From John MacArthur
He’s a quasi-pantheist; Jesus is a footnote that satisfies his critics and deceives his followers. The idea of his whole thing is men have the power in themselves to change their lives. In his definitive book ‘Your Best Life Now’ he says (and that ought to be a dead give away since if this is your best life now you’re going to Hell) he says that ‘anyone can create, by faith and words the dreams he desires. Health, wealth, happiness, and success.' The list is always the same. He’s a quote from his (Osteen’s) book, 'if you develop an image of success, health, abundance, joy, peace, happiness, nothing on Earth will be able to hold those things from you'.
See, that’s the law of attraction that’s a part of this kind of system. Here’s another quote. 'All of us are born for Earthly greatness. You were born to win.'(Win what?) 'God wants you to live in abundance, you were born to be a champion. He wants to give you the desires of your heart. Before we were formed He prepared us to live abundant lives; to be happy, healthy and whole. But when our thinking becomes contaminated it’s no longer in line with God’s word.'
By the way, God’s Word is not the Bible, God’s Word is that which comes to us spiritually, that tells us what we should want. Here’s another quote. 'Get your thinking positive and He will bring your desires to pass. He regards you as a strong, courageous, successful person. Your on your way to a new level of glory.' How do you get there? 'Believe' he says, 'visualize, and speak out loud. Words release your power, words give life to your dreams.' And another. 'Friend, there’s a miracle in your mouth.' I think Isaiah might object to that. He said 'I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell amongst people of unclean lips.' (Isaiah 6:5)
Here’s Joel Osteen’s prayer, “I thank you Father that I have your favor.” (Did he meet the Pharisee in Luke 18 or what?-I thank you that I’m not like other people.) “I know these principle are true because they work for me and my wife. Even finding a perfect parking spot at the mall.” Further on Osteen says “God has already done everything He’s gong to do; the balls in your court. You have to take that part of God which exists in you and create your own reality.
What is the source of this? Where does this come from? Answer: Satan. This is Satanic. This is not just ‘off center’, it’s Satanic. Why do I say that? Because health, wealth, prosperity, the fulfillment of all your desires; that’s what Satan always offers. That’s called temptation. Based on the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. That’s exactly what corrupt, fallen, unregenerate people want. That’s why it works so well. You can go right into Satan’s system, make everybody feel religious and turn out their desires, their temptations into somehow honorable desires.
What did Satan say to Jesus? ‘Grab some satisfaction, why are you hungry?’ You need to eat, you need to be healthy; whole. Why would you let yourself be unpopular? Dive off the temple corner and everybody will be wowed. You’ll be the winner, that champion; the messiah. Oh, and by the way, if you just look over the Kingdom of the world I’ll give those to you too.
And why are these false teachers so successful at what they do? Because they’re in cahoots with the Devil. Why is Satan successful? Because his temptations, although they might appear noble on the outside are in perfect accord with all the fallen, corrupt, selfish, proud evil desires of sinners. This is a false kind of Christianity and a false view of God.
As it is, besides the 'God's word is not the Bible' comment (which I'm sure could be explained in a coherent manner which didn't sound as blasphemous) MacArthur is spot on. Osteen preaches a feel good message which, really, counts for naught. Osteen twists the Bible (as Satan does) to use it for his own benefit. The Bible says, in 1 Timothy 6:9 'Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and into a trap and many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.'
The point is, being rich is not a sin, but the motive by which we get rich is. Here's how Mark Driscoll breaks it down. He divides it into four categories.
1)Righteous rich-Work hard, spending wisely etc..
2)Unrighteous rich-Dishonoring God, hoarding, spending frivolously etc...
3)Righteous poor-Honest means, but have little. Give to the needy etc...
4)Unrighteous poor-Casino, spends frivolously etc...
And do we think God cares about our wealth? No, He cares only of our eternal destiny. He wants us to love Him first. (Luke 10:27) In Proverbs 22:7 it says the 'borrower is slave to the lender'. But are we not supposed to be slaves to God? 1 Peter 2:16 says 'Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a coverup for evil; live as God's slaves.
I could go on, but the post would be long, and turn towards money rather than focus on Osteen. Let it be known that I cannot say whether or not Osteen is actually saved (that is not my call) but I merely am pointing out the dangers of his message, and how unbiblical it is.
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