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.
Shouldn't have run so much PT and jumped out of so many planes.
But since it's too late for that, Flexaril is good, but really knocks you for a loop.
Ranger candy is always good. I take it for my bad knee, which will need to be replaced on day.
I don't need to get drugged....I'm already goofy.
I need a rack and a few inquisitors to crank it up. Didn't the Adams Family's Uncle Festus stay spry via the Jesuits favorite dungeon toy?
Yup.
Which begs the question, how many inches shorter are you now than when you came in?
(19,141 hours, 13 minutes and 44 seconds (or 797 days) til I can retire.)
If you count when I first entered as an 18 year old, it's 2 inches. I think 2/3 of that is in my back. The rest is the cartilege in my knees. Lots of pounding for a lot of years. I was also a runner when young...started earnest training in 6th grade. Haven't run one step since I retired. (And my weight shows it, but I can now walk without pain. BTW, why does ibuprofen work better than tylenol on me, but vice versa with others?)
http://www.challies.com/archives/000768.php
B'shem Y'shua
A very on target opinion of his teaching from the episodes I have seen and the time I went to his church. I don't ever watch him anymore, not just the fluff - I can't take all the blinking.
Thanks for the note. Yeah, I did hear about it from another website. Even the naysayers have to admit, most other "televangelists" wouldn't say a word on being challenged for anything
That probably isn't you, I'm just frustrated with someone else in my life ;)
"The Gospel is offensive to those who don't believe it. There is no getting around that."
I guess this is what troubles me so much about the church growth movement. If one's priorities include making the Gospel acceptable to people who "otherwise wouldn't set foot in a worship service or a church," then I have trouble believing that the uncompromised message of the Word of God is there. The Word of God described as a two-edged sword that will separate meat from bone isn't intended to bring comfort to the naturally-minded person.
Osteen gave his PC, weasel-worded answer to King over the airways, and now tried to placate his contributors with this buttery letter. Why is it that Osteen and Billy Graham can't give a clear testimony of the Gospel to Larry King? He asks every Christian minister the same question, "Do you believe that only those who believe in Jesus will get to heaven?" The only minister who has answered with an unequivocal "yes" was Jerry Falwell. The rest always chicken out. It reminds me of Jesus's warning, "If you do not confess Me before men, I will not confess you before My Father in heaven." Some martyrs have faced lions, others firing squads, and gave their testimony to Jesus as the only way to heaven. Our TV preachers can't even face Larry King.
FYI John MacArthur didn't blink when asked about Sola Christus on a recent Larry King.
He is a solid preacher.
Wrong is wrong and right is right.
If pointing out the wrong and proclaiming truth makes me a self appointed heresy-hunter, I'll gladly wear the title. As a matter of fact, I'll put that on my homepage.
WOW!
Osteen isn't worth the effort to listen to unlewss you simply want to confirm that he is way off on some pretty important doctrines that even Neeners and the GRPL bekieve in.
You base your doctrine on the whims of popular culture, I'll take a chance and base mine on Scripture.
If your interpretation of the Holy Scriptures eliminates every person's view but your own, most likely you are wrong, but it will affect no one's life but your own.
***If your interpretation of the Holy Scriptures eliminates every person's view but your own, most likely you are wrong, but it will affect no one's life but your own.***
So you are saying Osteen is right, and I'm wrong?
"I didn't realize you were such a fan of Osteen."
I didn't either, especially after brother Marlowe took me to task for my comments about Joel & Arminians. I would have thought that brother Marlowe had a distinct distaste for Joel. Perhaps it was only because I had comments positive to Joel.
Colin.
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