robsingleton.net

Rob, very interesting subject and controversial for many. What about churches such as Morningstar? I hear and read many different things about it, some good but some very questionable things. I know a lot of people that are members of Southbrook but also go to Morningstar. The church has a huge following and has exploded in growth.

Chris,

I knew this one wouldn’t win me friends and influence people, but I hate hearing God’s Word so butchered. The Mormons and Muslims are more obvious — one is a cult and the other a false religion, but millions follow high profile, powerful preachers and televangelists today who are dangerous in their own right. They twist scripture to benefit themselves and seem to have no reverence for the infallible Word of God.

The one in the group I randomly listed getting me the most up front flak is, Joel Olsteen. But I have now heard him on two separate interviews dancing around the truth that Jesus Christ is God’s only answer to mankind’s sin problem. He spent 20 minutes refusing to say that Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) and any shred of respect I could have had went out the window with that. He believes in pluralism (i.e. many roads lead to heaven) or is just afraid to lose his following and resulting millions. Either way, God’s leaders are to proclaim truth, not dance around it.

Oh, by the way — not being one to insist you take my word for it, here is a link to the “exact” conversation Joel Olsteen had with Larry King in which Joel refuses to say that Jesus is the only way.

http://wooq.blogspot.com/2006/01/on-false-teachings-of-joel-osteen.html

As for Morning Star, I’m sad to say that Rick Joyner has some heretical beliefs as well and seems to stem most criticism by insisting that he is a prophet and privy to ‘inside information’ from God.< -- Funny though, how often that 'inside information' contradicts the Bible. Among his worst atrocities is his denial of the bodily resurrection of Jesus. You can read more about him here,

http://www.apologeticsindex.org/j08.html

I am with you Rob however I am still on the fence about “The Smiling Preacher”, Joel Osteen. I know his pundits have labeled his sermons, motivational sessions, whatever you want to call them Christian Lite but I believe there is some redeeming (definate big pun intended) “take aways” in his methodology.

He begins every message with - “This is my Bible: I am what it says I am; I have what it says I have; I can do what it says I can do. Today, I will be taught the Word of God. I’ll boldly confess. My mind is alert; my heart is receptive; I will never be the same. I am about to receive the incorruptible, indestructible, ever-living Seed of the Word of God. I’ll never be the same - never, never, never! I’ll never be the same, in Jesus’ Name.” I kinda like the way that is worded. Also he ends his message with an invitation for non-believers to accept Christ, which has got to be a good thing! As far as the in between parts where his angle is that of a “name it and claim it” or “health, wealth, and prosperity” platform, which is what he preaches from, I do not blindly subscribe to that.

I know that being a true Christ follower and deciding to live all out for Him that life is not going to always be easy. One thing I do believe is when a person is truly “walking the walk” they are favored and blessed in ALL situations. What we need to realize is that when we accept that His perfect will is going to be done in our lives, whatever circumstances we face, good or bad, can and will be used for his glory. I think that is where Joel misses the boat.

Anyway just wanted to add my 3 cents worth. Oh, BTW, Joel did say he was sorry for not professing his faith more strongly - http://www.joelosteenblog.com/2005/07/13/joel-osteens-letter-about-the-interview/ and this happened two years ago to what I see as a wide eyed, almost dumfounded by his success, reluctant to be a true pastor, but good hearted man. That being said, we all fall short and do not deserve the sacrifice our Savior made for us. What an awesome God we serve!

http://famulusdeus.blogspot.com/

Christianity to the lost can be a very confusing topic. This pastor states and believes this - this demonination believes this and does that - and this guy with really nice hair says I will have this and that if I just give him some faith based sum. The fact that there are so many biblically illiterate people is how these people establish their followings. I believe that the Bible is the Truth - inspired by God, and anyone who deviates from that Truth is false and dangerous. The fact that they have enormous followings does not justify them. A Bible based church with 2 members is better than a huge church spreading deception and false doctrine. I was lost and battled the various opinions and traditions that many churches hold to. If those pastors and churches don’t lead to the base of the cross - turn and run. The Bible is the guiding light for all Christian churches. If one has any questions as to whether a church is a good one - open up the Bible and read. If it isn’t in scripture - it is a bad church.

I’m glad you tackled this subject Rob! It’s something we often have discussions on and research in our house. It’s been a controversial subject among my extended family for awhile. Brian and I saw the Larry King Show that you referenced because we were curious about what Joel Osteen would say. We were blown away by his answers or lack of.

I had to ask about Morningstar and Rick Joyner because I do know so many people that go there. It scares me because I always want them to hear the truth and not get off track. Brian even met students in Germany that knew of Morningstar and asked him if he goes there. Of course, we’re never very popular when we bring up the heresy that can be found on the Morningstar website.

Thanks for always tackling the tough and not so popular subjects that everyone really needs to hear about!

I hadn’t read that, Matt. I’m so glad Joel wrote this and greatly appreciate his owning up to such a blown opportunity. However, if he is really listening I would hope he realizes that it is his very tendency to water down scripture and be a people pleaser and positive thinker that causes him to back peddle like he did. If he would put truth and boldness before all of these things he would not fall into this trap so much.

The most important thing is not to be liked, it is to be true to the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember, Jesus had thousands following Him and waving palm branches and declaring Him “King of Israel” on one day and one week later many of those same people were demanding His death and even His own followers deserted Him.

Tom!

Great to hear from you! We miss you all very much!

Are you any closer to moving back to God’s country?

Chris,

I’m with you…its no fun to have to talk about these things, but, as you can imagine, I get a lot of questions from seekers and teh worst thing I could do is give them some sort of nebulous answer — to do so would make me accountable to God and I wouldn’t want to have to try and explain that one!

Rob,
God is teaching me patience. In the meantime - I am doing my best to put up a good fight here in Florida. I miss you all and smile when I think of the day I walk back into Southbrook to stay. A large piece of my heart is there. I read and listen, and sometimes I comment on what I see and hear. Rob - I know your heart and I am one of Southbrook’s Mighty Men - I have stepped away in location but not in heart. Pray for Lori and I. We both wish to return soon, but the Lord has something for us to do first, and He has effectively blocked the road back for now. Pray that I have the strenght to do His will - and that I do it well. God Bless you and all my Southbrook family.
God Bless You My Friend,
Tom

[...] more on this see yesterday’s post here. Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and [...]