Posted on 08/14/2013 5:18:31 PM PDT by servo1969
I have been preaching for 20 years. Yesterday I did something that I have never done before in a sermon. I publicly called out false teachers and named them by name. I said,
If you listen to Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer, if you take what they teach seriously, it will not be good for you. It will be detrimental to your long-term growth as a follower of Jesus.
(You can watch the sermon by clicking here)
I used to think that their error was so blatantly obvious that they could just be ignored. I was wrong. They are massively growing in popularity in the evangelical world and are seen as credible and helpful. Before I’m inundated with questioning emails I want to share why I distrust these two and think you should as well. So, don’t shoot met–at least not yet.
This post will be long, very long. And it will link to source material. There is likely more here than you care to ingest in one sitting. Take your time. Work through it carefully. I think you owe it to yourself and as you will see in this blog, we owe it to less fortunate Christians around the world.
When I was a kid I could tell the difference between neighborhood kids who wanted to be my friend from the neighborhood kids who were my friends so that they could play with my toys. Joel and Joyce are the latter. They both teach a twisted form of Christianity that teaches obedience, giving and faith as a way to get things from God. They are both products of what is known as the Prosperity Gospel and The Word of Faith Movement, or the Seed Faith Movement.
DANGERS OF THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL
John Piper does a great job of defining what the Prosperity Gospel is and why it is so sinister. Please take a few minutes to watch this before moving on the critiques of Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/jLRue4nwJaA
JOYCE MEYER
When I first heard her tell her story I was deeply moved and impressed. She is an amazing example of overcoming hurts and abuse. She will forever have my admiration and respect in that regard. Furthermore, she gives spectacular advice. If my wife or if one of my daughters went to her in a moment of crisis, I believe they would return with magnificently helpful advice. If they went to her for teaching, they would return with deadly heresy.
False Doctrine
1. She teaches that Jesus literally stopped being the Son of God on the Cross: http://craigbrownsreformedtheology.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/clip-6-joyce-meyer.mp3
“He could have helped himself up until the point where he said I commend my spirit into your hands, at that point he couldn’t do nothing for himself anymore. He had become sin, he was no longer the Son of God. He was sin.” Joyce Meyer
2. She teaches that Jesus went to Hell and became the first-born again man: http://craigbrownsreformedtheology.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/clip-7-joyce-meyer.mp3
“Do you know something? The minute that blood sacrifice was accepted Jesus was the first human being that was ever born again. Now that was real it happened when he was in hell.”
3. She teaches that Jesus paid for our sins in Hell: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwNfOaxIcOM
“There is no hope of anyone going to heaven unless they believe this truth I am presenting. You cannot go to heaven unless you believe with all your heart that Jesus took your place in hell” Joyce Meyer (The Most Important Decision You Will Ever Make)
4. She teaches that words have power and you can release the power of Heaven through your words: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DInxKmfgts0
5. She teaches that you need special revelation from God to understand what she teaches because it is NOT contained in the Bible: http://craigbrownsreformedtheology.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/clip-2-joyce-meyer.mp3
“The Bible can’t even find any way to explain this. Not really. That’s why you’ve got to get it by revelation. There are no words to explain what I’m telling you. I’ve got to just trust God that He’s putting it into your spirit like He put it into mine.” Joyce Meyer (What Happened from the Cross to The Throne? audio)
http://craigbrownsreformedtheology.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/clip-4-joyce-meyer.mp3
“Now spirits don’t have bodies, so we can’t see them. Okay? There probably is, I believe there is, and I certainly hope there is several angels up here this morning that are preaching with me. I believe that right before I speak some anointed statement to you, that one of them bends over and says in my ear what I’m supposed to say to you.” Joyce Meyer (Witchcraft & Related Spirits (Part 1) – 2 A-27 Audiotape)
6. She teaches that she is no longer a sinner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dmHJdM63hk
Unfortunately I could continue with examples of her utter misuse of scripture, false teaching and blatant heresy. In America, Christians have an embarrassment of riches. We can buy more books, download more podcasts and tune into more helpful teachers than anyone else on the planet. The lies that she teaches are easily lost in the hum of all the great teachers we hear. But this is not the case in the third world.
In many other countries their resources are far fewer. Uneducated pastors, who are doing their very best and uninformed Christians have this garbage pumped into their countries through radio waves and TV broadcasts. Because Joyce Meyer is endorsed here, she is trusted there. And, she can afford to spread her message with the money she makes from American Christians who buy her books, CDs and who attend her conferences. Her influence is severely disrupting the church in the third world. Her teachings are the unfortunate starting point for Christians in the third world and it is birthing even greater heresies.
