Joel Osteen ‘Self Positivity’ (Fight 4 Truth)

Twisting scripture into a candy-coated poison is something really hateful to do though the outside looks so “loving.” False teachers like Joel Osteen present these attractive motivational speeches that while leave the listener feeling good also starves the listener of Biblical truth, like the need to repent.

As in the past when I have shared resources speaking against false teachers, I understand this type of post can seem unloving. The truth is it is unloving for wolves to mislead the sheep. It is hateful to twist the words of our Lord and Savior into deception. Therefore, in following the words of our Lord we must expose the lies.

If you would like additional resources to learn more about why Joel Osteen is so dangerous, please check out:

Who is Joel Osteen by Got Questions
Don’t Be Defined by Your Mistakes (Joel Osteen) – Fighting 4 Faith
Strange Mystical Beliefs of Joel Osteen – Fight 4 Truth
Joel Osteen: False Teacher? 12 Concerns – Reformed Wiki
Victoria Osteen says to do good for yourself not God – CARM
Joel and Victoria Osteen by Michelle Lesley (lists a ton more resources)

To encourage you to check out the video, I’ve taken the commentary given and turned most of it into questions, while listing a few key points. If you want to know the answers, please check out the video.

What is the problem with Joel Osteen?
What is the most important relationship we have according to Joel and why is this so wrong for a pastor to say?
What is the most important relationship we could ever have? What does that relationship mean regarding our eternity?
What scripture does Joel twist to promote loving self?
Is loving ourself in the Bible?

Who does Joel Osteen think is the enemy?
How is this “enemy” completely self-absorbed?
What does the Bible say about our heart?
How does the Bible define children of wrath?
What are the problems with bumper sticker quotes?
Why is it wrong for church to give motivational speeches?

The Gospel Message– The Gospel message is good news, which means there’s bad news. We all are sinners and condemned. We all deserve the just punishment of God’s wrath. Christianity is unlike any other religion because we cannot earn our way into Heaven. God saw the weakness of man and his utter depravity. Yet, He showed us grace. Jesus, God, One Person of the Trinity, became God in the flesh, the God-Man. He was always perfect and sinless. And His humanity was perfected on the cross, living the full sinless life. He became our atonement sacrifice. Dying in our place, taking on the wrath of God upon Himself. He died on the cross, and He was resurrected because death could not hold Him. Jesus is the answer. We, as guilty sinners, need His blood to pay off our debt of sin. For all who put their faith in Him – meaning eyes are opened to the Gospel, we see ourselves as a sinner, we see the need for Christ, we desire our Savior, and we see the ugliness of our sin. Putting our faith in Jesus, we seek HIs forgiveness and repent from our sins, we turn away from our old way of life. We, through the work of the Holy Spirit, continue to become convicted of sin daily. Our eyes will never be the same again. We see things in a different light, and the truth of Christ affects how we live and serve Him. Christ tells us to count the cost. Salvation is a serious topic, it is not to be taken lightly. For a breakdown of this powerful message, understanding how Christ could be God and Man, why God required sacrifices, and more -please see: Why Did A Loving God Kill His Son? (Does God Hate?)

If you think you know the Gospel, check out these questions and see how prepared you are for the day someone might ask you why you believe: The Gospel Challenge (30 Question Quiz) – Are You Ready To Defend Your Faith?

Scripture To Meditate On –(ESV) Colossians 1:15-16 – For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

Community Prayer – January ‘23

Christian Topics/Series Covered
Personal Blog: Peeking Beneath
Second Blog: UnAshamed Christian Housewife
Godly Men & Women I Recommend: Link To List
Resources For False Teaching: Recommended Websites For False Teachers/Teaching
Video Playlist: Christian Questions, Topics, False Teachers, Insights
Video Playlist: New Christian Believer
Video Playlist: Understanding False Teachings
Video Playlist: Sermons To Grow From
Social: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
COMMENT RULES– Rules For Comments (Why Some May Not Appear)