Posted on 07/01/2005 8:17:31 AM PDT by Terriergal
Dear Friend,
Many of you have called, written or e-mailed regarding my recent appearance on Larry King Live. I appreciate your comments and value your words of correction and encouragement.
It was never my desire or intention to leave any doubt as to what I believe and Whom I serve. I believe with all my heart that it is only through Christ that we have hope in eternal life. I regret and sincerely apologize that I was unclear on the very thing in which I have dedicated my life.
Jesus declared in John 14; I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me. I believe that Jesus Christ alone is the only way to salvation. However, it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to review the transcript of the interview that I realize I had not clearly stated that having a personal relationship with Jesus is the only way to heaven. It’s about the individual’s choice to follow Him.
God has given me a platform to present the Gospel to a very diverse audience. In my desire not to alienate the people that Jesus came to save, I did not clearly communicate the convictions that I hold so precious.
I will use this as a learning experience and believe that God will ultimately use it for my good and His glory. I am comforted by the fact that He sees my heart and knows my intentions. I am so thankful that I have friends, like you, who are willing to share their concerns with me.
Thank you again to those who have written. I hope that you accept my deepest apology and see it in your heart to extend to me grace and forgiveness.
As always, I covet your prayers and I am believing for God’s best in your life,
Joel Osteen
Pastor - Lakewood Church
Click here for What We Believe.
So what's new? Been happening since the beginning.
he is a phoney huckster.
Prosperity teacher. Money grubber.
Check his web sites, there are NO mentions of financial accountability. That is a big sign.
He doesn't want anyone to know he is filthy rich.
Anybody who listens to his crap is an idiot.
Thanks for posting this.
Osteen's biggest advantage right now is that the TV appearance was on the Larry King show on CNN. It is no longer a very widely watched program. I still think he is a wolf in sheep's clothing, just like Rick Warren, Bill Hybels and Robert Schuller, in presenting a sugar coated, "Gospel Lite".
Not much talk of sin, Hell, the Blood, the Cross, etc. Just "feel good" "happy, happy, happy" cotton candy.
I did not see the show. Cancelled the cable. But I have seen this guy on a number of tv interview shows where he has repeatedly avoided or dodged that question. It seems to me if a christian cant answer a question as basic as that they got some issues they need to deal with. The question of do you believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven is the question all christians who take a public stand will be asked. Their answer will greatly depend on whether they want to be a God-pleaser or a Man-pleaser (old PETRA tune). LOL!
I know this particular dead dog was kicked on another thread (i took part) so I'm not replying to that part. When you say traditional churches, do you mean the more prominent denominations? I am just curious as to what these traditional churches you are talking about are preaching that is so bad. It might be self explanatory to me if I just knew which pastors/churches you meant. Examples would be awesome if you find the time.
I would say that any church or church denomination that would join the National Council of Churches might be suspect. While I am sure that there are many fine pastors in those denominations, the fact that the majority of them would vote to join an organization that essentially stands for everything a Christian ought to oppose would be a good indicator of a problem. A problem, I'd say, which is much worse than any soft or mushy doctrines taught by Osteen or Warren.
1/89
NEW YORK CITY, NY (FR) - The National Council of Churches (NCC), known by many as the most liberal religious organization in the U.S., is reported to be in serious financial straits because of declining membership in the mainline churches which support its work.
"Much of their income is based on the membership of the churches they represent," said Dr. Tim LaHaye of the American Coalition for Traditional Values. "These liberal, main-line churches have been losing members during the past few years, due to the extreme liberalism expressed from their pulpits."
The NCC typically condones abortion, feminism, massive government regulation, and homosexuality. "It is no accident," continued Dr. LaHaye, "that at a time when conservative churches are bulging at their seams, liberal churches are dying."
The National and International Religion Report (Nov. 20, 1988) released statistics to show that the NCC has been consistently cutting its staff during recent years. In 1968, 187 people were employed in its New York office. In 1988, that figure had dropped to 83; at a recent board meeting, an announcement was made that the staff would be cut again to 61 in 1989.
LaHaye believes that one of the main reasons for the NCC's problems has been its support for radical causes - including many communist regimes throughout the world. "This has disillusioned many of the laity who have taken steps to withhold funds from the NCC," he added.
NCC Treasurer Joyce Sohl, of the United Methodist Church, acknowledged the Council's financial difficulties, emphasizing that "the crisis did not just start in 1988. It started several years ago. It has affected various parts of the Council at different times."
Confirmed my feeling that he might be in this for the money actually.
Despite his incorrect position that God intends to save everybody (which Camp would agree with me on), I find it admirable that he has such an open heart to the truth.
That is great.
I didn't realize you were such a fan of Osteen.
I'm sure that you will agree that his ministry, such as it is, has been ordained by God.
I am sure you agree that God turns some people over to their sins.
What sin has Osteen committed that you have not committed?
I wouldn't know. I am only responsible to God for my own sins, not those of others.
I always knew it. I've been looking for someone to blame for lots of things. For example, why is my insomnia operating right at this moment?!
YOU are responsible.
If it makes you feel better to blame me, have at it.
About 4 hours and the old back aches. I either get up or it goes out. Got any pills, doc?
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