The devastating reality that we have to come to grips with is that when we support her here, we support the churches she is undoing there.
Financial Concerns
There is nothing wrong with being wealthy. I love it when Christians are rich. That should mean more money to fund the mission. But there is a line to how much money we as leaders should spend on ourselves. I don’t know where the line is, but it is somewhere before the ministry purchasing million dollar homes for us and our kids. That line is somewhere before purchasing us a $10 million private jet. The line is somewhere before the ministry spending $261, 498 for 68 pieces of furniture. That equates to $3,845.56 per item. That line is somewhere before spending so egregiously that the U.S. Senate investigates us. Joyce Meyer lands on the other side of that line.
The following link includes audio from Joyce Meyer. Around 5:30 she is asked if people will get more money back to them if they give financially to her ministry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlWQsoA7D24
Not only does she teach giving as a way to leverage more money from God, she is reckless with desperate people. She is not at all concerned if people give to her instead of paying bills. This is intolerable!
Questionable Example and Lack of Accountability
I challenge you to watch a typical message by Joyce Meyer. Here are a few of things you will notice:
Her ministry lacks real accountability. Her family and her close friends are the governing board. This is an organization that receives almost $100 million dollars annually, and with no substantive accountability.
Conclusion for Joyce Meyer
What I wrote and linked in the first section should have been enough to completely remove her from our sphere of trust. Her doctrine is horrific. Her hermeneutics are horrible. She is a woman who seems to have an unrestrained love for money and applause. Her finances are questionable at best. Her example is questionable at best. Her impact on desperate people here, as well as churches and pastors around the globe is wildly destructive.
I lament with you a sense of loss if she was a teacher you trusted. I lament that someone who is so wrong has so much influence with so many. I do not regret, however, pointing to her as a false teacher and as one who should be rejected.
JOEL OSTEEN
Like Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen has some really great things to say. He is encouraging and the man is certainly happy. This should not be held against him.
The man is confused on theology. He has much of the same doctrinal misunderstandings as does Joyce Meyer. They come from the same tradition. His doctrine is difficult to discern for many because he won’t talk about doctrine. He won’t talk about theology. He quickly back pedals when asked hard questions, as seen here in an interview with Larry King: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKF_QgNezBY
In fairness, Joel published a letter of apology after this interview: http://www.joelosteenblog.com/2005/07/13/joel-osteens-letter-about-the-interview/
While I commend him for his humility and courage to publicly declare that he was wrong, this is just one of too many instances. He frequently misunderstands important matters of faith and doctrine when being interviewed. He repeatedly gets the Gospel wrong. And he does so when talking to millions.
If we take Joel at his word, our only conclusion is that he is either incapable or unwilling to understand and explain how the Gospel intersects with all of life.
We recently hosted Hank Hanegraaff (The Bible Answerman) at SMCC. He has some very helpful insights into Joel Osteen’s confused views of faith, doctrine and Scripture:
http://www.equip.org/discernment-and-aberrant-teachings/the-teaching-of-joel-osteen-2/
http://salemnet.vo.llnwd.net/o29/bibleanswerman/hankspeaksout/joel_osteen.mp3
Joel Osteen and Prosperity Gospel
The Prosperity Gospel is much like all other religions in that it uses faith, it uses doing good things to leverage material blessings from God. Essentially, use God to get things from God.
“God has already done everything He’s going to do. The ball is now in your court. If you want success, if you want wisdom, if you want to be prosperous and healthy, you’re going to have to do more than meditate and believe; you must boldly declare words of faith and victory over yourself and your family” Your Best Life Now, p.132
“If you are believing for your child to find God, go help somebody else’s child to develop a relationship with God. If you’re struggling financially, go out and help somebody who has less than you have….If you want to reap financial blessings, you must sow financial seeds in the lives of others….If you want to see healing and restoration come to your life, go out and help somebody else get well” Your Best Life Now, pp. 224, 250–51
This is not the Gospel. This is a false Gospel. Joel teaches that we open ourselves to God to get more from God. He teaches that we use our words to speak into existence a better reality. This straight from the Word of Faith Movement. This is not what is taught throughout the New Testament. Consider what the Apostle Paul wrote. And remember that he wrote this while in prison.
Philippians 4:10-13 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
CONCLUSION
When I was in seminary, Heather and I were poor. There were seasons in which I worked 70+ hours a week while taking a full-time Master’s load. There were times that I had to sleep every other day so that I could get all my work done. This was an extended period of exhausting financial stress.
During this time, I remember reading something from Joel Osteen. He and his wife claimed by faith a new house that they wanted. Joel was unsure, but his wife Victoria was confident. And she lovingly chastised him for his lack of faith. Sometime later, they purchased that house. Still in seminary, my wife and I were walking through our dream neighborhood and that was playing through my mind. As I walked through the neighborhood, looking at all the homes, I wanted so badly for what Joel is teaching to be true. I don’t know if you can understand how desperately I wanted it to be true.
