Paul Edwards (in Townhall.com) hits it right on the mark with his take on Joel Osteen’s comments to Byron Pitts of CBS’s 60 Minutes. Joel isn’t just soft on doctrine, he is downright anorexic. Preferring to receive praise and adoration from his “flock” Joel is always anxious to tell someone “they are ok” as opposed to “you are wrong”.
No one likes to be told they are wrong, but when dealing with the eternal soul and our relationship to God in heaven, one had better have got as many I’s and T’s dotted and crossed before being called home and called to account for every word let dropped to the ground.
And maybe worst of all, the hope Joel engenders with his “power of the positive attitude” sermons to his following is a false hope. While scripture entreats us to place our faith and lives into the hands of Jesus Christ, Joel is happy to repeat stories and anecdotes from Dale Carnegie or Tony Robbins.
Christianity isn’t all gumdrops and lollipops. It is serious and God takes very seriously those who put themselves up as teachers amongst His people. Especially if what they are teaching is contrary to His Word, and in Joel’s case, completely lacking His Word whatsoever.
If you must find a media-type personality to follow, try R.C. Sproul. Not only will you be sitting under a teacher who stands head and shoulders above EVERY prosperity gospel preacher, you will have the added benefit of R.C.’s special wit and wisdom.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, October 17th, 2007 at 8:20 pm and is filed under Christianity, Humanity, Theologic Thursday.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
783
“No one likes to be told they are wrong, but when dealing with the eternal soul and our relationship to God in heaven, one had better have got as many I’s and T’s dotted and crossed before being called home and called to account for every word let dropped to the ground.”
So you’re saying we’re saved by works and not by the gift from God of faith in the saving work of Christ Jesus?
Ok….
No, what I am saying is that a man who places himself as a teacher is held accountable for his words. Likewise, the man who listens to the teachings of such a man (or any man) is exhorted to search th scripture to see if what they are teaching is true.
Doctrine matters and is certainly part of the Bema Seat judgment all believers will pass through on their way to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.