“Discernment is not simply a matter of telling the difference between what is right and wrong; rather it is the difference between right and almost right.” -Charles Spurgeon
I don't want to spend much of my time rebuking this heretic who preaches the American dream while sprinkling it with a little Jesus and New Age/self-help philosophy, so I will simply post a couple of his comments (because there is probably 7 to 10 things that are said which don't square with the Bible) from the video and show how they are antithetical to the Scriptures. Note: I'm going to be dealing with Osteen here, not the LDS faith.
This prosperity gospel that Osteen preaches makes me sick: Accept Jesus and He will give you all the stuff your heart desires in this world. That's not the message from God's Son, but Satan. As Osteen has told the Queen of the New Age movement: "I can't be a big blessing to people if I'm poor and broke."
First, when Osteen is asked if Romney's Mormon faith is "Christian," Osteen doesn't cite Scripture (he never does) but himself (he always cites himself--or his own heart): "My personal view is..." and "That's good enough for me." is the general patented response in all things Osteen. Note how many times he says I, me, or my during the interview--compare that with how many times he refers to what God actually says on the issue.
Second, Osteen on his mission as pastor: "I'm trying to reach the biggest, broadest group and my net may be a bit wider" [than what God asks?].
Jesus says this about Osteen's need to be loved and cherished by the world:
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours." (John 15:18-20)
Here's Jesus on Osteen's "broadest" remark:
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it." (Matthews 7:13)
Third, Osteen on whether someone is a Christian or not:
"My personality is I give a person the benefit of the doubt--you don't have to prove to me that you are [a Christian]. If you say you are from the sincerity of your heart than I believe you are."
What about God's personality? Does Scripture offer believers a "test" so they can "prove" they are truly saved? [See 1 John if you want to "run a test"]. What does Scripture say about the "sincerity of man's heart"?
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9)
Apparently Joel Osteen has that spiritual gift.
Fourth, what's this whole "God's best" nonsense?! What is that? God has only one category for how we should live: His way. There's no bad, better, and best in the sight of God.
Finally, The Beard asks Osteen about his up-and-coming speaking engagement at the Washington Nationals Park: "What is the most important message you want the folks to leave with?" Osteen responds: "That God is on your side." WOW! Palin is more suited to handle this question than "pastor" Osteen. Remember her response to Charlie Gibson: "Let us pray that we are on God's side."
In Osteen's world, Jesus is the genie in the bottle and all we have to do is rub. After all, He is on our side. The Jesus as our celestial butler understanding of God must begin with a one word description: evil.
UPDATE: Let me set the record straight for all you who think I am Mormon-bashing or "hate" LDS'ers. I speak for myself but think most Christians would agree with what I am about to say concerning the claim that Latter Day Saints are "Christian." First of all, they are not Christian, but this doesn't mean I hate them or am bashing their faith. The issue I and many Christians have with this is basically a nominal issue. Let me use another faith to take the tension off of this highly emotional one between Christians and Mormons. There is a group out there called "Jews for Jesus." I and most Jews have a problem with this denomination because of what they call themselves. Jews say if they believe Jesus to be the Messiah and believe in the New Testament claims in addition to the OT, they are no longer Jews--they are Christians. I agree with Jews and think they need to drop the "Jews" name in their title and embrace the fullness and finished work found only in Christ. Jews and Chrstians are commanded to love our neighbor, including Jews for Jesus, and would vote for one if they were the best candidate running in an electoral race, but "Jews for Jesus" are no longer Jews once they "supplement" their OT with the New. The same can be said for LDS'ers. They want it both ways. They want the title of "Christian" but also exclude themselves from the body they claim to be a part of by telling the same Christian body that they are rightfully not part of their LDS faith. They may embrace the OT and the NT but once the Book Of Mormon and the D&C "supplement" those books, you can no longer call yourself a Christian--you are a Mormon. We still love you and will vote for a Mormon, but we can not accept your claim to be part of the Christian body. Scripture won't allow such a liberty just as Jews won't allow such a liberty when it comes to accepting "Jews for Jesus" as part of their faith. I hope this clarifies and eases some tensions. Wishful thinking, I know. God bless.
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