I wanted relief and I wanted more. But I knew that it wasn’t true. I knew that my exhaustion and desperation made me emotionally vulnerable to this false Gospel. I’m educated and well read. I’ve haven’t just read the Bible, I’ve translated large chunks of it from the original Hebrew and Greek. I think I understand it. I think I have a relatively significant level of discernment. But for a moment, I was emotionally vulnerable to this false doctrine.
What about the millions of others who are desperate, searching, hoping and vulnerable without the discernment? We owe it to them to not tolerate this false gospel any longer.
If you made it to the end of this blog post, congratulations. This is a thick and heavy subject. Even though I’ve written much, this only begins to scratch the surface of the repugnant nature of the Prosperity Gospel.
Not at all; if one follows the Scripture and omits his own "views", he has a perfect body of knowledge for doctrine, reproof, instruction in righteousness, etc. Scripture is never wrong, but man is more wrong than right.
I’ve watched Osteen a few times and he always reminds me of the type of guy who constantly plays it safe so no one will be offended at him and put him in danger of losing that fabulous gig.
you pegged the same two that give me the heebee jeebees.
hagey and meyers i still listen to.
they say believers are given the gift of discernment.
i see joel and rick as false prophets. both hint at wiggle room to get to heaven.
Tell me -- of the Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Congregationalists, Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, and Copts ... how did they have such a much harder time figuring out correct doctrine? You seem to have it all nailed down pretty firmly ...
That is a great idea. A good place to meet women. :)
I have only been to one of her events. I am not a big event goer. I don’t buy the books, or CDs or any of that stuff, myself.
I was given a CD of Joyce’s, on leadership, and I did pop in in on a 18 hour drive. I was VERY thankful for the fellowship of that message at that time.
Still nuthin, but nuthin is as good as sitting with my own personal Bible and reading the straight word and letting myself be transformed by the renewal of my mind, right?
:)
Souls are at stake - if you don’t have the Gospel right, you don’t have salvation - n’est ce pas?
As Christians, we need to be more concerned with populating Heaven than populating our bank accounts.
John Hagee is nothing like the ones you mention, who indeed should be avoided at all costs. What’s your beef with Pastor Hagee?
agreed.
I was watching this code orange revival last year, which was very entertaining. There were some weird politics that unfolded, and some very charismatic personalities. ( I don’t watch any TV ) anyway- I heard this guy speak and I enjoyed him. He gave me some food for thought, esp when he talked about how Paul evangelized people.
I loved some things that he said, and I disagreed with his idea that people should not identify themselves with people in the Bible. I do think that I am not a sinner saved by grace, but a saint who sins. That is a HUGE difference between the two. Anyway- I might look Matt Chandler up sometime, and try to attend a service with him. I like something about him.
I am really a kinda of an Evangelical- Messianic - Baptist follower, so my theology is off a beaten path. If you watch, I hope you enjoy and doesn’t send off discernment bells.
Matt Chandler
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blzft8u6-ME
I don’t know anything about Joel Osteen or Joyce Meyer other than that they seem to be on EVERY CHANNEL that isn’t doing an infomercial early in the morning.
That being said, I wonder if either of them either knows or cares what Reverend (I assume) Henderson thinks.
totally agree
I’m not sure that anyone is 100% correct in what they teach. If they teach and preach that one must be born again to become a Christian, then they at least get that right. The Bible says that by their fruits you shall know them. I don’t follow any teacher, preacher, evangelist, etc, but search out the Scriptures as Paul instructed to see if those things they preach are true, and then I pray about something that I don’t think is quite right.
Jesus said the Holy Spirit is our teacher and will lead us into all truth. I don’t necessarily categorize Joyce Meyer or Joel Osteen as false teachers, however, that doesn’t mean that they won’t get a few things wrong in their teachings. I also believe that both are sincere in what they are doing, and if we believe they are teaching something that isn’t Biblical, shouldn’t we pray that the Lord will open their eyes to it, rather than condemn them as being false teachers?
The person I have the biggest problem with is Rod Parsley. His broadcasts aren’t sermons - they’re infomercials. According to Parsley, God wants to bless me, but can’t do it until I send in a $ 300.00 “Seed Gift”, and the check clears.
The only tv preacher whom I have total confidence in their wisdom and mission is Dr. Charles Stanley on In Touch. That’s not to say he never gets anything wrong - none of us are perfect - but I have watched or listened to many a sermon of his over the years and could never point to something he said that’s not backed up by Scripture. With most, it doesn’t take long before I hear some questionable doctrine.
