflicts. This is what people need. They are desperately looking for men of God to truly guide them not "fluff" them up with fancy words. Someone who can point them to God. Someone who will pray for them whole heartedly. Someone who will come to your house when you're sick or if a family member passes away. Someone who gives you his last dollar because he knows you can't buy groceries for your family this week. And the list goes on. That is what a real man of God should do. A real minster would not only grip your soul from the pulpit with divine words from God but also be there for you week to week, day in, day out. No frills, no book signings, no "heart to hearts" on a couch with a TV audience....jut a true man with a true belief in God who will truly be there for his church family.
Learn more about this author, Jennifer Corrow.
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