I can't be online till monday....I can't search for Bible references, but i agree with you conpletely.

I have listened to Joel Olsteen for several years and his encouraging sermons have helped me to stay focused on God and have given me hope.

All speakers are different, and God uses them all in various ways. We all need different kind of help at different times of our walk with God. I have listened online to Joel Osteen, and he is good with words of encouragement.

I struggle with the Bible verse and how it says that in the last days wolves will be dressed as lambs and how there are so many false prophets. I don't listen to any preacher unless he preaches Christ crucified, and how he rose again the third day and how the Bible is complete. There are alot of people with itchy ears and just because a message sounds good, doesn't mean it is God inspired. All I say is beware. I still think Joel Osteen's church is more like a social convention rather than a meeting of believers praising God. Do they praise God or are the crowds awed by Joel Osteen? I am very skeptical when it comes to this topic because of the warning in God's word.

Amen, Singlemom!!!

Pride/self-esteem and self respect are two different things. Pride/self esteem is external; its based on the size of my bank account balance, what kind of car I drive, what kind of home I have, what social organizations I belong to, do I have an office and a secretary at my workplace, etc. Its like like a leaky tire; it has to be continually pumped up by someone in order to keep looking good. Things we esteem, including ourselves, are a snare for idolatry.

Self respect, on the other hand, is a fruit of growth in the Lord that sprouts from soil fertilized by humility and watered by God's Word. It comes from knowing in my "knower" that God loves me, values me, and has a purpose for my life. And that this is evidence of His love - a love I cannot earn.

When I came to Christ, I had tons of issues; I knew something had to change. As some say, I was "sick and tired of being sick and tired," I did not know, however, that the change had to begin with me. The Lord had to hammer on my pride/self esteem for more than three years before I was broken and the healing could begin.

Not only is self-esteem not essential to growth in the Lord, It is not good for growth in the Lord, as shown by its very name: "SELF-esteem." Self esteem exalts "me" instead of "Him".


SLE

Joel Osteen's messages are neither a "social message" nor a departure from the Truth. He is solidly based in that Christ died and suffered for our sins, and chooses Scriptures to emphasize that because our Lord suffered, we can choose to accept His accomplished sacrifices and take the joyful road.

He is a young man who has to work hard to maintain his integrity, a large church, and make choices that involve keeping the joy of the Lord, even through hardship. Any criticisms of him must be either from unfounded rumor or just plain jealousy. He also acknowledges that it is easier for some to be positive than for others. Osteen's foundation always remains Christ and the Word of God.

Scriptures from Philippians chapter 4 are some that are instrumental in his messages:

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (v. 4)

"...if there is any virtue and anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. (v. 8)

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (v. 13)

Further verses I have heard Osteen use in his messages:

"Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19)

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Ephesians 6:9-10)

"Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10b)

I like Joel and listen to him from time to time, also listened to his dad when he was alive too.

I think it's a great thing to encourage our fellow human beings with positive stuff.
I have not read his book, I may someday.

But as a Christian leader, if in your writings you do not give God the glory and share the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, which everyone can receive, then it is not any better than going out an buying a good self-help book, such as a "Dale Carnige" book.

Because in the end, it will not matter how positive you have been about life or whatever positive thing you do with your life, if you did not know Jesus Christ as your personel Savior, then it was all a big waste.

And as they say, you can take that to the bank, or should I say , you can take that to the gates of heaven.

Amen!

To God be the glory, by faith in his son Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 3:18, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." I think this verse is direct to where our spiritual growth begins.

John 17:17, Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Truth is Jesus Christ and what He taught in the word of God about sinners, repentance, holiness, sanctification, justification, and separation from the things of the world. He and His disciples preached and taught the gospel. His words were not always positive and encouraging, most of the time they cut, pierced, and angered those hearing what He was saying. He had crowds following while He was giving them something, but when He needed them they were nowhere around.

Many of our large ministries of today have a feel good, always positive, prosperous, yet deceptive ministry. The leaders know how to work on the hearts/emotions of the people and run the ministry like a money making business. They deliver just enough truth to draw many followers and lead them down a deceptive path because they fail to preach true repentance of sin. They offer health, wealth, and prosperity that they cannot deliver, and so many follow as the blind leading the blind and soon they, both, will fall in the ditch. True repentance is a complete turning from sin, and it is then turning, wholeheartedly, to God to lead, guide, and direct our lives through His word and prayer...letting Him be in control.

God's promises to Christians are for living a life of obedience to Him and His word, not following every man who comes up with a new idea, or has a growing ministry, offers a new translation of the Bible, or uses great uplifting words that sound good and boosts ourselves up. Self or "our flesh" is our number one problem/enemy anyway, we are to deal with it daily...choose to die to the deeds of the flesh, but we love it and feed it with all the things of the world...even what we think are good things.

Luke 6:26, "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets." Men are speaking well of the men with the large ministries and the men are getting the glory for the work instead of credit/glory going to God. They are giving out another gospel, a strange message and too many are listening. Is it any wonder why "many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity"? (Read Matthew 7:13-29)

As singlemom said, we must "beware" of many ministries, preachers, books, and teachings that do not follow all the doctrines of the word of God...God will back up His word, but man cannot. By the way, I was hearing an interview with Mr. Osteen telling about the ministry he has now. Before his dad died his dad asked him to take the ministry over, so was/is he a true God-called man of God anyway or as I have heard throughout my life..."a papa-called, mama sent" minister?

Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

I watched Joel on Larry King Live and by Mr. Osteen's respones to Mr. King's questions I'm not convinced that Mr. Osteen is mature enough in Christ or even the Christian faith to be a leader in the body of Christ. There were some very basic or simple quetions asked that Joel could not or would not answer.