Further, any preacher who spends most of their time talking about themselves or praising man is not to be trusted. Pulpit sermons should be about our relationship with Holy, Almighty God. That’s an inexhaustible topic right there and keeps the focus right where it belongs.
I think this guy brings up some good points - the main one not literally quoted “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
To me, Joel gives an excuse for not preaching the Gospel, because the lesser good of making people feel better about themselves is more important to him than warning people that a false right-standing with God through ‘feeling good’ will have eternal consequences.
As far as Joyce Meyers - I grew up in the late 70’s/early 80’s with the “Name It/Claim It” crowd pulling away close friends and infiltrating strong biblically doctrinal churches. It got me so filled with righteous indignation and I spent most of my time debating, interceding in prayer or letting friends go the way of a tickled ear. She was one of the main pushers of this. Not until years later did God deal with my self-righteous attitude with her. I saw some things changed in her what I originally perceived as extreme arrogance. I do believe God has touched her in certain ways in her life, but I also know that many can be used by God and still be corrupt vessels (heh - me included).
I have no problem whatsoever in believing 100% of the Bible, old and new testaments, including the Book of Acts where broken men were changed by the power of the Holy Spirit to do mighty works - ALWAYS GIVING GOD THE GLORY. But I still burn with anger towards those who Paul was referring to when he said “...who preach the Gospel, whether for selfish gain or not, the Gospel is still preached”. They deceive many into treating God like whiffle-dust or Santa Claus or a genie.
Sure, I long to have the faith to tell the seas to be still, or like Elijah, call up rain after 3 years of drought, or praying for a little girl and see her raised from the dead (or even sicking a lion on some yutes who call me baldy (2 Kings 2:22-24)). But all of these are for God’s glory. That’s why James so well puts it: “3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
I had no idea about what he quotes about Joyce Meyers saying. If truthfully quoted, indeed it is not biblical. Indeed, I am responsible to speak the truth, admonish fellow Christians that the way of the Cross is not Me-first, and pray for those like Joyce and Joel to repent of false doctrines.
Yet we serve the Creator of the Universe with whom ALL things are possible. And I believe that with all my heart!
Religion - Should it be a journey or a destination or both or what???? I was raised in the Episocopal church in the 60’s. My confirmation lessons were conducted by the rector, who told us that we should believe in God whether we wanted to or not “just in case there really was a God” - No surprise now with the gay Bishop and lesbian “priestesses” that infiltrated the Episcopal church.
Skipped church throughout college, and then I met a young Jewish man my last year of school. Long story short, I decided to convert to Judaism (this was the 60s) — the Conservative rabbi wouldn’t touch me with a 10’ pole, so had to go the Reform route. Pretty sure that Rabbi didn’t believe in God either, but he was a very nice man and he had me read “The Source” by Michener to get a sense of the Jewish history/struggle.
Several years later, in the mid-1990s I started watching Joyce Meyer on tv (no longer married at that point). I was very impressed because she made me want to be a better person, and she talked a lot about Jesus as her savior. I didn’t know any better, and I was in a deep spiritual abyss. I give her credit for bringing me to Christ, but agree that over the years her success has warped her Gospel message.
Now I watch a very good show called “Wretched” with Todd Friel - his mission is to expose the bad preaching and to give practical lessons on evangelizing as well as current events that affect Christians. He has gone after a lot of the charlatans, but haven’t heard him say anything about Joyce Meyers (may have missed that episode).
They are both heretics and I’m glad to see them spoken as such. I know plenty of people who have struggled under the ministry of both these people and they continue to struggle because they can’t quite believe that what they want to hear is not truth. These are black days enough, just in the physical world—with the state our country and world are in-—and we best NOT be listening to those who are struggling with the truth themselves. We need sound doctrine. The spiritual battle is the real struggle we are in and the kingdom is still before us. We are not living in it yet. The health & wealth doctrines are a legalistic system in themselves. You only need to listen to the teachers of it to understand that if you don’t get what they have that the problem is your faith, not their message. That’s partly true because you are putting your faith into a false teaching instead of God’s Word and His Son.
I am sure what to say about religion, because I have never really had a religion. I have started to explore the traditions and festivals of the Bible. Some might call that a religion. I don’t know.
Faith is a journey and Heaven is a destination.
And I simply haven’t had that sort of reaction to Joyce Meyer. I don’t know what see it claim it, is all about.
I think she is Pentecostal, and many people are confused by their theology and embracing of the Holy Spirit. The speaking in tongues is unique and scares people. I really think that is more of what people are reacting to, personally.
I am simply not offended by Joyce Meyer.
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